"Who you are speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you are saying." Emerson

What others indicate about their perception of us, perceives how we perceive ourselves. Usually we respond to the expectation of others.
John C. Maxwell

What constitutes success? She has achieved success who has lived well; laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent people and the love of little children; who has filled her niche and accomplished her task; who has left the world better than she found it;... who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty, or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given the best she had.
Bessie Stanley

Herein is joy, amid the ebb and flow of the passing world: our God remains unmoved, and His throne endures forever.
Robert Coleman

Our world is hungry for genuinely changed people. Leo Tolstoy observed, "Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself." Let us be among those who believe that the inner transformation of our lives is a goal worthy of our best effort.
Richard J. Foster

Every fulfilled dream occurred because of dedication to a process.
John C. Maxwell

Your ability to live your dream may be closer than you think. You need dedication and perseverance, and you have to survive the doubts and criticisms of people closest to you.
John C. Maxwell

The best way to show people your faith in them and motivate them is to focus your attention on their strengths. By emphasizing people's strengths, you're helping them believe that they possess what they need to succeed.
John C. Maxwell

What a pleasure it was having Kim and Sue (those NZ'ers living in Toowoomba, that someone kindly gave our details to) share some precious time with us recently!
May they be blessed abundantly as they complete the final leg of their 7 weeks journey.
Truly, Heaven sent, at a time when we needed someone the most! Thanks be to God! We pray we get to share time with them in the future.

Ken did a great job of acting 'surprised' at 'Take 2' of his birthday surprise party with the afternoon group!

It may have been Ken's birthday celebration, but it was the children who walked away with the presents!

It's Ken's birthday on the weekend, so what better way to celebrate than to have a party at BB World with 80+ kids (in two sessions, that is!), where the conversation went something like this:-
'What's this thing?' - A Hamburger
'How do you eat it?' - Anyway you like!


'How many burgers is that?!'

The children were treated to a bus ride to the fun park. Then after that it was time to head off to BB World for hamburgers and ice cream. Of course, this was a first for most. Some of the rides were a bit too much for some of the children, so a few unscheduled stops were required!

The Perth team arrives at Pochentong.

Thanks, Scott for transferring the money for the concrete floor for Rashers into our bank account so quickly ;)
Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that the British National Building Specifications will be adhered to. I have not seen any sign of construction quality in this country ;)

We trust and pray that our Perth team - Mark & Andrea and Ken & Lorraine - will be blessed as they travel and spend the next week or so with the Phnom Penh team.

This little piglet now has a name - Thanks Scott (all the way from Edinburgh, Scotland) and David (all the way from Riverton, Western Australia) for finally settling on a name for your piglet - ' Rashes'. How would you like your eggs with that?!

Just think, Scott and David - For an extra $5, I could have a concrete floor like those piglets that featured a few days ago. What do you think my chances are? Love 'Rashes' Oink, Oink!

For me today, the conversation with loved ones once again turned to the latest results of tests associated with cancer, radio therapy and neuro surgeons. Conversations that are a challenge to have face to face, let alone thousands of kilometers from home. As I headed along the city streets of Phnom Penh, I couldn't help but think, through tear filled eyes, what a blessing it would be to be driving north bound along the Mitchell Freeway to be - together!
The Dreamer

With so many problems and challenges in our world today, we in the 'Lucky Country' have such an awesome privilege and responsibility to do what we can to make this world a better place. Opportunities abound - They are endless! Like Mahatma Gandhi said, 'Be the change you want to see in the world! Let's make a difference!

The BBC aired a show on Romanian orphans and street children last night and the issues are identical to those in Cambodia (except of course, for the poor Romanian people who wonder if they will survive another cold winter - that is one problem the Cambodians don't have to contend with). But there is no denying that other issues experienced are common to both cultures. In fact, the issues appear to be common throughout the third world countries. Issues such as parents abandoning their children simply because they cannot make the daily meal stretch to 'one more mouth to feed'. The issue of street children roaming amongst the traffic throughout all hours of the day and night in the hope of someone giving them a handout. The experiences of orphans who eventually find out who their families are and where they live, but never get to experience an occasion of a 'happy reunion'. Quite the contrary in the case of an 11 year old girl who told her story through unrelenting sobs. A young girl who has cut her hair short and dresses like a boy in the hope that no one notices she is a female. A young girl who not only had to contend with her mothers rejection once as a baby but a second time, 10 years later. A young girl who in addition to all of this, was subjected to cruel violation and abuse at the hand of her mother's boyfirend.

