Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the (action of His) power that is at work within us, is able to (carry out His purpose and) do superabundantly, far over and above all that we (dare) ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams) ...
Ephesians 3:20 Amplified
I spent the 26th May 2004 flying from Australia to Cambodia in response to God’s call to serve the poor and needy. As you can imagine, since I ‘stepped out of the boat’ and accepted ‘it all goes back in the box’, I have learnt a number of other things as well. I am also grateful to a number of priceless people who have shared this journey with me. You might ask me why I consider them priceless … ‘The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it’. Henry David Thoreau
These priceless people make up three groups; those dear to my heart, whom I left behind at home. Those I serve and those who are on the journey with me in various ways. My incredible faithful ministry partnership team who have responded to their call and devote their time to ensure I am not only continuously covered in prayer but give so generously to ensure that I do not lack any good thing. Thank you and be assured … ‘We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give’. Winston Churchill
Most importantly, I am thankful to my awesome God who answered my relentless prayer to know what His plan was for my life when I came to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour in late 2002 and discovered Jeremiah 29:11. He is so faithful.
People often say to me, “It must be so rewarding doing what you are doing.” Know that I don’t do what I do for the reward. I do what I do in obedience to my call and believe I am living the very purpose I was created for. But in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt … ‘Happiness is not a goal; it is a by product’. By doing what I do, I get to be happy!
Those who know me know I love inspirational people and their quotes, so you will not be surprised to hear that the things I have learnt are best summed up in the words below ...
The place where God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.
Frederick Buechner
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
One person can make a difference and everyone should try.
John F. Kennedy
Attempt great things for God, expect great things from God.
William Carey
Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.
St Augustine
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.
Jim Elliot
Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.
Mary McLeod Bethune
All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.
William James
Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The true measure of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.
Ann Landers
Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: If you’re alive, it isn’t.
Richard Bach
I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it.
I want to have lived the width of it as well.
Diane Ackeman
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start now and make a brand new ending.
Carl Bird
I am convinced that it is not the fear of death, of our lives ending, that haunts our sleep so much as the fear ... that as far as the world is concerned, we might as well never have lived.
Harold Kushner
Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Anonymous
Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it, I say! Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.
Pope Paul VI
Every fulfilled dream occurred because of dedication to a process.
John C. Maxwell
Let’s tell our young people that the best books are yet to be written; the best paintings have not yet been painted; the best governments are yet to be formed; the best is yet to be done by them.
John Erskine
Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Helen Keller
A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.
William Shedd
Our truest life is when we are in our dreams awake.
Henry David Thoreau
There are people who put their dreams in a little box and say, “Yes, I’ve got dreams, of course I’ve got dreams.” Then they put the box away and bring it out once in a while to look in it, and yep, they’re still there.
Erma Bombeck
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Howard Thurman
It is never too late to be what you might have been.
George Eliot.
The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration but its donation.
Corrie Ten Boom
We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.
Oswald Chambers
I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.
Mother Teresa
They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
Carl W. Buechner
Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something.
H. Jackson Brown Jr.
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
Thornton Wilder
There lives in each of us a hero awaiting the call to action.
H. Jackson Brown Jr.
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say,
"I used everything you gave me."
Erma Bombeck
Giving is true having.
Charles Spurgeon
How does one become a butterfly? … You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.
Trina Paulus
All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be
undertaken with painstaking excellence.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains;
It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.
C.S. Lewis
The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.
Tom Bodett
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
Charles H. Surgeon
Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.
C.S. Lewis
For it is in giving that we receive.
St Francis of Assisi
Not everyday of our lives is overflowing with joy and celebration. But there are moments when our hearts nearly burst within us for the sheer joy of being alive.
Gwen Ellis
You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
With the same scripture I opened this post, I now close it with another version …
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!
Ephesians 3:20-21 The Message
Archive for May of 2009
Celebrating 5 Years in Cambodia
by patrickandcarol, May 26, 2009
This Is ... Our Week That Was!
by patrickandcarol, May 23, 2009
Week 3 May 2009
* More Special People ...
... we get to do life with here. Graham and Seda joined us for a lovely evening at home ...
... and Rhy who started volunteering with us at the first centre and was later appointed to a position at the second centre, stopped us in the street to have a chat.
Anna ...
... who chose to stay in Cambodia when her Mission Direct stint was up, is busy teaching English at a bank, as well as working in another of her fields of expertise ... prosthetics.
Sue and Kerry joined us for the ride home in a Tuk Tuk during a thunderstorm ...
... after we had enjoyed Home Group, when our group gathered together at the home of our gracious hosts, Mark & Jo.
* News from the UNDP Newsroom ...
In Cambodia, women and children hit hardest by Economic Crisis
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Coming on the heels of a devastating food and oil crisis, which saw 50 percent of households cut back on food, the UN fears the recession in Cambodia’s major export markets will have severe and wide-ranging implications for the country’s women and children.
“Women will be disproportionally affected by this crisis. They make up the bulk of the labour force, and they are the backbone of this economy. We know that when women’s incomes are lost, the whole family suffers, especially the children,” cautions UN Resident Coordinator, Douglas Broderick.
After a decade of double-digit growth, driven by the manufacturing, construction, and tourism sectors, the Cambodian economy is predicted to contract significantly in 2009. Shrinking demand from US and EU markets has already forced 60,000 job losses in the garment sector. Reduced foreign direct investment has seen a further 25,000 jobs lost in construction. Hotel occupancies well below last year have prompted authorities to halve the admission fee to Angkor Wat. Whilst economic migrants in neighboring Thailand, Korea, and Malaysia face increasing pressure to return home.
“The global economic crisis has a human face. In Cambodia it’s not just people’s livelihoods at risk-it’s people’s lives” Mr Broderick adds.
Around a third of Cambodia’s 13.4 million people currently live below the national poverty line. Without a formal social welfare system, there are concerns that the global economic crisis will reverse positive trends and push greater numbers of Cambodian women and children into poverty and hunger.
