Another Full Day

Today we visited the Nutrition Center. This is a new orphanage in Pnom Penh. Quite nice actually.
After the Nutrition Center we visited a school for the children of the dump. Let me explain. There is an enormous dump in Pnom Penh. We were told not to go near it as the stench is intolerable. Keep in mind that this is garbage from an extremely poor country. There is absolutely nothing of value to be found. Nothing even recyleable. The organization that runs the school is called Give a Child a Smile. They bring these kids in from the dump (approximately 3000 at all three facilities). After they are finished scaveging in the morning, the kids shower and attend trade classes during the day. There is a lovely restaurant onsite. This is where we had lunch and were served by the teens learning restaurant management. They offer many trades including mechanics, masonry, cuisine, etc. They also have regular classes including gym and the children are fed several meals. At the end of the day the older children reunite with their families at the dump and the smaller children can sleep overnite. They have 60 orphan girls that live there permanently. It is an awesome program. We made a nice donation.

After leaving the school we visted the Killing Fields. It is a very somber place. The girls were shocked to see all of the sink holes in the ground from the mass graves.

To end on a lighter note. We took the girls to Fugi Film to have their pictures taken. They were taken upstairs where they could pick out a Cambodian Costume. The women did hair and makeup in typical Khmer fashion. It took 3 hours for each girl and they charged us $9 each. 8 x 10's will be ready in a few days. They will cost 25 cents each.

I'm not sure what tomorrow holds. I need to contact a missionary here He does alot of work with teaching handicapped people a trade. I will ask about getting Hilary's sister who is deaf into something if she is interested. Maybe I can talk him into taking us back out for another vist. They are two hours away. They called our driver today to see when we are coming back. I'll keep you all posted. Please keep us in your prayers as well as the people of Cambodia.

PS naked baby count is at 28.5 ! ( dont' ask)