Kate In Cambodia

PhotoBooth

2011-10-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

When I came back in March of this year, it didn't take long before the WatOpotians discovered PhotoBooth on my MacBook Pro. I recently made a video of some of my favorite clips I've gotten over the months which I posted here. Below are also a random assortment of the photographs that were taken with the program.

Srey Nith

Me, Srey Nith, Pesei

Chanthol with Nak and Thy in the background

Davit

Sopheak on his very first day at Wat Opot. He either thought he had struck gold with the coolest orphanage around, or he was thinking "who are these people...."

Kunthy and me

When Laura, my friend from home, came to visit she got in on the action too. Leak, Kunthy and Somnang 2 joined in as well.

Even the older girls have fun with it, like Srey Leak and Srey Lis.

Pesei, never one to leave his room without looking his best, would probably be mortified if he knew I put this online...

Me and my buddy, Mr. Chai

Wey

One of Somnangs favorite movies is MegaMind. He LOVED having a picture of him with the MegaMind head. For weeks after he begged for more PhotoBooth, running around asking me "Kat MegaMind?! MegaMind?!"

Sovanarith, Thy, and Somnang

Kimseck

When I leave Wat Opot I wonder what the kids will miss more, me or my computer...

SFF 4: LAYNG LAN!

2011-09-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

Often before "Hello" and "Thank you," some of the first words that new volunteers will learn in Khmer are layng lan, or "play cars!" The Creative Learning Center is filled with educational and fun toys and activities and the place where Melinda conducts daily English classes for the preschoolers up to third graders. After their lessons, and only if they attend school, they can play. Cars are the most popular toys with both the boys and the girls. On days that Melinda doesn't teach there is usually a mob of kids following around whoever will listen begging to layng lan until one of us caves. Melinda and I were browsing a book and toy store in Phnom Penh when she discovered boxes of build your own cars on clearance. With Summer Fun Fund money ready to be spent, we purchased 10 kits. We were excited about these for two reasons: the kids LOVE cars (borderline obsessed), and they are incredibly smart and love the challenge of assembling things.

We had to sneak the boxes into the house to wait for a good time to bring them out in small groups. Otherwise panic would set in with everyone dying to get their hands on the pieces.

With most of the kids gone to Phnom Chisor with some Japanese visitors, Seyha, Thear, and Chanthol were the lucky ones to get to break open the new toys. They saw the boxes and eagerly waited in our doorway like little [Western] kids on Christmas morning.

They thoroughly read the picture instructions and set to work. Each kit is set-up to make one of three things. Some are a car, dinosaur, or boat; one is a car, hoovercraft, or helicopter; and another a car, bulldozer, and fork lift.

Seyha

Thear and Chanthol hard at work

Seyha and his masterpiece

Chanthol

It wasn't long before the little kids who didn't journey to the mountain caught wind of what was going on in the Creative Learning Center. Chai desperately wanted in on the action. How can you say no to a face like his?

Srey Nith wanted to come play but wasn't interested in playing with the boys. She silently set up market and waited patiently for someone to notice her. I took pity on the little entrepreneur and was her first (and only) customer.

Virak is one of the most car-crazed and is most guilty of harassing us to layng lan. He didn't have the patience to build his own car but got to reap the benefits of someone else's work.

Soon everyone was back from Phnom Chisor and organized chaos ensued. Somehow we managed to keep the pieces together and everyone walked away happy. We have since brought the kits out one at a time in small groups to maintain the excitement and the toys.

Two of the kids from the village came to get in on the fun too. The new cars were the talk of the town. With Wat Opot quick to share it's privileges with the greater community, the village kids were excited as well and probably anxious to see what fun stuff Wat Opot gets next!

SFF 3: Tonle Bati & Teen Conference

2011-09-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Summer Fun Fund and Brunner Medical Missions, the Wat Opot family got to enjoy an outing to the Phnom Tamao Zoo and Tonle (Lake) Bati. This being the third trip this year to the lake, it is the first time the weather was appropriate. Back in April when we went, in the hottest month of the year, we woke up that morning to almost a cool breeze and overcast after 3 solid weeks of 100+ degree heat and overwhelming humidity. This trip, however, fell on a hot day where the lake could be as refreshing as possible. I recently made the following video documenting how the WatOpotians kept cool all summer. The photographs and video footage are from our trips to the lake, the kids swimming on the Wat Opot property, and playing in the rain. I hope you enjoy it!

While the kids enjoyed their day in the sun, the empty and child-free Wat Opot grounds played host to an HIV Teen Conference with some of the oldest Wat Opot residents and visitors from the district. The all-day conference was put on by Wayne and newlywed volunteers Brittany and JR Johnstone from the US. I stayed back to assist as twenty teenagers participated in total with the goal being to bring together a group to find support and encouragement in one another. Among other events, Wayne put together a presentation on being the victor of HIV not the victim. In one example, he showed a picture of a man with no legs begging for money on the street and in the next picture a man with prosthetic legs running around a track. The idea was to encourage the teenagers to go out and overcome their obstacles instead of sitting around in self-pity. Even in Cambodia, in fact 30 minutes from Wat Opot, is a free clinic where amputees are fitted and rehabilitated with prostheses (going back to the example). That clinic is next to the free HIV/AIDS clinic where medication and therapy is readily available to those who chose to be compliant and determined to live a happy and healthy life. Another major topic was sexual responsibility, a taboo but very necessary topic in Cambodia. The teens talked about healthy relationships as friends and more, when to tell someone your status, and what exactly puts someone else in danger of contracting HIV. The conference lasted most of the day and was very positive and successful. I enjoyed seeing some of the Wat Opot kids open up and share their feelings and stories with each other, though at times it was very emotional. As the age groups at Wat Opot get younger, the percentage with HIV increase. There aren't many teenagers with HIV/AIDS so having a larger support network outside of the family is crucial. I was happy to be a part of the day and hope that Wat Opot will host more in the future.

Brittany overlooks the group during an icebreaker.

Princesses for a night

2011-09-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have been so touched by the amazing support and generosity of my family and friends at home. You all have helped me to raise so much money for Wat Opot and bring them so many new clothes, toys, education material, medicine and hygiene supplies, and fun activities. Most recently, my neighbor Elaine Falk and a small group of women from her church have been working on dresses for the little girls. Before they arrived, Elaine explained to me that they were made from pillowcases but I had no idea what to expect. What came were nine absolutely gorgeous dresses in different patterns and colors. I was so excited to give them to the girls, but wasn't sure how to do it. Wat Opot kids play HARD. Their play clothes are dirty and torn, and though we change them out as needed, it doesn't take long for a new shirt to be fully worn in.

The new volunteer dorm is finished and the girls officially moved into their new home in the middle of campus last night. I held onto the dresses to give out in celebration of their new space. Last night we had a little slumber party and I told the little girls I had a surprise for them, something they could only wear each night after they bathed. After 6 rushed bucket showers, they were ready for their treat! I laid the dresses out and each girl got to pick which dress they wanted. The whole time they were giggling and jumping up and down, just beyond elated for their new beautiful dresses! Elaine said she wanted to make them feel like princesses, and they certainly did!

Kimseck, Venot, Kunthea, Srey Mao, Srey Nak, Channy

Srey Leak modeling

Initially I assumed the dresses would only be for the little ones. Srey Leak sleeps on the little girls side of the house, so she got to have the last dress left. Because of the adjustable straps, they fit the girls of all sizes, even the teens. The other teens were kind of jealous! They all want one now too, and were happy to learn that Elaine and her friends are making and sending more.

The little girls went nuts in excitement! It was so beautiful to see them so happy :) They couldn't contain themselves and jumped all over each other until I left to go back to my own room.

Venot is quite the tomboy. Even SHE loved the dresses, which is really saying something!

I love them so much I can't stand it!

Little Ratana was already asleep, but she'll get to wear hers tonight!

Thank you Elaine and those who helped make these little dresses :) What a special treat for these beautiful little ladies!

SFF 2: New Swing

2011-09-08T23:56:00.000-07:00

When I first arrived to Wat Opot, on a hot July day last summer, it was on the swings outside of the dorm where I first sat and fell in love with the children. The swings are an iconic part of Wat Opot. A place to escape the hot sun, a place to sit and watch everyone at play. Sitting with sad little ones who just want to be held, offering a comforting presence to teens while they ponder the old times with their families. Like many volunteers before me, I sat on those swings and learned the kids names, heard their stories, and earned their trust. I learned most of what little Khmer I know on those swings, and will never forget one night where I sat there for hours with Chihomi, a Japanese volunteer, and LongDy, Sambaht, and Pesei, three of the Khmer teens, as we tried to piece together a conversation using bits of four languages (there was a little French thrown in there too).