Fewer urban jobs equates to fewer remittances sent home to rural areas, where 80% of Cambodians live. 1. 5 million rural people depend upon migrant remittances (mostly from women) as their major source of income. Early indications show that many unemployed workers are returning to their villages, where livelihood opportunities outside subsistence agriculture are severely limited. To survive, more and more Cambodian women and children may find themselves in the informal economy for lower wages, poorer conditions, and greater risk of sexual exploitation and trafficking.
The UN fears many poor families will adopt “unhealthy” coping measures such as reducing their number of meals per day or eating less nutritious foods; cutting back on health services, removing children from school to work, and selling household assets or land. This concern is supported by the 2008 National Anthropometric Nutrition Survey, which showed an increase in acute malnutrition in poor urban children aged under five years -linked to higher food prices and reduced earnings among the urban poor.
“Informal coping measures all have implications for long-term human development- stalling health, nutrition, and literacy. Deterioration in these areas not only sets back the country today, but also long into the future, long after Wall Street has recovered. There is a human imperative to help Cambodia maintain growth and provide social welfare for all its people.” Mr Broderick warns.
Maternal mortality in Cambodia is already unacceptably high, with five Cambodian women dying in labour every day. With even less income to pay for food and health services, the UN fears more women will forgo good nutrition and health care during pregnancy, exacerbating maternal and neo-natal mortality rates.
As part of the response, the United Nations System in Cambodia is working closely with the government to design an effective social protection system aimed at safeguarding Cambodia’s most vulnerable from economic and other shocks.
“Investing in women and children is the best way to ensure long-term prosperity. There is real opportunity in this crisis to transform ongoing vulnerability into sustainable futures for all Cambodians. Social safety nets in health, education, food, and work can help break the poverty cycle and we must not lose sight of this focus,” says Douglas Broderick on behalf of the United Nations County Team.
* Just as stated in the above UNDP post ...
... "Investing in women and children is the best way to ensure long-term prosperity..." we agree and that's why we do what we do in our women and children's projects.
With large numbers around the globe suffering due to their failing investments, we have found an investment that continues to offer great rewards! Investing in people.
* The Sew Empowered ...
... team continue producing patterns, making T Shirts and packaging them ...
... working on orders for u-chus and keeping stocks in order ...
... taking time out to do devotions together ...
... and ensuring that the kids are feed and content ...
... as well as they are.
Chanthy had some queries regarding an order, so I researched on the internet to find some alternatives.
The girls were also delighted to receive a large order from Calypso Costumes. Thanks, Fiona!
* TLC Guests ...
... included one of Teen Mania's - Global Expedition's Project Directors for 2009 ... Eddie, and his wife, Raf and friends Chad, Tasha and Isa. Isa and Moriah were introduced ...
... and the group later visited the people in the village and met some of the latest little additions ...
... before joining us in our home to met the Sew Empowered team.
'This is the Day' is always on the TLC schedule ...
... and this group were focused on their rehearsals for the upcoming concert.
The new playground allows the teachers to get the kids outside under the shade of the tree, which is great.
* Sokhang ...
... is enjoying his studies at TLC and looking forward to joining the blind school later in the year when they commence a new school year.
* Meal Time ...
... gives the kids a chance to relax with one another.
* The International Children's Day Celebrations ...
... scheduled for the 1st June have the children taking time out during the lunch break in between sessions to rehearse their acts.
The competition is serious business with each of the team ...
... ensuring that their group is well prepared in order to have an advantage and a great chance of taking out the championship.
Moriah was happy watching from the sidelines ...
... but all that changed when Pastor Sara decided to join the kids ...
... and Moriah took off to get in the act, as well.
Sochea filmed her group and later showed them their performance in order to assist them with the choreography.
* Resources For Teen Mania's Intensive English Classes ...
... with the children have arrived and Phearin checked them out. It's great having the teams partake in the intensive lessons which compliment the regular TLC English schedule.
* SAO Kindly Donated ...
... the puppets they used for their performances, as well as a bag full of goodies, which included CD's that the team were delighted to receive.
* CRDP Business ...
... was on the agenda with Pastor Sara ...
... and Meng.
* Purchasing A Generator ...
... was also on the agenda as was ...
* ... Finalising Teen Mania's Bus Quotes ...
... for their June mission in Cambodia.
* Prison Fellowship Cambodia's Board ...
... gathered for the quarterly board meeting. PFC is providing a great service to the prisoners and their families. As the organisation grows, there is much discussion between the board and management regarding future plans.
* Robyn From Victoria, Australia ...
... is in Cambodia and has kindly offered her services to assist us at TLC. We had a great meeting with Robyn ...
... and look forward to taking her out to TLC and planning a schedule. We are so grateful when people choose to come and offer their time and skills. It's such a huge blessing.
And that is some of our week that was.
Thanks for joining us!
* More Special People ...
... we get to do life with here. Graham and Seda joined us for a lovely evening at home ...
... and Rhy who started volunteering with us at the first centre and was later appointed to a position at the second centre, stopped us in the street to have a chat.
Anna ...
... who chose to stay in Cambodia when her Mission Direct stint was up, is busy teaching English at a bank, as well as working in another of her fields of expertise ... prosthetics.
Sue and Kerry joined us for the ride home in a Tuk Tuk during a thunderstorm ...
... after we had enjoyed Home Group, when our group gathered together at the home of our gracious hosts, Mark & Jo.
* News from the UNDP Newsroom ...
In Cambodia, women and children hit hardest by Economic Crisis
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Coming on the heels of a devastating food and oil crisis, which saw 50 percent of households cut back on food, the UN fears the recession in Cambodia’s major export markets will have severe and wide-ranging implications for the country’s women and children.
“Women will be disproportionally affected by this crisis. They make up the bulk of the labour force, and they are the backbone of this economy. We know that when women’s incomes are lost, the whole family suffers, especially the children,” cautions UN Resident Coordinator, Douglas Broderick.
