Jump to navigation
Archive for January of 2009
by patrickandcarol, January 23, 2009
Week 3 January 2009
* We Are Delighted That The CRDP...
... is now serving the local community 7 days a week ...
... with the introduction of a Sunday service currently held in TLC building. The first service was attended by people from the CRDP ...
... and we look forward to others from the wider community hearing about the service and having the opportunity to attend. Excellent!
When the planned Community Centre is built the service will then be conducted in that building.
* At TLC ...
... a few native English speakers appeared in the English classroom ...
... as Georgia, Grace, Tyler and Zack soon got together with the kids after their arrival at TLC.
* A Birthday With A Difference ...
... was a real blessing for the kids when Tyler made a request with a difference to people who normally buy him presents. Tyler requested that the people only pay half as much as they normally would for his present and give him the balance in cash so that he could treat all of the kids at TLC to a gift on his birthday. Awesome! So after singing 'Happy Birthday' ...
... and the traditional spraying of foam ...
... followed by a big 'Thank You' from a 'Kindy Kid' representing the morning group ...
... and the cutting of the cake ...
... everyone sat down to enjoy the cake ...
... followed by 'Present Time'.
And it wasn't long before the gifts ...
... were put into action.
As with everything at TLC, what you do with the morning group you repeat for the afternoon group.
Needless to say, there were lots of very happy children who were delighted that they got to share in Tyler's 8th birthday!
We give thanks for hearts like Tyler's who truly know that it is better to give than to receive and choose to live a life that reaches out to those who are less fortunate. May Tyler be abundantly blessed!
* Serving Sizes At TLC ...
... were a hot topic as the team come to grips with the importance of ensuring that portions are served as instructed ...
... hence, the need for scales and a demonstration. With rice as the staple diet it is hard for the locals to comprehend the importance of other foods and nutrients.
* As Part Of The Community Relocation & Development Project's Health Program ...
... our international health advisor, aka Kristy, enlisted the services of Jay ...
... and Paul ...
... to conduct the necessary male Health Education as part of the 'De-Worming Project' ...
... while Kristy conducted the Staff training session complete with her artistic impressions of the various worms.
All children were instructed to line up ...
... in order to be measured ...
... and weighed by Jay and Glennys. While most were happy to do so ...
... a couple of the littlies from the village weren't so sure ...
... but were okay soon after.
Paul and Patrick discussed various aspects of the project while surveying the actitivies.
On another occasion Kristy's presentation included explicit photos with a view to highlight the issues associated with worms ...
... at the Family training session.
All children at the centre and every person in the CRDP received their supply of tablets and instructions.
Soon after, Kristy and Zack were leaving Phnom Penh to meet up with Paul and Tyler for a well deserved family holiday.
We can't do what we do without people like Paul and Kristy on our team and we are grateful that Kristy is a devoted contributor to the health program at CRDP.
* With The First Of The Mission Direct Teams In Town ...
... we presented a project brief at our home ...
... in order to prepare them for their initial visit to the projects.
It's great having guests speaking the Queen's English serve with us.
* While the Mission Direct Team Were Enjoying An Orientation Around Phnom Penh ...
... the local team of builders were preparing the site by removing trees ...
... and temporary shelters that had been erected ...
... prior to Mission Direct's scheduled construction start.
* Then The Day Arrived For The Mission Direct Team To Go On Site ...
... and where would you expect to find Anthony, Mission Direct's Tree Surgeon?!
Either in a tree ...
... or beside a tree, of course ...
... with other members of the team assigned to various jobs on the site ...
... while Sarah entertained the kids.
* The Mission Direct Team ...
... is multi-talented and led a session at TLC.
* What A Blessing It Was For Sokhang ...
... to meet Sarah, who can empathise with him as she knows what it is like to have your sight and lose it.
We never cease to be amazed at God's provision as He sends those we need to Phnom Penh to serve with us.
* Sew Empowered's ...
... Mom ...
... and Seam received a visit from ...
... Glennys from u-chus. It's great when our overseas markets take the time to visit the project and meet the attendees face to face and understand the importance of their role within the project cycle in ensuring that the project continues.
*The Team From EFC's Children's Commission ...
... continue to serve the children at risk by providing opportunities for learning, equipping and working together so that children will experience and celebrate the fullness of life. A great mission! It's a privilege to be a member of the Children's Commission Advisory Council ...
... which is so aligned to our purpose of equipping, empowering and enriching the lives of the Cambodian people, especially the children.
* On Another Occasion ...
... we were invited to join the Mission Direct team for a meal together under the stars. Thank God for the occasional occurrence of 'clearish' skies here in Phnom Penh to enjoy the magnificence of creation.
Linda and Anna have been here for so long now with Daniel that we consider them locals ...
... and it's been lovely to meet Anthony and Rachel ...
... and Kathy and Diane ...
... and Paul and Margaret.
* Louise & Becky Are In Town ...
... with teams and some made a visit to TLC. Louise presented a beautiful 'This Is The Day' wall hanging which will be displayed in the centre.