These are some of my first pictures from Wat Opot on the swing when it was still in good condition:

Little Srey Nith the class clown in August 2010

Rith, Virak, and Wey on the swing last summer. They've grown so much in one year!

With so much action, the swings slowly wore away. Metal rods broke, the joints had rusted, and the paint chipped. One side didn't have a bench at all, and the other was worn down so badly that only two people could sit on it or it would give way. We decided to bring new life to the famous swings with the help of Cora Marshall and the Summer Fun Fund. A man came out and welded new benches, fixed the joints, and gave both swings a fancy new coat of yellow paint.

Coming down the driveway, the swings are a visitors first view of Wat Opot

So pretty!

Mr. Chai approves!

Thank you again to all who donated to the Summer Fun Fund. There are more updates coming along of all the other things we have done this summer with your generosity! It's not too late to donate... my paypal is still accepting donations and can be found under the blog archives. Thank you :)

Rice Planting Day

2011-09-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

Today was rice planting day at Wat Opot. There is a small rice field next to the pagoda that Wat Opot plants and harvests each year to make use of the land and to keep the children connected to the people of the region. Every person on campus who consumes rice had to help plant, so every resident from 2 year old Ratana (who mostly just splashed around) to me, Melinda, other volunteers, and Khmer staff got into the mud to work. It was my first experience in the rice fields. I had fun with the kids, but two hours was enough for me. I can't imagine doing that full time. We also only had one small field to plant whereas most planters have to do several large fields. I definitely have a new found respect and appreciation for the people who work the rice fields. It is tough work to say the least.

The rice plants come in bundles. When you plant, you pull off just a small portion and stick it down in the mud. The rice goes into rows, ideally about a foot apart. The planting is done after the start of the rainy season after the fields flood. The rice needs mud to grow in and the field must remain wet for the plants to stay alive. Last year there was a drought and the fields dried up before they should have, leaving everyone in the region worried as to whether there would be enough rice this year. As I understand, enough rain came later in the season to revitalize the fields to still yield a substantial crop.

Ty Meng, Kimseck, Srey Mao, Davit

Kunthy and Phanya

Srey Nak

Channy

Brian showing the boys how to plant

Melinda helping Virak and Wey

I can't stress the importance of rice in Cambodia and all of Southeast Asia, and I guess Asia in general. Rice is served for every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A meat or vegetable dish is eaten with it, but rice is the main food. When someone is going to eat a meal, they say they are going to "hope bai," or "eat rice." In the US we would have rice with our meal, here you eat rice and whatever comes with it.

Takeo province, where Wat Opot is located, is filled with neatly planted rice fields. Ours certainly isn't as pretty, but we had a great time and tried our best!

Lethal Salads

2011-08-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

My father taught us many things growing up, including that vegetables were bad for you. He doesn't like them, in fact he despises them. To this day the hides them in his napkin, mashed potatoes, under the table etc to avoid having to eat them. It's a miracle that my sister and I grew up liking vegetables eating with a parent who would say "don't touch them! They're poisonous!!" As we got older, Amy and I joined the fight of taking care of my dad. Now there's three of us at every meal putting veggies on his plate and sitting there watching him like a small child until he eats them. We also do terrible unspeakable acts like make him drink water and take his vitamins, pure evil things. I always thought he was silly and that no harm could ever come from eating vegetables... I was wrong.

Tonight we were served a salad with dinner. A sort of make your own with a plate of lettuce, a carrot, cucumber, tomato, etc. I put some lettuce into my bowl where I would then break it up. Out of the big pieces popped a giant centipede looking thing. It ran out of the bowl and onto my lap. Wayne quickly said "move! Don't touch it!" I instinctively jumped up but thought he was kidding. I said, half-jokingly, "should I kill it?" He replied with an urgent "YES! It's poisonous!"

All those years we thought poor Dan Bernoske was just being silly, it turns out he was right. Vegetables ARE poisonous. Nobody listened to him! I had it coming! Dad, I promise to never force another vegetable down your throat. You win.

Ruined

2011-08-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

In Melinda's latest blog post, she describes how every few nights, the WatOpotians crowd around on the dorm porch for a DVD. Their DVD collection is quite impressive thanks to donated movies and the plethora of cheap movie shops in Phnom Penh. Cars, Shrek, and other animated movies were great for a while but now the kids are craving more action. Recent showings have been of the Jurassic Parks, ET, Avatar, War of the Worlds, Fantastic 4, The Goonies, and the new Karate Kid among others. A big crowd pleaser was the Indiana Jones trilogy. It was so popular in fact that the kids decided to make it real life.

I have written before about trips to Phnom Chisor, which they love visiting. There are ruins to explore, monkeys, temples… everything necessary for an adventure. On a trip last week to Phnom Chisor, some of the boys maybe went a little too far in living their Indiana Jones fantasies. In the middle of an intense treasure hunt in the ruins, which were empty of visitors making it even more fun, they had to twist round pegs to see which one held their prize. They twisted the first peg- nothing. The second- nothing. On the third and last chance to find the treasure, Meng Ty reached for the peg, twisted, and it fell off. He broke it. These ruins have been standing there perfectly fine for a thousand years. The Wat Opot kids come through for 10 minutes and leave a path of destruction. Maybe we’ll go back to Disney classics and calm down their imaginations….

Below are some pictures I've taken over the months of our trips to Phnom Chisor.

Mr. Chai

Searching for treasure

Phanya and Somnang

Meng Ty, the leader of the adventure

The infamous Chisor monkey

Taking a break

Srey Mao taking a rest, treasure hunting is hard work!

I'm so lucky to be playing host this and last week to two of my best friends from high school, Whitney and Laura. We traveled a little to major stops in Cambodia; from the beaches of Sihanoukville to ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. We got to do a little ruins exploration of our own, but unlike the WatOpotians, we didn't break anything! Here are some pictures of us at the Angkor Wat complex.

Me, Laura, and Whitney walking into Angkor Wat

The complex is filled with insanely huge trees

One of the most famous parts, the trees of Ta Prohm where Tomb Raider was filmed

We climbed to the top of one temple to get an aerial view... you can faintly see a yellow hot air balloon in the sky

Laura and my failed attempt at horsemaning. They're filling me in on all the American pop culture I'm missing. If you don't know of horsemaning, google it. Some of the pictures are really funny.

Laura and her elephant friend

This little man popped out of nowhere and took us to hidden places. And he had a great beard.

Laura, me, and Whit outside of the main Angkor Wat temple

SFF 1: Teen day in Phnom Penh

2011-08-10T06:03:00.000-07:00

The response to the Summer Fun Fund was slow but sure, and with the help of friends and family we were able to meet our goal! Thank you so so much to everyone who donated :)

To kick off the festivities, Cora, Melinda, and myself escorted the 13 high schoolers (grades 7-12) into Phnom Penh for a day of exploring. The only condition was that you could only go if you passed your final exams. Everyone passed, so everyone got to go! An organization in Hong Kong donated cameras at the beginning of the summer that the kids were able to borrow to get their own shots. Most of these pictures are Cora's... thanks for sharing, Coca Cora!

We left bright and early in a rented mini-bus. The boys were dressed in their nicest trousers and shirts, and the girls were dressed to the nines; makeup, heels, hair all done up. They had all picked out their outfits the night before and spent hours primping before it was time to go. The girls looked gorgeous but were warned that they better be able to keep up in heels!

First stop: Royal Palace. Most of the kids had never been before and they were in awe over the architecture and décor. It was especially great for Saman who just finished high school and will begin university this fall pursuing a career in architectural engineering. While the others marveled over the jade Buddha, silver tiles, and rubies, Saman studied the building’s minute structural details. The only graduating senior, he is an extremely talented artist and will be greatly missed when he leaves for university!

Nak

Saman

The whole group minus Melinda

Brother and sister: Pesei and Srey Leak

Van

Sombaht

Me and Pesei inside the Silver Pagoda

Part of the Royal Palace

Second stop: National Museum. The tourist attractions are strategically located in Phnom Penh so that one could hit the Palace, then the National Museum, check out the art and handcraft streets, then hit the riverfront. Everything is so close, and easily walking distance. That is, of course, if you’re not in 4 inch heels. I insisted that we walk, they insisted that we drive; and since I’m a huge pushover, we got the minibus drive to take us from one place to the next. All quarter of a mile. We toured the museum filled with ancient artifacts and statues, and exhibits on Khmer Rouge effects on the nations treasures among others. It’s another gorgeous building and I think they all enjoyed learning something about Cambodian history, especially from the map that showed the Khmer territory hundreds of years ago. The Khmer empire ruled most of Indochina and Thailand. Even in the 60s and 70s Cambodia was a booming country, but after the genocide it is now decades behind its neighbors. Phnom Penh in comparison to Hanoi, Bangkok, and other Asian capitals is a nothing city. I wonder what it would be like, and the whole country for that matter, had it not been for it’s dark but recent past.

