The flip flop is on the other foot

DATELE: August 5 2013
Patricia E Lyon

Two smart-ass teachers have been teaching English for 13 years. Now they are students because we asked, “Please, can you teach us Khmer?”

I teach sewing at 8:00 am. Deanna teaches English at 9:00am. A Khmer teacher teaches us Khmer at 10:00 am. This is my reaction to our first Khmer class. “oh, my God.” Teaching two USA women over 60 how to speak and write and read Khmer? There are 23 vowels. There are 32 consonants.

Today we drew and pronounced the first 5 vowels. You also can simulate this experience. Here is a language lesson for you not available on Rosetta Stone. Also cheaper.

In a tiny grid, draw a backwards printed lower case “r”. That is “srah ah”. Okay?

In a tiny grid, draw a teardrop with the narrow end on your right. The fat end can be up higher. This is srah ae”.

Now draw the tear drop with a small vertical line on the right narrow end. Looks like a whale? “Srah ei” (like eye).

Now draw the whale with a tiny circle as a tail on the right narrow end. This is “srah uh”. Sounds like being hit in the stomach.

Last one: Make two short lines on the tail of your whale. This is “srah eau”. Start out saying the name “Earl” but leave off the “l” and make a sound like my grandson not being able to say his “l’s”.

You now know how Deanna and I spent our morning. Now it’s your turn. Congratulations on learning the first five Khmer vowels.

Satin and lace spread out on the floor

DELINE: August 4 2013
Patricia E Lyon

The dogs no longer bark when we arrive at the home of Mr. Sok, Bos Kralanh Village. It was so quiet. I did not know all the women were inside already sewing. I gave Mr. Sok an enlarged picture of his youngest son that Suzanne and I used for presentations. The family was thrilled.

Then I began to look around. Some were making strawberry purses. Some were working on the tiny jewelry cases. I counted. Mr. Sok had made 21! Each one a different color, tied up in a ribbon. Oh, so lovely, and their own color combinations. The Khmer have a different color palette than ours. I went around and ooohed and aaahed. Then I spied many strawberry purses hanging on the wall. I asked if they were the work of the woman at a machine. She pointed to the other side of the room. She was pointing to Mrs. Sok! For three years she did not sew with us, only watching. She said it was her eyes. I put my hand on her arm and she pointed to her eyes and I hugged her. I still do not quite understand. But I think she was also lacking in self-confidence, and now she tackled the strawberry purse! Wow!

Next week we do quality control and buy the purses. How will I ever get them in my suitcase?

A day of miracles

DATELINE: August 4 2013
Patricia E Lyon

Mony, the project manager, had worked with Tony at Khnar Thmei Church to get the work day started before we arrived. The old fence around the well was already disassembled. Old rotted boards were neatly stacked away from the well area. College students (girls) were digging holes for new posts. Little children were running and fetching as requested. Pastor had the hammer and looked like crucifixion nails. Mony and pastor measured; they used fish lines measuring tape and old transfusion tubes that you buy at a lumber place. I have been looking for them for purse handles. Who knew?

Su Ahn on the non-glamour task of dradging the drainage ditch from the well's concrete drainage channel out to the greater yard. I swept the children’s building and noted it was time for new whiteboards. One was ripped off down to the wood peeling, and the other had seen its better days.

Deanna and I prepared a list of things still needed. She quietly asked Mony if she could take his car into town. He looked at her, astonished, and said “No!” Thank God.

By the time we finished the list, little kids had finished what we wanted to do anyway! So Deanna and I began digging around the well with very interesting tools. We pulled the roots, trying to stay out of the way of the post people. A spindly mango tree began to tip over. The pastor, in a sports hat and Lancome shirt hollered, “Take it out! Take it out!” People began to pull and the entire tree was dragged off. Su Ahn raked up grass, weeds and roots. We put them in the new garbage baskets from the noodle/basket village on the way to Banteay Srei Temple and the Aki Ra Landmine Museum.

We were all wearing neon orange work gloves. We sweat into them and had to hold our arms up from time to time to let the sweat run out. From time to time we commented on the wonderful team work of the Khmer. I wore jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, and at the last moment, used an Off towelette on my hair. Do not try this at home.

About noon, Prem came in the white Toyota to take me to Bos Kralanh Village for sewing project. Deanna continued with the church work day which was a huge success.

The most strange and wonderful Saturday night of my life

DATELINE: August 4 2013
Patricia E Lyon

We returned from a miraculous day in the villages dehydrated, ravenous and pleasantly exhausted. Deanna drank 3 cans of stuff from the tiny refrigerator. Then we had cheese and crackers. I don’t know why we were hungry, because at Khnar Thmei we had yummy treats of steamed sticky rice around various fruit wrapped in banana leaves.

After showering with various gels, we made dinner plans. We called downstairs for one order of fish and chips. We share. (not the shower). The fish are fresh water fish. Makes our Friday nights in Wisconsin seem pretty dried out and greasy at the same time, if you know what I mean.

Then we began searching through our TV options. We couldn’t get into the Catherine Heigel thing. I was busy counting and sorting for next week’s classes all over my bed and floor. Then we found Dr. Seuss’ Lorax.

But the best, the most wonderful thing came as a surprise. For a couple hours we watched a Russian variety show without subtitles. The emcees were: a man that looked like Liberace in a sequined suit, a larger version of Cher, and a Drag Queen with a mirrored helmet with a star on top. He/She was wearing goggle glasses, a lot of make up and large yellow orthopedic shoes. Deanna said it was a drag queen gone awry. There was an older, distinguished woman who seemed to be providing more thoughtful commentaries. We liked her the most but we don’t know what she said.
The audience was seated at round tables with what looked like tall glasses of beer in front of them. The level in the glasses never changed. The entertainers would be seated at the tables after their performance wearing something else.

There was jazz, near opera, romance traditional folk, and we do not know. Our favorite was a group in the most incredible costumes that looked very Uzbekistaniesque. We are still confused by the soloist whose back-up singers wore short flight attendant outfits and stilettos.

Finally we couldn’t take the not knowing any more and resorted to the Star Channel in English. We watched a program called “Nail Files” about a shallow woman in L.A. who has a nail polishing business like Jersey-licious. Brainless and could not be compared to the Russian variety show.

Little things mean a lot

DATELINE: August 2 2013
Patricia E Lyon

We are told by friends that we are staying in a four-star hotel. Maybe different idea about stars. We stay because our friends are here, and they help us accomplish many things for the vulnerable people of Cambodia.

One thing that worries us is a constant shortage of toilet paper. Because we stay a long time, our room cleaning does not occur until late in the day. The hotel is in very high demand, even though this is not high tourist season. (or so they say) Often tourists are turned away because there is no vacancy. The room cleaners are very busy.

Deanna and I often seek out the room cleaners or just take from their stash when we run out of TP. The toilet paper roll itself is very small, half glued together. Quality not good. But we are aware that the governments in Southeast Asia have no-cut laws in an attempt to save the forests. Paper is precious. Yesterday Deanna had an “aha” moment when she realized another reason we run out is because we are two women staying in the room and men do not use as much.

We often supplement with the good-for-nothing tiny tissue napkin things that they provide in the room. One roommate is often calling for help to the other, “Please, can you hand me the tissues?” We are glad when an arm bends around the bathroom door to provide. Yesterday when we came back from class needing to relieve ourselves in a hurry there was a Post-It Note on the new box of good-for-nothing tissues. It said, “Sorry it’s don't have.”

Due to assertiveness training many years ago today is a big day for us. When we go to buy yogurt and Cola Light we will also buy toilet paper from the western market. It only took us a month to reach this decision. We try to be careful about expenditures, but really?!