After a decade of double-digit growth, driven by the manufacturing, construction, and tourism sectors, the Cambodian economy is predicted to contract significantly in 2009. Shrinking demand from US and EU markets has already forced 60,000 job losses in the garment sector. Reduced foreign direct investment has seen a further 25,000 jobs lost in construction. Hotel occupancies well below last year have prompted authorities to halve the admission fee to Angkor Wat. Whilst economic migrants in neighboring Thailand, Korea, and Malaysia face increasing pressure to return home.
“The global economic crisis has a human face. In Cambodia it’s not just people’s livelihoods at risk-it’s people’s lives” Mr Broderick adds.
Around a third of Cambodia’s 13.4 million people currently live below the national poverty line. Without a formal social welfare system, there are concerns that the global economic crisis will reverse positive trends and push greater numbers of Cambodian women and children into poverty and hunger.
Fewer urban jobs equates to fewer remittances sent home to rural areas, where 80% of Cambodians live. 1. 5 million rural people depend upon migrant remittances (mostly from women) as their major source of income. Early indications show that many unemployed workers are returning to their villages, where livelihood opportunities outside subsistence agriculture are severely limited. To survive, more and more Cambodian women and children may find themselves in the informal economy for lower wages, poorer conditions, and greater risk of sexual exploitation and trafficking.
The UN fears many poor families will adopt “unhealthy” coping measures such as reducing their number of meals per day or eating less nutritious foods; cutting back on health services, removing children from school to work, and selling household assets or land. This concern is supported by the 2008 National Anthropometric Nutrition Survey, which showed an increase in acute malnutrition in poor urban children aged under five years -linked to higher food prices and reduced earnings among the urban poor.
“Informal coping measures all have implications for long-term human development- stalling health, nutrition, and literacy. Deterioration in these areas not only sets back the country today, but also long into the future, long after Wall Street has recovered. There is a human imperative to help Cambodia maintain growth and provide social welfare for all its people.” Mr Broderick warns.
Maternal mortality in Cambodia is already unacceptably high, with five Cambodian women dying in labour every day. With even less income to pay for food and health services, the UN fears more women will forgo good nutrition and health care during pregnancy, exacerbating maternal and neo-natal mortality rates.
As part of the response, the United Nations System in Cambodia is working closely with the government to design an effective social protection system aimed at safeguarding Cambodia’s most vulnerable from economic and other shocks.
“Investing in women and children is the best way to ensure long-term prosperity. There is real opportunity in this crisis to transform ongoing vulnerability into sustainable futures for all Cambodians. Social safety nets in health, education, food, and work can help break the poverty cycle and we must not lose sight of this focus,” says Douglas Broderick on behalf of the United Nations County Team.
* Just as stated in the above UNDP post ...
... "Investing in women and children is the best way to ensure long-term prosperity..." we agree and that's why we do what we do in our women and children's projects.
With large numbers around the globe suffering due to their failing investments, we have found an investment that continues to offer great rewards! Investing in people.
* The Sew Empowered ...
... team continue producing patterns, making T Shirts and packaging them ...
... working on orders for u-chus and keeping stocks in order ...
... taking time out to do devotions together ...
... and ensuring that the kids are feed and content ...
... as well as they are.
Chanthy had some queries regarding an order, so I researched on the internet to find some alternatives.
The girls were also delighted to receive a large order from Calypso Costumes. Thanks, Fiona!
* TLC Guests ...
... included one of Teen Mania's - Global Expedition's Project Directors for 2009 ... Eddie, and his wife, Raf and friends Chad, Tasha and Isa. Isa and Moriah were introduced ...
... and the group later visited the people in the village and met some of the latest little additions ...
... before joining us in our home to met the Sew Empowered team.
'This is the Day' is always on the TLC schedule ...
... and this group were focused on their rehearsals for the upcoming concert.
The new playground allows the teachers to get the kids outside under the shade of the tree, which is great.
* Sokhang ...
... is enjoying his studies at TLC and looking forward to joining the blind school later in the year when they commence a new school year.
* Meal Time ...
... gives the kids a chance to relax with one another.
* The International Children's Day Celebrations ...
... scheduled for the 1st June have the children taking time out during the lunch break in between sessions to rehearse their acts.
The competition is serious business with each of the team ...
... ensuring that their group is well prepared in order to have an advantage and a great chance of taking out the championship.
Moriah was happy watching from the sidelines ...
... but all that changed when Pastor Sara decided to join the kids ...
... and Moriah took off to get in the act, as well.
Sochea filmed her group and later showed them their performance in order to assist them with the choreography.
* Resources For Teen Mania's Intensive English Classes ...
... with the children have arrived and Phearin checked them out. It's great having the teams partake in the intensive lessons which compliment the regular TLC English schedule.
* SAO Kindly Donated ...
... the puppets they used for their performances, as well as a bag full of goodies, which included CD's that the team were delighted to receive.
* CRDP Business ...
... was on the agenda with Pastor Sara ...
... and Meng.
* Purchasing A Generator ...
... was also on the agenda as was ...
* ... Finalising Teen Mania's Bus Quotes ...
... for their June mission in Cambodia.
* Prison Fellowship Cambodia's Board ...
... gathered for the quarterly board meeting. PFC is providing a great service to the prisoners and their families. As the organisation grows, there is much discussion between the board and management regarding future plans.
* Robyn From Victoria, Australia ...
... is in Cambodia and has kindly offered her services to assist us at TLC. We had a great meeting with Robyn ...
... and look forward to taking her out to TLC and planning a schedule. We are so grateful when people choose to come and offer their time and skills. It's such a huge blessing.
And that is some of our week that was.
Thanks for joining us!
This Is ... Our Week That Was!
by patrickandcarol, May 15, 2009
Week 2 May 2009
* Jen & Stephanie ...
... met Leap at New Life Fellowship, just prior to their departure.
* Some People From The Village ...
... took time out over the weekend to check out the new TLC playground, while some of the kids took the opportunity to spend time relaxing with Pastor Sara.
