We may not be working at TC, but that certainly hasn't stopped the team coming to us.

We were expecting a visit from Sam, but got more than that when we enjoyed an added bonus of a surprise visit from one of the teams. The team had an artist paint a picture of us from a photo that they knew we liked and presented it to us.





What special people they all are and it's such a privilege to call them friends!

Yes, of course they can! Or at least this one can.



We all enjoyed a 'cool' evening on the roof top.

... is often the local market, where Jim is almost considered a local.

It took some organising, but Patrick wanted our friend in Phnom Penh to have a stick. So he requested the stick from Peter in Perth, who gave the stick to Phil and Lissa who delivered it to us and we delivered it to it's new owner. What a lovely moment!



That should make getting around easier.

... so are the days of our lives, Khmer style!

When the ladies from the sewing class left our home, one came back through the gates to tell me that their was a lady outside with a small child and she was in a lot of pain and crying and about to give birth.

I went outside to find the woman walking up the street and in obvious pain. Just then she sat on a kerb and the women from the sewing class spread a sarong out next to her. The woman could not speak but through sign language advised that the hospial wanted $28 to deliver the baby and she didn't have any money. I thought I'm not deliverying this baby, so I phoned for our Tuk Tuk driver to come. When he arrived we put the lady in the Tuk Tuk with her little boy and headed straight to the nearest hospital.



The Midwife checked her out and said that she was only seven months pregnant and not in labour. Then the woman told us - all in mime - that some kids that had been sniffing glue had assaulted her. But with her stomach exposed for all to see, it was obvious that had not happened.

To cut a long story short, the Nurse said that the woman had done this last time she was pregnant with the little boy and it was just a scam to get money. So I gave the woman some money to buy a meal for herself and her child and left her there.

I am glad I went the extra mile and took her to the hospital myself, otherwise I would have been ripped off for the $28.

It's always nice to visit a village and see how the other half live and see how we can assist.

... sharing a meal together and it always makes for a nice eveing.

... but the Thai Khmer restaurant is close to home and very affordable, so we are happy to patronise it.

... about administering funds to the orphanage, is spending time with the kids.

... the Leadership Training and therefore contributes to John C Maxwell's Million Leaders Mandate.

... out of the office but you can't take the office out of the man!



But I agree, you must keep in touch with everyone at home while you are away on holidays.

... means Goodbye Transform Cambodia.

We were advised by the Transform Cambodia Board way back in March of this year, of their decision to replace us at TC.

So earlier this month we closed the TC chapter of our ‘Cambodian Adventures’ and look forward to our next chapter.

We have said goodbye to 30 team members, including volunteer staff, 260+ children and their families at the 3 centres we established in Phnom Penh.

Our hearts and souls have been put into the lives of those we were privileged to serve in this ministry in Phnom Penh and what a pleasure it has been seeing lives change!

Of course, saying goodbye in a working sense doesn’t mean the end of things, as loving relationships with the team, children and parents will continue on a personal dimension.

Yes, the phones and door bell continue to ring!

So it's goodbye to Centre 3's morning group...



... and afternoon group.



Goodbye to Centre 2's morning group...



... and afternoon group.



And last but not least, right back where the first Transform Cambodia doors opened at Centre 1...

... we say goodbye to the morning group...



... and the afternoon group.



Wave bye bye!



Lee-a seun hai-ee Pla b' doa Kampuchea!

... How great is our God
and all will see how great
How great is our God!



The Praise & Worship team at NLF always usher us into His presence.

Reverend James is back in town and this time Reverend Ray Petts, all the way from Dickson City Assembly, was with him. So it was great to schedule in a meeting and have the opportunity to share a meal together.

... in order to get shelter from the rain before the taxi arrived to take us to the airport, as the time had come for Helen to meet up with Mark in Singapore. She was very excited!

Jim was back in Phnom Penh for the afternoon before heading to Siem Reap for the second leg of the cyling tour, so we decided to have lunch at the restaurant they were going to just to say 'Hello' and see for ourselves what condition he was in after his trip down south which included 2 days riding approximately 85 kms followed by 105 kms on the third day.

As usual, we had our little 'bye bye party' waiting to farewell us when we left our home.



We managed to run some errands prior to lunch...



... prior to hearing all about the trip from Jim.



While Jim looked fit and well, it appears that taking us to all our appointments is wearing our Tuk Tuk driver out.

... for 2007 nears its end, so orders are currently being finalised.







The women all love being a part of the income generation program.

... that he is feeling great after being on our basic needs program and receiving medical advice from our Doctor, prescribed medicine and nursing (compliments of Sue).

It is great to see him on the road to good health.

... are currently under construction on the corner of Sihanouk & Monivong (for all you frequent visitors to Phnom Penh) .

... celebrated their 10th anniversary in style at the Australian Ambassador's Residence, home of our patron.

One of the original members told us what it was like 'way back then'.

Even the guys were welcome on this occasion, so Patrick enjoyed catching up with Frank...



... and of course, Jeff, who has an insurance company here. So guess what they were talking about?!



I won a door prize - $US50 voucher to Metro Cafe, so that was a nice surprise!

It is always a pleasure to prepare colourful gift packs for the little children in prison with their mothers.

After watching Patrick and Helen doing the running around all week, I decided to treat them to dinner at Thai Khmer and a cuppa at 'Coffee Korner' just down the road, as I thought I could manage that much.



After that, it was time to get into our chariot ...



... and head home in the rain.

... and takes on some responsibilities that I wasn't well enough to perform.

This time it was shopping for some orphan girls someone had kindly sent some money to us for.

Jeff and Corinna were back in town 'doing their thing' and all who gathered for a meeting in the upper room had an inspiring time!





They're like a breath of fresh air flowing through the town!

... and heads out from the Hotel with the team on their cycling trip to Sihanoukville and Siem Reap.





Jim is always on our prayer list, but knowing the road to Sihanoukville really well, and the way the traffic is, we cranked up the prayers for his safety.

... just as Jim vacates the guest room to join his tour.



While I wasn't well enough to walk up the stairs, let alone prepare the guests bed, the boys were put in charge of ensuring that the room was spic and span for Helen.

... Linda gets to see Becoming Jane!

When Linda visited to check on my health one day - following a phone call the previous day during which she gave me a serve - in the nicest possible way, of course - about looking after myself, I mentioned having the movie and that while I was confined to home I was going to watch it. Linda had a few goes at watching the movie on the Canadian flights, so she decided to join me at home to watch the movie and brought me a beautiful lunch, as well.

We have been so looking forward to having Jim come to stay with us.



It has been good medicine to have dear friends like Phil and Lissa here and now having Jim here to visit.



There's no mistaking the brothers - even all the people we know in the market were calling out to Patrick and asking if that was his brother.

We were made welcome down at the hotel where we had spent a number of weekends hosting the medical teams during the JMM 30 Days of Hope. It was nice to be in air conditioned comfort again!



After dinner in the restaurant, it was time for a cuppa in Phil and Lissa's room.

Hang on, where's the adaptor for the jug?! Just as well they had brought their own.

We contacted our landlords early in the afternoon to advise them that we didn't have any power. By the time the landlord came to investigate that evening, he discovered a disconnection notice in our meter box which is located on a pole in the next street. We checked the electricity account against the disconnection notice, only to find that they had disconnected the wrong customer number.

Being Phil and Lissa's last evening in Phnom Penh and without lights or air conditioning, Phil made the call that we were checking into a 5* hotel for the evening. I made the reservation over the phone while Patrick called the taxi and we all packed by candlelight.





Meanwhile, we waited downstairs by mobile phone light...



... and Phil stood at the gate 'On Guard' keeping an eye out for the taxi.

It was such a blessing for Patrick and I to see our dear friend Maly and her children so blessed by Phil and Lissa's visit to Phnom Penh.

We have talked about them coming for such a long time and what a privilege it was for us to share such a special time in the life of our dear friends.







When we arrived home, we checked out the beauitful night sky...



... while our little neighbours joined in through the gate.

What an evening it was when Phil and Lissa presented the boys with bikes at their home!

We went to the local market where Phil and Lissa purchased bikes for Theara and Veasna.