Same 'State' - Different Country!

Our thoughts and prayers are with Amy - Phil's daughter - who is currently on a short term mission to Romania. May she be blessed and protected as she serves the poor and needy in His name.

Patrick and I were reminiscing last night about my philosophical moments when I used to 'go on' about the need in the third world and ask the question 'why is it that we see so many people vying for top positions in the corporate world, but you don't often hear about people vying for positions to help the poor and needy?' I would especially do this on a Sunday evening, as we discussed the upcoming events of 'life in the corporate lane'.

Back in those days, I remember how I used to sit in the head office boardroom in Sydney overlooking the great structure of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the ferries cruising by and my thoughts would wander to the state of the third world and I would wonder how I could possibly contribute to making it a better place.

On one occasion Patrick told me that we were doing all we could (at that stage we were just sponsoring a few children in various countries). But just a few years later here we both are serving the poor and needy ;)

It's interesting to note that it was never on our agenda and I never sit here over looking the slums wishing I was overlooking Sydney Harbour! All things truly are possible!

While travelling home in a Tuk Tuk, we were witness to a high speed police chase!
Two police, complete with rifles - on a 250cc trail bike - were out paced and out maneuvered by the robbers on a 110cc!

Two of Transforms children have received their first correspondence via email from their wonderful sponsors in Perth. I guess these children are still getting their heads around the 'change in their lives' with the opportunity to attend the centre and school, let alone comprehend that someone in a distant land is now a part of their life, as well. And this is just the beginning!

Where would we be without our wonderful team of volunteers?! They are doing such a wonderful job and have worked full time since the centre opened.

Patrick was happy administering first aid to one of the children, until he discovered that what he was using had some 'sting' to it!

My regular moto taxi has been making the most of this long festival period by heading home to the province with his family. Consequently, I have had to use any moto driver who offered me ride.
One reasonably elderly 'gentleman' moto driver, took me to a few places and was happy to wait - holding my helmet - while I went about my business.
When I left my last appointment, I walked in the direction where I had left the moto driver, calculating the time and distance traveled so that I knew exactly what fare to pay him once I arrived at my home.
However, all that calculating was unnecessary, as the moto driver had obviously decided that my new helmet was worth much more than any amount I was going to pay him, so he had left the scene.

At last, I can put away Patrick's Dockers T shirt, coffee mug and drink holder. Oh and yes, that little Docker's mascot bear ;)

Oh, Patrick just had a look at what I was writing and has told me 'But wait for next year'. Yeh... right, PK. You have been telling me that for years!

Go Eagles! Broadcast LIVE here in sunny Phnom Penh where we are having a cool change with the temperature only around 30 degrees!

I mentioned a couple of days ago, about 'something' in the ceiling. Well it appears as though some birds have set up home there, so now we wake to the sweet sounds of their singing!

I guess we should be thankful that it isn't Eagles who built themselves an 'Aerie' up there!

You know what it's like - you're miles from home, family and friends and missing everyone like crazy and wondering what is happening with everyone - But there is a 'free way' that keeps us all closely connected. Skype!

We would love to hear from any of our interested 'Blog Reading Skype Users', so please add us to your contacts. Our Skype name is patrickandcarolkelly

Thanks for the tip, Dad. We wonder how we ever got on without it ;)

The 'mini income generation program' has the 'Village People' excited about the future, with the families already talking about getting into breeding.
Marvellous how the gift of a piglet from people thousands of kilometers away, has given them such hope and a chance to break free from the poverty cycle. Fantastic!
Two of the six pigs were given a name by their Australian families - Babe and Plugger, with the rest remaining nameless.

It's interesting to note that according to statistics from the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport 1998, that only 6 percent of Cambodia's teachers have a primary education, 77 percent have attended lower secondary school, 14 percent upper secondary school and only 3 percent have a tertiary education!

My previous entry made me think of the houses - if you can call them that - that the Transform children live in. Unbelievable!

That got me thinking about the days that I have spent walking around the slums and later attending meetings at the palatial ministry offices here in the city. Extremes to say the least!

Then my mind meanders further into the future, to that place where I can visualise the children working in these ministry offices with the awesome responsibility of a nation held securely in their hands.

Then that brings me back to the here and now and the responsibility and paramount importance of the strategic planning of the program to ensure that these children are equipped and empowered.

Only a calculated, deliberate, concerted, intentional effort will do, as 'This ain't no dress rehearsal'

The Dreamer, dreaming on!

As I sit here listening to 'something' running around in the ceiling above the study, my eyes wandered over to the daily classifieds of a local paper, advertising 'Residence at Raffles'. You can now reside at Phnom Penh's most prestigious address at Le Royal Hotel - for only $US1,600 per month. What a nice thought?!

Patrick is still 'on fire' after David led his team to a grand final win last weekend in Perth.
And tomorrow he will be sure to be finishing work early and heading home to watch his mighty Dockers play Sydney in the preliminary final.
And yes, Linda and Peter, he will be cheering your mighty Eagles on Saturday. Both games will be shown LIVE here in Phnom Penh!

We may have missed the boat, but that didn't mean we missed the 'Dinner Cruise'.
Even though we arrived a little late to the departure wharf - because it wasn't where it was advertised - when we waved the boat back in as it cruised back past the wharf, we were surprised when they actually docked to let us on.
Sue said it reminded her of her Paris cruise and a lovely evening was had by all.

It is festival time here in Cambodia! For a look at how the other half live at 'Pchum Ben' time, check out http://www.mekong.net/cambodia/pchum.htm

The 'sweet sounds' of Gemma's praise and worship fills the air of Phnom Penh. So many have been blessed by the CD's Gemma sent up. Thanks, Gemma!

I sit here pondering and reflecting upon the last 15 months.

It was June 2005, the time of receiving an invitation, an offering of financial partnership to support a ‘wild dream’. A ‘wild dream’ that had been incessantly emerging in my heart for a year or so by that stage.

A dream that initially was ‘beyond my wildest imagination’, but one that fervently flamed within my heart and created such an amazing powerful vision, as I continued to put all my faith, hope and trust in our awesome God.

A dream that when being shared with others, often prompted responses such as – it can’t be done – you can’t change things – who are you? - what difference can you make? But a dream nevertheless, that I knew would come to fruition because I had so recently come to hear and believe that God had a plan for my life. And because of that, I embarked on an expedition of relentlessly pursuing that plan until it became a reality. Nothing less was ever going to satisfy me now!

Today the fact is, that the ‘wild dream’ is no longer just a 'wild dream', but a reality – totally unleashed!

In His time, each stage of the dream has unfolded, and I now watch a team with such passion and vision, ministering together to the ‘Glory of God’.

I see poor children receiving an education, learning in a loving, well resourced environment, well fed and clothed, being taught how to dream big dreams and daily giving thanks to God for His provision, singing out at the top of their voices, ‘Our God Is So Big’ and ‘This is the Day That The Lord Has Made’. Surely, enough to make the Angels rejoice!

I reflect on the preceding months of research and implementation and the incredible privilege and responsibility that has been mine, being the 'one on the ground', here in Cambodia.

I acknowledge and appreciate the trust bestowed upon me by the Perth team.

I am amazed at the honour and privilege of having people call and email with requests to visit the centre and gain access to the finer details and the great vision of this God ordained project.

I reflect on the long, lonely nights in a foreign country, thousands of kilometers from loved ones, all of whom my heart continues to ache for.

I think of the birthday and anniversary celebrations and meals and cuppa's with family and friends. Great times just being together.

I reflect on the fact that my children, grandchildren, family and friends continue to mature and are all just that ‘little bit older’ each time we are blessed to meet.

I think of the simple day to day pleasures such as hearing precious voices and holding loved ones who are nearest and dearest to me, no longer within my grasp.

