Living the dream

If you have heard Sue talk about how we came to live in Cambodia, she tells of a very clear dream she had in Toowoomba. In this dream she saw houses, markets, and a house. The two distinguishing things about the house were sick people - and children.

Bunthon with some of the eager kids

We've run a kids club since early days here - but have never been satisfied that 'that's it'. Today felt different - complete chaos as 19 kids from ages 2 to 13 surged in to enrol in Bunthon's morning teaching class. The three r's are our initial goal (in Khmer of course).

Choryee (left) is the one who first provoked us on this course. At twelve years old, she is a natural leader and very sporty. Her parents want her in class but say they are too poor to afford the books. By day she cares for two siblings. Her little brother is not all at home - a mobile disaster unit who, between terrorism forays, is very dependent on big sis.

Interestingly, following the kids were four or five mums. They came all the way in to talk to Bunthon - can he teach their children English?

Here come the mums ...

We've got some weeding and sorting to do as we want to teach those who are not in school and the kids will need to be five or six years old. Nothing is neat and tidy tho' as some of the kids are left home to care for little siblings all day as mum and dad go to work. Bunthon is one excited guy tho'. 'I love the kids so much' he said a number of times. He's the man!