	Tabitha Foundation Canada
	Updates from Cambodia 2004 Home » News & Events » Current News » News Archive January 15, 2004 Dear friends and partners, It is the beginning of a new year and like all new beginnings - there is an air of anticipation and excitement for what the future will bring. For me personally, the year 2003 ended in sadness and celebration. My mother passed away in mid December - she lived to a good age - her life was one of faith and anticipation and excitement - she saw much and did even more. My daughter, Miriam and I travelled home to Canada to grieve with our family and to celebrate my mother's life and the life she had given to all of us. It was a time of excitement as Miriam discovered snow and all its joys; she discovered what cold is and all its trauma; she learned about grief and that it is okay to be sad; she learned that family is a source of renewal and hope On our return we were met by our Cambodian family - there were hugs and tears - there was joy and excitement - above all there was a sense of relief - we had come back. Sok Som is our handyman, our security here in Phnom Penh. He is 46 years old and is married with 5 children. Som never says much - never did and probably never will. He watches all of us and helps where is needed. My return brought a big smile to his face - a gentle hug - and a welcome home coffee. Som, my quiet one, spoke -"It is so good to have you back." We grinned and I wished him and his family the best of 2004. Som began to reminisce - "You know Janne, before I met you and Tabitha in 1995 - my life was very hard. I had a very poor house; only 2 of my children could go to school. My wife was very unhappy - she had no work and she would sit all day and think of bad thoughts. These thoughts would make her ill and then she would cry - she grieved because the children were jealous of each other - only 2 could go to school each year - the other 3 had to stay home. Our children would be angry and ask us why they couldn't go to school. My wife and I were both so very sad and we had no hope. I could only provide for 20% of my family's needs. It was too hard. Then I met you and you hired me as a guard. Tabitha was so different - you made all of us take care of our own needs but also the needs of the people we work with. You made us all equal and it made me feel like I was a somebody - that I was just like everyone else. You made me save and think of what I could do - not about what I didn't have. You kept telling me that a good home was possible, that my children could all go to school, that my wife and I could laugh again. Then in 1999, we built our house together with you. Later that year I dug a fish pond and my wife had work to take care of the fish. She doesn't cry anymore, she no longer thinks about sad things, every morning she sings as she gets the children ready for school. Then she takes care of the fish; she feeds them and makes sure the pond is strong. Every day she brings fish to people in our community who don't have enough to eat. The fish we sell every month, helps pay for 30% of all our needs and she is proud of that. Then you helped me buy my motorbike and I can be with my family each week-end. Before that, it was hard to go home because everyone was unhappy and I couldn't do anything to make it better - now I enjoy going home. You know the best thing I like about Tabitha is the house building - I get to go all over the country and meet people who were just like me - a nobody - and now, just like me, they are somebody. I am so very proud that I can help myself and my family but I am even prouder that I can help others to be just like myself. I know that God blesses you and that He blesses me but I want you to know that I bless you as well and all those who help us. I and my family are so happy to be a part of Tabitha and all the people that we help. My blessings are not just for this year but for all the years that lie ahead." Thank you my friend - I and Som and all of us at Tabitha wish each and every one of you the blessings you have given, to be returned ten fold - not just this year but all the years that lie ahead. Janne Wednesday, February 18. 2004 Dear friends and partners, Starting in new provinces always involves a lot of work - staff spend days travelling through-out the province - meeting with the local chiefs and talking with the people. Discussions are held with me and other staff - more questions - more travelling - more answers until we think we should begin. But before we begin in a big way, I am requested to come and see for myself - to give my final stamp of approval. This week was one of those final approval weeks. I approved the opening of Banteay Meanchay province - a province whose location is contiguous to Siem Reap and is a natural choice for expansion. Let me share my 2 days that I spent with Ani, our manager in Siem Reap and Tim Kameak who is our new manager in Banteay Meanchay. Kameak joined our staff in 2000 - he was a close friend of Dara. Dara, I suspect, knew that he was dying, and so he quietly trained Kameak in the work. After Dara's death, it was natural to hire him as staff and to take over Dara's work. Kameak is just 30, single and women are a bane in his life. He is the youngest of 5 children; his parents killed by the Khmer Rouge, his oldest brother as well - leaving his 4 sisters and himself. He is another quiet one, putting up with the constant teasing of the female staff in Siem Reap and the hugs and kisses from me, his boss. But he likes it - if we don't do all these things, he thinks he has done something wrong. Monday morning started early, I left Phnom Penh at 7 a.m.and arrived in Siem Reap 45 minutes later. Ani and Kameak had the car ready and off we went. Kameak was the driver and he took his vengeance out on us. The road is tarmac for 30 kilometres - on this section he drove no faster than 30 kilometres an hour - my patience was tested but I said nothing- and then we hit the dirt roads - speed crept up to 120 kph and both Ani and I were white faced and perspiring - slow down I would say as we hit another crater - he smiled and just went that much faster - I smacked him on the arm and I got the grin - by this time, Ani had her arms around my neck - her breathing came in gasps and groans - I smacked him harder - then we saw a bridge - and he slowed down to 10 kph - a breather except the bridge was in horrible shape - gaps in the girders - spikes all over the road - but we made it - it was the first of 77 bridges - I came to love them and hate them at the same time. In an hour we entered Banteay Meanchay province - at first it looked like Siem Reap and then became flatter and flatter - huge expanses of seemingly endless plain - dotted occasionally by communities. We arrived in Banteay Meanchay at 10:30 and Kameak proudly drove us to the office he and the staff had chosen. I was horrified. It is a shack of broken wood with mud floors - Ani saw my face and quickly assured me there was nothing better for $20.00 a month - I said, we can afford more; but then she said, we looked - $100 ones are the same and she then showed me one on the outside it was done nicely - coloured tiles but inside it was wood and mud. "This will not do," said I, "you must fix it - cement floors and new walls, a bedroom and a kitchen and a toilet" - Ani laughed - she said: "I knew you would say this when you saw it" Kameak gave his grin again and I gave him a hug. Then we went off to see the potential families - we met several families, representing 650 families - all of whom broke rocks into small stones for a living. It was hard to imagine breaking rocks for a living - the morning had gotten hot and women, men and children all sat in makeshift shades breaking rocks, - none stopped as we talked - they worked 7 days a week to crush one truck-load of rocks - their homes were mere shells of bits and pieces of grass and plastic, mud floors, little else - a life time of misery for so very little. Yet none complained; for then Kameak showed me the ones with no homes and no work - hundreds of them and I was appalled. Breaking rocks, the people said, is much better than having no work and no food. Poverty is a hard task master. I am humbled by the quiet strength of those who work so hard for so little and even more humbled by those who desire to work but cannot find any. Their will to live is so very strong. At 2 p.m. we left for Poipet - the border town with Thailand. Here my culture shock re-asserted itself - we stayed in a Casino with a 5 star Hotel - price was $30.00 which included 2 meals and a $10 chit to gamble with. I was horrified, but Ani said, you need to see this. As we stood at the top of the hotel we saw horrendous poverty - next to the wall of the hotel, 850 families lived in shacks - no water, no toilets, no anything. Then we drove around the town - behind the front row of respectable businesses were thousands of families living in poverty. On the outskirts of the town were entire suburbs of families living in poverty. Everywhere we went - there was more - each place had its own unique mark - dirt, filth, limited space - suburbs had space but showed just how terrible the living really was. "Oh Kameak," I kept saying, "lots of work, lots of work." I kept getting the grin. With such poverty, security is often an issue - we discussed all our options and decisions were made. The next morning we stood at the border and watched people streaming across the border to find what work they could. Kameak was mesmerized and forgot he was driving - people were honking and screaming at us to move our car off the road, but he just couldn't absorb it all. Finally we were off again, this time to find the silk weavers. 3 hours later - we were on a dirt road without gas; but a wizened man showed up with 10 cokes bottles of gas and we were ready to go. In the silk weavers villages - the poverty was much less - they were growing the silk worms and showed us the process - it was fascinating. Most of it is bought by our weavers in Takeo and other places. Very good. We arrived back in Siem Reap to meet with the other staff - we were looking for a real showroom for our Cottage Industry Crafts to display to the tourists who visit the temples of Angkor Wat. Kameak still drove and he very kindly stopped in the middle of the road whenever we saw a place. We think we found one - decisions were made of who will do what and how, as this process moves on. At 4 p.m.we were at the airport - Ani, Apo, Sarouen, Mari, Chrisom, Vath all said good bye - Kameak stood before me with his grin - both of us were hot and dirty and smelly - he gave me a big hug. I held him close for a minute and then said, well done, son, well done. Our 2 days together will never be forgotten - I am so grateful that God has given him to us as a part of Tabitha. I am so grateful that God gave us each of you to stand with us. It is so very good. Janne Thursday, March 25. 