Open Arms Cambodia

Thank you never seems enough but thank

You all for the love, prayers and support you have all given to Open Arms and

Our family we wish you a very

Merry Christmas and a Blessed and

Prosperous New Year

Grahame, Sandra and the Open Arms Team

Hi folks In our lives we have days that we will always remember yesterday was one of them for me so I thought that I would share the day with you as its very much  a part of our journey here in Cambodia.  It’s a long story but I just needed to write so here it is I hope you enjoy reading it.

About six years ago Pop and I and the kids as a part on another ministry worked in a remote village in Kampong Cham it was an amazing experience we built homes put in a water well started micro enterprises and being relational people we built up a family feel to the place, the kids who were just kids then worked alongside pop and I tirelessly.

Anyway things happen and we left the ministry and Kampong Cham but these people have never been far away there have been phone calls and visits, as we hadn’t been up for two years it was very exciting for us but as you all know our plans are often changed and this day was nothing that I would have planned, there was a movie that had a song in it that said I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE.

We headed off early but as the bus was an hour late we caught all the morning traffic and it took us over an hour to get out of Phnom Penh, it was pouring rain by the time we hit the high road (this is the dry season) the roads were terrible and I must admit pop and I talked about turning back anyway 4 hours later we arrived in Kampong Cham.   Everybody was all excited to see what was their home for three years there was lots of giggling and remember when’s I always learn some other mischief they got up to when we were living there , it all comes out doesn’t it mums.

As we headed off for the village I felt a little troubled it was so wet and the road was always a problem, pop went over an embankments one time and it took us half a day to get him out the truck not pop hahahah ) anyway the further we went the worst the weather got and the slipperier the roads got  we were really slip sliding away. Anyway we turned into the little road that would take us to our destination when we really started to slip and slide next minute we were bogged so badly that it took two big trucks and heaps of cash mmm to pull us out.

Back to the story, as we had to vacate the bus we us girls decided to walk to the road it was pouring rain and freezing the road was so slippery we had to hold onto each other so we wouldn’t fall. We had only gone a little way when pop started yelling we looked around and there came our old friends running on the slippery surface ( village people are really amazing) well lots of hugging and laughing in the rain and then back the same way we came to sit in their little house holding onto each other again so we wouldn’t slip.

The team were a little overwhelmed but they are just amazing loving caring people.   After a catch up and songs sung, one by a little mentally impaired girl who sang hallelujah with such gusto that we all had to join in the decision was made that we would yet again walk the same track to a safer safer dryer place, off we went slip sliding away it was so cold and we were so wet that it felt like we walked 5ks  but they assure me it wasn’t even ½ a kilometre mmmm I reacon they are telling me fibs.

We met more friends on the way more hugging and laughing in the rain , they just don’t worry about being wet babies and all it beats me.   We arrived at a little church where we were treated like royalty with what little they had, it was a tiny little dark place with two mange ridden dogs   running around the village people were so proud of it that it brought tears to your eyes.

We decided to share our lunch with our friends and sit under the tree for shelter but I can tell you there was no shelter by this stage all our teeth were chattering and we had mud up to our ankles so after the fishes and loaves feeding of probably 70 people  we went back into the church.   Poor old pop, chiva and Hong not to mention a very angry bus driver arrived at the church about an hour late very cold , very tired and very hungry but the bus was up and running so after they ate we gave out presents ,gosh what a joy to give to people that have nothing the presents were less than a dollar each but the joy was worth a million dollars.

As we sat and chatted with the families my heart was a little overwhelmed with love for these humble people , we just talked about kids husbands and life in general and you know what they may be the poorest of the poor but we are all the same we have the same need and it’s just really to be loved and accepted.   As we said goodbye to these folks there were many tears but when you really love people separation doesn’t stop the love , we are all so grateful to God that He has let us be a part of His incredible work here in Cambodia and to tell you the truth their lifestyle has gone down so far since we left but they have held onto their Christianity and that’s the most important thing.

Pop and I and the Open Arms team feel that a door has been opened again to assist these people again so we will pray fully consider this.   Well folks you had to be there but it was one of the best days I have ever had in this country I am so tired today and a little grumpy but I wouldn’t have missed a moment of this journey.   Bless you guys and I hope you have a wonderful day.   Sandra xxx

Christmas

What an amazing time Open Arms has had.

