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GAYE MILLER: CAMBODIAN STORY:
CONTINUED ...
April / May 2005 Newsletter Four
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Hello
everyone! |
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I've
been phoning the poor shipping agent every day. Finally I got the message
I'd been waiting so long to hear: COME! |
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I hurriedly packed up, booked accommodation, organised for
Sheila to pick up and store my luggage, rang Mophay to get ready and booked
two seats on the Phnom Penh bus. |
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Within four hours of receiving The Phone Call, Mophay and I
settled in for the six hour bus ride to the capital. The bus company
provided a tour guide to point out the sights and organise refreshments. The
guide was a very polite and pleasant young man who obviously had limited
English to deal with foreign tourists. He picked up the microphone to make
the following announcement "Ladies and gentlemen we now stop so driver can
peees". Along with the English speaking Khmers, I couldn't help laughing.
The poor tour guides vocabulary obviously included a few slang words, but he
said it so nicely and respectively it made it even more hilarious. |
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Within sight of the city, the bus came to a complete
standstill caught up in a traffic jam. We slowly approached Chroy Changvar
Bridge where we could see crowds of people hanging over the bridge to look
at something in the Tonle Sap River below. Apparently a car had hit two
motorbikes killing one person on impact and throwing two passengers off the
bridge into the river where they both drowned. A fourth victim died later in
hospital. |
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We finally checked into our hotel where I frantically tried
to organise people and trucks to meet us at the dry dock the following day.
I knew this would be the most difficult, frustrating and tiring day of the
whole trip as everything had to fall into place precisely. There were too
many things that could go wrong. If one small part of the logistical puzzle
didn't work, it could have a domino effect on all my plans. |
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The customs people still seemed reluctant to release the
container but after signing a never ending stream of paperwork and paying
the final bill, Mophay and I were finally driven to the dry dock. That was
the first and biggest hurdle over. |
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Even
at this late stage there were more hiccups with representatives of N.G.O.s
and trucks not arriving. Eventually with the combined help of the shipping
agent [Bunthat], H.C.C Director [Terri] and Mophay translating, an extra
truck was arranged and packed. It was such a relief to see the container
again with all the contents safely inside. |
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I
couldn't speak to the missing N.G.O.s as they were out of range or in
meetings! I was so disappointed as the arrangements had been made weeks
earlier with constant reminders to them. I quickly changed my plans and
asked the trucks to take everything to H.C.C. as Terri kindly offered me
storage space whilst I organised a few alternative arrangements. Again, with
Terri translating, I negotiated prices for trucks to deliver to Kampot, the
outskirts of Phnom Penh and all the way to Siem Reap and then exchanged
phone numbers with all the drivers so I would know where they all are. I'm
sure Lindsey Fox has an easier life than this. I hadn't allocated any funds
for this unexpected expense. At this stage I just wanted the easiest way out
and to get all the donations away from the docks. |
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We
followed the trucks to H.C.C. where they were unpacked and contents stored.
We also unloaded the hospital beds, wheelchairs, desk, filing cabinet and
medical supplies. Terri promised to email me some photos when everything has
been put into place to establish the small medical clinic. |
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Although the boxes were all clearly labelled, my carefully
thought out plans had been thrown into chaos with some of the key personnel
not turning up. I had to direct each individual box to separate piles so
they could be trucked to their correct destinations. Whilst this was
happening some of the young girls had taken the three bikes that were
intended for H.C.C. and were having a lot of fun riding them around the
compound. It was good to see them smiling and enjoying themselves. |
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The
whole day was the expected nightmare, very hot and problems all the way. I
finally got one small truck to take the bicycles and a few boxes of clothes
and toys down to the Aspeca orphanage in Kampot down on the south coast. I
received a phone call at 9.30pm to say it all had safely arrived. Fantastic!
