April 14 is the day of the new year and I spent the day with friend Vanthon and his family. What a wonderful day. We took food and offerings to the Pagoda close to their house and washed the Buddhas. They also like to visit a poorer Pagoda in the countryside that does not see as many people. This pagoda I really liked, everyone sitting around sharing food and so happy that they have this short holiday after so much work.
The next day we went by ferry across the Mekong to Ary Skat to visit their friends. Cambodians make you so welcome into their homes and love to cook for you. So this was a day of lots of food, chat and lying around snoozing. I am making a strong effort to learn the language as I miss out on half the fun - but it's certainly not an easy language.
On the third day of new year we travelled by motorbike to Takeo with Khemra, Socheat and Phearom, who assist Lisa and I with our work in Siem Reap.
Two weeks ago I was telling them stories about our work in the remote Takeo village and told them about the monks and the water pump (see below) When I showed them some photos - Socheat said "that is my grandfather" I was amazed to find this connection between our projects that are so far apart. So we all met in the village with all her family to celebrate the new year with her grandfather.
The girls had raised some money at their work and bought toothbrushes/paste/pencils/books to share with the children. Socheat gave them a lesson in sanitation - the importance of keeping their hands and nails clean. This is an example of these young women and their willingness to help in the education of their country.
Happy Khmer New Year to all in this Year of the Tiger ..... may all be well, happy and have peace in their hearts.
On the third day of new year we travelled by motorbike to Takeo with Khemra, Socheat and Phearom, who assist Lisa and I with our work in Siem Reap.
Two weeks ago I was telling them stories about our work in the remote Takeo village and told them about the monks and the water pump (see below) When I showed them some photos - Socheat said "that is my grandfather" I was amazed to find this connection between our projects that are so far apart. So we all met in the village with all her family to celebrate the new year with her grandfather.
The girls had raised some money at their work and bought toothbrushes/paste/pencils/books to share with the children. Socheat gave them a lesson in sanitation - the importance of keeping their hands and nails clean. This is an example of these young women and their willingness to help in the education of their country.
Happy Khmer New Year to all in this Year of the Tiger ..... may all be well, happy and have peace in their hearts.
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