Raesmey works in our Church and advertised for somewhere to stay. So, after a quick meeting, he moved in.

A report in the Cambodia Daily reads 'Cambodia Declines Further in Corruption Perceptions Index'.

For the second straight year, Cambodia dropped in a global ranking of perceived corruption among the world's governments, sinking below troubled countries such as Zimbabwe and Liberia.

... remains low according to the World Bank-International Finance Corporation study, reported on in the Cambodia Daily.

Cambodia was placed at 145 on the list, with even war-ravaged Iraq rating in at 141.

When starting a business, the World Bank found that in Cambodia an average of 10 procedures were required to complete the process, which took an average of 86 days to complete.

In Singapore, starting a business required 5 procedures, which took 5 days.

... or should I say, regress?!

The 'light duties' limitations handed down to Patrick as part of his recovery process, were not adhered to. Consequently, Patrick is now paying for his misdemeanor.

As a result, Patrick has now been issued a new set of regulations and dismissed of all duties by his nurse. He is allowed however, to continue eating and sleeping ;)

In the meantime, I remain on 'heavy duties', so I trust my 8 cylinders continue to purr! Otherwise, my Dad will be after me!

Upon entering and departing any of the centre gates, there's never any shortage of cuddles.

It was a beautiful morning, so one of the Teachers decided to move the whiteboard and desks outside for 'al fresco study'.

This little guy received some special tuition...



... and I noticed later that he had decided to include prayer for his studies. Cute!

Sambath requested some training to fine tune a power point presentation...



...but you don't get a training session without the kids having a chat through the window.

The girls were busy making bags for the gifts packs we give to the children in prison with their mothers.

... “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

I like that!

The women are enjoying the challenge of filling the sewing orders.

It is always great to work with and equip the teams, working with vulnerable children.

I was handed a letter which someone had kindly translated, to give to Patrick.

The letter is from one of the children at TC's Metro House and reads as follows:-

Dear Dad.
My dear daddy!
How have your been?
Recently I heard you got sick.
Now do you get better?
When I knew this, I always pray to God for you. May God send angels to protect you and may God the Holy Spirit dwell in you and heal you right away. So that you could serve God and assist orphan children who are suffering as me in the whole world.
Especially may all of us know God as truly God, living in eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Finally, may God bless you and your family forever and ever.
I love you, Dad and Mom.
From Samnang

As a result of Sue's injuries, she is now in Bangkok Hospital's ICU. Graham will fly to Bankgkok this evening.

Please continue to remember them in your prayers!

Patrick is restricted to light duties such as a few 'in house' meetings and luncheons. Oh and of course, he is allowed to prepare my coffee.



With Patrick out of action, I have my skates on! I must admit it is a little difficult getting around on skates in the mud ;)

Maybe skies would be better!

The CSP team are really inspired and motivated about their training and it shows! So it is always a pleasure to present the modules to them.

It was Metro House who hosted the first lunch for the entire TC team.

And what a team it is! The team consists of 19 permanent team members and a cast of committed volunteers.

There's no shortage of consulting for us with various organisations requesting our assistance, which is all very interesting.

We enjoy researching and reviewing current procedures and then preparing practical, efficient procedures for the organisations to implement.

... in the hardward line, you are likely to find it in this store. If it's not on the shelf, or hanging from the ceiling, it will be somewhere on the sidewalk.



When it rains, all the gear on the sidewalk has to be moved under cover. What a job that is for them each day during the wet season, as the rain signals it's approaching downpour!

I am not sure what festival is on the calendar this week, but preparations are being made to celebrate. The 'moon cakes' are out in the stalls, so maybe it's the Chinese celebration.



With so many holidays, it's a job in itself to keep track of them all ;)

The Government has 'advised' a large number of residents that they have to move their boundary, as they require some of their land. So many people throughout the city are having to knock down their front wall and rebuild it further back.

The Kiwi's are experiencing issues with safety and security at the moment.

After leaving Church on Sunday, one couple was robbed and pulled off their motorbike. This has resulted in the loss of money and injuries including broken collar bone and stitches in the head and concussion.

Last night, another couple had an attempted burglary at their home.

Please remember to pray for the safety and security of the Missionaries serving here. Thank you!

A 42 story tower, which includes 400 apartments, is to be constructed in the centre of town. Wow! Now that is going to take a lot of bamboo scaffolding ;)

... I mean khaki, are out and about educating people about the new traffic rules, using a loud hailer on the back of a truck.

