The PEPY team has scattered around the world...again!  After 4 months of biking, volunteering, teaching, learning and living in Cambodia, we've all bid our sad farewells and returned to our respective countries.  PEPY is now farming in New Zealand, wearing sweaters in Minnesota, teaching in Japan, eating dinner with mom in New York, reminiscing in England, lawyering in California, filming in Taiwan, training in Texas, scuba diving in Thailand, studying in Ohio, and generally recuperating all over the world.  It's nice to sit down in front of a plate of familiar food, surrounded by familiar faces, sipping a cup of familiar coffee and look back on what PEPY has accomplished. You, the faces around our familiar tables, have helped make our dreams a reality.  Thank you!

 

We'd like to invite you along as we reflect on PEPY's most recent accomplishments.  In this edition of the newsletter you'll read about the successful completion of 2 back-to-back PEPY trips in Cambodia, the 2nd PEPY School volunteer trip and the 2nd PEPY bike trek.  You'll also find information on why you should support PEPY's next endeavor, The PEPY Hurricane Relief Ride and how you can get more involved.  If you're following PEPY from Japan, then make sure to read about our many upcoming PEPY fundraisers and sign up for the Tokyo Scavenger Hunt today! 

 

The last time the PEPY team was together we took some time to process our own experiences and reflect as a group.  One unfortunate realization that we came to was that we had recently forgotten to acknowledge the incredible work of one of our teammates.  In the March 2006 Edition of PEPY news we featured an article entitled "'Hear' from The PEPY Ride Photographer."  Perhaps we were distracted by his beautiful images, but we completely forgot to credit Kristian Whillans, THE PEPY Ride Photographer, for his work.  Thank you for sharing your gift with PEPY, Kristian!  Your images carry our story.

 

PEPY continues to work in so many capacities all over the world until Cambodia calls us back to again LIVE what we give.  Till then, we look forward to living and giving with all of you here and now and can only hope that our friends and students in Cambodia believed us when we said, "We'll see you again soon!" 

 

 

Thank you for welcoming us home!

 

 

The PEPY Ride Team

Beating the Heat at The PEPY Ride School

"OH-E-OH-E-OH!!!  ATSU, ATSU, ATSU!!!" Our PEPY cheerleaders jumped up and down the sidelines of the PEPY vs. Sangkheum center soccer match screaming this Japanese-English cheer.  "Atsu", the Japanese word for hot, is one of many words we could've chosen to describe our energy packed week in Siem Reap on PEPY's 2nd Volunteer Trip this March.  35 volunteers, mostly consisting of English teachers from Japan, were ATSU and ON FIRE from start to finish!  They gave their skills, their endless energy, and their sweat to the kids at The PEPY Ride School. When our bus rolled up to the school all the kids came flocking to greet us "with their lit up faces", as Gen put it.  The students, still smiling from the last volunteer trip, were excited to find out what they'd be learning this week.  "We had fun playing impromptu silly games", said Robin, like a rubbish picking race, a scavenger hunt and even painting a mural...all in 37 degree midday heat!  When the sun got the best of us, volunteers found respite inside the classrooms where more academic lessons were underway.  We were in "constant awe at their excitement, and the fact that they have been learning English for only 10 weeks!", said Mel.  The students' eagerness to learn radiated from each classroom.  You couldn't escape the heat of it...everyone was "on fire" even inside the school, a cool, concrete building! These classroom workshops were the highlight of our visit. I asked each volunteer to bring a skill to share at the school, and it was moving to see what they came up with!  At one point Greta pulled me over saying, "Sally, you've gotta come see this!"  I walked into a classroom to find Rita, Gen and Brian teaching the kids Ballet to classical music.  Simultaneously, all the other students were learning photography, Japanese calligraphy, math, French, Spanish, Japanese, English.  They were planting trees with their volunteer buddies, folding paper cranes and making Japanese toys.  I don't know if it was the music, but the tears just flowed.  It was the most magical moment I've experienced in my life!  That's when I realized how "awe-inspiring and life changing", as everyone has said, this trip was. On our last day at the school the volunteers were busy saying goodbyes and taking pictures by our mural.  Bret remembers "dancing to Sean Paul's 'Ever Blazing' under the hot, hot sun" with a bunch of energetic kids and fiery volunteers.  Our sunburn and smiles attest to the fact that this trip, as many have said, was "the best thing I've done in my life."  EVERYONE agreed that it was "AMAAAZING"!!! Thank you PEPY Team (Peppi, Kristian, Greta, Daniela) for all the backstage work.  Things were always magically done and thanks for posting all the photos!  Please post the good ones from Pre-Rup! Thank you to everyone who helped us collect mathboxes, stationary, and clothes.  The over $18,000 you've helped PEPY raise has funded health education classes, purchased uniforms for all our students, installed an electric water pump at the school, and will help pay a teacher's salary. Thank you Daniela & Greta for giving me, and ALL of us, the opportunity to share your dream and your vision.  I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life.  I'm eternally grateful that I was able to share it with you.   Anything is possible if we just dream and have the passion that you girls have.  Thank you!!!  Last but not least, THANK YOU to my AMAAAZING team!  I can't thank you enough for this awesome experience.  I appreciated all your enthusiasm despite the heat.  Your continuous energy fueled me!  This trip was so successful because of everything that you gave to it, together.  I hope you continue to spread the lovin that you have to the rest of the world and to PEPY.  You are ALL ATSU!!! Awkun Chiran, Sally Harada March 2006 PEPY Trip Coordinator