One job completed. I had intended delivering the bikes myself, but I knew
there wouldn't be enough time. I hope to receive email photos of all the
children riding their bikes. |
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The
whole day had been as hot and bad as could be. I was emotionally tired and
physically exhausted, but at least all the goods had been released and in
safe storage. However bad it all gets, I know deep down that everything will
get done, just not as quick or in the manner I would like. |
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A
few months earlier I had been offered maternity clothes. A friend suggested
that I take them to the garbage dump where children and pregnant ladies
search for anything of value. I thought this was a worthwhile idea so I
included boxes of beautiful baby clothes, blankets and toys. |
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The
following day after another early wake up call, Terri, Savang and Koy picked
up Mophay and I to go for breakfast. This was a strange experience for me,
to be taken to a Chinese restaurant, fight for a parking spot and search
amongst the bourgeoisie for an empty table at 7 in the morning. We only
stayed long enough to eat lemon grass beef then we were on our way to Stung
Mean Chey Municipal Garbage Dump. This is as close as it gets to Hades Hell.
There was a ghostly, eerie atmosphere with smoke coming from all the fires.
It was difficult to see very far, just a glimpse of a few silent figures
floating around. Terri said she didn't feel safe so after making some
enquiries we discovered that most of the women have been moved off the dump.
It was too dangerous to start giving out supplies as we could have been
surrounded by the gangs that controlled the area. We reluctantly decided
that it wasn't worth the risk so we slowly drove away so we could decide
what to do next. |
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Terri
suggested that I donate all the baby goods to another project that H.C.C is
funding. I readily agreed as I'd read in the newspapers about these people a
few years ago and was keen to meet them. |
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We
drove to a village called Anlong Kong Communities. This is where, in 2001,
the families had been forcefully removed from Phnom Penh out to a barren,
waterless wasteland where nothing could be grown. The 452 families are
subsisting on only fifty cents each a day by sorting out garbage and
fishing. Some of the men are lucky enough to be employed in the construction
industry but this means being away from home for long periods as the work is
too far away to commute. |
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When
H.C.C. gets more funding from interested donors, they hope to provide
skilled training to educate the women in traditional skills such as weaving,
but first they have to buy looms. When we arrived at the home of the school
teacher, she quickly gathered all the pregnant ladies and small children.
They all sat so quietly and patiently whilst waiting for clothing and toys.
Terri later told me that HIV is prevalent in this community. It was such a
harsh, unforgiving landscape with no water and few trees. As poor and
undernourished as this community is, it wouldn't be the worst that I would
see on this trip. |
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Even
for the so called lucky citizens that have a full time job, life is
difficult. Consider the life of a bar attendant working six days a week from
4pm to 1.30 am. Out of a salary of fifty US dollars a month, thirty dollars
is spent on rent with the remaining twenty dollars on food, clothes and
transport to work. A lot of hours worked just to survive. |
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Whilst
driving around Phnom Penh I talked to the H.C.C. staff escorting me. I had
one surreal moment when Savang started to talk to me about the length of
time it took for a London cabbie to qualify for the job. I realised he was
talking about 'The Knowledge'. Very few people outside of England would be
aware of the intensive training taken for the drivers to know virtually
every tiny back street in London. Savang explained his English teacher had
studied in the U.K. What a bizarre conversation for an Aussie to be having
with a Khmer in Cambodia about an obscure European training scheme! |
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Goodbye
until next time when there will be news about the major donations to the
rural areas in the north of the country. Gaye |
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April / May 2005 Newsletter Five |
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Delivery
of donations continued. |
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Whilst
a truck had been driven up to Siem Reap with 70% of the donations, Mophay
and I returned on the bus. It was wonderful to be back home in Siem Reap. I
took a moto to visit the Director of Education for Siem Reap Province to
discuss which rural areas most needed assistance and planned the itinerary
for the week. |
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After
this I helped Mophay complete the application forms for the tourism course.
