Lean Into The Breeze: Cambodia so far

Ms Ng drove me to the airport at 5 in the morning! And after checking in, we're off to Cambodia!

Guess who I was rooming with?

The room was pretty cozy even though a wee bit creepy. Like the windows will creak and it felt kind of... I don't know maybe I'm being paranoid but it was a bit disturbing.

Bel and I did a prayer walk that first night. So all was well (:

I love rooming with bel. We're just so comfortable with each other. And we can always sing weird songs together and spaz about dance and talk about our day. I love it.

I love Tzon and Lebs too, of course.

SO. ANYWAY. Let me tell you a bit of the History of Cambodia now okay? I didn't pay much attention last year but this year I did.

Did you know that Cambodia was a flourishing country in the 12 century? But then they met with the first war with their neighboring country Thailand, and everything crumbled. Things started to get better though, when the ruler then started to increase education levels.

The ones who knew more taught the ones who knew less. And the ones who knew less taught the ones who knew nothing.

But all those who knew were killed soon after the war during the Khmer Rouge, where dictator Pol pot conducted the massacre which wiped out all intellectuals and everything fell into ruins again.

So the education system is still a huge problem and.. Cambodian students are all so keen to learn that it's sort of puts us all to shame that we complain about new topics and teachers.

Anyway, on the second day it was finally teaching! I always get nervous when waiting to see the children but when I see them.. Ah, I love kids.

Bus rides were spent with Eleanor! She's such a cutie pieeee. And I'm really proud of her because she said she wanted to be bolder and she was! Maybe she was a little shy at first but she stood up and taught the children and I could tell all the little girls adored her (':

(Photo from bel)

I think Eleanor sort of reminds me of myself. Like, we can lead, but just not in the... Loud way?

We don't usually take charge immediately and just go head-on into a situation like Bel or Olivia. But i know we can step up when we have to and when we want to (:

She took over my Training IC post in Dance Club by the way (;

I'm glad I chose her.

So more about the teaching. Oh gosh, it was horrible at first but we eventually got the hang of it. It was so difficult controlling the younger children because they were all so grabby and the language barrier was just a major problem.

Their command of English was much worse than the Cambodians in my last trip!

We made do though, and in the end, all was good and everyone got a chance to lead and teach the children!

After that we had an ice cream treat at Swensen's! Great rewards for a great effort (:

Today (third day)

Flooring was not easy at all.

It looks super simple but it's hard labour man.

Newfound respect for construction workers!!

The children were super helpful! They were extremely enthusiastic and it was endearing to see how excited they were to have their new flooring (':

I really thank God for giving me the perseverance and tolerance to handle the children! And I pray for good health and that all of us would have an experience we'll never forget :-)

See that guy on my right?