Individuality

In the land of the free, where society leaves words plastered to you, like tape. That when you rip it off, it leaves marks.The type of plaster that builds up a house, the house you keep in your mind. A mind so evolved, yet so broken, one with many rooms, and nooks and crannies, that have been built of constant self-esteem and the phrases that build it up. Or the words that chip off paint and the plaster wears away, word by word, letter by letter, as every piece of your mind becomes a “piece of mind” that some call demanding. A certain day will come when your mind is all you need, because as this world evolves and transforms into a place where your mind becomes a mansion, with the old plastered labels left in the dust. The more “new level” a mind is. Because, when have you heard about the latest “mindset”, when you can learn about the new phone, and the new drama? Right then is when you realize that more people have focused on the plaster that the society builds a neighborhood of minds off of. That your mind is a mansion, because you built it with persistence, instead of tape. -Gaby Fuentes, 14.

Imagine a 12-year-old with a dream. A dream to become someone more than the girl with braces and a 3.5 GPA. A girl that wondered what the world would do before it slept. Throughout the oceans filled with mystery, and some would say fear. The jungles filled with greens and animals that conservationists hold dear. The deserts, that feel abandoned, secluded, and no longer desired. Where the mountains tower above all the others, breathing in the clouds, and the rest weep with the rain. Because this girl, she wanted to know, what can I do? What may I do to help provide for those other than myself? The ocean answers, pleading for someone to understand her mystery, for someone to understand her past. The jungle filled with vines, which tripped into hardships that not only did they cut open but that had been left and forgotten. The deserts which blew the opportunities, yet only a few survived the task. But this girl was determined, and though winded and tired her spirit was built to last. The mountains finally called to her and told her “follow me” because the only thing she had to do, was to “move mountains”, for she would be forever empowered. This girl, well she ended being a 4.0 student without the braces, but with the ignition to start teaching. To teach something more than just the typical 2+2, because she had inside of her a desire that sparked through curiosity and willpower. A fire that stayed alive, and with every breath became more vibrant. So, she learned about running. Cross country. A sport that became a way for her not to think. Because when she ran, she did just that. Basketball, a sport where the world around her became a blur. In slow motion, where the feelings she felt, and the decisions she made, were the truest things she did. Then, on the mountain, covered with snow, and shrubs peeking out at the sun, with a view so spectacular it’s like living in a painting. To spray the snow up with your board, and glide. Then, to express through an art form, such as poetry, she used words that were beyond her, words that finally described her better than any 3.5 GPA, or braces.

That girl was me. My name is Gabriela Fuentes, I am 14 years old, and I consider myself a traveler, and a poet. Along with, running in varsity cross country as a freshman this year, I am extremely excited to go and play basketball and snowboard on local slopes.My family consists of two adorable and playful cats, Mila and Stunty.  A sister that will graduate high school this year, Anna. A sister, who will continue to work hard, and smile, Paola. A brother who never lets down from a challenge, and looks fear in the eyes, Mando. A father who watches over us all and carries us in loving arms, Armando. As well, as a mother who strives for continuous passion, success, and gratitude, Tsvetelina.

“*drumroll* Team Morocco!!” I hear Lisa-Marie’s voice over the phone. I try to gain my words and contain myself. I repeat that phrase over and over in my head. Automatically I remember some of my friends telling me “Gaby, you know the country you’re going to, has more rocks than any other.” I laugh at their attempt at a quirky joke. I think about the next set of lesson plans I’ll write and the time I will spend with these mind-blowing people. The smiles I’ll get to know, and the stories I’m so fortunate to hear. As I was researching Morocco for some interesting facts, a headline read Moroccan National Anthem. I looked at it and immediately was drawn to listen to it. I decided to translate it, and this was the outcome…

“Fountain of freedom.

Source of light.

Where sovereignty and safety meet.

Safety and sovereignty may you ever combine.

You have lived among nations.

With title sublime.

Filling each heart.

Sung by each tongue.

Body, and soul.

Your champion has risen.

And answered your call.

In my mouth and in my blood.