With Phil and Lissa being such a vital part of our ministry, It was great to have the opportunity to show them centres 1,2 & 3 which we have established over the past year.

We made a trip to the 'pharmacie' - very French - to purchase medicines for a guy on our basic needs program and delivered the goods to his home.

The baby got woken up to be included in the meeting.

We took Phil and Lissa to meet some of the children at risk team in the office.



They do a great service to the poor!

Can I show you a tip? If you do it like this, the finished product will be much better.

We gathered together for a lovely evening at Thai Khmer and were all very interested in our window view. We all agreed that a nice sheer curtain could add to the look.









Our guest border and his fiance joined us...



... as did Kara, Kim and Sue's daughter who was here on a visit.





Is that water in that glass?! Surely not, judging by the colour. It is some kind of tea, unlike any other I have tasted.

A major challenge in this village is ensuring that children do not fall into the river because if they do, with the fast running current, they will drown very quickly!

It was time to say 'Goodbye' to 'Happy Village' until next time.

What an awesome 'Couple of God' Pastor Sara and Sochea are!



Serving the Lord by ministering to the poor and needy with a joyful heart.

And what an awesome privilege to have the opportunity to serve beside them.

These guys did a great job of looking after the church Tuk Tuk while we were at 'Happy Village'.

We hear people in their cosy Western world go on and on about only wanting to be involved in projects that have longevity. And we are all for longevity. But hey, sometimes you just have to 'be moved with compassion', just as Jesus was and help those in need. And I mean, basic need, like a dry place to sleep above the water level!

Cambodia is a great place to apply the WWJD question. What would your answer be?!

... the home was flooded... so a new bed - with mattress to follow - was purchased for a young couple who have another baby arriving next month to raise them above the water level, at least while they sleep.

Oh, I just realised you cannot see it because we are all sitting on it. But it is there! Thanks, Phil and Lissa.



Imagine living in this!

It was time to visit those out on the bridges and what bridges they are!





With some parts of the bridge under water, it looked like we were walking on water!

I hope I don't fall in while you hug me. But hey, if I do, I hope I at least remember to block my nose as I fall in!



At least the kids don't have far to dive into the water off of the bridge!

Phil, Lissa and Patrick take a close look at village life.



Check out the livestock!



take a look at the piglets...



... and the shopping!

Can you please show me what to do with this?



Can I please have a turn?



And me, too?!

Everyone was very excited to check out the gift pack of goodies.

It was hot outside, so we gathered in two rooms in one of the homes and Pastor interpreted standing between the two.

We packed the gift packs into the Tuk Tuk and headed down to 'Happy Village'...





... where we were greeted by a large crowd.









The kids had a sing-a-long...

With a village visit scheduled, it was time to organise all of the items that we had to give, thanks to the generosity of those who gave.









Then it was time for breakfast...



... and the usual hugs from Sochea.

We enjoyed a nice time together over breakfast...



... before moving down by the riverside for lunch.







Show me how you do that, Phil? Slowly, please!



Then it was time for a quick prayer - and safetly check - yes, we have life jackets! - as we set out on the cruise on the Mekong...











... before heading to the markets...



... where it appears Phil and Lissa got a bargain!



Time to head home...



... for a rest.

... young and sweet...









... only seventeen?!



Elvis?!



MC kept the party going...



... and DJ kept the music rolling...



... and these guys kept the bus rocking...



... while these guys kept an eye on the road...





You never know what you will see.



Then there was time for some 'shut eye' for some - with all that noise?!

It was time to pack up...



... and pay the accounts and get back on the road...



... but not before a 'quick' photo shoot. One by one, of course...













...followed by a quick lunch at the market for some of the team... and a 'not so quick' lunch at the Oasis for others...

While Sambath was in on the 'secret awards' it was a big surprise when we presented him with an award for his outstanding achievement.







Then it was time to have Sambath interpret for us and thank Vathanak for his passionate interpretation during the seminar.

Each Manager presented an award to the team member who they considered was the centres high achiever.

The last module of the seminar focused on the importance of relationships and team unity. Respecting each other and appreciating our differences in order to play our part in the great scheme of things!

Phil and Lissa shared their 'journey' and family with the team.

What an excellent performance!

