On February 17, 2024 the now organized eyeglass clinic team of 3 other men traveled to the Kulen Mountain eyeglass clinic day to the village of Runteak. Inventory and replenishment of supplies had been done. The men had organized each area in the clinic area to serve whoever was sent to us on this day. Things were very well-thought-out for the day. Rithy manned the distance testing area, Dad the prayer table, Kachhel did the close testing, and helped with translation.
We kept a log of results, noting that we had seen 49 folks that day and finished by 4pm. Worthy of note here is the lost eye mask for close testing from the last clinic. No one knew where it had gone to. So Kachhel found a corrugated box lid and manufactured one that way. A hard cutting time with scissors, but he made it work. It even looked like it was meant to be used for the very purpose it was cut out for. For most of the day we were out front of a home with an infamous greenish tarp to dilute the sun rays. Rithy’s sister opened her home to us this day to use. It was a two room small bungalow that had been constructed over the last six months. As yet, there were no windows or doors. They did have electricity and a toilet, and a well for water.
I understood that there is a small house church gathering here. The mix of individuals on this day reflected the transition of many who had lived in the Apsara area and had to move. All appeared to be simple, easy going people. Patiently they waited their turn for testing, and fittings. As I looked out from where I was sitting, I noticed that the horizon was bare from any trees. Only specks of shacks and tiny abodes that people lived in dotted the area. There was a huge pond of water encircled by a community of homes. I am not sure if it is ground fed or if it is from rain. I assume the former, since we are near Kulen Mountain water falls.
Lunch was prepared on site this day because the community had not yet come around with local eateries from which to pop into for a meal. The garlic was pungent and permeated the area as eye testing was done, and the meal cooked out in the open by us. All this was done on a one burner camp type stove. Rice came out of a cooker nearby. As I am moving around about midday, I see a well-used sewing machine in the corner with rug strips scattered around it. I do not ask anything about this at that point, but later Rithy explains to me that he has opened a rug making strategy/factory in the area and has a staff of women at home who are making rugs on looms to sell. Photos will speak for themselves more than words that can be typed here. Be sure to look closely at the landscape photos. There is very little to no shade.
The sun is already scorching the area. A post note to include here as this is written is that Rithy has expanded the community efforts of the women and is now having them weave baskets and purses to be sold for an income for them. The baskets are gorgeous, well-made,
and will hold up for a long time. It certainly was a wonderful addition into the mix. This community is yet into survival mode from their recent moves. Some have only been in the area a mere six months or so.
Written by Shary OMA