From Siem Reap to Phnom Penh

In the past eight years the temples of Angkor have become reason enough for many travelers to visit Cambodia.  Of those visitors only a fraction make the trip down to Phnom Penh to see first hand the horrific yet moving remnants of the Khmer Rouge Regime at S-21 and Choeng Ek.  Had these been my only two stops in Cambodia I would have left satisfied that I had seen the best the country had to offer but with no idea what I had missed.  Volunteering at the PEPY school and exploring parts of the country rarely seen by foreign eyes during the ride to Phnom Penh gave me an opportunity to see a side of Cambodia and its people that few are fortunate enough to discover.   As we left the school for the last time I could physically see the difference we had made in the kids' lives in the form of toothbrushes, books, and uniforms we had given.  While the only tangibles I left with were a dirtied t-shirt and a sunburn, it's the intangibles I gained in the three days I spent with them that I will always carry with me.  Even though I may never see the lasting effects that this week has had on the lives of the students, I do know that I couldn't have given them nearly as much as they gave me.  They really are amazing. Four days later as we pedaled into Phnom Penh I couldn't help but wish we were continuing on to Saigon.  Having experienced most traditional forms of travel I can say without a doubt that nothing compares to seeing the world from the seat of a bike.  The rarely seen landscape, rural school visits, and satisfaction of riding eighty kilometers on dirt roads leaves you with a feeling at the end of the day unlike any other and a desire to do it all over again the next day. In a world where traveling is becoming easier by the day, its becoming harder to find those truly unique experiences.  My trip with PEPY was a great exception to that fact.  It's a trip I would recommend to anyone as it is a side of Cambodia and the world I think everyone should see at least once, or in my case hopefully twice.   Adam Vaught "All in all, I feel a little more knowledgeable about the world and incredibly satisfied with what was a great trip." Richard Shelley "I feel chills every time i think about this last week and the children and the ride.  I am already plotting to go back to Cambodia and checking out the upcoming PEPY rides."   Cate Lee     On Mar 31, twelve cyclists departed Siem Reap for an adventurous trek to Phnom Penh. We had already visited the PEPY School and saw what our efforts were helping to build but wanted to visit a larger portion of the Cambodian countryside.  We would have several days of early mornings, questionable food, bumpy roads and blazing sun combined with great conversations, enjoyable evenings, thousands and thousands of "Hello's" and a great time overall. The journey began bright and early as we had to cycle the 13 or 17 or 20 kilometer road to the river where we would catch a boat that would take us to another boat that would take us to another boat that would take us to the town where we would spend our first night. This was not the last time that the distance would be unclear but it all worked out.  We spent a lot of time on the water that day and several decided to lounge outdoors and even sleep a bit after our early rising. Once we arrived at our quite luxurious guesthouse we settled in and then took off for lunch, a hilltop temple visit and a trek to see several clay pot sites that are employing many rural Cambodians and feeding many families. The second day we once again started early to avoid the blazing sun and headed towards Oudong.  Our quarters were a bit sketchier this evening but after a long day of riding most didn't complain a great deal and only looked at it as just another piece of the adventure. The following morning we arose to visit a temple, a school and ultimately Phnom Penh.  The temple was also on a hilltop with a pretty large trek up. The children gleefully informed us that it was 516 steps and raced up them as they most likely do several times a day.  We proceeded on to a school but first managed to visit the wrong one. As we didn't realize this immediately, one of the riders headed over to the playground and played for a while before we called him back to hit the road with us again.  Adam found this particularly funny saying "Say some foreigners from a different country come to your school dressed in interesting traditional gear, never identify themselves or say why they are there, hang out with you during recess, and then just pick up and leave five or ten minutes later." Definitely more interesting when you think of it that way. We continued on to the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh where we finished our cycling but continued our education with visits to S-21, the Killing Fields, the Cambodian Children's Fund, the Royal Palace, Friends and of course, the market. We were privileged to have Mr. Lucky as our cycling guide throughout the entire journey. A member of the Cambodian cycling team who rides at least 80 kilometers each morning before most of us have breakfast, he was always quick to share his knowledge of cycling and Cambodia and most importantly, he always did so with a great big smile. I don't believe any of us will forget this amazing week.

 

Closer to Home: The PEPY Hurricane Relief Ride

http://www.pepyride.org/hurricane.html   Sometimes its easy to ignore the need that's right in our backyard.  Most of us think of PEPY only in terms of Cambodia, where the idea for PEPY began, and where most of our efforts are located.   However as I've seen firsthand over the past few months, there is an overwhelming need for our support and awareness much closer to home.   In less than 6 weeks, Daniela and I will be leading the first U.S. PEPY Ride- The PEPY Hurricane Relief Ride.  Along with 6 riders from across the US and Canada, we will spend 8 days cycling through the Gulf Coast from the Texas border to New Orleans, raising money for hurricane relief through the YMCA of Greater New Orleans.  For those abroad, and even many people in the states, it might seem that hurricane relief is "out-dated" or perhaps unnecessary, as Katrina and Rita both hit the coast almost a year ago.  When we started planning the ride, I admit I had some of the same concerns.  Would hurricane relief still be an important issue a year later?  Would our efforts be important to the communities affected?  After two lengthy trips through the state and conversations with local organizations and people along the coast I now know how naive it was to assume that a year is long enough to rebuild a community, particularly when left to bureaucracy.  In many areas, rebuilding hasn't even begun and so much of the coast still resembles a war zone.  From Beaumont,TX all the way to New Orleans (and beyond!) FEMA tarps still cover most roofs, churches and schools are in ruins, roads are still being cleared and in some of the wards of New Orleans there is still no electricity or water.  Even in areas of downtown New Orleans there are overturned school buses and downed power lines along the sides of the roads.  When a friend and I first drove through Cameron and Vermillion parish (near the Texas border hit by Rita) we found we could hardly speak, feeling we were driving through a ghost town.   On a later trip one family I met told me of how they lost their home in New Orleans to Katrina, evacuated to Holly Beach and lost everything again when Rita hit shortly thereafter.   Despite the large amount of money earmarked by the federal government, support for those who have returned to New Orleans is still minimal.  Only 1/3 of schools are open (though a larger percentage of families have returned) and most of these are private or parochial schools.   There is almost no support for childcare, a major problem for families who are trying to return home to rebuild their lives.  Minorities and those in lower-income areas were affected disproportionately, and it is mostly these areas where basic infrastructure is still lacking. The riders for The PEPY Hurricane Relief Ride are raising money to support the YMCA of Greater New Orleans' efforts to rebuild educational infrastructure for families in hurricane effected areas. The YMCA has been a central feature of communities in New Orleans since 1852, and was a first responder in the days and weeks following Katrina.  The money we raise through PEPY donations for the YCMA will go towards child-care programs which were once run by the city, and now have been cut from the budget.  The YMCA has found that outside of housing, the primary need for the communities hardest hit by Katrina is education and childcare support for returnees.  During the course of the ride we will also be meeting with local groups, learning more about rebuilding efforts, and supporting local projects.   Of course, it won't all be dreary devastation.  Like all PEPY Rides, we plan to have our share of fun...biking through the bayou country, hanging out at old plantations, getting friendly with the crocodiles, camping on the lake, and chowing down on Clif Bars (our latest sponsor--yum!).  And of course, we have an impressive and adventurous group of riders joining us!  We're still looking for support.  Please give what you can, online at http://www.firstgiving.com/ymcapepyride or check the website for more options. There is also a great video posted on the Hurricane Relief Ride site that explores how the YMCA has been working with communities to rebuild.  If you're in the area and want to come meet us for a day, a night, a kickoff party in Austin, or a final fete in New Orleans, let me know! ymcaride@pepyride.org   Cheers, Maryann

