A few months ago Mark Masingale found himself at the end of his rope, sitting in a small backpackers cafe in Phnom Penh, wondering where his Journey would take him next… if anywhere at all. He had been self employed most of his life doing what he needed to do to stay ahead of the game but lost it all after an accident. All he was wanting to do was to eat his sandwich in peace, but a sudden downpour and a leaky roof forced him to move to another table, and then another, and another, and another, until there was only one table left in the cafe that was dry. A young German girl was sitting there however and so he asked if he could join her until the rain stopped.
A few months ago I was desperate for someone who knew a little about a lot of things because after eight years of wear and tear our buildings and equipment where in need of repair. We get many volunteers but not many men and most of the men who do come are not handymen. Most of our volunteers are like Ramona, a young German girl, with teaching or nursing backgrounds.
Some might call their meeting Coincidence while others would call it Providence but whatever it was really doesn’t matter, because I have gotten more things done in the past few months then I could ever had hoped for and Mark… well he really doesn’t have much time to think about it:
Moving a house.
Digging out tree stumps.
Feeding the fish.
Removing a landmark.
Repairing the car.
Repairing a diesal engine
Joining the children for a day in the mountains.
Cutting off a toe and experiencing seven sutures without anesthesia.
Relaxing with the children at the end of the day.
Mark is not a religious person but considers himself a follower of Jesus. Where this will all lead him is anybodies guess but by putting his Faith in action, he is leaning that today is all that really matters.
Journeys have no destination,
There is no end or graduation,
Each new step the realization,
We all are part of One Creation.
You can send Mark a note of encouragement to: marktmasingale@gmail.com
great job!!!….i also have experienced waynes suturing without anesthesia…ugh
and with a big needle….
sounds like Wat Opot has found another gem….
wonderful
deb
I’m so happy I had good shoes with me when I was there! Had an amazing time at Wat Opot and often dream of returning. That’s the dream – just got to follow it… Miss all of you!
Hi Mark~
You hang in there, Buddy!
I’ve ordered a bunch of organic seeds for the new garden from Johnny’s Selected Seeds here in Maine. They have other accounts in Southeast Asia and people who know about hydroponics, and could guide me to good varieties for Wat Opot.
With your knowledge and labor and love i know they will thrive!
Not to mention running new electric wire to all the buildings and helping to locate and install the new poles and heroically laboring to grow vegetables for the kids. Way to go Mark, and grace to you.
You’re a star Mark! It is so nice to be acknowledged sometimes, and I think Wayne has said it all. The work you do is so valuable and skilled, and you are so appreciated. Keep up the good work my friend, look forward to seeing you again one day soon. Cheers, have a beer for me down at the corner shop!! Heather
Hey Mark I always told you you had a valuable place at Wat Opot…and I am happy that I will see you very soon, for Khmer New Year! If there is any seeds I can bring you let me know,I can bring you loads and it wont weight anything!
Love
Caroline
Nothing is by accident if your asking for your next step. Good on you Mark for Asking The Question………
And so Awesome for Wat Opot and its journey.. Hoping to meet you on my next visit to Wat Opot.
Kiora
Fiona NZ
What a gift you are giving and receiving.
Hi Mark that is great to have such practical skills like that good on you
Hi Mark sounds like you ended up in the right place at the right time good stuff! Enjoy your time at Watopot it certainly sounds like your skills are much appreciated.