Photos

A family of four on a moto

Independence Monument

The Royal Palace Buddhist Temple

Traditional Khmer dance performed at the opening of the new Logos campus

The traffic and streets of Phnom Penh...new and old!

A Glimpse into Phnom Penh

This past month I (Leanne) had the opportunity to visit Phnom Penh for one week to get a glimpse into what our life will look like when we move to Cambodia. I couldn’t have asked for more out of this short trip, as it was extremely helpful in preparing for our move. Phnom Penh is a city filled with motos, Buddhist temples, noodle shops, and road-side selling carts, but still lacks simple things like stop lights, fly swatters, and flood control abilities. The city was constantly active with families commuting to local markets, (where we would use mini-vans, there mothers and fathers with three kids all pile onto one moto or scooter), children trying to get the next tourist's dollar, and a few cows grazing in the grass nearby, yet it is still somewhat peaceful and charming. I was pleasantly surprised by how clean, quite, and organized the city was. However, wherever you look you can still find a child without food, clothes, or shoes; a dirt road scattered with trash; and most of the population trying to make it by on their small incomes and lack of education.

I spent most of my time meeting with staff at Asian Hope and hearing about the specific ministries they were involved in, and then also having the chance to talk with other organizations who are working in anti-trafficking. I was able to gain a lot of information and knowledge on what our day to day will look like both in work and in free-time.

The rest of the time was spent looking at some housing options that might work for us, getting an orientation on they city, and enjoying the much-anticipated Khmer food. Overall, the trip was a huge success, and we can’t wait to start this new chapter in Cambodia! The new Logos campus where Chris will be teaching



The neighborhoods around Logos


Sunset over Phnom Penh

Skype

Over Christmas we set up our new Skype account so we will be able to talk to family and friends once we move. If you are interested in connecting with us in that way or if you already have a Skype account please add us to your contact list by searching either "Chris and Leanne DeRemer" or "chrisderemer".

New Developments

We found out right around the Thanksgiving holiday that Leanne will have the chance to visit Phnom Penh, Cambodia before we move there. She will be there for about 10 days and will have the opportunity to see the opening of the new school building for Logos International School, get to look at some housing options, and meet with the staff. Unfortunately, Chris is unable to go with his work schedule, but we are thrilled that one of us can. Leanne hopes to bring back a lot of valuable information on what our two years living there will be like, learn more about our specific ministries, as well as some helpful packing information. With the development of this new trip our moving to SE Asia is starting to become more and more real!

Let the process begin

We have been in the decision making and planning stages for the past few months but this week we are starting our journey in fundraising. We are sending out a newsletter to friends and family updating everyone on what our plans are for the next two years, and also giving them the opportunity to financially support the work we will be doing. We are sending these letters to those who live out of state, however, if you are interested in receiving one of those letters please let us know and we will gladly send you one.

As for those in Colorado we are going to have a 5K run/walk fundraising event in the late spring for those who desire to support us financially and live in Colorado. We will send more information on that event as we get into 2010. But you can start training (and saving) now!

You can always contact either of us with any questions you might have on supporting us, or check this blog for more updates.

What will we be doing?

Chris will be teaching high school at Logos International school, and most likely be coaching the soccer team out there (can it get any better?) He also might be involved in an adult education program that would help Cambodian adults learn English.

For more information on Logos check out their website at www.logoscambodia.org.

As for Leanne, SE Asia and Cambodia itself is a large hub for human trafficking and prostitution. Cambodian girls can be trafficked into prostitution as young as the age of 7, and many can’t leave the industry either out of fear, addiction, or because it is the main source of income for many families. Leanne would be starting a ministry at Asian Hope that would provide women with life skills that would help them avoid prostitution. In partnering with other ministries in Phnom Penh, the main goal would to help start a program for the girls at Asian Hope that have been affected by trafficking, while also raising up nationals that would take over the ministry when we leave.