Your breezes have stirred.

Both light and fire.

Up! My brethren.

Strive for the highest.

We call to the world.

That we are here ready.

We salute as our emblem.

God, Homeland, and King.”

I looked over this so many times, and each time the message is stronger. For in every person is a source of light, and freedom flows like blood through their veins. That the safety they receive, and the authority they hold with magnificence. Through, language barriers that limit what we understand of what people say. We understand how their body reacts, and how strong their soul is. We can feel it. We feel their champion and ours rising together, for we have answered their call. We are here to support and strive for better because we know that this is what we deserve. We are here for ourselves and to rise together as one with our Homeland, God, and King.

A world filled with possibilities, and opportunities. Can also be filled with hate, and failure. The only thing to do is choose which one you would rather strive for. But I, as a person have found that possibilities live in the failure, and become the opportunities. -Gaby Fuentes, 14.

Lia Suhn Hao-y

The last class, the last dance moves, the last smiles, the last hugs, and the last goodbye. These all completed the connections I had made with the kids at CPO. I enjoyed being able to understand the people a lot more than I did before I got to Cambodia. I was able to create a strong bond with them, because I was sure they would take me as I was. Every time I saw them I felt accepted. I felt very comfortable around them, and I knew I could be in my own skin. I know that even before I knew their name and before they knew mine I would remain in their heart. The reason I am so intrigued, and feel so welcomed is because they show me their pure self, no details left out. To dancing, or singing without caring what people think or say. Even to try out their English skills on you. That in itself makes me feel important. It makes my heart beat a little faster, my pride stand a little taller, and my smile shine a little brighter. Now, I can always think, I have helped these children have a cleaner, and sustained living environment.

On my first day of labor work, picking up trash was difficult for me. It was smelly, usually ant infested, and there were copious amounts of it everywhere. I knew I had to change my attitude and think how good the result will be. I then realized how capable I was of doing things, when I set my mind to it. As I was helping by not only picking up trash, but then hoeing dirt into buckets, to pour on the muddy ground, so it would be safer to walk in. I thought about something my dad has told me before, “Si se puede, es muy facil, lo voy a hacer.” In other words, “It can be done, it’s very easy, and I will do it.” I repeated these in my head, like a broken record. I felt a lot more accomplished once I told myself I could. Rather than having “guilt” for not reaching my full potential.

Having the same tuk tuk ride every morning never got old to me, because there was always something to new to see, to look at, and to understand. It was the same with their culture, and the people themselves. Curiosity would fill me each time I would meet someone new, or see something like pineapples on string, hanging on the side of the road. A lesson I will gladly take home from the Cambodians would be to have pride in what I have, and always help out no matter what. This is because I am able to work for the people in the country that deserve nothing more than my absolute best.

The final day at the orphanage, I was excited to teach two more classes. I was able to relax myself more, and concentrate on what I was doing. After teaching, we watched a show that the kids had put together. It was very impressive to witness how well they performed, and how they all were talented in their own unique ways. As the day winded down, we all gathered on the stage. One girl, Srey Neath began to read us a letter she wrote, and then translated by an outstanding woman named Meng, whom was our translator. While translating, she explained how much Srey Neath, and the other kids and adults at the orphanage were appreciative of what we had done for them. There was a click that happened within me, as I was listening to them speak that this is what I am meant to be doing. I am supposed to have a part, such as a helping hand to people here and around the world.

Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I had to do on this trip. One little boy, Somnang, really stood out to me since the beginning. He was the first kid to greet me when we started on the 28^th. He loved to see people smile. Whether it was tickling them or drawing them a picture, he had a contagious need for people to feel good about themselves and others around them. To say goodbye to him was like leaving a family member that I would probably never see again. I was crying as I climbed into the last tuk tuk ride from the orphanage to the guest house. He held my hand tightly on the outside of the tuk tuk, and smiled at me with a single tear going down his cheek. He said “Bye, bye!” I said “Knyom s’ro line niet.” (I love you.) He looked at me contently as he responded “I love you.” Then as we drove away, I still remember his little hand waving goodbye. Lia Suhn Hao-y (goodbye) Cambodia.  

