Maryknoll Christmas in Phnom Penh

25 December 2010

Normally we have a Saturday evening mass in the World Vision auditorium every week, but because Christmas fell on a Saturday this year, our afternoon was free and the Maryknoll community was able to have their Christmas dinner without rushing. When Christmas is on a week day, that means it's also a work day in Cambodia, so everyone has to finish work and then rush to dinner before it gets too late. This year was a bit easier.
Talking before the dinner

There are a good number of people in Phnom Penh not associated with a group or with no family around, and Maryknoll invites many of them to Christmas dinner.
Another group conversing

People start gathering around 5:00 PM on Christmas Day and meet old friends and make new ones.

 
Preparing the ham

While others chatted, Bob Wynne sliced the ham and Doy Castro and Helene O'Sullivan snitched some for an early taste.
Eye-ing the desserts

Everyone brings something for the meal according to a master plan and there were plenty of luscious desserts.
Conversations outside

We had the dinner at the Maryknoll office, and using a covered outside patio area, there was plenty of room.

Finally it was time to eat. The food was mostly American-style dishes but there were a few regional additions.
Washing the dishes

Even while some of the group were going back for seconds, the dish-washing crew got going back in the kitchen.

Go to Mission Journal main page
Go to Charlie Dittmeier's Home Page