April 09, 2008

Dear friends and partners,

Happy Khmer New Years - next week is a big week for all of us in Cambodia - we celebrate Khmer New years - a time when all Cambodians return to their birth homes, to family and friends - its a time of renewal - a time of reflection - a time of remembering those who passed on with special ceremonies - a time of eating and playing - a time of new clothes and new dreams - its a time of rest with a week long holiday. Well almost, April 17 is Pol Pot day – a day now being remembered – so what is new is celebrated and what is past is remembered.

What is new – well, we opened in Battambang Province in a District where the killing of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge was severe. We have started in one commune where 2100 families live – less than 100 have a decent home – no one has water – and hunger is seen too frequently. Srie taught them how to look for water with a divining stick and just two short days later they have discovered that there is water – they are looking forward to the year that lies ahead.

Last Monday, Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women�s Affairs came out to a housebuilding team. Phavi is a delightful woman and we walked from house to house and well to well. We both bought vegetables – delicious in their freshness. Then we drove to an area that we are graduating. The changes are amazing – houses we built 4 years ago – are now painted and have cement walls on the bottom – there are several toilets – built sturdy and strong – everywhere there is food growing, cows and chickens. Several of the older women came and hugged me – thank you they said – we have been reborn. Phavi laughed and hugged me as well – and then the women compared skin color – I took the hand of an older lady, burnt almost black by the sun – I kissed her hand and said, you have the most beautiful skin – her eyes grew huge and she looked around – she kissed my hand and said – we both have beautiful skin – it can�t get any better.

What is new – our sewers and weavers are laughing – in this time when inflation is hurting so very many – they are laughing – we have a constant stream of orders and their income is very high – they can eat and they can share with others who are not so fortunate. Miriam and I are looking forward to traveling Singapore for the Khmer New Years – we are celebrating with so very many volunteers in Singapore as we have another Silk Fair – with new products and new hope.

What is new – Nari�s son got married two months ago and now she is going to be a grandmother – a renewal of life – she looks so young – to be a grandmother after all these years of wondering whether or not she could survive. And Pisette, our very first sewer and then later staff, gave birth to a much desired daughter after three boys – this past weekend. She so much wanted a Miriam in her life – she is overjoyed and we are so thankful.

What is new – I turn 60 on the 22nd and I had a dream – I had a dream to share with others that they would have the gift of life – water – and so many – so many – have blessed us so richly – you have given 237 wells – and from what I know – each foundation has not yet told me how many were given in their respective countries – it is to be my birthday surprise.

How rich my life is – how good it is to be so blessed. How great my God is that He has given me each of you – together, you and I and everyone involved with Tabitha – we are celebrating Khmer New Years in style. It is so very good.

Janne