We’re going to Cambodia this Christmas, and we’re bringing some money so the orphanage that I visit can do something special for Christmas. It looks like we’ll hire a bus or vans and take everyone to a nearby lake. We can do this for 74 kids and staff for more or less $300. While we’re at the lake we’ll play and have a small feast.

Here in Japan, my kids’ outdoors school declared that the proceeds from our annual fund raiser will go to kids in Cambodia through us. They don’t raise a whole lot, but maybe it will cover the cost. Maybe not, we’ll find out today actually.

By the way, in the next two days I’m going to launch a small fund raising campaign using my blogs and Facebook. I’d like to raise $2000 to bring with us. A portion will go to give kids in two places Christmas feasts and fun, and whatever extra will go to the ongoing expenses at each place. Stay tuned and please think about pitching in.

Here is a video of the kayaking event, including excerpts from a couple kids’ speeches (one in Japanese and the other in English). The third speaker, a young woman, is on Japan’s national whitewater kayaking team — she’s the daughter of our teacher/coach.  I interspersed images of the event with pictures of the kids. If you understand Japanese, you’ll see the pictures more or less line up with what the speakers are saying.

The song, “Every Child has a Beautiful Name,” is by an old Japanese rock band named Godiego. It’s a classic feel good tune with a simple message. My wife recommended it, and it’s perfect.

Okay, after that long-winded intro, here’s the video.

This looks really good in HD if you’re on a fast connection