Project Enlighten and Marillion video..

We wanted to share a wonderful video that our dear friends Miriam and Kipp Morrill comprised for PE on their recent trip to Cambodia. Enjoy the video and the some of the music from our favorite band Marillion!

Refugee Camp Nu Po under threat.

As we at Project Enlighten begin to put the final touches on our new Program with Abitsu we share this article with you. Stay tuned, if you are wondering how you can help with this desperate situation, we will have some sustainable and positive solutions soon!



By Daniel Pedersen | January 31, 2009

Mae Sot (Mizzima) - As night closes in on Noe Poh refugee camp, about five hours south of Mae Sot in northern Thailand bordering town with Burma, the road that skirts its edge clears of people.
By 9 pm, should anyone be reckless enough to light a candle, Karen National Liberation Army, the armed-wing of Karen National Union, one of the longest running ethnic rebels in Asia against the military-ruled Burma, soldiers will quickly ensure it is extinguished.
By now though, after two weeks of bolstered security in the face of intrusions upon Thailand’s sovereignty by Burmese government-backed fighters, mostly no one would be foolish enough to dare light their surroundings.
No one moves from their ramshackle perches in the night, a strict curfew is policed by both Thai soldiers and KNLA foot patrols.
Two weeks ago the camp was shutting down at 8.45 sharp, but one inhabitant said the “situation has calmed down a lot now”.
Just weeks ago brazen sorties by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, a break away Karen faction but aligned with the military junta, had everyone on edge.
DKBA “spies”, Karens not part of the camp population, were intercepted creeping around in the darkness four nights in a row.
So paranoid were camp security officers that, at the height of tensions in the area around the camp, one accused spy was arrested and executed.
“I don’t think he had a trial,” said Carl Browne, one of two foreign teachers working at the camp.
“They’ve caught nine or 10 so far,” he said, adding that a committee member of the school at which he teaches, the ESC (for English Speaking Course), came across three in one night.
The word “course” in the school’s name replaces college, because Thai authorities do not allow colleges, which would suggest permanency.
Serious fighting has come as close as 10 kilometres to Noe Poh camp.
The DKBA is pursuing remnants of the KNLA’s 103 Special Battalion, which early this year lost its base camp further north.
As the KNLA unit pulls back into ever-higher mountains in the south it lays landmines, creating a constant stream of DKBA casualties, the most serious of which are admitted to Umphang Hospital, run by the Thai government.
The base camp of 103 was one of the last two KNLA Sixth Brigade footprints in Karen State. Its loss means only Wah Lay Kee, further north, remains.
A foreign donor who helps humanitarian fund the Karen struggle for recognition said he felt KNLA commanders now accepted Wah Lay Kee would also be lost.
“I think, just strategically, because they’re so outnumbered, they figure it is better to keep the soldiers safe by keeping them on the move,” he said.
DKBA and SPDC troops have been poised to take Wah Lay Kee at their liberty for weeks now, but have not yet launched a final push.
But the Thais know Wah Lay Kee is bound to fall and vigilant patrols have sealed the border, waiting to deter any combatants or civilians fleeing the fighting from limping into Thai territory.
The foreign donor explained the apparent reticence of DKBA and SPDC troops thus: “They’re not keen to go in because they know the place will be booby-trapped and there won’t be anyone there.
“And they know they will take casualties.”
Benedict Rogers, author of “A Land Without Evil” lamented 103’s loss over coffee in Mae Sot.
“You know I come here two, maybe three times a year and every visit another bit of land is lost.
“I see that they [KNU/KNLA] are being ground further and further down,” he said, shaking his head.
On this visit Mr Rogers will meet with the KNU’s new leadership, filled with hope the orginization can revitalize its struggle against Burma’s State Peace and Development Council.
“You know since Mahn Sha’s death (the former KNU secretary-general who was assassinated at his home near Mae Sot on February 14, 2008) there’s not been any real leadership.
“He was a unifying figure who drew together different strands of opinion, religion and he maintained links with the various democracy groups. He saw the big picture.”
Mr Rogers said the SPDC’s latest offensives, which began in Karen State but have now pushed into Shan and Karenni States, are part of an outright bid to force rebels fighting for self-determination into submission before the 2010 elections.
Burman dissidents in Mae Sot agreed, saying the SPDC would pressure armed groups weakened by the current extreme military offensives to sign ceasefire deals before next year’s poll.
Mr Rogers said he feared the international community, irritated and embarrassed by the junta’s harsh and belligerent excesses, might be willing to accept a veneer of calm, no matter how artificial it might be.
“That’s particularly the case with Asian countries, they’re tired of it,” he said.
The “official” population of Noe Poh camp is about 14,000, but each week new arrivals bolster that figure, as Thai brokers deliver their quarry hidden in cars or trucks.
People living in the camp, which is largely forgotten by the constant stream of foreign volunteer teachers, Christian groups and non-governmental organisations that pour into more accessible camps during the dry season, say passage from Mae Sot to Noe Poh costs about 5000 baht.
Carl Browne, who until this week was the only foreign teacher at Noe Poh and has more than 600 students, says once fugitives make it to Noe Poh, they’re safe.
“The real issue is getting in,” he said.
“But because we’re so far away from Mae Sot, we sort of get forgotten, or left alone – we have internet cafes, we have shops.
“There’s more and more activists seeking refuge at Noe Poh, from Rangoon, former political prisoners, there’s more than in Mae La even.
“That’s why Noe Poh is really under pressure, the junta wants to clean up before next year,” he said.
People living at Noe Poh know full well the junta wants to destroy the camp.
“Hell, the DKBA even contacted the Thai camp commander and said ‘get your people out, we’re coming in to burn it down’,” said Mr. Browne.
“The camp commander said no.”