PEPY Gets Lost in the Mail

We expected to make an announcement MONTHS ago, but were uncontrollably delayed when PEPY, quite literally, got lost in the mail.  Last December PEPY Team member, Dominic Giuliani, sat down to fill out some forms.  One envelope, one stamp, four months, one phone call and a week later, Dominic finally received what we've all been waiting for...a little certificate that recognizes The PEPY Ride as a Non-For-Profit organization in the state of New York!!!  PEPY is an official NGO!!!   What PEPY is looking for now is someone to help Dominic take the next step.  PEPY needs to apply for 501(c)3 status.  If you are a lawyer, or know one, who is interested in helping PEPY file for 501(c)3 benefits, please contact us at teamleader@pepyride.org .

 

Tokyopoly

The 5th Semi-Annual Tokyo Charity Scavenger Hunt Invites You To... On June 3, 2006   Scavenge Tokyo Monopoly Style and Donate To The PEPY Ride! Organize your teams and SIGN UP today... Scavenger Hunt Rate: Before April 28th for the discounted rate: 3500 Yen Until May 12th (the final sign up date):  4000 Yen One Night Accommodations at Sakura Hotel: 4000 Yen Don't miss your chance to compete in the most popular event in Tokyo! For more information visit www.tokyoscavengerhunt.com   SIGN UP TODAY or email us questions at: info@tokyoscavengerhunt.com Are you recontracting? Or, know people who are? Why not extend the already raging Recontracting Conference in Tokyo, June 5-7, by heading up a few days early for the scavenger hunt?

 

Featured Sponsor: Genki English

This month our special PEPY thanks goes out to Genki English, an incredible resource for teachers around the world and a gift to OUR English teacher at The PEPY Ride School!        Genki English is a website that provides extensive amounts of successful language teaching ideas.  You'll find games, songs, printable picture cards, videos, lesson plans, entire curriculum suggestions, and a library of collected articles to help you improve your language lessons.  Richard Graham and Genki English have generously donated copies of their CDs, flash cards and entire sets of lesson materials to The PEPY Ride School in Cambodia.  They've also provided PEPY with CD's and materials to use as prizes and give-aways at PEPY fundraisers across Japan.  Thank you Richard and Genki English for providing our teachers with your amazing classroom resources.  We've seen, firsthand, how much our students at The PEPY Ride School enjoy and respond to your lesson ideas.  Not only are they learning English, they're learning to LOVE English, and they're doing it at record speeds!    Take advantage of this incredible resource!  Visit www.genkienglish.net today!