Inspiration

Inspiration. It creeps up in a smile. It’s there in their eyes. It finds its way into their speech. It flowers into a heartbeat. It weaves in through their veins. Because it’s there beneath all doubt. Beneath, all fear.

When you become inspired, how do you feel? What sparks the emotion of being inspired? Well, you could go through helping someone to be inspired. Or you receive advice that inspires you. The fact of the matter is, once you are inspired you can see through a different lense. That’s how I began to realize that I wanted to do more. Now that I am here in Cambodia, the theme has constantly been to be grateful for everything, from owning a washing machine, to having parents.

When I am at the orphanage one girl stands out to me, Srey Neath. She hugs me with so much love and appreciation. I am left thinking about the many talents that she has. Such as, singing and dancing. I remember as Leslie and I were helping to clean the girls dormitory, Srey Neath came in singing “Shape of You” By Ed Sheeran. As we sang along with her, I had never before felt like I had been my complete self until then. We had also, danced beside her the day before, and she just seemed to emit  happiness from within her. As I then learned that among learning English, and Khmer, Srey Neath was studying Japanese. After lunch one day, we carried a simple conversation in Japanese. It makes me aware of all that I have learned and done to finally end up here.

                While I was hand-washing clothes, I began to look at how lucky I am to have things, such as a roof to live under and a great education and to have food on the table guaranteed every single day; even, to be able to come to Cambodia, and to help people. To hear them pronounce words that we wouldn’t think twice about. We have been blessed with being able to meet these kids. I would say that inspiration flows here, just as much as water does. Through learning how to say squish, or counting to 10.

                Teaching here has been eye-opening. Today, I taught kids from beginner to intermediate levels. Ages ranging from 7-18.  I taught about facial features. When I started out, with my first class I could say I felt a little nervous. As I continued with the lesson, I became more comfortable. From teaching simple sentences to reading Aesop’s fables. I enjoyed every second of teaching. Because you can tell, when a light bulb switches on for them, and you witness it, it becomes the most unreal feeling ever, to be able to initiate that for them.

                As my final thought, if there were one thing I could say to the people of Cambodia, it would be that they are inspirational. Through the way they talk, the way they smile, or even the way they look at you. It all leads up to how much they have done with so little. Cambodia, you are an inspiration.

               

Aw Kohn

Kampuchea, the ancient word for Cambodia. From the first tuk tuk ride to the genocide museum I was immediately hit with the fact that I was halfway across the world. To then, walking alongside the S-21 prison cells still stained with blood from innocent Cambodians. As I stare into mass graves, at the killing fields and listen to haunting music by the Magic Tree, the music was masking the chainsaw-like noise of a diesel generator. It was beyond any nightmare I could dream of. It showed me that the scariest things happen in reality, as war changes people and brainwashes minds. To think that less than 41 years ago, they had battled brother against brother and now coexist.

                When we first arrived at the orphanage everyone is swarmed with their own group of excited kids. To be able to teach them, and stand in front of them, was like holding some kind of magical power. It was very enlightening to notice how much they love their education. One boy, named Somnang was the first one to greet me. He grabbed on to my hand, and pulled me with him. He looked at me with a smile that shone. Then he turned and said “What’s your name?” I responded, “Gaby.” He proceeded to then go “Gaby!” and laugh. These are the types of kids that find their way into my heart, and will surely never leave. Their persistent affection and love for you is heartwarming, and shows me how glad they are to be here and to truly live. At the orphanage in Phnom Penh it surprises me how many of these people are contagiously joyful, because of what they have and who they are. It surprises me because of what they have gone through and that they rise up from certain circumstances.

 Friday June 30^th, I had the greatest time of my life. Through working hard from picking up trash, then playing volleyball in the mud, and dancing to our hearts content. The feeling was incredible. I felt as if I was coming alive again, by connecting with these people. So for that, Aw Kohn. (Thank You.)