2004 Dear friends and partners, It has been an unusually busy time since I last wrote to all of you. Let me begin by saying that the hot season has arrived earlier than usual. This brings its own unique set of problems. It is in this time that so many of our staff and workers become ill. Last Friday, we were rejoicing over opening our first real shop in Siem Reap - as we were talking, Ani, our manager, received a phone call. One of our long time workers in Cottage Industry had passed away suddenly. Meng Sarouen was only thirty; she had come that morning to our devotions, she seemed to be fine, smiling and chatting with all of us. As is the norm on Fridays, she received her pay, picked up her work for this week and went home. When she arrived, she sat down on her mat and passed away. Meng had suffered from tuberculosis for many years - the hot season exacerbates the illness. She died without complaint - her 3 year old adopted daughter was taken home by her neighbours - orphaned yet again. In many parts of our projects, the hot season leaves the land looking barren and dusty. We visited a new commune -Trapeang Sap - a community of 800 families whose main source of income is the making of brown sugar from palm trees.It was already hot when we arrived - as we entered the volunteer's home - the heat increased dramatically - over several open fires were large vats with sap bubbling merrily away. A young lady of 14 was stirring the sap and continually adding wood to the fire. Different families kept bringing more sap, all contained in PVC tubes, and the sap was poured to begin the process of changing sap into sugar. I told them how we made maple syrup in Canada where the heat was welcomed as it was often very cold. There was a bit of misinterpretation as one of the women put a blanket around my shoulders. No, no more heat thank you. It took a day and a half to render a vat full of sap down to 5 kilos of excellent tasting sugar. Cambodian cooking usually requires a pinch or 2 of this sugar to make the dish just right. Nary, Srei, Tharry and I all delighted in putting our fingers into the freshly made sugar -it was very sweet and made us all giggle. I marvelled at how hard these families worked - their land is small as children grownup and get married and receive their own parcel of precious land as a wedding gift from their parents. Most families only had a quarter of a hectare ( a bit more than 1/2 acre) left to grow their main staple, rice. It is too small to feed the family for a year. The palm sugar was their only other source of income - for three months the sap runs and each day every member of the family is involved. The men, both young and old, tap the trees and then carry 30 tubes of sap to the cooking fires - some as far as 2 kilometres - each tube of sap weighing several kilos. Their backs are bent and their muscles are strained as they walked through the fields. The women tend the fires and constantly stir the sap until only the sugar is left - a hot and tiring task. The elderly and the very young spend their days scavenging for materials to feed the fires. The sap is sold for 1000 riels (10 cents) a kilo - unbelievably cheap for so much labour - we all bought several kilos - my share given to our staff at the office. These families renew our desire to reach out to so many more. There is so much to do. All of you have made this month so wonderful. Tabitha Singapore sent us joyful news - they had been accepted by Singaporean authorities to officially start Tabitha Singapore. The Friends of Tabitha arrived to select products for our next Silk Show to be held in Singapore, in April. Tabitha Australia worked with us in designing an innovative way of selling our products in Australia.We hope to begin this process in April. Tabitha USA, Canada and UK all came forth with the funds needed to work freely - without worry. Many individuals visited us and still many more contacted us through email, regular mail and phone calls. How good that is. We reached another milestone with our volunteer house builders - more than 200 volunteers arrived to build a record 37 houses in one month - the majority were students from various International schools in Asia. It is always very good to inter-act with these young people. To keep it all in perspective - to remind me that I have a family, Tuit, who is Miriam's nanny, developed lumps in her breast - they are benign. Miriam got to play with a cycle while I was up country - breaking her arm and getting an overnight trip to Bangkok with mom. But the worst was myself - I developed a little blister on my big toe from having my nails cut - it was embarrassing as I greeted visitors and friends with a lemon tied around my toe - Cambodian herbal medicine - and pain that brought tears to my eyes. How could such a little thing hurt so much. Thank you to each of you - you are enabling us to do so very much. I am humbled and amazed by my God who has brought each of you into our lives. Life couldn't get any better. Janne Wednesday April 28. 2004 Dear friends and partners, Happy Khmer New Years to each and every one of you. Its been an = extra-ordinary month but it seems that each new month, each new day is extra-ordinary. This month we closed all our shops and all our work down in order to celebrate the holiday - it is the first time that we have been able to do so since we opened Tabitha in 1994. It was a gift given to us by all of you - our support base is becoming strong enough to bear the closure for a few days - giving all of us a much needed break. My little family celebrated in true Khmer fashion - with our friends we went to the country side to throw water and baby powder - we got as good as we gave - my Miriam forgot to open her window several times and so I received more than I should have. She was delighted and so was I. click Miriam <miriam.html> for more news. Its also been a month of trauma. This past Sunday night at 2:30 in the morning, I was woken to find a man standing by my bed shining a flashlight in my eyes. God has promised to take care of us in such times and He did so this time. Without a murmur, I closed my eyes while I registered the fact that this was not good. I did not cry out, nor did I move. In the 30 seconds it took to think about the situation I received the wisdom to turn on my bed light near my hand and to stand quickly - easier to fight while standing, I say. The bed light is dim but gave enough light for me to see that my bathroom door was slightly open. I walked quickly to push it just a little, enough to know that it was not my imagination as the window glass was gone. I was not frightened - my thoughts were clear - make sure Miriam and Tuit were safe and so I left my room with the door open and went to theirs. I told Tuit there was someone in the house and to call the security man next door. Tuit, in a confused state, said "don't worry, I will kill the cockroach" - I grabbed her and said again, "a man, not a roach, call the security next door". I stood in the living room with a flashlight ready to take on the intruder should he come out of my room while Tuit opened the backdoor - she did not call out - she slammed it and came back breathless and badly shaken, a second man was standing near by. We went into Miriam's room - she did not cry out, she did not say a word, she just held her arms out to be held. I had bought Tuit a hand phone for Christmas and she grabbed it - "call Nari," I said. Another miracle, Nari answered after the first ring: she said, "don't leave the room, don't make a sound - I will call the police." Meng Wan, our second nanny was sleeping in the outside guest room - we phoned her and she, too stayed quiet. 15 minutes later the police and Nari arrived - Meng Wan walked across the yard in slow motion, deeply traumatized by what was happening. As the police entered the yard, I held my door shut while Tuit opened the main doors to the house. At first, the police thought I was just a crazy foreigner until I took them to the side to show them the empty window. It was only then that things happened quickly - guns and more guns and a thorough, professional search of every inch and every nook and cranny of the house, the garden and the roof. One of the intruders had left his shorts behind, a fact that left Miriam wondering why. There were so many police and so professional - it was so very comforting. I started to shake and then they asked me what happened - we told them everything - the police were astonished - "why do you think he did not hurt you?" they asked me. They always hurt people if they know you are awake. I was still a bit numbed and my mouth opened before I thought: "I think they were after one of the pretty girls and when they saw I was an old lady, they decided it was too much." The laughter eased the tension but all of us were beginning to tremble from the fright. In the morning light the police returned to take the fingerprints, the chief of our commune came to make sure all was well, the landlord sent workers to fix the windows - iron bars - and to install razor wire and spotlights. Nari and I decided that this was a message to make sure we were safe and so we hired a night guard - something I had resisted for so long. At the end of the day, all of the staff and workers came - about 90 people - to touch me and make sure all was fine. We shared, we hugged and we laughed - so much comedy in the midst of it all. We thanked our God for keeping us safe. Tuit's prayer touched my soul - she prayed that God had kept me safe because He had sent me to be a tree - covering all of them with cooling shade in their times of sorrow - I was a cooling steam of water in their hard lives - and she prayed that He would keep me safe in the years to come. My tears flowed freely. I returned to work on Tuesday morning - my body feeling so very heavy - it was hard to lift my feet - I was so desperately tired. And then I opened the e-mails and there were 140 orders from our second Silk show that was held in Singapore a short week before. Nari, the staff and I looked at each other and we began to laugh, my weariness disappeared and today, there is colour everywhere - silks are on the floor, on the desks and people chatting and laughing making beautiful house wares. Sharon, one of the mainstays of the Singapore show, phoned to discuss the orders and I shared what happened. And now I share this with you all because life is not always easy. But mainly I wanted to share about all the miracles - no one was hurt; we could fix all the problems without worrying about funds; we have the relationships to ensure that when we need help from the local authorities they do respond and with expertise. God's grace surrounds us even in moments of distress - we are surrounded by each other and by all of you. As I said earlier, it is an extra-ordinary month but then each day is that way - and each of you are a part of it. Thank you for that gift. Janne Wednesday, June 2.2004 Dear friends and partners, One of the best parts of my job is the privilege of visiting the project sites. These visits are about having time to talk one on one with all the development staff and seeing what they have done. Nari often accompanies me on these visits so that we are both up to date on what is happening. On our first site visit we went with Srei, Tharry, Pon and Heng to our new project in Kampot province. There was lots of time to talk with each of them and time to talk with all of us and even some time to meditate for the roads to Kampot vary in degrees of horribleness - on a scale of 1-10 - with 10 being the best - we started on a 6 and rapidly decreased to a 2 - I am a seasoned traveller - but this time, even I was beginning to fade with the bouncing and jouncing and the terrible snail's pace we kept up for hours at a time. All of us were delighted to finally arrive and meet our new staff, Sokha. He is a gentle and unassuming man and took all of us in stride. The people kept finding us and pulling us to come and see what they had done. Within 6 weeks of beginning, 320 families had joined our program. The poverty was ameliorated by the enthusiasm of the people. We went to a number of homes - our driving finally ended as we ended up in rice paddies in mud up to the axles. We left the boys to free the van - us girls went off to see the wonders of the wells. We met a group of 5 families - they had plowed several hectares of land and had planted cucumbers (about 6 cm high) and lettuce. There was such excitement as they showed me scrub land that had been like theirs before - and then they showed me more hectares that other families were tilling to plant their vegetables. "We have water, we can do so many things, "-they all said. I was a bit dubious about it all - and asked: "did you not plant before?" -"no," they chorused - "no one ever came and talked with us - no one ever shared ideas with us - we couldn't think anymore - but now we