Having been fortunate enough to have been raised in Canada, it's difficult to grasp that EDUCATION is not a right that children around the world share. In poverty stricken Cambodia, it is a luxury to go to school. At COSO, children with sponsors (very few) attend the local Khmer school. Tuition is approximately $15.00 US a month, plus there are additional charges to write exams, etc. In a Country where many people earn 50 cents a day, education for themselves or their children is far out of reach.
Fortunately for the children at COSO, a generous friend of the orphanage pays approximately $100/US per month to employ a teacher. Because of the language barrier I can't tell you the name of the COSO teacher as I write this. Chan Thol, our ever helpful tuktuk driver, interpreted a conversation between the teacher and I yesterday. Long story short, the school is in desperate need of supplies. On the teacher's wish list was: 10 whiteboard markers, 50 exercise books/scribblers, and 10 "English for Cambodians" Level 3 texts. The cost for these items was close to $100.00. This teacher wasn't asking for much.
Flashback to my blog about the pick pocket scenario. At the time of my turmoil in Thailand, my kind, generous and concerned friend Normi Mann didn't think twice, she e-mailed me a $100.00 wire transfer IMMEDIATELY upon hearing of my predicament. I let her know that I was okay, that I had sorted things out (with Visa International and NOT RBC, thank you very much) and wouldn't accept the $100.00 transfer. But, she wouldn't cancel it. Yesterday I reminded her that she should cancel the transaction. She said no. Normi has already donated generously to COSO, yet she asked me to use the $100 in anyway I thought the orphanage could use it.
Perfect! Another "serendipitous" moment. This morning we bought the list of supplies for $86.00 US, and with $14 left over, we purchased 20 watermelons as a special treat for the children.
The children are happy! The teacher is happy! And I am very, very happy to have a friend like Normi Mann.
Knowing Normi, she'd have preferred to remain anonymous. But I couldn't resist a public thank you! Thanks from all of us, Normi!
Knowing Normi, she'd have preferred to remain anonymous. But I couldn't resist a public thank you! Thanks from all of us, Normi!
YAY NORMI!!! and YAY "serendipitous" moments ;)
ReplyDeleteJodie, I weep as Iread this. Please give praise to God, for he inspires everything that is good and pure.
ReplyDeleteIt is by no coincidence that the sum of my donation was approx. equal to the need.
If we all listen to his still quiet voice, we will 'hear' & we will 'see' with our hearts.
God Bless you Jodie and Tracy, for being our ears and eyes at a little orphanage in Cambodia with 72 angelic souls with simple needs.
<3 xoxo <3
BTW- Jodie you ARE a brat....
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing story, Jodie. What an amazing and generous friend! I loved reading the story. The pictures are awesome. How will you tear yourself away when the time comes to go home? Love you.
ReplyDeleteKaht