Post-Expedition Reflection

Hello! Hope everyone is well & kicking & none of y'all are sick & itching! I am here again, & proud to be the first yet again! (: (:

Coming back for near 2weeks, I still have so much running in my head, & still have so so much stuff I wanted to pen down. But problem is, I never managed to find a word, a phrase or a sentence so suitable to describe how I felt. It wasnt something I could pen down in words, but rather something I have experienced; & if given another opportunity, I will do it all over again & even better! Yes, that's Cambodia & YEP for me.

To the reflections:
a. Based on your experience in the many activities we organised inCambodia, what would be a highlight(s) for you? Why? Please elaborate.

Housebuilding. soap distribution. interactions with the kids. They were all highlights, none outweighing each other.

Housebuilding was something so so new. Before embarking on the trip, I totally thought I am building a house using bricks, like the ones in our sunny island. I harboured the evil thought of making the guys do most of the work as well. Opps! HAH!

Then, when ii arrived in Prey Veng, it was an eye-opener. I never thought it was possible to stay in houses made of bamboos & palm-tree leaves. Never was the word. It reminded me of "three little pigs", & I concluded how vulnerable the house would be. But I was absolutely wrong. It was strong, it housed the 20 of us from the blazing sun, & the sweltering weather. Then, I saw how everyone wanted to do a part to complete the house, I saw the amount of hard work each & everyone of us put in, & it made me want to do as much as them as well. Being small & petite really isnt good, for the first time. Carrying the 4 walls, my existence felt insignificant, for I really don't make any difference. Still, everyone (knowing that I made no contribution) encouraged me.

Soap distribution. Soap making was probably something I will never have a chance to put my hands on again. It was new, it was fun, & it fascinates me. Soap distribution felt good; maybe it is the smiles we received in return. We saw the grateful faces from the villagers in awful living conditions. Then again, looking at the dirty kids & bad sanitation & living conditions, it really doesn't feel good. Soap distribution was the time we put Khmer language into use, probably more use (such that I can still remember the exact words clearly). :D

Interaction was the kids was awesome. Awesome, probably isn't even strong enough a word. I learnt so so so much from them.

b. Were there learning points during your trip? What have you learnt? About yourself, your fellow expedition mate, Cambodia, orphans, etc.

About Cambodia. I seen the living conditions in 3 different cities: Phnom Penh, Prey Veng & Siam Reap. Difference was significant. I saw the living conditions & their economic developement (if even we call that economic development), & comparing it side by side with that of ours, we are really really much fortunate.

About the orphans & myself. They are the ones that made a significant impact on my life. Maybe like what Mr. Ben has said, "Because of the love we put into giving, we received much much more in return." I couldn't agree more. For once, I felt myself putting in more love, effort & try to understand these children, in return, I learn so much more from them. Each of these kids have a story to tell, & I saw how sometimes they were mad at themselves & how some felt so much more inferior. I saw how they took their studies so seriously, & saw how they have big dreams. I saw how they were struggling to have a future & how some girls have the intention of turning to prostitutions. The reality there, is that cruel.

Nonetheless, I love the simplicity of life over there. Many of them were contented with what they have now, & I think this is the kind of mentality us (Singaporeans youth) would never be able to achieved. Not that we did not want, but our living environment does not allow us to. We were constantly reminded to outshine each other & compete for the limited universities placings. The fast-pacing society gave us no room to slow down. I love the life I have had in Cambodia, defnitely will miss the place & the people.

About my expedition teammates. I learn how different people, with different personalities come together, work together to achieve a common goal. I saw how determined each & everyone of us was, & was grateful that we were there for each other when help was needed. We shared about our lives, & understanding each other better as a result. (: (:

c. The theme of this expedition was 'Challenge your perspectives". Did thishappen? Did you have a new insight? Or do you now have a new perspective?

This expedition has definitely widen my perspective & in fact, change it. I learnt to appreciate others & life better. I learnt to cherish the people around me, tell them how they matter to me. I saw the importance of people whom I never thought was significant, & I learn to treasure. Also, less good food now. (:

d. Call to action. Do you feel you have contributed at the expedition? Would there be future expeditions for you? What are your plans (related tocommunity service). What does the future hold for you?

In terms of contribution, I think I have lighted up the lives of many, at the least, I have seen many smiling faces over my 12 days period in Cambodia. I am glad I did not back out of the trip when all my friends withdraw, & I did not regret one bit going for this expedition. I made a difference (it may not be big) in their lives, & they have made a even bigger difference in my life.

Given another opportunity, I would still go for future expeditions & if possible, I would want to lead my own team for such expeditions, allowing our future generation to appreciate life better.

All in all,
through this expedition, I learn too much, too many. Every little things we done together was a team have made a difference to my life. I am glad & I am grateful that I am given this excellent opportunity to embark on this trip, & in turn making so many great awesome friends.

georgiana was the first. (: