Widow and 8 kids

Widow, Chie Thaan

In the fading sunlight at O Ta Saeng, we met this lady Chie Thaan, with 8 kids. Just recently widowed, she suddenly finds herself completely unable to feed her family. The oldest son Saran, lives with Esther in her hostel in Baray. He is 18 years old, and in first year of High School. He wants so much to continue to continue schooling but now sees that as an impossibility as he has to go out to work.

We watched that agonizing session where Esther and the pastors counselled her to let 5 of her children go to the "orphanage" where they can be looked after. She finally relented after many tears. Even so it wasn't certain then the orphanage could take them.

As it turned out, The HIS orphanage (Kingdom Kids) in Takhmau, Kandal province, managed to take 5 of the children into their care. The children appear to be happy and comfortable there as they are together and have each other for company. The youngest is with the mother.

Saran continues to live with Esther at her SOLAR hostel. I have committed a love gift of US$20 for him every month to see him through his school. He earns some pocket money at SOLAR by helping to look after the plants.

The younger brother Saron, 16 years old, needs to be able to attend some vocational training. He is apparently very good with his hands, so Esther is trying to find support for him to go for electrician training. This is a 7 month training programme in Phnom Penh. The total cost of training, hostel board/lodging is approximately US$ 835. Praying someone can donate this.