* The Community Relocation & Development Project - Stage 2 ...
... requires donations for the first building to be constructed on the site. The 'Village Community Centre', will include a medical clinic, a skills training centre and a cafe/convenience store. Check out our 'Opportunities Page' for future developments.
* The Village People ...
 of TLC 11 May 09 - 4.JPG "null")
... were delighted when they carried their new water containers ...
 of TLC 11 May 09 - 6.JPG "null")
.... back to their homes. Mission Direct may have left the country but their blessings continue to flow!
* At TLC The Kindy Kids ...
... enjoyed a change of scenery when Makara took them outside for story time.
* English Exams ...
... had kept these children focused for their session and it was great to see that they were obviously happy with themselves. Excellent!
As John Erskine said ... 'Let's tell our young people that the best books are yet to be written; the best paintings have not yet been painted; the best governments are yet to be formed; the best is yet to be done by them.
* Keeping Fit ...
... combined with the nutritional program, keeps the kids in great shape ...
... and full of energy as they got together for a photo with Phearin after their session.
Phearin is in there somewhere!
* The Modular Stage ...
... is due for completion prior to the celebration scheduled for International Children's Day on the 1st June and some of the team have been putting the finishing touches on the children's new costumes.
* It's Holiday Time Here In Cambodia ...
... for the Kings Birthday and Royal Ploughing Ceremony but that didn't stop Sochea taking advantage of the time away from TLC to meet with us to discuss future team schedules etc.
* The 'Sew Empowered' Team ...
... are learning about team building as they work together to achieve results. They have quickly identified their own strengths and also the strengths of others ...
... while ensuring that everyone learns to multi-task.
The team have shown initiative as they locate all the necessary equipment to produce a great product. It's a privilege to share in their development and a pleasure to watch them grow in the nurturing environment created through this project.
'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up ... '
I Thessalonians 5:11
T Shirt labels are on the way after Pheakday received the okay on the sample of the quality fabric he tracked down. It looks as though the first lot of stock will be on the shelves in Cambodia next week. How exciting!
The girls skills are increasing as they cut the various sizes down from one size to the other.
The baby singlets look cute ...
... and I look forward to seeing a baby boy in 'Conqueror', 'Warrior' and 'Precious' and the baby girls in 'Princess', 'Precious' and the 'little pink and gold angel'.
While the first run of baby singlets looked good, the girls wanted to add 'bells and whistles' to the machine ...
... to produce an even better quality product.
Other orders are also coming along nicely!
Due to the fact that there are so many Public Holidays in Cambodia, different shops and organisations close on different days. That means that we get to catch up with the kids from TC when the centre is closed and they come along with their mothers when the sewing project is still operating.
The kids are all certainly growing up and it has been a pleasure to see them develop since we first met them in 2006.
* Special People ...
... serving in Cambodia bless and enrich our lives and we enjoyed a relaxing time with ...
~ Dave, Kascha and Jemma ...
... who spent some time assisting Jenda at the checkout.
~ Pastor Jesse, Soar and little Jessica were headed 'Down Under' ...
... so we joined them at the airport to bid them farewell and look forward to hearing all about their trip upon their return.
~ Grahame, Katy, Karla, Sam and Jendah aka our old neighbours ...
... joined us for brunch at a local restaurant. The Dyer's and Reeds are all in for a well deserved holiday 'out of Asia' in the near future and we look forward to hearing all about their travels upon their return.
And that is some of our week that was!
Thanks for joining us.
* Jen & Stephanie ...
... met Leap at New Life Fellowship, just prior to their departure.
* Some People From The Village ...
... took time out over the weekend to check out the new TLC playground, while some of the kids took the opportunity to spend time relaxing with Pastor Sara.
* The Community Relocation & Development Project - Stage 2 ...
... requires donations for the first building to be constructed on the site. The 'Village Community Centre', will include a medical clinic, a skills training centre and a cafe/convenience store. Check out our 'Opportunities Page' for future developments.
* The Village People ...
... were delighted when they carried their new water containers ...
.... back to their homes. Mission Direct may have left the country but their blessings continue to flow!
* At TLC The Kindy Kids ...
... enjoyed a change of scenery when Makara took them outside for story time.
* English Exams ...
... had kept these children focused for their session and it was great to see that they were obviously happy with themselves. Excellent!
As John Erskine said ... 'Let's tell our young people that the best books are yet to be written; the best paintings have not yet been painted; the best governments are yet to be formed; the best is yet to be done by them.
* Keeping Fit ...
... combined with the nutritional program, keeps the kids in great shape ...
... and full of energy as they got together for a photo with Phearin after their session.
Phearin is in there somewhere!
* The Modular Stage ...
... is due for completion prior to the celebration scheduled for International Children's Day on the 1st June and some of the team have been putting the finishing touches on the children's new costumes.
* It's Holiday Time Here In Cambodia ...
... for the Kings Birthday and Royal Ploughing Ceremony but that didn't stop Sochea taking advantage of the time away from TLC to meet with us to discuss future team schedules etc.
* The 'Sew Empowered' Team ...
... are learning about team building as they work together to achieve results. They have quickly identified their own strengths and also the strengths of others ...
... while ensuring that everyone learns to multi-task.
The team have shown initiative as they locate all the necessary equipment to produce a great product. It's a privilege to share in their development and a pleasure to watch them grow in the nurturing environment created through this project.
'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up ... '
I Thessalonians 5:11
T Shirt labels are on the way after Pheakday received the okay on the sample of the quality fabric he tracked down. It looks as though the first lot of stock will be on the shelves in Cambodia next week. How exciting!
The girls skills are increasing as they cut the various sizes down from one size to the other.
The baby singlets look cute ...
... and I look forward to seeing a baby boy in 'Conqueror', 'Warrior' and 'Precious' and the baby girls in 'Princess', 'Precious' and the 'little pink and gold angel'.
While the first run of baby singlets looked good, the girls wanted to add 'bells and whistles' to the machine ...
