... that were kindly donated to them.



It didn't matter to the girls that the clothes were all boys clothes. They still lined up for their share.





They're so cute and were happy to be a part of the fashion shoot!

... as they received their first ever salary.



All of the team are thoroughly enjoying themselves as they equip, empower and enrich the lives of the children.

... as volunteers commit their time to being a part of this project.

... completed the front gate for Tarsha's Legacy Centre.



All it needs now is a nice coat of paint.

... to the team and children at Tarsha's Legacy Centre by emailing ...

tlc@everyday.com.kh

... from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which provided me with the opportunity to discuss the issues relating to the pros and cons of the new government requirements implemented for international organisations.

I understood fully the issues raised by the Secretary of State...



... as I have witnessed some of the issues first hand. Organisations make promises to get their hands on what they want, only to leave the government wanting for the delivery of such promises.

Another issue discussed was that associated with organisations not fulfilling their obligations to their Memorandum of Understanding with the government ministry.

... was included in our conversation when we met with Frank.



Networking is of great value.

... for a while but is now out of hospital and convalescing at home where we paid him a visit.

... and not for lack of trying, we have been unable to find T shirts small enough to fit them. So our only option is to have them especially made to order.

In the meantime, I am sure they will not give up their oversized uniform which they are so proud of and treasure.

Here's a little fashion parade.









Wearing oversized outfits doesn't stop this little kindy group enjoying themselves!





They may appear little on the outside, but these kids are big on the inside.

While Patrick met with Sochea ...



... Pastor Sara was busy making the front gate for TLC.



Check out the welding safety gear - motor bike helmet and flip flops.

Speaking of safety, the stairs now have a safety rail.



It was 'out with the old and in with the new' when Tarsha's new plaque, complete with the necessary amendments, was completed and put up in the foyer.



A quote to describe the TLC team hangs in the foyer ...



... with this one not too far away in the office.



'Our lives flow into each other as wave flows into wave.
And unless there is peace, joy and freedom for all,
There can be not real peace or joy or freedom for anyone'

While some of the 'Kindy Kids' were concentrating 'really, really hard' on giving thanks before their lunch ...





... this little one was wide eyed and busy checking everyone out.



Some managed very well on their own ...





... but others were happy to have an assistant to wait on them.

The morning tea menu consisted of milk, bananas and peanut paste on baguettes.



The kids love the peanut paste, Kristy!



Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Ly ...



... and her 'Assistant of the Day' - one of the mothers from the Community Relcation Project -



... were busy preparing lunch.

It is great that the mothers from the CRP have signed themselves up as volunteers in the kitchen.

A beautiful example of 'as we give, so we receive'.

These mothers are so grateful that their children are receiving an education and are more than happy to contribute to the centre operations by volunteering their time and service.

... since it opened but not before some of the children who had followed us down the road jumped into the Tuk Tuk to greet us.



While the kids lined up outside and did their morning exercises ...



... Patrick had the opportunity to sit and relax and take in the surroundings in the peace and quiet ...



... but that didn't last for long because some of the kids decided to join him once they had finished with the exercises!



Some of the children were quick to show me the stickers on their incentive booklets.



Vireak was in charge of the first item on the program 'This is the Day'...





... followed by lessons in the class room.





In the meantime, Patrick had a chance to catch up with Phearin ...



... before Phearin joined his students in the class room.

After having a couple of wonderful weeks in Perth with dear family and friends, I returned to Cambodia on the 4th anniversary of serving here.

I am speechless when I think about all of the amazing days and all the answered prayers I have had along the way.

It's such an awesome privilege to equip, empower and enrich the lives of the Cambodian people.

Here's to the next 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 or however many more years I get to have the privilege!

Remember the song from the 1950's?!

On Sunday, while the Swan River looked as smooth as ...





... we rugged up and were treated to an afternoon's boating...





... and dining by the McGuire's ...



... and their trusty Skipper, Harry ...



... assisted by his First Officer, Kayla, who had the day on the water while waiting for the arrival of her baby brother.



Then within 24 hours we were back in Phnom Penh crossing the Mekong.



There's just a little bit of a contrast between the rivers!

... is new for us with the opening of Tarsha's Legacy Centre, I seized the opportunity to tap into my daughter Leanne's expertise in the area of teaching.