It appears that the extra 38 cents per day in their salary has motivated them!

If we did all we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves.

Thomas Edison

Great things comes out of New York's Brooklyn Tabernacle, such as the infamous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

There's also the Brooklyn Tabernacle Medical Team who are in twon and attended our Sunday service, so little Caleb got a quick check up from one of the team.

We joined Kim and Sue in there home for dinner and had a lovely evening. But after walking from our home at #16 to Kim and Sue's at #8, and enjoying a nice meal and conversation, Patrick was ready for bed.

Well the 'plumber' has been busy averting the flow of water straight out and over the balcony - it's not fancy but we are sure it is cheap and we hope it works, otherwise we could have a swimming pool downstairs flowing through the back door ;)

It is interesting that regardless of the problem that needs to be fixed here, be it electrical, plumbing, building repairs etc., the same guy comes to do it. Now that's multi-skilling!

The dirt roads are susceptible to flooding and that combined with all the potholes can add a lot of extra time to your journey. Add to that actual roadworks and you could find yourself doing a lap of the district to get anywhere.

Well it didn't happen over night, but it did happen!

The Landlord has promised to secure our fence since we moved in back in May but it is now underway and the workmen have been installing the serrated tin topping on our fence. That should keep a few out!

There's no shortage of interesting signs here in Phnom Penh, but when I read this one I thought maybe I should bring my TukTuk and driver inside with me!

The Metro House kids new bags are already packed and ready for distribution.

Even though the kids have already started school (on clean up duty, can you believe?!) the bags will not be presented to the children until after the Pchum Ben holiday. We remember a number of things went missing at home during the long break last year, so we are not about to repeat the experience.

The kids are off to a great start because they have started studying the new school years books during the government school holiday break. That gives the children an edge and puts them in a great position.

These little ones were excited about modelling the bags.

Pannarath and Sim attended the Children's Teacher Training conducted during the 30 Days of Hope and have the task of delivering the program content to the remainder of the TC team.

Pannarath and Sim have been meeting with me to make sure that they have their presentation and schedule well prepared.

I think they're a little nervous!

Our friend who had the motor bike accident a couple of months ago, has not been feeling well and cannot walk due to the swelling in his foot.

While Patrick has been sick, he has felt burdened for Channy and wanted to help him on the road to recovery.

So after sending him for xrays on his head and foot, we offered to have him checked out by our Doctor.





The Doctor reported that Channy is suffering from post concussion syndrome. His symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea. He has also lost his sense of smell, which really was to his advantage when we drove along the road next to the wide open sewer drain.

Channy's foot requires strapping, exercise (we will be down to see nurse Sue on the weekend to get her advice) and a heat pack (no good here when people don't have any power let alone a microwave). Anyway, while I was in the pharmacy I thought maybe they have a hot water bottle and sure enough they did.

After we had the prescriptions filled and prepared a big food hamper, it was our pleasure to make the delievery.



Please remember this family in your prayers! Thank you.

You may remember this little neighbour who struggled to get the block of ice home on the bike. I think she has given up on the bike and decided it's easier to walk with the ice.

The Doctor is still testing and monitoring Patrick's liver and advising him to get plenty of rest.

Apart from fatigue, Patrick is eating well and believes that his worst days are now behind him. Thank God!

The team has been missing Patrick and praying their big hearts out for him, so we decided to host the Manager's Meeting in our home so that at least the managers got a chance to spend some time with Patrick.

No doubt Patrick enjoyed the stimulating discussion, as well.

It doesn't take much rain to turn the roads to mud.



But hey, who cares when we're headed for streets paved with pure gold!

Sofi is a Spanish Missionary working at an orphanage in Cambodia. I remember when Sofi first arrived and we couldn't communicate verbally because Sofi spoke Spanish and I, of course, English. But things are changing now and our common language is Khmer.

While I was in Canada, Judy mentioned patchwork quilts that a lady had made. The quilt included sections of scripture passages in various languages. When she mentioned a Spanish one, I immediately thought of Sofi and asked Judy if I could have it for her.

When we delivered it to Sofi she was so surpised and excited. It was amazing!

What a pleasure to be able to bless someone who blesses so many.

I first met this little guy when I started doing research for the children's centres, so I have known him for a little over two years!

He is such a delight and we love his family dearly.

We look forward to his University Graduation in years to come. Patrick and I will be in the front row, God willing.

The children at Metro House have returned to school to commence their second year, consequently, my presentation to the parents at Centre 1 differed to that at the other two centres.

