Monday, June 25, 2012
"Keep your face always towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you"
Since the day I arrived at the orphanage, those kids are all I think about. Now that I have left them, I think about them every moment of every second of every day. It's an incredible feeling knowing that they will never forget me, and that I will never forget them either because we all have bonded so much, that the force between us, no matter how far apart we are, is unbreakable.
Children's Global Alliance was the real first organization that came to CPO with students. This made it very life-changing and an irreplaceable trip for me. This also benefited and impacted the children at CPO majorly because we actually became extremely close to one another, and taught them what love feels like. This is something extraordinarily hard to teach someone that has never known what it is, but that is what we came here for. I sure hope they will not forget me, because the last thing that I would ever do is forget them. They really made an impact on my life and I know that that impact will stay within me for an infinite amount of time.
I now know what the feeling is of leaving someone you are in love with, and it's not easy.
I don't want to always think about how I left them, but on how we brightened their lives in the time that we were here, and how they lightened mine.
I do and always will love those children to the point where my heart aches. That is how attached I am to them.
Right now I'm in Angkor Wat which was once one of the 7 wonders of the world, but is now one of the 11. Today was an amazing day because we got to learn about their culture religions, significance in these temples and much more. Everything here is truly amazing, just like in Phnom Penh.
We have a long and tiring day tomorrow because it's the day that we leave Cambodia for the states again. I cannot believe that this trip has so rapidly blazed by!
See you all soon, and thank you for your support, I could not have done it without you.
Share. The. Love.
"Keep your face always towards the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you"
~Walt Whitman
Saturday, June 23, 2012
"It's good to have an end to journey towards, but it's the journey that matters in the end"
The end of the trip is very quickly approaching, and I feel as if I don't have enough time with these children at all! I remember following last years blogs, and reading about how sad they were that the trip is almost over. I remember reading about their party at the end and how torn they all were because of us leaving, but I never really understood how attached you can get.
In the past two weeks, these kids were, and still are my life. Everything to me. I just cant believe that it went by as fast as it did. I don't think it's even possible.
6-21
Today was the last "work day" at the orphanage. Creek, Nicole, and I all started off by cleaning a back room that is part of the orphanage, but doesn't really get used for anything. We cleaned that room, so now it can become as another area to cook in. This will make it a lot easier to get food out on the plates, so I'm very excited we could do that for them.
In the afternoon, we played some games and hung around. This was the time that I felt most connected to them, because I knew that we would have to leave them soon. Also because every day that I'm with them, I get more attached so the thought of leaving them tomorrow startled me.
6-22
Their cute little laughs filled with happiness, their outrageously big smiles, and their adorably cute faces. These are the things that I'm going to miss most. I can't even start to tell you how much of an emotional day it was for everyone.
We had a great dance party that was incorporated with amazing songs, crazy dancers, and loving people. It was the best party I have ever been to! About an hour before we knew we had to leave, we played our last song. This was the best last dance you could wish for because everyone was still overwhelmed with joy. Their dancing makes my day, highlights my week, and brightens my year. I love them all way to much to have said goodbye for the last time.
I'll tell you right now, as soon as the last second of the song ended, there were pouring waterfalls of tears everywhere that the eye could see. This lasted so long I couldn't keep track. Its was just one hug after the other. Everyone at the orphanage, had something different to say.
Some of the main ones that I can remember clearly were: when can I see you again? I want you to come back! I will miss you. I love you. See you soon.
Every time there was a remark I started bawling, because I had absolutely no response. I just froze up when hugging them as tightly as I could. I kept saying I'll miss you too and I love you too. Which is what made this trip what it was. Love.
One of the boys at the orphanage that I became really close to, Nirot, gave me about 20 hugs total. It was the best feeling in the universe to have him in my arms, knowing that I have done my job well. He also asked me to be his sister, and my response was an immediate yes. He was the last person that I hugged in the orp0hanage.
Once we stepped in the tuk tuk to go back to the guest house, and after the last child stopped running with us, tears would not stop pouring out. I was the only one who was still crying at the end of our 45 minute tuk tuk ride. It was just the worst feeling in the world to leave them.
I do know that I left these children in a safer place than when we first arrived, and also that we made them happy every second from the time we set foot into the orphanage, to the time we walked out.
I miss and love them all so much my heart aches to leave them. I'm so glad I got this experience to make these children feel special.