First of all we discussed ideas relating to the decoration of the Kindy area...



... before getting down to the business of providing age appropriate activites and resources etc.



Leanne works for a leading children's learning development organisation and we look forward to putting all the ideas into practice and are sure that the kids will love it!

It was great to meet with Gaylene as we shared our passion to enrich the lives of the poor and needy.



It was wonderful to listen to Gaylene's initiatives, dreams and goals and we look forward to seeing these dreams become a reality. It's awesome to be included.

... arrvied in Perth on 'Budgie Business', so Patrick had an opportunity to meet Phillip, Catherine and Matt.



We headed for a coffee shop and enjoyed catching up...



... before we took the guys to where a car awaited them to take them south.



We wish them success and favour with the Judges and look forward to hearing the results of the competition!

... to have the opportunity to 'rug up' and enjoy some nice cold Perth weather, while sharing our projects with interested parties.

It was also good to have the opportunity to meet with Andrew to finalise details relating to our web site.

As we continue to 'connect the dots', as Glennys says, we were introduced to Fiona from Calypso Costumes.



The children's costumes are beautiful and very cute!



Fiona had prepared a comprehensive file, complete with patterns, instructions and fabric options.



I look forward to returning to Phnom Penh to show the girls in the sewing project the children's costumes and preparing a range of samples to return to Fiona.

With Fiona's interest in fair trade and making a difference in the lives of the Cambodian women, we are excited about having the opportunity of partnering with her.

... so it was great to have a tour with Glennys...



... and check out the latest additions to stock...



... and receive another order for the girls in the sewing income generation project to complete.

It's great to see Glennys establishing her business in the Fair Trade industry and making a difference in the lives of women and their families in the third world.

While family and friends were expecting Patrick to leave Perth to return to Phnom Penh, I arrived instead and surprised them all. I love doing that!

Even our 'Roomies', Lissa & Phil had no idea I was about to visit.

... to advise that they had a parcel delivery for us. After explaining that I was currenlty in a meeting at the Phnom Penh Hotel, they said that they would deliver the parcel there.

Within minutes, I had a parcel from Heague & Moran in my hands. Now that's service! Well done, TNT!

... getting very close, it was time to meet with Rambo to discuss finalising the quote.



Later that night, I had a teleconference with Ingrid and Project Director, Radhika, in the States. It's a great idea to 'meet and greet' on the telephone as part of the preparation process, before meeting in person when the team arrives.

... is always great fun, as you watch the staff trying to locate your order.

This was obviously Kim's first experience.



'Do you think they'll every find it?!' 'Of course they will, Kim!'

With the workmen back on the job, the children’s dining tables and chairs were not accessible, but that didn’t stop the children enjoying their first meal on the mats together.



The children that were registered at the commencement of the morning session had settled in.



It was great to see this little one had settled after getting off to a crying start only a couple of hours earlier.

... with the appointment of Makara, as a teacher.

With the opening of the centre and the fact that the children will now enjoy a nutritional meal each day they attend, it was necessary to weigh and measure the children once again.







Phearin gave this little baby a turn on the scales.

... Ly, to prepare the first nutritional meal for all of the children.



In the meantime, the men delivering the fridge, could not find the centre, so our Tuk Tuk driver, To, was sent out on a moto to find them.





Sochea asked me to ‘taste test’ the meal. Very nice, indeed.

Sam, Sara and I checked out the land behind the existing Community Relocation & Development Project.



What a nice place for the children's playground and additional buildings.

The visions we have are all about replication. I can see it now!

I arrived at TLC to be warmly greeted by the children eager to assist me in carrying my files.



Meanwhile, sweet music came from the foyer as the team sang praise and worship songs during their devotions.



The painter was there on the scaffolding finishing off the front door.





Then the children lined up and did some exercises before moving into the classrooms.



Some of the mothers watched through the front door.



Sochea conducted interviews in the foyer with parents and children eagerly wanting to enrol at the centre.



Phearin and Vireak got down to the fine art of teaching the children in their class.







One little guy was in tears, so his Mum joined him at the desk.

Linda met with Mission Direct's Director Tim in the UK and they got to talking about our Community Relocation & Development Project, so Tim got our details from Linda and contacted us by email the next day.

