Greetings from Siem Reap, Cambodia

DATELINE: July 17, 2013
Patricia E Lyon


Deanna and I have adjusted well to our new environment and are busy teaching at Bos Kralanh Village: "Strawberry Purse" (Kabob') The men and women are such eager learners. One has never used a sewing machine before. They sew, they smile, they rip out, they start again. Soon we will have a "party" with small packets of strawberry jam and crackers. Deanna will be the cashier and pay them for good product we hope Wisconsin people will buy. Tomorrow we start "Peace Purse" with Khmer writing. We will practice on paper first.

This afternoon we have meeting at Khnar Thmei Village regarding first aid training, English class, and daffodil flower for sewists.

Sam arrives tonight from Texas. He is our much needed techie. He will also try and find a better path for delivery of mosquito nets. Everyone is waiting for Sam to teach and fix computers.

Deanna and I have been walking between two rooms for the past two nights and mornings. One room no have AC. We thought we could survive it and were already asleep when a contingency of men: manager, sub-manager, ventillation expert and I don't know who else absolutely insisted we move to a new room because this was a full service hotel. It was an eloquent and convincing speech. Reluctantly, we moved toilet paper, tooth brushes, electronic equipment, passports, etc. across the hall to our new room. We were wearing very odd sleeping clothes that have been in Mr. Mony's duffle bag for years. New room have AC but cold water and CNN without sound. For 2 days we have one neat and tidy cold room and one room full of teaching supplies and mess that is a sauna. Many people going in and out. Perhaps today we will be back to just one very messy room that is constantly in process.

I have been in somewhat of an emotional turmoil knowing that the father of my children died this past week and I was not there to comfort them and their children. But they are very capable and I really could not be there for them if I was in Wisconsin. AWKWARD at best. I have been flooded with memories and find comfort in being very busy and with good friends.

Please keep us in your prayers. Teacher Pat