... proved to be very entertaining!

... Reuban Morgan !

Sim had centre stage to pass on some tricks of the trade to entertain the kids...

Sambath was sick at the scheduled time of his presentation on Human Development, but he was well enough to do it the following day.

... to get back into the Conference room to continue the training.

But first of all, it was time to announce the winners of the Beachside Village Construction.







It's the Volunteers, again!

With the 'Beachside Village' construction complete, the teams presented their project to the judges.









Some found it necessary to plead for or explain their project ...







A crowd gathered...





The Judges were unable to make a decision on the spot and had to adjourn to the cafe to make their decision over lunch.

But not as in Freo. Just heave ho and go, go, go, in the qualifying round, finals and grand final!











For some, it proved to be 'all too much'!

... with praise and worship...



... followed by Ken's opening...



... and the first module...



The air conditioner in the conerfence room could not cope, so we opened the room up to let the 'Gulf of Thailand Doctor' in.


Then it was time for the 'Spaghetti House' team activity.









The Judges considered compliance of each of the houses with the activity instructions and rules...

... while one team leader tried to influence the Judges...





... before they adjourned to consider their verdict.



The Judges disqualified one team who had added rubber bands to their construction, when they had strict instructions to use only the materials provided.



The team waited for the Judges decision.



And the winner is...



... the team of volunteers, led by the Interpreter, Vathanak.

... the team waited... and waited ... and waited for their lunch to be served.

The bus arrived at our home at 6am and soon after it was time to hit the road and collect all of the Transform team members who were gathering at Metro House and drive for 4 hours to our Seminar destination of Sihanoukville, south of east of Phnom Penh.

What a ride it was! The bus driver honked his way down the highway and I think everyone - well at least the Westerners on the bus - would agree that we spent a considerable amount of time over the double yellow line. The Khmer's probably didn't notice!

If you wanted some peace and quiet, the bus was not the place to be!













It was great to get out in the countryside and enjoy the scenery...



... as we traveled in first class conditions compared with these guys riding on top of the van...



... and these guys who had to stand all the way!



Of course we couldn't drive all that way without a couple of 'pit stops'.

... for the Seminar were made.

Handouts were compiled and filed...



... and system documents for the presentations were sequentially filed.

The morning proved to be a strain for Patrick, so he was ordered back home to the recliner.

I think it was the pigs that first alerted Phil and Lissa to the fact that they were in rural Phnom Penh. This was followed by a large snake curled up in the water over the back fence.



We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at home together...



... before heading out to the local market where we found a dead rat in the meat section of the market...



Phil will be telling 'Cockie' all about his cousins hanging in the market when he gets back to Perth.



Patrick and Phil were happy to find an unattended shop with a fan going...



... while Lissa ventured into the shoe store.



Then it was time to get the supplies for the gift packs for the children in prison with their mothers.



All Phil needed was a cuddle in the 'hot' market.

Time for some respite at the local cafe, with mango shakes all round.

We took Phil and Lissa home in a cab and dropped the luggage off and then ordered the Tuk Tuk so we could 'hit' the streets of Phnom Penh.

... it was as though Christmas had come early to Street 460!

Life is all about the 'little things' and we were treated with a special delivery of crumpets, English muffins and Dilmah Green Tea upon Phil and Lissa's arrival.



While just a few doors down, Kim and Sue were treated when their daughter Kara arrived with a special delivery of Darryl Lee licorice for Sue and home made Muesli, compliments of Kim's mum, for her son.

We decided to surprise Phil and Lissa by having Theara at the airport to meet them. His Mum also asked if she could come along and of course, our 'Little Shadow', Malin was with us. So we all braved the rough weather out to the airport in a Tuk Tuk.



It was the first time that Theara and his Mum had ever been to the airport and they enjoyed a snack at the airport cafe while we waited on the arrival of Phil and Lissa.



Then it was 'Surprise Time'.

It was a pleasure to meet up with the team at the NLF Sunday service.

We always receive some words of wisdom from Pastor Kim. He's a treasure!

We traveled in convoy from the Riverview Guest House to the riverside where we enjoyed a nice meal together.



After that it was time to get the Tuk Tuk convoy back on the road.





