What is the reason for the "hope" that you have? Do you know where your hope comes from?

1 Peter 3:15

     But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Definition of "Hope" -- to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true.

Weather in Cambodia......

 Is it spring yet in Maryland/ Wash DC? I hope so because the weather in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in February and March has been--High 93-100 degrees and around 76 degrees at night. Cambodia has 2 seasons-- wet season and dry season. Wet season is May- October. The hottest month is April with temperatures soaring to 104 degrees F.

Oh how I wish the mangoes were ripe....

Who doesn't like a good ripe mango? Well, they are so yummy in Cambodia (my mouth is watering) however, they are not ripe now. Hopefully I can enjoy mangoes and mango smoothies and my very favorite "Mango Lassi" when I return in June.

Meet "Gecko" my roomate...

This little guy has kept me company each time I am in Cambodia. (or maybe his brother...they look alike you know) I am always happy to see him because he eats bugs and especially likes my enemy--"the Mosquito." Sadly, I will say goodbye to him tomorrow morning. See you in June little gecko!

Pediatrician-Dr Dale Knutson weighing NeoNatalie using a Krama and scale

     A krama is a sturdy traditional Cambodian scarf with many uses, including as a scarf or bandana, to carry children, to cover the face, and for decorative purposes. It is worn by men, women and children, and can be fairly ornate, though most typical kramas contain a gingham pattern of some sort, and traditionally come in either red or blue. It is the Cambodian national symbol. It can be also be folded as a hammock.
     We will be using it to weigh babies in our "Under-Fives Clinic." Each Village Health Worker will be given one after they have completed the IMCI (Integrated Management of Childhood Illness) course in June.

Teaching Hope - Joyful Learning Preschool

This video depicts a Preschool in Jamkhed India--CRHP and it serves one of the worst slums I have ever visited. The great news is that the children from this preschool are now in the government Primary school and are first in their class! The parents notice a difference in the children and realize how important education is for them. This Preschool is a great model and I wonder if it can be duplicated in Cambodia? What an amazing Preschool Kaat and Meena!

http://youtu.be/kxpJJtsvEu8

What did you do to celebrate International Women's Day --March 8th?

"Sometimes Angels wear high heels!"
Happy "International Women's Day" to all my favorite ladies-both young and old, family and friends! You are all blessings in my life and I love you! To celebrate, my friend Nancy and I watched a chick flick here in Phnom Penh--"The Mighty Macs." It is a true story about Cathy Rush, Immaculata women's basketball coach who lead her team to a national championship...against all odds. The coach said to her team "we will win because of the things that they cannot see." These girls had great courage and teamwork and really cared about one another.

Health Information for MTW Interns and others traveling to Cambodia....

Health Information for Travelers to Cambodia - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC

wwwnc.cdc.gov

Official U.S. government health recommendations for traveling. Provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cambodia

Coming soon: Program to help Children Under Five survive in Cambodia...

Did you know that the World Health Organization reported  that less than half of children under five with suspected pneumonia and about a third of children under five with diarrhea were taken to a health care provider? Caretakers had limited knowledge of danger signs for seeking care for their child, and a large proportion of the caretakers sought care from the private sector, particularly from unlicensed practitioners and drug sellers. They also said that community workers often lacked skills and motivation to promote proper care seeking practices.

In June , I will return to Cambodia for the purpose of teaching and training community health workers how to recognize danger signs in this age group and refer children that need medical attention. This program is called: IMCI or Integrated Management of Childhood Illness.

Village #2 Medical Clinic...

 

Village #2 in Chhuk...

Traditional Khmer Dancing....

Davy, close friend and nurse-midwife performs traditional Khmer dancing (Apsara)

MTW Summer Interns...have a look at one of the villages you will work in this summer....

"Motos" are a major form of transportation in Cambodia, both in Phnom Penh and other big cities as well as the villages. You may see a family of five on one moto! Be sure to wear a helmet, though!

MTW Summer Interns...have a look at one of the villages you will work in this summer....

             

The Village Pharmacy

 

       Pediatrician -Dr. Dale Knutson

                                                                               Gas Station

                                                              Flor's English Class

                                                       Pastor Milkie--Sports Ministry

On the Riverboat in Kampot

Reunion with my friend Karen Reed. She is a Fulbright Scholar from UF, teaching in the Nursing School in Kampot for the year. So proud of her! She is making a difference in the lives of the nursing students here.

Look who was peeking in the window during class....

Psalm 127: 3

Children are a heritage from the Lord,

    offspring a reward from him.

 

 

What are we called to do with our children?

Proverbs 22:6 

Train up a child in the way he should go; 

     even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Look who came to see me when I was teaching in the village in Chhuk...

Did you know that 25% of the children in Cambodia are underweight? (See link below)

UNICEF Cambodia: Helping to make Cambodia's children strong, health...: Complementary feeding campaign promotes nutritious porridge for children 6 - 24 months. In April 2012, UNICEF, with funding from Spain through..

Bike riding to the market in Kampot Town.....

Bike riding is relatively safe here and a cost effective way to navigate this small town. I must go to the market to buy my "Kampot Pepper" today.  "Kampot Pepper" is highly prized among gourmet chefs all over. For History of the " Kampot Peppercorn" see link below.
http://royalpeppercompany.com/about_kampot_pepper.html