Monthly Archives: January 2009

Bach & Folk

Posted on by

playing

On January 15, two young Americans, Garrett Young and Michael Korpi came to give a short concert to the kids at Wat Opot. They were only here for a few hours, but they left their mark! The children listened raptly to the Bach – they don’ t have much contact with Western classical music, and this was a moment of pure discovery for many.

listening2

As for the accordeon, nobody had ever heard one before, and the children were fascinated! Garrett played some fun folk tunes, and when he put on his false teeth… well, you had to be there.

accordeon

Our young Srey Aun even got a quick violin lesson; since Miwa left, she doesn’t have anyone to work with her, and she very willingly took the stage and played a bit of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”.

lesson

An enjoyable moment for all – and all our thanks to Garrett and Michael for coming!

two

Into the arms of strangers

Posted on by

“For two weeks I had watched as she slowly released, the only thing she had left in this life to live for . At first it was difficult for her, because Chay had known only her skirts as the boundaries of his world and only his Mother’s loving arms for protection and comfort… from a world that had already taken his Father. She was determined however to make sure he would be taken good care of and so she pushed him…”

To read the full story CLICK HERE

WAT OPOT CHRISTMAS 2008

Posted on by

img_9935a
A SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Sheriff Donnie Smith and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Machias Maine,
And to Ron King and Moira Whalen also from Maine,
both of whom have volunteered some time with us,
As well as Mike Lin, a faithful supporter from California
and Jennifer Werth, a volunteer and supporter from Michigan.
They are the ones who sent us the boxes of toys and teddy bears this year for our Christmas Celebration.

We are also grateful to all of those who have contributed, in so many ways, to our Community, for without you… we could not have made it this far.

For the complete story with pictures, CLICK HERE.

Building a new dormitory

Posted on by

Work has begun this week on a new dormitory donated by the Lion’s Club of Taiwan. Workers and loads of supplies have arrived on the site, holes have been dug and pillars are being inserted. The new dormitory will sit opposite (and facing) the weaving center. It’s an exciting moment, a happy day for the New Wat Opot!

The workers arrive
The workers arrive
Pillar machine
Pillar machine
A ton of bricks
A ton of bricks