Category Archives: Special projects

Rotary Club Visit

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A few months ago the Rotary Club of Shin Jeju, Korea visited our place and agreed to put in a hand water pump because of the lack of drinkable water during our dry season. The well digging machinery was here a few weeks later and dug the well and that was the last we heard from them.

 

It wasn’t long before it was being used regularly, but the pump was in the direct sunlight and so during the day it was very uncomfortable doing the wash there. Therefore we decided to put a covering on it. As we were finishing up the project we got a call from the Korean Rotary Club that they would be coming out and so, as things often go around here, the last nail was being driven as their cars pulled up.

 

They also brought with them crayons and pencils plus snacks for the children, which were gratefully received…

And immediately put to use by some,

While others decided to get their nap in first before getting started.

 

We are very grateful to the members of the Rotary Club of Shin Jeju, Korea for their generous donation of this pump which will provide clean water for not only our children but also for the local community.

 

The Watopotians

DACF Dormitory

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As promised, here is a look at the new volunteer dorm which, just a couple of months ago, was the subject of a breakfast table discussion. Completely paid for and already home to those of us who live and work here it has change the way we do things. With private space and a small kitchen, staff can now relax and have adult discussions over coffee once the children are in bed. We are very grateful to the Douglas A. Campbell Foundation for their generous donation to help pay for it.There are 4 single rooms and 2 larger dormitory rooms plus the small kitchen and 3 bathrooms.

This is the view from the porch which hopefully will not change for several years. Sure hope some of you will come out and join us for awhile now that we can make you a bit more comfortable.

The Watopotians

DACF Building Progress

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The rains held off for another week as work continues on the new Douglas A. Campbell Foundation building that will soon house our volunteers, which will free up the old volunteer quarters for our older girls.


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Had it rained before the foundations were in we would have had to hold off on the building for a couple of more months. We are grateful to the Universe for holding back the rains for us but the local rice framers are getting a little impatient.


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Even without the rain… we still have our setbacks trying to get the big dirt trucks in close enough to the building site.


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But all in all the progress has been good and the work crew is even a little ahead of their schedule.


Wayne Dale Matthysse

Thank Goodness and You

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We recently received a small grant from the Khmer HIV AIDS National Authority (KHANA) who funds our Home Care project. It was for extra education and so we used the money to send 6 of our older girls to beauty school here in Baty. They have just started and are really excited about the class.

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Each was given a professional make up box with tools of the trade… and when they have finished the training they will get a certificate that will allow them to work as hair stylist and make-up putter oners, which is a good trade to know in Cambodia, as any one who has ever been to a wedding can tell you.

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As you can see by this picture, they have already learned a lot and they get plenty of practice working on the children.

A few months ago we applied to the Douglas A. Campbell Foundation for the operational funds to start an auto and small engine mechanics school for some of our children who are not interested in advanced education. Within the proposal I included a second proposal for the building to house the school. We were actively looking for another donor for the building but just received word that the Douglas A. Campbell Foundation has decided to fund both the building and the operational cost of the school beginning in January of 2011.

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This is a very rough drawing of the proposed building that will house the mechanics school, craft room, sewing room, and gift shop.

We have also just received word that the same Taiwanese group who built our dormitory has agreed to erect a brick fence around our property, which is several hectares and twice as many acres. The primary reason for the fence will be to keep out the community animals, especially the cows, which eat just about everything we plant. This will allow us to plant gardens which in the long run will bring us much closer to being self sufficient.

We are so grateful to Goodness and all of you who are supporting the work here, especially those who continue to support the General fund. The big grants are nice and with them we can do many things for the future, but if we can’t feed and clothe our children, they would do us little good.

Wayne Dale Matthysse