... and this time we met with Katja to give her some ideas of the content of the documents ...



... as well as a coffee and muffin break.

We knew that Kay and Helen were in town but we didn't know that Gavin had come to Cambodia with them, so we got a pleasant surprise when the girls came to our home to pick up some things and Gavin was with them.

Teen Mania, Centre of Peace and Lifestyle Outreach International aka TM, COP & LOI, teamed up for a fun day at the Phnom Penh Water Park.

We had organised to meet the children from COP at 08:15 and arrived at 08:00 to find the children all lined up and ready to go!





Soon after the children filed out to a convoy of Tuk Tuks waiting to take them to the water park.







Just as some of the children thought they were ready to head to the water park, they found themselves out on the footpath! Their driver's had decided that they need to go and put air in the tyres!



It was good to see that the children keep their special caps from Jigsaw Jungle in Freo for occasions such as this. Last time the children used their caps was for the trip down to the coast in May.





Next stop - Phnom Penh Water Park!

Vans and Tuk Tuks arrived right on time and the various groups lined up.



It's much easier organising everyone with a loud haler.



Some took time for a quck photo shoot ...



... but wait, there's more ...







... while a few of us lined up to purchase the tickets. How many did you say?!







The first group went through the turnstiles ...



... and quickly lined up in the shade to wait for the remainder of the groups ...



... except 'Baby' who headed for the fountain.





Sofi has had a wonderful time conversing with the team members who speak Spanish.



Then it was time for the Teen Mania group to be introduced to their 'Water Buddies'.

Hello, I am ____



The first two boys had to be swapped because they both had the same name which would have made things a little tricky.

And I am ____



... and so it went on ...





... until everyone had 'Buddied Up' and it was time to hit the water and slides.









The lunch order was placed early in the morning to ensure that the staff had sufficient time to buy and make enough hot dogs. How many do you want?!

... to check into their hotel with the rest of the 'Physio Abroad' team.

Heath met Eric Lee at Centre of Peace and brough him to JOC to introduce us. Eric then invited me back to Centre of Peace to share about the orphanage relocation project with a team who had come to Phnom Penh from Hong Kong for the weekend.

It was great to have the opportunity to share about the planned relocation of the orphanage.



The team included Mr Wong, Debbie, Jackie and Cristae who use television as a medium to raise funds for projects in Asia.

The team have recently completed projects in China and are keen to partner with projects making a difference in Cambodia.

... the Teen Mania team organised themselves in groups ...



... before heading down the road for a 'shopping spree' at the Russian Market .



The team have now completed a couple of weeks of ministering in the villages and children's centres throughout Phnom Penh.

They came, they gave and they made a difference, just as the Global Expedition slogan states.

... Radhika played support person for Kandea while I accompanied Kirsten in the treatment room.



Ouch!



Annie Horner is in town for a few days and decided to come along to the clinic for the ride ...



... and later joined me back at Jars of Clay for a quick snack. We quickly discovered that the TM team were enjoying their lunch there.





When the break time was over, the team headed back for their afternoon session at COP, Annie opted to go shopping at the Russian Market and Graham was given permission to ride home with me so that he could have a couple of hours of rest in air conditioned comfort at our home.



That created a little jealousy between the team members who would have liked a ride in the Tuk Tuk. All in good fun!

Check out Heath's order - It looks great!



Graham was pretty quiet after having a bit of a 'rough night' ...



... and Kandea and Kirsten had a few bites and splinters that needed attention.



Amy and Adam were in good health and ready for a day of sightseeing with David.

... aka Jars of Clay and Patrick, Adam, Amy and Dave headed off to Centre Of Peace in the Tuk Tuk ...



... while I scored a seat in one of the Teen Mania vans where one of the girls was busy writing 'Thank You' notes.



The children were eagerly awaiting the teams arrival.



Introductions got underway inside the centre.











Sofi got very excited when she discovered that the team were from the States and that there were a couple of girls who spoke Spanish.







