Newsletter, May 2004

Hello from the heat of Cambodia!

Currently, several exciting things are happening here. The first residents of our safe home will move in soon. Understandably, we have many things to do in preparation.

We began a partnership with an organization, mainly made up of lawyers and investigators who raid brothels and free enslaved child prostitutes. They work completely under the radar screen. For example, they do not advertise or give interviews.

The person, who is responsible for the children after they are freed, said immediately after meeting us, "I believe you were sent from God." I felt them same exact way about them. Both organizations are very enthusiastic about working together cooperatively, but do not plan publicize, or even mention, our relationship.

The Volunteer Program is Expanding in the Fall

We recently rented another house near the Nutrition Center orphanage. One of the purposes of the place is to house our volunteers. And a respectable number of them are coming soon!

After 6 months of waiting (this annoying wait time happens to all organizations which refuse to pay the bribes requested by corrupt officials), we finally received a call from the Ministry of Social Affairs this week saying that our project contract could be signed. Now that we have the contract signed, our full plans for the orphanage can move forward without interruption.

The timeframe is actually good, because our volunteer program will enter its full capacity in September. Also, Rebecca Blair, a nurse and photographer, will begin her work as the director of volunteers at the Nutrition Center. In the summer, we will continue to move forward with our small team, with volunteers working independently at the orphanage.

Last week we received a request to sponsor a child from 7-year old Henna. She asked to sponsor a child for her birthday present! I was impressed by her unselfishness at such a young age.

I am happy about these new developments, inspired to overcome new challenges, and glad things are moving forward so quickly. A heartfelt thanks for your help and support. Without it we would not be able to work.

Pihla Muhonen
Children of Cambodia