Tim informed us that Mission Direct, sends out teams on short term mission trips to Cambodia each spring to undertake small building projects and they also partner with New Life Fellowship.

In my reply, I advised Tim that we were members of NLF. Tim then told us that one of their team leaders from a recent trip, Josh, had stayed on to work with New Life. So, after the service today, I introduced myself to Josh.



Josh is having a great time in Cambodia, so that's great to see!

We look forward to meeting the Mission Direct team on their next trip to Cambodia.

... our little neighbours are always there to greet us.



They were out in a heavy dowpour of rain, but that didn't dampen the kid's spirit. They were having a great time.

... I thought about the day we received a text from Sam while we were in Perth to say that Louise was coming to Phnom Penh and wanted to build a children's educational centre.

I remembered the day we met Louise upon our return from Australia in January and how we listened to Natarsha's story, as we looked at her pictures, while standing within the string line that had just been set out for the building on the Community Relocation Project site.

I thought about the inspirational planning meetings the team had.

I thought about the day the name of the centre was agreed upon.

I remembered Kristy, who has such a heart for the Khmer people, that she took the time out of her busy schedule to come to Phnom Penh and interview all the mother's and record the necessary children's data for our records and then researched the nutritional content of various items in order to design a suitable nutritional program for the children. I also remembered Paul, Tyler and Zack who kept the home fires burning.

I thought about the day that the opening date was set.

I remembered how within a month or maybe less of the scheduled opening day, that we didn't have the money for set up or operating costs and we all just gathered in faith, believing that this was a God given project and that His provision would prevail. And it did, as He touched the hearts of those willing to join our team and partner with us and be one who makes a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.

I thought about the news that Natarsha's parents, Catherine and Phillip, together with Louise, planned to be here for the opening.

I thought about the kids who probably cannot comprehend the fact that so many people who have never ever met them, love them enough to contribute in whatever way they can to a project bound to build a bright future.

I remembered the day the team were chosen to be instrumental in building bright futures for these kids.

I thought about the teaching staff who taught the children the songs for opening day, as they gathered in various parts of the centre, during construction of the building.

I thought about all the preparation that went into the opening ceremony and how everyone served side by side to bring the dream into a reality.

I thought of the intensity with which some of the children paid attention to their teacher and the effort they exuded to get things just right.

I thought about the quote on my 'Inspiration For Working Women' Calendar... and about how appropriate it was for opening day.

'To do great and important task,
two things are necessary:
a plan and not quite enough time.'

As it turned out, we had both of the necessary things. So we are sure this is a great and important task.

I thought about the number of things that had to be done more than once in preparation for the opening, and those that still weren't right on the day.

I thought about the necessary reprint of the T shirts due to the question of 'to be or not be, transparent' on the logo and because words are not spelt the way we spell them and how if those involved were American and not Australian, it would be all right!

I remembered the mistakes on the plaque, which also requires reprinting and the items still unpacked because we only just recently got to the lock up stage of the building and didn't get all the purchases made in time.

But most of all, I thought about how insignificant some things really are. Minor details, actually, in the scheme of things.

I thought about how quickly the whole plan fell perfectly into place and how the team contributed the talents they each had for the good of the whole.

I thought about the relentless enthusiasm and excitement of the children as they watched the centre being built, hour after hour.

I remembered the love and compassion that flowed between each of the team members serving the poor and each other, wholeheartedly.

I thought of the team who continuously walked side by side in order to shoulder one another's burdens and ensure each one was equally yoked.

I thought of the harmony and peace that the project brought to each of our lives, as we served our Beloved God in unity, keeping Him and His heart for His precious Cambodian people, forever as our focus.

I thought of the hope that countless numbers of poor children now have as TLC teaches them how to build bright futures.

I thought of the sense of loss and grief felt by Catherine and Phillip and Louise and all the family who loved Natarsha, so dearly.

I thought of Natarsha Louise Charlesworth, who died at the age of 22, who said, "Life's too short to not live for something bigger."

I thought about how Tarsha's Legacy Centre is just that - Tarsha's something bigger!

I thought about how I love living for others and how special and unique each and every one of us really are.

I thought about the awesome privilege of being saved to serve.