It was a great opportunity for the team to spend the day getting to know the children...



... because the team and the kids have a day scheduled at the Phnom Penh Water Park where we are sure they will have a great time!

... and clean up the village.





Everyone was happy to be a part of the clean up team.











Of course, after collecting the rubbish it needed to be removed ...



... so To's Tuk Tuk was put to good use and cleaned up once the job was complete.

As part of the 'Keep the Village Tidy' program ...



... David assisted Patrick by demonstrating an 'Emu Bob'.

Sochea scheduled a 'Parent's Meeting' ...



... and included presentations from Pastor Sara ...



... and Patrick, who spoke about keeping the village tidy!

... where Phearin introduced them to the children ...



... before Adam ...



... Amy ...



... and David joined the kids at the desks.

... called in for a meeting.



It's always good to see them.

... Amy, Dave and Adam were up and making plans for the day!



Then Patrick gave Dave a few pointers for the afternoon presentation in the village.

We have been so looking forward to having David in the country since we first heard about his opportunity to come here ...



... so it was great to see him finally arrive!



After a quick trip home in the Tuk Tuk and assigning rooms, we all headed up on the roof ro relax.



Amy, David and Adam are in their final year of Physio at Curtin University and have come to Cambodia for one month as part of the 'Physio Abroad' program.

While some of the village members were early for class ...





... Sam let everyone else know that she was ready to start her English class.



I must remember to organise a bell for Sam so she doesn't have to call out!

Davi is so excited about her English study that she opened her book to show me what she has been learning.





Sam also had children from TLC come over to join the class in their break time. They're all so keen to learn!

As part of the CRDP, it's necessary to conduct a village visit in order to plan the next stage of development.

By the time each of the children bring us a flower, we end up with a nice little bouquet.



This little guy was happy to assist with a photo shoot of the chickens ...



... as was Pastor Sara.



Back at TLC, Somdy was happy to talk to Patrick about the number of entries in his incentive booklet ...



... while the volunteers, trainees and some team members were concentrating on their daily English lesson.



Sam met with Patrick to discuss the future community development ...



... and later joined in on a costing meeting.

Sam and Sochea checked out the shirt order which was completed by the women in the village.

... and the 'Kindy Kids' put all their heart into an impromptu rendition of a few songs for our guests.



Joan and Sue joined the kids while they dined ...



... and Joan later treated the kids to an Aussie gift.



We shared about the vision for the adjoining land ...



... before enjoying a meal together and a stroll in the village prior to leaving.



Bye, bye Pastor Kim!

Traffic came to a grinding holt as the political party cavalcades filled the streets of Phnom Penh.



I wonder how the Human Rights Party will go!

... with his lovely wife Kathie for the dedication of the new Teen Challenge facility.



We also had the pleasure of the company of Jerry who has flown into town for a special dedication.

... but you can't take the insurance out of the man and woman!

We enjoyed meeting with our insurance representative Sopharith.



I think Patrick wanted to do his own underwriting, while I thought about initiating some compliance procedures.

By the way Patrick took over explaining the filtration process, he reminded me of Eliza Doolittle in the musical, My Fair Lady. I think he finally gets the concept!

... so it's not unusal to 'bump into' the visiting teams. We stopped in at Jars of Clay for an early lunch and later Teen Mania arrived, as did Jason from Samaritan's Purse who stopped by to join a group for lunch.



Next stop for these guys is Morning Star where they will present the afternoon program.



As you can see by the smiles on the faces, the team are having a great time.

... discussed their way through the agenda. And what an agenda it was!



Some funds are available for the purchase of land and we are praying for the remaining funds so that we can proceed to the next level of the project, which will provide additional housing, a TLC playground and facilities for the village.



The name and logo for the new Local NGO was on the agenda ...



... and as Sambath had joined us prior to the completion of our meeting, he took to the board to do the translation.



Further discussion relating to the Koh Krobey water filtration and purification took place after the meeting.



Patrick looks as though he's struggling to come to grips with the design.

