Words from Ruth

Hello again! 

It's been a little while since I (Ruth) have written here. We recently got back from a wonderful family vacation in Thailand. Well working vacation, as hubby was there to work and the kids had to work hard on their journals while there! 

This was my facebook status today 

One of the most amazing things during our trip to Thailand was the time spent with Andrea Cross and David Cross and visiting the Zoe Children's home. They have a rescue center, where they take calls, and work on the ground to rescue enslaved children. They have therapy rooms, school rooms and family living areas. I saw the gorgeous grass area where the kids can run and play. I saw on the roof where the children had washed and hung out their clothes, something I am told they take great pride in. Although slavery breaks my heart, it was so inspiring to see the good being done. I also saw in Thailand how far every Aussie dollar could go. I currently have other sponsorship on the go, but have decided to add to that a $5 per month donation to the Zoe Children's Home. In posting this I am hoping to perhaps inspire others to do the same. I know it's not much, but it's something I can do right now with what I have! If you want any information on the Zoe Foundation please let me know, or check out the links below!

http://www.zoefoundation.org.au/
http://www.zoefoundation.org.au/who-we-are/#.UVfQkRw_uJs

I have started the $5 a month donation as of today. I know it's not a big amount  Honestly with other sponsorship's I am already doing, it's the most I can do at the moment. Perhaps soon I'll double it, perhaps I will never go higher. But over time that $5 a month can do so much good. Maybe others will join me! 

Think about what you can do with what you have in your hands right now. Do not wait for more money, or things to slow down, or that new job. Do something now, no matter how small, with what you have. This could be something towards some on the wonderful organisations we have spoken about here, or perhaps something closer to home. Maybe the salvos, maybe volunteer in a soup kitchen. What about a word or encouragement to at least one person everyday! 

There is so much good we can do in this world...the best thing to do is just start! 

As for Mandi, and I we are so keen to get started on our next project with goods and funds, and a team of volunteers going again to the New Hope Orphanage in Cambodia! 

Ruth

Zoe Children's Home - great example of care in action

Another great cause

Zoe Children's Home

Great blog

http://zoechildren.org/blog/

Lovely merch too

Zoe clothing company

Zoe Children's Home

Another great cause.

Zoe Children's Homes.

Great merchandise too

Zoe Children's Home Blog

Project Two

First little purchase for Project Two 

They are after small 'washing' cloths etc for showering to save on soap.

Read more about the orphanage here....

Also:

Pediatric AIDS in CambodiaIDS

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Cambodia has the highest HIV prevalence rate in Southeast Asia, with an identified infected population of 64,750, including 3350 children under the age of fifteen. According to Mean Chhi Vun, the Director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STDs (NCHADS), in 2008 approximately 2900 of these infected children were receiving ARV treatment, an increase from 1800 in 2007. However, NCHADS estimates that as many as 109,000 children could be orphaned by HIV/AIDS by 2011. The largest portion of the population infected are direct and indirect female sex workers, and according to a UNAIDS report, one-third of new HIV cases are due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT).

There are an estimated 461,000 live births annually in Cambodia -- predominantly outside of health centers and hospitals -- and an estimated 9,700 pregnant women are living with HIV at any one time, of whom only approximately twelve percent are receiving ARV treatment. UNAIDS data indicates that without intervention, some 3000 infants may be born with HIV through vertical transmission each year.

The Ministry of Health’s national response primarily recognizes that the loss of young, productive adult males has a severe socio-economic impact upon poor rural households, in which males are the primary source of income and labor. In Cambodia’s situation, where the majority of the population survives on subsistence farming, the impact is enormous, as informal estimates from NCHADS suggest that HIV/AIDS may be responsible for 50% of all deaths among young men between the ages of 20 and 30. As such, Cambodia’s National Strategic Plan for a Multispectral Response to HIV/AIDS for 2006-2010 (NSP II) lacks a specific strategy for combating the rapid spread of pediatric AIDS within the country. Data presented in UNGASS’ 2008 Report shows that the number of Cambodians with advanced HIV infection currently receiving ART has more than doubled since early 2006. The survival rate of ART patients after twelve months is currently estimated at close to 90 percent for adults, and over 90 percent for children. However, the health care costs for a person infected with HIV remain significant; the annual cost of treating opportunistic infections associated with the disease is estimated at $300 per person – in a country where the average income hovers at approximately $260 per year. Due to such costs, very few orphanages in Cambodia are willing to take in orphans who have HIV/AIDS, causing many of these extremely vulnerable children to end up living on the streets. NHCC is actively working to mitigate this problem by relieving almost 1000 poor rural families of the financial burden of providing treatment, education, and a nutritional diet to their infected children through the ‘Outreach Program’, and as such are providing for both these children’s futures, and the future of Cambodia’s next generation.

Project Two. The Human Container.

After the success of Container for Cambodia we contacted Kathy from NHCC direct and the following information came to light: 

Hi Mandi,

I am looking at the price of a truck. Towels any color but bath towels not small. And u know those sponge things you put soap on to take a shower? Those would be nice too for the kids to safe on soap. Now they pour in their hand and rub their body. Sheets are single sizes.....lol they'll you aunty thank you from the kids for the pillow covers. Panties all sizes boys and girlsThank you for helping us. You have helped us so much and my children love every thing you send. If we have to much stuff like the books and clothes we share them with 2 other orphanages. With the books you sent we have a full library, the orphanage next to us set up one too and sunrise 3 has set up a small too. A small very poor orphanage about 20mins from us Children running around with no clothes on because their 2 outfits s were being washed..got some of the clothes you sent so they now have clothes on each time we go over to give them rice. So you see it is not just NHCC you are helping there are others....Thank you for all your hard work. 

Kathy
John and Kathy Tucker
New Hope For Cambodian Children
012 830 562 John
012 815 918 Kathy

So from this: A NEW WISHLIST:

Wish list:
- Towels any color but bath towels not small.
- Shower sponges
- Liquid soap
- Sheets - single size
- Pillow covers.
- Panties all sizes boys and girls

And $2000 to buy a new truck for the village. 

Our new project will involve sending these goods with a group of individuals who will also volunteer at the village for 7-10 days. Expressions of interest are now being sought. Please see our contact page to register your interest. 

Klong Toey

Greetings!

www.handicrafts.org.au/

If you're looking buy a special gift be sure to take a look at Klong Toey!

" Klong Toey handicrafts is a fair trade initiative that aims to provide employment with an income that gives dignity & hope to the poor in Klong Toey Slum Bangkok."

We have been buying Christmas gifts from them for three years now. They have beautiful handicrafts and it's so nice to know its a gift that really gives to all involved. Why not take a look at their web page or pop into their showroom.

Cheers Ruth

Prem Rawat (Maharaji) - Quotes: But what gets in the way? Doubt.

Prem Rawat (Maharaji) - Quotes: But what gets in the way? Doubt.

Very interesting thoughts.... Keep believing in yourself and your truth