Long Dy photographing the National Museum

Back: Saman, LongDy, Chareya, Srey Aun, Srey Leak, Srey Lis, Srey Nich
Front: Van, Pesei, Nith, Nhanh, Sombaht, Leak

Srey Nich

Cora and me

Third stop: lunch. We went to a nice but modest Khmer restaurant near the Central Market. They put us in a private room with our own TV (yay! Khmer music videos!!!) and each person got to order a meal and a fancy drink. The food was delicious and they ate every last bite (well, Long Dy ate every last bite). We wanted to go to a special place, but also wanted to be careful not to spoil them in a way to make them feel uncomfortable. We got exactly what we wanted.

Saman documenting our feast

Me and LongDy

Nak enjoys his strawberry smoothie; LongDy, Srey Nich, and Srey Aun admire the fancy LokLak

Last stop: Sorya shopping center. The finale of the day was an afternoon at the 6-story Sorya Shopping mall. The mall has a grocery store, several Western-style fast food restaurants, a very pungent Khmer food court, levels of shops, and on the top a 4D movie, regular cinema, skating center, arcade, and upscale confectionary. The building as a whole is very modern, with many old school Khmer twists thrown in along the way. The one thing everyone was looking forward to was my big promise to let everyone do the 4D movie. They went in to see/experience the Haunted House Coaster in groups of 4. It was only a few minutes long but those watching from the outside had more fun than those actually participating thanks to a TV screen showing video footage of those inside. The reactions were priceless, from attempting to fight the ghosts, to the boys screaming like girls, to hiding their eyes in each other’s laps. Across the board it was the favorite part of the day for sure. The movies were done and we hit the arcade. They had all of the standards- ski ball, racing, the claw, etc. and a Japanese game where the player has to punch as hard as possible. You get 3 chances and a total score. Long Dy, not the most burly guy, stepped up and surprised everyone with a very high score. A group of strong, tough guys were watching from a distance. When Long Dy finished, the most macho one of them all walked up to outdo the score. He tried, and failed, 3 times to produce a single score higher than Long Dy’s. In the end, he was a few hundred points behind LongDy and absolutely mortified. Victory for Wat Opot!

Leak, Sombaht, Nith, and Chareya brave the 4D movie

Srey Aun squeezed in the front so she could hold on to Srey Leak!

They made fun of each others reactions for days

Srey Lis, Van, and LongDy playing basketball against one another

Srey Leak

Srey Nich

Fancy footwear

LongDy and Cora playing basketball

Nhanh cheering on Sombaht

We ran out of arcade coins, piled back in the bus and went home. On the way back, most of us slept including me. I found out later that my head was bobbing so much that everyone (even the driver) was laughing at me. I was in the front seat and visible to all from the mirror. I’m glad I could provide some entertainment.

The Wat Opot teenagers have their groups and their problems, but for one day at least got to come together as one. We got back and had a light dinner as a group and explained why and how the day was possible. They were so appreciative of everything they got to do, and were so touched that people they never even met had donated money so they could do something special. One day all about them where they didn’t have to compete with little kids for attention, where they could drop the issues within their own cliques, and where they could have the freedom to see and learn what they wanted. It truly brought a sense of unity to the teenagers and though we went 3 weeks ago the effects have lasted.

Thank you again to everyone who gave your money, your prayers, and your support to Wat Opot and our first Summer Fun Fund sponsored event!

Pushing buttons

2011-07-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Every night after the HIV positive kids take their medicine, the entire Wat Opot family gathers for a meeting and meditation. We sit in rows, say a Sanskrit blessing, then sit quietly meditating and reflecting on the day to a soothing song. Respecting the dual-Christian and Buddhist influence on Wat Opot, the meditation ends with a group thanks to Jesus, a short song that comes out like "sank you sank you Je-sa." Everyone participates, even the little kids. Sometimes they struggle sitting still and sometimes 2 year old Ratana gets up and pulls everyones hair, but usually they do fine. The meditation is between 4-8 minutes long depending on the song and is followed by a snack. Many people, including myself before I first came to Cambodia, aren't sure what meditating consists of. It doesn't have to be some Eat.Pray.Love deep altered state of consciousness, but just a time to sit quietly with your thoughts. It's a part of the day that I really look forward to and hope to keep doing it once I eventually go home (tear).

Every night two kids get to sit in front and then pass out snack. It's a coveted role and the slots go by rotation with everyone getting an equal number of turns. We have a big calendar with 3 months of rotations written out that they love to count down with until their turn comes again. To give an idea of what it looks like, this picture was taken by Melinda in the kitchen. Excuse the lighting, it gets dark at 6:30 and we don't start until around 7.

Meditation time is also great for announcements as everyone is in one place. We introduce new volunteers, say goodbye to departing volunteers, discuss events, address issues, and resolve conflict together as a group. We've used it to countdown for our trip to the lake, to remind everyone where the trash around campus goes (trashcan), to remind everyone where the spit around campus goes (not on others), to remind everyone who fills the motos with gasoline (so the little kids stop trying to be "helpful" by putting water in the tanks), and most recently to welcome back those who were hit hard by Typhoid fever.

In any family the little kids get picked on and there are fights. My sister and I fought all the time and there were only 2 of us in the house. Imagine a home with 56 kids. They love and care about each other but of course they fight, they pick on each other, the big kids love making the little kids cry, and the little kids love crying to get the big kids in trouble. Lately, however, it's gotten out of hand. Wayne decided to do something about it, so naturally he used the nightly meditation time to address the problem. He didn't just have a talk though. He got creative.

Last night, Wayne came in with a piece of paper with two circles, one filled in blue and one white. He sat up front and invited Thear to come push one of the buttons. Thear pushed on the white. Nothing happened. He awkwardly looked around and went back to his seat while everyone perked up trying to figure out what was going on, including me who had no idea. He next called on Mek Phan to come up. Mek Phan hit the blue button, Wayne made a DING DING DING sound and Mek Phan was awarded 500 riel (roughy 12 cents USD). He was ecstatic and everyone else shot up their hands, determined to be called on next. Lan Krong was the next contestant; he walked up, pushed white, but nothing happened. He walked away with great disappointment. They all squirmed around with their hands up in the air, ME ME ME ME ME!!! Meng Ty was the next lucky chosen one. He confidently walked up and pushed the blue button like Mek Phan had, DING DING DING! 500 riel! He was beside himself. A few more were chosen, ran up to the blue button and claimed their prizes.

Wayne put the paper down and asked the crowd why they would choose the blue button over the white one. Different kids gave their explanations: nothing happened with the white button, the blue one made them happy, the blue one had a prize, the blue button was fun! He then told them that everyone of them had buttons of their own. When someone picks on 5 year old Wey, he cries without fail. When 14 year old Leak gets taunted, he gets upset every time. When people pick on Wey and Leak, they push their blue buttons. They get a response, they feel powerful, it's fun. Why would they pick on someone who doesn't let it bother them? Why keep teasing someone who ignores them? If there's no reaction, what's the point?

The kids were then asked to turn off their blue buttons. They were told that if they stopped giving the people who tease and pick on them a reaction, the teasing and the picking on would stop, or at least slow down. I realize this is easier said than done, but today I've noticed a big improvement. When someone gets mad or upset, they just hold their tongues and walk away. I don't know if it will last, I hope it does, but at least they have a better understanding of bullying and how to cope with or get around it. It was a great idea by Wayne and I look forward to watching how the kids apply it.

As of today, we are only $220 shy of our $1000 Summer Fun Fund goal! Help us get that last bit by donating through paypal under the blog archives. Remember, everything left over will go to health care and the medical clinic which is getting busier every week! Thank you :)

"Kat tow Dentist t'ngai nih?!"

2011-07-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little afraid to go to the dentist. I've always had amazing dentists (Hi Dr. Bob!) and never had a particular traumatic event, but still something about it scares me. Channy, 9, clearly had never been to a dentist before, as evidenced by a) her terrible teeth, and b) her begging me to take her. Channy has been living at Wat Opot since September and before then had limited if any medical and dental care. After a course of Amoxicillin for a tooth infection, and multiple complaints, today she finally got to go see a dentist for the first time. She was ecstatic. The HIV positive kids get to go to the doctor once a month. They ride in tuktuks, eat lunch out, and get to leave and explore. The HIV negative kids seem to think that they're really missing out, especially Channy. She persistently asked "Kat tow dentist t'ngai nih?!" Kat, go to the dentist today?! for a solid week and was delighted when this morning I answered "yes!."