A Perspective

DATELINE: August 1 2013
Patrica E Lyon

It has occurred to me that I write as inspired and may not be reporting an accurate picture of what we are doing here. Since our arrival, much has been accomplished by what people from Wisconsin have sent with us and by our humble efforts.
Purchased building materials to repair and clean around the well at Knar Thmei Village Methodist Church. New sign will be made. Work day Saturday for clean up and repair of “pews.” Bought work gloves, woven baskets for garbage, hammer, saw and nails. Ordered the building of desks for desk/tables for 32 children in wood building at Khnar Thmei.

Repaired and purchased new computers at Bos Kralanh Village, Kessararam Primary School, Khnar Thmei Village.

Bought new zig zag sewing machine for Bos Kralanh Village with maintenance/repair kit and supplies, attachments to make buttonholes. Purchased ironing boards and irons, scissors, thread, clippers, pins and needles for Siem Reap Teacher Training College...beautiful shears and pinking shears sharpened at Nancy’s Notions and given to sewists at Bos Kralanh Village. Introduced four sewing projects at Bos Kralanh Village to teach quality control and concepts of design and marketing. We will buy excellent products and sell in USA (to you and your organization).

Today one of our students on scholarship at Paul Debrule School for Culinary Arts graduates. Only one seat is available for family so we could not attend. But we know the student and the attending relative will be thrilled and thanking God beyond our imagination.

Friendships made and strengthened. English and Khmer language taught and learned.
Created fellowship and holy time by organizing sewing/craft experience for intergenerational groups.

Sam and Deanna met with DHL in Phnom Penh to correct and change process for importing of mosquito nets from Chnnai, India to Siem Reap City. Deanna and Sam met with Country Director of Methodist Center in Phnom Penh to maintain our relationship.

Did further work to complete forms to become a 501(c)(3) organization for tax exempt status.

Made peace with a country once victimized by U.S. bombings and policies.

And much, much, much more.

Wait until Deanna starts wells and pig pens!

AWARD CEREMONY

Dateline:
Kessararam Primary School, Sat, July 30, 2011
Deanna Shimko

I arrived 7 am according to my invitation. I was led across the open courtyard to the front of the ceremony area (no auditorium here) and seated in one of the 8 wood chairs on the platform. I was the first "honored guest" to arrive taking seriously the printed starting time. I noted the second row of plastic chairs flanking the forward wood chairs. (Last year I sat in one of those second row plastic chairs... promotion!?!)

The students, their families and teachers were in the process of organizing the assembly. My heart pounded as I sat facing the gathering of the students who will receive awards today, the teachers and the students' families and photographers. My invitation came without instructions or orientation, and I knew by my seating location that I would be asked to do something.

About 7:45 am the ceremony began, attendees were greeted, the honored guests were introduced, and the Director of the school, Van Marath, spoke for 45 minutes delivering a complete report to the parents and local authorities about school budget, facility repairs and improvements, student demographics including number and gender of students completing the year successfully and those who didn't as well as those who dropped out of school.

Then Village Chief spoke, then the Commune Chief, and a student who thanked the teachers for their good teaching and care of the students.

Then the student awards: the top five students in each classroom in each grade would be called by name to come forward and receive an achievement certificate. In turn, the honored guests would present to a group of 5. A photographer was present taking a picture of the event as well as each student at the award moment, and the student and his/her family would receive a photograph. Some parents took pictures, too, and some parents stood with their student for the photograph.

We watched while dark clouds gathered and hoped we could complete the ceremony without the threatening rain. Everyone is not under shelter, and there is no place to go but into the classrooms.

There is no public transportation to school for students. Many poor families cannot afford bicycles for their children to go to school. Each year the Director of Kessararam Primary School tries to find a donor(s) to contribute 5 bicycles that are presented to the 5 students at the Awards Ceremony. Donors can come from surprising places!

This year a young man from Washington State, USA who is in Siem Reap now for 1 year and working at Shanta Mani Hotel and Spa, organized his co-workers to raise money to donate the 5 bicycles. One by one the 5 bicycles are presented and pictures taken!

