This weekend, we ventured on a 3-hour journey to Battambang in two vans.  On Saturday morning, we visited a small rural town where many of the people had not seen foreigners.  Lisa McCoy was our guide for the weekend and was instrumental in organizing all of the activities.  Our first stop was to distribute school supplies (books, pens, erasers and rulers) to a local school in one of the villages.  We were met by the sounds of excited children from kindergarten to grade four – all dressed in their uniform of blue and white.  Our second stop was to meet two landmine victims who were provided with a small businesses to help them create a self-sustaining income for themselves and their families.  One of the landmine victims has enjoyed great success with his small bicycle repair business, saving enough money to purchase additional equipment and taking additional classes to improve his skills.  This individual also wanted to help others.  On the day of our visit, he wanted to present another family with a bicycle.  A great example of how the community can help each other.

 

Saturday afternoon, our group enjoyed a ride on the infamous bamboo train (Norrie as its known locally).  We all survived the 5 km trek across the small village under the blistering sun.

 

On Saturday night, we were treated to a wonderful dinner reception with the The Rotary Club of Battambang at our hotel, the Khemara Battambang Hotel.  Nouv Saroeun is the current president and members of the club were in attendance and we had a wonderful evening with our common focus in Rotary.

 

Susan

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