can think of so much that we can do." A few days later, we went off to Prey Veng to visit with Pat, Ponluck and Choeun. We arrived at our office and I was delighted to see how Pat had fixed his house into an office for Tabitha. Our travels brought us to new areas - once again I was appalled by the poverty and touched by the eagerness of the families to show us what they had done. In one small village of 30 families stood a well donated by Pat, Ponluck and Choeun in memory of my mother - there were 8 new houses built by a team of volunteers. The people had so little yet they were full of enthusiasm for all they could now do - once again, I heard the refrain - we couldn't think anymore, we had no ideas - until Tabitha came - now, come see what we can do. We went off to see 70 families in another village - they had just completed their first cycle of savings - each and everyone had bought water jars - we stopped at the a house where a well was being dug - it was fascinating to watch the drill as it hit water and it came up the spout - Chouen's desire was that we see each and every water jar for it was the first time that the 860 families in this village had their own well. There is only so much one can say about water jars. see also Report on Wells,September 30.2002 <dispatches2002.html#reportonwells2002> At the end of the day I asked the staff if they wanted to ask anything or say anything. Pat spoke, its so good to have you come - you tell us our mistakes without us feeling bad and in a way that is easy for us to do - you show us all the good things we do and it makes us want to do more. It is good that you come - you must come more often. A few days later, we were off to Kompong Som to visit with Vonn, Peu and Seyha. Seyha and Peu were anxious to show us their new communities - the car could only go so far and then we started to walk. I asked how far - they said, just till the end of the village - the end was a long ways away. It was good to be in the countryside - it was good to share and it was good to see what all they had done. We all went off to see the new communities Vonn wanted to expand to - another new province. The trip was wonderful - along the roadside we stopped to buy fruit - the staff went crazy - 50 kilos of rambuttans - I said, can't you buy these in Phnom Penh - they all laughed and said, Cambodian fruit is the best - there is no medicine used and its fresh. I started to laugh - it had taken so many years to hear them say that Cambodia was number 1 in something. Nari and Srei went for a week to see our work in Banteay Meanchay and Siem Reap - Kameak is doing well "but oh the poverty, Janne." They saw Mari and Sarouen's new communities - and the same report - they are doing well "but oh, the poverty!" In between the site visits, we were very busy with finishing the orders from our second Silk Show in Singapore and preparing our first set of products to be sold in Australia. There was and still is silk everywhere - the office is full of colour and chatter and laughter - many of the workers actually slept in the office for several nights - trying to put it all together. The weavers are weaving in a season that is traditionally slow - there is no hunger for our workers this year. Its been a month of miracles, a month of grace - so many people - so much accomplished - so much more to do. No matter where we went or whom was talking - there was thankfulness and excitement - a deep awareness of how God has surrounded us with His grace and how each of you have been a part of that grace. Thank you all. Janne Tuesday August 10 2004 Dear friends and partners, It seems like so long since I have talked with all of you. Partly, it is a result of being in Canada for the month of July. Miriam and I left on the first of July and returned at the end of the month. We travelled to see family and to meet up with 12 of our adopted children and their families. What a privilege it was to see these young people again - to be allowed to enjoy their personalities and their strengthening friendships. It is so very good. It was good to be with family - to enjoy their fellowship - to laugh and to reminisce - to encourage and to be encouraged. It was good to be with Miriam and marvel at all that she marvelled at. Canada's Wonderland provided opportunity for her to comfort mom after just one too many rides on the roller coaster. She thought our 2 door rented car was magic but didn't think much of having to sit in the backseat all alone on our many miles of travel. She loved McNuggets, swimming with her cousins, riding the tractor with grandpa, getting spoiled by her aunties, going on all the water slides and her most favourite thing of all, getting to sleep in mom's bed the whole time - making mom a true convert to king size beds. On our return to Cambodia, we both felt a bit jet lagged. This lasted for several days until the yard needed to be de-snaked. It was an episode not soon to be forgotten. We had been troubled by snakes for several months. On the Sunday afternoon after our arrival we were sitting in the yard and a snake came out of our rock garden, slithered along the fence - noticed we were there - raised his head in consternation - flicked his tongue and then climbed into the tree. None of us said anything - we just sat frozen where we were. The next morning I announced that the snakes must go - and the drama began. First task was to find the snake man - it took most of the day - he was finally found in a field several miles from the city. He was delighted to come but it would take an hour of preparation. Off we went to the local village where he gulped several large glasses of the local wine. This, he said, would calm the snake. Back home we came and called several of our male friends to help us dismantle the rock garden - this took quite some energy as all of us were afraid of the snake deciding to make an appearance - the evening turned dark, when finally a snake was spotted. Our snake man had sat quietly bemused through all these efforts - he came to life - in a few moments he had one snake and then another and then yet one more. With each appearance - there was laughter and chatter but we all took a few steps back. They were vipers - not dangerous, he said, if they bite, the skin and muscles of your hand will wither and die but you will not die. Into plastic bags they went and our evening party slowly subsided. By then it was 9 pm, 2 hours past our early evening sleeps and for the first time, both Miriam and I slept through out the night. The staff had met us as the airport on our arrival. They were full of stories and chatter of all that had gone on. They were delighted to see us, but the usual list of urgent problems and decisions needed when I was away was not there. They had pulled together and with the help of Miles, a volunteer had handled all the issues. That was so very good. Now we are back into a regular routine - our most pressing issue is to find a larger building - we have outgrown our current one - so each morning a dozen or more of us look at yet another place - we may have found the right one for us today - but, if not - we will continue to look. The programs continue at full pace - something that we have never been able to do before - usually our summer months require strict budgeting and a slowdown of projects. It is because of all of you that we are free to work - free to dream - free to expand. What a gift you have given us- I praise my God for each of you - I praise my God for each of my staff- I praise my God for every family that we reach - it is all so very, very good. Janne Tuesday, September 21. 2004 Dear friends and partners, It has been a very hectic month since I last wrote to you. We found a new building - its in a better location - as a friend of mine said - "its fun to go through the store - every room is another room of treasures" - a fine compliment and explains our joy and thanksgiving. The actual act of moving was not so much joy - we were horrified at how much stuff we have accumulated so it became an opportunity to clean house. Our old landlord was horrified that we would leave - our new landlord was delighted - he agreed to do all the repairs and additions that we wanted. We had customers before the displays were ready - a steady flow each day - so different from our old location. And all of this was accomplished in three short but very long weeks. As soon as we settled into our new location, we began work on our plans and budgets for the new budget year which begins in October. It's a plan of dreams and visions - it speaks of dedication of our staff to the people they serve - it speaks of the assurance you give us to go out and do. We desire to reach out to 20,130 families affecting 152,550 people. What is so amazing is that the cost of helping each family to achieve their dreams this year is only $10.00 US per family. We are so thankful for that gift. Now, we ask that each of you help us to find 20,130 families that would partner with a family here at $10 per year - for Singaporeans, Canadians and Australians it means $18.00 per family. Can you help us achieve these dreams? We are blessed with new opportunities to sell our products. Tabitha US is in process of opening an on-line store with all our products. The Friends of Tabitha in Singapore has held another Silk Fair and plans several more; individuals are promoting our goods to large corporations; Living Silk in Australia has begun to sell. All of these, as well as our regular customers enable us to pay for many of our administrative costs - leaving the costs of development to a minimum Tabitha Foundation Singapore has become a registered charity. This makes five foundations - all volunteers who give so freely of their time and skills - it makes so much more possible. Now we are busy with teams and expansion areas - next month we hope to produce a 10th Anniversary report on all that we have achieved - all the dreams the people have created and done - all the work which would not have happened without the support of each of you. I ask you to come and see what you and we have done together. All of this, of course. takes time - sometimes another 10 hours a day would suit me just fine. But it is the staff that amaze me most - they are working very long hours and not a word of complaint. I suggested that maybe we should slow down accepting new teams for house building - their response was quick and loud - we can do more. I suggested that perhaps we don't need new customers - their response was to bring in 4 young ladies whose choice was to work for us or to work in brothels. Big grins as I just laughed. I suggested maybe we should be content with the families we had - their response was to tell me to come and see and to tell these families that are waiting myself that we will not come. I suggested to make sure that our dreams are one - their response was to show me that we are only just beginning our quest. So it has become a time of rejoicing - a time of renewal - a time of continuation of what is started - a time of reaching out to more. It is a time of thankfulness to our God and His Grace - a time of thankfulness for each of you. I don't think life can get much better except for a bit more time for Miriam - even she, in her young age - says " its okay mom, there are many people to help." Janne Congratulations: Tabitha is 10 years old Dear friends and partners, It is hard to believe that 10 years ago, October 14.1994 we first opened our doors as Tabitha Cambodia. We had a dream - a dream to reach out to many who were and are in despair and to change that despair to hope and to a new approach to their present and future lives. It took five years to clarify and refine how we would do that - it has taken another five years to implement the process to a viable and dynamic program. During our ten years our progress was often interrupted by political and natural disturbances - sometimes it