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.

Nothing but 8,350 Miles Apart

Wandering.

Saved.

Brought forth.

Pushed into opportunity.

Ignite.

Fighting for our right.

Showing our smile.

Flashing our best efforts.

Persuaded through our judgement.

Inspire.

Courage.

Looking fear in the eye.

Leadership.

Sparkling kindness.

Forwarded.

Empower.

Cambodia.

Smiles filled with a rich culture.

A history of a strong society.

Their lives like no other.

Special to who they are becoming.

Beginning.

“Helping a person will not necessarily

Change the world, but it will change

The world for that person.”

This is why I have chosen CGA.

This priceless experience.

Life-changing.

Lost in their words.

A different language,

But the language of love spreading.

Only smiling because our lives,

With theirs will always…

Be in harmony.

Colorado.

Eagle.

The small town bursting with hope,

Happiness, and originality.

Family.

Armando Fuentes, my father full of love, and laughs.

Tsvetelina Fuentes, my mother who wants our best, encourages, and loves all.

Anna (Lupita) Fuentes my oldest sister, that I know I can rely on.

Paola Fuentes my second oldest sister, who makes me laugh with her sarcasm.

Mando Fuentes my crazy, talented younger brother.

Mila and Stunty Fuentes, our two cats full of energy and meows. (Ha! Are you kitten me?)

                                                                                                                                          

                                          

Tanzania.

Their expressions full of laughter.

Their realization of their paradise.

We look to them as unfortunate.

They’re not.

They have everything they could ever want.

Standing.

Their eyes on you.

Eager to learn.

Eager to receive.

The dusting of chalk across your fingertips.

You unleash a new understanding.

Gain.

Summer of 2017.

8,350 miles away.

Find happiness.

Bring home an experience to re-tell

To enjoy for the rest of my life.

“Not everything that counts

Can be counted,

And not everything that

Can be counted

Counts.”

-Albert Einstein

Appreciation.

Love.

Grateful.

Approve.

Celebrate.

Give back.

           My name is Gaby Fuentes.

I shred on Beaver Creek and Vail Mountain.

Shoot hoops.

Capture moments on my camera.

Enjoy helping people in my community and some 9,043 miles away.

“I truly believe that the only way we can create global peace

Is through not only educating our minds, but

Our hearts and our souls.”

-Malala Yousafzai

Asante Sana Arusha Tanzania

           8 months before this trip, I would have never been able to imagine what a person can do to change one’s life. I could only listen to the information that people would give me. Stories about people in horrible conditions, seeming unreal. Now that I get to see these people, and confirm the truth in these stories, it’s heartbreaking. One child, one adult, one human being, may be going through the hardest phase in their life, but continue with the biggest smile ever. You would never in the slightest think that anything was wrong.

When I first met Ebenezer and Enoch, they were full of love, and had kindness in their soul.     You could notice it within everyone; they would wave, and smile, while you smiled back, your hand moving to the beat of your heart. Getting to know these two boys, I went on a home visit to their house. Automatically seeing their circumstances and wanting to help them. Their mother, who is blind, has inspired and motivated me beyond belief. Looking at their house, I saw a mattress that took up half the space, a chair, and a small sofa. It was no bigger than a large dinner table, but withheld a story, that made me feel honored to be in their presence. Everything about how these people were, and how they lived surprised me, and gave me a chance to realize what it meant to have nothing. I can’t put into words how much more grateful I can be, and how much harder I can work, with what I have.

At LOAMO, so many smiling children would run up to you, yelling your name, while looking up at you, clinging to your legs. Being able to teach Preparatory, and Class 2 made me notice how amazing these kids are. After our last day at the school, saying goodbye, and leaving the kids was no easy task. Tears running down my dirt covered face, and the faces of kids buried in my stomach. Some of them telling me not to cry, and some of them crying with me. For this experience, I thank LOAMO Primary and Nursery School for everything that the kids taught me, that as a teacher, I could never teach them. With all I have gained from this, I plan to take home all the good, and keep the misfortune as a distant memory.

                              Kwaheri (goodbye) Arusha, Tanzania.