October 8, 2000

Jim Ramsey reported that Joseph had recently received the $16,000 we sent.
They were able to purchase four lots that cost about $12,360.  There is
about $3,600 left.  Joseph has proposed that they begin to build a wood hut
to house our group when we come in January.  Apparently it would be
difficult for us to stay with host families.  The structure would cost about
$1,200 to build, but they could eventually use it for a permanent building.

Joyce Carnes said there is an option for use to stay in a hotel downtown
which is about 4km away.  While we don't want to impose upon them, we do
want to be as close to the building site as possible.  There was a question
about safety, and Esther said it might be safer in the fenced in area onsite
rather than in the hotels.  Regardless of where we stay, we have been
cautioned not to go out after dark.

Laurie Gilbert said we would only be sleeping there and would mostly spend
our time onsite or at the church, which is about 2km away from the site.
There is water at the church.

Jim said hotels would cost about $10 to $15 per night.  Even at that good
rate, it would cost over two thousand dollars for everyone, and that is
money we could use for the project.  Jim will ask Joseph if he believes that
the building is the best option and will ask if there will be water there.
Sleeping in the church may be an option as well.

Jim said that there is a standard building built by the Methodist church
that is 8M X 20M and costs about $15,000.  Our goal should be to set up the
foundation and get it started.  He is not sure if we can raise another
$15,000 in this amount of time.

11/4 is the Big Band Concert.  We raised $1,200 last time and could probably
do more.

11/17 and 11/18 is Godspell and they would be willing to sell stuff like
t-shirts or concessions.  We could also plan to have a spaghetti dinner
beforehand or at least refreshments during intermission.  Jim is checking
into the possibility of shipping remnant t-shirts free to Cambodia.

Rich Boon reported that Dan was going to donate about $3,000 worth of foam,
but it would cost $3,500 for shipping.  It is probably better to send the
cash to Cambodia and get the materials there.  We save on shipping costs and
it pumps money into the local economy.  They are still looking into the
possibility of donations of tools.  The plans are for masonry so there is a
limit to what we can do with limited building skills.  Jim says that brick
costs as much as wood so it is better to use brick.  There was some
discussion of our masonry skills, or lack thereof.

They still have about $3,500 and can begin to purchase some materials.  Rich
said it is a simple building with a 1 m overhang on each side and a tin
roof.  We will need to use metric tools.  Joyce asked if we can bring tools.
Rich said yes, plan to bring some tools.  Joyce asked that we compile a list
of things we need to bring.  We need to plan on pumping and cleaning our own
water with water purifiers and anti-viral cartridges.

We were cautioned not to over pack.  Clothes don't stay clean anyway, so
plan to wear the same things again.  Steve is thinking about taking a laptop
to use for pictures and communication that we could leave for them to use.
Generally on flights, each person is limited to 2 bags and 70lbs per bag.
Extra bags cost about $50 each.  We discussed the possibility of sending
over a generator.

Jim was asked to find out how close power is to the site.

Esther said we could ask the Jackson Heights church to see if they could
support us with some funds as well.  Jim asked if there is funding from the
district we would tap.  Esther mentioned that the conference UMW might be
willing to support some fund raising for us.  Laurie will ask Marilyn, our
UMW president to find out what support we could have.  Steve suggested a
donation Sunday, but Dick reminded us that a stewardship campaign was
starting next week.  Laurie said we could do the "Share in the life of a
child" we did for Zimbabwe which had levels of contribution from our
congregation and they could receive postcards, pictures, or a video of the
trip.  Someone asked if we could get any corporate sponsors.

Sharon Stonecipher will write an article for the Chronicle to update the
congregation on our status and will do a bulletin announcement as well.  She
gave us an update on the 2nd shots, which need to be be on 10/26 to the
30th.  She had looked into some language aids for us which we could order
for everyone.  Laurie reminded us to read through Dalai's tips attached to
our agenda.

Kathy Balu volunteered to plan the spaghetti dinner for Godspell which would
be on Saturday, 11/18.  We will also do refreshments for Friday and Saturday
and have donation baskets available.  Joyce Carnes and Rich Boon will also
help.  There is room for more volunteers! Let me know if you are able to
help!  We will also have a bake sale for the benefit concert on 11/4, so
please bring your individually wrapped baked goods to help us out.

Steve said he will check into getting the shirts done, and will also check
on logo items we could sell.  Laurie will also invite the Cambodian
congregation, who helped us with the Taste of Cambodia, to our benefit
concert.

Another meeting is scheduled for next Sunday, 10/15 from 12:00 to 1:00.
Those of us with assignments will update the committee on the status of our
various tasks.