So hard to say goodbye..

Toeun, Toeung and Soporn arrived safely this morning with uncle Nol. They took a bus to town and then a tok tok to a temple where we were supposed to meet. Yoen thought it would be okay to go back to the hotel. Most hotels have a rule that residents cannot come in but no one said anything. Also Yoen did not think it would be a good idea to give monetary gifts in public. Ande, we did bring all the baby clothes and they were very grateful. Thanks!
Upon arriving they were very proud to be wearing their new Khmer pants which we bought at the Trade School. As we entered the pool area of the hotel to visit I put my feet in the cool pool water I could not understand why they held back. I thought maybe they were self conscience about having dirty feet. Our translator, Yoen, told me that they have their feet in water all day in the rice patties and have no desire (duh?). Yoen could not stay so we could not visit long without our translator. Actually there isn't that much to talk about except to get family history. They work constantly and really have no life to discuss. Hilary's mom died immediately after giving birth to her. They said the baby was so tiny they did not know how to take care of her. In the rural villages there is no baby formula. They use condensed milk. After 6 weeks they did not feel they could adequately care for her and the grandmother took her to Pnom Penh orphanage. Hilary had a brother 14 who died of appendicitis and her father died when she was seven of diabetes.

Her sisters are so wonderful. A joy to be around. It was an awesome visit without the townspeople hovering and yammering. We were told that their uncle does indeed take very good care of them and their families. If we send money through him they will get it. I spoke to the uncle about getting Soporn some education so she could learn a trade. They were so surprised to know there is such a thing for a deaf/mute person and would like to take advantage of that. I have an appointment with that man who runs the trade school tomorrow and will see what kind of options there are. If it looks promising we will give him the uncle's number to contact.

It was so difficult when the girls left. They cried and cried. I knew if we didn't walk away they never would. It has easily been in the 90s here and very very humid. So let's just say there was lots of sticky hugging. They have gone back to the village and I have promised to keep in touch. We may set up a small bank account to have in case of emergencies for them. Cambodians have such a different sense of family here. Much much stronger than ours. So try as I might to help the girls, bottom line is that if there is money and the old folks need something they come first.

Hilary is online next to me chatting with her friends and I'm so glad she has that support system. (Hi John)

It's 10:30 am we are waiting for Lisa to come back. She bought a new refrigerator for the Nutrition Center and a ton (literally) of rice. If I have time I will try to update again before bed. I feel like I'm leaving "my girls" here. I love them with all my heart. Talk to you later.

Naked baby count is 40.5!