Visit by Pauline van Driel from Italy

Sokhoeun and Belinda were absolutely thrilled to have Pauline visit KH.

The three of us have been emailing each other during the past few years so for all of us to finally meet each other was fantastic. Pauline is one of our major and most enthusiastic supporters, despite never having seen the orphanage. (Some 2 years ago she and her family were holidaying in Siem Reap and saw our children at the temples. They were all wearing their KH T shirts and she noticed how Sokhoeun was looking after two of our younger children in a very kind and caring way. On arrival back in Italy she “Googled” Kampuchea House, which she had seen on the T shirts, and contacted us to see if she could be of assistance. In her own words “how could you not do something to help”. Since that time we have received considerable financial support from Pauline and her friends). Pauline and her family were holidaying in Laos and we persuaded her to visit us so we could show her KH. She arrived at 7pm on Monday and departed at 5pm on the Tuesday. Despite this quick visit she thoroughly enjoyed herself. Sokhoeun, Kheng (our Orphanage Manager) and all the other staff had arranged a party in Pauline’s honour. The minute the van arrived at the orphanage all the children came running up to greet Pauline with lots of hellos and hugs. It took about 5 minutes before we could move over to the Community Centre which was decorated with lots of balloons and streamers. Also seated there were about 100 of the local children who attend our free English lessons. Lots of traditional Khmer games began and Pauline joined in quite a few of these. After showing Pauline around the site it was then time for lunch which was a delicious “special” meal cooked by our house mothers. After lunch Pauline presented the children with the many gifts she had brought along including big bags of lego. Many photos were taken with the children. The children then sang a couple of songs for Pauline which were really delightful. Then it was off to the airport after a rather exhausting few hours. On behalf of the children and staff at KH we say an enormous thanks to Pauline for all she has done and we welcome her back to KH anytime she cares to visit.

We would also like to take this opportunity to say particular thanks to two of Pauline’s friends, Katalin Hegedus and Georgia Yuill, and to her sister-in-law Margherita Boutte, who have been very generous with their financial support.

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