"It's good to have an end to journey towards, but it's the journey that matters in the end"
~Ursala K. LeGuin
In the past two weeks, these kids were, and still are my life. Everything to me. I just cant believe that it went by as fast as it did. I don't think it's even possible.
6-21
Today was the last "work day" at the orphanage. Creek, Nicole, and I all started off by cleaning a back room that is part of the orphanage, but doesn't really get used for anything. We cleaned that room, so now it can become as another area to cook in. This will make it a lot easier to get food out on the plates, so I'm very excited we could do that for them.
In the afternoon, we played some games and hung around. This was the time that I felt most connected to them, because I knew that we would have to leave them soon. Also because every day that I'm with them, I get more attached so the thought of leaving them tomorrow startled me.
6-22
Their cute little laughs filled with happiness, their outrageously big smiles, and their adorably cute faces. These are the things that I'm going to miss most. I can't even start to tell you how much of an emotional day it was for everyone.
We had a great dance party that was incorporated with amazing songs, crazy dancers, and loving people. It was the best party I have ever been to! About an hour before we knew we had to leave, we played our last song. This was the best last dance you could wish for because everyone was still overwhelmed with joy. Their dancing makes my day, highlights my week, and brightens my year. I love them all way to much to have said goodbye for the last time.
I'll tell you right now, as soon as the last second of the song ended, there were pouring waterfalls of tears everywhere that the eye could see. This lasted so long I couldn't keep track. Its was just one hug after the other. Everyone at the orphanage, had something different to say.
Some of the main ones that I can remember clearly were: when can I see you again? I want you to come back! I will miss you. I love you. See you soon.
Every time there was a remark I started bawling, because I had absolutely no response. I just froze up when hugging them as tightly as I could. I kept saying I'll miss you too and I love you too. Which is what made this trip what it was. Love.
One of the boys at the orphanage that I became really close to, Nirot, gave me about 20 hugs total. It was the best feeling in the universe to have him in my arms, knowing that I have done my job well. He also asked me to be his sister, and my response was an immediate yes. He was the last person that I hugged in the orp0hanage.
Once we stepped in the tuk tuk to go back to the guest house, and after the last child stopped running with us, tears would not stop pouring out. I was the only one who was still crying at the end of our 45 minute tuk tuk ride. It was just the worst feeling in the world to leave them.
I do know that I left these children in a safer place than when we first arrived, and also that we made them happy every second from the time we set foot into the orphanage, to the time we walked out.
I miss and love them all so much my heart aches to leave them. I'm so glad I got this experience to make these children feel special.
"It's good to have an end to journey towards, but it's the journey that matters in the end"
~Ursala K. LeGuin
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
"A small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of LOVE"
Time flies when you are with these orphaned children at CPO. I feel as if it was just yesterday that all of us walked out of that airplane and instantly felt the perspiration on your skin. We only have about 6 days left here in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, but we are leaving the children and the orphanage on Friday evening. I just wish that I could spend every day with them for the rest of my life. I wish I could be there for good. Every step of the way. Since I know that this is not physically possible, because of the fact that I live in Vail, Colorado, I try incredibly hard to give them everything I have to give to them in the time that I am still here. I want to make them feel happy, extraordinary, and most of all, loved. There will always be a special place in my heart for them.
6-19:
This morning we helped finish up the "dirt yard" in the lawn of the orphanage. This will soon be a place to plant food for the kids to eat as part of their daily meal. It was really fun while working on it, knowing that this will provide the children with full stomachs from now on. In the afternoon, we played some very fun, exciting, and high-leveled volleyball. This was a very memorable part of the day as well. Next, we gave every child at CPO some new clothes. This made them feel very loved, and extremely wanted, which I loved and enjoyed. Then, Keavy and I searched through all of the their cubbies to terminate any ripped or stained clothing. After that, I taught some of the children their colors, shapes, and numbers. I was very shocked to see how little the older children knew, but I should have expected it. These kids might not have gone to school when they were young. They don't have a fraction of the advantages that we in America do, so I am grateful to be helping them with learning as well. The girls also taught me a new version of "rock-paper-scissors" and "monkey in the middle." I loved them both.
There are two blind boys at the orphanage, and they might just be the most inspiring people I have ever met.
One of the boys name in Sopia. When he was younger, about age 4, he and a few friends were playing with a land mine. They had been playing with it all day, and then towards the end of the day, it blew up in mid-air. One of his friends died. Sopia was left blind. Sopia still has the land mine scars all over him, and I cant even imagine how bad that must have hurt.
Now, he can play tons of instruments. Its truly amazing because he was taught how to play all of them by someone holding his hands onto the instrument and learning the patterns. Its almost impossible.
6-20:
Today, when we got to CPO, after making a trip to SFODA and spending a limited amount of time there, we instantly started playing games and sports with the children. We also bought nail polish, which we used today on all of the girls, and to tell the truth, some of the boys. It was very fun, and now most of the children at CPO have very colorful nails.
Keavy and I then also cleaned the bathrooms. This time it didn't take as long as before, because they had already been cleaned, but they still get very dirty in a matter of days, so I was glad to touch up on them again. Straight after that, we washed the clothes that needed to be washed, which a good majority of them. It was so cool to see how they clean their clothes though, because they clean them like in the olden days. With a bucket, brush, and a wood panel. It was very fun, and from my perspective, it actually cleans very well.
After that, we played some more games, handshakes, hula hoops, and tags games.
I cant wait for tomorrow... We only have two more days at the orphanage left.
"A small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of LOVE"
~Stendhal
6-19:
This morning we helped finish up the "dirt yard" in the lawn of the orphanage. This will soon be a place to plant food for the kids to eat as part of their daily meal. It was really fun while working on it, knowing that this will provide the children with full stomachs from now on. In the afternoon, we played some very fun, exciting, and high-leveled volleyball. This was a very memorable part of the day as well. Next, we gave every child at CPO some new clothes. This made them feel very loved, and extremely wanted, which I loved and enjoyed. Then, Keavy and I searched through all of the their cubbies to terminate any ripped or stained clothing. After that, I taught some of the children their colors, shapes, and numbers. I was very shocked to see how little the older children knew, but I should have expected it. These kids might not have gone to school when they were young. They don't have a fraction of the advantages that we in America do, so I am grateful to be helping them with learning as well. The girls also taught me a new version of "rock-paper-scissors" and "monkey in the middle." I loved them both.
There are two blind boys at the orphanage, and they might just be the most inspiring people I have ever met.
One of the boys name in Sopia. When he was younger, about age 4, he and a few friends were playing with a land mine. They had been playing with it all day, and then towards the end of the day, it blew up in mid-air. One of his friends died. Sopia was left blind. Sopia still has the land mine scars all over him, and I cant even imagine how bad that must have hurt.
Now, he can play tons of instruments. Its truly amazing because he was taught how to play all of them by someone holding his hands onto the instrument and learning the patterns. Its almost impossible.
6-20:
Today, when we got to CPO, after making a trip to SFODA and spending a limited amount of time there, we instantly started playing games and sports with the children. We also bought nail polish, which we used today on all of the girls, and to tell the truth, some of the boys. It was very fun, and now most of the children at CPO have very colorful nails.
Keavy and I then also cleaned the bathrooms. This time it didn't take as long as before, because they had already been cleaned, but they still get very dirty in a matter of days, so I was glad to touch up on them again. Straight after that, we washed the clothes that needed to be washed, which a good majority of them. It was so cool to see how they clean their clothes though, because they clean them like in the olden days. With a bucket, brush, and a wood panel. It was very fun, and from my perspective, it actually cleans very well.
After that, we played some more games, handshakes, hula hoops, and tags games.
I cant wait for tomorrow... We only have two more days at the orphanage left.
"A small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of LOVE"
~Stendhal
Monday, June 18, 2012
Just. Have. Faith.
I can't even explain how blessed I am to be here right now and to be helping these children who have nothing. We take such an advantage of our resources such as food, water, shelter, and love, that it really changes your perspective on things while you are here. I know that from the conditions I have witnessed here in Phnom Penh, I will treat everyone and everything different and with more respect when I go back home to Vail.
This trip is truly life-changing.
Yesterday morning we were handed the opportunity to sleep in until around 9:30 am because we had to leave the Tattoo Guest House at 9:50am. This was a great time to get some extr sleep because we have gotten so little. We went to four different orphanages yesterday to hand out supplies. We did this so that more kids would be granted extra clothing and not just CPO (the orphanage that we are working at), so that we could get to know other children, and so that we could share the love with the most possible children.
First, we went to an orphanage called PIO. This was an orphanage with around 35 children in it, and every single one of them is so adorable and generous. PIO was more into arts and crafts and not as much of sporty activities. We all did loads of origami, coloring, puzzles, games, handshakes, and duck duck goose.
