TWTW Week 4 August 2008

* Across Borders

We went to Saigon on business ...



... and decided to have a few days R&R while we were there and we are glad we did.



The gardens throughout the city are lovely and some of our highlights included a beautiful Mass at the Notre Dame Cathedral ...



... a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels where it was a case of now you see him ...



... now you don't!



It sure was dark down there and cramped and I was happy to be coming out but glad I had the experience.



We enjoyed a trip down to the Mekong Delta region and a boat ride out to the islands ...



... which included a relaxing canoe ride. The girls are kept busy paddling the tourists along the narrow water ways ...





... and at times it was like we were riding in 'bumper boats' as the canoes passed each other.

The island tour was interesting and we had the opportunity to dine with the locals ...



... and be entertained by the singers ...



... in between shopping and checking out the bees ...



... and small business operators going through their processes, as well as a coconut factory which produced everything from soap, sweets, drinks and a medicinal wine complete with scorpions and snakes!



There was plenty of activity on the Mekong.





We had a laugh when we requested another tub chair for our room and returned to find only an additional seat cushion on the chair.



We eventually returned from one of our outings to find twin chairs.



We also purchased some fabric that our Australian markets had requested but we weren't able to supply because it isn't available in Cambodia, so I guess you could say that the sewing project now imports as well as exports.





Patrick was my Tour Guide and I sure was hoping that he picked the right street out of the eight or so streets running into the roundabout because I certainly didn't want to have to cross the road unnecessarily!



There's a Khmer word 'doach k'nee a' which means 'same same but different' and that is how we found Saigon. Very similar to Phnom Penh ...

... with it's big markets ... which were cleaner but just as hot ...



... and kids begging in the streets ...



... and women selling their wares on the footpath ...





... and the same power line 'system'.



Although Phnom Penh now has a few metered taxis, they were at every turn in Saigon ...



... as were the buses ...



... and the millions of motor bikes!



* Sew Empowered

Back in Phnom Penh, the ladies continued sewing away the Calypso Costume order.



The ladies were telling us that working on this project continues to make such a difference in their lives.



With the rising cost of living and Nimul and Seam's husbands unemployed, the income they receive from the project keeps the family home running. They also enjoy a great time of fellowship with each other as they produce the beautiful items which allow them to put their creative skills into action.



As we have said before, this project is about so much more than sewing.

By the way, Veasna is in hospital with her baby girl!

* Community Relocation and Development

Patrick and Sara met over the Community Relocation and Development Project.



* At Tarsha's Legacy Centre ...

Makara was rostered on the 'This is the Day' session ...



... and did a great job ...



... while the team from Tarsha's Legacy Centre prepared the lesson plan for next month.





Chea has been shopping - unlike me, she loves to shop - so all the children's school uniforms are ready to be distributed before the big day (the kids first day at school).



* At The Village ...

... the ladies have been busy sewing a bag order for Sam ...





... while one of the guys was busy putting an extra window in his house.



I thought I would do a quality check on behalf of Sam on the bags she has ordered.







* The village English lesson was held in TLC's Khmer classroom!







Here's Davi's testimony ...

... I always wanted to study English when I was a young girl but never had the opportunity. Now I thank God that since He moved my family to this village the opportunity has arisen for me to learn. This gives me an opportunity in the future to be able to teach English to children or to translate for others. I am able to work and study with my children who are also learning at TLC Centre. Praise God!!



Sara nominated Ura to take the Khmer class for the village people ...



... and Nimul took on the challenge of the Khmer alphabet.



Sara moved between the village and TLC ministering to everyone's needs along the way ...



... and spent time with To, our Tuk Tuk driver, in the foyer.



* International Teams

The 'Team Season' is drawing near and we are currently in the process of finalising team visit schedules for our international guests.



We are blessed by the gifts and talents of the individual team members and looking forward to seeing the scheduled activities in action. It's sure to bless everyone involved and have a huge impact as we serve together to equip, empower and enrich the lives of the village people and children at Tarsha's Legacy Centre.

It's great to have people who care for the poor offer to come here to serve alongside us and give of their time and talents. As they excitedly anticipate their missions trip we are also excited about their pending visit. It's a Win-Win!

* Morning Star Children's Centre

We visited Morning Star to review the recent training implementation and organise the ongoing monthly training.





As you know, we love partnering with other ministries and it's always great to see the team's progress and their increased confidence as they implement the new strategies. It's certainly a privilege to team up with them and present the training.

* Guests

Marty and Robyn, who are staying with Kim and Sue, joined us on a trip out to the village and met some of the TLC children early as we picked them up along the way and took them to the centre door ...



... and as quick as those children got out of the Tuk Tuk, another group piled in.



It's always a great pleasure to introduce the team and children to our guests.





Vireak was a little sore, to say the least, after having just had a fall from a motor bike after taking one of the children home. Marty was of great comfort as he offered to cut Vireak's arm off at the shoulder. At least that brought a smile to his face!

After a short break during lunch time, Vireak insisted that he was OK to take his afternoon classes.



In the meantime, Patrick, Sochea and Pastor Sara checked out the bike.



Marty and Robyn took a stroll down the village lane and met some of the people.





* Sokhang Update

I was so deeply moved with compassion as I joined Pastor Sara to talk to Sokhang.



We were told this week that we need to send Sokhang to an NGO that teaches blind children in order to prepare him for when he loses his sight!

Sokhang loves attending the centre and has blossomed in the loving, caring environment of Tarsha's Legacy Centre.

We now have two conflicting reports, so we will ensure that we pursue every avenue possible to give Sokhang the opportunity he deserves.

Thank you all for your continued prayers for Sokhang.

* Soccer on the Basketball Court!

Why wasn't I surprised that the soccer game was held on the basketball court?! Only in Cambodia, surely!

There was plenty of action on the field ...







... and on the sidelines.







It's obvious from the final score, that Fellowship of Hope had most of the action ...



... which made them very happy!



We were amused by the T Shirts, complete with Manchester United and AIG logos, Pastor Sara purchased from the local market. Could this be prophetic?! Will we see these guys join the big league players?!

And that is, our week that was!

TWTW Week 3 August 2008

* We met with Fiona's rellies, Michael and Greta at Java Cafe. Michael has been in town for a while working on a project and Greta arrived more recently.



We were discussing the importance of ensuring that the Khmer people comprehended what was being said, particularly when attending training sessions and Michael mentioned Globish.

Globish is known to cut the Queen's English of 171,476 words down to size, with only 1500 key words. Here's an example of an American and Globish version.

American Version ...

This little tidbit of literary joy is amiable and a slam dunk to peruse, notwithstanding the fact that it has the overwhelming gall to propose a revamping of our methods of verbal exchange around the world.

Globish Version...

This book is easy to read and with pleasure. Still, it proposes a complete change in the way we communicate around the world.

Interesting!

* Where are Lock Stock & Farrell when you need them?!

I had an 08:15 appointment, which I had to postpone due to the fact that I was locked in my bedroom. Our quality built rental home often fails to pass the quality test. Previously, I have been locked in our study and had to wait an hour or so on that occasion for the landlord to send the locksmith. This week I was locked inside the bedroom for more than two hours. At least our bedroom, complete with ensuite, is very comfortable, so I had a relaxing time sitting in my tub chair reading a good book. That was much better than being stuck in the study!



* Further to Sambath's research into the various options available for water filtration and purification, Phearom and John from RDI visited the village to advise us of alternatives to improve the water.



I couldn't help but wonder if Patrick was talking about 'the fish that got away'. It was this big!



A sample of the water from the existing well was taken to be tested ...



... and the girls welcomed John with flowers. Sweet!



* After two weeks holiday the kids were excited to be back at TLC.



Phearin asked his group if they had remembered to study during the break ...



... and it appears by the display of raised hands that most had remembered!



We never under estimate the power of influence associated with Tarsha's Legacy Centre Kindy.

The TLC kindy is developing good self-esteem in the children, as well as social and educational skills which will contribute to the children entering primary school with enthusiam and the knowledge that they will be able to fulfill their God given potential.

The parents also benefit by shaing in the child's experience of educational, spiritual and social enrichment. This in turn infiltrates the whole community contributing to great development in everyone's life.

The 'Kindy Kids' were busy studying the Khmer alphabet.



The team were there to assist ...



... and this cute little guy is our youngest registered child at TLC. He's only two years old.



Some didn't require any assistance ...





... and were happy to participate in the whiteboard activities.





It's such a privilege to have the opportunity to intervene in the children's life when they are most keen to learn. Prior to registration at TLC, the children's world was defined primarily by the home environment, which in the children's case, related to a life of poverty.

There's always plenty of action at TLC. Phearin was busy preparing lessons ...



... while one of our Trainees, Lai Em, prepared the board for the afternoon lesson.



I was upstairs with Patrick and Sochea working out the dimensions of the stage that the Riverview Church field team will be making while they are here in October.





Check out Makara sleeping on the floor over in the corner ;)

Sokhang dropped in during the lunch break ...



... and was excited about his pending trip to Takeo with Pastor Sara for his visit to the hospital specialising in eye operations.

Update: The report from Takeo stated that nothing can be done for Sokhang. We'll see. Thanks for your continued prayers for Sokhang!

The girls were happy to watch Patrick assemble the 'House' ...



... and later attend a training session on making the most of resources.



The 'Kindy Kids' were happy to experience a class using all the educational toys which we purchased with money kindly donated by the kids at Jigsaw Jungle, Perth, Western Australia.











The toys are brightly coloured with lots of working parts, which they enjoyed trying out.

The team enjoy training ...



... so we are giving them all we can at every opportunity because it's paramount to their development and effectiveness.

The trainees and volunteers attended a lunch time session.





* With the Community Relocation and Development Project, there's always something to discuss when we get together ...



... and we remembered our dear absent friend and team member, Sam, who is currently in Australia.

* The 'Sew Empowered' sewing project is always interesting. Pheakaday delivered the Calypso Costumes bags and waited for approval ...



... and was obviously delighted to receive it.



There's always the recording of items ordered and produced ...



... in order to establish production capability which varies between low and acceptable, depending on their current circumstances. For example, one of the ladies came to deliver the items she had made but had taken a fall doing laundry and hurt her back, so she couldn't take on making any more.

Veasna arrived with her items and told us that she was experiencing contractions ...



... so once her items had been quality tested she made a quick exit!



Chanty got onto making a sample of the Calypso bags ...



... and conducting quality control ...



... and assisting the girls when they required it.



Sam completed her items by adding the labels ...



... before taking on the challenge of cutting a mermaid costume.



Of course, there's always the fabric shopping to be done at the market.



It's wonderful to offer a project to the women that makes a difference in their lives.

* The monthly New Life Fellowship management training was on this weeks agenda.

Somady interpreted for Patrick ...



Everyone had a chance to relax during the morning tea break ...



... before getting back to the training.





We were saddened to hear the news that a Pastor's 2 year old niece had drowned in the province the night before. After the training, Pastor Jesse, who was to conduct the funeral, and a number of his Pastors and Church Leaders, headed off to the province to comfort the family and attend the funeral ceremony.

* Sam has done a great job establishing the village English class, so we are making sure that the two lessons a week continue in her absence.

Pastor Sara assisted Patrick with the necessary translation ...





... and everyone is keen to study.



I was amused to see one of the kids from TLC attending the Thursday afternoon class.



Between his English studies at TLC and attending a lunch time class in the village, he is really being pro active and giving himself an advantage taking the extra class during his break.

Ura assisted Patrick with translation.



Imagine being illiterate and then finally getting an opportunity at this age to study English. That's amazing! No wonder they are all so excited and full of hope!



* We took time out to visit Kim & Sue who have been busy getting the NLF Healing Home up and running.



I also had a photo of Sue, but somehow I managed to leave half of her head out of the shot. Can't have that ;)

* Ann from Citipointe, Brisbane is in town working on policies and procedures for the project and wanted to meet to learn more about MOU's and government dealings.



Becc got really excited ...



... while telling us about the fact that she had found Star Buck's coffee in Vietnam while visiting Ho Chi Minh on the weekend! Becc's a girl that's easily pleased!

* We recently approached Sherry and Debbie from White Lotus to see if they were interested in having their girls cut the children's hair. The girls informed us that they had a hair dresser coming from Italy to do training, so we decided to wait until then.

With James and Stefania now in town training, it was time for the White Lotus team to head out to TLC where the kids were waiting for them.



James 'cut to the chase' and started work ...





These guys waited patiently for their turn ...



... while Debbie, Sherry and Patrick chatted.





This little guy wondered if anyone was coming to cut his.



Sherry took time out to chat to Sochea ...



... and relax in the foyer with a little one.



This little man was very happy with his new hair style. Fancy a young man from a small Cambodian village getting a haircut from girls trained by an Italian hairdresser, as well as the Italian hairdresser, himself!



We happened to be 'lunching' at the same cafe as Marie and Linda. It's always great to catch up with these missionary treasures for a quick chat.



And that's our week that was!

TWTW Week 2 August 2008

* The main item on the agenda this week was the Teacher Training conducted at TLC and our home training room.

Kimpheng from TC had heard about the training and decided to visit.



Patrick got a surprise when I called him in and explained to the team that it was 2 years since Patrick left Perth to move to Phnom Penh to serve.

I think Sambath also got a surprise to think that it was only that long ago that he and the TC team first met Patrick at the airport. (They had organised to surprise us upon our arrival but they had arranged the surprise in front of me ;) They love him and feel like he has been in their lives forever.



We organised a team leader for each of the tables ...







... in order to assist with the group activities throughout the course of the week ...





... and team participation ...





... and individual presentations.











Phearin was surprised, but exctied, to be invited to present one of the modules and did an excellent job. He's such a passionate person.



The week culminated in individual presentations on creative lesson plans and all of the team members, including the trainees and volunteers, did a great job!

The 'students' were very good at acting like naughty, shy and clever students.





















Sochea presented Patrick with the monthly TLC accounts.



We will conduct 'on the job' assessments of the team's implementation of the creative skills training on Monday when the centre reopens.

There are some excited little children who can't wait for the centre to reopen. They were disappointed to think that we were closing for two weeks each year.

* We attended the quarterly Prison Fellowship Board Meeting. It's great to serve on the board of a ministry that is reaching out to thousands of prisoners.



* We attended the Grand Ballroom at the Hotel Cambodiana for Bunna and Susan's wedding rehearsal.

Pastor Jesse was officiating ...



... and went over the ceremony proceedings with the bridal party ...



... while Pastor Pisit made sure the sound system and venue were perfect for the big day ...





... and Patrick caught up with Bunna.



Bunna and Susan's big day arrived and Patrick joined the guests in the Grand Ballroom for the wedding breakfast prior to the ceremony, while I joined Susan up in her room to keep her company prior to her walk down the aisle.

The bridal party were organised as soon as the dining tables had been cleared away after breakfast ...



... and the ceremony got underway. Patrick escorted the bride down the aisle ...



... and 'gave her away'.



The ceremony was lovely ...



... and Pastor Jesse presented Mr & Mrs Heng to the guests.



Thida was delighted that she caught the bouquet ...



... and was quick to tell everyone that she is next in line to be married!

Bunna's family gathered for a photo ...



... and so did we.



We enjoyed catching up with Pastor Jesse and Soar ...



... before heading home to do some work in between the ceremony sessions.

Late in the afternoon the guests returned to the Grand Ballroom where we were entertained by the singers ...



... including Pastor Pisit who joined one of the young ladies for a duet of one of his favourite old Khmer songs.



Pastor Pisit has written over 200 songs, including one he wrote especially to sing to his bride on their wedding day. How sweet!

We enjoyed a beautiful meal, surely the best I have ever had in Cambodia ...





... and Patrick chatted with Thida.



Then the bride and groom cut the cake ...



... while everyone sang along and waved sparklers and popped the confetti.



Then it was time to hit the dance floor for some Western ...



... and Khmer style dancing ...





... which included a Khmer rendition of the 'Slosh' by some of the New Life Fellowship crew.



(I think Patrick prefers the Khmer style circle dancing because he says that it is much easier not to step on the ladies feet).

The evening included a group of 'Rap Dancers' from an orphanage who were happy to entertain the guests.



The little ones were especially cute as they did their head spins.



The two oldest kids danced ...



... and flipped as fast as the speed of light!



It sure was a beautiful day! We wish Bunna and Susan God's abundant blessings on their marriage.

* The ladies in the sewing project are still busy making the order for Calypso Costumes.



Mom decided to take on the challenge of the mermaid costume ...



... while Nimul and Seam cut the trim for the remainder of the fairy skirts.



Chanty has been busy making fairy wings both small and large ...



... and Sopha continued making vests for the pirate and princess costumes.



Little Samnang is on holidays from TC and took to the floor to see what was going on in between watching cartoons ...



... and visiting Patrick for a hug. Samnang has a picture of us beside his bed and has 'adopted' Patrick as his father. How cute!



Chanty is keeping the records related to fabric and finance, so she met with Patrick to discuss the financial side of the project.



In the meantime, Veasna keeps herself busy making fairy skirts while she waits patiently for the arrival of her baby girl.



And that's our week that was!

TWTW Week 1 August 2008

* The main item on the agenda this week was a TLC Seminar & Retreat at Sihanoukville.

A team of 16 boarded the bus for the port city (with Phearin to follow after completing his exams) and 9 of our team members had never been to the coast of Cambodia, so you can imagine their excitement.



Some had never even travelled on a coach before!



Sambath was our interpreter ...



... and items on the schedule for the week included conference room activities for individuals ...







... partners ...







... as well as group activities.









Phearin received a round of applause when he arrived ...



... and Pastor Sara kept the team competitions going ...







... which kept everyone amused!



Each of the teams had an opportunity to present to the rest of the teams.







We kept up with our administration in between our presentations ...



... and Sochea and Sara lead worship on alternate mornings.



Each afternoon included beach games such as 'Team-Tied Treasure Hunt'...



... filling balloons with sea water from the mouth ...



... and making a balloon nest on the beach ...



... 'Three Legged Races' ...



... 'Hopping Races' ...





... and 'Blind Man Soccer'.









People on the beach were amused with some of the games ...



... in particular, 'Dress Your Queen' ...



... for which the team's 'Rent-a-Crowd' were rewarded with fruit.



The 'Ice Dissolving' game entertained the team, as well as those who gathered to watch ...









... and Pastor Sara kept a close eye on the competition.



Pastor Sara kicked off 'Tug-o-War' which was included in the games schedule ...







... resulting in some happy winners.



The styles of the 'Piggy Back Ride' gave us all a good laugh ...





... and the 'Sculling' competition resulted in a close call, as well as people sprayed with Coca-Cola ...



... by those team members who had to scull the cool drink.



There were some quiet times over lunch ...







... and Sochea was kind enough to barter and select the colourful shorts we bought for the team ...



... which they were all very happy to receive.





For those who had never seen the ocean before, the afternoons on the beach were a real treat ...



... and Pastor Sara is a treat, wherever he is!



The winners were grinners!





In the evenings, some of the team headed for the pool at the guest house.



At lunch time on Friday, the Seminar came to a close and the team gathered for a photo shoot.



When the team left the guest house and headed to the beach for lunch before boarding the bus to return to Phnom Penh, we moved to a beach bungalow for the weekend ...



... and later that evening, Sambath and Sophea joined us for a nice meal at a beachside restaurant.



* Over the weekend we saw a number of people we know who had gone to Sihanoukville for the weekend to escape the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh, so it was great to have the opportunity to catch up over an impromptu cuppa.

* Among others, we also met Rachel and Jen from the UK who were taking a break with a couple of friends at the beach.



The girls have been in Phnom Penh conducting research into trafficking and Jen and her partner have a business which raises awareness of trafficking through fashion. What a great idea! It's wonderful to see young ladies making a difference.

And that's our week that was!

TWTW July - Week 5

* Mom spent a few hours in the sewing training room on Sunday afternoon working on some products ...



... and took time out to do some running repairs on the machine!



* The Community Relocation & Development Project (CRDP) Committee worked their way through a full agenda.



There's always plenty to discuss after relocating 18 families and working on their development, as well as the additional families involved in Tarsha's Legacy Centre.



Sam's trip home was included on the agenda.

* We enjoyed a lovely lunch with Sochea and Pastor Sara and celebrated Sochea's birthday.



* We later checked out the market for the TLC children's government school uniforms.



* Sambath has been translating a number of our training documents.



* With the opportunities we now have with the markets for the sewing project, a number of points needed to be conveyed and more importantly, comprehended. Hence, the need for interpretation.



* Sambath is always happy to assist with interpreting and this time it was for the ladies in the sewing project.





Chanty was busy with quality control.





* The TLC team had a meeting after lunch to discuss the plans for 'Party Day'.



* Some of the village community attended a CRDP meeting to discuss further development at the relocation site.

Patrick, Sam and Pastor Sara chatted among themselves ...



... while the attendees gathered.



* We're all excited as we wait on blessings of news relating to Sokhang's very important life changing eye operation.



* The water research for the village included a trip out to RDI to check out the various systems they have on offer.



Is this how you do it?!





* The children tried on the government school uniforms so that the order can be filled while they are on their long break.





* The last day of the centre term at TLC was just one big vibrant party!

The stage was set and everyone lined up ...



... and watched the game play demonstration by Phearin.





Quick, quick ...



... faster …



... faster!



Meanwhile, the 'Kindy Kids' were having their own games downstairs ...



... and got very wet in the process!



Back upstairs, the competition was fierce as the teams battled each other.





This round of games included food.





Oh, if I could just use my hands!



After exerting all that energy, it was time for the kids to relax with the team and watch a DVD.



But as we know, kids don't need to rest for long, so they were soon back to it. This time the stereo was cranked up ...



... and the kids bopped and danced to everything from 'Jesus You're My Superhero' ...







... to 'Bob the Builder' (which is probably still going through Sam's head) ...





... and some Khmer dance music.







Some wanted their photos taken ...













... while others just wanted to 'sit this one out'!



The kids all had a wonderful day!







After all the dancing, Sam found a cool place to wind down ...



... where it was nice and quiet and there wasn't anyone around (except of course for me, taking the photo!).



After the kids had left the building, the team got together to enjoy lunch. (Can you believe that there wasn't a grain of rice in sight?!).



* After the Heague & Moran order was packed into the boxes and the weight checked ...



... To kindly gave us a hand to get the order down to the Tuk Tuk and then down to EMS.





I hope he doesn't think he has to drive his Tuk Tuk to Australia!



* It was lovely to see Seda before we head down south and she heads to a land down under!



* Maintenance is a major issue in Cambodia, so we visited Mom to check out the problem with her sewing machine because the fabric was being damaged. Consequently, the machine will be visiting the repair man on Monday. Meanwhile, the kids gathered around Patrick for a photo.



* I received a lovely surprise when Linda returned to Cambodia from her overseas fund raising tour.
The Seniors, who I met in Canada last year, had sent Linda back with a gift of a lovely patchwork quilt with various scriptures included in it.



I look forward to the next time we meet!

And that's our week that was!