It was great to see Bridget back in town and meet the other members of the team.

... since we traveled as part of the Riverview team on an awareness trip to Cambodia, which was co-led by Neil and Kristy. That's when life as we knew it changed dramatically for us!

It's always great to catch up with Pastor Neil. He's our counsellor, confidant and friend.

Patrick made sure he got plenty of rest during the day so that he could join us at Centre 2 just before the team were ready to depart the centre and return to the guest house.

Although I have mastered being in two places at once, I haven't yet managed the fine art of being in three places at one time. Consequently, I don' have any pics of the Riverview team in action at Centre 1. I'm sure that they have plenty, though!

... everyone had a great time.



There is a Riverview team member under all the kids there somewhere!

The Riverview team are in town on their impact trip and after falling a little behind schedule I made a change to the plan and loaded Team # 2, going to Centre 2, into a Tuk Tuk and sent them off, while the remaining two teams made their way to the other centres on the bus. Team # 1 were quickly 'dropped off ' at Centre # 1 and the bus continued onto Centre 3 with Team # 3.

Everyone got organised...



for centre teams introductions and a warm welcome from the kids...



... followed by the Riverview team introductions...



Then the team took over the afternoons proceedings.

There's never any shortage of discussion at TC's monthly forum.

The first day these little guys had to attend the afternoon classes at the government school after attending the centre in the morning, they decided within an hour or so that school wasn't for them and that they much preferred being at the centre. So they ricocheted back to the centre, but not for long. The Manager noticed they were back and cleaned them up - as they had been playing in the muddy puddles on the way back to the centre - and promptly put them on her bike and took them back to the school.

With the seminar just around the corner, it was time to get the handouts printed.

... or should I say, Prince Charming!

After getting some relief from his pain, this little one was happy to sleep in our papasan.

There's no shortage of frogs around our home and you should see the size of some of them! But this little fella had found his way into our bedroom, so I got Patrick out of bed to get the frog and see if it could fly out the window.

I received another invitation to join a great organisation.

2008 is looking great!

It is great having Sue around to give advice and do home visits for those on our Basic Needs project.



This little one has a high temperature and cough but was happy on Patrick's knee.

Great medicine for Patrick helping the sick while he continues along his road to recovery!

... are never shy in regards to showing their affection.

It was time to teach about interactive maths using money, shopping, props and savings plans. All very interesting for the Khmer teachers.

Apache Seasons - Lessons on Life

There was an Indian Chief who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.



The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.



The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.



The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and
drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.



The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

Moral: Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.

(Note that the above pictures are of the same place but taken during
different seasons).

Don't judge life by one difficult season.

Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come.

Thanks, Frank

It's always great to equip people and prepare personalised training programs for individuals.

Patrick is sleeping, eating and generally feeling well. His only issue is the fact that he doesn't have the strength to do much and requires a good deal of rest. Lots of 'Papa Naps'.

Change the things that need changing
Leave as they are the things that don't need changing
And ask God to help you know the difference...

... Live simply. Love Generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God...

...Happiness keeps you sweet. Trials keep you strong. Sorrows keep you human. Failures keep you humble. Success keeps you glowing. But only God keeps you going!

After the Principal's address to the children, it was time for Patrick and I to say good bye, as this was to be out last offical meeting with her.

While we waited for the Principal to arrive, the children enjoyed reciting their repertoire of greetings and responses which included 'I am OK'. 'I am great' and this one which surprised us 'I am not bad, thank you'.





Boeung Salang's Principal addressed the children who will commence their classes tomorrow.

The time had come for us to say good bye to the Stung Mean Chey school Principal on our last official meeting before our pending exit from TC next month.



After that, it was time to meet with the Deputy Governor of the District.

It's interesting to discuss the great project which helps impoverished, scavenger children of Stung Mean Chey dump by providing shelter, food and education.



They do an excellent job!



The project sends children to both primary and secondary government schools.

We sat through the reading of a letter from Hun Sen, which stated that Cambodia required more schools and teachers, but did not have the money!

... to go to their orientation at school.



As we strolled down the road...



... one of the children took the lead!



Then it was time to wade through the mud to get into the school.