On a mission to Cambodia [From New Zealand to Cambodia with a mission]

By Sam Morton  

May 29, 2012

The Ashburton Guardian

Two Ashburton couples are counting down the days before their first trip to Cambodia next month.

Keri and Nathan Kuru and Rana and Eddy Kohunui have been fundraising since March to get money together for their trip in June.
Multiple sausage sizzles and a community hangi helped the quartet raise more than $10,000 for the trip and Mrs Kuru said the team was "over the moon".
"The generosity of the community has been overwhelming.
"We are so happy with the response people have taken towards our trip and we can't wait to get over there to do our thing," she said.
"I think it's going to be a real eye opener for us, but it will be great to help out and get an idea of what's happening over there."
The overseas adventure is part a joint initiative by Missions Trip and Steps of Justice – a combined programme giving people in Canada, Australia and New Zealand a chance to make a difference.
During their trip, the couples will work in the poorer areas of Phnom Penh, running youth programmes and helping to build a house for the children.

They will also spend time with world help organisations such as Friends International, World Vision and HAGAR, finding out about the work being done in Cambodia and learning about the goals for the future.
Mrs Kuru said the team, who were all members of the New Life Church, were optimistic about returning to Cambodia every two years after their first visit.
"We are excited about helping an underprivileged country and offering our support where possible.
"We believe the experience will be valuable, and we are hoping to bring ideas back to possibly implement in our own back yard."
The fundraising target has been met, but any donations would be gratefully received and would go towards projects in Cambodia, Mrs Kuru said.
*If you would like to donate to the cause, contact Keri on, 0274503821.

Pictured: Eddy and Rana Kohunui (left), and Keri and Nathan Kuru can't wait to get to Cambodia and get stuck in to their volunteer work next month.