Reflection

I tear up every time I think about the best experience I've ever had in my life; visiting an orphanage in Cambodia. The kids there stole a piece of my heart that no one can ever take away and I think about them all the time.  I've learned so much from the kids in Cambodia and learned even more from my visit to a thrid world country.  I'm definitely not the same person I was and I am so glad to say that. I don't care for TV, my phone, or electronics - just family and friends. I've learned to appreciate every single little thing in my life and I am glad that I got to experience this at a young age so I can begin to make changes in my life now.

My first mission to complete after this trip is to share. I am not just talking about my experience, but I want to share with everyone how to not take anything for granite and cherish every little thing you have. I don't understand how people don't say a simple thank you when people in Cambodia have a lot less to be thankful for and they say it all the time. Family, food, love, education, hygienic products,water etc..  are things we take for granite. These are precious resoures to the people in Cambodia and they are so thankful for even the smallest things. More than half the world live without the simple things in life that we have and they enjoy life to the fullest each and every day. Please take everything in and realize you live an amazing life compared to many kids that have to beg on the street for food or sell trinkets just to get money for an education. These are the simple things they want and they live in dirt, without shoes, without tootbrushes, without showers and still smile and show respect to everyone. They never complain or shed a tear, even when they are sick with a terrible disease and are scared of what might happen to them.

Kids in the US complain about not having the best phone, the best clothes or being able to go on wonderful vacations. Everyone here, including myself, are always complaing about going to school. The kids in Cambodia would love to go to school and get an education. They want to make a better life for themselves but they don't always have the opportunity. In Cambodia, and many other third world countries, people would die to have an education. All of the kids have great potential to do many things out there and my personal job was to make them realize what they can do in this world.  I whole heartily believe these kids can accomplish anything if they put their mind to it. They are some of the strongest people I have ever met. I can't imagine doing half of the things they do each day.

This trip has changed my life forever and I can't wait to go back. I've learned to appreciate all things in life, good or bad, because some day they could just disappear. These kids had no idea what was coming there way when they were brought into this world. They were almost starving everyday and had to take care of themselves when they were just infants. They went to hell and back to live the life they are now and their life now is nowhere near as good as we all have it here. Every single kid is self sustainable and can do anything and everything if they have the right people to give them a push. That is why I ask every single one of you to encourage the people you know to be their best and work hard each day; live life to the fullest each and every day. My life has changed forever and I owe it all to those kids at Cambodian Hope Associationa and to the wonderful people that made this trip possible. Before you know it life will be over. Don't take the days for granite or others for granite as it can be gone in a flash; make sure your life is worth watching before it is too late.

Goodbye Cambodia, (this weekend)

After a long dreary ride to Siem Reap we went to Angkor Wat, a beautiful temple that used to be a city a King lived in. It is gorgeous and if you go to the top of the temple you get to see a great view of Siem Reap and we were fortunate enough to see the sunset and sunrise. We also went to Angkor Thom, another jaw dropping temple that is made out of sandstone. All the intricate designs of things they worship are so detailed and astonishing to think it was built hundreds of years ago and it is still here looking prettier than ever.Another interesting fact was that there were stensils of dinosaurs in the rocks. It is mind puzzling to wonder how they knew about dinosaurs if they were extinct thousands of years before that. Still a top question scientist are trying to figure out. After this we went to our last temple, Thom Poot, or something that sounds like that not sure about spelling. It was amazing. It was also a movie set for Tomb Raider. Many of the temples were built with trees  as there main support system. It is hard to describe so will have to show you all pictures but basically it is like a forest but with crazy vines everywhere. Also, these trees were abnormal size.  Bigger than you can imagine it was just so pretty. Now here I am in the Korean Airport about to head to Seatle then home. Wish me a good and safe 10 hour flight! Can't wait to see all if not most   of you.
Goodbye, 해ㅐ유ㅛㄷ

My Life is Changed 4-29-11

This whole journey and experience with the kids and Cambodia in general is an experience I'll never forget. I've learned so many great values and realized I need to appreciate even just the little things in life.  These kids changed my life just as much as I did theirs.

We had such a fun party today with the kids. I've never seen them so happy we got them pizza and banana splits, they went  wild. It went frm crazy face painting, chalk, bubbles, hula hooping, and much more. Before we knew it we had to start making our hard, long, sad goodbyes. I feel like I personaly bonded more with the littler ones compared to ones my age and older. So many of them didn't know what was happening and I still don't know if that is a good or bad thing. Good for them and bad for me because saying goodbye and their saying ok see you tomorrow. I can only dream that they were right and I'd see them tomorrow. Soon after hugging a few of them the older girls and a boy Kea, that I love, came over to say their goodbyes. They were all sobbing which made me start to cry. I just couldn't help thinking I won't see all these cute faces, and hysterical laughs, the way we drive in and see all of them there waiting for us. It just won't be there, and that is almost impossible to think of without crying. After the many hugs and tears that hit the floor from everyone we had to drive off. I will miss and love these kids forever.

