Day 4 - Same same yet different

 

What does 'change' mean to you?

Getting out of bed earlier than usual was an unusual routine for many of us. Nevertheless, we're awake, alert, alive and enthusiastic for the day to come.

We started the day with breakfast in the hotel before heading  to the Bakong Orphanage, Siem Reap. With only 3 classes of students, we taught them joyful songs: 'Hokey Pokey', 'If you're happy'', basic English, drawing and colouring, handicraft and painting of the toilet walls. The boys even helped in the building of the zinc roof. Afterwhich, we left for a sumptuous lunch at a local restaurant.

We had more than enough to eat, yet just a simple dish of stew could satisfy the Cambodians. We should spare a thought for the poor children when we moan and rant over too much food to eat. Thinking of the children in the orphanage, we couldn't enjoy our lunch.

Returning to the orphanage, we completed the painting of the toilet walls. Next, we started on our second painting mission, which is the library. Not only did we paint the walls, we also painted a mural of hope for them - "When there is a will, there is a way". We had a go at leather crafting. It appeared easy at the hands of the skilled Cambodians but we found it challenging when we did it ourselves. Any wrong angle in handling the chisel would have ruined the piece of art. Thereafter. we did area cleaning. Before we left the orphanage, we distributed oral hygiene kits to them. We couldn't bear to leave the orphanage. We wished the day was longer as our presence was much apprenciated by the orphans.

We are inspired by the positive spirit of the Cambodians. Being able to bless the Cambodians through our contributions, it brought us pride. A sense of euphoria overwhelmed us. We brought about a small change. a change in the hearts of the Cambodians.

Like a lighthouse shining in the darkest place, we brought hope to them and put smiles on their faces. A simple life they have, yet they have such positive attitude towards life, and are appreciative of life. We have plenty of food to eat, luxurious bedrooms to sleep in and proper classrooms to study in. Do we even spare a thought for others whenever we complain?

The Cambodians don't have a choice but we do.

Let's live life to the fullest!

Posted by Group 4

Krichelle Teo, Harriet Lee, Audrey Koo, Jazreel Lim.