... but this time the conversation between Patrick and Sam was centred around the Eagles.



I think they had both seen some stats that appear to put the Dockers' in front! Could that be true?!

Finalising labels for the sewing project is hopefully getting closer, as we continue to meet with Pheakdey.



As Patrick resorts to communicating with a ruler, Pheakdey is learning that it does make a difference whether it's a centimeter or millimeter when we're talking about fabric and font.



I look forward to seeing the finished product.

... got us as excited as the 'Kindy Kids' were when they had the opportunity to play with the team.

We were invited to share our story with the team visiting TLC ...



... and we welcomed the opportunity to talk about our God given vision to establish children's educational centres throughout the city and provinical districts of Cambodia ...





... and the awesomeness of God's provision that continues to be poured out for His vision, as people's hearts are touched and moved to join us and be a part of a life changing project.

Patrick and Pastor Sara shared details of the Community Relocation and Development Project, which started with a 'big, bag full of faith', as Patrick puts it. And that it did!





As we serve together with our faith and trust anchored in God, we all have a quiet confidence in God's continuing provision for the projects, as we see His vision for the poor and needy unfold and come to fruition.

Like the words of the songs, we love having the privilege of 'Testifying to Love' and the opportunity to 'Set The World On Fire'.

... and that's just what the Teen Mania team are doing!

They've taken up the challenge and come to Cambodia to give and in so doing, making a difference in the lives of the Cambodian people.

After spending the first week experiencing 'village life' the teams are currently visiting a number of children's educational centres throughout the city and provincial areas.

The group to visit TLC organised themselves into three groups and took over the classrooms to deliver their presentations ...



... which included drama ...











... that educated and entertained the children. I'm sure they were happy to see 'Jesus' walk on water and calm the storm!

Upstairs, the little Kindy Kids were having their lesson ...





... and thoroughly enjoyed participating.



Meanwhile, Joel and Ashley were enjoying watching their team contribute to the children's education.



Music filled the room as the 'Teens' and the 'Kindy Kids' combined their voices in song, complete with actions.





The next item on the schedule was 'Daniel and the Lions Den' ...





... followed by some beautiful encouraging, comforting words from Raegan. Sweet!



Then it was time for 'Pre Lunch Playtime' for the 'Kindy Kids' ...



... and what a time they had.





These little ones tested the carrying capacity of the visitors.









Some of the team took time out to relax before the presentation ...





... and others assisted in pouring and serving the milk.



After all the physical activity and talk of lions in the den, the kids were all hyped up. So the time came to get them organised in their rows and escorted to their dining table to enjoy a nice quiet meal together.

... for a late afternoon tea at almost 'High Tea' time.

Home backed muffins were on the menu but maybe we should have added some good ol' cucumber sandwiches at that hour of the day. Well, at least that's what they would have been serving at Buckingham Palace.



Let me introduce Adrian and Joan who were there with Joan sporting a new 'Compassion With Power' T Shirt in just the right colour for her.



Pastor's Kim and Chris (the old buddies) were also there.



Kim insisted that the T Shirt Sue selected for him would be way too big ...



... but that wasn't the case.



And last, but certainly not least, Pastor Chris was happy to strike a pose in his new shirt.



Soon the fashionable 'Compassion With Power' T Shirts will be worn in New Plymoth (or Plymouth) and Toowoomba.

... on behalf of a team who is coming to visit later in the year.



The rooms are good ...







... and the pool is great!



A real little oasis, or should I say 'Billabong' (Hotel, that is), right in the heart of the city.

... are about to be enhanced by musical instruments, so we went to the music stores to see what's available. There's the good ol' flutes ...



... and tambourines in all sorts of styles and colours!





And then there's these cute little sets for the Kindy Kids!



We can't wait to hear all the various instruments being played in perfect harmony!

I did and he looked very familiar to me, too!

... so we met with Brigitte to discuss the various items that the group have kindly agreed to purchase.

