Week 4 February 2009

* Adam Leaves Cambodia ...



... after volunteering his music expertise at TLC and prepares to return home to the UK after having spent 9 months in Australia. No doubt there will be lots of happy family and friends to catch up with when he arrives on home soil.

We thank Adam for taking the time out to come and serve with us at Koh Krobey. Although Adam is back home, the children continue to play the music he taught them.



* 'Sew Empowered' Ladies ...

... have a new order from Fiona at Calypso Costumes ...



... so Chanty came in prior to the session to ensure that the necessary fabrics were purchased and ready when the ladies attended their session.





We are blessed to have the partnership we have with Fiona.



* Prison Fellowship Cambodia ...



... was on our agenda with a meeting with the Executive Director, Linda Chisholm ...



... and a quarterly board meeting. The ministry is having a huge impact of the lives of those in prison thanks to the PFC team.

* Career Guidance Counselling ...



... continues with parents and youth to ensure that the teenagers are being equipped and empowered.

* We Met With Sokhang & His Mother ...

... to discuss Sokhang's education and then visited one of the blind schools where Sokhang enjoyed meeting the teachers and students.







The school we were hoping to register Sokhang in is currently not taking any new students until they move to a new premises quite a distance from the current one. If Sokhang was to attend the new school, he would need to live-in 6 days a week. Consequently, Sokhang's mother is contemplating her son's future. Please remember them in your prayers.

* Jen's Art & Craft Class ...

... finished the paper mache masks ...



... and completed their art lesson ...



... and were excited about taking their completed items home with them.



* Phearin Is Passionate ...

... about the children's education and decided that the children required a follow up lesson to Kristy's de-worming sessions.



Although TLC has a 'shoe policy' Phearin has noticed the children living close to the centre are not wearing shoes when they are home. Hence, the additional health lesson, complete with graphics, to reinforce the importance of the program.



* Notice The Blue Walls Above ...

... that's because Phil has been transforming the activity hall.



Phil has been busy with a number of activities at ministries in and around Phnom Penh.

* Phil Also Enjoyed Some Respite ...



... when he joined Jen, Phearin and the kids at the pool for Jen's last lesson (at least for this trip).



This little one was obviously happy with his kicking style!



* Jen's 'Pray for Cambodia' Map ...



... took shape as the teachers and the children took their turn at including their hand print on it.





When Jen had added her final touch ...



... the finished product looked great!



* It's Birthday Time ...



... with children and team members celebrating birthdays.

* The Construction At CRDP ...



... is looking great and as Mission Direct's Team # 2 leave Cambodia, we look forward to the arrival of Team # 4 who will be the team to complete the additions to the houses. We are so gateful for the wonderful donation of finances to do this building and blessed by meeting all the team members who come to work on the project. The teams are doing a great job together with the local team.

* We Meet With Greg & Jane ...



... to discuss a ministry we have in common. Greg and Jane are from the States and have been in Cambodia for a couple of years + studying Khmer and doing various ministry work. It was great to finally meet them!

* Jen's Short Term Mission Trip ...

... has come to an end, so the team gathered to farewell their special friend.



Each of the team have thoroughly enjoyed having Jen around and wanted to thank her for coming to serve alongside them.





When the children arrived for the afternoon session, it was their turn to say farewell and thank you.



The kids have enjoyed all of the music and art and craft classes but it's no secret that the biggest 'Thank you's' were for the swimming classes ...





... followed by lots of hugs ...





... which continued out through the gate.



Then it was time for Jen to get on her bike ...



... before heading out to the airport to return home.



Jen has greatly blessed everyone at TLC with her presence and kindly donated all of the resources for the art and craft sessions, as well as the finances associated with the the swimming program. We are blessed to have had Jen decide to use her holidays to come and serve along side us. We look forward to seeing Jen back in Cambodia.

* Sochea Interviewed ...

... this young girl and her mother when they came to see if there was a position available at TLC ...



... and later attended TLC for the very first time. We're sure she will feel loved and welcomed and now her mother, who has health issues that are putting a drain on the family finances, can rest assured that her daughter is educated and enjoying learning in a creative, loving environment.



* The Kids In The Community Know Where To Go ...

... when they need some tender loving care and the team are always happy to do their bit to make the kids feel better.



* What No Water?!



That isn't a problem when our resident water expert, John, is never far away and happy to assist!

And that is some of our week that was!

Week 3 February 2009

* Thanks For Your Prayers For Patrick

As this week draws to an end he is feeling better, although still very lethargic. Patrick had a number of bad days when he wondered if he was ever going to recover, so I told him to imagine how he would be feeling without people all over the world praying for his recovery.

* Jen Has Handed Over Her Music Classes To Adam ...

... and after joining together for the famous 'Heart and Soul' duet ...



... and then hearing Adam play anything and everything from 'Chop Sticks' and Beethoven's 'Für Elise' to 'Phantom of the Opera' ...



... Jen decided she was out of Adam's league and just sat back and enjoyed listening to the Maestro ...



... as he prepared his lesson for the kids at TLC.



* At TLC ...

... Adam got into the swim of things at the first lesson of the week - swimming!



Vireak counted down for the start of a race ...



... which he obviously enjoyed.



One little one received some encouragement from Adam as she swam her race from the back of the pack.



It's been great to see the skills and confidence of the kids grow during the lessons.







* Jen's Art & Craft Classes ...

... are keeping the kids interested. They enjoyed making their heart cards ...





... and were very focused when making their masks.











I bet they could hardly wait for the glue to dry before continuing with their paper mache masks.



* Speaking Of Jen's Artwork ...

... Jen has finished her, or should I say, Noah's, ark.



* Adam's Expertise From His Days At Chethams School of Music ...

... a specialist music school in Manchester, United Kingdom, are now being passed onto the kids at TLC.



The kids learning the keyboard are focused on their lessons from Adam.



* Adam Taught The Kids A New Song ...

... during the 'This is the Day' session ...



... so we look forward to hearing the new sounds filter through the centre.

* The Kids From Jigsaw At Freo Church ...

... sent back gifts for the children in addition to their donation and there were some very happy little children when Sochea handed out the presents.







It was a sea of colour as the children held up their presents and beautifully handcrafted cards.





The children with younger siblings also received an extra one to take home to them. Beautiful!



* CRDP Discussions ...



... between Pastor Sara and Phil centred around painting, security and water tanks and stands.

* TLC Is About To Receive ...



... a new coat of paint, with Phil kindly providing the labour.

* Misson Direct Are Forging Ahead ...

... with the second stage of the project with Brett ...



... and Dave and the team back on the job after their Siem Reap visit.





* I Was Checking On Patrick ...

... in the bedroom when I heard a commotion next door. When I pulled the curtain back I saw one of the cars in the garage on fire. It was great that they had a fire extinguisher and knew how to use it ...



... and because of all of the open vents in the house, it wasn't long before smoke filled the house.

* Sew Empowered's Ladies ...

... had a spring clean of the cupboards to get themselves organised to move onto a new project ...



... which appears to have them confused and amused as they work off a pattern ...



... so they enlisted Jen's sewing expertise!



In the end I said I would get an example for them. They don't have any problem copying a garment.

* Assisting Projects ...

... who are empowering the Khmer people is one of our passions, so I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with Ruth and having a tour of the Daughter's Cambodia operation and listening to the needs to further develop the project in various areas. I was so inspired by the project and I now look forward to assisting Ruth in business development and seeing the project go to new levels.



I also had the opportunity of meeting Cassie, who is assisting Daughter's Cambodia with administration on her short term missions trip.

I felt blessed as I listened to Ruth sharing her vision for trafficked girls. Ruth and her husband are empowering so many women who would otherwise continue to live a life enslaved in the sex industry. They're amazing!

* FOH Education Project ...

... had an assessment of their classes which they passed with flying colours.



The older students are doing a great job of teaching the new students ...



... and the students are attentive and focused on their lessons.







Nai is doing an excellent job of managing the project and we feel privileged to partner with such an excellent project.



Of course, it wouldn't be a visit without enjoying a meal together after class ...



... and having a photo shoot, this time with Jen and the team and students.



Just as Katja in Estonia misses the team and students, the team and students also miss her.

And that is some of our week that was!

Week 2 February 2009

* Most Importantly ...

... please pray for Patrick's speedy recovery from a bacterial infection. Patrick felt progressively worse during the week and ended up in a Private Clinic here in Phnom Penh where they took great care of him. Both the nursing staff ...



... led by the Good Shepherd and Doctor Shephard, and the administration staff, were all very caring and attentive ...