seems that for every step of growth a disaster would occur that put us back two steps. This last year has shown what we can do if interruptions are kept to a minimum. Ten years ago we had a dream - a dream of having others stand with us as we reached out We didn't know how wonderful that part of the dream would work out. Now we have five Foundations representing hundreds of people around the world, who stand in partnership and faith with us and the people we work with This is our 10th anniversary year - a year of celebration and growth. Our dreams are to work with 20,130 families, affecting 152, 550 people. Our dream is to impact each one in various ways through our programs. Our dream is to build 200 houses with 48 teams representing many nations around the world. Our dream is to install another 504 wells - bringing clean, accessible, potable water to another 2,520 families. Our dream is to achieve this by encouraging and build each other up - giving us the strength to help build up the lives of those we reach. It is with much humbleness and thankfulness that we give praise to our God for His sustaining Grace in all that we are and do. It is with much humbleness and thankfulness that we give praise to God for each one of you. You have helped us to reach out to so many, you have struggled with us and rejoiced with us. May the blessings you have given be returned ten fold. In His service, Janne Ritskes, Director Tabitha Cambodia Cambodia, October 2004 Dear Friends and Partners, This October 2004 marks the completion of our first ten years as Tabitha - Cambodia. As I look back - there is so very much to be thankful for - so much to share. Tabitha - Cambodia was built from my faith in my God, who is gracious and kind - whose promises never fail. I would like to quote a few verses from God's Word, the Bible: It will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the man with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. "Master, he said, "you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more. His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" The man with two talents also came. "Master, he said, "you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more." His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things: I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness. " I share these few words with you as it explains so much of what we all have done together. I invite all of you to come and see what we have done - you and me, the staff and the families we work with. The values underlying these verses are self-evident in the work that has been done. There is a clear recognition of all our collective responsibilities - from those of you who support us - what you have given has borne much fruit - from us as staff and director - we have gone from few to very many - from our families who started with one talent - rather than bury that talent - have chosen to use it and to gain so much more. Ten years ago, I was told to go ahead and follow my faith. There are many who say - look what you have done - how can you do so much. But this is a fallacy. I was never alone - my God was and is always with me. The staff have grown and done the work - their talents have increased ten fold - but most important of all - the families we are called to serve - chose and continue to choose - to use their one talent and change that one into many. The following pages are clearly intended to come and see what we have done. It is a pictorial celebration of sharing in my master's happiness.* It is also a reminder that well done is not enough. You and I, the staff and the families we are helping and those families who are awaiting us, we will be given double our talents, double our responsibilities - sharing in our master's happiness. A promise and challenge we take on with joy and much humbleness. I would like to take the opportunity to thank each of you - supporters, staff, participating families for allowing me this privilege - this gift of life. I wish I could name each of you by name but then this report would be hundreds of pages long. Suffice it to say that the number of foundations reflects the many hundreds of people who have given of their time and their money to make us what we are today. I am grateful to my God that His promises meant that each of you are an integral of Tabitha - Cambodia. What unfathomable Grace I am surrounded by. Now, I invite you to come - turn the pages - and see what we have all done together. In His service, Janne Ritskes, Founder/Director, Tabitha Cambodia Thursday, November 04 2004 Dear friends and partners, It has been a very busy few weeks. October was our tenth anniversary month and so we celebrated. Of course, we didn't do it the normal way by having a big party - instead we decided to build as many houses as we could for as many families as we could. The result was 9 volunteer teams came with 183 people and they built 62 houses. This averages to 2 houses per day - what a month! The teams brought their own brand of excitement and of grace which was infectious and so we were all excited and were surrounded with grace. What a way to celebrate! Click on Volunteer House Building <programs.html#housebuilding> Our orders and sales for the Cottage Industry were also phenomenal - in fact - we were able to hire more workers. 2 of these workers are young ladies - sisters actually - one 17 and the other 19. Their home situation is one of extreme poverty - mom had been ill for several months and the medical bills were paid through borrowing funds from money lenders - they were not too happy that these could not be repaid. The family of 8 was down to 1 meal of just rice per day - their home nothing but a simple hut made of grass - it was rainy season and so all members fell ill from being wet and unable to sleep through the night as the rain fell inside as well as outside their hut. Neither one of the girls had any sewing skills but what they had and still have is determination. Their first few weeks were a trial for everyone - it was hard to sew even a straight line - they earned a few riels - but not much. And then I let it be known that if their skills did not improve dramatically - they would be out of a job. Several of the workers live together and invited the girls to share their home. Each night they worked with the girls. As the orders increased, the pressure was on to work hard. Then one Friday, there was a lot of chatter and laughter. I walked through the building and both girls were standing in the hallway looking very distressed. I asked Nari what was going on. The girls were struggling with their pay - in their minds they had been radically over-paid - they had never seen so much money in their lives - they wanted to give some back. Everyone was enjoying their disbelief - we were all deeply touched with their thankfulness and joy when they realized the money was all theirs - what a way to celebrate! We celebrated the coronation of a new king - my little princess Miriam was dismayed - her own birthday coincided with the former king's birthday. She believed that her birthday was very special because of the fireworks held in honour of the King. With the rest of the country we were delighted with the new king and my princess was even more excited that the fireworks lasted for 4 nights. What a way to celebrate! For more news about Miriam, click Miriam <miriam.html> I have taken time this month to reflect over the past ten years. One of the greatest miracles is how each of you has become involved and is an integral part of all that has happened. I thank my God for each of you - for each of our staff - our miracle workers - but most of all - for the grace of being able to be a part of each of our families. What a way to celebrate! Janne December 6. 2004 Dear friends and partners, We've had an unusual number of events the past few weeks - I thought I'd just share one of the most poignant ones that I experienced. Several weeks ago, I travelled with the staff to meet 2 groups of families in one of our new districts - Kirivon. Now Kirivon is one of those places that I do not rush to visit as the roads are a bit bone jarring to say the least. The request had been presented in August - it took me 3 months to find the time to come. Srei, Tharry, Phon, Cheiring and Pow were all delighted, actually Cheiring and Pow were a bit nervous - they are relatively new staff and I have a reputation of asking the hard questions. We met both groups within 50 meters of each other - both groups are very poor - their main source of income is to carve out bricks from volcanic rock underneath their feet. Its an onerous task requiring much skill and strength - an improper size brick will not be purchased. An average family can chip out 5 blocks a day - their earnings average 2500 riels or roughly 55 cents per day. Their houses are simply scrap thatch - their clothing is bare, their food is subsistence. As we stood talking about their labours - they proudly showed me their new pick-axes and hammers they had bought from their savings. The staff, as usual, didn't make their request known; they waited until I was properly enamoured with these people. Then they said to the leader of the group, show her what you want. We walked to the side of the road and they pointed at something and asked if Tabitha would help them clear their water hole. I looked for the water hole but found it hard to see - it was covered with bush and thistles - so I took a few tentative steps in the right direction and sure enough - their was a pit about 8 meters square with water in it. I asked the story - the families told us how this had been dug by their grandparents 60 years ago to keep water for the village - there was a second one a half kilometre away. The water holes had fallen into disuse despite the water in it - things had fallen in to spoil the water - I asked what things - people were not to anxious to answer - children, cows they murmured. I didn't say much - I had an inkling of what had really happened - the Pol Pot years tended to use such spots as places to disperse those they murdered. I turned and asked Cheiring and Pow what they thought - they just shuffled their feet and looked away. Srei looked at me with beseeching eyes - please understand, she begged. I asked the people, why do you not clear the bush, why do you allow it to be this way? Again much shuffling of feet - obviously, my inkling was right. What do you need - I asked - money they said, money to put cement and steps and to drain the water and to clean it. How much, I asked - $300 they said for each reservoir. I said little, kept looking at the bush and picked a few thorns out of my leg. I said, okay, this is the deal - you must clear the entire bush and the water - you must do this yourselves - if you have done this, then Tabitha will give you the money. If you do not do this - Tabitha will give you nothing. The leader was a wizened old man - we will do this. You have 1 week to clear and clean both reservoirs - I said, I will see what you do. The next week, the staff proudly showed me the pictures of the cleared reservoirs - the following week, the staff returned with laughter in their eyes - Oh Janne, you should see it - the cement and the poles - and the ceremonies - they are no longer afraid of the ghosts - they are laid to rest - they are no longer dirty, they can now wash - they are no longer thirsty, they can now drink -it's so very good. I thought back to the biblical words spoken so many years ago - to give a cup of cold water - so little can bring so much - and I thought of the biblical saying of casting our bread upon the waters and it will come back to you. You, our friends and partners, are our bread - you have brought comfort to those who sorrowed, you have given a cup of cold water to those who had none. Thank you for that gift. Janne BACK TO TOP Home » News & Events » Current News » News Archive

