All I want for Christmas is you

Oh guys. I am so sorry at my lack of communication, but here I am filling you in on the past few weeks so get ready, I’m sensing that this is going to be a long one.

Firstly, I should probably let you know that I am typing on my keyboard which is covered in Disney princess stickers for each letter. Brilliant...but already falling off.

Ok, so life.

We have done a number of Christmas parties which I know I have already briefly told you about, but I thought that I might run you through the typical programme;

We arrive at the location where a large number of children and adults are waiting for us to get there (probably having been there for several hours before hand). They are often sitting in rows or waiting to sing us a Christmas song. I think I pretty much could join in these songs now as there must only be about 2 or 3 Khmer Christmas songs. Boxes are unloaded from the van and the puppet stand is set up quickly. Rodney has a quick talk to the kids and then a puppet show is performed. I have the honour of being the lion’s hand while a Khmer man is given the script to read his lines. The emu is read very well by our own Chengley (or whoever is there on the day). I think I am developing an extremely strong right arm courtesy of the show while my left arm is remaining weak. [Side note- one place didn’t have any chairs for us to use behind the puppet screen so I was half squatting and holding my arm up the whole time...yes I almost died). After the puppet play Rodney explains to the kids about Christmas gives them an opportunity to respond. While this is going on, Cheryl will be quickly counting the number of kids and discovering that there are about double to the amount we were told. She then starts splitting up the Christmas packs that we are about to give up so that as many kids can get something as possible. I step up to do my thing and we play a couple of games (which vary according to the number of kids and space that we have- they usually involve me (and the kids) moving in funny ways much to the amusement of onlookers. After games everyone is given khmer curry and bread, which is eaten and cleaned up very quickly. Sometimes we whip out the face painting if appropriate, then presents! The big red spotlight bags are given out full of stationary, lollies, toys and little extra things like clothes, makeup and fake teeth! Kids disperse very quickly and are so excited with their bags. The main toy in each bag is always the hit which include things like cars, barbies, planes, Ben 10 toys etc. Showing each other their toys, the kids walk to their homes, and a sea of red bags is observed into the distance.

The English class has broken up for the Christmas break (instigated by us seeing as they don’t actually have any break for Christmas- in fact school classes are still on Christmas day. We had a lovely break up party at a little restaurant/cafe called ‘Jars of Clay’. We had heaps of food and the students had a great time. In hindsight I wish I’d worn some make up as the main attraction seemed to be taking photos with teachers (luckily Rodney and Shirley were there to share the paparazzi a bit). They were a little bit sad that their teacher Christie was not there, but they are looking forward to her return in January. I’m sure they will be relieved to have their normal teacher back who will not make them rearrange tables and do strange drama activities quite so much :p
Just letting you know that the keyboard stickers are falling off everywhere. It’s a bit hard to type with them. I’ll keep persevering though.

Though university English classes have finished up, Shirley has now returned to Australia. Shirley had been taking the orphanage kids 3 times a week for bible, English and craft classes. So I have been doing those classes now which are lots of fun. Vanny, the orphanage ‘mum’ is able to translate the words that are said. It is strange teaching through the medium of a translator, especially with younger kids, as usually so much of communicating with kids is the way in which you interact with them. However we get by and they are really impressing me with how quickly they are picking things up. It is a little bit hard with a two year old and eighteen year old in the same class, but we manage.

The church that we attend on a Sunday (and do English lessons through) had their Christmas service last Sunday. I have now reconsidered any previously held notions about Graham or Dave speaking for any extended periods of time, as three hours later the service drew to a close. It included dances, plays, songs, sermons etc etc and then after the service there was a big meal for everyone to enjoy together. Poen, Chengley and Cheryl had been slaving away in the kitchen for the last few days making cupcakes for everyone in the church. They were beautiful and everyone really appreciated them, especially seeing as cupcakes are not frequently seen in Cambodia.

On Christmas Eve we held a big party for the orphanage kids. Having just got home from teaching an English/craft class an hour away, a group of kids arrived at the house an hour early. Hmm, improv kid entertainment (in another language). Out came the Barney DVD and the facepaints along with the half prepared reindeer balloon hats. The party was lots of fun with Poen, once again cooking up a storm of beautiful khmer food. The puppet show was seen, paper Christmas trees were made, games were played (including the Christmas dancing game – “Ok everybody, do a dance like a reindeer!”, “now do a Christmas tree dance”) and some fantastic special presents which they were thrilled with.

