MONTH #6 DIARY REFLECTIONS

Major changes in month#6

In Month 6, Father Chenda got sick and so his income is decreased by 40%. He loses
$5 for medicine. We already have 2 disasters so we cannot have another one. Still -30% of
the food cost this month from food aid in month 2. Also, +20% incomes of all characters
working in Cambodia from government subsidies in month 5. Doi came back to Cambodia
and work here to see his family and spend time together after a long parting.
Major events throughout the simulation
In month 1, we didnt have any major problems. In month 2, Grandfather Loy got
sick because the change of weather, and his income was decrease 40%. We used $5 to cure
him. The food also cost lesser because on this month we got aid. Female child Jorani return
from aboard and work in Cambodia 5 days a week. In month 3, land mine explosion and
Father was there but nothing happen to him. In month 4, there is micro financing loan for
female. So mother Gita starts working 6 days a week and earn double of her income. In
month 5, Jeffrey was supposed to get sick but he is not home. Grandfather has a chance to
get yellow fever. There was aid in this month: Government subsidies give money to
individual. It increases 20% of income to everyone. Everyone in Cambodia get health checkups. In month 6, father chenda got sick and 40% of his income was decreased. We used $5
for medicine. Doi came back and work in Cambodia to see his family.
Choices and trade-offs
In the beginning, we have no money at all. So we decided to collect money as much
as possible by sending two sons and one daughter to work abroad. Although this made the
family members become far from each other, and is very dangerous for those three, it
reduce the living expenses such as food, water, shelter, wood, and sanitary products and
also increase overall familys incomes. In the first month, we decided to be hard on the two
sons and one daughter by letting them work every day. We thought they may be tired now
but it will be better faster in the future when we have more savings.
Next, everybodys heath is 0% and even -10% so we decided to increase them as
much as we could. We considered choosing the shelter between corrugated and concrete
one. In the end, we decided to choose corrugated one because at that time we could only
afford that much and the 15% health increasing is quite enough. Our opportunity cost is
concrete shelter. Trade- offs are health we get and money we lose.
For food, we decided to start with just rice and vegetables because the cost is
reasonable with the 20% increasing in health. Although eating rice, vegetable, and meat,
which is our opportunity cost, can increase health by 35% with just $15 more, we thought
saving this money in case of emergencies or disaster may be better.

In month 2, Daughter Jorani return home because it isnt safe for the female to work
far from home alone, where the sex-slavery risk is high. Trade off are the lesser income, the
higher expenses of food, wood, water, etc., but also her safety.
Finally, in month 6, we take the second oldest son home. He can spend times with
his family more. Although this cost the savings of this month to be negative, it is worthwhile
to let the family see each other and confirm his health. Trade-offs are money loss, higher
living expenses, but also his happiness and safety.
Actions taken to improve family life
We took actions to improve the lives of our family by firstly, we work hard and earn
as much money as possible and collect them for living expenses and emergencies. That is
why we send some of the three sons and daughter to work abroad. Second, we built a good
enough shelter for our family to sleep in. Third, our family eat rice and vegetable to get
enough energy and nutrient (protein are from beans and tofu). These can improve their
health a lot to prevent them from sickness. Our family also uses sanitary products, clean
water, fire to keep warm and the youngest son receive education to gain knowledge and
help the family in the future.
Future
In the end of month 6, our family income is still quite low. The savings are not
enough for the living expenses if two sons come back. Some of our savings should also be
collected in cases of disasters, emergencies, sickness, etc. So we will still send two male
children, Jeffrey and Doi, to work abroad to earn more income. But sometimes, they will
come back once in a while to see their family in Cambodia and get a health check-up. In
month 6, Doi is the one who come back so next month, Doi will go working abroad again
while Jeffrey will come back. Right now, we need to be frugal, until the youngest son can
work, our family will be better than now. Later, when our family has enough money to
invest a business, grandfather and daughter will stay home and run familys business. This
will be much easier and more relaxing for them. As time pass, we expect the business to
become more stable, and the family will have more income and savings. Then we can live
our lives with more happiness. Two sons can return home and settle down in Cambodia and
spend time together as a whole family. They can buy better quality products, arrange a
small celebration on important events such as birthday, and eat good food occasionally. This
way, not only their physical health will improve, but also their emotional and mental health.
Life will not be as hard as before. Every day will be spent with family and happiness.

Happy ending
today is tired, tomorrow is beautiful

Members
1 Akradej (JOHNNY)
2 Nattawan (POP)
3 Poondarik (PANGRUM)