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.)