It is the 22nd December 2007 and as I write this entry, I have never felt so far removed from Christmas as I do this year…… and that is not a bad thing! No frenetic shopping, food preparation or over indulgence, as is often the way at this time of year.
I have now moved up North to Mongol Borei to live in one of my new houses, see photo, and to work in the local hospital. My first week has been busy with me preparing two submissions for funding on behalf of the Hospital for training and equipment. One has been successful in that I have secured funding, but the real victory will be when some one from the hospital submits the next application with my support……. success comes in small measures.
I feel very happy here in my house. I live on the top floor and the owner and family live underneath on the ground floor, so that makes feel secure and that someone is looking out for me and my security. I go to the Market most days to purchase fresh produce for dinner. Today being Saturday I had a lie in until 6.15 am! And then cycled up to Sisophon for a few key supplies….. milk as a source of calcium being the main one. I also had good fun walking round the market, trying on jeans with a towel tied round me and joking, yes joking, in Khmer with the stall holders! I have adopted a philosophy that if I try to speak Khmer and make a fool of myself, at least it can be the basis of a joke and therefore a relationship forming opportunity! That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!
My next blog will focus on the hospitals, but in the meantime I want to wish you all a merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 2008. I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from lots of you who read this blog, and the good will that is extended to the Cambodian people expressed through your messages. 2007 has been amazing year for me. On the 31st December 2006 I made the decision that I wanted to work overseas, and 12 months later here I am in Cambodia!
Recently someone very important to me asked me what ambitions I had in life. This is my answer:
When I’m old I’m never to say “I didn’t do this” or I regret that.” I’m going to say “I don’t regret a thing, I came, I went, I did it all and hopefully made a difference along the way!”
New-Year? ....Bring it On!
I have now moved up North to Mongol Borei to live in one of my new houses, see photo, and to work in the local hospital. My first week has been busy with me preparing two submissions for funding on behalf of the Hospital for training and equipment. One has been successful in that I have secured funding, but the real victory will be when some one from the hospital submits the next application with my support……. success comes in small measures.
I feel very happy here in my house. I live on the top floor and the owner and family live underneath on the ground floor, so that makes feel secure and that someone is looking out for me and my security. I go to the Market most days to purchase fresh produce for dinner. Today being Saturday I had a lie in until 6.15 am! And then cycled up to Sisophon for a few key supplies….. milk as a source of calcium being the main one. I also had good fun walking round the market, trying on jeans with a towel tied round me and joking, yes joking, in Khmer with the stall holders! I have adopted a philosophy that if I try to speak Khmer and make a fool of myself, at least it can be the basis of a joke and therefore a relationship forming opportunity! That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!
My next blog will focus on the hospitals, but in the meantime I want to wish you all a merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 2008. I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from lots of you who read this blog, and the good will that is extended to the Cambodian people expressed through your messages. 2007 has been amazing year for me. On the 31st December 2006 I made the decision that I wanted to work overseas, and 12 months later here I am in Cambodia!
Recently someone very important to me asked me what ambitions I had in life. This is my answer:
When I’m old I’m never to say “I didn’t do this” or I regret that.” I’m going to say “I don’t regret a thing, I came, I went, I did it all and hopefully made a difference along the way!”
New-Year? ....Bring it On!
2 comments:
Hi Tricia,
I love your house and the photos are absolutely beautiful. It's great to hear that you're already getting some results....from small acorns....
Almost makes me wish I was there!!
I wish you all the best for the new year, from a cold and wintry Denton.
take care,
Teresa
Hi Tricia!
love the house and your photos are beautiful - almost wish I was there too. Good to see that you're already getting results. I wish you all the best for the new year, from a cold and wintry Denton!
take care,
Teresa
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