One of the Teen Mania teams visited Tarsha's Legacy Centre.



Due to the narrow road access into the centre, the team had a little stroll down the lane ...



... and were met by some of the children who escorted them in.



The team gathered upstairs where they met the children.



This little one thought it was play time and we know who gets tired of this game first and it's not the kids.



There was a time to get acquainted with one another ...





... prior to the commencement of the team's program.





And the team will be back again!

... is a ministry of New Life Fellowship and dedicated it's 'Wonderful' Healing Home, with Kim and Sue as the Directors'.



Kim and Sue's Pastor, Chris, was in town for the dedication celebration ...



... and provided the praise and worship.

Pastor Jesse was there and spoke of people's need of healing and God's power to heal ...



... and Pastor Kim spoke about the vision of Compassion With Power ...



... with Samdy providing the interpretation.

... to Phnom Penh, with everything ticked off their 'To Do & See List', the girls were finishing off their packing ...



... before leaving our home ...



... and boarding To's Tuk Tuk to Pochentong.



Bye girls!



You might think that the girls have travelled light, with only a few small bags between them. But don't be fooled because another 50 kgs or thereabouts, was left behind in Bangkok Airport.

We trust Kim and Karen will enjoy a well earned Thai massage at Bangkok Airport to help them unwind before boarding their flight to Australia.

... was the Stung Mean Chey Dump.



Kim and Karen had a great time distributing all the supplies that they had purchased at the local market.













After a great time visiting one of their mother's favourite places the girls looked like this ...



... but it wasn't long before they were cleaned up and on their way out to a farewell dinner ...



... where they shared all about the dump visit.

On this trip, the girls (Kim and Karen, not Sam who has been here with us) have been to Jamaica, Paris, London and Phnom Penh. They loved the sights in Paris and London, but the third world was definitely the highlight of their trip.

... that they wanted to purchase the washing machine for Tarsha's Legacy Centre. And that they did!



They also purchased a large supply of washing detergent, along with something to wash - towels.



TLC now also has a 'Welcome Mat'.

Sam was giving Kim and Karen a lift to the famous Toul Tom Poung Markets, so they could do some more shopping.

The only challenge was, where does the third person put their feet when a bike is made for two?



That didn't stop them finding a way. Now they're organised.



It's no surprise when you see up to seven Khmer people on one bike.

Thinking about it, we could have all gone on the bike with Sam!

It appears as though 'nothing' has escaped the ongoing price increase in Cambodia.

... at the riverside were recounted by Karen and Kim over breakfast. Then when Sam arrived with Sochea to join the girls on a 'Shopping Expedition', it was Sam's internet installation that had hit the top of 'Sam's Hot Topic List'.





The girls look as though they'll be out for a while. Could be a case of 'Shop 'Til You Drop'!

... at the centre, Toul Sleng and the Killing Fields, the girls were ready to join Sam and Sochea for dinner.



Sam braved the heavy downpour, thunder and lightning and gave up the footy to entertain the girls. However, we stayed at home and kept dry while watching the footy.

... we had a few laughs!

After checking in with security ...



... we headed upstairs to meet with His Excellency's PA to hand over documents.

Someone offered to accept the documents on the PA's behalf but we weren't going to go for that because some documents have a reputation of 'walking' if they're not handed to the right person.



But after waiting just a few minutes, the right man appeared. Thank God!

... processes our printing order.

... and 'hit the ground running' with Becc with an appointment scheduled with us soon after the plane landed.

Ayling and Sarah chatted with Sochea upon arrival ...



... while others prepared the morning tea ...



... and some made sure that the kids had clean T Shirts on.



Then the girls had a tour upstairs ...



... and greeted the children.



In the meantime, Kim and Karen arrived at the centre dedicated in memory of their cousin, Tarsha. No doubt it was a moving experience for them both.



Sochea was there to greet the girls.



Then it was time to watch the kids in action.









There appears to be a few older students amongst this group.





There's always time for cuddles ...