We then rode out to the school's open day and handed in all Mophay's
documents. She was given a time and date for an interview. Unfortunately I
will be back in Australia, so to give her some confidence we did some
role-plays of likely scenarios. |
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I
then went out to check that all the boxes had been stored safely. I had to
sort them into four separate piles for the different destinations. I thought
I had finished heaving those heavy boxes around in Melbourne. This was hard
labour for me and a disabled girl in the extreme heat. Even though we kept
drinking water, we were both soaked to the skin with the exertion. I still
had to find the energy to organise a vehicle to transport some of the boxes
to local destinations. |
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Our
first stop was to Mophay's orphanage where we dropped off a selection of
clothes, toys and baby equipment. Then we drove out to Angkor Thom to
deliver clothes to the orphans living with the monks in the Pagoda. As usual
they were pleased to see me and excited to get new clothes. The remaining
boxes went into my hotel room! By this stage all the hotel staff knew my
agenda and willingly carried them for me. |
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"Tomorrow
is when it all really starts". |
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My
first destination was Varin. I'd first tried to get to Varin in 2003 but the
road was too bad and the truck got bogged in the mud, resulting in all the
boxes being taken to their final destination on the back of motor bikes. As
it's now the dry season the road is passable. We drove a lot further than
last time, eventually turning onto smaller tracks until the driver admitted
to Mophay that we were lost. After numerous stops to ask for directions, we
finally arrived at Varin School where I recognized the principal. |
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All
the children received exercise books, clothes and teddy bears. As usual I
was interested in the mothers who always stood quietly at the back. They
were delighted to receive an armful of baby clothes each. One young girl,
who had baby twins and a toddler, told Mophay that her husband had left her.
I made sure she had plenty of clothes to take home. It was very hot work
standing in the hot sun surrounded by a crowd of expectant and excited
school children. I left it all to Mophay and the school teachers to allocate
the provisions. |
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The
principal invited us to lunch at his home. I've been through this before,
but I decided to try to eat a little of the food this time... We arrived to
find a big group of ladies sitting on the ground preparing a feast. It all
looked so colourful and friendly that I decided to take a closer look. The
rice, vegetables and meat were all covered in clouds of flies so I pulled my
old [I have a bad stomach and can't eat] trick. |
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I
was offered a drink and invited to sit down. Naturally I chose a shady spot
but Mophay told me that the ladies wanted me to sit in the sun where they
could see me. The had seen foreign aid workers drive past but had never had
the opportunity to study a westerner close up before. I do stand out being
double their weight and taller with blonde hair. They all had a good look
whilst chattering and laughing at my attempts to converse. |
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I
asked Mophay to translate for me as I wanted to ask the principal if the
well had been built that I had organised and paid for on my last visit. I'm
still not sure if it has been completed. |
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We
arrived back at the hotel pleased with our day. That was the first major
donation to be delivered. |
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Mophay
had been very patient as she had seen both her name and Prolings written on
some of the boxes in my room. These were to be taken to their village, but
there was one individual box for Mophay. She excitedly picked over all the
clothes and toiletries that she wanted. I still have a problem getting her
correct size as she is so tiny. She adored all her new clothes and couldn't
wait to try them all on. |
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Despite
the early start and all the travel, I still had some energy left, so I
suggested to Mophay that we visit The Sisters of Charity to deliver boxes of
baby goods. With the good natured hotel doormen helping us, we piled into a
tuk-tuk and set off. |
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The
nuns were happy to receive the baby clothes and toys. Mophay hadn't visited
them before so they told her how lucky she was to have a sponsor to look
after her. Again I looked at the children. The thirteen year old girl seemed
more alert this time and sniffed at my arms. She obviously liked the smell
of Mophay as she hung onto her. I then returned to my hotel for an early
night in preparation for the long trip to Anlong Veng. |
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At