At the end, many congratulations and pictures all around. Front row are the top student from each grade. Second row are primary donors; 3rd from right is Van Marath, Director of the school, 2nd from right is assistant to the director.

The efforts of the students and their families for good grades and regular attendance and the contributions of the donors had been recognized very well this morning.

Our Cambodia mission is a primary donor of Kessararam Primary School since 2008 through our clean water well; health, sanitation and first aid and information technology and vocational skills initiatives. I am honored to attend the Awards Ceremony to represent USA people who make this Cambodia mission possible.

UNDER THE MANGO TREES

Dateline:
Khnar Thmei Village, Friday, July 22, 2011
Deanna Shimko

A villager doing laundry and showering

at the well on the property of Khnar Thmei United Methodist Church in Khnar Thmei Village.

This is the first well of our Cambodia mission. It was built in spring of 2002 and located on the property of the Khnar Thmei United Methodist Church where nearby village families have easy access.

The well is surrounded by and shaded by mango trees. The shade makes using the well at any time of day comfortable.

Our Cambodia mission has built more than 60 clean water wells in 24 villages, 6 primary schools and 2 orphanages. Included with the well is personal hygiene and community sanitation education and training.

CONNECT TO THE INTERNET

Dateline:
Kessararam Primary School, Siem Reap Town, Mon, July 18, 2011
Deanna Shimko

Kessararam Primary School, located in one of the villages that make up the Siem Reap Town metro area, is now connected to the internet. That's good! No one at Kessararam Primary School knows how to use the internet or has an email address! Let's change that! The teachers want to know!

Sam P holds a long class Monday afternoon explaining about the internet, web sites, conducting searches, email addresses, creating and sending a message, opening inbox and managing messages. Mony Hun assists Sam with interpretation into Khmer language.

Each teacher gets her/his own email address and practices locating her/his inbox and creating and sending a message.

Author's note: This is Sam's third year teaching computer skills to the teachers at Kessararam Primary School and providing computer equipment and supplies. In 2008, our Cambodia mission provided an Afridev hand pump and well to this school of 1507 students.

FIELD TRIP TO PUOK SILK FARM

Dateline:
National Silk Center, Puok District, Mon, July 18, 2011
Deanna Shimko

Early morning Mony drove out to Bos Kralanh Village to give the sewing class women a ride to Siem Reap Town by 9 a.m. - a few came by motorbike to our meeting point at Artisans d'Angkor, stone and wood carving workshops for Khmer traditional arts. From there we would be traveling by free shuttle bus to Puok Silk Center about 12 miles west of Siem Reap Town on National Hwy 6.

Last summer and this year, we have been teaching sewing skills for particular items for the ladies to make to sell in the market. Pat thought that a field trip would illustrate to the ladies the information we had already been discussing about producing for the market: e.g. quality, patterns, colors, styles, sizes, presentation and display. This was an adventure - to plan and to pull off. Would the ladies be able to come...from their homes and daily chores of preparing meals and caring for children!? It would surely be an unusual experience for them! Twelve of us altogether - Sam, Pat, and I, and 8 ladies plus Mr Sok, their mentor and organizer of cooperative women's activities in Bos Kralanh Village - climbed onto the bus for our free ride and tour of the Puok Silk Center

The tour was a beginning to end process of silk making from different kinds of mulberry trees to various stages of larvae feeding on the mulberry leaves. We were elated...the ladies were interested, absorbed, wanted to touch and asking questions!!

...spinning thread from the cocoons....

...dyed silk thread on spools....

....and weaving on a manual loom.




We topped the morning off with a Khmer food lunch at Chanreash 10 Makara Restaurant in Siem Reap Town. Total cost for the lunch for 12 people - just $25!!!

I had my favorite soup - boiled fish with sliced tender bamboo shoots in coconut milk with steamed rice.

The field trip was a great experience and a great success! We learned a lot and had a great time together doing it!!