The little Kindy Kids kept the girls busy.





I'm sure Karen is in there somewhere.



Kim assisted Vireak with the English class.







Meanwhile, Karen was still upstairs with the Kindy Kids...



... and Ayling and Sarah assisting with the changing of the T Shirts and hand washing.

The hugs continue ...

... prepare to leave our home for Koh Krobey.

Ayling and Sarah are going to check out the operations of the centre.



It's great to be able to assist various organisations with children's centre set up and operations and while so doing, see our vision for multiple effective children's educational centres continue to unfold in Cambodia.

We have had the privilege of registering hundreds of children at the centres and look forward to seeing the number of children registered, run into the thousands.

Shortly after, Rith (Louise's regular Tuk Tuk driver) came to pick up Karen and Kim to take them out to the centre.



After the delay in leaving Heathrow, the girls now have two full days in Phnom Penh, so they have their skates on to get to everyone and everything they have on their list. I bet Louise wishes she was here right now!

The girls left Heathrow as scheduled, but a couple of 'noises' and smoke in the cabin caused the plane to return to Heathrow. The plane finally landed after circling for some time in order to dump fuel.

Then it was off to a hotel to await rescheduling for a flight to Bangkok followed by a flight to PP. But they're here now and have a couple of packed days ahead of them.



The girls are looking forward to checking out the work their mum, Louise, has been doing here.

... we know who to call. Our Resident IT Expert, Sophorn.



He'll sort it out!

... can you make this out of this ...



... and that?!



I'm sure you can!

I am so looking forward to the arrival of our 'Sewing Angel' who is coming to Phnom Penh to assist us with the project.

... to the 'What to Pack' when travelling question.

Below, is the back pack which Patrick picked up when returning that black piece of luggage that didn't belong to Teen Mania. I met with Heath and Radhika to deliver the back pack.



The guy that this back pack belongs to is out by the Vietnamese border on a 'village experience' and will not return to the city until Saturday. Now that means that he will have been without his luggage since he left the USA and in the meantime has had to wear clothes borrowed from other members on the team.

So, we figure the answer to 'What to Pack' may never need to be considered. Don't pack anything and wear whatever someone else has packed. Simple!

Now TM are down to one missing piece of luggage. Where in the world could it be?

... we need training material translated. So we made a quick call to Sambath who agreed to translate the documents for us. Sambath will also attend the Seminar as our Interpreter.

... so I spent an hour or so locked in.



Patrick responded to my SOS, followed by the Landlord's handyman and finally the Locksmith who managed to dismantle the lock.

It may have been quicker to give Lock, Stock & Farrell a call.

... called in to borrow a drill. Yes, they are industrious girls!



Over a cuppa, the conversation somehow went from drilling to visiting Paris!

There's always a group ready to 'farewell us' as we prepare to leave the village to return to the city.

... since a thief has been coming in the night to steal the chickens. Pastor Sara was offered this one.



The owner decided that she would rather give it away than have it stolen.

Talking footy, that is!

Sam and Patrick were very excited as they discussed the recent Docker's win.



Like the old saying goes - You're only as good as your last game, so I guess the Dockers are good!

Down at the village a little later on, Patrick and Sam enlisted Pastor Sara to pray for the upcoming game.



The game will be shown live on Australia Network. I have no doubt about where Sam and Patrick will be during the telecast.

... to deliver some good news!

As we got closer to the village, some of the children were coming home from school, so they scored a ride in the Tuk Tuk.



One little guy needed assistance from Patrick ...



... while I worked on some administration with Sochea. A few of the children had come in to bring us flowers. Sweet!



Then it was time for the team to gather for lunch ...



... and delivery of the good news. We're all going to Kom Pong Som in August for a Seminar & Retreat!



That created great excitement in the centre. Most of the team have never been down to the ocean, so we are excited to be the ones to bring a special trip about.

... have an excellent attendance record.



The 'Tiny Tots' love their Kindy!

... when we were interrupted by shrills coming from the stairs.

