SAMsam

Apologies for sending in the reflections late. Have really been busy rushing out report (yes even aft i have grad).

I am really glad that i chose to go for a overseas community project for my residential project for the NYAA.

There are just so many things that i learnt from this trip. The housebuilding was really a new skill that i picked up. it's really addictive to hit the nail right in although my finger kept getting nailed. It did occurred to me that we were rather more of hindrance than help as the carpenters could do it in like 3 hits while we took 10 hits? LOL. but they were really patient with all of us and gave us plenty of chances. My best nailing combo was 14 nails straight! (for some of you who might know why!)

For the three days spent at the house building village, i realise that the villagers do live a fairly simple life. They dont enjoy luxury items such as tv, radio or even having newspapers to read. It is the first time i see a village where they live in bamboo houses and their livelihood is probably just rearing animals. and they're rather adorable, well in their own ways(:

I was just so amazed at how soap were made. i never knew it was so easy, and it was just possible having it hand-made. i learnt many tips and facts about soap too! Through the soap making, i can tell that the cambodians are very detailed and particular about what they do. They are perfectionists. the lady was like picking on the way we paste the label, cut the paper, stick it and all they wanted was it to be perfect. it is no wonder why they are able to do handicrafts which we singaporeans can't do and i think it's something that we should ought to learn from them,

i just feel really heartened to see how in every small way that we can help the cambodians. The kids at Hope are just so welcoming to us. even at the orphanages we visited, the kids would just hug you when they barely know me. although i hoped that i could have spent more time with them, i am glad at least i met them(: the people at Hope and the clan of mosquitos, brother narin and everything, i just miss it!

i am really thankful that the trip went really smoothly, without much hiccups (the breakdown and nasty food) which just made the whole trip so much more enjoyable. Although there were a few people who got sick during the trip, i feel that they actually made us closer as we learn to take care of each other in a foreign land!

the trip has changed my views on my life. i am much more appreciative about what i have and experience back here. i remember the times when i came back and complain about every single thing that people do, telling them that how lucky we are and comparing ourselves with the cambodians.

i believe i have contributed to the trip as a member and also bringing joy to those around me(: i hope to bring a team of my own back to cambodia and sharing the spirit of giving!

lastly, i wanna thank the entire team for making this trip just so memorable for me! it has been a wonderful time spent for that 12 days and let's continue to keep in touch! big thanks to brother narin, simone, mr robert kee, the carpenters and the staffs for being so kind to our team! and of course, mr ben and ms lai for being the best mummy and daddy to us during the trip!

I believe most of us will have a deep impression on the house building as it is our first time trying to build one. In the process of house building, we also get to see how the people are living in the village. We will never be able to see how flour are make in the most traditional way, how people can use spend the whole day at home resting, how people can just bathe openly and how animals can just roam around the area like that.


Other than that, I think the time we get to spend with the Hope Village children will somewhat be the next more memorable one. Although they are orphans, but they can live happily just like any ordinary children except that they may be lacking the love from their parents. However, I was very happy to be able to meet and know these children. Although at the start I was quite amazed by how comfortable they can get when meeting us for eg, holding hands and hugging us etc but as days past, I no longer find it weird and able to take it.


About what I have learn..

1) Sometimes things can be just so simple and you are just thinking a little bit too much
2) Be thankful of what you have
3) Prepare for the future – Sok Jeer
4) It’s okay if you have lost this because you could have just gain something else elseway


I think through this expedition it has challenged my perspectives ‘Try to get the best’. Although these people are poor on the monetary side, however they are full of energy and vigor when doing any particular thing. This is something that Singaporeans will never be able to have as the kind of lifestyle that Singaporeans lead are too comfortable and they will always seek for their best interest. However, even how tough a job can be, the Cambodians will still do and not grumble.
Perhaps this is something that we can learn from as it teaches us to be really contented with what we have now instead of having any regrets in the future.


I would DEFINITELY say that I have contributed in this expedition! Other than the hard work put in during house building, I’m quite a crappy person and I can say that I entertain the rest at times =) I wouldn’t know what might happen in future but before this trip, my brother-in-law actually told me that if I had found this trip alright, I can actually join him next time to do overseas CIP together next time. So I’ll probably be looking forward to this day where I can help another community and bring life to them.
Lastly, thanks everybody for making this trip an enjoyable and meaningful one! =)

Mr Ben: Thanks for making this expedition a success and I’ve think you’ve slim down a little after this trip.
Ms Lai: Thank you Mummy for going out to get that glucose even though u might risk getting mosquito bites but you still went.