Pushing buttons

Every night after the HIV positive kids take their medicine, the entire Wat Opot family gathers for a meeting and meditation.  We sit in rows, say a Sanskrit blessing, then sit quietly meditating and reflecting on the day to a soothing song.  Respecting the dual-Christian and Buddhist influence on Wat Opot, the meditation ends with a group thanks to Jesus, a short song that comes out like "sank you sank you Je-sa."  Everyone participates, even the little kids.  Sometimes they struggle sitting still and sometimes 2 year old Ratana gets up and pulls everyones hair, but usually they do fine.  The meditation is between 4-8 minutes long depending on the song and is followed by a snack.  Many people, including myself before I first came to Cambodia, aren't sure what meditating consists of.  It doesn't have to be some Eat.Pray.Love deep altered state of consciousness, but just a time to sit quietly with your thoughts.  It's a part of the day that I really look forward to and hope to keep doing it once I eventually go home (tear).

Every night two kids get to sit in front and then pass out snack.  It's a coveted role and the slots go by rotation with everyone getting an equal number of turns.  We have a big calendar with 3 months of rotations written out that they love to count down with until their turn comes again.  To give an idea of what it looks like, this picture was taken by Melinda in the kitchen.  Excuse the lighting, it gets dark at 6:30 and we don't start until around 7.

Meditation time is also great for announcements as everyone is in one place.  We introduce new volunteers, say goodbye to departing volunteers, discuss events, address issues, and resolve conflict together as a group.  We've used it to countdown for our trip to the lake, to remind everyone where the trash around campus goes (trashcan), to remind everyone where the spit around campus goes (not on others), to remind everyone who fills the motos with gasoline (so the little kids stop trying to be "helpful" by putting water in the tanks), and most recently to welcome back those who were hit hard by Typhoid fever.

In any family the little kids get picked on and there are fights.  My sister and I fought all the time and there were only 2 of us in the house.  Imagine a home with 56 kids.  They love and care about each other but of course they fight, they pick on each other, the big kids love making the little kids cry, and the little kids love crying to get the big kids in trouble.  Lately, however, it's gotten out of hand.  Wayne decided to do something about it, so naturally he used the nightly meditation time to address the problem.  He didn't just have a talk though.  He got creative.

Last night, Wayne came in with a piece of paper with two circles, one filled in blue and one white.  He sat up front and invited Thear to come push one of the buttons.  Thear pushed on the white.  Nothing happened.  He awkwardly looked around and went back to his seat while everyone perked up trying to figure out what was going on, including me who had no idea.  He next called on Mek Phan to come up.  Mek Phan hit the blue button, Wayne made a DING DING DING sound and Mek Phan was awarded 500 riel (roughy 12 cents USD).  He was ecstatic and everyone else shot up their hands, determined to be called on next.  Lan Krong was the next contestant; he walked up, pushed white, but nothing happened.  He walked away with great disappointment.  They all squirmed around with their hands up in the air, ME ME ME ME ME!!!  Meng Ty was the next lucky chosen one.  He confidently walked up and pushed the blue button like Mek Phan had, DING DING DING!  500 riel!  He was beside himself.  A few more were chosen, ran up to the blue button and claimed their prizes.

Wayne put the paper down and asked the crowd why they would choose the blue button over the white one.  Different kids gave their explanations: nothing happened with the white button, the blue one made them happy, the blue one had a prize, the blue button was fun!  He then told them that everyone of them had buttons of their own.  When someone picks on 5 year old Wey, he cries without fail.  When 14 year old Leak gets taunted, he gets upset every time.  When people pick on Wey and Leak, they push their blue buttons.  They get a response, they feel powerful, it's fun.  Why would they pick on someone who doesn't let it bother them?  Why keep teasing someone who ignores them?  If there's no reaction, what's the point?

The kids were then asked to turn off their blue buttons.  They were told that if they stopped giving the people who tease and pick on them a reaction, the teasing and the picking on would stop, or at least slow down.  I realize this is easier said than done, but today I've noticed a big improvement.  When someone gets mad or upset, they just hold their tongues and walk away.  I don't know if it will last, I hope it does, but at least they have a better understanding of bullying and how to cope with or get around it.  It was a great idea by Wayne and I look forward to watching how the kids apply it.



As of today, we are only $220 shy of our $1000 Summer Fun Fund goal!  Help us get that last bit by donating through paypal under the blog archives.  Remember, everything left over will go to health care and the medical clinic which is getting busier every week!  Thank you :)

"Kat tow Dentist t'ngai nih?!"

