The Cambodia Experience

Hello! Jolie here. :) It has been days since I've last came back from Cambodia! How are ya all doing? Slacking? Working? Studying? hahaha.. back to the usual routine i guess. Well, I'm here to blog about my experience in Cambodia between 7th Mar- 18th Mar 2010. The unforgettable 12 days that i will carry with me throughout my entire life.

a. Based on your experience in the many activities we organised in Cambodia, what would be a highlight(s) for you? Why? Please elaborate.

It would definitely be the house building experience at one of the village in Prey Vang. This experience has left a great impact in me and has transformed me into a determined and tolerant person. Before i came for this Cambodia trip, i was always known as the "gu-niang", never had to do anything that's tedious; whine and complain whenever things get beyond my control. However, during the house building, i didn't whine that much as I've expected myself to be.. I think.. haha. Before the house building, i thought we would be constructing the house built with cement and bricks.. yup.. same thinking as the rest of my friends.. but when we reached the construction site, it was totally different from what i thought it would be. House built with palm leaves, bamboo sticks... amazing totally. In the process of constructing, we're split into teams, taking turns to nail and clean the bamboo sticks. For the first time in my life did i hammer so many nails. The cleaning of the bamboo sticks were tougher than the hammering of the nails.. However, everyone was very encouraging and determined, hence this has influenced me to not give up no matter how tired i was. In the end, we managed to complete constructing the house and handed it over to the house-owner who is one of the orphan's aunt. (: The entire house building process was tough, but we wouldn't be able to complete the house without the two local carpenters help. In addition, I would like to add on by saying that these two carpenters are full of patience and they would just let you try even though they can do a better job.

Another highlight would be the sitting in the lorry. This was my first time sitting in a lorry, cramping up with the rest of my expedition mates and not forgetting the dusty air. It was an eye-opener when i saw how dusty it was on the way to our house-building. White shirt to brown shirt, black hair to brown hair....well a great experience.

b. Were there learning points during your trip? What have you learnt? About yourself, your fellow expedition mate, Cambodia, orphans, etc.

During this trip, I've learnt how fortunate am I to have a family that cares about me, to be able to live in a civilised country like Singapore. My fellow expedition mates were all very friendly and caring. I'm so glad that I went with them for this trip and has made this trip a fruitful one. Cambodia is a beautiful place with captivating scenery, filled with cheerful and friendly people. The orphans in Hope Village are really adorable and independent. I've seen a small girl (around 4 years old? i think) bathing and washing her own clothes by herself, and helping another girl who is of her age in washing of her clothes. I must say they really can take good care of each other.

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?

This trip has really widen my perspective towards life. I've came to appreciate things better with the mindset that there are people out there who are less fortunate than me and yet they can still live their life happily. This trip has also helped me in understanding Cambodia better in terms of its history and culture.

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 feel that I've contributed at the expedition and I hope that i can be a YEP leader in the future to lead a team for future expeditions to Cambodia. This trip has encouraged me to participate more in community service, to help those people in need.

This would be the end of my post-reflection!

Loves,
Jolie (: