... Blessed & Joyous Christmas!
Love
Patrick and Carol
Archive for December of 2008
Wishing You All A Very ...
by patrickandcarol, December 24, 2008
This Is ... Our Week That Was!
by patrickandcarol, December 22, 2008
Week 3 December 2008
* Meetings, Meetings and More Meetings
After a delay in leaving Singapore and a delay in disembarking the aircraft, we stepped on Australian soil in Brisbane, where we were met by our hosts Vic & Fay Stolar from Community Care International (CCI) ...
... and Matt and Gwen.
We were then whisked away to a luncheon at Sanctuary Cove where we were introduced to Pastors Greg & Janet Schier, from Citynet Church ...
... where we had the opportunity to share with the congregation at the Sunday service ...
... and later fellowship with a number of members.
We enjoyed lunch with Matt, Gwen and Shirley Charlton, who raises funds for Malawi through her paintings and we look forward to seeing paintings of some of the kids from the village and TLC in the future.
Later in the day we were introduced to CCI Board Members ...
... and had the opportunity to discuss the Community Relocation & Development Project at Koh Krobey ...
... as well as Bernie's fundraising ride from New York to San Francisco which is planned for 2009.
* On Day 3 of our Brisbane visit ...
... we joined the team from Global Development Group on their home soil. Our scheduled visit just happen to coincide with birthday celebrations.
The team gave us an overview of their responsibilities and we later presented to them and answered questions relating to our ministry.
While some of us attended a meeting ...
... the rest of the team went back to work.
We have known Geoff and Betty since we opened the first TC centre and Victoria and Greg on their visits to Cambodia, so it was great to meet the rest of the team.
After a whirlwind round of appointments in Brisbane, we arrived in Perth and were greeted by our gracious hosts, Phil and Lissa. I was amused (after having be randomly selected each time I have flown out of Perth this year for an explosives swab) that the dog detected the smell of fruit in Lissa's bag while we were waiting for our luggage.
* We attended Craig and Charlene's ...
... Connect Group's yearly wind up and enjoyed a tasty meal ...
... followed by a game of Bibleopoly ...
* We enjoyed a meal with Mark & Helen ...
... and it's always great to see them and have the opportunity to discuss our projects. A lovely way to finish off the week!
And that is some of our week that was!
* Meetings, Meetings and More Meetings
After a delay in leaving Singapore and a delay in disembarking the aircraft, we stepped on Australian soil in Brisbane, where we were met by our hosts Vic & Fay Stolar from Community Care International (CCI) ...
... and Matt and Gwen.
We were then whisked away to a luncheon at Sanctuary Cove where we were introduced to Pastors Greg & Janet Schier, from Citynet Church ...
... where we had the opportunity to share with the congregation at the Sunday service ...
... and later fellowship with a number of members.
We enjoyed lunch with Matt, Gwen and Shirley Charlton, who raises funds for Malawi through her paintings and we look forward to seeing paintings of some of the kids from the village and TLC in the future.
Later in the day we were introduced to CCI Board Members ...
... and had the opportunity to discuss the Community Relocation & Development Project at Koh Krobey ...
... as well as Bernie's fundraising ride from New York to San Francisco which is planned for 2009.
* On Day 3 of our Brisbane visit ...
... we joined the team from Global Development Group on their home soil. Our scheduled visit just happen to coincide with birthday celebrations.
The team gave us an overview of their responsibilities and we later presented to them and answered questions relating to our ministry.
While some of us attended a meeting ...
... the rest of the team went back to work.
We have known Geoff and Betty since we opened the first TC centre and Victoria and Greg on their visits to Cambodia, so it was great to meet the rest of the team.
After a whirlwind round of appointments in Brisbane, we arrived in Perth and were greeted by our gracious hosts, Phil and Lissa. I was amused (after having be randomly selected each time I have flown out of Perth this year for an explosives swab) that the dog detected the smell of fruit in Lissa's bag while we were waiting for our luggage.
* We attended Craig and Charlene's ...
... Connect Group's yearly wind up and enjoyed a tasty meal ...
... followed by a game of Bibleopoly ...
* We enjoyed a meal with Mark & Helen ...
... and it's always great to see them and have the opportunity to discuss our projects. A lovely way to finish off the week!
And that is some of our week that was!
This Is ... Our Week That Was!
by patrickandcarol, December 15, 2008
Week 2 December 2008
* John C. Maxwell's Million Leaders Mandate ...
... Equip Training continued in Phnom Penh with 'Book 4' presented by Mike Shephard ...
... and Michael Griffin from Singapore. It's excellent material and we are delighted to have the opportunity to present it to teams here in Cambodia.
* TC Reunion
Delivering a document to Seda at work turned into a TC reunion with the kids and team. Seda invited me into the centre and before I got to the staircase Sokheng had made me a cup of coffee. How sweet that they don't forget the simple things that you enjoy.
What a treat it was to see the kids. I haven't seen most of them in a little over a year.
It was such a privilege to have been there at the beginning of the kids new beginnings, albeit briefly.
There's something extra special about these kids, something we have known since the moment we met and our hearts engaged for the very purpose of changing their lives.
It makes sense when they are the focus of our vision coming to fruitian. Consequently, they're still missed. The kids of Cambodia are the rising generation who will be instrumental in bringing about the crucial change required within this nation.
* Some TC Centre 1 Kids ...
... came to 'Sew Empowered' with their Mums because of the Public Holiday. Samnang and Vireak have grown since we first met them in 2006 and ...
Vireak ...
... and Kim were happy to try on the King's crowns that Chanty has made to go with the TLC children's Christmas costumes ...
... and Samnang later assisted by parading the angel's wings.
The ladies were putting the finishing touches to wings before the end of year project break.
* It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas ...
... with present wrapping ...
... and TLC rehearsals for the Christmas Concert in full swing ...
... and the team getting the activity hall ready for the Christmas Concert.
The team from Misson Direct joined us for lunch followed by a meeting regarding the January building project but not before they assisted us with putting up the 'Stage Curtain' the day before the big event.
Anna, Linda and Leap assisted with the threading and holding up of the curtain.
... while Daniel and Patrick managed the drilling and hanging side of things.
In the meantime, the team got busy with the decorations ...
... and had plenty of fun at the same time.
The team were briefed on the children's costumes and accessories.
When our guest musician, Bunthurn, from NLF arrived, it was time for Meng to test the sound equipment ...
... and Phearin to brief Bunthurn on the music for the concert ...
... complete with an audience.
Ura was responsible for the letter string line on the banner ...
... with Makara on the wording ...
... and these little ones waiting patiently outside and wondering what was going on inside.
* The Mission Direct Cambodian Contingent ...
... did finally get to have their meeting ...
... and it has been decided that 3 teams will be working on the project ...
... between January and April 2009. Wonderful!
* Well ... Well ... Well ...
... it's underway with the men from RDI getting on with the job ...
... and everyone excited about the first stage of the TLC and CRDP water project.
Patrick soon had a chain gang moving the sand ...
... onto the road in front of the village houses.
On another occasion John from RDI, together with Penny from Columbus, Ohio, who is in Cambodia on a recky trip ...
... visited the team working on the well.
The man working down in the well, looked like this pile of mud ...
... just like a chocolate coated man. It wasn't long before the people from the village got to moving the pile.
* Samdy Achieved # 3 ...
... in his government school report and was very excited as he brought the report into TLC to show Phearin, Vireak and Pastor Sara. Excellent!
* Sokhang ...
... enjoyed working on his new magnetic ...
... and chalk board in the classroom.
After trying out the boards by writing his name, the next thing he wrote was ...
Sokhang enjoyed the boards so much that we purchased another one so that he can have one in the classroom and one at home. Wonderful!
* The Village & Community Kids Know Where To Go ...
... when they need medicine. It's great to have what they need on hand.
* Could It Be Maestro Sara?!
Not likely but he is great on the drums. Due to a full schedule for the remainder of 2008 the distribution of the container items has been scheduled for mid January 2009 and we look forward to that.
* The Final Session Of Creative Teacher Training For 2009 ...
... was presented to the team from Destiny Rescue ...
... while the baby slept.
* Tarsha's Legacy Centre's Team and Children ...
... put on an excellent program for the very first TLC Christmas Concert. It was all quiet just moments before the event started ...
... and we noticed that the sign read 'Happy Marry Christmas'. The Trainees looked as though they were dressed for a wedding.
The team commenced the proceedings by singing and welcoming the guests ...
... while Baby Moriah was dowstairs ...
... with her Nanny ...
... and later with her Mum, who returns to work early in the new year.
The little 'Greeters' were very cute as they welcomed the guests at the top of the staircase.
The traditional Khmer Village dancers put on a wonderful item ...
... as did the various groups who performed.
Phearin and Srey Lin were the MC's and did an excellent job.
The children's Nativity Play was beautiful and they looked great as they performed in the costumes especially made for them by the 'Louisiana Dream Team' ...
... and later gathered for photos.
The sheep were very cute!
Some of the 'Kindy Kids' sang songs in both English and Khmer ...
... and the Khmer comedy skit entertained the guests.
Pastor Sara shared with the guests ...
... and we later had the opportunity to thank the team for an excellent concert.
At the sound of a ringing bell our very special guest positioned himself on the stage area behind the curtain while the children waited patiently to see their special guest.
It was Santa who received a warm welcome from everyone ...
... except this little boy.
After the children had a photo shoot with Santa ...
... and moved downstairs for morning tea, it was time for the parents to gather for some fellowship and dancing.
And that is some of our week that was!
* John C. Maxwell's Million Leaders Mandate ...
... Equip Training continued in Phnom Penh with 'Book 4' presented by Mike Shephard ...
... and Michael Griffin from Singapore. It's excellent material and we are delighted to have the opportunity to present it to teams here in Cambodia.
* TC Reunion
Delivering a document to Seda at work turned into a TC reunion with the kids and team. Seda invited me into the centre and before I got to the staircase Sokheng had made me a cup of coffee. How sweet that they don't forget the simple things that you enjoy.
What a treat it was to see the kids. I haven't seen most of them in a little over a year.
It was such a privilege to have been there at the beginning of the kids new beginnings, albeit briefly.
There's something extra special about these kids, something we have known since the moment we met and our hearts engaged for the very purpose of changing their lives.
It makes sense when they are the focus of our vision coming to fruitian. Consequently, they're still missed. The kids of Cambodia are the rising generation who will be instrumental in bringing about the crucial change required within this nation.
* Some TC Centre 1 Kids ...
... came to 'Sew Empowered' with their Mums because of the Public Holiday. Samnang and Vireak have grown since we first met them in 2006 and ...
Vireak ...
... and Kim were happy to try on the King's crowns that Chanty has made to go with the TLC children's Christmas costumes ...
... and Samnang later assisted by parading the angel's wings.
The ladies were putting the finishing touches to wings before the end of year project break.
* It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas ...
... with present wrapping ...
... and TLC rehearsals for the Christmas Concert in full swing ...
... and the team getting the activity hall ready for the Christmas Concert.
The team from Misson Direct joined us for lunch followed by a meeting regarding the January building project but not before they assisted us with putting up the 'Stage Curtain' the day before the big event.
Anna, Linda and Leap assisted with the threading and holding up of the curtain.
... while Daniel and Patrick managed the drilling and hanging side of things.
In the meantime, the team got busy with the decorations ...
... and had plenty of fun at the same time.
The team were briefed on the children's costumes and accessories.
When our guest musician, Bunthurn, from NLF arrived, it was time for Meng to test the sound equipment ...
... and Phearin to brief Bunthurn on the music for the concert ...
... complete with an audience.
Ura was responsible for the letter string line on the banner ...
... with Makara on the wording ...
... and these little ones waiting patiently outside and wondering what was going on inside.
* The Mission Direct Cambodian Contingent ...
... did finally get to have their meeting ...
... and it has been decided that 3 teams will be working on the project ...
... between January and April 2009. Wonderful!
* Well ... Well ... Well ...
... it's underway with the men from RDI getting on with the job ...