Christmas at remote Burmese Refugee Camp Nu Po

Another wonderful Blog report from Team member Lisa McCoy. We are still reeling from this trip in the most positive of ways. We will catch up on our Blog reports...promise...presently swamped!
Respect.
Asad

By Lisa McCoy
Five miles away from the Burma border under the watchful eye of the Burmese military junta is Refugee Camp Nu Po; not a place many would consider spending Christmas. But for almost 14,000 Burmese refugees, this remote Thai-controlled jungle encampment has been their home for 10 years. Astoundingly, this is where ‘Project Enlighten’ founders Asad Rahman, Olivia Lorge and I spent one of the most heartfelt Christmas’ ever. Their gift of friendship and hospitality is one that will never leave our hearts and souls.

The residents of Camp Nu Po rarely see western volunteers because the arduous 7-hour journey to this camp must be made in the back of a ‘songthaew’ - the Thai rural pick-up truck that acts as a bus by conveniently placing bench seats along either side of the box.

The 140km trip to Camp Nu Po is spent mostly winding round border hills which resulted in even the hardiest of locals pitching up their stomach contents over the side of the truck. The first photo on the left clearly displays the misery experienced by young local man on our journey. Every half hour someone, usually a child, succumbed to vomiting, which in turn nauseated others. At one point, my elbow which was placed foolishly outside of the truck received a spray of vomit from a young child sitting upwind from me.

To make matters worse, the songthaew picked up everybody at every stop until the every inch of the canopy, and box was covered with passengers. This cramped and nauseating trip is one that the three of us will never ever forget. A map of Thailand’s Burmese Refugee Camps can be found at this link which clearly details the remote location of this camp: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/SHIG-7L9HLA?OpenDocument . We clearly viewed Burmese armed military en route as we traveled along Burma’s border.

Our visit to the camp had to be Okayed by the Thai Camp Commander previous to our arrival. The Camp Commander is a Ministry of Thailand Thai official who is specifically trained for camp control. Refugee camps experience domestic violence, child abuse, drinking and fights on a continuous basis. It’s up to the Camp Commander and the delegated Burmese refugees in specific roles underneath him to keep peace in the camp – not an easy job when you have 14,000 people living in small bamboo houses set 4 feet apart from one another.

Camp Nu Po began as most refugee camps did, when a group of Burmese IDP (Internally Displaced People) fled across the Burma border and built the first few houses 10 years ago. It wasn’t long until the population grew to its present 14,000. Nu Po isn’t the biggest camp in Tak province either – Mae La Refugee Camp has over 37,000! Refugees from Tak province are resettled in the United States, while refugees from other provincial camps are chosen for resettlement in other countries.

We were able to meet with the Camp Commander on Christmas morning, and through an interpreter we were able to ask many questions which helped unravel for us some of the mysteries that surround the whole refugee process. Why do some refugees get chosen for resettlement in a third country and others seem to wait for years in camps? Why are some refugees issued identity cards and others not? From what I learned, it is the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and the Thai government who make many of these decisions, but their criteria stills remains somewhat clouded to me.

We arrived at the camp about 4pm on Christmas Eve. We were taken to the main office where we were required to turn in our passports for the duration of our stay – a normal requirement for security purposes. We were promptly escorted to one home and given a glass of water. After 10 minutes we were taken to one of the few camp ‘restaurants’, where we happily gobbled down the meal that was cooked up for us – we had not eaten since 7am! From there we were taken back to the first house for some after dinner treats. Then we were taken to the camps two schools, where we were served fruits and beverages again! So few westerners visit this camp – our visit was considered one of the highlights of the year for them – three foreign visitors at once, and at Christmas! We were also treated to a special musical rehearsal for the Karen New Year celebrations that were taking place in a few days.

Yes – it all sounds so fine and wonderful how we were treated at this camp – but don’t get me wrong; the need in this camp is great. This camp lacks the many projects by NGO’s that many of the less remote camps benefit from. Nu Po has a serious lack of drinking water. The Burmese were so proud of their one water purification system, but it does not suffice for the camp’s population. There is no electricity and few generators to charge the few batteries in the camp. One organization has installed a solar power panel, but more is needed.

Another great need is in the schools. The one school which teaches kindergarten through grade eleven curriculum has 600 students. It has no textbooks. The students have to copy lessons into exercise books. There is no loose-leaf paper for the teachers to make tests or exams with. There is no photocopier. There are no computers for the school. There is no library. We visited the nursery school on Christmas morning where 13 small children eagerly gleaned through the handful of tattered childrens picture books it possessed. Those small children treated us to a chorus of 4 nursery songs perfectly performed in English. It’s amazing what they have done with so little, but the eagerness these children display for education overcomes their lack of materials. It should not have to be so. The second school is in just as bad shape. We had brought with us enough exercise books, pencils, sharpeners and rulers for about 100 children.

It was at the second school that we were treated to a special Christmas Eve celebration put on by some of the adult students who were eager to be able to spend some time with us practicing conversation in English. The room was decorated with a hand-colored life-size Santa, Christmas tree and hand-lettered banners. Again, many treats were served to us! It was one of the most joyous times of comradeship that we had ever experienced.

I happened to have brought along a recent edition of a Bangkok newspaper. When I gave it to one of the teachers, he could not contain his excitement, as they rarely see any publications from ‘outside’ in English. I made a mental note to bring along some more upon my return; maybe some National Geographic magazines as well. Oh yes – I am coming back! Along with the many other needs, the teachers emphasized to me that along with books their other biggest desire is to see more volunteer teachers coming in to help teach English. They would be happy for whatever time a volunteer could commit to this. So, at our meeting with the Camp Commander, I told him that I would return in a few weeks to volunteer for a week or two. I would be living with one of the families in the camp. As I had on Christmas Eve; I would be sleeping on a mat on the floor with some blankets. Because of its high elevation, Camp Nu Po evenings can be quite cold. We have made some wonderful friendships at the camp, I’m eager to return to spend some more time with my new-found friends.

My dear friend Kipp!

Through the years there are very few things to me that stay constant in my life. That is not necessarily a bad thing, I enjoy change and all the opportunities it can bring, and this is the yin. The constants in my life have been less pronounced but alas rarely change, like the 49ers and their lack of a Playoff appearance. One constant in my life that I truly count my blessings for are my strong and valued friendships. One of these friendships sprung a new branch on our apple tree! This new branch of our tree will bare a bountiful fruit for many more years to come. Allow me to explain.