After the party Saturday night we all crashed and had a very lazy day Sunday then back to work Monday to get ready for our first ever vegetarian buffet and you all know by now I am going to brag on these kids just amazing truly amazing, I am seeing more and more the gift that Gods gives is so strong.

We have a team here from Hervey Bay Full gospel church they are a great bunch, we have closed the centre until nine thirty each morning to minister to the girls in worship and prayer, what a beautiful time one little one accepted Christ with such joy and others found the courage to come to us for prayer for various reasons but most was fear.

The Christmas outreach has been wonderful night after night children come from all walks of life to hear about the gift of Christmas Jesus birth and to ice a cookie make a decoration and probably the most important to children receive a gift. We are expecting 26 children from an orphanage his week and we have nine more nights to go please keep praying as this is not only touches the children but we have had the opportunities to help families in great need.

Friday saw us in a bus and off to the village, it was just wonderful we gave presents and sorted out who needed uniforms for the new school year they still get me every time they haven’t got much and get so excited with their little gifts and they proudly told us it was Jesus birthday.

The businesses have been so very busy that I have had to step into training mode a few times, now I am not a hairdresser so when the little darlings bring me their styles or make to show me well they look perfect to me but they mustn’t be because when I say so beautiful so beautiful they look at me like I’m bonkers. They like me in the centre think maybe because I give them treats , truly  folks when I look at their dear little face and think of where they were even months ago  I just feel so blessed to be with them all. As I write this I can hear them all giggling they are getting their photo taken for our Christmas card.

Tomorrow we close the centre for the whole day we are all taking a trip to Kampong Cham, we worked there a few years ago and have kept good relationship with the village people, we have boxes full of gifts for the kids and adults it should be fun and lovely to see old friends. After the village we will all have lunch on the river then back to Phnom Penh.

Well that’s where Open Arms Christmas is up to, I know you are all very busy with your own Christmas giving and we pray for Gods richest blessings on this time for you all.

Blessings Grahame, Sandra and the

> Open Arms Cambodia is proud to be a partner for Project J676 Open Arms with Global Development Group (ABN 57 102 400 993), an Australian DFAT approved NGO carrying out quality development projects with approved partners.
> Global Development Group takes responsibility of the project according to DFAT rules providing a governance role and assisting in the areas of planning, monitoring, evaluating and auditing to ensure the projects are carried out to DFAT requirements. Tax deductible receipts for gifts over $2 with a preference for this approved project will be issued by Global Development Group for project J676. Excess funds may be directed to another project activity. No non-development (evangelistic, political or welfare) activities are a part of, or funded by, this project. For more information please visit www.globaldevelopment.org.au<http://www.globaldevelopment.org.au>

Christmas Decorations

Saturday 30^th. November.

Hi folks well we have been back for two days and talk about hit the tarmac running it’s a first for me I haven’t made my bed for two days mmm.

As always the team were amazing the places spotless the training so very good and moral is very high.

We have a crazy busy time but it’s all exciting the girls are looking forward to many functions and new experiences like doing a nibble party for 100. If we were in Australia we would be getting rich but here are more ways to get rich aren’t there.

We will be finishing the decorating tomorrow the team has volunteered to work to get the job done bless them so much. Next week it will start happening and I must admit we are all excited.

We have lots of Christmas craft for the kids and presents, the freezers are full of yummy Christmas cooking. By gee they can cook the shortbread is as good as any I have tried , there are sorts of cupcakes, rum balls , apricot balls, mini plum puddings and Christmas cakes , white Christmas and fudge . Not to mention the dozens of Christmas cookies ready for the kids to ice.

If I sound like I’m bragging you better believe it these girls excel themselves.

We will do a village Christmas but one thing at a time, thanks for all the support that you have given us.

Sunday 32st. of November.

Amazing amazing Grace two young woman committed their life to Christ here this morning one has worked with us for a year the other just started it was so beautiful we were listening to O Holy Night and the Holy Spirit just showed up and touched their hearts lovely just lovely.
And it’s all done well well well done Open Arms team you are absolutely the best ever, we had kids in and out all day I had better buy more lollies it’s going to be a great and busy Christmas this old lady is full of gratitude for what God allow me to do.
Pop says I have to tell you all this, he was mashing the potatoes for dinner and asked Chiva to please get the butter out of the refrigerator now Chiva can be a blonde a lot of the time but this beats the cake he bent down and picked up the dog and took her outside (the dogs name is buttercup) it’s been a big day the kids are still giggling.

This is a crazy house tonight I was listening to David Phelps sing O Holy Night and was enjoying the experience so much when in the background Sreyna says Mum is he a singer da, no love I replied he’s a gardener mm mm they need a sleep hahaha.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases His mercies are new everyday great is His faithfulness, when I write my book I will do a whole chapter just on His faithfulness.

Blessings folks.

Newsletter

Hi folks.

Grahame and I are in Australia for a few more days we have been here to celebrate the marriage of our only granddaughter it had been a wonderful family time, unfortunately the visa didn’t come through for two of the girls to come and this time they really showed their disappointment and we are happy about that as it is a healthy emotion.

Christmas Open Arms Style

Well Christmas is just around the corner and Open Arms is getting all geared up for it, I think I mentioned before how we want to make the shop fronts of Open Arms to be all lit up for the all to enjoy . We will have a craft corner where street kids and kids from all walks of life can make a decoration get a present and a Christmas cookie we will stay opened at night a little longer I will send lots of pictures when it’s done. Pop and Chiva have been working on a nativity scene that we can light up and of course snowman and reindeers and all that goes with it. We will have a Christmas sweets menu and a catering menu.

We would love you all be a part of what we believe will be such a blessing to all so we are asking all our friends if they could all contribute $25 to this. We would like to buy the decoration here and Singapore airlines will give us excess baggage free so we can transports them. Folks we will need the money ASAP as we leave next week we have a suncorp account that will make the money easily accessible to us.   Here are the details bless you all and thank you for your love and support over the last year.

Bank details. Grahame Hamilton and Sandra Kay Wade Suncorp.    

   BSB 484799     ACC. 024 250 508

Village 

Due to the recent floods some of the village have had extensive damage to their homes Open Arms will be assisting in the repairs in the next few months. The people themselves will do the rebuilding and under careful supervision Open Arms will supply the funds if you wish to contribute to this please email Grahame and I.

We will also be doing our usual Village Christmas if you haven’t been with us long this is how it works we buy around 250 gifts for children and around fifty for the elderly these range from pyjamas to blankets .hair clips, talcum powder and hair gel and of course some toys we have lolly bags for the kids and cupcakes for the adults.

Tea Room and Café.

The restaurants are growing due to other NGOs using them for their teams and the amount regular customers are growing also the girls have added some new recipes to the menus they are becoming great cooks. They are training one boy and two girls in all aspects of the café and enjoying every minute of it.

The girls will host their first ever vegetarian buffet on Saturday, thirty four people will attend I must admit I am a little anxious as I won’t be there but the girls are as calm as cucumbers and really I know they will do a great job. We did a mock setup and some cooking training before we left.

Open Arms has also started an internship program , this is really like work experience the girls and boys will do a month in either the restaurants or the salon  it will give them a better insight to how it all works before they commit to training.

The Salon and Training Centre.

Between Open Arms Centre, World Vision Centre and Sonflower there are forty two girls being trained so the staff are very busy, we are continually upgrading our program to meet the demand. The students are  enjoying their morning devotions they touch my heart when they sing  we like to add as much personal development training as we can it is all based on biblical principles and the love of Christ.

We are also working on an outreach to a local maternity ward, we found in the very beginning (2002) that the wisest think you can do for people in care is to teach them to give back into the community that way they really do appreciate what they get. We are going to send the students and some staff one morning a week to the maternity ward of a local hospital to do hand massage and give a little gift to the mums and they are very excited to do this.

The business side of the salon is very good, the girls have such a good reputation not only for the services but for their lovely manner we are very proud of them we now have sixteen staff all together and they keep us on our toes.

Sonflower Salon.

Sonflower is a lovely bright light in a very dark area and we are trusting God for amazing things to come out of it , at the moment there are only two girls being trained and its very boring for the staff but they are faithful to the call .We will soon be networking with Love 146 and supplying breakfast for  the girls in this area it has been observed that in the early morning the girls can become depressed so we will supply a nice brekkie at the message parlour and a shampoo or manicure or whatever they like at Sonflower . Times are not really worked out yet but again we are so very proud of our staff we put it to them to help as a blessing to the girls and not as part of their job and they all jumped at the opportunity and Saturdays being our busiest day they will be tired bunnies but we will stagger it so they only do one a month. 

Blessings and lots of love.

Grahame, Sandra and the Open Arms Team.