... to produce an even better quality product.
Other orders are also coming along nicely!
Due to the fact that there are so many Public Holidays in Cambodia, different shops and organisations close on different days. That means that we get to catch up with the kids from TC when the centre is closed and they come along with their mothers when the sewing project is still operating.
The kids are all certainly growing up and it has been a pleasure to see them develop since we first met them in 2006.
* Special People ...
... serving in Cambodia bless and enrich our lives and we enjoyed a relaxing time with ...
~ Dave, Kascha and Jemma ...
... who spent some time assisting Jenda at the checkout.
~ Pastor Jesse, Soar and little Jessica were headed 'Down Under' ...
... so we joined them at the airport to bid them farewell and look forward to hearing all about their trip upon their return.
~ Grahame, Katy, Karla, Sam and Jendah aka our old neighbours ...
... joined us for brunch at a local restaurant. The Dyer's and Reeds are all in for a well deserved holiday 'out of Asia' in the near future and we look forward to hearing all about their travels upon their return.
And that is some of our week that was!
Thanks for joining us.
Happy Mother's Day ...
by patrickandcarol, May 10, 2009
... to all ya'll Moms & Mums reading.
'Her children arise and call her blessed' ...
Proverbs 31:28
'Her children arise and call her blessed' ...
Proverbs 31:28
This Is ... Our Week That Was!
by patrickandcarol, May 09, 2009
Week 1 - May 2009
* Stage 2 of the Community Relocation & Development Project is Underway ...
... with the purchase of the additional land adjoining the existing site. Both parties gathered for a photo ...
... before Pastor Sara took a tour of the new TLC playground. The kids will be so excited when they know that they have a nice new playground complete with a nice shady tree.
Sochea joined Pastor Sara on the adjoining site where the first building to go up will be the Community Centre.
We are all so excited and grateful to those who made this possible. Thank you. We cannot do what we do without you!
* Patrick Couldn't Get The Motor Bike Going ...
... and after walking it to the garage, so conveniently located right next door, the mechanic reported that a rat had chewed the wiring!
* The Fleet Increases ...
... with the purchase of a bicycle. Now we have a motorbike and a bicycle. And it's not for me, I assure you. I have had my early days here in Cambodia vying for my space on the road amongst this traffic and thank God that those days are behind me and that I lived to tell the tale ;)
* Thank You, Jen!
Remember Jen Swallow, from Perth, who came to serve with us in February?! Well, when Jen returned to Australia, she wanted to buy gifts for the team at TLC and CRDP, but didn't know what to buy. In the end, Jen decided to leave a donation for us to get something for the team. After some consideration, we decided that a 'Big Day Out' would be a great treat for everyone, so that's what we planned ... unbeknown to the team.
The team's first stop on the 'Big Day Out' was a visit to a cinema, which was a first for some. The next stop on the 'Big Day Out' was a boat trip along the Tonle Sap and Bassac, where everyone gathered before boarding.
Check out flora the boat had to cruise through!
Once all hands were on deck and 'the men' had their photo taken ...
... we surprised the team by announcing that their 'Big Day Out' was a gift from Jen. The team were surprised and delighted and this pose is for you, Jen!
It was Pheakday's first day on the job, as she replaces Nimul who is on maternity leave.
What a great 'first day on the job'! After the cruise, we all headed to the Tonle Bassac Restaurant for a buffet. You guessed it ...
... another first for some ...
... who after a number of return trips to refill their plates ...
... were left feeling more than a little overloaded in the belly!
* Matt and Gwen's ...
... first item on the agenda after joining us upon their arrival from Vietnam, was 'meet and greet' the team at the restaurant, followed by brunch the following morning at a local restaurant ...
... while we attended a scheduled meeting that never actually took place because the person we were meeting was not in attendance ;)
* The Friendship Cup Soccer Championship ...
... entertained everyone ...
... as four teams, including Fellowship of Hope Church (FHC) Old Men (OM) Community Relocation & Development Project (CRDP) and a very small Tarsha's Legacy Centre (TLC) team. The competition on the field was fierce ...
... and Patrick decided that TLC had a distinct height disadvantage and decided to lend them a hand ...
... which worked against the team because it's soccer, not Aussie Rules ;)
It was all happening on ...
... and off both grounds, as the teams played in their heats and this little guy played his own game with Matt ...
... while a fire was burning away in the background.
TV 3 were there to report on the results of the Championship ...
... so TLC would have made the news!
I don't think anyone competing had a 'Whirlpool' washing machine at home ...
... but everyone who lined up for the presentation could have used one!
While Patrick would have loved to present the cup to the TLC team ...
... the trophy went to FHC ...
Most important of all, everyone had a great time!
* The Sew Empowered Team ...
... have been busy with planning meetings ...
... and cutting patterns from size from 0 - 12 for kids and small to extra large for adults ...
... and making samples ...
... and pressing ...
... and giving their colour coded organising system a workout ...
... and learning a new skill ...
... adding rhinestones to the T Shirts with the Bejeweller ...
... and working on a u-chus order. Checkout the website at www.u-chus.com ...
... and keeping an eye on the little one while he watched TV ...
... and later slept.
* At TLC ...
... Matt and Gwen had a tour and met the kids ...
... who gave them a warm welcome.
* Jen & Stephanie ...
... currently serving as missionaries in Thailand, are here on a recky for the Teen Mania summer trip. We had the pleasure of meeting Jen in Dallas, TX and are delighted to have the opportunity to meet Stephanie, as well. We started the round of meetings at University of the Nations to check out the new accommodation with Chris ...
... before heading out to call in on Narith at the new office/shop to pray over the building and the business that will be conducted there ...
... followed by a visit to the orphanage ...
... and TLC, where they were greeted by 'Kindy Kids' who came up from the village ...
... before venturing into the foyer to be greeted by some students ...
... and looking in on Phearin's drawing class ...
... and taking a tour in the village.
The meetings continued at home and Stephanie gave us a demonstration on her video recorder ...
