Newsletters
With our regular newsletters, we aim to keep you posted on all the interesting and important news and updates of our programs and various activities. Enjoy reading!
May 2016
Dear friends and partners,
These past few months in Cambodia have been very difficult for millions of people here. Cambodia has been hit hard by drought and phenomenal heat. The average mid-day temperatures throughout the country is 42-44 degrees centigrade. It leaves us all feeling extremely hot and very tired. It is not a pleasure to be outside.
But the hot temperatures are spawning erratic and very dangerous thunderstorms – storms that have a high wind and lightning but very little rain. The result is devastating as homes are blown apart and families no longer have shelter.
We have a number of house building teams come in this weather – the heat is overwhelming – the lack of electricity and water on site leaves the volunteers gasping – but – they don’t quit. They continue to build and at the end of the day – families have a home.
Click and see our tribute to house builders: https://youtu.be/os14kcBYh7c
All of you who house build leave me in a state of wonder. It is not easy to come to a strange country – a country where the weather is never predictable – a country that has different customs and culture. You come with a desire to serve – you work hard in difficult circumstances – you do so with grace and humility – you leave having gained more than you gave. How good that is!
I am amazed by those of you who manage to mangle your thumbs; or scrape your skin – or receive a slice from the famous tin that requires stitches- there is never a murmur – never a complaint – you are shy to show me your wounds – you do not talk of it unless I ask.
I am in wonder of the students that come – young people as young as 12 – you listen attentively to the history of the country – you go reluctantly to see the genocide museum and the Killing fields – I know it gives some of you nightmares – I am touched by the respect you show to the families after you have understood – the grace with which you work – despite being tired and developing blisters – you make me so proud.
I am in awe of the age groups that come – house builders as young as 5 – who never throw a tantrum or complain on site – rather you continue to struggle to hit that nail. I am awestruck by those of you who are aging so wonderfully – still young and active at 79 – the bones do creak and it’s not easy getting up and down – but you are a great model for us who are younger. I envy you – and pray I may be like you when I reach your age. I marvel at all the ages in between – you make me laugh – you encourage all of us – you are a wonderful tapestry of God’s best – I love you all.
For us, this time of the year is the time to start plans for our next program year. I ask that all of you who will be coming – or coming for the first time – please take a moment and sent us your dates. Remember that December 15-January 15, April12-17th and Pchun Ban in October are not available for house building. I strongly suggest that none of you come in the month of April - the hottest month of the year.
I thank my God for each of you - for being you – for being your best when you come to build. You make me a better person but more importantly than that – you bring hope and pride to people who are struggling – to people for whom life is very difficult. Thank you for that gift.
Janne
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