I think of how much my life has changed since first coming to this country three years ago.

And then I am totally amazed as I think about my life that is ‘larger’ than anything I ever imagined. A life much bigger than the 'what about me?!' life of days gone by, living precious days consumed in my long suffering.

The awesome privilege of ministering in a third world country and being blessed with a purpose of bringing about lasting transformation in children’s lives through generational change.

I bear witness to the force of the impact these children are already having on their parents, siblings and community – the poorest of the poor who were without hope for the future.

I believe that every day is a day to be celebrated. I believe that what we do each day is important because we are exchanging a day of our lives for it.

So where to from here?!

With the first centre totally resourced and the project at a stage of replication and multiplication, I realize that the time has come for this Dreamer to ‘Dream On’

To God be the Glory!

Carol - just in case you hadn't guessed ;)

The Principal of the primary school was still holidaying in the province last week when the registration day was scheduled, so it just didn't happen! Not that we were that surprised, as appointments don't always mean a lot here in Cambodia! So today - the rescheduled registration day - we will give it another go.

For those of you who wonder where we are - this will make it easy for you. Check out the 'Brown Land'.

Over the past few days we have been communicating with rellies and friends who will be cruising into Cambodia's port at Sihanoukville next month on the Superstar Gemini. That has got me thinking about the ocean and the beautiful sunsets we have in Perth. But even though we are a four hour drive from the coast here in Phnom Penh, we do get some brilliant sky displays, like we don't get at home.

As we await the arrival of our next guests, Kim and Sue, whom we haven't yet met - NZ'ers from Toowoomba, returning to Australia from Ireland - it reminded me that some people had asked for pictures of our 'Motel', so here they are! And remember, it's FREE!!!









And last but not least, the mini bar, which will be stocked according to your taste - French wine, Dom Peringion champagne etc.

Congratulations Dad and Mum, on this very special day, as you celebrate 56 years of wedded bliss!
Wishing you heaps of love, hugs and blessings from your 6 children and their partners (that's those outlaws, Dad), 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Have a wonderful day! x o

Thanks heaps for your advice, Uncle Len. I felt much safer getting around in this today. Even the trucks got out of my way ;)

Patrick thought that the Cambodian people were a gentle race. That is, until he got out amongst them on the road on his motorbike. After a month or so, weaving his way through the traffic he has decided that they are all Kamikazes. Here are some of the new road rules he has had to adjust to:-
What does the continuous double white line (or yellow in this country) indicate?
Absolutely nothing!
What does a red light signify?
Absolutely nothing!
What does a stop sign specify?
Absolutely nothing!
When do you use an indicator?
Either never or always.
What side of the road do you travel on?
Whatever side you like.

Today is registration day at the local primary school, so the 80+ Transform children will be enrolled to secure a place. Due to the large number of students in Cambodia, schools operate two sessions per day, with half of the students attending in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. Commencing October 2nd, 40+ children from Transform will attend school in the morning while 40+ attend the centre and vice versa in the afternoon. The primary school focus will be Khmer basics, with the centre focusing on English, computer studies, creativity and life skills.

With the new school year commencement date fast approaching, it was time to measure all of the children for uniforms.
While the girls thought this was serious business, the boys had other ideas!

A couple of children who were absent the day the photos were taken, went on a special trip to the local photographer.

The children have enjoyed looking at their professional photos with our Manager, Malin.



So before each of the children left the centre today, they were presented with a copy of their photo which made them all very excited as they showed them to each other and their parents. For some of the children it was their first photo and a professional one at that!

At the Parent's meeting in the morning session today, our Administrator, Sambath, told the parents that the Transform team believed that one of Transform's children is going to be the future Cambodian Prime Minister.