... and Narith came to a meeting regarding village trips in Cambodia and Vietnam ...
... and Mindy and Sokea met regarding the Student Centre ...
... and at Centre of Peace, Bophal discussed the team visit with the Jen and Stephanie.
On another occasion, the ladies headed out on a day trip to Chhouk, in the province of Kompot ...
... to visit World Education School with Narith and Rachna (who runs the project) and Sokun at the wheel.
It wouldn't be Cambodia without a visit to a slum and a family home.
We went to the riverside to check out the boat options and amenities ...
... and Patrick got some pointers on photography from Stephanie.
It's always nice to pull away from the dock and get out to where it's nice and peaceful ...
... and relax and watch whatever beautiful sunset has been especially chosen for that day!
Our last meeting was a marathon of a planning session to ensure that we had incorporated all of the projects into the scheduled visit, so that Teen Mania and those welcoming the team in, get the maximum impact and benefit.
* Centre of Peace ...
... relocation is on the schedule with a visit to possible sites.
Imagine moving 70+ kids and their things, together with Bophal and the team.
* The Boys ...
... Phearin and Kimpheng and Johnny, from TC, dropped by on the weekend to catch up.
And that's some of our week that was!
* Stage 2 of the Community Relocation & Development Project is Underway ...
... with the purchase of the additional land adjoining the existing site. Both parties gathered for a photo ...
... before Pastor Sara took a tour of the new TLC playground. The kids will be so excited when they know that they have a nice new playground complete with a nice shady tree.
Sochea joined Pastor Sara on the adjoining site where the first building to go up will be the Community Centre.
We are all so excited and grateful to those who made this possible. Thank you. We cannot do what we do without you!
* Patrick Couldn't Get The Motor Bike Going ...
... and after walking it to the garage, so conveniently located right next door, the mechanic reported that a rat had chewed the wiring!
* The Fleet Increases ...
... with the purchase of a bicycle. Now we have a motorbike and a bicycle. And it's not for me, I assure you. I have had my early days here in Cambodia vying for my space on the road amongst this traffic and thank God that those days are behind me and that I lived to tell the tale ;)
* Thank You, Jen!
Remember Jen Swallow, from Perth, who came to serve with us in February?! Well, when Jen returned to Australia, she wanted to buy gifts for the team at TLC and CRDP, but didn't know what to buy. In the end, Jen decided to leave a donation for us to get something for the team. After some consideration, we decided that a 'Big Day Out' would be a great treat for everyone, so that's what we planned ... unbeknown to the team.
The team's first stop on the 'Big Day Out' was a visit to a cinema, which was a first for some. The next stop on the 'Big Day Out' was a boat trip along the Tonle Sap and Bassac, where everyone gathered before boarding.
Check out flora the boat had to cruise through!
Once all hands were on deck and 'the men' had their photo taken ...
... we surprised the team by announcing that their 'Big Day Out' was a gift from Jen. The team were surprised and delighted and this pose is for you, Jen!
It was Pheakday's first day on the job, as she replaces Nimul who is on maternity leave.
What a great 'first day on the job'! After the cruise, we all headed to the Tonle Bassac Restaurant for a buffet. You guessed it ...
... another first for some ...
... who after a number of return trips to refill their plates ...
... were left feeling more than a little overloaded in the belly!
* Matt and Gwen's ...
... first item on the agenda after joining us upon their arrival from Vietnam, was 'meet and greet' the team at the restaurant, followed by brunch the following morning at a local restaurant ...
... while we attended a scheduled meeting that never actually took place because the person we were meeting was not in attendance ;)
* The Friendship Cup Soccer Championship ...
... entertained everyone ...
... as four teams, including Fellowship of Hope Church (FHC) Old Men (OM) Community Relocation & Development Project (CRDP) and a very small Tarsha's Legacy Centre (TLC) team. The competition on the field was fierce ...
... and Patrick decided that TLC had a distinct height disadvantage and decided to lend them a hand ...
... which worked against the team because it's soccer, not Aussie Rules ;)
It was all happening on ...
... and off both grounds, as the teams played in their heats and this little guy played his own game with Matt ...
... while a fire was burning away in the background.
TV 3 were there to report on the results of the Championship ...
... so TLC would have made the news!
I don't think anyone competing had a 'Whirlpool' washing machine at home ...
... but everyone who lined up for the presentation could have used one!
While Patrick would have loved to present the cup to the TLC team ...
... the trophy went to FHC ...
Most important of all, everyone had a great time!
* The Sew Empowered Team ...
... have been busy with planning meetings ...
... and cutting patterns from size from 0 - 12 for kids and small to extra large for adults ...
... and making samples ...
... and pressing ...
... and giving their colour coded organising system a workout ...
... and learning a new skill ...
... adding rhinestones to the T Shirts with the Bejeweller ...
... and working on a u-chus order. Checkout the website at www.u-chus.com ...
... and keeping an eye on the little one while he watched TV ...
... and later slept.
* At TLC ...
... Matt and Gwen had a tour and met the kids ...
... who gave them a warm welcome.
* Jen & Stephanie ...
... currently serving as missionaries in Thailand, are here on a recky for the Teen Mania summer trip. We had the pleasure of meeting Jen in Dallas, TX and are delighted to have the opportunity to meet Stephanie, as well. We started the round of meetings at University of the Nations to check out the new accommodation with Chris ...
... before heading out to call in on Narith at the new office/shop to pray over the building and the business that will be conducted there ...
... followed by a visit to the orphanage ...
... and TLC, where they were greeted by 'Kindy Kids' who came up from the village ...
... before venturing into the foyer to be greeted by some students ...
... and looking in on Phearin's drawing class ...
... and taking a tour in the village.
The meetings continued at home and Stephanie gave us a demonstration on her video recorder ...
... and Narith came to a meeting regarding village trips in Cambodia and Vietnam ...
... and Mindy and Sokea met regarding the Student Centre ...