... as was the Insurance Company's representative, who not only managed the business side of things well but also cared. I love the care factor. Within a couple of hours of Patrick having been discharged, the claim was authorised in Australia and the local representative in Phnom Penh had contacted the Clinic to authorise payment on our behalf.

Each time I spoke to the Case Manager on the phone, she asked if there was anything further that she could do for me or Patrick and also offered to transfer my call to anyone I wanted to talk to back home in Australia. Now that's service and we are pleased that the claim for the couple of days in the private clinic was covered.

On a lighter note, and coming from insurance backgrounds, Patrick and I always take particular notice of wiring set ups here in Cambodia. Check out the wiring of these two air conditioners in Patrick's room.



Now that Patrick is home convalescing and I reflect over the past couple of days, it's funny to look back and think about the fact that he was sharing a small room with a female ex pat. Not very private for either of them, especially when Patrick was having to have injections in various parts of his body!

* Now here's some of our week prior to the above.

* Our 2 Tier Microcredit Scheme ...

... has been formally launched because we believe that all people should have the ability to access credit and not be excluded because they cannot meet the selection criteria of traditional banking systems. In keeping with our philosophy, the loans are geared at empowering the people.

Our first successful applicant was delighted at the approval of her loan application ...



... which allows her to continue operating her small business in the current premises. The premises is in a good location and the business has a regular book of clients. We look forward to seeing the continued growth of the business.

In the past we have provided individuals with small loans but are pleased to now have a formal two tier Microcredit Scheme process in place. Our Tier 2 Microcredit Scheme is based on a number of principles used by successful microcredit schemes already operating throughout the world and the Tier 1 scheme is based on more traditional banking. Comprehensive training on the features of both schemes is also provided upon the submission of an application prior to the approval of a loan.

If you would like to donate to this new venture, simply process a donation through the Donate Page of our website.

* Members of Mission Direct's Team # 2 ...

... have arrived and attended a Team Briefing ...



... before venturing out to the CRDP to commence work with the local team.











I missed a great photo opportunity. The chicken you can see in the lower right hand side of the photo, below, had been sitting on the kitchen bench but flew off ...



... just as I took the photo. I couldn't help but think how obliging the chicken was by perching up on the bench getting ready for dinner!

* At TLC ...

... Jen has continued with the swimming lessons ...



... and the kids and teachers, have had a great time and used up a lot of energy, as you can see from the photo of the ride back to the centre.



* The Mission Direct Team ...

... also took time out to entertain the kids and the session included resident professional Juggler, Brett ...



... who was certainly a big hit with the kids and the adults!



* Mission Direct's, Country Manager, Linda ...



... met with us to discuss the handover of Robyn's medical records to Mission Direct team members who will be part of a team due to arrive next month.

* Sock Puppets ...

... have been a great craft session for the kids.











Cute!



* Crowns Fit For A King & Queen ...



... were individually designed by the kids from the craft pieces Jen bought and made ...





... and looked great!





*In Between Lessons ...



... Jen is busy with her 'Noah's Ark' painting.

* Louise & Friends ...

... visited TLC and the kids had a great time doing some activities with them.









* Guidance Counselling ...

... is important for the older children at TLC. As we equip and empower them for their chosen career path, we meet with the students and their parents to discuss the options availabe to them. They are so excited to have this great service available to them.



* Donations Received ...

... were unpacked ...



... and sorted and prepared for distribution by the volunteers from the CRDP.





Thank you once agian to the team at Community Care International, Brisbane, who organised the donation.

* CRDP's Land Purchase Options ...



... interested a number of people who decided to join us on our visit to a block. Pastor Sara & Patrick's 'stepped out' measurements varied a little ...



... and Jen appeared to be following in her father's footsteps when she decided that she would get involved in valuing the property!



Jen believes it's a great location and certain to be quiet so close to the cemetery.

*The Sew Empowered Project's ...

... ladies were back in the training room this week working on some new designs. I look forward to seeing how the ladies go producing our new ideas to market overseas.

* Our Tuk Tuk Driver, To ...

... was sent out to the airport with a name card to pick up our guest, Adam, but came back empty handed.



Unbeknown to me, our guest had missed his flight to Phnom Penh and as I had checked my email around 6am before leaving our home to go to the Clinic to see Patrick, I did not receive his email until later in the morning when Jen checked it for me to confirm the flight arrival details of a previous email from Adam. Consequently, it will be 'take 2' when To goes out to meet Adam for the second time this evening.