The parents responded very positively and stated clearly that they are so proud of the fact that their children are now attending Transform Cambodia's centre. They are all very grateful that so much has been invested in their children's lives.
Some of the children have told their parents that the meals at the centre are much better than their mum's cooking ;)

Before we left work tonight we decided to get our regular moto drivers to meet us at our home so that we could go out to tea (we don't travel alone on the bike at night as foreigners are prime targets with the 'robbers'). We enjoyed our meal and then decided to go to the local supermarket where Patrick was happy to be getting 'buy one get one free' cakes. However, the toothbrush grading really confused him and he needed help making his selection.
Riding back along the streets to our home, you couldn't help but notice the 'really poor people' who were tucking their children into 'bed' - that is, lying them down to sleep on the footpath. Some very young kids are sent out to stand in between the traffic - very dangerous because a lot of the people do not even turn their headlights on - trying to scrounge as little as a 100 reil (2.5 cents) while others walked the streets collecting anything that they could recycle for a few cents.

On the way to work this morning, I was reading an article (yes, I can read while riding on the back of the motorbike) which reminded me of my current circumstances. And it made me think of how blessed those of us who have had the opportunity of an education are!
We are currently working through a challenging exercise in regard to recording the names of the children at the centre. You might say it seems like a simple exercise, so where does the challenge come into it. Well we have discovered that most of the parents of the children have never had an education and consequently, cannot read or write.
While dealing with a language that has 33 consonants (first series - 14 unvoiced and second series - 19 voiced), 32 subscript consonants, 14 independent vowels and 21 vowels, which include both first and second series, challenges are common with so many similar sounds. Coupled with this is the fact that most of the families refer to the children, as either the Khmer equivalent of older or younger sister or brother, or by a nickname and not their given name. Therefore the children are often unable to assist us with this challenge because they don't know their own given name.
In addition to this, Khmer to English translation creates it's own set of problems. Are you confused yet?!

Emergency evacuation procedures (which we didn't have) were put to the test late last week, when we had to get one of our team members back to Australia in a hurry!
Within 40 minutes of receiving a telephone call advising of an emergency back home - and a number of subsequent Skype and mobile calls to Australia and the local Singapore Airlines office, we had our team member at the Pochentong International Airport ticket counter, checking in.
The decision was made to travel to the airport on motorbikes, after being advised that we would have to wait up to fifteen minutes for a taxi. So four motos ferried the team at high speed to the airport, via the bumpy ring road, to make sure that we got our team member to the airport before the departure gate closed.

Our resident foreign expert has been teaching Patrick the fine art of crimping Cat 5 cables, as well as other skills associated with computers!

Most of the children at the centre do not possess any toys, so riding bikes, skipping and ball games prove to be a big hit!

Our team are enjoying Nathan's leading and guiding in praise and worship to our awesome God.

We now have a computer room complete with computers!

While the children were patiently waiting for their turn with the photographer, they had the opportunity to sit with the teacher and share what they would like to be when they grow up. An interesting exercise!



Some of the children have dreams of becoming a pilot, doctor, teacher, businessman, chef and policeman. However, some of the children have never been asked this question before and have never given any consideration to their future. What an awesome opportunity we have to encourage and inspire them to dream big dreams and achieve their God given potential!


I want to be a lawyer!

Today, all of Transform's children will have their photograph taken by a professional photographer. So it was time to freshen up!

Good bye!
The end of day one - just the beginning!

Our computer delivery started arriving ten minutes before Nathan - our computer guru from Perth - touched down at Pochentong Airport.

Transform's team of teachers and volunteers are equally excited about the commencement of the full program.

Children have been queued at the gate since 7am today for the commencement of the full program at 9am.

This young lady is a diabetic and was working in a factory. Unfortunately, the chemicals in the factory were having a negative impact on her health. So thanks to the generosity of a lovely lady in Western Australia, she is now able to work from home making a living from the items she sews on her new sewing machine.

We have been out to a village to purchase piglets, thanks to Mum and Dad, Bob and Sue, Kristy, Grant, Scott and David.
So congratulations! You are all now the proud parents of piglets that are to be delivered to six village families tomorrow. By the way, that means that you have naming rights, so we look forward to receiving the names from you, soon.













All of the families were so grateful, so thanks again for blessings these people with your generosity. We will keep you posted on the piglets progress until it is time for them to go to market. Here's to the success of the families income generation program!

To two of the world's greatest Dads.
We hope that you have a great day as you celebrate Father's Day!
Sending you both heaps of love, hugs, kisses and blessings across the seas. Cheers!