... and at Centre of Peace, Bophal discussed the team visit with the Jen and Stephanie.
On another occasion, the ladies headed out on a day trip to Chhouk, in the province of Kompot ...
... to visit World Education School with Narith and Rachna (who runs the project) and Sokun at the wheel.
It wouldn't be Cambodia without a visit to a slum and a family home.
We went to the riverside to check out the boat options and amenities ...
... and Patrick got some pointers on photography from Stephanie.
It's always nice to pull away from the dock and get out to where it's nice and peaceful ...
... and relax and watch whatever beautiful sunset has been especially chosen for that day!
Our last meeting was a marathon of a planning session to ensure that we had incorporated all of the projects into the scheduled visit, so that Teen Mania and those welcoming the team in, get the maximum impact and benefit.
* Centre of Peace ...
... relocation is on the schedule with a visit to possible sites.
Imagine moving 70+ kids and their things, together with Bophal and the team.
* The Boys ...
... Phearin and Kimpheng and Johnny, from TC, dropped by on the weekend to catch up.
And that's some of our week that was!
Celebrating Tarsha's Legacy Centre's 1st Anniversary!
by patrickandcarol, May 01, 2009
They say 'time flies when you're having fun' and as we all agree it doesn't seem that long since the official opening of TLC, we must be having a lot of fun.
We thank God for His provision for TLC and for the many whose hearts have been touched by the vision and responded by giving generously of their financial and human resources. We can't do what we do without you!
* Celebrating Tarsha's Legacy Centre's 1st Anniversary ...
... was a special occasion ...
... and where there's kids, there's cake ...
... and some of the children told everyone how much their life had changed since attending TLC ...
... and Patrick took the opportunity to encourage the children.
 of DSC_0095.jpg "null")
~ TLC's Student Council members gathered for a photo ...
 of DSC_0169.jpg "null")
... and we interviewed some team members, students and parents and here's what they had to say about TLC.
~ Sochea says ...
... I love managing TLC and feel so blessed to be a part of the team bringing so much hope to everyone in the community of Koh Krobey. The kids enjoy learning at the centre and it touches my heart to see them filled with confidence and blossoming.
~ Srey Nich says ...
... I love my Kindy teacher, Makara, and studying English. The food is yummy!
~ To says ...
... I am thankful that my children have an opportunity to study English and enjoy a nutritional meal as part of the TLC program. I am delighted that my daughter has a trainee position at TLC and receives a salary in addition to the mentoring and training that she receives.
I am so thankful and have such peace and joy. I feel so blessed by God that I have a home in the village and that my children are doing well at TLC. I have everything I need!
~ Srey Mom, a member of the TLC Student Council, says ...
... I used to be lazy about my studies but since attending TLC and receiving so much encouragement from the teachers, I now love to study. I am #2 in my class at the government school. I especially like studying English at TLC but love everything that TLC gives me the opportunity to do. I admire TLC's manager, Sochea, and when I leave school I want to manager of a children's learning centre just like her.
~ Seoun says ...
... before I came here I was so poor and now I am so thankful that I have a nice home and my little boy is receiving an education at TLC. I feel so encouraged by the team when I am challenged and have great hope for my children's future. I am very happy that my second child will soon be old enough to go to Kindy at TLC.
I feel so blessed by God and now have everything I need. I miss Sam!
~ Srey Lin says ...
... I enjoy my position as a Trainee at TLC and love being a part of the team. As a team member, I enjoy being mentored and I have learnt a lot about grace. Before I came to TLC I was shy and quiet but now I feel confident and enjoy assisting the teachers or taking a class on my own. I would love to be a manager of a centre like TLC when I am older.
~ Davi says ...
... I give thanks to God and the team who have helped me through so many challenges and provided me with advice regarding my children and their future. The team have brought such hope into my life.
I used to live under the Japanese Bridge and had only one bed which I shared with my children. There wasn't even enough room for me to fit on it properly. I have met so many wonderful people who have blessed my life and I cannot find the words to thank everyone.
~ Srey Ip says ...
... I like to play with all the toys and equipment in the Kindy class. I love singing and my favourite song is ABC. When I grow up I want to be a Doctor.
~ Mom says ...
... I am so grateful to the team at TLC who have transformed the lives of 2 of my children and 3 of my grandchildren who attend. Before the children were enrolled at TLC, I was concerned for the educational future of my children and grandchildren because we did not have enough money to pay for a good education. All of the children are doing well in their studies and one is now #5 in his class at the government school. I also feel so blessed to have a secure home and now sleep well at night.
~ Phearin says ...
... TLC is a loving environment in which the children's lives have changed and so has mine. The children are all so loving, confident, smart and brave. I especially love teaching English and Bible stories.
~ Vandy says ...
... I love playing soccer and studying Khmer lessons at TLC. Since receiving the extra tutoring from my TLC teachers, I have achieved the #1 position in my class at the government school.
~ Ly says ...
... my life has changed and so have the lives of two of my children attending TLC. I love my job and the team at TLC and now have enough money to send all of my kids to school. I have learnt a lot about nutrition from the program that Kristy designed especially for TLC.
I have also gained so much experience in planning meals, portion sizes and managing the TLC food budget. The most people I have cooked for in one day at TLC is 150 and that included 40 adults.
~ Rothana says ...
... I love all the friends I have made at TLC. I love the food and playing with the toys and I especially love my teachers, Lightning and Vireak.
~ Vireak says ...
... I am happy teaching a variety of subjects to the children and my favourite subject is English. I love how the kids lives have changed and notice how confident they are and how their character has developed.
~ Senet, also a member of the TLC Student Council, says ...
... I am very happy studying at TLC and I love English and Khmer classes. After receiving the extra tutoring in my Khmer studies at TLC, I am now #1 in my class at the government school. I want to be a policeman like my father when I am older.
~ Nimul says ...