Unbeknown to us, our 'old team' had been upstairs having a meeting and spotted us on the way down. It was providential that nobody was hurt as they scurried to get to us.

... to observe the program operations in order to offer recommendations to take the project to another level.

When we arrived at the centre, the children were happy playing while they waited for the session to commence.





We discussed the current program to ensure we had a comprehensive understanding of the existing operations.



Sarah has been volunteering at the centre for several months during her gap year ...



... and is getting ready to leave Cambodia to return to the UK where she will study Theology at University.

Meanwhile, a team from Singapore turned up to do a program ...



... which gave some of the staff a chance to take a break.



The kids were enjoying the team's 'Balloon Presentation' ...



... and were happy to get involved.

... when we dropped by to remind and confirm them of the upcoming excursion to the Water Park with Teen Mania.

... is always happy ...



... as he lives amongst all the rubble and tries out his English when we come in and out of our home.

... Sochea was busy with accounts ...



... while the team were all signing off for the day. Check out the big smiles at the end of the day!

Sam invited me to give a presentation to the team of sewing ladies residing in the village. I was happy to do so, with Pastor Sara who interpeted for me.

Under Sam's supervision, the women are currently working on their first overseas order and Sam needed to have a few issues addressed. So she decided to 'send me in to deal with some of the issues'. Thanks, Sam! I guess it's a case of 'Good Guy / Bad Guy' and Sam wants to remain the 'Good Guy'.

We commenced with a power point presentation covering all aspects of our sewing income generation project, just to show the ladies that the project is about more than them sewing an item.



There's the project cycle ...



... and quality control, just to name a couple of important factors.

After the slide show, we discussed all of the different facets associated with a sewing project with overseas markets.

Of course, you can't have a presentation without an activity to follow ...





... just to make sure they were all paying attention and comprehended the message.



Once I had completed my session, it was Sam's turn to hand over the rejects.



As you can see from the looks on the faces, it was serious business ...





... but I am sure that there will now be less of a reject pile for Sam to deal with.

We received a call to say that Teen Mania's missing luggage was waiting to be picked up at the airport, so out we went.

Patrick managed to get himself into the storage room ...



... because the airport staff were unable to confirm that all of the missing luggage had in fact arrived.

We actually decided to go with what the bags that the staff suggested ...



... and piled them into the van ...





... and headed out to LOI in the province of Kom Pong Speu.

During the drive out we were treated to some 'Road Entertainment'.



At one stage, as we passed a truck, another vehicle passed us, so we were three vehicles wide with two on the wrong side of the road travelling at a rate of knots, complete with vehicles coming from the opposite direction.

At LOI we were given a tour of the grounds by Heath and Radhika. First of all we checked out the accommodation ...



... followed by the fish farm. I'd love a fish farm. All I need is some land.



It's certainly a beautiful facility and one where we would like to have a weekend retreat, so we hope to be back.

We headed back into town with Heath and Radhika, complete with 'Road Entertainment', only to receive a call advising that one piece of luggage was not a part of Teen Mania's missing pieces.

So, it was back to the airport to deliver the luggage to it's rightful owner.



That means that there are two pieces of luggage still missing!

... as they prepare to head out to the coutryside for a village experience without modern conveniences.

The first van in the drive way was full of beautiful young ladies ...



... who were introduced to Srey Na who will be going to the village with the group.

Ashley conversed with Graham and Sandra was no doubt giving Joy a few last minute instructions to assist her in looking after the kids remaining at home ...



... while Patrick chatted with a group in one of the vans. Maybe he's giving advice on how to manage in a village without mod cons. Maria appears to have a very concentrated look on her face as she converses with someone on the phone.



Small group discussions were happening around and about the place. Joel, Ashley and Maria appeared to be organising something while one of the drivers listened in.



Some of the girls had been inside checking out all the photos of the kids from Open Arms ...



... while others relaxed in the van ...



... before getting out to stretch their legs prior to leaving for the village.



