We so often want to share about what we are learning while living in a third world country, so last month we hired a Cambodian multi-media organization started by our friends (Ruang Studios)  and we hope to have several video clips in the next few months! Especially in this period when travel and meeting together is difficult, this medium is a tremendous blessing. I hope you all will enjoy it too!

Our sewing center is going well.  Thanks to your orders, they have been busy with sewing masks and t-shirts/t-dresses. We also found a local print shop, and so we are able to screen print custom designs, which some of you have asked about!  Please let us know if you would like to get some custom designed prints on them! The cost is $3CDN/mask for orders over 100 masks with prints - the added benefit: you’re helping the poor!

 

It is so fun to see our shirts on display at the ICF Wake Park (www.icf-wakepark.com)!  ICF is helping villagers with food, education, as well as teaching about Hope! It is such a wonderful organization and we feel blessed to be able to work together with them!
 

 

All of these orders have also allowed us to offer benefits for our ladies.  This past week was Khmer New Year.  We offered to give them time and a half pay if they came in, and about ½ the staff took advantage of that, while the others chose to rest (or were sick).  It’s not often that they have paid holidays/sick days. Also, we have applied for the national health insurance for them called the NSSF (or in their language baw-saw-saw).  This allows for our employees to have coverage for health benefits and potentially a pension. Unfortunately it does not cover their family but they are happy as every little bit helps.

And they have health issues!  During prayer time, one of the ladies shared that her teeth aches. So I took her along with our two new staff members who came along for another errand.  When she was finished, our other employee mentioned that she also had pain in her teeth, and when the dentist looked at it, he saw that she only eats on one side of her mouth, and said she needed several crowns.  The third employee also made some motions, but then said it was okay and she didn’t want to spend my money but later told me that she feels pain when food is hot or cold.

Then I realized, that with the demographic that I am working with, ALL OUR EMPLOYEES probably suffer from dental and medical issues ALL THE TIME.  
 

They are so vulnerable. During rainy season, there is a greater outbreak of mosquitoes in our poor garbage dump village which means dengue and this year chikungunya. It is a horrible disease that causes fevers, joint swelling & muscle pain from about a week to 4 weeks. The local medical centers and clinics are at capacity and after an IV treatment the patients are sent home. These people all have weakened immune systems and so whenever any disease outbreaks occur, they are instantly ill and the elderly die. For the past month about ½ our staff has contracted Chikungunya and so far the girls are usually off of work for 1 week. Praise God it is not worse because with having regular income, allows for better health and nutrition. We were grateful for our partners who decided to purchase mosquito repellents, coconut juice, and other helpful items to help prevent more spread and to quicken the healing.
 

As for us personally, this summer it was wonderful to take a break and we went to a beautiful island in Cambodia.  It was so relaxing, watching the sun reflecting on the water.  A pastor once encouraged me and said it is okay to take a break and relax in a beautiful place, and meditate on His word, and draw close to Him, maybe bring Him some questions and then take the time to listen. This was one of those times. 

One of those mornings I felt God prompting me to consider not returning to Canada this year.  Many of you know that we usually return from Oct – Dec, visiting and sharing with multiple churches about what is happening in Cambodia.  It’s a fun, exciting and busy time, with lots of travel and a wonderful time to catch up with many of you as well as to spend time with family. But because of COVID, my husband had already suggested he would not go back.  I on the other hand was not ready for that.

However, that morning, against the backdrop of a beautiful calm and serene ocean, God seemed to suggest that travelling was not a good idea. So we decided that I will not go back to Canada this year either. This made me feel very sad.  But I also know that many of you have also been disheartened with cancelled plans, job losses, not being able to celebrate major milestones or events, extra work with school/business/ministry on zoom, difficulty receiving medical care, and for some even death. The whole planet seems to be struggling with disappointment. But I am grateful that Jesus walks with us, and in the midst of heavy-heartedness, He is and has been there for me and for us. And when we lean into Him, he sustains us.

So we are grateful for your prayers for us. Please pray for us, for wisdom in how to help best here in Cambodia. I am thankful that we are here working amongst the poor, to listen, to discern, to give voice so that reckless and unsafe decisions are prevented. I am grateful that we are here and able to provide some with work with your help!