6am Mophay arrived with two motor bikes to take us to the meeting point with
the driver and escort. How well I remember the excuse that is called the
road to Anlong Veng. The small truck was loaded dangerously high so we had
to make turns very slowly so we wouldn't overturn. I almost felt seasick
with the sight of on coming traffic approaching and then disappearing into a
pothole and then clambering back up into view again. The road is sealed but
still has huge pot holes which the drivers try to avoid even if it means
driving on the wrong side of the road. It's utter bedlam, scary and
dangerous when you throw in further hazards like meandering buffalo, naked
children, pigs, dogs and ducks. |
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The
really scary part was crossing the bridges. At some, the driver got out for
an inspection, rearranged planks and stones to his satisfaction and then
slowly navigated his way over. At others he would reverse until he found the
right angle to proceed on. Some bridges were just too dilapidated to attempt
a crossing, so the driver would drive down into the river bed, with fingers
and everything else crossed, and drive across. |
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We
eventually came to the Beautiful forest [I call it the enchanted forest]
where we drove through swirling clouds of butterflies. In places there were
so many that is was difficult to see. Tiny pieces of paper lay on the track
but as we drove closer 'the paper' flew away. |
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At
Anlong Veng the children were waiting, so once again the clothes and
stationery were distributed. The teachers told Mophay they remembered me
from my last trip. |
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I
decided not to spend the night in Anlong Veng as planned, but to take a taxi
back to Siem Reap whilst the others took the second half of the donations to
Trapeang Prasat the following day. |
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Mophay
and I negotiated for the best taxi fare and set off. I'd heard about the
cowboy drivers and really thought we were going to die. The driver had no
regards for the pot holes and just drove at one speed: flat out. I was
seriously thinking that I had enough credit on my mobile phone to leave a
final goodbye message on my answering machine providing I wasn't out of
range. Five minutes into the trip, we had a puncture! This delayed the
torture for twenty minutes, but it did make the driver slow down as he had
used his only spare tyre. It didn't reassure me to pass an overturned truck
on the side of the road with a small crowd trying to heave it upright.
Fortunately no-one had been hurt. |
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It
was a long trip to Anlong Veng and back in one day so it was wonderful to
get back to air-conditioning and a hot shower. My clothes and skin were
covered in red dust. I was too exhausted to go out for food so I ordered a
club sandwich from room service. No problems. Five minutes later, I was
informed they didn't have the essential ingredient. Bread! |
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As
I had an unexpected free day I decided I would visit Mophay's and Proling's
village. Again the obliging hotel doormen organised a tuk-tuk for me and
loaded it up with the remaining boxes. Mophay and I struggled to hold onto
them as they kept slipping on the bumpy dirt track. Unknown to me, gorgeous
Mophay had sent her brother on ahead with two cans of beer and ice so I
could have a cold drink on arrival. She knew I wouldn't eat at her rural
family home although she did ask me several times. It was lovely to see
Mophay's mother again. We sat on a wooden slatted bed underneath the house
with the cows and a five day old calf feeding beside us. All the village
children arrived to receive clothing and toys. Mophay again took control,
unpacked the boxes and distributed the correct sizes to the children. I
discovered the tuk-tuk driver spoke a little English so he explained what
was happening. He also managed to read the English instructions on a box on
how to construct a toy. It was only a simple thing that kept flying into the
trees, but it gave the children a lot of fun. Whilst the ladies and children
happily settled in to see what the boxes contained, I took one of the
bicycles for a short wobbly ride down the dirt track which caused lots of
laughter. Mophay's mother and I tried our best to have a conversation but it
was more touching, gesturing and a lot of smiles. We arranged to meet later
in the week. |
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The
final distribution day arrived. This would be the most remote, the most
difficult and the most interesting destination. |
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I
had previously read a couple of Australian newspaper reports about one or
two people occasionally coming out of the jungle to return to the outside
world after thirty years of hiding. This ethnic minority group had kept on
the move trying to avoid the soldiers not knowing that the war had long
finished. I agreed to attempt the trip to find this group living in Stone
Age conditions.
