I received a Telegram message with this picture earlier today, asking why the gates were closed. The message was from a young man whose mother had died some years ago while the hospice was still open. He was just a child then and it was several years before he was able to come and visit the place where his mother had died. Over the years he has visited the crematorium on several occasions during the holiday season and usually, he would bring his family with him. We would talk as he lit a candle and incense while his children played at the playground… and like so many others, he felt a sense of belonging to the Wat Opot Family. It was difficult telling him that the Soul of Wat Opot no longer resided there.

I have found a large flat in Phnom Penh with several bedrooms. I am not sure what the future holds at this point. It is the Khmer New Year and nothing much is happening… unless you want to venture outside and get soaked with water. A few of the alumni have come around, some spending the holidays here. I will start going out with Mr. Dara when things have settled down a bit. The temperature has been a consistent 100 degrees each day which is another obstacle to overcome.

Will write more once we are able to get out of Phnom Penh and start visiting the children. Most of the reintegrated children seem to be making a good adjustment but some placements may need to be re-evaluated.

We are very grateful for your continued interest in the Watopotians and will do our best to keep you updated on our progress. It is going to take some time to recapture the Soul of Wat Opot but that is our goal in the coming months.