We had done our bit in delivering the sim cards, so we decided to leave them all to it.

We look forward to seeing everyone next weekend and hearing all the reports about the village experience.

We trust all the reports will be 10/10.

... so we dropped into COP so that the children could receive their gift.

The sheets were categorised according to pattern and colour, as well as age and gender appropriateness.



Once the children received their sheet ...



... they handed it to an older child so that their name could be written on it.



Then all the children spread their sheet out to check it out before refolding it ...













... with some deciding that team work was the way to go!



Can I please have one?



Of course, you can. How cute!



With a cool change in the weather, the sheets are a timely gift for the children.

... so it was great to 'bump into them' when we stopped in at Jars of Clay for a quick cuppa between appointments.



It was interesting catching up with all their news and that's all that I'm authorised to say. Really inspiring stuff!

While we waited with Rambo - aka our Transport Van Man - for Teen Mania to come through the gate, Matt Scanlon noticed the Teen Mania sign and introduced himself to us. Matt is serving with Empowerment Advocates International and has organised the accommodation for the team at LIFE Outreach International.



We discovered that TM was well known because people coming through the gate kept advising us that TM were not far behind them. We trust that the team was well known because they were all so well behaved and such a pleasure to travel with!

The first to appear through the gate were the team leaders, Radhika and Heath, who advised us that the team were still waiting for luggage. We know only too well that you can be waiting a while for luggage at the Pochentong Airport. Like until the next flight, the next day.

It was great to finally meet Radhika in person after only previously 'meeting' her during a teleconference with Ingrid.





Soon after the 'teens' started to flow on through the arrival gate ...







... before heading out to the vans. It was handy that the rain had just ceased.





With a group of 35 people the line seemed to go on and on.



The team are from the USA, Canada and one other country which escapes my memory right now!





Check out the beautiful big smiles after all those hours of travelling.



Meanwhile, the missing luggage was discussed.

... and after they checked in they joined us in the cafe.



After saying farewell to Vic and Faye who were flying out at 09:50, we went to the outdoor cafe to enjoy reading for a while ...



... before our next scheduled appointment to meet a special group who were due to arrive at 10:30.

Prior to arriving in Cambodia, Vic & Faye have been on the road - or should I say, in the air - for a month or so starting with a conference in Malaysia, followed by business in Europe, with a little pleasure thrown in along the way.

Vic informed me that he had packed 4 books for me but gave them out to different people as he felt led to do along the way. He has now promised to mail copies to me. However, I must admit that I didn't feel as though I had missed out because I ended up with two of Vic's books which he had taken to read during his travels.

Katja's surprise party gave us a great opportunity to meet the new students at New Family of Hope who seem so little and cute!





Sonai had done a great job of organising the surprise for Katja ...



... with plenty of good food ...



... and fun for all.



Vic seemed to be amusing everyone. I wonder what he was talking about!



Finally, we had a photo with the 'old student's' ...



... followed by one with the 'new students'...



... before finishing with one with 'all the students' in the NFH project.

... where they were entertained by the Kindy Kids ...



... followed by introductions to David who visited the centre after attending the morning session at school ...



... who sang a few songs for Faye.



Meanwhile, the boys were busy in the classrooms ...





... when the Kindy Kids were ready to leave the centre after some took advantage of a helping hand or hitched a ride down the stairs.





Then it was time for the other classes to head upstairs ...



... to sing a few songs ...





... before enjoying lunch.



After the children left the centre we chatted with the team ...





... before enjoying lunch together.

After lunch we had a stroll around the grounds behind the centre ...



... while the children picked jasmine.





Discussions relating to future planning continued ...



... before a photo shoot and goodbyes!

... was up on the roof, so that's where we headed with Vic and Faye.

... with Rambo at Phnom Penh Hotel.

After meeting Vic and Faye from Community Care International at the airport, we made a quick trip home to drop off their luggage before heading out to do a couple of jobs.