Save the Children Norway gave me a truck with a driver and [luxury] an
interpreter. |
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The
road was surprisingly good but it's only recently been built to give access
to the more remote, unexplored temples in the north of the country. We
arrived at Rom Chek School where I was told this was the last toilet stop. I
cautiously made my way across the play ground where I could see all the land
mine signs surrounding the school only fifteen metres from the school
buildings. I could see the Halo Trust deminers working close by. We picked
up several guides comprising of government and education department
officials who hopped onto the back of trail bikes armed with axes. I
couldn't see how we could possibly penetrate the forest until the axes were
used to cut down branches to enable the truck to scrape through. At one
stage the driver got out, walked down the track and out of sight and said it
was impassable, so the trail bikes forged another way through to a river. We
drove down into the river and then along it until we found an embankment
that we could drive up onto dry land again. In places I just closed my eyes,
it all seemed impossible. Indiana Jones in Cambodia! |
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We
finally reached an isolated clearing where groups of families were waiting
near a temporary school. I discovered that they have no communication with
the town; they live naturally which means they eat the products of the
forest, for example vegetables, roots, fruit and bamboo, and whatever live
animals they can catch. They make their own clothes; they are interbred,
malnourished and suffer from a variety of medical conditions including
malaria. No doctors have seen them. They have to walk five kms to the
nearest safe, clean water. The area is situated in the centre of an old
battlefield where 70% of the group had been attacked by the Khmer Rouge.
They had never received any gifts before. |
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The above was painfully interpreted for me so please excuse any
inaccuracies. |
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The
group waited patiently and quietly whilst all the time staring at me as
though I were an alien. At least I had plenty of provisions for this small
group. With Mophay's help I tried to talk to some of the older people. I
wanted to learn about their history, but it was too difficult for Mophay's
limited English. I noticed a tall young girl with a beautiful face but when
I attempted to talk to her, her krama slipped off her shoulder to reveal a
stump instead of an arm. Several of the group were also landmine victims who
had missing limbs. It was strange to see the group transformed by
discarding their rags and putting western clothes and shoes onto their dirty
bodies. Some of the small children weren't just frightened by me but also
terrified of the teddy bears and other soft toys. |
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The
families were suffering from unknown diseases. I saw open weeping wounds,
dry encrusted eyes, facial deformities plus the ever present amputees. |
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I
showed some of the older children how to look through the viewfinder of my
video camera. They were amazed to see their friends moving and talking on
the screen. |
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We
eventually said goodbye and faced the tortuous return trip. |
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We
stopped for lunch at the ninth century Koh Ker Temple. A covered bamboo
platform had been erected for picnics. The group all clambered onto it to
eat their pre-packed lunches. I didn't think it would bear my weight
especially when I saw the interpreter put his foot through one section of
the bamboo. |
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In
the silent isolation I satisfied myself with enjoying the sun on my face,
listening to the birds and watching all the butterflies. That moment will
stay with me. It was so very beautiful beside the ancient temple but I was
aware of the ugly threat of landmines surrounding me. I was too nervous to
explore or to stray too far away from my guides. Later when I was taken into
the grounds of the temple, I made sure that Mophay and I stayed very close
to the guides.
We dropped more boxes off at Koh Ker mini School and Sayong School where I
saw an N.G.O. working on a small arms retrieval project. I was then taken
back to my hotel where I took final photos of my group of helpers. |
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I
felt strangely flat to know that my six months of work had finished. I felt
weird as though I had weights in my legs, I could only manage to walk at a
snails pace. I had no energy, I was completely drained. I decided to phone
Melbourne for some support and TLC. When my friend Sharon said "come home,
it's time", it sounded like a wonderful idea as I felt the need to see my
friends and family again. I had finally achieved everything I had hoped to
and couldn't do any more. |
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There
will be one more small newsletter to follow soon. |
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April / May 2005 Newsletter Six |
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Hello
everybody |
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It's
such a huge relief now the donations have all been distributed. It was time
for some relaxation so I took Mophay and her mother out for dinner. I made
sure that I chose a restaurant that serves both western and Khmer food.
Sophisticated Mophay first read, then discussed the menu with her mother and
then ordered for both of them. Mophay's mother watched me eat so she could
copy me in choosing which utensils and how to use them, much the same as I
do when eating Khmer food. She had never eaten in a restaurant before, never
used a knife and fork or tasted ice-cream. I look forward to meeting up
again on my next trip. |
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As
usual Proling and Mophay shared my last breakfast and escorted me to the
airport. I'm a basket case when it comes to saying goodbye; I just hate
farewells, so I asked the girls to return to Siem Reap with the taxi.