I first met Kipp Morrill in the mid 80’s. We both started on the Organized Fire Crews in Chico California. Young and enthusiastic firefighters ready to take on the world, boy we were young! Through the years we have grown and matured in our lives and our profession’s. We have a fostered a friendship based on humility and respect in and around our circle of friends. We have gone years without seeing one another, as our jobs have taken us across this wonderful landscape we call America. We made time to stay in contact via email or phone, even if it was once every six months, the fact remained the friendship was based with solid roots and this tree was growing!

Over the last two years Kipp and his lovely and amazing wife Miriam had began to ask a few questions on our work in Cambodia, then a few more questions, then a donation, then a laptop for Mr. Togh, then more questions. A most gracious fundraiser dinner spearheaded by Brad and Sandy Azevedo at the Morrill’s home turned into one of my proudest moments. Kipp and Miriam joining us in Cambodia. To share our passion and work for all things Cambodian was a true treat. Many questions were asked about their role here and how they can help. My answer was always the same, “once you get here and meet the people and immerse yourself in the culture, you will know how to help, once you spend little time here, you will know, you will know”.

So Kipp and Miriam spent two weeks with us in Cambodia. They visited Mr. Sao’s village and played with children and learned how to harvest rice. They walked the proposed ground of the future home of Bakong Technical College. They shared with us our first visit to Mr. Togh’s completed school and we watched in amazement as our PE scholarship recipient Mr. Chumno was teaching with a passion and grace. Kipp and Miriam got to spend lots of quality time with Mrs. Chantrea and Mrs. Naret, our two wonderful and extremely gifted female scholarship recipients. They took all three out shopping for books and book bags, calculators and dictionaries. They shared the love and warmth of our wonderful hosts Yarann and Sa Eng and children.

At the end of the day as Kipp and Miriam have now left back home for the cold and rain of Northern California, many things remain the same. As I call from Thailand to check in with Mr. Sao or Mr. Togh, the questions are the same. “If you talk to brother Kipp, please say hello and high-five from us”.

Thank you Kipp and Miriam for allowing Olivia and I to share a little bit of what we love so much about Cambodia with you. I venture to say there is a new branch growing on our tree, it will thrive and grow like our friendship! We love and respect you both immensely!

Early December 2008
As we walk the streets of Siem Reap it is noticeably quieter these days. The economic crisis has left not one stone unturned, even here in Southeast Asia. The massive rush of tuk-tuks, trucks, bicycles and pedestrians that packed the roads in previous years has ebbed. To an untrained eye, it would seem as if everything is normal. Our eyes see empty Tuk-tuks line the streets as their drivers meekly ask the small but steady stream of tourists if they need rides as they meander by. It seems as if there is a quiet desperation in voices and tearful longing in their eyes. Of all places traveled, my heart hurts the most for those who live in poverty here, in this beautiful part of the world. I know there are many who are suffering back home in the United States, but for whatever reason I don’t feel that the desperation runs as deep as it does in the souls of the people here in Southeast Asia.

There is a part of me that knows, as many in the U.S. know, that if all else fails and we hit rock bottom financially, we have social assistance in the form of many government programs. If we become unemployed, the government will give us a small stipend to help us get back on our feet. If we need shelter or go hungry, there are supplemental Welfare Programs for qualifying individuals. There are even programs that will give families basic food supplies to keep bellies full, I know this all too well, as I was a child who grew up in this system for several years. I remember standing in long welfare lines with my mother, to receive blocks of cheddar cheese, loaves of bread and powdered non-fat milk. We were modern America’s beggars, 21st Century survivors of the unpleasant circumstances of third-rate poverty. We lived on re-hydrated dried canned foods and the basic sundries that could be afforded. When I was younger, I couldn’t imagine anyone poorer, though my soul felt rich with my mother’s optimism. She utilized the government support while getting her Associates Degree, so she could better provide for her five children. She was able to rise above adversity. I feel most of the world is doubtful of poverty being so extreme in the United States but witnessing it, first hand, the dire poverty left me bewildered.