It was extremely different from CPO because it was inside, and had fans to cool down, but the children still needed a lot of supplies. At the end, they put on a show, much like the one that the kids at CPO performed for us, and then eventually we all joined in and had a dance party.
Next we were off to CCH, the girls house. This orphanage was all girls, and was connected to a hair salon which is how they earn money for the children. We only spent a little time there, but during that time that we were given to play with the children, I got very connected to this one sweet little girl named Raksmy. She was so adorable and precious that I had a very hard time leaving her because I knew that I would never be coming back or be able to see her again. That's the worst feeling in the world because I might have been the only one during her lifetime that has ever loved her as much as I do.
After we left, we drove in our Tuk Tuk to CCH, the boys house. At this orphanage, we mainly just looked around, and gave some supplies because most of the boys were at school.
Lastly, we went an orphanage called SFODA. This was a very long drive, but unfortunately when we got there nobody was around because they went to the beach for a field trip. It was definitely a disappointment to not see these children, but I also took into account that they were on a field trip. This must mean that they really try hard to make the kids happy.
After that, we drove to Lucky Super Market and got some ingredients for ourselves, as a treat.
Today, we went back to CPO. It was the best feeling to get out of that Tuk Tuk and return to all of the children.
We also did work like clean the chicken coop, de-lous the children, and clean the toilets. I helped clean toilets and tidy up the chicken coop. The work was definitely hard, but all totally worth it! The bathrooms, let me tell you are in the worst possible condition I have ever seen. But once it was done, it was unrecognizable. The children will be so excited that things are finally in a better condition, and it will also make me happier to know that we will leave them in a safer place.
I am off to my way to the Olympic Stadium for some more aerobics, and will blog soon.
Share. The. Love.
This trip is truly life-changing.
Yesterday morning we were handed the opportunity to sleep in until around 9:30 am because we had to leave the Tattoo Guest House at 9:50am. This was a great time to get some extr sleep because we have gotten so little. We went to four different orphanages yesterday to hand out supplies. We did this so that more kids would be granted extra clothing and not just CPO (the orphanage that we are working at), so that we could get to know other children, and so that we could share the love with the most possible children.
First, we went to an orphanage called PIO. This was an orphanage with around 35 children in it, and every single one of them is so adorable and generous. PIO was more into arts and crafts and not as much of sporty activities. We all did loads of origami, coloring, puzzles, games, handshakes, and duck duck goose.
It was extremely different from CPO because it was inside, and had fans to cool down, but the children still needed a lot of supplies. At the end, they put on a show, much like the one that the kids at CPO performed for us, and then eventually we all joined in and had a dance party.
Next we were off to CCH, the girls house. This orphanage was all girls, and was connected to a hair salon which is how they earn money for the children. We only spent a little time there, but during that time that we were given to play with the children, I got very connected to this one sweet little girl named Raksmy. She was so adorable and precious that I had a very hard time leaving her because I knew that I would never be coming back or be able to see her again. That's the worst feeling in the world because I might have been the only one during her lifetime that has ever loved her as much as I do.
After we left, we drove in our Tuk Tuk to CCH, the boys house. At this orphanage, we mainly just looked around, and gave some supplies because most of the boys were at school.
Lastly, we went an orphanage called SFODA. This was a very long drive, but unfortunately when we got there nobody was around because they went to the beach for a field trip. It was definitely a disappointment to not see these children, but I also took into account that they were on a field trip. This must mean that they really try hard to make the kids happy.
After that, we drove to Lucky Super Market and got some ingredients for ourselves, as a treat.
Today, we went back to CPO. It was the best feeling to get out of that Tuk Tuk and return to all of the children.
We also did work like clean the chicken coop, de-lous the children, and clean the toilets. I helped clean toilets and tidy up the chicken coop. The work was definitely hard, but all totally worth it! The bathrooms, let me tell you are in the worst possible condition I have ever seen. But once it was done, it was unrecognizable. The children will be so excited that things are finally in a better condition, and it will also make me happier to know that we will leave them in a safer place.
I am off to my way to the Olympic Stadium for some more aerobics, and will blog soon.
Share. The. Love.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
"A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love"
I am so grateful for this opportunity, and will put everything I have into the work I do, the games I play, and the everything else I come across while I am in Cambodia. This is a once in a life time trip and it means the world to me! I can't explain the emotions in the day that come across me. I just want to pack each and every one of them in my suit case and bring them home.
