ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE or BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR

A few months before our departure for the student service trip to Cambodia we received good news from Korean Air. In addition to our own bags we could bring 1300 additional pounds of luggage.  We knew that every pencil or piece of clothing would be joyfully accepted by the children in our schools. 

So the word went out to friends with children and grandchildren that we are collecting used children's clothing and shoes, school supplies, books, games and toiletries. Soon the boxes and bags of needed items started appearing on my doorstep and taking over my family room. Instead of a tidy, decorated house for Christmas, my husband said he felt like he lived in a warehouse.

The 18 St. Mary's college students went home during the break and brought more stuff from their younger siblings, toothpaste and toothbrushes from their dentist, and hotel soaps from their traveling friends. They also continued fundraising and sharing their enthusiasm for the project and far surpassed the initial goals for the trip. We have proudly built  11 WATER WELLS and bringing nearly $1500 to Cambodia.

More ideas were shared to get donated items. Someone told us about Global Grins, an organization that will send any traveller going anyplace in the world a box do new toothbrushes to distribute to children. When we told them we will reach out to 2000 children in our village schools they promptly sent us 2000 toothbrushes.

Another find was Med Share, a facility that distributes overflow of medical supplies and equipment to medical missions around the world. We got 100 pounds of brand new supplies for our Ampil clinic, everything from catheters and syringes to stethoscopes and surgical instruments. In addition we are bringing tons of baby clothing and blankets for our program encouraging pregnant women to deliver in the safety of our clinic.

A local community soccer program donated leftover uniforms and 50 soccer balls, enough for 8 teams and our college students are excited to teach Cambodian village children the rudiments of team sports on newly constructed soccer fields and playgrounds.

Our enthusiastic students have organized themselves into 4 Teams: English, Hygiene, Reading and Sports.

Our in country director Panha has been busily preparing for their arrival and has organized the schools to be on standby for loads of joy and new instructional approaches.

Look forward to seeing photos of shining faces of the Cambodian children and well as our American students.