KOK TA CHAN VILLAGE - WELL AND TOILET

JULY 30 - More precious gifts from Wisconsin people to poor families in Kok Ta Chan Village. I leave the car and walk the pathway from the road into a cluster of houses greeting people along the way. Children always curious gather round and follow me; I must look like the Pied Piper! I don't hurry, being careful to acknowledge everyone I pass and not to miss any opportunity to be a good ambassador. My adrenalin runs even as I try to calm myself for what I'm about to encounter. Will our precious gifts be well taken care of? What will I meet in this place? Always these questions!

It's not long and I can clearly see the colors and shapes of a well and toilet. They're beautiful. As you can see for yourself, they're loved. The family that greets me--as others are working in the fields this morning--are gracious and elegant. Khmer are a gentle people. So stark a contrast to the horrific Pol Pot Regime.

After greetings, I "examine" the well and toilet. I thank the people for taking good care of the well and toilet and tell the families that the People of Wisconsin wish for them that the well and toilet will provide safe cool water for them for many, many years and long lives for all of them!

The families say many, many, many thanks to the People of Wisconsin for thinking of them for a well and a toilet. They express their highest thanks by saying they wish the God will give good health to us, that we make lots of money for more wells and toilets for Cambodian people, that Wisconsin people are honorable to make such gifts to Cambodian people, and that God will give us long lives.

The families bring us fresh green coconuts, one end sliced off, straw inserted, as a cool drink. Jungle villages have lots of coconuts! They can gather them immediately, open one end, insert a straw and offer a cool beverage to visitors. These families in addition offered us lunch as we sat under a cool thatch roof and sipped green coconut water!