... since working at TLC, I have learnt a lot about personal development which I have not received in any other job. I love the fact that my two boys have the opportunity to attend such a creative learning centre. I love being a part of the TLC team. I will soon be going on Maternity Leave for 3 months and I know I will miss working very much. I would prefer to only be away for one day while I have my son and then return to work ;)
~ Theara says ...
... I love volunteering at TLC and now have a deeper love for children. I like teaching Khmer classes.
~ Makara says ...
... before I joined the TLC team, I worked as an assistant team manager and quality controller in a sewing factory but now I love teaching the children and seeing them receive an education. I love my job and it fills me with such joy and creativity.
We trust you enjoyed reading through the testimonies of some of the people that we get to do life with.
If you would like to join our team in equipping, empowering and enriching the lives of so many, you are most welcome!
Contact us now to see how.
We thank God for His provision for TLC and for the many whose hearts have been touched by the vision and responded by giving generously of their financial and human resources. We can't do what we do without you!
* Celebrating Tarsha's Legacy Centre's 1st Anniversary ...
... was a special occasion ...
... and where there's kids, there's cake ...
... and some of the children told everyone how much their life had changed since attending TLC ...
... and Patrick took the opportunity to encourage the children.
~ TLC's Student Council members gathered for a photo ...
... and we interviewed some team members, students and parents and here's what they had to say about TLC.
~ Sochea says ...
... I love managing TLC and feel so blessed to be a part of the team bringing so much hope to everyone in the community of Koh Krobey. The kids enjoy learning at the centre and it touches my heart to see them filled with confidence and blossoming.
~ Srey Nich says ...
... I love my Kindy teacher, Makara, and studying English. The food is yummy!
~ To says ...
... I am thankful that my children have an opportunity to study English and enjoy a nutritional meal as part of the TLC program. I am delighted that my daughter has a trainee position at TLC and receives a salary in addition to the mentoring and training that she receives.
I am so thankful and have such peace and joy. I feel so blessed by God that I have a home in the village and that my children are doing well at TLC. I have everything I need!
~ Srey Mom, a member of the TLC Student Council, says ...
... I used to be lazy about my studies but since attending TLC and receiving so much encouragement from the teachers, I now love to study. I am #2 in my class at the government school. I especially like studying English at TLC but love everything that TLC gives me the opportunity to do. I admire TLC's manager, Sochea, and when I leave school I want to manager of a children's learning centre just like her.
~ Seoun says ...
... before I came here I was so poor and now I am so thankful that I have a nice home and my little boy is receiving an education at TLC. I feel so encouraged by the team when I am challenged and have great hope for my children's future. I am very happy that my second child will soon be old enough to go to Kindy at TLC.
I feel so blessed by God and now have everything I need. I miss Sam!
~ Srey Lin says ...
... I enjoy my position as a Trainee at TLC and love being a part of the team. As a team member, I enjoy being mentored and I have learnt a lot about grace. Before I came to TLC I was shy and quiet but now I feel confident and enjoy assisting the teachers or taking a class on my own. I would love to be a manager of a centre like TLC when I am older.
~ Davi says ...
... I give thanks to God and the team who have helped me through so many challenges and provided me with advice regarding my children and their future. The team have brought such hope into my life.
I used to live under the Japanese Bridge and had only one bed which I shared with my children. There wasn't even enough room for me to fit on it properly. I have met so many wonderful people who have blessed my life and I cannot find the words to thank everyone.
~ Srey Ip says ...
... I like to play with all the toys and equipment in the Kindy class. I love singing and my favourite song is ABC. When I grow up I want to be a Doctor.
~ Mom says ...
... I am so grateful to the team at TLC who have transformed the lives of 2 of my children and 3 of my grandchildren who attend. Before the children were enrolled at TLC, I was concerned for the educational future of my children and grandchildren because we did not have enough money to pay for a good education. All of the children are doing well in their studies and one is now #5 in his class at the government school. I also feel so blessed to have a secure home and now sleep well at night.
~ Phearin says ...
... TLC is a loving environment in which the children's lives have changed and so has mine. The children are all so loving, confident, smart and brave. I especially love teaching English and Bible stories.
~ Vandy says ...
... I love playing soccer and studying Khmer lessons at TLC. Since receiving the extra tutoring from my TLC teachers, I have achieved the #1 position in my class at the government school.
~ Ly says ...
... my life has changed and so have the lives of two of my children attending TLC. I love my job and the team at TLC and now have enough money to send all of my kids to school. I have learnt a lot about nutrition from the program that Kristy designed especially for TLC.
I have also gained so much experience in planning meals, portion sizes and managing the TLC food budget. The most people I have cooked for in one day at TLC is 150 and that included 40 adults.
~ Rothana says ...
... I love all the friends I have made at TLC. I love the food and playing with the toys and I especially love my teachers, Lightning and Vireak.
~ Vireak says ...
... I am happy teaching a variety of subjects to the children and my favourite subject is English. I love how the kids lives have changed and notice how confident they are and how their character has developed.
~ Senet, also a member of the TLC Student Council, says ...
... I am very happy studying at TLC and I love English and Khmer classes. After receiving the extra tutoring in my Khmer studies at TLC, I am now #1 in my class at the government school. I want to be a policeman like my father when I am older.
~ Nimul says ...
... since working at TLC, I have learnt a lot about personal development which I have not received in any other job. I love the fact that my two boys have the opportunity to attend such a creative learning centre. I love being a part of the TLC team. I will soon be going on Maternity Leave for 3 months and I know I will miss working very much. I would prefer to only be away for one day while I have my son and then return to work ;)
~ Theara says ...
... I love volunteering at TLC and now have a deeper love for children. I like teaching Khmer classes.
~ Makara says ...
... before I joined the TLC team, I worked as an assistant team manager and quality controller in a sewing factory but now I love teaching the children and seeing them receive an education. I love my job and it fills me with such joy and creativity.
We trust you enjoyed reading through the testimonies of some of the people that we get to do life with.
If you would like to join our team in equipping, empowering and enriching the lives of so many, you are most welcome!
Contact us now to see how.