There are rural places all over the United States in which people live on hardly anything, Gary District Number Nine was one of these places in 1996. It was just outside of Welch, West Virginia in which I saw one of the most extreme forms of poverty, in the U.S. Small shacks and simply built homes lined the creek-side, simple trenches between the dwellings wreaked of raw sewage that spewed from the bowels of the structures and ran down to the creek. It was the same creek that the children swam in and families fished from for food. Those who were considered “better off” occupied nicer homes; many homes were left abandoned after the collapse of the coal mining industry. At that point in my life I had never seen the happiness and beauty of poverty before, nor such harsh conditions. Despite the odds delivered, people were inherently happy with the little they had, not wanting for more but extremely grateful for what was received. The community rallied together to support those who were worst off by providing vegetables, fruit, canned goods and boxed food. I was working with AmeriCorps*NCCC during this time, helping in many ways. One of our projects was to make improvements on homes that needed insulation for the winter…I remember there being basic shacks with nothing more than carpet covered hearth floors, thin boards for walls and tin roofs. These are homes I didn’t expect to be in Modern day America, but there they were. The children ran around covered in dirt, half-naked and unsupervised. Their parents sat waiting for whatever help they could receive, oblivious or living in fear of opportunities that lay elsewhere. We were there to help; we were a volunteer organization that was there to serve the community with compassion and respect. Americans helping poverty ridden America.

Sound familiar? Poverty has no defining lines. It is everywhere. Extremes are found in every reach of the planet, though many do not have the support that we have in the U.S.A. Project Enlighten is trying to help build this kind of support for communities around the world. Our purpose is to stimulate a self-help process in communities that have hardship without changing cultural identities. We want to change an ethos of receiving simple charity by inspiring others to become more involved in education, community volunteerism and to encourage them to learn to stand on their own. It's about more than just education, it's about finding a way to survive and prosper beyond education. As the economic crisis comes to a great crescendo, I wonder what the impact will be on the countries that have become so reliant on international support. There are so many that are in an even more fragile state than most western countries. Perhaps there will be a much different story to share next year.

Arriving in Pakse, Laos was done with more ease than I imagined it would be. For $35 dollars, a passport photo and a properly filled out visa form, an American can obtain a 30 day Visa on arrival at the international airports in Laos. Pakse was an even quieter place than Siem Reap and as we made our way to the taxi counter, it was evident that our stay would be much different in this sister country. We set out for the Pakse Hotel in the central part of town where we enjoyed sticky rice, laap (meat cooked and served minced with lime juice, an arrangement of herbs, peppers and local spices) and Beer Lao dark. As we settled in to the slower pace of the country, we contemplated what the countryside would be like. We were anxious for our bus-ride north to the Khammouane Province. We were looking forward to exploring a part of Lao we had yet to travel to.

Our friend, Phouva, a fellow Forest Service Firefighter grew up in Navangthai Village in Central Laos. It was in his early teens that he immigrated to the United States of America in search of better education and greater opportunities. In a short period of time, he was able to take command of the English language and move on to graduate from Humboldt University. He seeks to help his home country in whatever way possible, starting with investment in the local education system that he grew up in. His wonderful village is in need of improvements on the school facilities. They have three schools in the area that are in dire need of repair. In one of our meetings, one teacher innocently asked if the schools in America were like theirs. Our honest reply was no, that we hadn’t seen schools so exposed to the elements and lacking libraries in the U.S. We, however, did explain that many countries we have visited in SE Asia had similar problems with their schools. Upon collecting all necessary information and presenting it to our board of directors, we will share more information on this wonderful and hopeful project! What I can tell you now, is that the people of Laos are amazing, caring and generous human beings. Phouva’s family, friends, villagers, the local police and the educators within the community took great care of us. I will let Asad expand upon that whole notion in our next blog.

Until then, I encourage everyone to get out & take a daring chance in traveling the world. You will see and experience so much of humanity and extraordinary beauty within each country, culture and religion. Open your heart to the differences that make each continent a bountiful and glorious adventure. Feel the hearth of foreign lands under your feet, breath the air that some of the worlds greatest humans beings have breathed, your life will be forever changed.

Love and gratitude to all,
Olivia

Like a proud father.

Like a proud father I share this update!

To watch a seed blossom to a beautiful and robust flower, to watch a wave tower above the surf and crash into the sand as the passerby’s gaze in wonderment. This has been my day, my journey.