This morning, we switched the people who went to the Russian market, so I was part of that group. The first few things I see as we walk in are some live fish constantly flopping around in these wooden baskets, skinned frogs, and and tones of meat hanging on a string from their little canopy's. It was definitely a new and interesting smell, but every second is part of the experience.
We bought what we needed and then got out of there to get to spend the most time as possible at the orphanage.
Today was mainly play, which was really fun, but I also wish that every day would be working so that we could get as much as possible done for these kids. They need it.
It's also good to look at how happy they are with us. Every second we are there, they are either calling your name, tugging on your arms, or strangling you with hugs and saying I love you sister.
It was an amazing day. Most of the boys at the orphanage now call me "ma-ma chick-en" and it's very fun to hang out with every single child, because they are all different, but have similar stories. Towards the end, we had this dance party with loud speakers for Keavy's birthday. Then, she got a candle lit, and confetti city appeared. I was also very surprised how well the kids all danced and played instruments.
It also rained for the first time since we've been here, and it felt really good.
I can't wait for tomorrow!!! Another day to come :D
This morning, we switched the people who went to the Russian market, so I was part of that group. The first few things I see as we walk in are some live fish constantly flopping around in these wooden baskets, skinned frogs, and and tones of meat hanging on a string from their little canopy's. It was definitely a new and interesting smell, but every second is part of the experience.
We bought what we needed and then got out of there to get to spend the most time as possible at the orphanage.
Today was mainly play, which was really fun, but I also wish that every day would be working so that we could get as much as possible done for these kids. They need it.
It's also good to look at how happy they are with us. Every second we are there, they are either calling your name, tugging on your arms, or strangling you with hugs and saying I love you sister.
It was an amazing day. Most of the boys at the orphanage now call me "ma-ma chick-en" and it's very fun to hang out with every single child, because they are all different, but have similar stories. Towards the end, we had this dance party with loud speakers for Keavy's birthday. Then, she got a candle lit, and confetti city appeared. I was also very surprised how well the kids all danced and played instruments.
It also rained for the first time since we've been here, and it felt really good.
I can't wait for tomorrow!!! Another day to come :D
"A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love"
~~Max Muller
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life"
I chose this quotes today as my title because when you find some thing you love doing, you don't consider it work, but instead you consider it fun to be helping.
Today was the most amazing, energetic, hard-working day that I have ever had. In the morning, half of our group went to the Russian market and half went straight to the orphanage, but the only main reason that we split up was because 11 people in the market at once is way to many people to keep track of. I was in the group that went straight to the orphanage.
When we arrived, there weren't as many children there as the first day. This was because most of them were either at school or at the slums. I will talk more about them later. As on Thursday, we played many games, and also took part in some very intense volleyball games. In the afternoon,... we got to work. Half of our amazing group picked up trash, and the other half were working in the lice station that we put up. I was on trash duty. All of us got to work right away. Keavy, Jack, Nicole, Creek, and I put on our gloves and got out our trash bags, that we got from the market, and worked on cleaning up trash for a predicted long time. Another one of our main projects was to extend the roof by where all of the children sleep. This is one of our main projects because when it rains, the children have to basically all sleep on one another to prevent from getting soaked. This was done by the older boys at the orphanage because it's way to dangerous for us to be on the roof. They worked extremely hard at it for a good portion of the day and were almost completely finished. It's truly amazing what you can get done when you set your mind to something.
After that, a few of us went to the slums. The "slums"as we call it, is a very small village of pure sadness.
It's about a 3 minute walk from the orphanage and all you see the entire time are shacks and mountains of trash as big as Everest. It's extremely sad. We brought 3 Ziploc bags full of medical supplies, and gave them to the families that need them most.
Lastly, we played some more at the orphanage and went home.
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
~Confucius
Thursday, June 14, 2012
"You learn what hard work is by working hard"
Today was one of the most memorable days in my 12 years of living. We visited to the orphanage for the 1st time. It's about a 40 minute drive in a Tuk Tuk to get to the orphanage. Once we got about 30 minutes into the ride, I was really only thinking about how I wanted to see those kids so badly. I was also wondering if it would look just as I have pictured it in my mind. As soon as we got there, the kids greeted us with gigantic, smile-filled, most memorable hugs I've ever had. They kept saying "Hi.. my name is....." "Hi.. my name is..." It was the best feeling in the entire world. As the hours passed by, I came to realize exactly how much volleyball I had actually played. It was always constant, and very energetic. It was great. All of the kids were amazing at it too, so that made it really fun to play with them. After lunch, the kids put on a show for us. And when I say show, I mean it! That is how they earn half of their money. They put on shows. But not just any show, Its was perfectly synchronized and it looked like they all put tons of time into it.