Tabitha Foundation Canada

Updates from Cambodia 2004

Home » News & Events » Current News » News Archive

January 15, 2004

Dear friends and partners,

It is the beginning of a new year and like all new beginnings - there is an air of anticipation and excitement for what the future will bring. For me personally, the year 2003 ended in sadness and celebration. My mother passed away in mid December - she lived to a good age - her life was one of faith and anticipation and excitement - she saw much and did even more.

My daughter, Miriam and I travelled home to Canada to grieve with our family and to celebrate my mother's life and the life she had given to all of us. It was a time of excitement as Miriam discovered snow and all its joys; she discovered what cold is and all its trauma; she learned about grief and that it is okay to be sad; she learned that family is a source of renewal and hope

On our return we were met by our Cambodian family - there were hugs and tears - there was joy and excitement - above all there was a sense of relief - we had come back.

Sok Som is our handyman, our security here in Phnom Penh. He is 46 years old and is married with 5 children. Som never says much - never did and probably never will. He watches all of us and helps where is needed. My return brought a big smile to his face - a gentle hug - and a welcome home coffee. Som, my quiet one, spoke -"It is so good to have you back." We grinned and I wished him and his family the best of 2004.

Som began to reminisce - "You know Janne, before I met you and Tabitha in 1995 - my life was very hard. I had a very poor house; only 2 of my children could go to school. My wife was very unhappy - she had no work and she would sit all day and think of bad thoughts. These thoughts would make her ill and then she would cry - she grieved because the children were jealous of each other - only 2 could go to school each year - the other 3 had to stay home. Our children would be angry and ask us why they couldn't go to school. My wife and I were both so very sad and we had no hope. I could only provide for 20% of my family's needs. It was too hard.

Then I met you and you hired me as a guard. Tabitha was so different - you made all of us take care of our own needs but also the needs of the people we work with. You made us all equal and it made me feel like I was a somebody - that I was just like everyone else. You made me save and think of what I could do - not about what I didn't have. You kept telling me that a good home was possible, that my children could all go to school, that my wife and I could laugh again.

Then in 1999, we built our house together with you. Later that year I dug a fish pond and my wife had work to take care of the fish. She doesn't cry anymore, she no longer thinks about sad things, every morning she sings as she gets the children ready for school. Then she takes care of the fish; she feeds them and makes sure the pond is strong. Every day she brings fish to people in our community who don't have enough to eat. The fish we sell every month, helps pay for 30% of all our needs and she is proud of that.

Then you helped me buy my motorbike and I can be with my family each week-end. Before that, it was hard to go home because everyone was unhappy and I couldn't do anything to make it better - now I enjoy going home.

You know the best thing I like about Tabitha is the house building - I get to go all over the country and meet people who were just like me - a nobody - and now, just like me, they are somebody. I am so very proud that I can help myself and my family but I am even prouder that I can help others to be just like myself. I know that God blesses you and that He blesses me but I want you to know that I bless you as well and all those who help us. I and my family are so happy to be a part of Tabitha and all the people that we help. My blessings are not just for this year but for all the years that lie ahead."

Thank you my friend - I and Som and all of us at Tabitha wish each and every one of you the blessings you have given, to be returned ten fold - not just this year but all the years that lie ahead.

Janne

Wednesday, February 18. 2004

Dear friends and partners,

Starting in new provinces always involves a lot of work - staff spend days travelling through-out the province - meeting with the local chiefs and talking with the people. Discussions are held with me and other staff - more questions - more travelling - more answers until we think we should begin.

But before we begin in a big way, I am requested to come and see for myself - to give my final stamp of approval. This week was one of those final approval weeks. I approved the opening of Banteay Meanchay province - a province whose location is contiguous to Siem Reap and is a natural choice for expansion. Let me share my 2 days that I spent with Ani, our manager in Siem Reap and Tim Kameak who is our new manager in Banteay Meanchay.

Kameak joined our staff in 2000 - he was a close friend of Dara. Dara, I suspect, knew that he was dying, and so he quietly trained Kameak in the work. After Dara's death, it was natural to hire him as staff and to take over Dara's work. Kameak is just 30, single and women are a bane in his life. He is the youngest of 5 children; his parents killed by the Khmer Rouge, his oldest brother as well - leaving his 4 sisters and himself. He is another quiet one, putting up with the constant teasing of the female staff in Siem Reap and the hugs and kisses from me, his boss. But he likes it - if we don't do all these things, he thinks he has done something wrong.

Monday morning started early, I left Phnom Penh at 7 a.m.and arrived in Siem Reap 45 minutes later. Ani and Kameak had the car ready and off we went. Kameak was the driver and he took his vengeance out on us. The road is tarmac for 30 kilometres - on this section he drove no faster than 30 kilometres an hour - my patience was tested but I said nothing- and then we hit the dirt roads - speed crept up to 120 kph and both Ani and I were white faced and perspiring - slow down I would say as we hit another crater - he smiled and just went that much faster - I smacked him on the arm and I got the grin - by this time, Ani had her arms around my neck - her breathing came in gasps and groans - I smacked him harder - then we saw a bridge - and he slowed down to 10 kph - a breather except the bridge was in horrible shape - gaps in the girders - spikes all over the road - but we made it - it was the first of 77 bridges - I came to love them and hate them at the same time.

In an hour we entered Banteay Meanchay province - at first it looked like Siem Reap and then became flatter and flatter - huge expanses of seemingly endless plain - dotted occasionally by communities. We arrived in Banteay Meanchay at 10:30 and Kameak proudly drove us to the office he and the staff had chosen. I was horrified. It is a shack of broken wood with mud floors - Ani saw my face and quickly assured me there was nothing better for $20.00 a month - I said, we can afford more; but then she said, we looked - $100 ones are the same and she then showed me one on the outside it was done nicely - coloured tiles but inside it was wood and mud. "This will not do," said I, "you must fix it - cement floors and new walls, a bedroom and a kitchen and a toilet" - Ani laughed - she said: "I knew you would say this when you saw it" Kameak gave his grin again and I gave him a hug.

Then we went off to see the potential families - we met several families, representing 650 families - all of whom broke rocks into small stones for a living. It was hard to imagine breaking rocks for a living - the morning had gotten hot and women, men and children all sat in makeshift shades breaking rocks, - none stopped as we talked - they worked 7 days a week to crush one truck-load of rocks - their homes were mere shells of bits and pieces of grass and plastic, mud floors, little else - a life time of misery for so very little. Yet none complained; for then Kameak showed me the ones with no homes and no work - hundreds of them and I was appalled. Breaking rocks, the people said, is much better than having no work and no food. Poverty is a hard task master. I am humbled by the quiet strength of those who work so hard for so little and even more humbled by those who desire to work but cannot find any. Their will to live is so very strong.

At 2 p.m. we left for Poipet - the border town with Thailand. Here my culture shock re-asserted itself - we stayed in a Casino with a 5 star Hotel - price was $30.00 which included 2 meals and a $10 chit to gamble with. I was horrified, but Ani said, you need to see this. As we stood at the top of the hotel we saw horrendous poverty - next to the wall of the hotel, 850 families lived in shacks - no water, no toilets, no anything. Then we drove around the town - behind the front row of respectable businesses were thousands of families living in poverty. On the outskirts of the town were entire suburbs of families living in poverty. Everywhere we went - there was more - each place had its own unique mark - dirt, filth, limited space - suburbs had space but showed just how terrible the living really was. "Oh Kameak," I kept saying, "lots of work, lots of work." I kept getting the grin. With such poverty, security is often an issue - we discussed all our options and decisions were made.

The next morning we stood at the border and watched people streaming across the border to find what work they could. Kameak was mesmerized and forgot he was driving - people were honking and screaming at us to move our car off the road, but he just couldn't absorb it all.

Finally we were off again, this time to find the silk weavers. 3 hours later - we were on a dirt road without gas; but a wizened man showed up with 10 cokes bottles of gas and we were ready to go. In the silk weavers villages - the poverty was much less - they were growing the silk worms and showed us the process - it was fascinating. Most of it is bought by our weavers in Takeo and other places. Very good.

We arrived back in Siem Reap to meet with the other staff - we were looking for a real showroom for our Cottage Industry Crafts to display to the tourists who visit the temples of Angkor Wat. Kameak still drove and he very kindly stopped in the middle of the road whenever we saw a place. We think we found one - decisions were made of who will do what and how, as this process moves on.

At 4 p.m.we were at the airport - Ani, Apo, Sarouen, Mari, Chrisom, Vath all said good bye - Kameak stood before me with his grin - both of us were hot and dirty and smelly - he gave me a big hug. I held him close for a minute and then said, well done, son, well done. Our 2 days together will never be forgotten - I am so grateful that God has given him to us as a part of Tabitha. I am so grateful that God gave us each of you to stand with us. It is so very good.

Janne

Thursday, March 25. 2004

Dear friends and partners,

It has been an unusually busy time since I last wrote to all of you. Let me begin by saying that the hot season has arrived earlier than usual. This brings its own unique set of problems. It is in this time that so many of our staff and workers become ill. Last Friday, we were rejoicing over opening our first real shop in Siem Reap - as we were talking, Ani, our manager, received a phone call. One of our long time workers in Cottage Industry had passed away suddenly. Meng Sarouen was only thirty; she had come that morning to our devotions, she seemed to be fine, smiling and chatting with all of us. As is the norm on Fridays, she received her pay, picked up her work for this week and went home. When she arrived, she sat down on her mat and passed away. Meng had suffered from tuberculosis for many years - the hot season exacerbates the illness. She died without complaint - her 3 year old adopted daughter was taken home by her neighbours - orphaned yet again.