Christmas day itself was very fun with spoiling occurring all ‘round. Little Sam enjoyed 'mas' day very much with many glasses of 'coka (coke)' being consumed and some new toys to play with. I was fortunate enough to have the lovely Jessica, a friend from uni, stay for a few days, so that added to the group of people celebrating together. We had a beautiful breakfast (including coffee from a caltex station which was incredibly good), a lovely afternoon tea and for a special treat an amazing dinner at the Phnom Penh Hotel. Had an awkward address from a random older man whishing me (and only me) a Merry Christmas. Everybody else on the table was rather entertained and I have since been referred to as 'Merry Christmas'

Everybody here is so lovely. I couldn't have asked for nicer people to spend an overseas Christmas with. We are heading off to the beach for the week simply to have a holiday which will be so nice.

>Pictures:

Some of the orphanage kids at a Christmas celebration

Deborah, Poen, Sam, Jessica, Chengley, Neaat and Me at the Phnom Penh hotel for Christmas

- More photos in a Facebook album!

Tips on how to run a successful music presentation

The Christmas packs are finished! You obviously don’t really know how much of a relief that is, but upon the prospect of near completion, random, involuntary squeals of anticipation may have escaped from my lips once or twice.

We have had a couple more Christmas parties since last writing, including two at the same location (one for the adults and one for the children). This set of parties was so funny because though we provided the parties and the packs, these parties were officially run by the people of that village. The funny part was mainly due to the music.

Let me just fill you in on the Cambodian reasoning in regards to music: Everything becomes so much cooler with maximum reverb (or echo), a keyboard needs to be at full volume (it should drown out anyone singing and ensure that audience members lose at least three years of their hearing from your event alone) as well as using the pre-set backing rhythms which are in specific keys (as long as the key doesn’t correspond to that which your performers are singing in), if a guitar is present, don’t tune it...ever, and play random strums whenever you feel led (also do this any time the audience is expected to clap or respond in any way). Also, make sure that you start setting up your sound system five minutes after the event is supposed to begin ensuring maximum feedback issues and deafening settings.

These are just a few tips for any of my lovely musically inclined readers- get practising

I’ll summarise this week in a sentence for you: “I have been packing Christmas bags”.

That pretty much sums it up.

Along with some English teaching, moto riding and food distributions, Christmas packing is what my task has been. I am just about sick of that room, which often becomes more of a babysitting service than a work place due to the abundance of toys. But, there’s only about 300 more to make up, so we’re close!
We had a mini party for the children of the bible league staff, there were only about 20 kids, so that had quite a different feel to it in comparison to the parties of hundreds. As games-meister I could change my standard games a little to cater for small numbers of kids. My lion puppet-arm has not improved since last time, and I regretted all the push ups I’d done the night before.
This party was cute because some of the kids took turns to get up and ‘perform’ the songs they had learnt at Sunday School. They all danced while doing their singing.

My phone hasn’t been working for a while now, so I am very sorry if anyone has tried to text me (and has been ignored). I have a new number while I’m in Cambodia, email me if you would like it (caitz89@hotmail.com). Sorry that my communication hasn’t been so consistent. I’m finding it hard to get to the internet sometimes!

We have some parties coming up this weekend which should be good, I’ll keep you posted. Keep letting me know if you have any simple but fun games for a mass group of kids!

Sorry guys..cool pictures aren't working.

Hanging with the ox carts

Well much has happened since I last wrote (which is primarily the reason for me having not written). I have begun teaching classes. The classes that I am mainly doing at the moment are English classes for uni aged students. These are run through the church and have a couple of different levels. I take the harder class and then take the conversation class afterwards. The class sizes are very large so I constantly annoy my students with table rearrangements, trying to come up with effective ways to be near them all (and therefore stopping the back rows from feeling inconspicuous – and talking). I have however, already bribed students with biscuits and have caused endless amounts of entertainment with my roll calling abilities (I have learnt that Cambodian names tend not to be things like ‘Tom or Nick’.

My lovely Bong Srey Christie has returned home since I last wrote on a surprise visit and will be home for Christmas. I am sad that she is not here, but her family I’m sure is not! :p The English classes are usually taught by her every day, so I have a high standard to live up to.

I am also taking a class of kids who live about 45 minutes away. They have not really had any English lessons and reside in a tiny class room with a little white board. Last time we were told that there would be 25-30 kids, we were doing craft so we brought about 50 sets of things. There was over 70. When Shirley goes home, I will also be taking her three classes at the orphanage. That is a rather difficult group to take too, because they range from about 2 years old to around 16 years old- each with a varying knowledge of the English language. I’ll also be teaching bible and craft there (being the super crafts-woman that I am).

One of the projects going on at the moment involve running Christmas parties for struggling churches/orphanages etc. These parties have a Christmas puppet play, some games, a message about Jesus, a meal of curry & noodles, and each child receives a Christmas pack. These Christmas packs contain stationary, some toys, some clothing (kind of like mini shoeboxes) and little bits and pieces. This past week my main task has been buying for and packing these bags...and trust me, the novelty of pretending to be an elf only lasts for so long. We have to make over 1,300 of these packs for the thirteen parties we are doing.

This weekend we travelled to Kampong Chnung and did two Christmas parties. To get to the orphanage and the church we had to drive, then take a boat, then a tuk tuk on very bumpy roads. It was a super tuk tuk that fit all 7 of us in...it had no back though, so being on the end I concentrated on not falling out. The first party was so lovely. The kids were amazing and so excited looking through their bags. By the second party we started refining our program and had the people being the voices of the puppets stand in front of the screen so that they could be heard (this meant that I had the privilege of being the lion..which was fun except that I didn’t know what he was saying and holding your arm up for that long tends to create a build up of lactic acid). I also ran the games. We played a game that was kind of like ‘Simon Says’ as well as ‘Heads and Tails’ which were good – but LET ME KNOW IF YOU KNOW OF ANY GOOD GAMES WE CAN PLAY!!! Remembering that there are usually 200+ kids who are in a very confined space. At either of the places were there close to enough bags. We took the stationary out of the bags and gave them to kids separately, but even that didn’t cover the numbers. It was a bit sad, but it couldn’t be helped. They all got to eat and participate in the program as well as hear the message.

As we travelled through the country side we were constantly a source of amusement, with every person stopping and staring as we passed. A lot of people waved, some boys on bikes blew kisses and many just stopped and watched the funny white people bumping along in the tuk tuk.

It was a fun, but tiring couple of days. We just got home and here I am faithfully spending my rest time writing to you. Feel appreciated? You should.

>Pictures
Half the kids waiting for their curry to be brought out.
In the Tuk tuk (with star of the puppet play, Mr Emu)

Bop ‘Till You Drop

Cambodia. Well I have been here for over a week now and have settled into the house quite nicely.

Hmm..I have just spied ants crawling over my computer... lovely.

I am living with Rodney and Cheryl Cope, an Australian couple who conduct a wide range of mission work in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In the house at the moment is also Christie (beautiful Christie from Oxley, who now lives full time with Rod and Cheryl), Shirley (a teacher from Melbourne), Poen (a young Cambodian woman who is being sponsored and trained by the Copes), Sam (Poen’s two year old son), Ooin (an orphan who just came yesterday and is staying here for a while) and whoever else happens to be in at the time. Various teams come and go for short periods of time and longer workers drop in from time to time (eg... me).

To be honest so far I haven’t had to do much. I’ve been following, observing and sitting a lot. Next week however I’ll start having to earn my keep and be put to work. I did do one class where we were talking about make-believe hotels – I amused myself with my dance themed hotel named “Bop ‘till You Drop”. Not sure that they appreciated it, Christie laughed.

At the moment, the various areas that we are involved in include:

- Running English classes for university students (I’ll be teaching two classes a day for this)

- Supporting a small orphanage of about twenty-five kids (I’ll sometimes be teaching English and bible there)

- Teaching a group of about 30 kids (can’t tell you where exactly, haven’t been there yet, but will be going once a week to do English and craft... yes craft – I know, I’m worried too)

- Making 1000 Christmas packs (like big versions of the shoe-boxes with hygiene stuff, clothes, toys, stationary etc) to be given out at a number of Christmas parties being thrown.

- Christmas parties, usually for over 200 kids (includes face-painting, a puppet show, games etc)

- Pastoral training (Can’t say I’ve had too much experience in this area, so not what my major contribution will be though)

- Feeding/rice runs to poor people of the community

- Etc etc etc

My Khmer (Cambodian language) is terrible. I’ve was hitting the books early in the week then got lazy. It’s haaarrrrdddddd. Stupid noises that don’t exist in English. It’s really frustrating, especially when you know that you’ve been able to say this another time and now you’ve forgotten it. I actually keep thinking everything in German- well it’s a foreign language so at least I’m partially there.

Any Curves ladies reading this, just letting you know that I’m pretty much getting everywhere by bike. And though there are no Curves franchises in Cambodia (note any budding business women) I am hoping that this exercise will suffice. However, I confess that I have been eating a heck of a lot of junk (a deep fried banana sounds disgusting but is actually great), drinking a lot of frappacinnos (in order to use their wifi) and may come back from a third world country having gained weight.

Over here however I’m finding that beauty is defined quite differently. I am constantly being told how beautiful my very white skin is... yes, thanks very much guys. They like when you are chubbier and move over corsets, there are underpants with extra padding to help make you look a little more like Beyonce.

I went to a Cambodian wedding which was a very interesting experience. Lots and lots of food and boy was it...big. Big band, big decorations, big crowd, very BIG bows on dresses. The bride was just seventeen and the groom was 39. She did not look all that happy to be there but when the dancing started she brightened up a little with her friends. It was great as a ‘berung’ (foreigner) to be one of the honoured guests, especially seeing as I didn’t know the people whose wedding it was.

Hopefully next time I update I will be able to tell you something productive, but this has pretty much been a ‘lay of the land’ week. I did buy some pants (not with extra bum padding)...which looked ugly when I tried them on at home.

Love you all. Missing your smiles. xx

Give me ideas for:
Ø Simple, cheap craft
Ø Creative ways to teach older students English
Ø Games for 200+ kids (preferably not language based)

- Pictures are of Sam, and Christie & I ready for a wedding

Malaysia- the land of monorails, tacky billboards and very sweet bread.

It has been almost a week since I left the sunny shores of Australia and arrived on the even sunnier grounds of Cambodia.

My budget flight (we build our planes from icy-pole sticks . com) caused me to have a brief stop over in Malaysia where I spent the night. Malaysia was good to see, I would have liked to spend more time there. I paid to go up the Tower of KL as I didn’t have enough time to go to the free one and line up- I have discovered that money can really be used to save you time. There were lots of things that this relatively expensive pass allowed you to do, but due to a slightly more important prior arrangement (aka a flight leaving) I had to rush/skip things. The cheap-skate in me cried out in pain while the logical voice in my head reminded me of the cost of a new flight should I miss the one already paid for.

Malaysian ponderings:

- Cheap airfares = tiny planes = bad. Pay extra money to avoid constant advertising announcements, lack of television and room to turn your head when trying to sleep. However, I ate my own cherry-ripe (no bringing of your own food). That showed them.

- Australian men are a lot more chivalrous than those I came in contact with. I discovered this having lugged 2 months worth of baggage up and down about 100 monorail steps.

- Having said that, Monorails are cool. Unless you permanently had to carry around a gigantic suitcase, then they would not be cool.

- You have to eat food extremes. Everything is either a dessert or a full meal, there is no middle ground. However I also discovered that lots of junk/dessert like food can act as the equivalent of a full meal.

- Don’t laugh at the advertising billboards- the overdone expressions are not a joke.

- Mimicking is the most effective way to not look stupid.

>If you are approaching some kind of machine that you are required to do something to, fumble through your bag as though you are looking for something, wait until someone goes in front of you (remember the lack of chivalry, consequently this is likely), then replicate.

>Note that you should replicate it exactly. Don’t apply the same principle to another machine, it does not necessarily work.

- One should plan what they are going to do after the travelling before putting on plane clothes, otherwise you end up in chanel getting funny looks.

- I think Mum plans everything so that you don’t have to sit in the hotel lobby for twenty minutes studying the assortment of maps you have acquired to determine how to find food.

- Once you get the hang of those funny machines, man tourists are annoying.

- I only open my map when sitting at someone’s table/cafe, too embarrassing otherwise. Subsequently I have had a lot of drinks.

- If you receive a random sms it is because I have thought of something witty and due to my lack of travelling partner, have found repressing it too hard.

- “Oh I didn’t know you had to go downstairs for change” translates to “keep all my change, it’s only about the equivalent of my meal”.

My country has ill-equipped me for tipping.