February Twenty Twenty Update

Hello to all my family and friends, time for an update on our Cambodian projects…

Our little shoe shop is going well here in Phnom Penh. We have had a few visitors from Perth and New Zealand which has made it really exciting for us here. Trying to squeeze more than 10 people into our little shop at one time for a selfie was quite a feat in itself! Love to see familiar faces and people who have the same heart for the country.
 
The students are learning a lot about business and seem to be trying really hard to do their bit to support the project here. They have their challenges just like I have but together we seem to be moving forward slowly. Have met a lot of “locals” – aged women, men, physically challenged, young children begging every day at the shop window. Some days I arrive at the shop to see them sleeping on my little patch of fake grass. It’s not easy and you never get numb to it… I guess if I did it would signal the time to leave. Instead my compassion radar is acute and I do my best to give a little every day. They can’t do anything for me in return but they keep me close to the reality of how many lives are affected in Cambodia.  

Christmas was quiet here. We went to church then out to breakfast together. The boys went to University (yep – no holiday vibe here!) and then we went for a buffet dinner in the evening. We had a good day despite me being homesick for most of it! I was able to give them all a gift – a puppy! Her name is Bella and she was from the Rescue house and is bringing lots of love and laughs to us all. 
 
The Christmas cards were a hit! Thanks to everyone who bought some. Fantastic effort from friends and family – special thanks to Willo Consulting for coordinating the sales and distribution in 3 countries!

With the New Year started already I wondered if any of you been considering how you could support the Aroha Project this year? I have 4 main areas of need:

1. Student Sponsorship
We have many needing an opportunity to go to university. I’m still so hopeful to be able to provide two more scholarships. Would you or your business consider offering a part or full scholarship? I have students desperate to study.

The average cost to offer one full scholarship is NZD$4125 per annum per student (NZD$275 per month toward living costs and NZD$825 to cover all school fees). Of course, you will have regular updates on your student and I ensure every cent will benefit them.

2. Rent Assistance
Each month the rent needs paying for our home here– USD$470 per month (AUD$686 or NZD$716).  
 
3. Business Support  
I hope its ok to put the request out again to help me get some more stock into our shop as it will really help us get ahead. As you know I always put in all my resources and do the absolute best I can with what I’m given. Maybe YOUR business may be able to sponsor AROHA’S little business start-up  Any amount would be a blessing. 
 
4. Community needs  
A good friend of the boys here has recently had a horror motorbike accident. He is only 23 years old and is now paralyzed from the neck down. He had to go to Vietnam for the surgeries etc. and now the family have a huge debt to pay back. They have sold so much to try and pay but the boys needs will obviously be ongoing. There is no “free” medical care here. No resources and so everything he needs the family need to find and finance for themselves. Even his tins of formula for the gastric tube are $20 a tin and one doesn’t even last a week. So I’m asking for a little bit of help. Any donation for him would be awesome. His name is Rak and he is home with his mother and sister who are now his full time carers. I went to visit last night and the family are distraught. Its just one of the needs here – I have so many I’m trying to help with and never take for granted how generous you all are. 
 
I would love prayers for Rak and his family too – they need a miracle…

Please let me know how you would like to be involved. There is so much to do here. To make a Kingdom impact I need Kingdom Builders. I can’t continue to do a lot here without your help...  When I look back on last year I am just so grateful for what I have. I have enough for myself but my heart is to do my best for others. Thank you for always supporting me in all the different ways you do…

Thank you for your love and prayers, 

Arohanui, Annie.