Years ago, when I first arrived in Cambodia, I would ride a ferry across the mighty Mekong River, to Vietnamese fishing villages on the other side. There were no tall buildings at the time in Phnom Penh, yet the differences between the two sides were drastic. The fishing villages had no electricity, or running water, and most were accessible by motorcycle only, while Phnom Penh had several paved roads and even had an internet shop on the riverside with 10 computers that you could use for 25 cents an hour. Today our travels included a ferry boat ride at about the same point but the view was much different.

In the background, you can see the other side where Vietnamese villages once lined the banks of the river.

Phnom Penh, on the other hand, has grown beyond recognition… this is only a small part of what is now a metropolis with major traffic jams, which is why the ferries are back in service.

Our purpose for going to Prey Veng today was twofold. The first was a stop to check the progress of what will become the main office of the new NGO Mr. Dara is organizing. The structure above will be the preschool at first and later will become the office and living quarters once the new school building is completed.

The piece of land above is where the new school will be built. We had to spend $1,000.00 on landfill so that the dirt could settle before starting the building. The local community is excited about the project and looking forward to our opening.

We also did two more home visits, one of which was with a young orphan who was living with relatives, but things were not going well. We decided to bring him back with us and he will stay at the new Phnom Penh office until Social Services can find another placement for him.

On our way home we had to cross the Mekong River again at Neak Loeung. A few years ago the only way to do that was by ferry but now, thanks to this new bridge, the ferry service is no longer needed.

Thanks for checking in on us again. Tomorrow evening there is a dinner meeting with Mr.Scott, Mr. Dara, and myself to discuss the progress of the new NGO. We will keep you posted.

The WATOPOTIANS