We took a familiar ride with our top man and Project Coordinator Mr. Sim Sao to visit our old friends at Mr. Togh’s school just outside the hustle and frantic pace of Siem Reap. It had almost been exactly 365 days since Olivia, a few hundred school children and I had spent a weekend carrying rocks by worn hand and weaved basket to set the foundation for their new school. A foundation set in belief and immense optimism for the future.
As we sputtered up the dusty side road to the school it was becoming evident in the distance there was new flag of Cambodia amongst the sun worn prayer flags. As we turned right it proudly shimmered before us… Mr. Togh’s school stood proud just like our greeting from Mr. Togh himself. Purposeful, confident, focused! Olivia and I were gushing with exuberance. But this moment is only half the moment…..
As Sao parked the Tuk Tuk and we walked through the iron gate into the center of the school, I heard a voice commanding the attention of his young students in the distance. As I walked towards the voice it became clearer before me who commanded the attention of the future leaders and spirit of Cambodia. Mr. Chumno! Yes Mr. Chumno, Project Enlighten 2008 University Scholarship recipient. I froze in amazement as Mr. Chumno worked the young class with precision and vigor. I had always respect an instructor that projected with passion! His passion was more than evident. I refrained from grabbing my camera or camcorder, I wanted to savoir this organic moment!

It is treasured moments like these that make the whole experience and process to get to this point worth the journey!

Moments like these cannot come to fruition without a great cast of TEAM members. Ronnie and Thavy Yimsut, Chann Noun, Lisa McCoy, Matt Keys, Riva Duncan, Mike Caroll, Mr. Sim Sao and so important in this process is our Education Coordinator in Cambodia Mrs. Gail Anderson, who has shined bright with hope and optimism with our first 3 scholarship recipients, Ms. Chantrea, Mr. Chumno, Ms. Narett.


A few more updates:

We were very excited to share almost 100 new books for Mr. Togh’s new library generously donated from Jenny Bennett from Quincy, California. It was an exciting moment watching the teacher’s tear into the well-wrapped box. Smiles and wonderment surfaced as one of the teachers asked about the local Quincy newspapers that were used for packing material. As he scanned the adverts for automobiles and asked, “Can everyone in America afford this”? It was an ad for a Ford F-350 at over $30,000.
Thank you so much Jenny, the books were one of the most precious gifts!

Travels to South East Asia 2008/2009: Part One

Project Enlighten: Cambodia, Part One
(Contributed by Olivia)

Our travels to Southeast Asia had tumultuous beginnings. Civil unrest in Thailand and terrorist attacks in India has left the on-looking world frozen in fear and international travel in an upheaval. We, of course, were not immune to the affect of the chaos that rippled out. In checking our baggage from Oregon through to Siem Reap, we were told there were problems checking it all of the way through to Siem Reap (our connecting flight was through Thailand). Upon arriving to San Francisco we learned of the political unrest occurring in Bangkok. We had an AMAZING woman from Cathay Pacific who assisted us in getting our flights rerouted to Cambodia via Vietnam. We would humbly like to thank Julie and her flight crew from Cathay Pacific Flight CX 873 for the hours of work they did to get us to our final destination. We are grateful for all you did for us. Our flight into Cambodia went very smooth.

Chaos in Thailand interrupts international travel:
The Prime Minister of the country was returning from a Summit in Peru, protestors of Thailand’s elite took this as an opportunity to oust him from office. Protestors had taken over the international airport in hopes of preventing him from landing back in the country. For many unaware, a select group within Thailand feels that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and the government that supports him are not working for the people. They are encouraging him to resign through, what were supposed to be, peaceful protests. The tourism industry in Thailand has been greatly affected by the turmoil as the world sits watching, but even more so, the livelihood and safety of many people has been compromised. Over-shadowing Thailand’s political challenges are the attacks made on westerners in India where over 160 people are dead and over 300 are injured. A militant terrorist group has staked its’ claim on curbing western presence in India.