... and everyone excited about the first stage of the TLC and CRDP water project.
Patrick soon had a chain gang moving the sand ...
... onto the road in front of the village houses.
On another occasion John from RDI, together with Penny from Columbus, Ohio, who is in Cambodia on a recky trip ...
... visited the team working on the well.
The man working down in the well, looked like this pile of mud ...
... just like a chocolate coated man. It wasn't long before the people from the village got to moving the pile.
* Samdy Achieved # 3 ...
... in his government school report and was very excited as he brought the report into TLC to show Phearin, Vireak and Pastor Sara. Excellent!
* Sokhang ...
... enjoyed working on his new magnetic ...
... and chalk board in the classroom.
After trying out the boards by writing his name, the next thing he wrote was ...
Sokhang enjoyed the boards so much that we purchased another one so that he can have one in the classroom and one at home. Wonderful!
* The Village & Community Kids Know Where To Go ...
... when they need medicine. It's great to have what they need on hand.
* Could It Be Maestro Sara?!
Not likely but he is great on the drums. Due to a full schedule for the remainder of 2008 the distribution of the container items has been scheduled for mid January 2009 and we look forward to that.
* The Final Session Of Creative Teacher Training For 2009 ...
... was presented to the team from Destiny Rescue ...
... while the baby slept.
* Tarsha's Legacy Centre's Team and Children ...
... put on an excellent program for the very first TLC Christmas Concert. It was all quiet just moments before the event started ...
... and we noticed that the sign read 'Happy Marry Christmas'. The Trainees looked as though they were dressed for a wedding.
The team commenced the proceedings by singing and welcoming the guests ...
... while Baby Moriah was dowstairs ...
... with her Nanny ...
... and later with her Mum, who returns to work early in the new year.
The little 'Greeters' were very cute as they welcomed the guests at the top of the staircase.
The traditional Khmer Village dancers put on a wonderful item ...
... as did the various groups who performed.
Phearin and Srey Lin were the MC's and did an excellent job.
The children's Nativity Play was beautiful and they looked great as they performed in the costumes especially made for them by the 'Louisiana Dream Team' ...
... and later gathered for photos.
The sheep were very cute!
Some of the 'Kindy Kids' sang songs in both English and Khmer ...
... and the Khmer comedy skit entertained the guests.
Pastor Sara shared with the guests ...
... and we later had the opportunity to thank the team for an excellent concert.
At the sound of a ringing bell our very special guest positioned himself on the stage area behind the curtain while the children waited patiently to see their special guest.
It was Santa who received a warm welcome from everyone ...
... except this little boy.
After the children had a photo shoot with Santa ...
... and moved downstairs for morning tea, it was time for the parents to gather for some fellowship and dancing.
And that is some of our week that was!
This Is ... Our Week That Was!
by patrickandcarol, December 05, 2008
Week 1 December 2008
* The Weather In Phnom Penh...
... has been 'cool' with daily temperatures in the high 20's. We have never experienced weather like this here before.
* The Internet Connection ...
... keeps dropping out every 5 minutes or so, which means this blog could take a while to post. Maybe they're working on upgrades.
* Hagar Catering ...
... always serve up a nice meal and on a quiet evening, we had the restaurant all to ourselves. Srey Touch, Chanta and Win's service is always exceptional. Frank dropped in after his walk around town ...
... and we had an interesting discussion on 'Cultural Fatigue' over a cuppa.
* Moriah ...
... has done most of her sleeping in the day but more recently has added sleeping to her list of things to do during the night. Needless to say that Pastor Sara and Sochea are delighted about that.
* Creative Teacher Training Sessions ...
... continued with the Destiny Rescue team.
The 'Learning' session gives everyone a great understanding of how different people learn ...
... as well as the opportunity to discover their own personal learning preference. This sessions always assists people greatly back in the work place with the children and their team because the more we understand multiple intelligences, the more we understand each other and the need for a variety of specifically designed programs.
* New Life Fellowship's ...
... final session of Management Training - 'Sharpening the Saw' was presented this week, with Pastor Pisit interpreting.
* TLC's Christmas Concert ...
... is just around the corner ...
... so the team scheduled a session for the children to try on the sample size outfits for the Christmas present order. These boys were happy to wait on their turn ...
... as were the girls.
With all the sizes recorded, it was time to hit the market and fill the order which kept a couple of ladies busy for a while.
I'd like 3 of these ... 6 of those ... 4 of that one ... and so on.
* How Many Meters Do You Want?!
Fabric for the TLC stage curtain was purchased with the store owner cutting the fabric to the requested measurements to make it easier for sewing.
Ladies in the village volunteered to make the curtain for the stage area ...
... which should look great when it's completed.
* Teaching Resources ...
... are required to assist us with Sokhang with his current vision condition ...
... so if you know of a store/organisation that supplies such resources, please let us know. We want to give him the very best that we can. Thank you!
* It Was A Day For 'Farewells' ...
... as we attended a party for Barbara, from Jars of Clay, who is leaving town after 14 years. Kerry ...
... and Ruth were among the guests.
We give thanks that Barbara's legacy remains.
Then we moved onto Katja's farewell party ...
... where the children presented a Christmas Play ...
... and Nai's mother presented the usual very tasty meal.
It's always great to catch up with Ann and Joyce and the kids ...
... who are all doing well at school and achieving higher grades each month. The older students in the Family of Hope education project are such great role models for the younger children.
We look forward to continuing advising Nai in Katja's absence.
We pray that Barbara and Katja will be blessed as they travel and return home. We also pray for those who remain in Cambodia who will miss them.
* The Farewells Continue ...
... as on another occasion we said farewell to Sam who has returned home. May she be blessed, abundantly!
* Visitors to TLC included ...
... Pastor Dian and Eve from New Covenent Church, Singapore ...
and Pastor Tom, Sandra ...
... Kate ...
and Lisa ...
... from New Generation City Church, Melbourne, Australia. The team also visited the village.
I later joined the team at Jars of Clay ...
... as did Kasha, Dave and Jemma who are currently hosting the team.
Kerry's arrival at Jars of Clay was opportune for a reunion with Tom, Sandra and Katie, who hadn't seen each other in years.
* Children's Centres
Dian and Eve have previously visisted TLC and returned to take another look. They are interested in opening a children's centre and said that the holistic model we have is the best they have seen and something they would like to replicate. It makes sense when it is a God given vision.
Since 2004 when we had vision for multiple children's centres in Cambodia, we have had the privilege of opening some children's centres and in addition to that we have assisted others who are interested in operating similar centres and assisted others in further developing their existing programs. We believe that there's no point in people reinventing the wheel, so to speak, and are delighted to assist others by providing them with all the relevent information and experience we have in what it takes to establish and operate the centres. The more children's centres that open in Cambodia, the better.
* The Sew Empowered Team ...
... are winding down for 2008. Chanty manages the project finances and reports to Patrick ...
... so they met to reconcile as we get ready to close the books for 2008.
* The Community Relocation & Development Committee ...
... met over lunch for the last scheduled meeting for 2008. There were a host of items on the agenda as we gear up to take the project to the next stage.
Besides plans for the purchase of additional land and a number of building projects which will include a community services building, TLC playground and amenities and additional housing, development programs are currently being prepared to ensure that all the residents move from a poverty/handout mentality to equipped and empowered citizens.
We all know the Chinese proverb "Give a man a fish and you’ve fed him for a day … teach a man to fish and you’ve fed him for life." Now that's exciting!
And that is some of our week that was!
* The Weather In Phnom Penh...
... has been 'cool' with daily temperatures in the high 20's. We have never experienced weather like this here before.
* The Internet Connection ...
... keeps dropping out every 5 minutes or so, which means this blog could take a while to post. Maybe they're working on upgrades.
* Hagar Catering ...
... always serve up a nice meal and on a quiet evening, we had the restaurant all to ourselves. Srey Touch, Chanta and Win's service is always exceptional. Frank dropped in after his walk around town ...
... and we had an interesting discussion on 'Cultural Fatigue' over a cuppa.
* Moriah ...