In many parts of our projects, the hot season leaves the land looking barren and dusty. We visited a new commune -Trapeang Sap - a community of 800 families whose main source of income is the making of brown sugar from palm trees.It was already hot when we arrived - as we entered the volunteer's home - the heat increased dramatically - over several open fires were large vats with sap bubbling merrily away. A young lady of 14 was stirring the sap and continually adding wood to the fire. Different families kept bringing more sap, all contained in PVC tubes, and the sap was poured to begin the process of changing sap into sugar.

I told them how we made maple syrup in Canada where the heat was welcomed as it was often very cold. There was a bit of misinterpretation as one of the women put a blanket around my shoulders. No, no more heat thank you. It took a day and a half to render a vat full of sap down to 5 kilos of excellent tasting sugar. Cambodian cooking usually requires a pinch or 2 of this sugar to make the dish just right. Nary, Srei, Tharry and I all delighted in putting our fingers into the freshly made sugar -it was very sweet and made us all giggle.

I marvelled at how hard these families worked - their land is small as children grownup and get married and receive their own parcel of precious land as a wedding gift from their parents. Most families only had a quarter of a hectare ( a bit more than 1/2 acre) left to grow their main staple, rice. It is too small to feed the family for a year. The palm sugar was their only other source of income - for three months the sap runs and each day every member of the family is involved. The men, both young and old, tap the trees and then carry 30 tubes of sap to the cooking fires - some as far as 2 kilometres - each tube of sap weighing several kilos. Their backs are bent and their muscles are strained as they walked through the fields. The women tend the fires and constantly stir the sap until only the sugar is left - a hot and tiring task. The elderly and the very young spend their days scavenging for materials to feed the fires. The sap is sold for 1000 riels (10 cents) a kilo - unbelievably cheap for so much labour - we all bought several kilos - my share given to our staff at the office.

These families renew our desire to reach out to so many more. There is so much to do. All of you have made this month so wonderful. Tabitha Singapore sent us joyful news - they had been accepted by Singaporean authorities to officially start Tabitha Singapore. The Friends of Tabitha arrived to select products for our next Silk Show to be held in Singapore, in April.

Tabitha Australia worked with us in designing an innovative way of selling our products in Australia.We hope to begin this process in April. Tabitha USA, Canada and UK all came forth with the funds needed to work freely - without worry. Many individuals visited us and still many more contacted us through email, regular mail and phone calls. How good that is.

We reached another milestone with our volunteer house builders - more than 200 volunteers arrived to build a record 37 houses in one month - the majority were students from various International schools in Asia. It is always very good to inter-act with these young people.

To keep it all in perspective - to remind me that I have a family, Tuit, who is Miriam's nanny, developed lumps in her breast - they are benign. Miriam got to play with a cycle while I was up country - breaking her arm and getting an overnight trip to Bangkok with mom. But the worst was myself - I developed a little blister on my big toe from having my nails cut - it was embarrassing as I greeted visitors and friends with a lemon tied around my toe - Cambodian herbal medicine - and pain that brought tears to my eyes. How could such a little thing hurt so much.

Thank you to each of you - you are enabling us to do so very much. I am humbled and amazed by my God who has brought each of you into our lives. Life couldn't get any better.

Janne

Wednesday April 28. 2004

Dear friends and partners,

Happy Khmer New Years to each and every one of you. Its been an = extra-ordinary month but it seems that each new month, each new day is extra-ordinary. This month we closed all our shops and all our work down in order to celebrate the holiday - it is the first time that we have been able to do so since we opened Tabitha in 1994. It was a gift given to us by all of you - our support base is becoming strong enough to bear the closure for a few days - giving all of us a much needed break.

My little family celebrated in true Khmer fashion - with our friends we went to the country side to throw water and baby powder - we got as good as we gave - my Miriam forgot to open her window several times and so I received more than I should have. She was delighted and so was I. click Miriam <miriam.html> for more news.

Its also been a month of trauma. This past Sunday night at 2:30 in the morning, I was woken to find a man standing by my bed shining a flashlight in my eyes. God has promised to take care of us in such times and He did so this time. Without a murmur, I closed my eyes while I registered the fact that this was not good. I did not cry out, nor did I move. In the 30 seconds it took to think about the situation I received the wisdom to turn on my bed light near my hand and to stand quickly - easier to fight while standing, I say. The bed light is dim but gave enough light for me to see that my bathroom door was slightly open. I walked quickly to push it just a little, enough to know that it was not my imagination as the window glass was gone.

I was not frightened - my thoughts were clear - make sure Miriam and Tuit were safe and so I left my room with the door open and went to theirs. I told Tuit there was someone in the house and to call the security man next door. Tuit, in a confused state, said "don't worry, I will kill the cockroach" - I grabbed her and said again, "a man, not a roach, call the security next door". I stood in the living room with a flashlight ready to take on the intruder should he come out of my room while Tuit opened the backdoor - she did not call out - she slammed it and came back breathless and badly shaken, a second man was standing near by.

We went into Miriam's room - she did not cry out, she did not say a word, she just held her arms out to be held. I had bought Tuit a hand phone for Christmas and she grabbed it - "call Nari," I said. Another miracle, Nari answered after the first ring: she said, "don't leave the room, don't make a sound - I will call the police." Meng Wan, our second nanny was sleeping in the outside guest room - we phoned her and she, too stayed quiet.

15 minutes later the police and Nari arrived - Meng Wan walked across the yard in slow motion, deeply traumatized by what was happening. As the police entered the yard, I held my door shut while Tuit opened the main doors to the house. At first, the police thought I was just a crazy foreigner until I took them to the side to show them the empty window. It was only then that things happened quickly - guns and more guns and a thorough, professional search of every inch and every nook and cranny of the house, the garden and the roof. One of the intruders had left his shorts behind, a fact that left Miriam wondering why.

There were so many police and so professional - it was so very comforting. I started to shake and then they asked me what happened - we told them everything - the police were astonished - "why do you think he did not hurt you?" they asked me. They always hurt people if they know you are awake. I was still a bit numbed and my mouth opened before I thought: "I think they were after one of the pretty girls and when they saw I was an old lady, they decided it was too much." The laughter eased the tension but all of us were beginning to tremble from the fright.

In the morning light the police returned to take the fingerprints, the chief of our commune came to make sure all was well, the landlord sent workers to fix the windows - iron bars - and to install razor wire and spotlights. Nari and I decided that this was a message to make sure we were safe and so we hired a night guard - something I had resisted for so long. At the end of the day, all of the staff and workers came - about 90 people - to touch me and make sure all was fine. We shared, we hugged and we laughed - so much comedy in the midst of it all. We thanked our God for keeping us safe. Tuit's prayer touched my soul - she prayed that God had kept me safe because He had sent me to be a tree - covering all of them with cooling shade in their times of sorrow - I was a cooling steam of water in their hard lives - and she prayed that He would keep me safe in the years to come. My tears flowed freely.

I returned to work on Tuesday morning - my body feeling so very heavy - it was hard to lift my feet - I was so desperately tired. And then I opened the e-mails and there were 140 orders from our second Silk show that was held in Singapore a short week before. Nari, the staff and I looked at each other and we began to laugh, my weariness disappeared and today, there is colour everywhere - silks are on the floor, on the desks and people chatting and laughing making beautiful house wares. Sharon, one of the mainstays of the Singapore show, phoned to discuss the orders and I shared what happened.

And now I share this with you all because life is not always easy. But mainly I wanted to share about all the miracles - no one was hurt; we could fix all the problems without worrying about funds; we have the relationships to ensure that when we need help from the local authorities they do respond and with expertise. God's grace surrounds us even in moments of distress - we are surrounded by each other and by all of you. As I said earlier, it is an extra-ordinary month but then each day is that way - and each of you are a part of it. Thank you for that gift.

Janne

Wednesday, June 2.2004

Dear friends and partners,

One of the best parts of my job is the privilege of visiting the project sites. These visits are about having time to talk one on one with all the development staff and seeing what they have done. Nari often accompanies me on these visits so that we are both up to date on what is happening.

On our first site visit we went with Srei, Tharry, Pon and Heng to our new project in Kampot province. There was lots of time to talk with each of them and time to talk with all of us and even some time to meditate for the roads to Kampot vary in degrees of horribleness - on a scale of 1-10 - with 10 being the best - we started on a 6 and rapidly decreased to a 2 - I am a seasoned traveller - but this time, even I was beginning to fade with the bouncing and jouncing and the terrible snail's pace we kept up for hours at a time.