                                     

Together

Not only would there be a light, in the shining of our history, but in that of our future.

There were people in our society long ago.

That yet failed to realize what they had done so.

With so much hurt and agony, that the power went to and fro.

With what we thought could mend.

Would only break in the end.

Our races used to determine our lives and chance.

But that meant our lives we could enhance.

Instead of crying and looking down.

You looked to the sky and had no frown.

Because we had our dignity.

We flashed prosperity.

Wishing for individuality.

A way to leave brutality.

So I ask you.

May this world work in two?

Forever in our hearts.

A way to change our lifes’ art.

To look beyond the stars.

And see our journey from afar.

Only then we will see.

A life filled with you and me.

My personal goals for this trip, are to be as helpful as possible. To know what I can do to build someone up. To put a smile on a face I will learn to love. I want to be able to out do myself, and do everything possible to make this an unforgettable experience. A way that I would encompass that would be to grow bonds with the children, adults and find a way to help them in a way that I know will be empowering, to them and to myself. The fear, I have for this trip is being afraid to try something, to help, or bringing myself down.

With my fundraising I have $2252, and I am still working on fundraising the last bits for my trip by babysitting and working at Batsons’ Corner in Eagle. I am also working on raising some spending money to bring back little ways to remind myself of my experience.

“Why do we close our eyes when we pray? When we cry? When we dream? Or when we kiss? Because we know that the most beautiful things in life are not seen, but felt by heart.”- Anonymous. This quote relates to my trip because I want to feel everything through my heart, and realize how beautiful every person is, not from what they look like, but what they make you feel.

What A Wonderful World

“I see friends shaking hands, sayin’ how do you do? They’re really sayin’ I love you.” -Louis Armstrong “What A Wonderful World”. All I thought about was the smiling faces in Tanzania of 2016, how they all portrayed what love really means. Not coming from much but definitely showcasing what deep human connection is. Are we helping them or are they helping us…It’s all brought to ourselves in our schools, our communities, our society. Do we really truly believe in this “wonderful world”? The more cliche something becomes to us, the more we have to realize that it’s true so yes, to be honest beauty is on the inside and matters more than what the outside looks like. We’re so caught up in looking our best, receiving the compliments, having a higher self-esteem but we must begin being less superficial in relationships, and how we spend our time, and our priorities. We bring ourselves down, each other down. We call ourselves trash, ugly, not worth it, dumb, stupid, unintelligent. Why? What is there that we are so unhappy with? Where do we choose to be grateful. Where do we choose to think about the others around us and not just our families, but our friends, classmates, neighbors, strangers. Where? There is beauty in every person, and in all we see with our naked eye. “So nice to be reminded that it is, indeed, a beautiful and loving world that we exist in.” -Anonymous

The words that leave you to stick with the person you are talking to. “People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou Authenticity of not just ourselves but of our word, our actions, I praise to be one that will carry good in their soul. You can have the “extra”, the stuff that you realize you have to be grateful for. Thinking of our next time with our friends at school, our job, our college, our times tieing becoming one with our personality. Because when you meet someone in a third world country, their hands in yours looking up at you, a smile radiating, they touch your hair, and tug slightly on your shirt just for the satisfaction of your attention. Cambodia, from a spine-chilling past of the Killing fields, Khmer Rouge, the Angkor Empire, to a country full of bustling crowds filling your ears with the music of their language. The Angkor’s highest times of power were in the 11th to 13th century. These were the Angkor or Khmer Rouge. Three million people killed due to genocide… lives of children, women, men.

Cambodia is an empowering country their history has never stopped them from continuing, from fighting for what is their right. I have longed for this trip because of the opportunity to challenge myself. Fundraising for this trip has been awesome, I have managed to raise a little over half of the $2500 due, to go on this priceless journey. From babysitting to working at the Everything Store. I am so ecstatic to be able to continue with this organization that gives me the chance to love others and get to know different people’s stories. “To be free of your doubts, to learn about purpose and never regret a thing, to be able to say, I lived my life to the fullest.” -Gabriela Fuentes, 14.