I thought of all of our wonderful dedicated partners, who believe in our ministry, without whom, we couldn't do what we do.

I thought about the privilege and honour Patrick and I have of serve our amazing, wonderful God, together!

To God Be All Glory, Honour & Praise!

... and took one of my earphones. I think he was surprised at what he heard.



This little guy 'bopped away' to Hillsong. How cute!

The team joined together for their first team meeting.



The kids were at each and every one of the windows and doors calling out to their teachers.





These children were singing the songs they performed at the opening. Cute!



The cook was busy preparing Khmer Curry, especially for me - My favourite!



What a lovely view from the kitchen window!



After the meeting the children came to collect their nutritional snack for the last time because next week they will be attending the full program at the centre.





There's always finances to do ...



... and discussions to be had.



The tradesmen were back on the job. It was hard to believe that this was the same room we had part of our ceremony in yesterday.

... and that she does!

When I picked Louise up from the airport last week, she went straight to a meeting and from there, she was here, there and everywhere. Here's a random selection of Louise's snapshots.























Two related gentlemen named Phillip Charlesworth.

... left Phnom Penh bound for Davonport, Tasmania and the Phnom Penh contingent were there to say goodbye.



Someone was doing some advertising.



It was none other than Pastor Sara!



I thought at this stage that we may have lost Louise...



... which wouldn't have been a problem, as I am sure we would have had a few takers for her plane ticket.

After Catherine, Louise and Phillip went inside the airport to check in, I happened to ask if anyone was interested in ice-cream of some description.



As you can see, I was inundated with affirmative answers.

After the treat, we had a quick 'kerb side meeting'...



... before going in different directions.

... is officially open and is a place where dreams will come true!

We were greeted by a small 'Welcoming Committee' at the turn off on the main road. How sweet!



We didn't send out invitations for people to attend the opening, except of course for the families of the children. I mean, where would we begin or end with the invites if we did so?! However, Marie Ens heard about the opening and said she would like to join us and Leigh Ramsey and Maria from Queensland are still in town and they also asked if they could come along, so it was a real pleasure to have them there.



Phearin and Vireak organised the children for the ceremony ...



... while others enjoyed a time of 'meet and greet'.



Then we had an Australian flag wave from both sides of the room.





Pastor Sara got the proceeding under way with a warm welcome for everyone...



... followed by a time of praise and worship, led by the TLC team.











You were not forgotten, Patrick, as Sochea included your favourite - In His Time.



I read Patrick's words of thanks, congratulations and encouragement to the TLC team, children and parents, which he had kindly emailed through to me.



They were well received and the kids are awaiting your return, Patrick.



Tarsha's parents, Phillip and Catherine and Aunty Louise were welcomed and introduced and thanked for their work in raising funds to build the centre...



... and for everything else that they brought with them. What a blessings they are and what a privilege it is to serve with them!

Sam shared Natarsha's story and details of how the centre came about.



Then Louise shared with everyone.



The next item on the agenda was a presentation by some of the children. These children have learnt their songs in various sections of the centre while it was still under construction. All complete with actions.







I think some may have been a little nervous, as they didn't take their eyes off teacher Phearin, as he played conductor!

While this was all happening, the younger children were studying downstairs!



Catherine, Phillip and Louise joined in a group shot...



... followed by one including the TLC team.



After that, we all moved downstairs to the foyer...



... where we joined in the cutting of the ribbon to officially open Tarsha's Legacy Centre.



It was a time of great joy for the children and thankfulness for the life of Natarsha who said...

"Life's too short to not life for something bigger."

Natarsha did live for something bigger - TLC. An education centre 'building bright futures' for poor children, who were previously without hope.

We continued the photo shoots ...





... and mingled.



Then it was time for lunch for the kids.



Great - Hamburgers!









Two beauitful people got to share together.



There were lots of hugs to be had...



... and gift packs, in beautiful bright bags made by ladies in Davonport, to be handed out.



Then it was time for the children to head home after the morning celebrations.











The team had another photo shoot...



... followed by one with Catherine, Louise and Phillip...



... before enjoying lunch together...





... while listening to some words of encouragement and inspiration from Pastor Sara.



Then it was time for me to say farewell to the children who came running up to the centre when they saw that we were ready to leave the village.



What a wonderful day!