Melinda and LongDy drove us in the truck. Cora came along, as well as Srey Aun, Srey Nich, and Sopheak who have all needed dental attention too. It was difficult to get everyones schedules to align with school and weekend activities, but we finally made it work this morning.

Channy was up first. Everything was old and basic, but you don't need much more here. The chair really freaked her out and I think she instantly wondered what the hell she got herself into once she saw the tools and everything. In this picture you can see her "you better put that camera down and get your ass over here to old my hand this instant, lady" look on her face. I sat with her as she got a cavity filled and her teeth cleaned. What was interesting though, is all of that was done without electricity, only tools by hand. Our province is on an interesting power schedule. We lose electricity from roughly 8:30am-11:00am, and then again from around 1:30pm- 5pm during weekdays. The cause is unknown and many theories have been pitched from people in the community and the government, from "there isn't enough water during the dry season to run the plant," to "we get our electricity from Vietnam and they shut it off," to "they're working on the power lines and have to turn it off during working hours." There are also many government theories behind it, but after blogspot was blocked here for a few months following someone speaking out against the government, I think I'll leave those theories out. Anyway, we lose electricity a lot, which makes things difficult for local businesses and office workers. We arrived at the dentist's around 9:30 this morning which meant no electricity but the dentist made it work.

Srey Aun was the next to go. She had a little more of an audience. Cora went in to sit with her, and LongDy and Srey Nich followed to see what was going on. The dentists wife and little son also came in to watch. Khmer people have a way of crowding, so I guess I didn't expect any different.

Who says you need expensive medical lights? A wife holding a flashlight does the same job.

This was the extent of the dentist's office, which was the front room of his home. He had an instrument sterilizer and took all safety precautions yet I have a feeling not too many Americans would jump at the opportunity to get in the chair. I'm unemployed and without dental as of October 1 so this is looking like a great option!

Mixing up the girls' fillings while his baby sleeps nearby.

The little boy was so cute. He rocked the baby in the hammock and ran around entertaining.

Channy showing off her new filling. A very satisfied customer.

Melinda and LongDy hanging out in the waiting room watching the action.

The dentist decided that Srey Aun was in need of more than just a cleaning. He flipped on his generator and got out the drill. It sounds just as bad, no matter where you are in the world. Srey Aun perked up and shot me a look like "you're not going to let them use that on me are you?!" She was terrified but she did great. This picture above is her watching him prepare everything, her eyes wide open and her hands clutching the chair.

Channy looked around and explored the office. She was stunned to find the pile of molds on the bottom shelf and stared at them in horror for a few minutes. I don't think she'll be begging to come back to the dentist any time soon!

Srey Nich is beautiful and sweet, but very insecure. She has a false tooth in the front that often tries to hide. In an effort to give her a boost, she's having a better tooth put in. Todays trip was to remove the bad one and clean it out. In two days we go back to have the new one put in, but until then she's missing her front tooth! The dentist gave her a mask to wear until then to cover it up. She has a great sense of humor about it, luckily, and is having fun with her missing tooth, but still Wednesday can't come soon enough!

Today sparked a frenzy of everyone deciding that they too want to go to the dentist. Seeing all four of them today was only 50,000 riel, or roughly $12.50. It's cheap and necessary so we will definitely keep taking those who need it. Don't forget that the Summer Fun Fund excess goes to medical expenses such as these, so please donate! The paypal button is on the righthand side of the page and again, every cent goes a long way! On a related note, we had our first activity on Friday, the teen outing to Phnom Penh. It was a huge success. The pictures are being compiled and I can't wait to share it with everyone. Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday Wayne!

2011-07-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, July 9, was Wayne's birthday! We took full advantage of the opportunity to spoil and embarrass him and had a little surprise party at Wat Opot.

After dinner, while Wayne did a little work and gave out medications, we quickly decorated the children's dorm. The kids made the HAPPY BIRTHDAY sign and blew up all of the balloons.

Left, me with Rong, Meng Ty, and Phanya; Right, Seyha helping to hang balloons

There is only one oven in the whole village, and it's only been used three times in the past 6 years. Cora and I walked down the road to use it and needless to say we had a few issues but the cakes came out okay! Cora decorated them and we found a candle in the volunteer house to use.

Everyone yelled HAPPY BIRTHDAY when he walked in. They were definitely more excited than he was- and they didn't even know about the cake yet!

Pesei and Saman, two of the older boys who are also very talented artists, each made a special piece for Wayne's birthday. Pesei made this 3D painting using real wood and branches for the tree. It is incredible. The Khmer staff bought Wayne cokes and wrapped them in Disney princess paper. Sorry we had to open the boxes Wayne.. I know how you love your Disney princesses!

Left, Virak dives into his chocolate cake; Right, Sompoa eyes Socheat's piece

Saon couldn't have been happier if it was his own birthday! Actually, I don't think we know any of the kids birthdays and the majority of people in Cambodia don't know their own either. Birthdays aren't acknowledged and everyone turns a year older with the Khmer New Year. I don't think anyone really understood what it was we were celebrating but that didn't mean they didn't have fun!

Saman's painting of Wayne. He had finished it about 6 weeks ago and had been so eager to give it to him.

All of these pictures are courtesy of Ms. Cora Marshall who also thought of doing a video for Wayne that we showed at the party. I have posted it below! We weren't able to get everyone in the video but it definitely represents the love for Wayne from the community as a whole.

Wayne is such a selfless and humble person, so it was fun to do something special for him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY WAYNE! We hope you enjoyed it :)

Tomorrow Cora, Melinda, and I are taking the 14 high- schoolers (who all passed their exams!!) to Phnom Penh for the day to kick off events of the Summer Fun Fund. They have been counting down all week, and the girls have spent the evening picking out their outfits and getting ready. We will all take lots of pictures and report back. Thank you to everyone who has donated!!! If you'd still like to donate it's not too late! Click on the PayPal button on the right-hand side of the page. Again, if you're not in a position to donate, consider spreading the word. Thank you :)

Monkey business

2011-07-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

Phnom (Mountain) Chisor, with its stunning views and ancient ruins, is a popular spot for volunteers and Wat Opot kids to visit. We recently had a visiting Vietnamese Buddhist nun named KD who wanted to take a trip up to the mountain with everybody- all 56 kids, Wayne, volunteers, and staff. We loaded up 2 trucks full of people, sent some out on motos, and were off. The idea behind the trip together was to announce and discuss the new construction of a peace garden at Wat Opot. The garden will be a place for the kids to come and meditate, pray for their parents and loved ones who have passed, or just escape for a quiet minute. Where better to plan a place for peace and prayer than at a working Buddhist monastery intertwined by ancient temples? We had a picnic and did some exploring, and made a new friend too.

The infamous Phnom Chisor monkey is known as quite a trouble maker. She tried to attack one of our teenage boys last Fall, and chased me around a few weeks back. She's mean, she's stubborn, and she's not open to sharing her home in the slightest.

The mean monkey, stating her territory.

Once we all made the ascent to the top of the mountain, we gathered around a tree- her tree. Wayne sat up on the ledge to lead us in a Buddhist chant. The monkey watched him for a little bit and decided to join. From what we had all seen of the monkey in past, everyone was scared at first (including me!). Wayne kept telling everyone to sit and relax, we were in her home and as long as we didn't make any moves toward her she wouldn't bother anyone. I was nervous especially with the little ones but once she was that close we really had no choice but to sit and trust that we would be okay.

After the prayers were over, it was snack time. The monkey saw the food come out and got excited, quickly. She came down to wait her turn in line in hopes of snagging a good treat.

Cora nervously watching the monkey

KD was brave and sat down to offer the monkey a banana. I would have just tossed the banana and hoped she would follow it! I'm honestly nervous just looking at this picture. I can't emphasize how insane this monkey is.

She got her bananas and stole someones coke. She drank from the can, then poured the rest out and sucked it from the ground, careful to get every last sip. This was just the beginning, however. The monkey was hungry and the more she got, the more she wanted.

She waited for soy crisps after her coke and bananas, then went on to eating Srey Leak's sandwich.

A view from the top. The mountain is gorgeous, especially as the rains turn everything green.

We finished our picnic and then got down to the garden planning. Wayne again sat on the ledge, and the monkey was very interested in our plans.

Hanging on to every word

Well, talking gets boring and the monkey began looking for something else to do. It was then she started to groom Wayne. The kids exploded with laughter and thought it was the funniest thing they had ever seen. The monkey must have really liked him!

When she finished grooming him, she rejoined the group for the rest of the discussion. We all slowly stood up after this and left her. It was a good experience for us to see the monkey in a friendly state, but I hope that none of the kids got too comfortable with her.