... has done most of her sleeping in the day but more recently has added sleeping to her list of things to do during the night. Needless to say that Pastor Sara and Sochea are delighted about that.
* Creative Teacher Training Sessions ...
... continued with the Destiny Rescue team.
The 'Learning' session gives everyone a great understanding of how different people learn ...
... as well as the opportunity to discover their own personal learning preference. This sessions always assists people greatly back in the work place with the children and their team because the more we understand multiple intelligences, the more we understand each other and the need for a variety of specifically designed programs.
* New Life Fellowship's ...
... final session of Management Training - 'Sharpening the Saw' was presented this week, with Pastor Pisit interpreting.
* TLC's Christmas Concert ...
... is just around the corner ...
... so the team scheduled a session for the children to try on the sample size outfits for the Christmas present order. These boys were happy to wait on their turn ...
... as were the girls.
With all the sizes recorded, it was time to hit the market and fill the order which kept a couple of ladies busy for a while.
I'd like 3 of these ... 6 of those ... 4 of that one ... and so on.
* How Many Meters Do You Want?!
Fabric for the TLC stage curtain was purchased with the store owner cutting the fabric to the requested measurements to make it easier for sewing.
Ladies in the village volunteered to make the curtain for the stage area ...
... which should look great when it's completed.
* Teaching Resources ...
... are required to assist us with Sokhang with his current vision condition ...
... so if you know of a store/organisation that supplies such resources, please let us know. We want to give him the very best that we can. Thank you!
* It Was A Day For 'Farewells' ...
... as we attended a party for Barbara, from Jars of Clay, who is leaving town after 14 years. Kerry ...
... and Ruth were among the guests.
We give thanks that Barbara's legacy remains.
Then we moved onto Katja's farewell party ...
... where the children presented a Christmas Play ...
... and Nai's mother presented the usual very tasty meal.
It's always great to catch up with Ann and Joyce and the kids ...
... who are all doing well at school and achieving higher grades each month. The older students in the Family of Hope education project are such great role models for the younger children.
We look forward to continuing advising Nai in Katja's absence.
We pray that Barbara and Katja will be blessed as they travel and return home. We also pray for those who remain in Cambodia who will miss them.
* The Farewells Continue ...
... as on another occasion we said farewell to Sam who has returned home. May she be blessed, abundantly!
* Visitors to TLC included ...
... Pastor Dian and Eve from New Covenent Church, Singapore ...
and Pastor Tom, Sandra ...
... Kate ...
and Lisa ...
... from New Generation City Church, Melbourne, Australia. The team also visited the village.
I later joined the team at Jars of Clay ...
... as did Kasha, Dave and Jemma who are currently hosting the team.
Kerry's arrival at Jars of Clay was opportune for a reunion with Tom, Sandra and Katie, who hadn't seen each other in years.
* Children's Centres
Dian and Eve have previously visisted TLC and returned to take another look. They are interested in opening a children's centre and said that the holistic model we have is the best they have seen and something they would like to replicate. It makes sense when it is a God given vision.
Since 2004 when we had vision for multiple children's centres in Cambodia, we have had the privilege of opening some children's centres and in addition to that we have assisted others who are interested in operating similar centres and assisted others in further developing their existing programs. We believe that there's no point in people reinventing the wheel, so to speak, and are delighted to assist others by providing them with all the relevent information and experience we have in what it takes to establish and operate the centres. The more children's centres that open in Cambodia, the better.
* The Sew Empowered Team ...
... are winding down for 2008. Chanty manages the project finances and reports to Patrick ...
... so they met to reconcile as we get ready to close the books for 2008.
* The Community Relocation & Development Committee ...
... met over lunch for the last scheduled meeting for 2008. There were a host of items on the agenda as we gear up to take the project to the next stage.
Besides plans for the purchase of additional land and a number of building projects which will include a community services building, TLC playground and amenities and additional housing, development programs are currently being prepared to ensure that all the residents move from a poverty/handout mentality to equipped and empowered citizens.
We all know the Chinese proverb "Give a man a fish and you’ve fed him for a day … teach a man to fish and you’ve fed him for life." Now that's exciting!
And that is some of our week that was!
