Khmer

I'm back from Cambodia and to be honest, I don't want to be in Singapore yet. I was really reluctant to leave Cambodia. Mainly, was hesitant to leave the school at the dump site cos I couldn't bear to leave the children.. I didn't expect myself in any way to be very attached to the children. But, they really got their hooks on me alright. It was a tough goodbye and I teared when my favorite girl said goodbye to me. Her name is Sreynon.

She came up to me and said smiling, " See you tmr." I shook my head cos I know that it was the last time that I'll ever see her. She then went on to say happily, "See you next year!" I continued to shake my head and my eyes started to well up with tears cos I know for a fact that we both really won't see each other anymore. She then looked at me and said to me, " See you again" and subsequently hugged me and uttered the words, "I love you." With that, immediately I cried and hugged her so tight and I really didn't want to let her go. It was a painful goodbye. I don't know for sure how long I cried or hugged her. But one thing for sure, she made me realise so much about the simplicity of life. And I thank her for that.

She is only 10 years old. How sweet is she, right ? Typing all these down makes me miss her so much more </3

Anyway, Cambodia had been an extremely meaningful trip for me. I feel fortunate to have gone to the dump site instead of the primary school. Seeing their living conditions there disheartens me terribly. Their house were merely made of cardboard and used canvas. The houses are so small yet dusty and dirty. The smell, oh my. Its really not pleasant at all.. I shan't use the word stench cos it'll be too harsh.

The pic isn't clear but this is suppose to be their bed.. 

Piles of rubbish next to their 'homes'

Its literally rubbish everywhere.. Imagine living in the dump site. Its horrible. 

More pics can be seen at my facebook(:

Nonetheless, the trip has shown me much in this world. Yes, we've seen the unfortunates. But, these people are way lower than them. Despite being ostracized by the society, they're still happy among themselves. They are happy to live each day. To see the sun. They appreciate simple living pleasures like water, food even stickers. What about us ? We take things for granted and and never satisfied with what we have. Even if we do, it'll just be a matter of time when we would want something more. We can't really blame ourselves for behaving that way because we are brought up in this society. However, as an individual we can change that fact. Well for a start and to me, I find this the most basic: Finish up your food on the plate. Every grain counts. We waste so much food but there are so much people who eat from the rubbish. They scavenge food amongst all those rubbish. If you're not sure whether you can finish it up, don't take too much? Whatever I say here is not to offend anyone. I'm bringing up this point because when we gave them food and it fell into mud, they picked it up and continued eating it. It showed how valuable food were to them. Honestly, if your food or sweet drop in mud, will we even bother picking them up?

I'm really glad I went to the dump site and made the kids happy. It felt good when you see smiles on their faces. The feeling was extremely warm and I really miss them so much.

Love the kids so much <3

Also special thanks to everyone who attended the trip. Especially Group 4!!!!! Love and miss you guys so much!!! Divya, Baoyun, Herman, Dwayne, Yi Ning, Shernise, Brenda, Sean and Olivia! Without them, I doubt my journey will be as fun as it was! The bitching sessions at night and parties in room 101! Reflections that were so boring and having fun after that. Dining together at Mamak's Restaurant. The bus rides. The countless jokes and laughter. I miss you people so god damn much.

I don't really have the group photo with me. All the photos are mainly with Miss Lim. 

Lastly all the other people who went and those whom I've grew closer to on this trip. Thank you very much for making this trip enjoyable and fun. I miss Cambodia.