Sunthayut made me feel better by meeting me and taking me up the air traffic
control tower for a bird's eye view of the runways, surrounding landscape
and even the temples of Angkor Wat. That was a very special treat to end my
trip. I can't imagine airport security allowing unknown visitors into the
control tower any where else in the world. Unbelievable! |
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This
project started with some media interest last November and snowballed from
there. In the last eight months I've written begging emails, drove long
distances to collect donations, sorted, washed and folded clothes, run out
of packing boxes, acquired a new supply, run out of storage space in my
home, acquired more in neighbours and friends homes, responded to email
enquiries, organised the logistical nightmare of shipping documents, freight
haulage etc. etc. etc. Not to mention shifting the heavy boxes around so
many times. |
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All
the above is too labour intensive, so I think it's better to do some
fundraising here in Melbourne and spend the proceeds on a few achievable
projects. I'm spreading the container load between too many communities so I
will put all my energy into helping one or two projects. I'm thinking about
several possibilities including: |
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Building
a school in Kor Ker. Big money, but a one off project. |
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Establishing
a half way house for the young adults that leave the Siem Reap orphanage.
This will be an ongoing concern. |
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Setting
up a small business to provide employment, income and self respect for the
school leavers that leave the orphanage. This would be another ongoing
project. |
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Support
a small training scheme program that trains handicapped adults in such
diverse occupations as basket weaving, motor repairs, pig raising etc. |
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I'd
be pleased to hear any comments or suggestions about any of the above
proposals. |
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On
this trip, my main objectives were to establish a medical clinic for HCC, by
supplying hospital beds, wheelchairs, a steriliser, desk, filing cabinet and
medical supplies such as stethoscopes, bandages, sterile gloves etc. I was
also pleased to supply the Kampot orphanage with the requested bicycles and
repair kits. Unfortunately I couldn't fit any more bikes or hospital beds
into the container as they took up so much room. |
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I
was happy to return to the rural northern areas to provide clothes, shoes,
toys, books, student's stationery, teacher's aids, fabric and bed linen. |
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List
of recipients |
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- HCC Health Care centre for Children, Phnom Penh. Medical
equipment, clothes, toys, fabric and books. |
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- Aspeca Orphanage, Kampot. Bicycles, bike parts, bike repair
kits, clothes, toys, shoes and books. |
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- Anlong Kong Communities, 15kms south of Phnom Penh.
Maternity clothes, baby clothes and toys. |
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- Sunrise Children's Village, Siem Reap. Clothes, toys, shoes
and books.
- Missionaries of Charity, Siem Reap. Baby clothes, children's clothes and
toys. |
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- Wat Semetry, Angkor Thom, Siem Reap. Children's clothes,
toys and books, plus an England soccer strip given to twelve year old,
budding soccer player, Paarl. |
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- Village of Mophay and Proling outside of Siem Reap.
Clothes, toys, shoes and toiletries. |
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The
following major recipients were distributed with the advice and help of the
Education Department Siem Reap Province and Save the Children Norway. |
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- Varin school community, Varin, Siem Reap Province |
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- Anlong Veng school community, Siem Reap Province. |
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- Trapean Prasat school community, Siem Reap Province. |
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- Romchek school community, Preah Vihear Province. |
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- Sayong school community, Preah Vihear Province. |
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- Koh Ker school community, Preah Vihear Province. |
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The
school communities received clothes, shoes, books, teaching aids, toys,
toiletries and student's stationery which included thousands of exercise
books. |
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A
heart felt thank you to all the people who gave so generously. I've met so
many lovely people whilst doing this. It's nice to know that there are so
many caring people who will put themselves out for a good cause. |
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I
really appreciated all the emails from Australia. They kept me going when I
needed some encouragement. |
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I
can't thank everyone individually but the following people put massive
amounts of time, effort and money to help me. |
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Sharon: for providing donations, storage, time,
encouragement and friendship. |
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Merryn and family: for all the above, plus providing
the answer to my biggest problem, storage, also for providing boxes, sorting
and cleaning. |
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Angie: for all the above and the provision of a desk
and filing cabinet. |
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Oriana in Sydney: for once again organising,
collecting, packing and posting an incredible amount of boxes down to
Melbourne. |
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Neil and the Rotary Club of Benalla: who spent months
doing all the above and then hiring a truck to deliver all the hospital
equipment, medical supplies, plus a truck load of new clothes. |
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Tina and Bruce: for spreading the word and getting
lots of publicity and for driving so many carloads of donations to me. |
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Alf and Mary: for collecting so much including a
steriliser, fabric and best of all, thousands of exercise books. |
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Esme: who came to my home to ask what clothing design
was preferable. Weeks later she returned with dozens of beautiful outfits
that she had sewn herself. |
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Murray Bridge ladies: who sent over so many laundry
bags full of clothes, toys and stationery, in a semi-trailer. |
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Hamish: for all the beautiful soft toys and books.