Wat Opot's little monkey, Ratana.

We explored the temples, hiked around the top, and climbed rocks before making the descent down and the drive home. It was a very fun day and the peace garden is already in construction. I'll be sure to post about it once it's finished.

Me exploring with Doar, one of the sweetest kids in the world. Grumpy Virak on the left was tired and made sure everyone knew it!

Summer Fun Fund

2011-06-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

Every Watopotian is blessed to have three meals a day, clothing, shelter, medication and healthcare, and education. Their basic needs are always put first and always met. Donations flow into Wat Opot enough for the essentials, but there isn't much room in the budget for anything else. When I reflect on my own childhood, summers were the most fun time of the year. My family went on trips to the beach, got lost in big cities together, my sister and I went to camps, and we did things together that I'll never forget. I want to bring some of that to Wat Opot. These kids are so amazing and deserve to have an incredible summer. I have started the Wat Opot Summer Fun Fund to raise money to bring more fun into their lives and to give them a summer to remember forever.

I am asking my friends and family to make a $10 contribution, with a goal to spread the word to 100 people and raise $1000. Anything left over once the kids go back to school will be put into the Wat Opot health clinic.

Some of the activities that I have in mind:

1. A day trip to Phnom Penh for the high schoolers that pass their exams. The teenagers want to see the Royal Palace, National Museum, parks, and riverfront. They also want to do what teenagers all over the world want to do: go to the mall. The girls have a burning desire to go to the mall in Phnom Penh, window shop, eat at the food court, talk about boys, etc. and the boys want nothing more than to go to the arcade and rollerskate. This would be a great day exploring their capital city and learning about their own culture, but also a perfect incentive to study hard for finals and progress in school.

2. What do you get when you mix spontaneous children, a large floor space, and a great donated sound system? Impromptu dance parties. We have had a few dance parties lately with everyone from 2 year old Ratana to 20 year old Saman showing off their moves. The boys and even some of the girls have amazing talent for breakdancing and we usually end up in a circle cheering on dance-offs. I always dance too, even though I have absolutely no rhythm and I get made fun of the whole time but it's so much fun that I don't even care. One night after one of our dance parties, I went on idealist. org, an online network for NGO and NPO profiles, jobs, volunteer opportunities, etc. and searched "breakdancing" just to see what I would find. Imagine my shock when the first search result was a breakdancing NGO in Phnom Penh that "uses breakdancing, Hip-Hop music, and the contemporary arts as creative tools to empower the youth of Cambodia to live healthier lives free of HIV and drugs, build a more promising future by furthering their educational opportunities, and become positive role models for their community." I have been corresponding with them via email, and they have agreed to come out later in the summer for a performance and workshop with our kids for a reduced fee. What an extraordinary experience, since all of the Watopotians LOVE to dance. This is also another example of what happens when you keep faith and let things come to you, I still can't believe that I found them!

3. In May, a German NGO that funds the art projects at Wat Opot sponsored an all day art festival. The kids had easels and paint scattered throughout campus and with the help of the older art students, spent the morning painting. The afternoon consisted of a special lunch, prizes, and of course- a dance party. I was amazed at how well the paintings turned out. The kids had so much fun reaching into their imagination and expressing their creativity. As these paintings are being used for exhibition by the German NGO, they will not be available to display around campus though they would bring so much color and life to the Wat Opot dorms, kitchen, clinic, playroom, and schoolhouse. I would love to bring another art day to Wat Opot, just the morning painting part, to give them another chance to discover their talents and make beautiful pieces that could be enjoyed around campus every day.

4. Kids love water and splashing and our kids LOVE Tonle (lake) Bati. Our first trip this year was a total success and another one before school starts would be a wonderful way to end the summer holiday.

5. Yoga class is a weekly event that our kids look forward to teaching and participating in every Sunday. A few of the older kids have been through a basic yoga teaching certification and lead small groups in stretching, posing, and meditation. Long Dy, one of the oldest residents, has been presented with a unique opportunity to study yoga at a higher level in Phnom Penh. This certification process consists of a series of intensive weekend workshops which address both theory and practice. With this certification, Long Dy will be able to bring more yoga to the other instructors which will be shared with all of the children. This will also allow Long Dy to find employment in Phnom Penh as a yoga teacher next year while he attends university which will help to offset some of his education and living costs. There is a yoga NGO in Phnom Penh that is sponsoring Long Dy, but Wat Opot has been asked to help pay for the courses. As they take place during the summer, this too will be included in our Summer Fun Fund.

As aforementioned, any funding remaining at the end of the summer will go to the Wat Opot health clinic which has been very busy treating both Wat Opot residents and members of the community. My paypal has been cleared and is ready for donations, and is located on the right side of the page under the blog archives.

For those in America, you can also send a check or cash to my parents house at 16 Clearwater Ct. Damascus, MD 20872 made out to Kate Bernoske and my mother will deposit it together, or make a tax-deductible donation through the Wat Opot Children's Fund at www.wocf.org and indicate that you'd like your donation to go to the Summer Fun Fund. As the summer holiday is quickly approaching, I'd like to set a deadline of July 15 but of course would accept any and all donations after then.

If you are unable to give, please try to spread the word to someone else who may.

If this doesn't work and none of the above get funded, it won't matter to the kids who know nothing of any of these plans. The truth is, they are happy playing marbles, swimming in the pond, climbing trees, and playing homemade games, but let's see if we can't make their summer a little more exciting :)

Thank you in advance for any and all donations!

Wat Opot sky

2011-06-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

I had published this post in May, but it was deleted the day after by blogspot for reasons unknown. Let me try this again...

I absolutely love the Wat Opot campus. There are banana, coconut, and mango trees, fish ponds filled with lotus flowers and lily pads, and bushes filled with purple and white flowers. The landscape is made even more beautiful with the sky as a backdrop. The sunsets are like no other. The sky fills with brilliant colors that unfortunately no camera seems to adequately capture. The following picture is the luckiest I've gotten with my camera. It's a gorgeous shot but still does not do justice to the sunset in person.

The rainy season has begun, and with it comes changes to all scenery at Wat Opot. Brown rice fields slowly turn green again, bushes and grass come alive, flowers bloom, and theres an abundance of semi-naked children running around enjoying the showers and the mud that comes along with them. My favorite time of the rainy season (if Im not out playing in the rain with the kids) is just after the rains stop. There might be a rainbow, especially clear stars at night, or a special glow of color. After the last rain, the sky turned a radiant pink, unlike anything I have ever seen before. It was truly amazing and I was in awe. These two pictures are a comparison: the first is the average view from our front door, the second is the incredible pink. Neither picture were altered or edited in any way, and were taken at the same time of day two days apart.

Like the sunset photograph, this shot is beautiful but doesn't do it justice. The entire grounds were lit up in a glowing pink and it lasted about an hour. I don't think anyone else was as excited about it as I was (like Caroline who I showed the picture to at least 10 times...) but it was captivating. I can't wait to see what else the rains will bring and watch Cambodia transition from the brown dry season to a beautiful green.

A picture's worth 1000 words

2011-06-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

The month of June has disappeared before my eyes so far between my dear friend Cora Marshall arriving in Cambodia on the 3rd and the typhoid fever outbreak that has hit 12 of our kids and counting in the past few weeks. The unpredictability of Wat Opot is one of the things I love most about it. Every morning that I wake up, I have absolutely no idea what will happen that day. Every time I leave the volunteer house or turn a corner theres a new injury, a new game, a new animal, or a new discovery. The other day on my way to making a house call to insert an IV, I saw a child chasing a turkey chasing a moto, followed by some little ones eating insects, settled an argument between two girls over which Korean music video was better, was offered a stuffed frog as a snack, was approached by Thy who had just lost a toe nail and needed help, and got a bear hug from little 2 year old Ratana. All in about 4 minutes. Not to sound cliche but there is literally never a dull moment.

Swimming in the pond is a daily event for the kids trying to stay cool in the heat, but even something as ordinary as floating in the pond can lead to something unexpected. When Ty Meng was swimming in the pond doing flips and handstands, she, like all the others who swim, demanded attention. "KAT ONE MORE, KAT ONE MORE" they yell constantly, especially when I have my camera out. Ty Meng wanted a picture of her doing a front flip in the water so I was there to capture it. Later when looking through my pictures I did a double take at one that at first glance looked like a miss that would be deleted. What I found was Ty Meng declaring her love for Wat Opot. Her butt makes a perfect heart and it's too funny not to share. This is Wat Opot at it's finest: a simple event made extraordinary, an unexpected result, a surprise, and another reason to love these crazy kids and this crazy place. Ty Meng loves Wat Opot, and so do I.