The first session of the morning and afternoon program at TLC is the 'This Is The Day' segment, so it's very apt.
Rachel presented a story telling session ...
... and Vanessa, Rachel, Lucy, Becky and Chhin Ho ...
... presented the craft session. Cute!
And that is some of our week that was!
by patrickandcarol, January 17, 2009
Week 3 January 2009
* After Having A Great Time Down Under ...
... with family and friends and staying with our gracious host, Phil & Lissa, we arrived back in Phnom Penh where the weather is unseasonably cool with an average forecast of 18 - 27. While most ex-pats think it's great, it's a little too cool for the locals.
* Speaking Of A Cool Change ... Snow Flakes Fell In Our Home ...
... when we opened Christmas mail Patrick collected from the Post Office. Lovely glittering snow flakes were among other sparkling Christmas trinkets in a card we received from Ingrid who lives in Texas!
While we receive heaps of emails, there's still nothing quite like good old fashioned post to sit and relax with over a cuppa. It was lovely reading various people's updates and we enjoyed the cards and photos. Thank you!
* At TLC ...
... the team were busy with various activities.
Sochea has returned to work after her maternity leave ...
... together with Moriah and her 'Nanny'.
Once Moriah was awake it looked like a game of 'Pass the Parcel' ...
... as everyone had a turn of holding her.
* John From RDI ...
... was busy installing the pump ...
... while Patrick and Pastor Sara prayed that the water would soon respond to the pump action.
* Some Of The Kids ...
... were getting ready for their session ...
... while others made their way through the village.
We met the latest little addition to the village community ...
... and chatted with others along the way.
* Meng Presented The English Classes ...
... to the 'mature age students' from the village.
* We Joined Kim & Sue And Their Guests ...
... Nicole ...
... and Julie and Jason ...
... for a lovely meal, thanks to Chef Kim, who was later surprised when he noticed that the guys had organised for a basket to be fitted to his bike.
From what I gather, prior to the presentation of the basket, Kim thought that only 'girls' had a basket on their motorbike! When I mentioned that to Kim on another ocassion, he informed me that he said that 'real men' don't have baskets on their bikes. Isn't that the same thing?!
Julie and Jason have been staying in our home while we were away and busy working at the 'Healing Home' where Permaculturalist, Julie, no doubt assisted by Jason, have planted various vegetables in a garden. We visited to check out the creation ...
... and look forward to Julie's return to learn more about her area of expertise!
* u-chus's Glennys Is In Town ...
... together with Jay, Georgia and Grace, meeting with the various organisation that supply goods for the business.
After a quick meeting we headed to the local market to source fabrics for future orders.
I was amused when I was asked if the 'Crazy Clarkes' were in town. I guess only those from Australia would understand that.
* Peter Stephens From New Zealand Is Back In Town ...
... together with Nikki and invited us to meet with them. I met Peter a couple of years ago, so it was good to catch up on their latest happenings.
* Seda Had An Accident ...
... so we visited her in hospital at the same time as some family members, including little nephew Reatrey. He's cute!
Seda wasn't wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and has a large bump on her head. She's had xrays and all appears to be fine ... Praise God! Please pray for a speedy recovery and comfort as Seda understandably has a few aches and pains after the incident.
P.S. Seda's father died on Saturday 17th January, so please remember Seda, Graham and the family in your prayers.
* Speaking Of Helmets ...
... on 1st January 2009 a law was introduced which makes it compulsory for the rider and pillion passenger to wear a helmet. We have seen an increase in the number of people wearing helmets but there's still a large number of people not adhering to the new law.
* As Part Of Our Adminsitration Of The Family of Hope Project ...
... we joined Nai and the students for a lovely meal ...
... and time of fellowship.
The project is going great and the students are enjoying attending their private school in addition to the centre. However, Nai and the students are naturally missing Katja, who is no doubt having to come to terms with settling back in the corporate world in Estonia.
* The Mission Direct 'Team On The Ground' ...
... are awaiting the arrival of the first of the short term mission teams due in Phnom Penh on Sunday, so we met with Linda, Anna and Rachel to discuss the plans for the community building project and TLC visits.
We are impressed with Mission Direct's commitment and service and Anna's detailed plans for the project.
* 'The Frank Woods' ...
... as someone addressed him on the phone while we were meeting, is getting organised to take a break at the end of the month ...
... so we met to catch up and discussed Frank's action plan and also his recent business trip to India.
* Shopping At Lucky's Supermarket ...
... proved to be entertaining when the Cashiers' and Store Supervisors' refused to take a $100 note that they considered a little worn. We considered this to be unreasonable, especially after some of the notes we have received in change. The staff were happy to put the shopping back on the shelf and lose the sale, but after a few minutes outside the store I decided to return and requested to see the Manager, who happened to be in a meeting. (That can be a standard reply to a request to see a Manager here in Cambodia). After some further discussion with half a dozen of the staff, one made an executive decision and decided to accept the note. Finally, the items were rescanned and loaded in Tuk Tuk.