All of us were delighted to finally arrive and meet our new staff, Sokha. He is a gentle and unassuming man and took all of us in stride. The people kept finding us and pulling us to come and see what they had done. Within 6 weeks of beginning, 320 families had joined our program. The poverty was ameliorated by the enthusiasm of the people. We went to a number of homes - our driving finally ended as we ended up in rice paddies in mud up to the axles. We left the boys to free the van - us girls went off to see the wonders of the wells. We met a group of 5 families - they had plowed several hectares of land and had planted cucumbers (about 6 cm high) and lettuce. There was such excitement as they showed me scrub land that had been like theirs before - and then they showed me more hectares that other families were tilling to plant their vegetables. "We have water, we can do so many things, "-they all said. I was a bit dubious about it all - and asked: "did you not plant before?" -"no," they chorused - "no one ever came and talked with us - no one ever shared ideas with us - we couldn't think anymore - but now we can think of so much that we can do."

A few days later, we went off to Prey Veng to visit with Pat, Ponluck and Choeun. We arrived at our office and I was delighted to see how Pat had fixed his house into an office for Tabitha. Our travels brought us to new areas - once again I was appalled by the poverty and touched by the eagerness of the families to show us what they had done. In one small village of 30 families stood a well donated by Pat, Ponluck and Choeun in memory of my mother - there were 8 new houses built by a team of volunteers. The people had so little yet they were full of enthusiasm for all they could now do - once again, I heard the refrain - we couldn't think anymore, we had no ideas - until Tabitha came - now, come see what we can do.

We went off to see 70 families in another village - they had just completed their first cycle of savings - each and everyone had bought water jars - we stopped at the a house where a well was being dug - it was fascinating to watch the drill as it hit water and it came up the spout - Chouen's desire was that we see each and every water jar for it was the first time that the 860 families in this village had their own well. There is only so much one can say about water jars.
see also Report on Wells,September 30.2002 <dispatches2002.html#reportonwells2002> At the end of the day I asked the staff if they wanted to ask anything or say anything. Pat spoke, its so good to have you come - you tell us our mistakes without us feeling bad and in a way that is easy for us to do - you show us all the good things we do and it makes us want to do more. It is good that you come - you must come more often.

A few days later, we were off to Kompong Som to visit with Vonn, Peu and Seyha. Seyha and Peu were anxious to show us their new communities - the car could only go so far and then we started to walk. I asked how far - they said, just till the end of the village - the end was a long ways away. It was good to be in the countryside - it was good to share and it was good to see what all they had done.

We all went off to see the new communities Vonn wanted to expand to - another new province. The trip was wonderful - along the roadside we stopped to buy fruit - the staff went crazy - 50 kilos of rambuttans - I said, can't you buy these in Phnom Penh - they all laughed and said, Cambodian fruit is the best - there is no medicine used and its fresh. I started to laugh - it had taken so many years to hear them say that Cambodia was number 1 in something.

Nari and Srei went for a week to see our work in Banteay Meanchay and Siem Reap - Kameak is doing well "but oh the poverty, Janne." They saw Mari and Sarouen's new communities - and the same report - they are doing well "but oh, the poverty!"

In between the site visits, we were very busy with finishing the orders from our second Silk Show in Singapore and preparing our first set of products to be sold in Australia. There was and still is silk everywhere - the office is full of colour and chatter and laughter - many of the workers actually slept in the office for several nights - trying to put it all together. The weavers are weaving in a season that is traditionally slow - there is no hunger for our workers this year.

Its been a month of miracles, a month of grace - so many people - so much accomplished - so much more to do. No matter where we went or whom was talking - there was thankfulness and excitement - a deep awareness of how God has surrounded us with His grace and how each of you have been a part of that grace.

Thank you all.

Janne

Tuesday August 10 2004

Dear friends and partners,
It seems like so long since I have talked with all of you. Partly, it is a result of being in Canada for the month of July. Miriam and I left on the first of July and returned at the end of the month. We travelled to see family and to meet up with 12 of our adopted children and their families. What a privilege it was to see these young people again - to be allowed to enjoy their personalities and their strengthening friendships. It is so very good.

It was good to be with family - to enjoy their fellowship - to laugh and to reminisce - to encourage and to be encouraged. It was good to be with Miriam and marvel at all that she marvelled at. Canada's Wonderland provided opportunity for her to comfort mom after just one too many rides on the roller coaster. She thought our 2 door rented car was magic but didn't think much of having to sit in the backseat all alone on our many miles of travel. She loved McNuggets, swimming with her cousins, riding the tractor with grandpa, getting spoiled by her aunties, going on all the water slides and her most favourite thing of all, getting to sleep in mom's bed the whole time - making mom a true convert to king size beds.

On our return to Cambodia, we both felt a bit jet lagged. This lasted for several days until the yard needed to be de-snaked. It was an episode not soon to be forgotten. We had been troubled by snakes for several months. On the Sunday afternoon after our arrival we were sitting in the yard and a snake came out of our rock garden, slithered along the fence - noticed we were there - raised his head in consternation - flicked his tongue and then climbed into the tree. None of us said anything - we just sat frozen where we were.

The next morning I announced that the snakes must go - and the drama began. First task was to find the snake man - it took most of the day - he was finally found in a field several miles from the city. He was delighted to come but it would take an hour of preparation. Off we went to the local village where he gulped several large glasses of the local wine. This, he said, would calm the snake. Back home we came and called several of our male friends to help us dismantle the rock garden - this took quite some energy as all of us were afraid of the snake deciding to make an appearance - the evening turned dark, when finally a snake was spotted. Our snake man had sat quietly bemused through all these efforts - he came to life - in a few moments he had one snake and then another and then yet one more. With each appearance - there was laughter and chatter but we all took a few steps back. They were vipers - not dangerous, he said, if they bite, the skin and muscles of your hand will wither and die but you will not die. Into plastic bags they went and our evening party slowly subsided. By then it was 9 pm, 2 hours past our early evening sleeps and for the first time, both Miriam and I slept through out the night.

The staff had met us as the airport on our arrival. They were full of stories and chatter of all that had gone on. They were delighted to see us, but the usual list of urgent problems and decisions needed when I was away was not there. They had pulled together and with the help of Miles, a volunteer had handled all the issues. That was so very good.

Now we are back into a regular routine - our most pressing issue is to find a larger building - we have outgrown our current one - so each morning a dozen or more of us look at yet another place - we may have found the right one for us today - but, if not - we will continue to look.

The programs continue at full pace - something that we have never been able to do before - usually our summer months require strict budgeting and a slowdown of projects. It is because of all of you that we are free to work - free to dream - free to expand. What a gift you have given us- I praise my God for each of you - I praise my God for each of my staff- I praise my God for every family that we reach - it is all so very, very good.

Janne

Tuesday, September 21. 2004

Dear friends and partners,

It has been a very hectic month since I last wrote to you. We found a new building - its in a better location - as a friend of mine said - "its fun to go through the store - every room is another room of treasures" - a fine compliment and explains our joy and thanksgiving. The actual act of moving was not so much joy - we were horrified at how much stuff we have accumulated so it became an opportunity to clean house. Our old landlord was horrified that we would leave - our new landlord was delighted - he agreed to do all the repairs and additions that we wanted. We had customers before the displays were ready - a steady flow each day - so different from our old location. And all of this was accomplished in three short but very long weeks.

As soon as we settled into our new location, we began work on our plans and budgets for the new budget year which begins in October. It's a plan of dreams and visions - it speaks of dedication of our staff to the people they serve - it speaks of the assurance you give us to go out and do. We desire to reach out to 20,130 families affecting 152,550 people. What is so amazing is that the cost of helping each family to achieve their dreams this year is only $10.00 US per family. We are so thankful for that gift. Now, we ask that each of you help us to find 20,130 families that would partner with a family here at $10 per year - for Singaporeans, Canadians and Australians it means $18.00 per family. Can you help us achieve these dreams?

We are blessed with new opportunities to sell our products. Tabitha US is in process of opening an on-line store with all our products. The Friends of Tabitha in Singapore has held another Silk Fair and plans several more; individuals are promoting our goods to large corporations; Living Silk in Australia has begun to sell. All of these, as well as our regular customers enable us to pay for many of our administrative costs - leaving the costs of development to a minimum

Tabitha Foundation Singapore has become a registered charity. This makes five foundations - all volunteers who give so freely of their time and skills - it makes so much more possible.

Now we are busy with teams and expansion areas - next month we hope to produce a 10th Anniversary report on all that we have achieved - all the dreams the people have created and done - all the work which would not have happened without the support of each of you. I ask you to come and see what you and we have done together.

All of this, of course. takes time - sometimes another 10 hours a day would suit me just fine. But it is the staff that amaze me most - they are working very long hours and not a word of complaint. I suggested that maybe we should slow down accepting new teams for house building - their response was quick and loud - we can do more. I suggested that perhaps we don't need new customers - their response was to bring in 4 young ladies whose choice was to work for us or to work in brothels. Big grins as I just laughed. I suggested maybe we should be content with the families we had - their response was to tell me to come and see and to tell these families that are waiting myself that we will not come. I suggested to make sure that our dreams are one - their response was to show me that we are only just beginning our quest.

So it has become a time of rejoicing - a time of renewal - a time of continuation of what is started - a time of reaching out to more. It is a time of thankfulness to our God and His Grace - a time of thankfulness for each of you. I don't think life can get much better except for a bit more time for Miriam - even she, in her young age - says " its okay mom, there are many people to help."

Janne

Congratulations: Tabitha is 10 years old

Dear friends and partners,

It is hard to believe that 10 years ago, October 14.1994 we first opened our doors as Tabitha Cambodia.

