A Year Later...

It has bee exactly twelve months since we first went to Cambodia to scout out the possibility of starting a line of fair trade prom dresses. I still cannot believe all that has happened!
I just returned from another visit to Cambodia, my fourth in twelve months! This plane trip is not for the faint of heart! If I have to eat one more tiny tray of korean airplane food!.... that's for a different blog.
As I was saying, I just returned from another trip to Cambodia. I am amazed at all that has happened, but mostly, I am amazed at the growth I have seen in the girls in The Daughters Project. The three girls that were our first students has grown to 14. Unfortunately, we have lost two or three, due to the perils of human trafficking. But the girls that have been able to remain have grown in their confidence, happiness and security. Three of the girls have just completed their first dress from start to finish! It brought us great joy to be able to give them their financial reward- you should have seen the smiles on their faces! With their new skills as seamstresses they will be able to support themselves financially, and probably their families. This is huge! All of the 'Daughters' have little sisters that are at risk of being sold. If the 'Daughters' can provide financial stability then their little sisters will not be sold and we are even closer to stopping the cycle of extreme poverty in this part of the world!
The Daughters House is a very happy place. We got a glimpse into their lives on our visit. One day, after returning home from the workshop, the girls began to play soccer in the driveway. Suddenly, rain poured down, monsoon style. Surprisingly, the girls kept playing soccer, soaking wet, laughing, giggling, smiling, running. My friend Heather, stood there watching. She was so moved by their newfound joy she cried. She said that for a moment, she felt the kingdom of heaven there.
Needless to say, I am 'sop-bai'. This means happy in Khmer and it is a word the 'Daughters' use a lot now.

Nicole Krajewski

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Wrap it Up!

As prom season 2011 has officially come to an end, I am amazed at all that has been accomplished in the last ten months.

Here is a summary.

1. We traveled to Cambodia in July 2010 and met our first two girls that became apart of the Daughters program. Both were rescued from horrible life-threatening situations.

2. We developed a working relationship with Mr. Sien, our professional tailor.

3.We set up a workshop for the future students to work in.

4. We established a home for the girls to safely live.

5. We filled the home with ten girls, all rescued from, or at risk of, human trafficking.

6. We hired a social worker to come and counsel the girls.

7. We hired a house mother, Mom Som, who cares for the girls so much, that she chooses to sleep in their dorm room with them instead of in her own private bedroom.

8. We purchased an eight passenger van, (in Cambodia it is more like a fifteen passenger van). 9. We hired a gatekeeper and driver.

10.We hired a full time professional seamstress to teach and mentor the girls Monday through Friday.

11. We have a wonderful couple, Katy and Alan Berringer, preparing to move in August to be missionaries. They will oversee all of the ventures of CGI in Cambodia.

12. The Prom Store by Sophia's sold 57 'Daughters' dresses!

All of this is possible because of the generosity of our donors and advocates. We are so grateful for the ongoing support of your prayers and financial gifts. None of this would be happening if it were not for you! We are preparing for the next prom season. I leave July 1st to make my 4th trip to Cambodia in 12 months. Chris Alexander and I will be sharing CGI's ministries with a team of twelve people. I will also begin reviewing the samples for the next prom season. Please continue to pray for us.

Gratefully,

Nicole Krajewski

Andraea Reed