After that, we played a lot more volleyball and many other games such as monkey-in-the-middle, hand shakes, and soccer; then it struck. I ran out of water. Let me tell you right now, that's probably the worst possible thing that could happen! But I stuck to it. This is what I came here to do so that I what I am doing. I became really close to this boy named NIRRO. hes the cutest little thing I have ever seen. Even though he is 13 years old. Its hard to accept the fact that he is older than me, yet still a midget compared to me. At the very end, I just played tag with them and was completely shocked to see how fast they could run in the dirt road without shoes. Ill tell you. Its a gift. We left at 5 o'clock and drove in our Tuk Tuk for the ride home.
Another day to come tomorrow.
After that, we played a lot more volleyball and many other games such as monkey-in-the-middle, hand shakes, and soccer; then it struck. I ran out of water. Let me tell you right now, that's probably the worst possible thing that could happen! But I stuck to it. This is what I came here to do so that I what I am doing. I became really close to this boy named NIRRO. hes the cutest little thing I have ever seen. Even though he is 13 years old. Its hard to accept the fact that he is older than me, yet still a midget compared to me. At the very end, I just played tag with them and was completely shocked to see how fast they could run in the dirt road without shoes. Ill tell you. Its a gift. We left at 5 o'clock and drove in our Tuk Tuk for the ride home.
Another day to come tomorrow.
You learn what hard work is by working hard
~ unknown
"Happiness is one of the most important treasures. It is within your soul. All you have to do, is dig it out and enjoy it"
Today was incredibly fun! I cant wait Until I get to go to the Orphanage. :D
Lisa Marie and Ms. Gutmann called it a "fun"day. And I completely agree.
In the morning we drove in a truck to go to an orientation. This is the place where we learned about the language, culture, the do's and dont's in Cambodia and we also played some team building games. It was very interesting to see all of the differences from Cambodia to the USA without even taking tours yet!
During the orientation, a lady put out some fruits that I have never seen in my life. They were red with really big spikes all over it and you crack it open and then suck out the middle of the fruit. The middle looks similar to an egg that we would eat for breakfast and it had an amazing taste also. It's called a ram baton.
In the afternoon we went to the place where the victims were held in jail cells during the Khmer Rouge. It was very interesting to see how small they were and also how little they had. Our tour guide was one of the survivors which was incredible.. I thought. It was hard to see her giving the tour when she herself was experiencing this tragedy first hand. It made me want to cry, but I didn't because its considered a bad thing here in Cambodia. Then I realize how strong she was because basically her entire family got killed.
At the end of the tour we passed this older man who also was a survivor of the Khmer Rouge. He was trying to sell a book that he wrote about his life, and Lisa-Marie and Mrs. Gutmann bought one, but I didn't have any money at the time. We took a picture and then at the end he gave me a kiss on the head. I started to walk away and the he started crying. It was horrible. I've never felt so bad for someone in my life.
We then went to the killing fields. That was also very sad. But I'm always glad to keep increasing my knowledge.
After that we had a little time to spare, so we decided to do something fun! We went to the Olympic Stadium and watched a soccer game. Then this hip-hop type of music started to come on and we all followed dancing behind this guy. It was basically aerobics with tons of other people. It was very hysterical watching Creek and Jack trying to do the moves even though I most likely wasn't the best at them either.
It was so much fun! We have a VERY long day ahead of us tomorrow because we are going to the orphanage... I'll blog soon!
"Happiness is one of the most important treasures. It is within your soul. All you have to do, is dig it out and enjoy it."
Lisa Marie and Ms. Gutmann called it a "fun"day. And I completely agree.
In the morning we drove in a truck to go to an orientation. This is the place where we learned about the language, culture, the do's and dont's in Cambodia and we also played some team building games. It was very interesting to see all of the differences from Cambodia to the USA without even taking tours yet!
