30th March 2010

a. Based on your experience in the many activities we organised in Cambodia, what would be a highlight(s) for you? Why? Please elaborate.
The highlight for me would be the day we distributed soaps to the villages. To me, that is the most horrible day. The sun is freaking hot, the kids running around us cause they are excited about our visit but it made us breathe in tons of sands which leads to uncomfortable breathing for the next 24 hrs, we just keep walking and couldn't see the end - literally, the endless road , countless animals - pigs, dogs, cows and even donkeys/horses....
It is the highlight because it is the most horrible day and also the most memorable day. Despite of all the above whining, we all managed to pull through it. No one complained in the process of 'walking'. We just keep telling each other that we'll be able to see the end soon, soon, soon, soon, soon....
On the soap distribution day, we also completed the house building. Seriously, towards the end, we didn't contribute as much cause it really requires SKILLS to saw the windows, the doors and tie the walls to keep it really in place. Well, after knowing our hammering skills and sawing skills, it's definitely not something that can be trusted to us. lol. nevertheless, i still feel the sense of achievement after the house is completed. It's like all the hard work finally ended and it's all worth it afterall! Now that i'm thinking back, i still feel good actually :)


b. Were there learning points during your trip? What have you learnt? About yourself, your fellow expedition mate, Cambodia, orphans, etc.
The first learning point that i want to share about is to be easily contended. It's really the only way to stay happy. Looking at the kids over at Hope Village, what they really have is not even half of what we own however, they are definitely happier than us. Thus, being easily contended is really something that needs to be learn slowly but surely.
The second learning point would be teamwork. I realised that in whatever situations we faced, teamwork matters the most. With everyone working together, we've managed to complete the house, make and distribute the soaps, organise the different activities for the kids at Hope Village and even let panying recover. All these are done by all of us, working together.

c. The theme of this expedition was 'Challenge your perspectives". Did this happen? Did you have a new insight? Or do you now have a new perspective?
After I'm back, I tend to appreciate little and minor things that others do for me. One of the simplest example would be i'm not that picky towards food anymore. This is because i keep having the mindset that the food i have is cooked by my dearest mama but the kids over at Hope Village.............. My perspective in life changed. Now, i keep telling myself to treasure whatever I have cause whatever that is viewed as insignificant may be very precious to others at some parts of the world.

d. Call to action. Do you feel you have contributed at the expedition? Would there be future expeditions for you? What are your plans (related to community service). What does the future hold for you?
I would love to go back to Hope Village again and I believe many of my fellow Cambodia trip friends would love it too. In the future, I really hope that I can organise and lead a team there so that I can share whatever i learned with a total new batch of people. Also, this will be difficult but imagine, how nice if all 20 of us go back there together once again! :)


I would like to thank all 17 of you who brought joy, fun and plenty of laughter throughout the whole 12 days. Most of us started out as strangers but now, i wouldn't say that we are best friends or close friends but I would see all 18 of us as a special group, having gone through the 12 days together and sharing this meaning experience. And of course, I would like to thank Mr Ben and Ms Lai for organising this trip, selecting the 18 of us and providing us with care and concern from before the trip, during the trip and after the trip. The reflections by them are very touching. So, thanks to all and I look forward to seeing half of the group for tmr's CIP :)


Love,
Jing Lin