First on the list was a quick stop into the local Akira store to exchange a transformer. However, there wasn't a need to change it, only to modify the electrics. Really! Yes, it's simple.



All you need to do is split the cord and attach the two wires here and cut off the other. You don't need it! I'll do it for you.



This sounds dangerous, Patrick!

Now I'll test it.



See, it works fine!

... and heaps of little girls usually around, it has been a bit of a wait to find the right little girl to bless with the doll.



We are happy to say that the doll now has a new home to go to.

A lot when you are completing a clothing order to specifications, as requested!

Sopha was responsible for checking the measurements ...



... while the girls looked on and waited patiently for the pass or fail mark to be applied to their work.



There's always a time to iron ...



... a time to cut ...



... a time to match fabrics ...



... a time to measure ...



... and a time to sew.



But most importantly, there's a time to laugh ...



... as they try on the outfits ...



... and a time to be encouraged.



Thanks for the lovely card, Amy. The girls loved it!

... we are delighted to have Sambath join us to facilitate two of our major projects.



Sambath will facilitate the water purification and filtration system at Tarsha's Legacy Centre as well as our application to become a Local Non Government Organisation.

We know that the water purification will be a short term project, but we know all too well about how time consuming government dealings can be.

Although we have enjoyed facilitating a number of MOU's for International NGO's which require documentation to be presented in English, the Local NGO requires the submission in Khmer, which neither Patrick or I could possibly contemplate. So it's great to have Sambath on board to translate all the necessary documenation and assist us with the process.

... got together for a meeting to discuss an interesting Agenda.



We all thoroughly enjoy this project and it does our hearts good to see the difference this project has made to all of the families that have been relocated.

We look forward to the ongoing development of the project and everyone in the village.

... worked on some administrative business for the sewing project ...



... before heading out to the markets to look for fabrics and bringing back her purchases...



... for my approval.

... where everyone was busy either sewing, sitting, sleeping...



... or playing ...



... or hugging...





... or cleaning out the storage room which will now be furnished as a community classroom where the parents will be invited to study Khmer and / or English. They are so excited about having the opportunity to study.



There's no sight of the latest toy release, but that didn't stop these kids enjoying playing with some packing they had found...





... or these boys hanging out and having a good time together.



Of course, there's always some sort of serious discussion happening relating to the health and welfare of the people...



... with a decision made in this instance, to take a child to hospital.



This man's wife used to work away from home to support his family. Now that his wife has a position at TLC, he has moved back to the family home where he has part time work and also assists the village community with transportation needs, such a taking people to hospital etc.

The Pied Piper led a rendition of 'If you're happy and you know it ...'



Patrick tried to skip a few verses, but the kids soon picked him up on that point!

... enjoyed the first session 'This is the Day' ...





... followed by a group photo shoot!

... for the teacher trainees and the volunteers during the lunch break ...



... so there were tense moments for some ...







... while others appeared to be a little more relaxed.



Can you believe that this lady is learning how to read and write English when she doesn't even know how to read and write Khmer!

In the meantime, these little ones kept an eye on things through the window.

... when Sam arrived at TLC was the Dockers and their footy result.



Need we say more!

Then Patrick took time out to talk to Pastor Sara about the fact that the social soccer team remains undefeated.



What a contrast!

... was a hive of activity as some prepared dessert...



,,, and others made coffee ...



... while others waited to serve the meal...



... which everyone enjoyed.



Then there was great secrecy in the camp as the team tried to distract me with some pampering ...



... while they prepared my birthday cake.



Some of the kids came down to the centre to present me with flowers.



Later, the volunteers prepared the kids afternoon snack.

... visited TLC and had a tour of the classrooms ...



... before heading upstairs where they entertained ...



... and were then entertained.



Then it was time for the team from Singapore and Dave to leave the centre...

... and take a tour of the community...





... before leaving the CRDP.

... from an international charity, advising us of the inclusion of our projects in a fund raising event to be held in the States next year.



"And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]."

2 Corinthians 9:8