Like father, like daughter

2011-06-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

Dan Bernoske is somewhat of a local hero. Sometimes I think that my and Amy's friends only like us because of our father. He has an amazing sense of humor and we call him our "one man circus" (in a good way, of course). Recently, he has become an international celebrity of sorts as more and more of the Wat Opot kids have gotten to meet him and my mom via skype. They love his laugh, his grey hair, and the funny faces he makes when they point and giggle.

Dan the Man with me and my best friends from high school before leaving for Cambodia last summer

My father has the absolute best sense of humor. Hands down. He can make anyone laugh in any circumstance. This is great now, but growing up it wasn't always that awesome. My dad volunteered a lot at Amy's and my school and spent a lot of time with us and our friends. That sense of humor mixed in with a crowd of friends usually equaled a great deal of embarrassment for me. I'm certain that his number one favorite hobby is embarrassing his kids. Looking back, I am beyond blessed that my father spent so much time with us and at our schools but at the time it was pure torture. I can still hear his famous words, "one day, dear Katherine, one day you'll get your chance." Well father, that time has come.

Now that I'm living with and helping to care for 56 kids, it's my turn to do the embarrassing and I take full advantage. In the fall when Chihomi from Japan was at Wat Opot, we would walk the kids to school every morning. They loved it and the attention, but as soon as we got to the gate, that was it. They shooed us away. It was their turf and we weren't allowed in to cause trouble. One day though their teacher invited us in to see the classrooms. Walking in the gate, Chihomi and I watched as horror spread across the Watopotians faces, waiting for us to run up and hug them or gasp!- talk to them! Going into the rooms was even worse. When we walked into Thear's classroom and announced that we were his friends from the US and Japan he turned bright red while everyone giggled. Poor guy. At Wat Opot I have 14 kids hanging on me at any given moment, then I go to their school and I'm an untouchable. Thinking more about it.. maybe I should start hanging out at the school just to get some quiet time!

On Wat Opot grounds there are still an unfair amount of opportunities for embarrassment. Just today Ya had two friends over that thought I was hilarious but Ya was mortified. I had a flashback to all those times before when I was in Ya's shoes. At the time I was miserable but had no idea how lucky I was. Ya would probably love to be embarrassed by his father, because that would mean his father was here.

COUNTDOWN: Cora arrives tomorrow!!! I'm camped out in Phnom Penh awaiting her Asian invasion. I can't wait to finally share Wat Opot and Cambodia with someone I love!

Little boy in the big city

2011-05-31T03:19:00.000-07:00

To his Wat Opot family, little Virak is perfect. He is sweet, well-mannered, and just so damn cute. Virak is definitely one of the kids that touches every single person who passes through. Volunteers and visitors learn his name early and remember him long after they leave. In my first visit to Wat Opot last summer, 2 weeks that changed the entire course of my life, I myself wrote about the first child I met: Virak. In that first post of many many on Wat Opot, I tell Virak's story, about how his grandmother carried him around so long when he was small that he never learned to walk until he was 3. He's come such a long way since then, running and playing like everyone else, but his feet are very turned out and flat. On a mission to do something for him, I first took him to a physical therapy center near where Virak goes for his HIV medication in Takeo. They explained to me that because of the way his joints and muscles formed, he would have a lifetime of pain in his ankles and knees. There was nothing, however, that they were able to offer in terms of treatment or therapy. No exercises to improve his gait, no supportive shoes or braces, nothing at all that would help him.

I shared my frustrations with Caroline, who referred us to an NGO in Phnom Penh that does orthopedic work free for Khmer children. Eager to find more answers, I took Virak into the big city this week for a consultation. We set off in a tuktuk with Lindsay, an American visiting Wat Opot for a month on her trip around the world, and what an epic journey for Virak it was.

Virak gets to ride in tuktuks every month when he goes to the HIV clinic in Takeo for a group checkup and medication refill, but never does he get to sprawl out and have all of the attention to himself. He was so excited, watching every car and motorbike, and inspecting all of the people we passed. Once we got into Phnom Penh he was in awe. So many people with so much going on. As a special treat he got to bring 4 matchbox cars and he clutched them tightly as we drove through the busy city.

When we arrived at the clinic in Phnom Penh, Virak had an exam and we met the head surgeon. Just like when I took Kunthea to the hospital, everyone thought Virak was my son. According to everyone in the waiting room we look "same same" and I am a good mother. Also just like with Kunthea, I gave up early, just smiled and thanked them. As much fun as we had on the way there and waiting, the consultation was anti-climatic. The doctor had no more to offer than the clinic in Takeo. They said there was nothing they could do for him. So back to square one. I'm not sure exactly what I was hoping for, but any advice or help would be better than to be turned away twice. I guess for now we'll try to find him some supportive shoes or trainers. If anyone reading this has any physical therapy expertise with any advice, I'll take anything! It's just so frustrating to hear he'll just have to deal with it... doesn't he already have enough to deal with?!

Not letting the disappointment ruin our big trip, we still managed to have a few more adventures that afternoon. Virak, Lindsay, and I went to lunch at a restaurant in the expat area of Phnom Penh and he had a great time.

Between coloring and playing with his cars, he was loving life. I wasn't sure about what he would eat as it was a western restaurant with no Khmer food, so we ordered him what all kids love- chicken nuggets and french fries. He wasn't sure at first, and was slow to bite the chicken, but once he realized he loved it Virak just shoveled it in! Of course no Khmer meal is complete without rice, and the server brought him a big plate of it to go with his nuggets and fries. Virak also got fresh coconut juice, so fresh he was served the whole coconut. It was bigger than him and he loved it.

Looking over his whole spread

The servers LOVED him, and ours got down on the ground to play cars

After we ate, we ran a few other errands. Virak was so well-behaved and everyone loved him wherever we went. With no time to nap and so many things going on, he was wiped out on the tuktuk ride home in the late afternoon.

Sleeeeeepy

BIG yawn

Lindsay with a passed out Virak

Even though we didn't get answers we were looking for, I was glad to give Virak a special day alone. With 54 brothers and sisters it's important to give kids time alone to be center of attention. As far as his feet go, we'll just have to see what happens as time develops and hope for the best!

All of us are having trouble getting on blogspot, both logging in and viewing other peoples blogs. My posts may become farther between but I hope to keep updating regularly.

COUNTDOWN: 3 days until my very dear friend Cora arrives in Cambodia for 2 months!! I am so excited :) Have a safe trip Cora, can't wait to have you here with us! XOXO

Mr Chai and his Butterfly

2011-05-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

A little butterfly landed on Chai's hand, and I took some pictures that I thought were just too cute not to share. Chai is one of the few true orphans at Wat Opot, as in he has absolutely no family- no mother that can't care for him, no grandmother or aunt that visits, no brother or sister off living somewhere else. He's a pretty quiet kid, but he has a smile that says it all.

The butterfly stayed for awhile, maybe 10 minutes. Chai just examined it and protected it until it finally flew away. It was such a sweet moment and I'm glad to have captured it :)

Sutures

2011-05-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

The new Wat Opot community medical clinic is officially up and running! On Friday, I went into Phnom Penh with Caroline to gather the last of the critical supplies. With the funding provided from the McConville family, we purchased IV and suture supplies, dressings, basins and sterile systems, some medications and other miscellaneous items. We also bought a lamp... luckily!

The first few days in the clinic were uneventful. Among other things, our patients had rashes and fungal infections, headaches and fevers, nothing big. We had a few members of the village come in and monks from the Buddhist monestary next door, with some of the Wat Opot kids mixed in as well. All was slow and easy until Monday, when the kids were all home from school for a holiday.

Vandy came up to us with a gash in his head after he had hit it on concrete taking a bath. After cleaning and looking closer, it was decided that he needed a few stitches. Peter, an ICU nurse visiting from Switzerland, and I jumped at the chance for a learning experience. Neither of us had ever done sutures before and Caroline, having learned suturing herself at Wat Opot before, practices them frequently in her nursing job in northern Cambodia. Caroline did 2 perfect stitches, and Vandy was unfazed by it all.

Caroline suturing Vandy and teaching Peter

When I was little, I wanted to be just like my grandmother- a nurse. She made sure that no future nurse granddaughter of hers would be unprepared. Some of my favorite memories are practicing injections at her house; first on fruit, then on our horses, then on her. Not many 8 year olds shoot their grandmothers up with vitamins just for the hell of it (I hope) but I got plenty of practice first. Just like learning to do IM injections on oranges, we brought mangos into the clinic to learn and practice sutures. I learned the technique and got to close my severely injured mango. Caroline warned me that real stitching would be much more difficult. Mango skin isn't that tough so when the real time came I might struggle at first, especially when stitching on the head, but with practice I'd be fine.

