Autumn 24
It’s spring in the Netherlands the flowers are waking up, the sky is brighter and the sun is warmer. It’s such a contrast to the darkness of winter but yet winter is so important and has its place in nature.
Wherever you are reading this I hope you feel settled, peaceful and have a sense that all is well in the world. I’m writing from here as I’m on a little sabbatical from Cambodia while helping my daughter Hannah and son in law Ryan through the first few months with their new son… we welcomed Remi Wilson Frost to the world on 9th February. What a joy it has been to watch him already growing and becoming aware of who is who in his life.
I can’t help but wonder cross culturally how we all do our lives so differently... but our basic needs are the same… shelter, love, warmth, and some sense of the future and meaning. This is an internal barometer for me I feel its what spurs me to give people in Cambodia any chance I can at a more blessed life. When I see a student succeed (and now they have been many) or a student feel secure or experience a little success I feel so excited in my own life for the part we have played together.
A few updates…
Education
This week two masters degree scholarship students finished their semester one exams both with amazing results. These two students came with the hope of being considered for a scholarship as it was their only way of completing their studies. Firstly Soksan... his family sold their piece of land to help him through university and by his fourth year had run out of money with nothing left to be able to finish his course. He heard about our project, applied and after meeting him I knew straight away he deserved a chance. He just received his results with A’s and B’s… confirmation of his commitment to a better future for himself and his family. Secondly Roth, had also been supported by her older sister who could no longer provide the finances after getting pregnant so we are helping her through her final year. Roth also received her results with straight A’s… I have included her message.
Our two newest scholarship students have settled well and are doing over and above in their course work. Excited to see their results soon too. The students both University and Grade 12 immersed in study over the last few years continue to thrive and also have been able to assist their families in small ways. Some have even been able to acquire part time jobs to help with finances.
I was recently in Perth for my own daughter’s graduation and we were able to hold a fundraising dinner for the project. It was so nice to catch up with some of you and so sorry again for the people that I missed seeing… there is never enough time! We had a great night and proceeds from the dinner enabled me to buy one of our students a second-hand laptop. Chaniroth is studying graphic design and can now also undertake some freelance work because we were able to give him the opportunity. Thank you to everyone who came and supported the Aroha project.
50-50 initiative…
Personally my biggest need is to meet my goal of 50 people committing to $50 a month so I can do more over the next year without the panic of monthly living expenses. We are blessed to have 30 people now supporting the project with a minimum of $50 a month. I’m so thankful for your commitment to this. It’s a few coffees a week for most of us but it’s a huge life change in Cambodia. To receive consistent contributions enables me to budget and keep things running smoothly for all the students and families under our project umbrella.
Will you be one of the 50? I need and pray for 20 more commitments.
Community
We are working closely with Living Seeds Community Church and followers of Jesus in Cambodia assisting students with extra classes and teaching English. Together each week we provide funds for food and necessary school supplies for children from the slum areas. Tuesdays are food fun days and every week the children are given a nice healthy lunch, snacks and treats they look forward to every week.
We paid for the surgery for the lady who had the motorbike accident and recently had her metal pins removed. She’s doing so well now.
We were able to bless a young family on the birth of their daughter. They lost their first child at seven months and so she needed extra care during this pregnancy. Little bubs was born on Friday and her name is Hosanna.
The backpack initiative is running each month when we have funds. If you or your company or church could find a way to sponsor us even once off for a month it would be so amazing. We aim to give at least 25 backpacks full of school supplies out each month at a cost of around $30 each. Of course it’s all tax deductible.
So in summary my urgent needs are:
20 more commitments to $50 per month
Sponsorship of one student still needing help of USD$600 per year
Money for school backpacks $30 each
Well that’s my news for a little while. Thank you for your time and if you feel you can help in any way here are the details...
FINANCIAL INFO.
For those of you who would love to partner with us financially –no gift is too small! Whether through offering a scholarship for a student or for general support here are the details:
To claim donation tax (through GDG) in the USA, Australia or New Zealand click here. You can set up a one off, monthly or yearly payment towards a project goal of your interest.
Alternatively, pop your money in any one of these accounts and it all goes directly to the Aroha Project.
Australia ANZ Direct Deposit: WILSON 016141 299685840
NZ ANZ Direct Deposit: WILSON 06 0383 0164749 04
Direct Deposit: Edge | 03 0155 0451009-000 and reference 'arohaproject'