Meet our 2012-13 IVEP Volunteers

International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP) is a 60-year old program of MCC.  Through IVEP, young adults from around the world spend a year volunteering and living with a host family in either the USA or Canada.

This year, MCC Cambodia sent 5 volunteers to North America: 4 to the USA and 1 to Canada.

From left to right: Chomno, Rebecca (SALT), Chanmary, Somaly, Kanha, and Warren (SALT)

Prom Chomno is volunteering as a Pastoral, Enrichment and Pathways Intern at Messiah Village in PA.  Eab Bonika is volunteering as an Early Childhood Educator Assistant at Regina Open Door Society Child Care Center in Saskatchewan.

Bun Somaly is volunteering as a Hostess and Cashier at Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center in Ohio.  She writes:
“So far, I’m doing fine and I am enjoy with host family, work and this community. Last couple month I worked with Behalt (Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center, I was working at front desk, greeting people, work as a Cashier, assisted to boss office work and book store). But recently, as Behalt is getting slow in the winter, so I switched to work with New Ground Cafe Shop which is a Christan place for young people to hang out. I am enjoy working with those place as I am able to get to know other people. Especially, I am able to learn how to make American foods (Pizza, Calzone, Salad…kinds of drink…).

Somaly with her extended host family.

Somaly with her co-workers at New Ground Cafe.

Somaly with her co-workers at Behalt.

Somaly and other IVEP volunteers with their regional supervisor.

Bun Chanmary is the Assistant Store Manager at MCC’s Mennonite Quilt Center in CA.  An update from Chanmary:
“Well, so far I am really happy to work at The Mennonite Quilt Center. My job is Assistant Store Manager. My main responsibilities are making money deposit every daily sell, report all the sell transaction, making MQC Bank reconciliation, cashier, and especially being in charge in store all the time (many jobs to do). Beside of working in the store, I am working with the school kids program. I would say that so far, so good for me. I have been learning a lot of new skills such as sewing, quilting, and crochet.
Anyway, I live in Sanger, CA. I live with a wonderful couple. They are such a nice person. I live far away from my work 20 minutes by car. My host take me to work every morning and MCC staff and one another volunteer bring me home from work every evening.”

Chanmary at work

Chanmary and MCC West Coast Staff

Chanmary with her host mom

Phoeuk Kanha is a Teacher Assistant at Roberta Webb Child Care Center in VA:
“I’m so blessed to be one of MCC serving and with other IVEPer. I’m so thankful to God that He open my eyes to see how God’s work through his people around the world especially in Harrisonburg, VA that I live. I’m praying and have hope that God will BLESS His people in Cambodia too. I’m learning a lot of new thing from great family and friends around me. I’m happy at my placement Roberta Webb Child Care center and to be teacher assistant in 3 year old class and Pre- Kindergarten class too. We had a lot of fun time together with kids and I have been taught them about Cambodia and children’s life too. This is some of my wonderful time in Harrisongburg,VA.”

Kanha with children from her school.

Kanha

Kanha with her host sister and host mother

Kanha gives a presentation on Cambodia.

Chamno and Kanha pose for a picture with MCC’s previous SE Asia Reps, Lana and Andy Miller.

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