Had I known how soon I'd get to practice the real thing, I may have operated on a few more mangos. About an hour after our lesson, I was informed that we had another patient. 14 year old Wat Opotian Ya had fallen out of a high tree he was climbing. He was holding his bloody shirt over his head when he walked into the clinic. Ya, like Vandy, had cut his head open and had big scratches down his back. When Peter looked at me and said, "Okay Kate you're up!" I thought and hoped he was joking, but no. I cleaned poor Ya's wound out and gloved up for stitching. I was so hot and nervous. Maybe if it was someone from the village I didn't know, I would have been more confident but it was Ya! My sweet and lovable Ya! He was so shaken up from the fall that he didn't move or react much. Caroline was absolutely right- the real thing was much more difficult and I had NO idea how strong the skin is on the scalp!! Peter assisted, and Wayne oversaw my technique and helped me find my own method. Once the initial shock wore off, I was able to relax and the 3 stitches were over before I knew it. Having Wayne there definitely made me feel much better and calm my nerves!

Wayne snapped a picture of me stitching Ya's head with Peter assisting

A concerned Ty Meng and Touris check in on their buddy while he rests

We made it through today (Tuesday) without any more injuries, and it's back to school for everyone tomorrow. Ya and Vandy are doing great and my next lesson, taking sutures OUT, will take place next Monday.

Today is my beautiful little sister and best friend in the whole world's 21st birthday!!!! Happy Birthday Amy, I love you so so so much and miss you like crazy today <3 <3 <3 <3 Have an amazing time celebrating in Tuscaloosa!!

Me and Amy during one of my many visits to Tuscaloosa.. wish I was that close to you today <3

The Doctors Appointment

2011-05-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Never will I ever again complain about long wait times at my doctor's office.

Depending on their condition, the HIV positive children being treated with antiretroviral medication visit their doctor every month, every other month, or every 3 months. They go to a clinic in Takeo city about an hour south of Wat Opot. As HIV patients, their care is free, but the clinic is strict about the medications and medication compliance. In fact, a couple of the kids at Wat Opot have parents and families but they are unable or unwilling to comply with the frequent checkups and medication regimen; maybe they are unable to afford the transportation, are afraid of what the medications are doing to their children, or have given up hope. In those situations, the doctor refers a family to Wat Opot and the child lives here so they can get the care they require and have a future.

I accompanied a group of children to their checkup for the first time last month. The tuktuk came to Wat Opot at 6:30 am to pick us up. We squeezed 11 children from ages 4-16, the kids daytime caregiver Sok Ly, and myself into the tuktuk for the hour long trip. By 8:00 we had arrived at the hospital and found our way to the Pediatric HIV/AIDS center. Inside there was a playground, some toys, a library, and there were many many other children.

The play set in the waiting room, lots of space for the Wat Opotians to cause trouble

With us were the two oldest members of the Wat Opot family living with HIV, one boy and one girl. They had come with us to attend a teenage support group that they go to periodically. I was really impressed by the group. They did icebreaker and team-building activities, followed by discussions. Of course it was all in Khmer so I'm not really sure what was said but they really enjoyed it. Most of the HIV positive kids at Wat Opot are little, so to see the WO teens interacting and bonding with other teenagers like them was really lovely.

The other side of the waiting room: 2 exam rooms, a library, and a counseling room

By the time the support group was over it was around 10:00, and none of our kids had been seen yet. I didn't give it much thought at the time though. I assumed we had come early for the support group and our appointments would start soon after. O how wrong I was.

11:00 came and the kids started to get hungry. Sok Ly and I went to buy lunch for everyone at a restaurant down the road. We came back with 13 meals including water bottles and fruit all for around $12.00. We spread out a mat on the floor of the clinic and ate while we continued to wait. Anyone who has spent more than a few hours at Wat Opot knows that after lunch comes sleep. From 12-2pm you'd never know any kids lived here, it's dead. So naturally, after the kids ate at the clinic it was time to nap. We all crowded on the mat and within minutes they were out. I closed my eyes just to rest and ended up sleeping for almost an hour. This wouldn't have been out of the ordinary for me either had I not been in a cluster of 11 children on the floor of a hospital waiting room.

The kids started to stir, slowly got out of their post-nap crankiness, and were once again running around on the play set and wreaking havoc on this poor clinic. It was now 1:00 and still no doctor. For the next two hours we did what we had done all morning- piggyback rides, rock paper scissors, watched creepy Khmer TV, read creepy Khmer folktale books, conversed in Khmenglish (way cooler than Spanglish, sorry Amy), chased each other, picked on each other. The 8-10 year olds played their favorite game of "how long does it take to make the 4 year olds cry" and the 4 year olds played their favorite game of "how long does it take to cry and make Kate think its the 8-10 year olds fault."

At 3:00 the most miraculous thing happened... after 7 hours of waiting, the doctor showed up! It took about 30 minutes to see all 11 children and refill their prescriptions. The clinic does blood tests once or twice a year, but this month's visit was just for more medication. After the doctor writes the prescription, the kids take their papers to the pharmacy to be filled.

Kunthea and Chai pick up their medications from the pharmacy but they're so tiny they can't even reach the counter. I guess I could've helped them instead of standing there taking pictures...

Kunthea waiting patiently

Ms. Kunthea was the last one to go, and by 4:00 she had received her meds and we were DONE. We all piled back into the tuktuk for the ride home and made it back at 5:00 just in time for dinner.

I thought maybe the 7 hour wait was a one time fluke, but thats the way it is. Even the next time I went, we arrived by 8:00 but weren't seen until 3:00 at the earliest. The kids don't seem to mind too much, especially since I packed toy cars and coloring stuff for the next visits. They have been going for years so it's nothing new to them, but I had no idea how it worked. I had always known that they go all day for doctors visits but never really paid much attention to it. Not having gone with them before, I guess I just assumed their appointments were scattered throughout the day or they had to wait a long time at the pharmacy, I don't know. What I wonder about though are the people who come after us and if they ever get turned away. Wayne told me recently about a man who came to his clinic in Honduras. The man was treated for whatever injury or illness he had, then asked to return a few days later. Hours passed and Wayne was on a bus going to another city when he saw that man walking home. He had walked 10 miles to get the clinic, was walking 10 miles back home, and would have to do it all over a few days later. The man never told Wayne where he lived, it wasn't important, as long as he could get health care. I think back now to times when I've had to wait 30 or 40 minutes to see my doctor. I'm sure at the time I was so annoyed and frustrated. If I only knew at the time how fortunate I really was.

At the next appointment I'll bring my laptop and a few of the kids favorite DVDs. I'll try to make the days more fun and a little less painful!

Something to leave you with... I took this picture of the ambulance on my way out. It was parked in a tight space so I couldn't get a better shot but you get the idea...

Girls night in

2011-05-07T22:49:00.000-07:00

With so many little kids running around Wat Opot demanding 24/7 attention, the big kids often get left out. They are generally more reserved with volunteers and take time to open up. During my first two weeks at Wat Opot last summer, I was almost afraid of them. Teenagers can be hard to relate to anyway, add in a communication barrier and our extreme background differences and the situation gets even more complicated. It’s not even like I’m that much older than them- I’m only 22, but when asked how old they thought I was, the answers ranged from 26-40. So at first, I dedicated all of my time and energy to the little ones who don’t need an adjustment period. They like you right away; it’s easy. Befriending teenagers is hard and I was anxious.

Over time I began to meet them, one by one. I learned their names, made small talk. Eventually we had longer and deeper chats. They started helping me with things, coming with us to take the younger kids to the nearby mountain, and spending time in the craft room. Slowly they opened up to me, and I to them. They shared their tragic pasts, their dreams of the future. They shared who they want to be, and who they have learned they don’t want to be. We practiced English and Khmer, explored email and skype together, and swapped text messages when I went back into Phnom Penh. By the time I left for the US, I had formed close friendships with many of the teens. We kept in touch when I was home, and I couldn’t have been more excited to see them again upon my return.

With teenagers, however, come lots of lots of drama. Boys, friends, fashion, etc, etc etc. It’s all the same no matter where you live around the world. I haven’t been out of my teen years for very long, I can clearly remember it all… my parents wanted nothing more than to ruin my life, nothing was ever my fault, and no adult knew anything. Teen sibling drama is even worse. My sister and I were a handful and there were only 2 of us. At Wat Opot, there are over 15 teenagers, all living together, so there is literally never a dull moment.

