District of Asia
In the last few months, our community in Sen Monorom (Eastern Cambodia) of three brothers (Bernhard, Max and Pedro), have been very busy. We finally took possession of our utility vehicle that from the beginning has been called on to capacity. The transport of the sick, of animals, shopping journeys, the transport of goods, the transport of students home and other emergencies leave us wondering how we managed to cope before.
In the area of our missionary work we have been able to complete some projects. A computer room with eight new computers, a projector, printer and furniture was set up. Now each evening there are two computer classes and two English classes. The project to upgrade the toilet facilities in the Hostel is complete. We have built four new toilets with water and electricity while behind the kitchen we have a new roofed-over washroom with four sinks. The old ladder in the hostel has been removed and replaced by a covered outside stairway. Likewise the small Bunong hostel now has a computer and a toilet. In the garden near the hostel there is a small fishpond; ducks on occasion have also found welcome there.
Our Oreang project is still a long way off. When we go about things in an orderly manner, i.e. when we work together with the authorities, then progress is slow. We could of course take the conventional way and move things along with bribes, but we do not want to encourage corruption. So we need a lot of time and patience.
To all our donors, friends and helpers who have so generously supported our work we say a big thank you and may God reward you and Arkun cheran particularly on behalf of the sick, the youth and the needy Bunong population. It is really amazing that we are able to work in this way with no assurance that the money will always flow in. The loving God looks after us through individuals and organizations.
Brother Pedro left us in December as he returned to Argentina to complete his studies. He will be spending three years studying Social Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires. Until his eventual return to Cambodia, Max and I will be responsible for everything. It remains to be seen if we will find a replacement.
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Br. Bernhard Tremmel
Read more in http://www.marists.eu/en/publications/mission-ad-gentes