Catching Our Breath

Richard Gallagher
It has been wonderful to read everyone's reactions to the postings. Thanks to family and friends for sending special messages to Emily and Ben. The whole delegation helped Emily celebrate her 13th birthday with fun gifts and decorations. Dr. Greenwald has become a special friend to the kids. She is a warm, wise woman who knows how to have a good time. It has been enlightening for the kids to see someone with such a responsible job be so human.

We returned to Phnom Penh to get some rest and to visit some outstanding programs. Every time we get ready for another setting, it seems daunting and some fatigue sets in. The country has numerous problems and very high levels of poverty in both urban and rural settings. But, as soon as we get involved with the adults running these programs and some of the children obtaining assistance, all the fatigue wears off. Without exception, people are unbelievably friendly and full of joy. The school children in the squatters classroom yesterday were especially fun. They were a little mischievious, but very responsive to their teacher, a gentle man giving instruction in writing. The children sang Emily happy birthday in Khmer. She greeted them and encouraged them to keep studying. They loved Jessica's and Emily's blond hair and light skin. As usual they also enjoyed seeing their digital pictures. The school needs basics as it is run in a tin shack about 10 feet wide and 25 feet long. Kids can go here without uniforms which is an important rule as the cost of uniforms prevents many children from attending public schools. However, even basics are at a premium. They need pencils, sharpeners, and paper. With these meager supplies the children learn reading, writing, math and English.
Tomorrow we leave. We will need the long plane ride to get ready for the U.S. It is going to be a hard adjustment and I am sure we will all miss this country. .