Nam’s Story (written in his own words)

 My Life Story.

My name is Nam Noun. I was born in a broke up family. All of my brothers and sisters were separated living depending on themselves. My family was so poor and had no income. One of the reason why we was so miserable is my father had many wives, he even has no time looking after nor support his first family (my mom is his first wife). Thus how can I live with that situation?

I was born in the border of Thailand and Cambodia in BATDOMBONG province. My mom, my youngest sister and I decided to run to escape from the shot of the Khmer Rouge soldier vs Government’s soldier. We were running without knowing where to go and we did not have shelter to sleep, food to eat. My mom begged the people for the night stay wherever we arrive at the night time. Later on, my mom decided to ask the monk for me to live with, i was so surprised because one of my older brother was there. In 2004 my oldest brother got the news about my older brother and I, he found us and he tried very hard begging one of the organization for us to stay but he was rejected. Time to time, he got the information one of the organization called UNACAS, he did the same thing just for us to have a better place that can give us the chance to study. By his patiently asking so many times, UNACAS’s director accepted his asking. In 2005   my older brother and i came to UNACAS center. I felt so nervous for the first day at the center. After one month, I can adjust with others and knowing new friends in there and more importantly was about attending school. There were so many things I have learned during living in UNACAS. First of all, I learnt about agriculture. We had morning and evening schedule for planting and looking after the vegetable and fruit such as Morning glory, carrot, tomato, banana and so on. On the other hand, I have experienced feeding the cows, pigs and fish. Secondly, I enjoyed so much with art. I was taught to dance (Khmer traditional dance) and to play music. Every Sunday all the children, youths and adults are going to join Sunday Service at Holy Church. I was amazed by the crowd of people and the most important thing is music, I enjoyed it very much. Thirdly, I had called to become Christian. According to what I have mentioned above, I used to live with the monk and I have learnt about Dhamma of Buddha, of course I was the Buddhist and I was not open for Christian, I hated all Jesus Christ believers. But after the calling of God I was changed to teach others to follow God. Last but not least, in UNACAS I had chance to study. Beside going to state school, I had English class in the center. I really love studying until I finished University in 2018. I have been working for an organization for two years and I do have my own business at the same time. However, I still keep coming back to the center and helping the new generation to serve at church for every Sunday Service.

Finally, I really appreciate to my new born place (UNACAS) that gave me new life by Education and sponsor. Lastly, I am really grateful to Australian Team, that has been helping UNACAS for many years. From the bottom of my heart, I strictly appreciate to my sponsors William and Eilleen Hastie for supported my monthly expenses and my accommodation rental. Their loves make me feel so comfortable and I will never forget their goodness. I will use this love to the next generation and to others who need it. I hope my sponsors can hear this from me. I love you both William and Eilleen Hastie. May God bless you and bless Australian Team.