During the orientation, a lady put out some fruits that I have never seen in my life. They were red with really big spikes all over it and you crack it open and then suck out the middle of the fruit. The middle looks similar to an egg that we would eat for breakfast and it had an amazing taste also. It's called a ram baton.
In the afternoon we went to the place where the victims were held in jail cells during the Khmer Rouge. It was very interesting to see how small they were and also how little they had. Our tour guide was one of the survivors which was incredible.. I thought. It was hard to see her giving the tour when she herself was experiencing this tragedy first hand. It made me want to cry, but I didn't because its considered a bad thing here in Cambodia. Then I realize how strong she was because basically her entire family got killed.
At the end of the tour we passed this older man who also was a survivor of the Khmer Rouge. He was trying to sell a book that he wrote about his life, and Lisa-Marie and Mrs. Gutmann bought one, but I didn't have any money at the time. We took a picture and then at the end he gave me a kiss on the head. I started to walk away and the he started crying. It was horrible. I've never felt so bad for someone in my life.
We then went to the killing fields. That was also very sad. But I'm always glad to keep increasing my knowledge.
After that we had a little time to spare, so we decided to do something fun! We went to the Olympic Stadium and watched a soccer game. Then this hip-hop type of music started to come on and we all followed dancing behind this guy. It was basically aerobics with tons of other people. It was very hysterical watching Creek and Jack trying to do the moves even though I most likely wasn't the best at them either.
It was so much fun! We have a VERY long day ahead of us tomorrow because we are going to the orphanage... I'll blog soon!
"Happiness is one of the most important treasures. It is within your soul. All you have to do, is dig it out and enjoy it."
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
"The Great Thing in this World is not so much where we are, but in what Direction we are Moving
My mom and I arrive at the Denver airport about 20 minutes early . Soon after we found our way to the check-in counter, we sit down and wait for everyone else to make an appearance. Once we are all there its already 730am. We need to get a move on it. The only real and true way to say how the check-in went is that I was just happy that we made it out of there... in one piece. It took forever! Next came customs, everything was great just that I held everyone up by about 5 minutes because some other person forgot to empty his liquids. After that, it was on to the first airplane.
My "catching Fire"book, my notebook, and my iPod. These are the three things that I use on my 2hr 20min plane ride. While quietly, quickly, and fiercely scrambling through my carry-on backpack, I quickly realize that I most-likely over packed. Not just by a few things, but a lot... That's me.
The 2nd airplane from San Fransisco to Seoul, South Korea started off being delayed. Because if us.
Once we finally boarded, I could tell the flight attendants weren't very happy with us.. :/ It starts off to be a normal Plane ride but let me tell you right now. It wasn't. I ended up sitting next to Keavy
and Creek after doing some arrangements with other people. To make things a lot simpler, I'm just going to say that we were not the quietest people on the plane! To start off, the bathrooms were amazing. They we stacked with mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, and lotion.Next, we got tired so we tried sleeping. it didn't work. I ended up on the floor and Keavy and Creek arranged some other sort of sleeping arrangement. Keavy kept destructively falling on me and I'm almost positive that some people made some complaints. After a while of "quietly"playing a few rounds of BS (card game) the lights on the plane went off. Keavy and Creek were passed out while of course.. I was watching a movie. Schariar and I needed to do some stretching so we did a few "laps"around the plane and then had a tee party in the back by the emergency plane! That was fun.
The first things I saw On that Airbus were all of the touch-screen gadgets. But This plane I mostly slept. I had an entire row to myself because the plane wasn't very full.
My nerves are bouncing off the walls. I can feel it. my excitement is raging so high I feel as though I may burst into fireworks. I can not wait to see the children.
This is where my adventure just begins!
"The Great Thing in this World is not so much where we are, but in what Direction we are Moving.""
~Oliver Wendell Holmes
My "catching Fire"book, my notebook, and my iPod. These are the three things that I use on my 2hr 20min plane ride. While quietly, quickly, and fiercely scrambling through my carry-on backpack, I quickly realize that I most-likely over packed. Not just by a few things, but a lot... That's me.
The 2nd airplane from San Fransisco to Seoul, South Korea started off being delayed. Because if us.
