Day 2

Today started with an orientation at the headquarters of the volunteer organization. They gave us an overview of  Cambodian customs, quizzed us on etiquette and gave us a lesson in the language spoken here which is Khmer. The language is very tonal and extremely difficult. I did my best to get down the basics. The history is so devastating and the people here have struggled the last 40 years to rebuild what was taken from them during the the time of the Khmer Rouge. Almost 2 million Cambodians were killed by execution or starvation during this short four year span. I met two different men on my flights to Cambodia and one had fought for the Khmer Rouge for fear of being killed himself and the other had lost every member of his family. They both were traveling "home" for the first time in 30 years to try and piece together any surviving members they could possibly find. The pain behind their smiles was evident but I didn't entirely understand it until they shared their stories with me. It is important to understand the history here and why there are so many people poverty stricken (36% of the entire population) to be able to begin to help these children. Poverty in Cambodia means any family living on $1 or less per day.

The day went on with a tour of Phnom Penh, the city I am staying and working in. I found out today that one of the little girls I met yesterday in the orphanage, Tita, was admitted to the hospital tonight. She had a fever for four days and is only four years old. Jacey and I  were giving her water and hydration tablets yesterday but she almost passed out during her shower. Another visiting volunteer who was with us yesterday took her to the hospital after seeing she wasn't better once he arrived. It is horrible to think about what would have happened if he had not gone there today. There are just too many children and not enough help. When we arrived yesterday she was lying alone on the floor with no water and no care. Please pray that she is back tomorrow and doing better. I will definitely include it in  my update.

I am looking forward to being back with the kids tomorrow, we have so much work to do! Many of you have enquired about mailing supplies to the orphanage, the address is below. These kids need clothing, underwear, soap, baby wipes, q-tips, neosporin, lice shampoo, flip-flops, antiseptic and band-aids. They are ages 4 to 18 but keep in mind they are much smaller than their ages indicate. Cash donations for food can also be made on this blog and will go directly to purchasing rice, cabbage and pork. $70 feeds the entire orphanage for a week. Thank you so much, lots of love and hope.

xo,
LM

Mail supplies to

Koy Raksmey
P.O Box 2555
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

No zip codes here and they only have one post office so this is easier than is seems. Inside the box please put a large note that says, "Attention Lisa Marie Howell- Supplies for CHC Orphanage only" This will guarantee the supplies go to these specific children. I can't thank you enough. xo