More Reflections

Matt:
I have really enjoyed my trip and bonding with all of the others on the trip. It has been a fascinating experience to learn about the past of Cambodia and going to places to actually see primary sources to get a more realistic interpretation. I have found that you don't have to have money and lots of resources for a happy life. We played and met many little kids from the villages who are much more happy and caring of their friends then we are seeing as they have barely anything compared to us. All these kids want to do is make all their friends and others happy and never judge each other. They all help each others out and want to be friends with anyone. This has been the most enjoyable experience and trip for school and to et a much deeper understanding of a major event that happened to the Cambodians in life.

Ethan:
This trip to Cambodia has been unbelievable and truly a memorable experience for all that came. I feel as if everything we encountered from building the house in the village to visiting the horrific remains of S-21 and the killing fields from the Pol Pot regime educated and enlightened us, giving a better understanding of the culture that surrounds the country today. The first real eye opener for me was seeing the joy that came to the families from the small village we helped as they saw us each day. Even though none of these people could speak English, it was inspiring to see everyone working together and cooperating in peace. For the children, something as small as a pen entertained them as if it was the latest iPhone and they were eager to show us what they could do by drawing pictures and numbers remembering that the paper they used was burnt remains of the house found scattered around. The spectacular temples and the royal place were amazing even though my phone went 'missing'. During the trip, I was fortune to interact and bond with children from the village and orphanage and saw how caring everyone was for one another.  Finally, I believe the most important message I got from this experience was not necessarily thinking that these people are unfortunate and feeling bad for them but seeing all the things they really do have not materialistically and the dedication they have. After seeing what these people have suffered from the Pol Pot regime, they are able to take every opportunity they are given to educate and better not only themselves but others. We were able to give back to a neighbouring country not as fortune as us while learning about ourselves at the same time and I hope that we are all able to use the knowledge we have gained to make a difference in the future that awaits.

Emily & Tayla:
The culmination of our Cambodia trip we believe was seeing the children's elation, despite of there living conditions and hardships which made us contradict our original thoughts of how we thought these kids felt towards their lives. The kids shared many laughs and smiles with us and didn't show any despairing emotions and frustrations despite of how they lived. This made us appreciate the ways we live and the gratitude we must show more often. The knowledge we learnt on the trip will stay with us forever, and all the terrible history that the Cambodians went through like the holocaust which wiped out 3 million people from the Cambodian population. It was really amazing to see a survivor of the Cambodian holocaust and it inspired us to not give up no matter how bad the consequences are and that sometimes we must put our trust into what seems to be false hope because the end result can be extremely great. It was monumental to see everyone bond and come together through out the trip. We believe it is is vital to remember to give back to others no matter what the situation in our lives as we are fortunate to live a great life whilst others don't. Cambodia is an experience we will always remember.

Jackie:
This wonderful opportunity meant more to me than I thought it would in the beginning. Arriving to the vibrant city of Siem Reap I saw what little the people had. Being exposed to the mess first hand, made me understand and appreciate how fortunate I really am. I connected to the smiling and clever children and possibly made their lives better for that day. Knowing that I helped build a home for a family who I knew nothing about except the unfortunate events that had occured to them, makes me proud of this team and myself for being so unconditionally kind. These people have been through war and genocide leaving them with torn families and poverty, but they still remain so friendly and grateful. I hope for the future I can gain some motivation to help others by reflecting on this eye opening and educational trip.