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little afraid to go to the dentist.  I've always had amazing dentists (Hi Dr. Bob!) and never had a particular traumatic event, but still something about it scares me.  Channy, 9, clearly had never been to a dentist before, as evidenced by a) her terrible teeth, and b) her begging me to take her.  Channy has been living at Wat Opot since September and before then had limited if any medical and dental care.  After a course of Amoxicillin for a tooth infection, and multiple complaints, today she finally got to go see a dentist for the first time.  She was ecstatic.  The HIV positive kids get to go to the doctor once a month.  They ride in tuktuks, eat lunch out, and get to leave and explore.  The HIV negative kids seem to think that they're really missing out, especially Channy.  She persistently asked "Kat tow dentist t'ngai nih?!" Kat, go to the dentist today?! for a solid week and was delighted when this morning I answered "yes!."

Melinda and LongDy drove us in the truck.  Cora came along, as well as Srey Aun, Srey Nich, and Sopheak who have all needed dental attention too.  It was difficult to get everyones schedules to align with school and weekend activities, but we finally made it work this morning.

Channy was up first.  Everything was old and basic, but you don't need much more here.  The chair really freaked her out and I think she instantly wondered what the hell she got herself into once she saw the tools and everything.  In this picture you can see her "you better put that camera down and get your ass over here to old my hand this instant, lady" look on her face.  I sat with her as she got a cavity filled and her teeth cleaned.  What was interesting though, is all of that was done without electricity, only tools by hand.  Our province is on an interesting power schedule.  We lose electricity from roughly 8:30am-11:00am, and then again from around 1:30pm- 5pm during weekdays.  The cause is unknown and many theories have been pitched from people in the community and the government, from "there isn't enough water during the dry season to run the plant," to "we get our electricity from Vietnam and they shut it off," to "they're working on the power lines and have to turn it off during working hours."  There are also many government theories behind it, but after blogspot was blocked here for a few months following someone speaking out against the government, I think I'll leave those theories out.  Anyway, we lose electricity a lot, which makes things difficult for local businesses and office workers.  We arrived at the dentist's around 9:30 this morning which meant no electricity but the dentist made it work.

Srey Aun was the next to go.  She had a little more of an audience.  Cora went in to sit with her, and LongDy and Srey Nich followed to see what was going on.  The dentists wife and little son also came in to watch.  Khmer people have a way of crowding, so I guess I didn't expect any different.

Who says you need expensive medical lights?  A wife holding a flashlight does the same job.

This was the extent of the dentist's office, which was the front room of his home.  He had an instrument sterilizer and took all safety precautions yet I have a feeling not too many Americans would jump at the opportunity to get in the chair.  I'm unemployed and without dental as of October 1 so this is looking like a great option!

Mixing up the girls' fillings while his baby sleeps nearby.  

The little boy was so cute.  He rocked the baby in the hammock and ran around entertaining.

Channy showing off her new filling.  A very satisfied customer. 

Melinda and LongDy hanging out in the waiting room watching the action.

The dentist decided that Srey Aun was in need of more than just a cleaning.  He flipped on his generator and got out the drill.  It sounds just as bad, no matter where you are in the world.  Srey Aun perked up and shot me a look like "you're not going to let them use that on me are you?!"  She was terrified but she did great.  This picture above is her watching him prepare everything, her eyes wide open and her hands clutching the chair.

Channy looked around and explored the office.  She was stunned to find the pile of molds on the bottom shelf and stared at them in horror for a few minutes.  I don't think she'll be begging to come back to the dentist any time soon!

Srey Nich is beautiful and sweet, but very insecure.  She has a false tooth in the front that often tries to hide.  In an effort to give her a boost, she's having a better tooth put in.  Todays trip was to remove the bad one and clean it out.  In two days we go back to have the new one put in, but until then she's missing her front tooth!  The dentist gave her a mask to wear until then to cover it up.  She has a great sense of humor about it, luckily, and is having fun with her missing tooth, but still Wednesday can't come soon enough!

Today sparked a frenzy of everyone deciding that they too want to go to the dentist.  Seeing all four of them today was only 50,000 riel, or roughly $12.50.  It's cheap and necessary so we will definitely keep taking those who need it.  Don't forget that the Summer Fun Fund excess goes to medical expenses such as these, so please donate!  The paypal button is on the righthand side of the page and again, every cent goes a long way!  On a related note, we had our first activity on Friday, the teen outing to Phnom Penh.  It was a huge success.  The pictures are being compiled and I can't wait to share it with everyone.  Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday Wayne!

Last Friday, July 9, was Wayne's birthday!  We took full advantage of the opportunity to spoil and embarrass him and had a little surprise party at Wat Opot.  

After dinner, while Wayne did a little work and gave out medications, we quickly decorated the children's dorm.  The kids made the HAPPY BIRTHDAY sign and blew up all of the balloons.  

 Left, me with Rong, Meng Ty, and Phanya; Right, Seyha helping to hang balloons

There is only one oven in the whole village, and it's only been used three times in the past 6 years.  Cora and I walked down the road to use it and needless to say we had a few issues but the cakes came out okay!  Cora decorated them and we found a candle in the volunteer house to use.

Everyone yelled HAPPY BIRTHDAY when he walked in.  They were definitely more excited than he was- and they didn't even know about the cake yet!