Also for his devious problem solving after my return. |
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Richard and Bruce from OOCL and Jackie: for organising
and supplying free shipping and guiding me through all the paperwork. |
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No thanks to the haulage freight trucking firm [P&O Trans
Australia] who offered to donate their services and then 48 hours before
needed, withdrew their offer. This left me to find and pay for another
company to deliver the container and take it to the docks. |
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In Cambodia: |
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Sheila and Paul: as usual for all the introductions,
advice and good company. Email me for any information about their dirt
bike / four wheel drive tours to the most remote parts of Cambodia or just
for a good adventure
www.hiddencambodia.com |
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Gerald: Saint number one who does so much unheralded
work for Cambodian orphans. He gets no publicity, but willingly gives his
time and energy to help so many worthwhile causes in Cambodia. Very special
thanks for all the advice and assistance with the customs and red tape. Also
for your support and encouragement. |
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Terri: Saint number two who works such long hours for
HCC. Sometimes she works too late at night for it to be safe for her to
return home, so she has to make alternative arrangements. She works so hard
she forgets to eat. Thank you so much for all your assistance with the major
trucking problems. |
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And lastly Mophay: for allowing me into her life, for
her patience and understanding when I got crabby and down hearted with the
corruption and associated problems, for translating, bargaining, for
organising food and drink in difficult places, for being so thoughtful,
generous and for giving me her loyalty and trust. |
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REPORT ON KAMPOT ORPHANAGE - Update 8th of May 2005 |
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Mr
Em Sovanny and the children of ASPECA, Mr Nils Chairman of the SOMNANG
Foundation, and myself give a very good thank you to Gaye Miller from
Melbourne Australia for the hard work and dedication in arranging shipments
of one container of bicycles and assorted toys and clothing for the orphans
of Cambodia. We acknowledge the difficulties in making these arrangements
but to see the smiles and delights on the children faces makes those
difficulties pale into insignificants. |
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Translation |
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My
name is Em Sovanny. I am a director of sociaty office in Kampong Bay
district, Kampot province and director of Aspeca orphonage in Kampot
province. |
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Many
thanks to Mr Norman and Gaye Miller for their kindness. He's Australian, he
always takes care and loves children in the orphanage and he always find
supporting for the orphanage. |
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On
the 07/05/05 recently he brought a lot of supporting for the orphanage:
bicycles, dolls and lots of useful stuff for the children in the orphanage.
All of these useful gifts, all children and I are so happy and we're all
determined to look after them well and use them in a long way. |
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We
all wish him and Gaye Miller and their families and colleagues long life,
good luck and happiness. |
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I'm
sorry but I found it impossible to include the photos of the children with
their bikes. These can be seen on
www.littlegardenbar.com |
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Back to Part
One |
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Slide
Presentation to King Edward's School, Bath
- November 2002
Anlong
Veng & Trapang Prasat photos - March 3 2003
Angkor
Chum & Varin photos - March 4 2003
Svay
Leu photos - March 5 2003
Siem
Reap / Artisans d'Angkor - February 20 2004
Anlong
Veng & Trapang Prasat
- February 21 2004
Dangrek
Mountains & Preah Vihear
Temple - February
22 2004
Kulen
District & Koh Ker Temple - February 23 2004
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Mail
us if you would like to help.
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e-mail webmaster
© yates family 2005
No content may be copied without the author's permission.
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