 

Upcoming PEPY Events

Upcoming PEPY Trips: April 29-May 7:  Sangkheum & The PEPY Ride School Volunteer Trip (Phnom Penh & Siem Reap)    Email Julie at: volunteer@pepyride.org for more info.   May 23-30:  PEPY Hurricane Relief Ride from Beaumont, TX to New Orleans Visit www.pepyride.org or email Maryann at: YMCAride@pepyride.org for more info. August 6-13:  CCF Volunteer Trip (Phnom Penh) and August 13-19:  CCF Volunteer Trip (Phnom Penh plus optional Siem Reap Extension Trip) The funds raised from these trips will build The PEPY Ride Medical Center at CCF's new facility.  Volunteers will spend time with the students and construct rainwater collection units in the most deprived areas of Phnom Penh.  Email Julie at: volunteer@pepyride.org for more info.   Late December 2006 (dates to be decided):  The PEPY Ride School Volunteer Trip Email volunteer@pepyride.org for more info.    December 2006-Jan 2007 (dates to be decided) We are accepting applications to join the 2nd Annual PEPY Ride in Cambodia until APRIL 30th.  Follow in the tire treads of the 2006 team and expand the future possibilities of riding with PEPY. The 2-3 week ride will visit local schools and amazing NGOs across Cambodia.  Dates *almost* confirmed for end of Dec 2006-mid Jan 2007.  Interested riders will have a chance to influence these dates. To fill out a web application form, choose "Request more info about future PEPY trips" on the PEPY homepage and select "Cambodia 2007" as your trip choice.  Email Judy and Audrey at: cambodia2007@pepyride.org for more info.   Japan Events:   May 27:  The JUDY Run (Izunokuni City) If anyone is interested in running in their home countries on the same day, get in touch with Judy and make it an international event!  A number of onsen cottages have been reserved for the low low price of 2,500 Yen per person (if 6 in a cottage) per night INCLUDING a 1/2 price onsen ticket for both days/evenings of the overnight stay.  Email Judy at:  judyrun@pepyride.org for more info and a sign up form!   June 3:  The semi-annual Tokyo Charity Scavenger Hunt (Tokyo) Twice a year teams of "hunters" scavenge Tokyo for clues as they compete for prizes and the glory of winning the Tokyo Charity Scavenger Hunt!  The upcoming 5th hunt, organized by Huntresses Michelle Lydin, Jaime Bauer, and Megan Prescott, is set to be the best hunt yet!  Sign-Up by May 12th (April 28th for the discounted rate) to participate!!!  Check out the website at:  www.tokyoscavengerhunt.com or email the huntresses at: info@tokyoscavengerhunt.com   June 3 4:  Next Western ALT Soccer Tournament (Awaji Island, Hyogo) and June 17 18:  Next Eastern ALT Soccer Tournament (Sugadaira, Nagano) Twice a year, Jon, Andre, Chris, and Phil organize the ALT Soccer Tournaments in both Eastern and Western Japan with an All-Japan Championship held in Saitama`s World Cup Stadium once a year. These events have become a pillar of the English teaching community in Japan with the chance to join in competitive sport and enjoy a huge party with all the other teams!  These events are not to be missed.  And don`t miss their annual Nagano Ski Trips either!  A portion of the sign up fee for these events supports The PEPY Ride School in Cambodia which is yet another reason to join!  Visit www.altsoccertournament.com for upcoming events. June 6:  Recontracting Conference Party at the Pink Cow (Tokyo) Supporting BEE, PEPY, and Mu-Jeres   YMCA Ride Events in the U.S. and Canada: April 22:  Party at Ceilis (Calgary, Canada) $10 tickets includes NO lines, NO cover charge and ONE free drink.  HUGE Thank you to Ceilis for supporting PEPY!  Email Kristen at: hartley_kris@hotmail.com for more info. Feel free to start your own PEPY events!  We'd LOVE your support!

The PEPY Ride Sponsors