* Sam's Back In Town ...
... and soon after the team picked her up from the airport ...
... we were having a 'road side meeting' in relation to the building project with Pastor Sara ...
... who is responsible for organising the local team which will kick off on Monday in preparation for the Mission Direct teams arrival at the site a couple of days later.
* The Goodchilds' Arrived In Phnom Penh ...
... and have a full program ahead of them which you will hear more about next week. Although Kristy has been here a number of times before, it's the first for Paul, Tyler and Zack.
And that is some of our week that was!
by patrickandcarol, January 12, 2009
Week 2 January 2009
* Bernie’s Bike Ride Brochures ...
... have been planted in reception areas all over Perth, thanks to Kim ...
... Don, Ray and Ken ...
... Ken and Steve ...
... Bryan ...
... Ian, who has offered to assist us with a new business venture, which is great and an answer to prayer ...
... Des and Peter ...
... Robyn ...
... and Lissa.
Thank you to everyone assisting us with creating an awareness of Bernie's Bike Ride through the distribution of the brochures. If you would like to be involved in the distribution, please contact us.
Bernie is currently in training 3 - 4 hours a day in Adelaide, Australia, in preparation for his 4 month bike trek across the USA. Bernie will ride out of downtown New York on the 25th May 2009 and will ride across the American Discovery trail, which stretches across more than 6,800 miles and fifteen states ...
... until he arrives in San Francisco around the end of September 2009.
The purpose of Bernie’s ride is to raise awareness and much needed funding to assist with our Community Relocation and Development Project, as well as RTC Cambodia. Bernie’s Partners/Sponsors include Community Care International and Global Development Group, so if you are interested in becoming a Partner or Sponsor please contact Stephen McGoldrick by email - steve@communitycareint.org
by patrickandcarol, January 08, 2009
Week 2 January 2009
* Meetings Continued ...
... with Michaela, who is interested in short term missions ...
... and Goughy, who has kindly donated Auskick Rookie bags for the kids ...
... as well as with Sam ...
... Tricia and Derek ...
... and Carl and Susanne who treated us to an evening at their home ...
... complete with a tour of Carl's workshop.
We hope to have the opportunity to put Carl's building skills to work out at the Community Relocation and Development Project this year.
And that is some of our week that was!
by patrickandcarol, January 06, 2009
Week 4 December 2008 & Week 1 & 2 January 2009
* Attending Our Home Church - Riverview ...
... is always a highlight when we are home, as it gives us an opportunity to worship with everyone ...
... and listen to great teaching from Pastor Phil Baker and catch up with lots of people, including Prison Fellowship Cambodia's Linda ...
... Paul, who will be joining us ...
... together with his family, in Phnom Penh early in the year ... Lorraine ...
... John & Kay ...
... and Gaylene with our gracious hosts, Phil and Lissa ...
... and Vince and Lalania, from Vancouver, who have previously visited Cambodia and intend to return at some stage, and Peter and Robin ...
... and Jill, who served with us at TLC ...
... as well as a host of others who weren't included in a photo shoot!
* At Freo Church ...
... the children from Jigsaw have been raising funds all year for TLC ...
... which they presented to us when we visited to provide them with an update.
The kids always have lots of questions, which is great.
Ryan had asked his mum to look after his Christmas money which he was saving for something special ...
... and after hearing the TLC update, he got the money from his mum and presented it to us.
Liam, on behalf of the children, presented us with their weekly offering.
These kids are special and have such big hearts. It gives us great pleasure to have them partner with us and we thank Brad and Heather for keeping the mission fire burning.
* Later we attended Freo Church’s Service ...
... where Jacob and his Dad assisted us with audio challenges.
Jacob was very enterprising as he made suggestions for getting the sound happening.
Dale and the worship team got the service underway.
We then had the opportunity to update the Freo Church congregation on our project highlights of 2009, after which Brad presented us with a generous donation.
Pastor Andrew Skeggs presented a great message on the various aspects of Freo Church’s Vision, including Authentic Relationships, Relevance, Freedom & Healing, to name a few.
I particularly enjoyed the points on 'unity in diversity' and 'sharing life together' and the need for 'relevance', which we believe are great foundations to be built upon as we ‘do life’ with the Cambodian people we are privileged to serve.
* We have also met with Jen Swallow ...
... who is coming to TLC on a short term missions trip. We enjoyed outlining what we believe will be a great program.
* Speaking of Swallow’s ...
... it was lovely to see Rod and Sallie Swallow at a Busselton function. Rod has given us the go ahead to purchase a much needed generator for TLC. Excellent!
We also enjoyed updating the guests, including Michael Eaton...
... and a host of others.
* We met with Fiona from Calypso Costumes ...
... and her husband Ian.
It’s great to have the opportunity to work with Fiona. The ‘Sew Empowered’ sewing project has certainly come a long way since it’s humble beginnings.
And that is some of what we have been doing in between lots of family and friends Christmas and New Year gatherings.
by patrickandcarol, January 01, 2009