Once we finally boarded, I could tell the flight attendants weren't very happy with us.. :/ It starts off to be a normal Plane ride but let me tell you right now. It wasn't. I ended up sitting next to Keavy
and Creek after doing some arrangements with other people. To make things a lot simpler, I'm just going to say that we were not the quietest people on the plane! To start off, the bathrooms were amazing. They we stacked with mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, and lotion.Next, we got tired so we tried sleeping. it didn't work. I ended up on the floor and Keavy and Creek arranged some other sort of sleeping arrangement. Keavy kept destructively falling on me and I'm almost positive that some people made some complaints. After a while of "quietly"playing a few rounds of BS (card game) the lights on the plane went off. Keavy and Creek were passed out while of course.. I was watching a movie. Schariar and I needed to do some stretching so we did a few "laps"around the plane and then had a tee party in the back by the emergency plane! That was fun.
The first things I saw On that Airbus were all of the touch-screen gadgets. But This plane I mostly slept. I had an entire row to myself because the plane wasn't very full.
My nerves are bouncing off the walls. I can feel it. my excitement is raging so high I feel as though I may burst into fireworks. I can not wait to see the children.
This is where my adventure just begins!
"The Great Thing in this World is not so much where we are, but in what Direction we are Moving.""
~Oliver Wendell Holmes
Sunday, June 10, 2012
"Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure."
This is it!!!!! I'm leaving for Cambodia tomorrow at 5am. I am so glad that this opportunity has finally came! DREAM. COME. TRUE. Every little bit of hard work has finally paid off to get me where I am right now. I just finished packing my bags and have laid out my clothes that I'm going to wear tomorrow. Yes, I know It's kind of cheesy to set out your clothes for the following morning, but for me, its necessary.
Every moment after I walk out of my front door to the time I open my door after i get back, is all part of the experience.
I've always been thinking... "its so far away, and It will never come." But now, "it's here!!" This is my time to shine. This is my time to make a difference. this is my time to learn. And this is my time to love.
"Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure."
~Irving Wallace
Every moment after I walk out of my front door to the time I open my door after i get back, is all part of the experience.
I've always been thinking... "its so far away, and It will never come." But now, "it's here!!" This is my time to shine. This is my time to make a difference. this is my time to learn. And this is my time to love.
"Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure."
~Irving Wallace
Friday, June 1, 2012
To Love is Nothing.. To be Loved is Something.. but to Love and be Loved is EVERYTHING
Those kids. They rush to my brain every minute of the day. They are all I think about. I dont even know them yet but I still count them as my family! I cant even imagine what life is going to be like when I'm actually there. It will be magical. <3 <3
About 3 months ago I got a call from my teacher Ms. Gutmann , who is also going on the trip with me, saying that I had made it. I still have the memory of that exact moment.
I was at Ski Club Vail and we were eating lunch, about ready to go free skiing when I get a call. I pick up the cell phone and read " Jen Gutmannm ". My face lightens and the biggest smile spreads across my face. I gently, quickly, and excitingly pick up the phone and hear Ms. Gutmann's voice ask " is this Haley?" I reply, yes. She says, " Well Haley, I'm going to have to steal your for two weeks during the summer because..... You made it!"
That was one of the best days of my life. Which is probably why I remember it so clearly.
Now that I come to think of it, I've worked so hard to get to where I am right now, and this once in a lifetime trip is slowly, and I mean slowly, arriving.
I can not wait until I get to know these children that are awaiting me in Cambodia, and love them forever. I really want to make an impact on every single one of their lives.
"To Love is Nothing.. To be Loved is Something.. but to Love and be Loved is EVERYTHING"
~Unkown
Share. The. Love.
About 3 months ago I got a call from my teacher Ms. Gutmann , who is also going on the trip with me, saying that I had made it. I still have the memory of that exact moment.
I was at Ski Club Vail and we were eating lunch, about ready to go free skiing when I get a call. I pick up the cell phone and read " Jen Gutmannm ". My face lightens and the biggest smile spreads across my face. I gently, quickly, and excitingly pick up the phone and hear Ms. Gutmann's voice ask " is this Haley?" I reply, yes. She says, " Well Haley, I'm going to have to steal your for two weeks during the summer because..... You made it!"
That was one of the best days of my life. Which is probably why I remember it so clearly.
Now that I come to think of it, I've worked so hard to get to where I am right now, and this once in a lifetime trip is slowly, and I mean slowly, arriving.
I can not wait until I get to know these children that are awaiting me in Cambodia, and love them forever. I really want to make an impact on every single one of their lives.
"To Love is Nothing.. To be Loved is Something.. but to Love and be Loved is EVERYTHING"
~Unkown
Share. The. Love.
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