Pesei and Saman, two of the older boys who are also very talented artists, each made a special piece for Wayne's birthday.  Pesei made this 3D painting using real wood and branches for the tree.  It is incredible.  The Khmer staff bought Wayne cokes and wrapped them in Disney princess paper.  Sorry we had to open the boxes Wayne.. I know how you love your Disney princesses!

Left, Virak dives into his chocolate cake; Right, Sompoa eyes Socheat's piece

Saon couldn't have been happier if it was his own birthday! Actually,  I don't think we know any of the kids birthdays and the majority of people in Cambodia don't know their own either.  Birthdays aren't acknowledged and everyone turns a year older with the Khmer New Year.  I don't think anyone really understood what it was we were celebrating but that didn't mean they didn't have fun!

Saman's painting of Wayne.  He had finished it about 6 weeks ago and had been so eager to give it to him.

All of these pictures are courtesy of Ms. Cora Marshall who also thought of doing a video for Wayne that we showed at the party.  I have posted it below!  We weren't able to get everyone in the video but it definitely represents the love for Wayne from the community as a whole.

Wayne is such a selfless and humble person, so it was fun to do something special for him.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY WAYNE!  We hope you enjoyed it :)


Tomorrow Cora, Melinda, and I are taking the 14 high- schoolers (who all passed their exams!!) to Phnom Penh for the day to kick off events of the Summer Fun Fund.  They have been counting down all week, and the girls have spent the evening picking out their outfits and getting ready.  We will all take lots of pictures and report back.  Thank you to everyone who has donated!!!  If you'd still like to donate it's not too late!  Click on the PayPal button on the right-hand side of the page.  Again, if you're not in a position to donate, consider spreading the word.  Thank you :)

Monkey business

Phnom (Mountain) Chisor, with its stunning views and ancient ruins, is a popular spot for volunteers and Wat Opot kids to visit.  We recently had a visiting Vietnamese Buddhist nun named KD who wanted to take a trip up to the mountain with everybody- all 56 kids, Wayne, volunteers, and staff.  We loaded up 2 trucks full of people, sent some out on motos, and were off.  The idea behind the trip together was to announce and discuss the new construction of a peace garden at Wat Opot.  The garden will be a place for the kids to come and meditate, pray for their parents and loved ones who have passed, or just escape for a quiet minute.  Where better to plan a place for peace and prayer than at a working Buddhist monastery intertwined by ancient temples?  We had a picnic and did some exploring, and made a new friend too.

The infamous Phnom Chisor monkey is known as quite a trouble maker.  She tried to attack one of our teenage boys last Fall, and chased me around a few weeks back.  She's mean, she's stubborn, and she's not open to sharing her home in the slightest.  

The mean monkey, stating her territory.

Once we all made the ascent to the top of the mountain, we gathered around a tree- her tree.  Wayne sat up on the ledge to lead us in a Buddhist chant.  The monkey watched him for a little bit and decided to join.  From what we had all seen of the monkey in past, everyone was scared at first (including me!).  Wayne kept telling everyone to sit and relax, we were in her home and as long as we didn't make any moves toward her she wouldn't bother anyone.  I was nervous especially with the little ones but once she was that close we really had no choice but to sit and trust that we would be okay.

After the prayers were over, it was snack time.  The monkey saw the food come out and got excited, quickly.  She came down to wait her turn in line in hopes of snagging a good treat.

Cora nervously watching the monkey

KD was brave and sat down to offer the monkey a banana.  I would have just tossed the banana and hoped she would follow it!  I'm honestly nervous just looking at this picture.  I can't emphasize how insane this monkey is.

She got her bananas and stole someones coke.  She drank from the can, then poured the rest out and sucked it from the ground, careful to get every last sip.  This was just the beginning, however.  The monkey was hungry and the more she got, the more she wanted.

She waited for soy crisps after her coke and bananas, then went on to eating Srey Leak's sandwich.

A view from the top.  The mountain is gorgeous, especially as the rains turn everything green.

We finished our picnic and then got down to the garden planning.  Wayne again sat on the ledge, and the monkey was very interested in our plans.

Hanging on to every word

Well, talking gets boring and the monkey began looking for something else to do.  It was then she started to groom Wayne.  The kids exploded with laughter and thought it was the funniest thing they had ever seen.  The monkey must have really liked him!

When she finished grooming him, she rejoined the group for the rest of the discussion.  We all slowly stood up after this and left her.  It was a good experience for us to see the monkey in a friendly state, but I hope that none of the kids got too comfortable with her.

Wat Opot's little monkey, Ratana.

We explored the temples, hiked around the top, and climbed rocks before making the descent down and the drive home.  It was a very fun day and the peace garden is already in construction.  I'll be sure to post about it once it's finished.

Me exploring with Doar, one of the sweetest kids in the world.  Grumpy Virak on the left was tired and made sure everyone knew it!