In an effort to form bonds between kids, and between volunteers and kids, Melinda had an idea to start a teen night. Once a week, have the teenage girls do something fun with Melinda and me, and maybe the boys do the same with the male volunteers. It wouldn’t have to be anything big, just a chance to give the teenagers some personal attention and allow them to bond together without any little ones interrupting. We could talk about things, or not, primarily just make our presence known in case they ever needed something or someone.

Tonight was the first weekly teen girls night. Unfortunately, Melinda isn’t feeling her best so she couldn’t make it (… feel better Melinda, we missed you!!!) but we had a great time. 5 teenage girls and I set up in the craft room with snacks and drinks, sat around the table and painted bamboo blocks for more famous Wat Opot bamboo bracelets that many of my friends and family have purchased themselves. We also set up my computer to listen to music while we chatted and painted. It was a great time and really so much fun. We talked about school and their upcoming exams, about what they want to be (this week), and about the latest Korean boy bands. (Sidenote: the market for boy bands may have died out in the US but it is BOOMING in Asia) The girls also told jokes, but I honestly did not understand a single one; the upside to that being that my fake laugh is greatly improving. We also had a rule: no speaking Khmer so a) they could practice English, and b) they wouldn’t have the opportunity to say “I can’t believe its Saturday night and this is what were doing” to each other in my presence, with me smiling and nodding not having a clue.

Setting up for our fun night

Srey Lec Chareya

After Srey Lec finished her squares, she used the paint to do her nails

Bottom: Chareya and Srey Nich; Top: Srey Houng, me, Srey Aun, and Srey Lec

Each of the girls really enjoyed our night and I couldn’t get over how appreciative they all were. We had planned to go in there from 7-9, and were shocked to look at the clock and find it was 10:30. As we cleaned up, they were already asking about the next meeting. So, next Saturday we’ll meet at the same time, same place, and I’m looking forward to making this a new weekly event. Now Melinda, get better so we can start planning!

Puppy Rescue

2011-05-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Last fall when Fiona was visiting Wat Opot from Christchurch, NZ, she found a sick, shaky, dying little puppy wandering the grounds alone. Little Ralphie was scooped up and slowly nursed back to health. When Fiona first found him, he was near his last breath, and is now a perfectly healthy dog (just in time for the wedding season where dog is a delicacy... uhhhhh gross). Little Ralphie lived in the volunteer house for awhile, then came and moved to Phnom Penh with Molly and me to be a big city dog. Unfortunately his lack of bladder and bowel control didn't mix well with our second story apartment and our jobs, so he promptly came back to Wat Opot. Ralphie is now living with the family of a Wat Opot employee, and hasn't been "invited" to any weddings, whew!

Melinda with our little patients, Ralphie and Kitty.

Sitting on my bed in Phnom Penh which he probably peed on a few minutes after this was taken.

Word must have gotten around that the volunteers rescue puppies. Today Seeto, a woman who lives on Wat Opot grounds and makes jewelry, came to our house with a little bundle asking for dog medicine. She had another sick, shaky, and dying puppy that was burning up and couldn't stand on her own. We gave it some food and water and a little bath, then realized that Seeto was not asking for us to treat her puppy but turning it over to us. In the spirit of Fiona, Melinda decided to play vet and take the new puppy in. The puppy is appropriately named Little Fiona after our favorite Princess Fiona!

Melinda the Vet with Little Fiona

So sick :(

Little Fiona is doing much better. She is eating, walking, and is flea-free (for now). She has been given back to a reluctant Seeto, though she has made her way back to our house many times... she probably misses doing her business all over our floor and waking us up with her awfully pathetic little bark. Fiona is so tiny that even the most fearless kids are afraid to hold her and pick her up, but I hope she will be okay, and I really hope she grows into those ears!

She's not the prettiest puppy, but she's alive and well

Prayers for Tuscaloosa

2011-04-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday all of the members of the Wat Opot family come together for a Buddhist service at the pagoda next door. The children sit in neat lines and sing and meditate under the guidance of a monk. Each week the service is dedicated to someone or something, and with past and present volunteers from all around the world there is always a cause for prayer. In February, services honored the Christchurch earthquake after nervously waiting for news that Fiona was okay. More recently, they have been for the many volunteers from Japan whose friends and families have lost everything in the tsunami. We’ve prayed for those who have passed, like Wayne’s mother, my best friend Kristen’s Poppop, and the beautiful Kirsten Mergner; and we’ve prayed for friends with illnesses. Today, we prayed for tragedy of the April 27^th tornadoes in the southern US.

The heaviest damage was done in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, home of the University of Alabama where my sister went to school and is currently living. I was beyond relieved to hear that she, her friends, and sorority sisters are all accounted for and safe. Many people that Amy knows have lost everything. Homes and memories are piles of rubble, and volunteers are scrambling to provide food, water, and medical care. The pictures that Amy has sent are unbelievable. It’s so hard for us to imagine what that would be like, without being there. To experience the sounds, the feelings, witnessing the aftermath. I can’t fathom what they are going through.

I sit typing this, so thankful to have a roof over my head and to be safe. I wish there was more I could do, but for now all I have to offer is my prayers. Please consider making a financial donation to relief efforts, or going to give blood (click here to find the Red Cross blood bank nearest you). If nothing else, please keep those who have been affected in your prayers.

Tuscaloosa, Amy, Christine, and all of the Alpha Phis and Thetas… Wat Opot and I send our love and support <3 Roll tide

The Cambodian business trip

2011-04-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

The Wat Opot Children’s Community is a project of the larger organization Partners In Compassion (PC). PC was started by Wayne, an American Christian, and Vandine, a Cambodian Buddhist, who pulled the best of each of their philosophies and cultures to form an organization targeted at the rising HIV/AIDS epidemic in Cambodia. Wayne now runs Wat Opot, and Vandine oversees the rest of PC including home care and community outreach projects. I have had the opportunity to work a little bit with Mr. Vandine, and he is very determined to sign me on in a 2- year volunteer commitment working directly with him. Given that the job is unpaid and my student loan deferment is running out at the end of the year, I politely decline- just about every day. While I’m still here, he has me edit small things here and there, consult about ideas, and has invited me to a few conferences in other provinces. I haven’t been able to go, but have wondered what that would be like. When I picture a business trip like the ones my father frequently went on, there were plane tickets, nice hotels, and good food. That’s the US. What would a Cambodian business trip be like?

Today the PC offices at Wat Opot hosted a conference and so I of course spied and invited myself in to have all of my questions answered. As I would have guessed, transportation to the conference, like anywhere else in Cambodia, was by motorbike. A small moto parking lot outside the home care office this morning was my first clue there was something going on today. If I went to one, however, I’m sure we would take Mr. Vandine’s car. (Side note: if I did have to take a moto, it would probably be okay. Molly and I tried to convince ourselves we were true Asians in many ways, particularly via moto. In Phnom Penh and Vietnam, we did long-distance rides, three or four people on one moto rides, two of us and a driver and big packages from the post office rides, two of us and a driver and loads of groceries rides… we did it all. Experts. Except for me driving a moto- I made it about 10 feet and almost hit two parked cars.)

The conference took place in this building, which houses the PC home care office and the Wat Opot admin offices.

Some of the many motorbikes lined up outside of the building.

After scoping out the transportation, I went in to say hello. As again I would have guessed, the whole conference was in Khmer, and only one or two people there spoke any English. Any other conference would be no different. I’m not sure then the role I would serve at one of these things. Maybe the same as when I volunteer at the local English schools. I don’t really do anything; I’m just a foreigner, more like a decoration and something for people to talk about than anything else. I’m the entertainment. So I had figured out how I’d get to a conference and what I’d be doing there, but there was one thing I still wasn’t sure about. The big question… where would I sleep?

As luck would have it, that question was answered tonight as well. I was walking past Mr. Vandine's office to the volunteer house, when a large pink blob caught my eye. Just when I thought nothing in Cambodia could surprise me anymore, that I’d seen it all, I found I was wrong. The conference is resuming in the morning with early meetings, so naturally the participants are sleeping as close to the offices as possible. Not in a guesthouse- too far away. Not camped out nearby- too far away. Not on sleeping bags on the floor- still too far away. They are literally sleeping ON the conference table. I walked by about 7 ladies all in matching top and bottom PJ sets hanging up a jumbo pink mosquito net over the conference table that they then proceeded to climb into.

Mr. Vandine's office and conference room are on the far left. The other two doors lead to the art and craft rooms where the kids paint and make jewelry.

Where the lights were on in the other conference room, I’m guessing the group of men were doing the same thing. They had pillows and sheets, and they looked cozy but wow.

So now I’m very intrigued by the conference idea. I may be there as a side-show, and I may have to bunk up with 7 strangers on a table, but I supposed I’m up for the challenge.