My personal perspective on violence in the world:
In a world where all suffer so greatly it is hard to imagine why people choose violence to settle differences. It is saddening that hate and anger is taken out on innocent people. Not one person asks to be born into the world in the circumstances of which they are. I did not ask to be born a woman to a western country, just as much as many have not ask to be born to many other countries under the conditions of which they were. Those who travel the world, do so to learn of the differences we all have and to expose the similarities all humankind share. We want to understand how others live, what cultural differences we have, what is appropriate in any given community and learn of social differences we must overcome. How can one learn they are wronging someone, if they are recipients of violence instead of peaceful education? When will the step forward be the correct one?
Show us what your right is
We will show you ours
Tell us of our wrong
We will amend it.
Teach us how to be mindfully present in your world
We will share with you our mindfulness
We will help you understand it
Help us understand yours
Change can be bad or equally good
If change is not what you seek
We will not try to change you

Day one, Landing in Cambodia:
We were greeted by our good friend, Sao, and quickly rushed to the Yimsut suite just outside of the center of town. Lisa, our Project Enlighten Burma Education Coordinator, arrived the day before us and was very happy to see us again, as were little Thavy, Sa Eng, Yarann, Chen & family. We got to visit for a while before heading off to town for a quick bite and an Angkor beer. As we were winding down for the night, we received a surprise visit from Mr. Togh. “Oh my Buddha!” Asad exclaimed as we heard a voice outside our door….
”Mr. Asad, Mr. Asad!”

Mr. Togh is the Director for Volunteer Poverty Children’s School. Over the course of a couple of years, we have helped fund, raise funds and have made working visits to his school site to help provide educational opportunities to the children within his community. Our next phase of help is the construction of a computer room for the school. Money that our supporters have raised is making the project happen! We will make a visit out to the school early this week and give more updates later!

Exhausted by our flight, we visited for just a little while before the heavy weight of our eyelids put us off to sleep.

Day Two, Sao’s Village:
We took a trip out to Bangro Village for a visit with friends. It was a trip we had been looking forward to, as it is the fourth year that Asad & I have traveled to this particular village. Over the course of the years, we have watched the children grow and have developed friendships with their families. They have come accustom to our visits and look forward to playing and looking at the funny foreigners that we are.

It was Lisa McCoy’s first visit out to Bangro and as we ventured out to the countryside she gazed across the horizon at the people we passed. She was in for a great treat, in meeting this community! We came bearing gifts, shoes, clothing and bread. A wonderful church in Lisa’s hometown donated flip-flop shoes and Croc style shoes for her to distribute to the various communities she would be visiting during her trip to S.E. Asia this year. Asad and I brought clothing that had been donated by Peg Boland, a friend and fellow Forest Service family member from Northern California and as we passed by one of the markets, Asad and our good friend Sao purchased some bread.

Upon arriving in the village, we were greeted with squeals from the children. Their smiles lit up our hearts, like fire. We were given fresh coconuts and bottled water and were introduced to the Village Chief, which was a great honor. We have been in discussion of building a free education school within this village, to compliment the education the children get at the government schools, and meeting the Chief was one of the more critical components of this potential project. It seems we have his support for the school but need to come to an agreement on the location of the school and how the community will support it in the future. There are 3 possible locations for the school. Over the course of our visit, we will analyze the possibilities and decide which would be the best benefit for the community and Project Enlighten.

Our visit went off without a hitch! The kids loved the shoes and hair-ties that Lisa passed out, the clothing was a hit with the ladies and of course the bread filled hungry bellies of the children and made many smiles. The photos and video footage share more than any words can, enjoy!

Day three in Cambodia & Thoughts on Foreign Influence:
As I look around the café Asad & I are sitting in, I see many people who are trying to change trying to help those who do welcome change within Cambodia. Children are taught English and Japanese and health…in hopes that it will create a better opportunity for all. I see hope for the future, I see the birth and mentorship Khmer Leaders of tomorrow. It makes me happy. It makes me think of Ronnie’s BETC project.

I like the idea of the Bekong Ecotourism Technical College, because we are not trying to change the people of Cambodia, we are helping enhance the beauty already possessed countryside. It seems to be the better path, to help Cambodia regain the strength and confidence that was taken from them over three decades ago, so it can stand independently again. In learning more about Cambodia through our friend’s eyes and through our travels, we will better help those who need help to improve their state of being. We are excited to get out to the BETC site and help move this vision for a greater Cambodia forward!

In due time, we will share more until then, the greatest respect from the Project Enlighten family-