* Take 2 & To Meets Adam

Soon after the arrival of Adam's flight, To brought him to us and was pretty happy that he had managed to do so.



Adam is on his way back to the UK and has come to assist us at TLC for a couple of weeks. Adam will be teaching the kids keyboard and is on a mission to teach the kids songs to perform at a concert.

* Speaking Of Flight Arrivals ...

... Phil arrived on time ...



... and will be in Cambodia for a couple of months helping out wherever he can. Phil has a range of trade and engineering skills, as well as a proven project management background, so we look forward to having him serve alongside us.

And that is some of our week that was!

Week 1 February 2009

* TLC's Swimming Program ...

... was about to get underway and Jen felt like it was her first day at school ...



... when she headed out to the village to pick up Phearin and the children for swimming lessons. When the Tuk Tuk arrived at the pool, the kids were all very excited!



The boys were quick to make it to the pool ...



... and it wasn't long before they were all in ready and waiting to start their lesson.



Putting your head underwater was the first item in the lesson plan ...



... followed by blowing bubbles underwater ...



... and kicking ...



... and board practice.





Later in the week it was ready, set ...



... go!



The swimming lessons have been a great confidence booster for the kids.



* Music Lessons At TLC ...

... are filling the activity hall with 'sweet sounds' as the children practice on the recorder ...





... and organ, after some of the keys had been labeled ...



... to assist the new students. Excellent!



* Finance ...



... discussions took place as Sam handed over the finances she has been managing prior to her departure from Cambodia.

How exciting for Sam as she heads home to finalise plans for her March wedding.

* Global Development Group's ...

... Geoff and Victoria invited us to join them on a field trip to Siem Reap to review some of their projects. We were delighted to be presented with the opportunity and met for a briefing session prior to our departure to discuss the projects. Sambath joined us as our Interpreter and soon after arriving in Siem Reap, we ventured to the first project where we met with the team ...



... and children ...





... before heading out to inspect some land ...



... and visiting another branch of the project.





We then moved onto another local organisation for a meeting and tour of the premises ...







... before joining a representative from another organisation for a dinner meeting.



It was interesting attending the meetings and learning about the different operations and it was certainly a privilege for us to have been invited to assist Geoff and Victoria with their project reviews.

* CRDP Health Records ...

... produced by Robyn, are a great addition to those compiled by Kristy.



We are so grateful for the expertise our volunteers bring to the various projects.

* A CRDP Meeting ...



... was on our schedule with a number of items to discuss as we move forward with the project.



Although Sam will be based in Australia, she will remain involved in the projects and we know that she will be a great PR representative for the projects.

* The Mission Direct Team ...

... have become great friends of ours, so it was nice to get together over a BBQ ...



... without a building site in sight!



We look forward to meeting Team # 2 next week.

* Graham & Seda's Wedding Ceremony ...

... commenced with beautiful traditional dancing.







After the wedding, Graham entertained us ...



... before joining Seda for the 'Sparkling Fountain Pour' and toast and a dance with his bride ...



... followed by a photo shoot with their guests.



Graham & Seda have had numerous challenges associated with the Cambodian law enabling foreigners to marry Khmer women, so it was beautiful to see them finally marry. May their marriage be richly blessed!

* Speaking of Weddings ...

... and the PBC team now back in Australia, it was time to farewell Sam as she returns home to finalise her wedding plans.



Sam will be missed by the team and no doubt, Sam will miss the team. So we pray abundant blessings on her life and the lives of those she has served and served with, over the past two and a half years. Our prayer for Sam is this ...

"The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

We look forward to continuing to serve with Sam on the CRDP & TLC projects, as she serves from Perth in this new season of her life.

* While We Were At The Airport ...

... Somady took the opportunity to thank Jen for his keyboard lessons ...



... and Frank & Margaret, fellow Aussies we met ...



... were enjoying 'watching the world go by' while they waited for their flight to Siem Reap.

And that is some of our week that was!

Week 4 January 2009

* While The Streets Of Phnom Penh ...

... have been a little quiet during the Chinese New Year festivities ...



... At TLC & CRDP It's Been Teeming With Teams ...

... as the Perth Bible College team, led by CEO David Smith, conduct their program at TLC and the village ...



... and Mission Direct Team # 1 continue to work on the building project ...











... which requires much discussion with, Linda, the Country Manager...



