August 2022: Heartprint Housebuild Number 82
HEARTPRINT HOUSEBUILD NUMBER 82
As August came to a close and September came in with a monsoon roar, we decided to use someone else’s words for our newsletter. You hear from us all the time, but not so much from the people who travel a long way to help us help the people in our Siem Reap community. We thought you might like to hear a new voice - which is also appropriate as we celebrate Silent September
Dear Heartprint community,
In May of this year, I turned sixty. To celebrate this milestone I decided to have a fundraiser to build a house in Cambodia.
My family and friends’ generosity was overwhelming, and I found myself bursting into tears as Wendy messaged me as the donations came in.
To build a house for a family is the ultimate gift. I was so impressed that my loved ones ‘got’ that I didn’t need another pair of earrings, necklace, or ornament and that by them supporting me I was able to give ‘the best gift’ to someone who needed it much more than me.
When borders started opening, my son Craig and I decided to book Cambodia. We didn’t let limited flights or airlines deter us... we were going. Craig’s friend Caitlin was keen, and so three of us it was.
We arrived in Siem Reap and loved seeing the new Heartprint Hub, now the heart of Heartprint with so many wonderful programs for children and adults, AND the cafe (delicious food and drinks!) — so yummy! The staff are amazing; every single one of them brings their special gifts that help make Heartprint unique.
Our build was for Yay, Ta and their two (amazing) teenage grandchildren who now have a home to live in that allows Yay, who is blind, has much easier access as she will be living downstairs. This is a unique design for Cambodia. It is much more common for entire families to live on the upper level, accessed by outdoor steps.
The home has brick walls (and cement rendering) to help waterproof the bottom story. We were brick carriers, bricklayers, and cement renderers. We carried and cut the steel, attached the floor, and attached the tin walls.
We were all pretty proud of this home. Of course, the handover was emotional. Yay was chatting throughout with her sweet 13-year-old granddaughter attempting to temper her enthusiasm.
We went back to the house over the next three days to see the final finishing off. Super proud!
While Heartprint kept us pretty busy building this new home, they also made sure we experienced some of the things that contribute to Cambodia being known as the Kingdom of Wonder.
A visit to the Elephant Forest at Kulen was a close-up elephant experience with a great guide.The elephants, who used to be restrained and used as a tourist attraction at the Angkor temples, are now living a free and restful life with their mahouts caring for them. They range free in a lush and beautiful sanctuary.
We had a delicious dinner at Haven, a local restaurant training young people and what a great job they’re doing to boost confidence and self belief. Two of Heartprint's community were graduating that week and they were so proud as is the Heartprint community whose support is invaluable.
We were lucky to join the Heartprint Get Active program twice with Natasha (quite the workout!) playing, singing, dancing, yoga, and warm up exercises. It’s so needed and the kids love it.
Then there were the English sessions with Kimcheng where we learnt if giraffes, elephants, bears, turtles, penguins and snakes could walk, run, hop and swim. And there was some great craftsmanship with the kids building “their” animal. There was also amazing writing and reading in English.
Our last day in Siem Reap was the first ever ID active kids excursion. This was a treat for the kids and all who attended. It was like a huge family outing as we all stayed together and explored Angkor Green Gardens. The playground was a highlight with swinging, sea saws, and slippery dips with some of the kids being brave to try new things. It was so good to be a part of this day.
We ate delicious food each meal for our 11 days and Garry and Wendy were the ultimate hosts - sharing their home, being our taxi and our guides.
Our August 2022 Housebuild will forever be an unforgettable way to have celebrated my 60th birthday. To have my son, Craig, with me made it even more special. Thanks, Craig , for connecting me to the Heartprint family and helping to make our world a better place.
Love,
Suzanne
PS: (from Heartprint) Thank YOU, Suzanne for being such an important part of our team. We welcome you, Craig, and Caitlin back anytime. And, for anyone else who’d like to join our team in real life in Siem Reap, here’s more information.
And, here is one way you can help right now, this very minute, by participating in our annual Silent September initiative. As Suzanne can attest, every penny counts at Heartprint.