When I invited the parents to share about any changes in their life since their children had the opportunity to attend TC, it didn't take long before the tears started to flow!

One lady didn't even start her speech before she struggled fighting back the tears, but she presevered because she wanted to share her story.

Others wanted to say something but were left speechless and ended up in tears where they sat.

It was an amazing meeting and they were all so grateful.

When I viewed these photos, I realised that Sambath - my Khmer right hand man - and I have our presentations and interpreting, including actions and hand gestures, pretty well synchronized.

Even if I start speaking in Khmer, Sambath immediately converts to translating the Khmer to English.

Sambath's a wonderful man and a great pleasure to serve with.

I guess that is what happens when you get two people who share the same passion and purpose who spend so much time working closely together.

If you want to educate Khmer children, you also need to educate their parents.

While the Aussie flag swayed in the breeze by the gate, Sy welcomed the parents and guest speakers to Centre 2.



This Teacher stressed the importance of education.



Limchheang is in his second year at University. He won a government scholarship and is doing extremely well in his studies. He was obviously nervous at addressing such a large crowd, but he did an excellent job.







This little guy had spent a lot of time on my knee prior to the commencement of the meeting and he decided he wanted to give me a hand when I presented my module to the parents. How cute!



Then it was time to Tuk Tuk our special guests over to Centre 3 where Seda welcomed the parents.

This cute little guy is spending his holiday time in the big city studying.

I love his uniform. The shirt has two buttons on the front and the back that connect the shirt to the pants. It's a great idea to keep their shirts tucked in, but the design leaves a little to be desired because the kids easily pull the buttons off.

We like to visit projects we support financially on a regular basis. In between our visits to the actual location, we ensure we meet with those administering the finances to hear about the positive impact of the projects on the lives of the poor people involved.

After studying the theory on how to be a 'Story Telling Machine', it was time for the team to hit the floor and pretend that they were presenting a story to little kids, making sure that they implemented all of their newly acquired story telling skills.

They did a great job!

... is the fact that they cannot even afford to continue renting these little wood and tin shacks next door to our home.

Ty, on my right has been training our ladies since late last year when Stitches-of-Hope's Kay and Aldy spent a month teaching our group of ladies various tricks of the rag trade. Sam, who has also been with us since that time, has now been promoted to Trainer.

Sam was deeply touched when offered the opportunity.

I recently completed writing a 'Business Module' for our team of ladies and it was great to do the first training session with them.

The Business Module covers the various aspects associated with running a sewing business.

Pardon the pun, Patrick, but I now have clinic visits 'down pat'.

After so many visits to the clinic as a result of Patrick's Dengue Fever, I ensure I am equipped with a book and / or work to do, while we wait and wait and wait...

We have it from a reliable source - Kim and Sue - that the police here have been instructed to enforce road rules which include:-

Stopping at a red light
Driving on the correct side of the road
No crossing the double lines
No driving without a licence
No cutting corners
Motor bike riders must wear a helmet

etc.

The streets will never be the same!

You may be aware that I love the sound of cascading water but not inside our home!

When I heard cascading water this evening, I headed straight up to one of the bathrooms (the previous culprit of an indoor waterfall), but the water wasn't coming from there. It was coming in from the roof. As I opened the door to investigate I discovered the whole rooftop was flooded and the water started rushing down the staircase.



I think it looks rather nice with the reflection of the water and light glistening on the wall and the water flowing around to the right of the photo to head down the stairs!

A nice cool rooftop swimming pool. Just what you need in this climate.

I must admit, I did enjoy standing in the cool water watching the rain and ensuring that the rooftop eventually drained. However, I could have done without the clean up job.

I trust our Landlords are enjoying their holiday in the country because they will be busy here when they return.

With the so called 'Dengue Season' supposedly over, it appears that someone forgot to tell the Dengue mozzie!

When one mother in a local village was asked why she hadn't taken her child to the hospital after being advised by a Doctor that her son was near death due to Dengue Fever symptoms, she replied that all she could afford to do was feed him.

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Matthew 25:42-45 KJV

... only a shadow of his former self, but Patrick's worst days are now behind him. Praise God and thank you for you continued prayers!

In accordance with Dr. Shepard's prediction yesterday, Dengue Fever has 'bottomed out' and Patrick's temperature and blood counts are all heading in the right direction.

All praise to our 'Good Sheperd'!

I am delighted to report that our visas have been renewed and I now have our passports in hand.