We had a dream - a dream to reach out to many who were and are in despair and to change that despair to hope and to a new approach to their present and future lives. It took five years to clarify and refine how we would do that - it has taken another five years to implement the process to a viable and dynamic program.

During our ten years our progress was often interrupted by political and natural disturbances -
sometimes it seems that for every step of growth a disaster would occur that put us back two steps. This last year has shown what we can do if interruptions are kept to a minimum.

Ten years ago we had a dream - a dream of having others stand with us as we reached out
We didn't know how wonderful that part of the dream would work out. Now we have five Foundations representing hundreds of people around the world, who stand in partnership and faith with us and the people we work with

This is our 10th anniversary year - a year of celebration and growth.
Our dreams are to work with 20,130 families, affecting 152, 550 people.
Our dream is to impact each one in various ways through our programs.
Our dream is to build 200 houses with 48 teams representing many nations around the world.
Our dream is to install another 504 wells - bringing clean, accessible, potable water to another 2,520 families.
Our dream is to achieve this by encouraging and build each other up - giving us the strength to help build up the lives of those we reach.

It is with much humbleness and thankfulness that we give praise to our God for His sustaining Grace in all that we are and do. It is with much humbleness and thankfulness that we give praise to God for each one of you. You have helped us to reach out to so many, you have struggled with us and rejoiced with us. May the blessings you have given be returned ten fold.

In His service,
Janne Ritskes,
Director Tabitha Cambodia

Cambodia, October 2004

Dear Friends and Partners,

This October 2004 marks the completion of our first ten years as Tabitha - Cambodia.

As I look back - there is so very much to be thankful for - so much to share. Tabitha - Cambodia was built from my faith in my God, who is gracious and kind - whose promises never fail. I would like to quote a few verses from God's Word, the Bible:

It will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the man with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. "Master, he said, "you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more. His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" The man with two talents also came. "Master, he said, "you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more." His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things: I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness. "

I share these few words with you as it explains so much of what we all have done together. I invite all of you to come and see what we have done - you and me, the staff and the families we work with.

The values underlying these verses are self-evident in the work that has been done. There is a clear recognition of all our collective responsibilities - from those of you who support us - what you have given has borne much fruit - from us as staff and director - we have gone from few to very many - from our families who started with one talent - rather than bury that talent - have chosen to use it and to gain so much more.

Ten years ago, I was told to go ahead and follow my faith. There are many who say - look what you have done - how can you do so much. But this is a fallacy. I was never alone - my God was and is always with me. The staff have grown and done the work - their talents have increased ten fold - but most important of all - the families we are called to serve - chose and continue to choose - to use their one talent and change that one into many.

The following pages are clearly intended to come and see what we have done. It is a pictorial celebration of sharing in my master's happiness.* It is also a reminder that well done is not enough. You and I, the staff and the families we are helping and those families who are awaiting us, we will be given double our talents, double our responsibilities - sharing in our master's happiness. A promise and challenge we take on with joy and much humbleness.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank each of you - supporters, staff, participating families for allowing me this privilege - this gift of life. I wish I could name each of you by name but then this report would be hundreds of pages long.

Suffice it to say that the number of foundations reflects the many hundreds of people who have given of their time and their money to make us what we are today.

I am grateful to my God that His promises meant that each of you are an integral of Tabitha - Cambodia. What unfathomable Grace I am surrounded by.

Now, I invite you to come - turn the pages - and see what we have all done together.

In His service,
Janne Ritskes,
Founder/Director, Tabitha Cambodia

Thursday, November 04 2004

Dear friends and partners,

It has been a very busy few weeks. October was our tenth anniversary month and so we celebrated. Of course, we didn't do it the normal way by having a big party - instead we decided to build as many houses as we could for as many families as we could. The result was 9 volunteer teams came with 183 people and they built 62 houses. This averages to 2 houses per day - what a month! The teams brought their own brand of excitement and of grace which was infectious and so we were all excited and were surrounded with grace. What a way to celebrate! Click on Volunteer House Building <programs.html#housebuilding>

Our orders and sales for the Cottage Industry were also phenomenal - in fact - we were able to hire more workers. 2 of these workers are young ladies - sisters actually - one 17 and the other 19. Their home situation is one of extreme poverty - mom had been ill for several months and the medical bills were paid through borrowing funds from money lenders - they were not too happy that these could not be repaid. The family of 8 was down to 1 meal of just rice per day - their home nothing but a simple hut made of grass - it was rainy season and so all members fell ill from being wet and unable to sleep through the night as the rain fell inside as well as outside their hut.

Neither one of the girls had any sewing skills but what they had and still have is determination. Their first few weeks were a trial for everyone - it was hard to sew even a straight line - they earned a few riels - but not much. And then I let it be known that if their skills did not improve dramatically - they would be out of a job. Several of the workers live together and invited the girls to share their home. Each night they worked with the girls. As the orders increased, the pressure was on to work hard. Then one Friday, there was a lot of chatter and laughter. I walked through the building and both girls were standing in the hallway looking very distressed. I asked Nari what was going on. The girls were struggling with their pay - in their minds they had been radically over-paid - they had never seen so much money in their lives - they wanted to give some back. Everyone was enjoying their disbelief - we were all deeply touched with their thankfulness and joy when they realized the money was all theirs - what a way to celebrate!

We celebrated the coronation of a new king - my little princess Miriam was dismayed - her own birthday coincided with the former king's birthday. She believed that her birthday was very special because of the fireworks held in honour of the King. With the rest of the country we were delighted with the new king and my princess was even more excited that the fireworks lasted for 4 nights. What a way to celebrate! For more news about Miriam, click Miriam <miriam.html>

I have taken time this month to reflect over the past ten years. One of the greatest miracles is how each of you has become involved and is an integral part of all that has happened. I thank my God for each of you - for each of our staff - our miracle workers - but most of all - for the grace of being able to be a part of each of our families. What a way to celebrate!

Janne

December 6. 2004

Dear friends and partners,

We've had an unusual number of events the past few weeks - I thought I'd just share one of the most poignant ones that I experienced. Several weeks ago, I travelled with the staff to meet 2 groups of families in one of our new districts - Kirivon. Now Kirivon is one of those places that I do not rush to visit as the roads are a bit bone jarring to say the least. The request had been presented in August - it took me 3 months to find the time to come. Srei, Tharry, Phon, Cheiring and Pow were all delighted, actually Cheiring and Pow were a bit nervous - they are relatively new staff and I have a reputation of asking the hard questions.

We met both groups within 50 meters of each other - both groups are very poor - their main source of income is to carve out bricks from volcanic rock underneath their feet. Its an onerous task requiring much skill and strength - an improper size brick will not be purchased. An average family can chip out 5 blocks a day - their earnings average 2500 riels or roughly 55 cents per day. Their houses are simply scrap thatch - their clothing is bare, their food is subsistence.

As we stood talking about their labours - they proudly showed me their new pick-axes and hammers they had bought from their savings. The staff, as usual, didn't make their request known; they waited until I was properly enamoured with these people. Then they said to the leader of the group, show her what you want. We walked to the side of the road and they pointed at something and asked if Tabitha would help them clear their water hole. I looked for the water hole but found it hard to see - it was covered with bush and thistles - so I took a few tentative steps in the right direction and sure enough - their was a pit about 8 meters square with water in it. I asked the story - the families told us how this had been dug by their grandparents 60 years ago to keep water for the village - there was a second one a half kilometre away. The water holes had fallen into disuse despite the water in it - things had fallen in to spoil the water - I asked what things - people were not to anxious to answer - children, cows they murmured.

I didn't say much - I had an inkling of what had really happened - the Pol Pot years tended to use such spots as places to disperse those they murdered. I turned and asked Cheiring and Pow what they thought - they just shuffled their feet and looked away. Srei looked at me with beseeching eyes - please understand, she begged. I asked the people, why do you not clear the bush, why do you allow it to be this way? Again much shuffling of feet - obviously, my inkling was right. What do you need - I asked - money they said, money to put cement and steps and to drain the water and to clean it. How much, I asked - $300 they said for each reservoir.

I said little, kept looking at the bush and picked a few thorns out of my leg. I said, okay, this is the deal - you must clear the entire bush and the water - you must do this yourselves - if you have done this, then Tabitha will give you the money. If you do not do this - Tabitha will give you nothing. The leader was a wizened old man - we will do this. You have 1 week to clear and clean both reservoirs - I said, I will see what you do.

The next week, the staff proudly showed me the pictures of the cleared reservoirs - the following week, the staff returned with laughter in their eyes - Oh Janne, you should see it - the cement and the poles - and the ceremonies - they are no longer afraid of the ghosts - they are laid to rest - they are no longer dirty, they can now wash - they are no longer thirsty, they can now drink -it's so very good.

I thought back to the biblical words spoken so many years ago - to give a cup of cold water - so little can bring so much - and I thought of the biblical saying of casting our bread upon the waters and it will come back to you. You, our friends and partners, are our bread - you have brought comfort to those who sorrowed, you have given a cup of cold water to those who had none. Thank you for that gift.

Janne

Home » News & Events » Current News » News Archive