... and Building Manager, Anna.



* We Were Encouraged By PBC's ...



... Robyn and her interest in the health side of things and most importantly, her understanding of the ongoing development requirements of the CRDP health program.

* Sarah & Sokhang ...



... enjoy 'the sound of music' from the piano accordian, which Sarah has presented to Sokhang. He's delighted to have such a special instrument.

* Speaking Of Sokhang ...

... we have been impressed and so inspired by the people we have met at various organisations during our research into ensuring we get the very best of what is available for Sokhang.



The facilities and resource options for the blind are great and so are those who run the programs, like Sambath and Kemera.



We enjoyed a tour of the computer, music, maths and English classes where we met the students and we were also impressed by the printing house where Sophorn walked us through the process ...



... including the translation of the government school texts into braille.

Mengleang is a lovely lady who obviously enjoys teaching her students.



Hearing Sreyneth's story filled us with hope ~



~ Sreyneth went blind at the age of two and attended a facility for the blind. She now works at that same facility as a teacher and at the age of twenty, still has great plans to achieve so much more.

In the meantime, Sokhang is achieving high grades at TLC ...



... surrounded by his classmates.



* A Scheduled Business Trip To Siem Reap ...

... necessitated a meeting with Sambath to discuss his role.



We also took the opportunity to discuss the current status of our current legal and government dealings.

* Fair Trade Shopping ...

... was on the agenda for our short term Kiwi neighbours, Nicole and Rebecca. Rebecca is in town with her boyfriend who is working in a children's hospital in Phnom Penh for a short period.



With 'Sew Empowered' a 'Fairly Traded' project, it's always great to hear that people are interested in supporting fair trade rather than just out to get a bargain. Excellent!

* The New Monivong Bridge ...



... is advancing across the river and will make travel over the Bassac much quicker for the multitudes who use it.

After having made a rough trip out on National Road 1 during the week, it would be great to see roadworks undertaken out there to compliment the new bridge.

* The First Mission Direct ...

... team's mission has come to an end, so we invited the team to join us for afternoon tea, complete with cucumber sandwiches for our British guests.



It was interesting hearing the different ways people felt their lives touched or changed ...



... and where everyone was going from here. While 'the team on the ground' are staying for the duration of the team trips ...



... Paul, Sarah and Diane are headed back home to the UK. Kathy is continuing her travels with a trip to Vietnam ...



... while Margaret plans to visit Thailand and return to Phnom Penh to join Team # 3. In the meantime, Anthony is staying on to join Team # 2.



We are so blessed by our partnership with Mission Direct, who are an answer to prayer. Not only do the teams come and work on the building project, they raise all of the necessary funds to complete the job. As we say ... we can't do what we do without people partnering with us. Excellent!

When the Mission Direct project is completed at CRDP, the families will have double the living space they had prior to the commencement of the construction. Imagine doubling your living space!



Besides the project side of things, it's wonderful meeting people with such big hearts who choose to come and serve with us and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. It's a privilege to get to know them and call them friend.

* Speaking Of People With Big Hearts ...

... we have been blessed by the people who have chosen to join us on our mission to see our vision come to fruition. We are ever grateful to the wonderful people on our 'Ministry Partnership Team' who support us prayerfully, financially and in a host of other ways. Although they are not here serving alongside us physically, we know that they are with us in spirit each and every step of the way. May they all be aundantly blessed!

'We are ever giving thanks to God for all of you, continually mentioning [you when engaged] in our prayers' ...

1 Thessalonians 1:2 (Amplified Bible)

* Jen Swallow Flew Into Town ...

... to join us for a short term mission trip. After all the planning it is great to finally have Jen here with us.



We have put together a great schedule for Jen, using her many gifts and talents and we are sure the kids will love her and the skills she will teach. After discussing Jen's schedule for week 1, Jen took the time to complete her final preparations for her first day at TLC.



* Teen Challenge's Executive Director, Koy ...



... gave a presentation at the weekend services at New Life Fellowship. It was great to see photos of the staff and students taking part in the various group sessions on the schedule and to hear the testimony of one of the students and the impact the short time at Teen Challenge has had on his life.

It is always very inspirational listening to someone who's life was previously destroyed by drug abuse overcome their addiction and move onto a life free of such dependency and filled with so much hope.

It's such a privilege for Patrick to be a member of the board of an organisation which changes peoples lives.

And that is some of our week that was!