Thoeurn, age 49, and her husband Sorn, 60, welcomed us into their tidy, wooden home perched precariously over the flooded plain. It's the end of monsoon season and much of the land around them is flooded for miles, they explained. As we entered, we first walked through Sorn's barber shop, a small shack tacked on to the front of the home. We removed our shoes and sat on the woven mat that had been unrolled for us. Throughout the interview, Thoeurn grinned widely and was eager to answer our questions.
Thoeurn's loan of $300 is being repaid on schedule as of October. This is the second time she has taken out a loan through Maxima Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd. here in Cambodia. Previously, she had been borrowing money from a local bank but switched because it was time-consuming to go to Phnom Penh to make payments. She is very happy now borrowing through Maxima as they make house calls to collect the monthly payments. This has been an invaluable for her as she doesn't have to loose time and money from her work. This new loan, funded through Kiva, has enabled Thoeurn to buy additional groceries for her to resell and rice seeds for planting their field once the monsoon rains dry (in December).
Currently, she buys bananas, duck eggs and vegetables to prepare and sell at a food stall outside the nearby government-owned garment factory. Her two daughters attend school in the afternoon which allows them to come help her during the busy lunch rush. One daughter, in particular, they are very proud of as she's the second-to-the-top student in her school.
Thoeurn excused herself to head over and begin setting up outside the factory. It was nearing lunchtime. Sorn stayed and spoke with us about the family's health. Everyone is fine, but he's had difficulty with his vision since 1973 - during Pol Pot's regime. He told us he'd been forced to farm for the regime, as were most Cambodians, and life was very hard. Many people died. During that time, he began have difficulty with one of his eyes, but there was nothing to do about it. The Khmer Rouge would kill you if you were weak. Many years later, when it was all over, he visited an American doctor in Phnom Penh. The diagnosis was not good. It was too late. He's now blind in one eye, but is thankful that he can still make a simple living cutting hair and farming.
Sorn and Thoeurn are happy with their simple home and that they are able to provide for their family. Their greatest hope for the future is that they will be able to earn enough money to support their children in whatever they choose to do. (Photo: Thoeurn at food stall outside garment factory)
MAXIMA Mikroheranhvatho Co., Ltd.
Posted by Tami Rowan from Pon-Nhea Leu district, Cambodia
Nov 4, 2007
Comments
I am so happy all is well with your family. I wish you a lot of success in your business. I am truly thankful that I have been able to your family.
Posted by Pam from Anderson, SC, USA
Nov 5, 2007
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