With test results reporting a continual decline in numbers, the Doctor talked more about sending Patrick to St. Elsewhere hospital.

I never did see the series, St. Elsewhere, but the Doctor was certainly amused by it.

Recipe book, that is!

Purchasing and baking all of Patrick's favourite things, hasn't done the trick. He's a man without an appetite.

We spent hours in the clinic today, as it became necessary for Patrick to have IV fluids, as he has been unable to maintain oral intake.

For all the Doctor's out there, Patrick's platelet count continues to drop, so it means we will be back to the clinic in the morning for another count.

Patrick is being monitored daily by the Doctor. Blood tests are also conducted daily while I care for him in our home (much better than any Cambodian Hospital).

We have been advised by the Doctor that if his condition deteriorates, we will have to fly out to either Singapore or Bangkok in order to have Patrick hospitalised.

In the meantime, with our passports currently with the MoFA having visas renewed, we are making enquiries as to their availability, while trusting that they will be available shortly, just in case of emergency.

If requests are made for the visas to be completed urgently, the government officials may seize upon the opportunity to increase their slush fund, at our expense and we don't want those games to begin.

I usually enjoy a good round of debate, discussion and contest with the government officials, but not just now!

Thanks for keeping up the prayer support!

I have been inundated with enquiries as to Patrick's condition and requests to visit, but unfortunately he is not up to seeing anyone.

However, that hasn't stopped some just turning up anyway. I think I need a 'gate keeper'.

It is sweet to know that so many are concerned.

The TC management team, representing the 3 centres arrived complete with a fruit basket for Patrick. They are all so concerned about their leader.

PPPP

Well, I don't remember who sang the song, but we 'had a night'.

I'm not sure if Patrick was on some roller coaster at Disneyland, participating in a war dance out in the jungle in the wilds of Africa, or the main ingredient for the Cannibal's 'hot pot'. All I know, is that I was there with him.

I have discovered that being a carer for Patrick is 24/7.

We have had 'e' everything else and now we have eNursing and ePastoring!

While Patrick remains confined to bed and floating in and out of consciousness with me at his bedside, Kim (a Pastor) and Sue (a Nurse, by profession) are on Skype just a few doors down the road ensuring Patrick is receiving optimum care from both sides of the spectrum.

He's in good 'Hands'.

Patrick is struggling with his confinement, as he is usually blessed with good health.

In addition to his confinement issue, Patrick is suffering the mental anguish of just having realised that he has been beaten by a mozzie and succumbed to a tiny insect ;)

Take a look at the culprit...

... has Patrick confined to bed, so please keep him in your prayers.

Thank you!

After the celebrations, it was time to get down to business with the Principal.

Sam is very excited about going home on the weekend.



Sam moved to Cambodia 10 months ago to serve as a Missionary and is a real blessing to the Khmer people (and us!).

Sam will be home for one month before returning to Phnom Penh and we look forward to seeing her then.

Our dear friend Sambath has never had a party for his birthday before, so he was very excited and I was very happy to share such a special time with him!



He's a treasure!

There were more team members celebrating their birthday this month, than children.



The local government school Principal was there to encourage the children about starting school in a few weeks.



Pastor Sara was there to say grace.



Then it was time to sing 'Happy Birthday'.



After that it was time for some fun and games.

Where are you?! I can't see you!

I had an interesting meeting with the web designers!

After having explained what I would like in a web site and showing them examples, they happily told me they would call me next week. I look forward to our next meeting.

The new apartments at the end of our street come complete with canal views. Open sewer, that is!

This little one was having trouble keeping the bag of ice on the bike but was determined to persevere.

I hope it didn't melt before she arrived home!

This little girl is blind and therefore cannot participate in the kids English activity, but she obviously enjoys just being around everyone gathered in the courtyard in the evening. She also loves a cuddle!











Beautiful kids!

We have great pleasure in facilitating and administering sponsors requests.

It is always great to meet with the team and quietly reflect on their development and growth since we appointed them. Good fruit. Very rewarding and we have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in equipping and empowering them.



And we look forward to doing the same with the new teams we have been blessed to work with.

The team always enjoy their training and so do we. What more could you ask for?!

We ordered the mats that were donated from a lady in a small business, so when they were finished it was time to deliver them to the orphanage.







Patrick had to be quick to get photos of the kids with the mats before too many more of the kids rushed in to sit on top of them.

We headed down by the riverside to enjoy a late lunch together...



... and even got to see ol' Sambo the elephant amble by.