The way these kids changed my life was teaching me a good value in appreciation. Here they don't have a lot almost nothing at all, but no matter what they have the biggest smiles on their faces all the time. Most of these kids were just unwanted or were taking care of themselves because there gaurdians couldn't seem to be able to. It really makes me appreciate family and the way all my freinds and family look out for me and would never let me down. All these kids know how to do everything themselves without any help. If they need to go somewhere to get stuff they drive or ride a bike, just leave and are trusted enough to the point where they can just come and go as they please. Many of the younger kids like 3 year olds even know how to take their own baths. Fill the plastic like pool thing sit and scrub, they think it is incredibly fun. It astonishes me and makes me think that I also can do many things around my house without having my mom do it or help me. Although, the letting me come and go as I please probably won't go by as easily.

These kids are in my dreams and prayers for a better future. A future they don't have to regret, one where their memories were astonishing. These kids have enough potential to do many great things in their life and with a push or shove here and there they can do anything. I will always remeber these kids and am determined to return to this orphanage.I love the kids all so much and my journey to help better lifes definetley isn't stopping now.

Almost Goodbye :( 4-28-11

Sorry for not getting to you all yesterday never had time to go to this Internet Cafe because we skyped the school. Seeing everyone made me miss them terribly but I'm going to have an even harder time leaving the kids tomorrow. All I can say is that the waterworks will be full on from everyone.I'll miss their sweet, sweet hugs that are filled with love and joy.The way they run out and greet you when your entering and their goodbye waves and kisses as you leave. I'll miss all of them dearly. Today was really fun at the orphanage we had a party because the other volunteers were leaving today and boy, the dancing was in session. Some of them really knew how to dance. Although Nina and I weren't there at the beginning of the party because we were on the side of the road by our self. Long story short, we were going to the market to buy string for the orphanage when the moto broke down and we didn't know what to do. Nuch, the girl driving us, said we were to heavy to drive all the way their so she went back to orphanage to grab tuk-tuk.While waiting we were freaking out a little but all the people are so nice here so all was good and got the string. Mission completed. Getting back we danced the day away with bubbles, some soccer, Frisbee, chalk, and painting! Fortunately we get to do this tomorrow again! Can't wait but this will have to be the time we also have to say goodbye. I love all of them so much and they will always have a special place in my heart. I hope to go back and my journey of traveling definitely won't be ending now. Wish me luck on the goodbye I might have to sneak some home in my suitcase with me.

Scrub A Dub Tub 4-26-11

Today at the orphanage we did a lot of scrubbing everywhere! We cleaned  all of the kids rooms, floors, and walls. They were matted with dust and grime and we scrubbed and scrubbed all day long. Unlike most kids these ones were eager to help and made it a lot more fun. They were running around and cleaning all so well. In most households moms will be cleaning until they can get enough, or the kids will be asked to do something and just call a maid in to do all the dirty work.  Every single kid was so greatful to see their new and improved house to stay in. After a long hard day of scrubbing we needed to scrub some heads. Almost all of  the girls have some sort of lice. Some more than others but still a very big hygiene problem here. You almost have to go through all the bits and part of the scalp and scrub so the lice can vanish. I love the looks on their face when their all done and want me to brush out and braid their hair it makes them so happy to take a shower. I know back in the states people are like,"Man I've had a hard day at work I need to jump in the shower!" Here they rarely get a shower a day and sweat and sweat in this increasingly hot weather. To them it's paradise even just to pour some water and get a little soap to wash up. Their big new thing they were awarded with today were flip flops. The insane look on their faces they thought they were amazing and they each got their own pair with their name on it! Even though they were just plain colors they thought they were the prettiest things on this planet and they were theirs. This made me think of all the times I've begged my parents to get me a pair of gorgeous shoes and I've realized our money could be saved for future necessities. Today I learned a new lesson and the one main thing is to appreciate. I know people always say oh I appreciate this or that, but do you really ever? Take a step back and take a step into important things in your life and really take the time to appreciate them. 

Stories 4-25-11

Thought y'all you might want to know some stories of the kids and how they got there. Let's start with my favorite little boy Sal. Sal was 2 months old when his mother decided she couldn't take care of him anymore.
She gave him to a close friend Naldene who now works at Cambodian Hope Association. Naldene also had a rough childhood. Through praying and hoping they almost were able to have a meal every day and were so fortunate to find CHA. Now Kin and Kim. They are sisters and use to live on the streets. Richie, the owner, found them and took them to the orphanage. That morning he go to find them and they are not there they ran back onto the streets to beg. Richie called the police and after a long period of time they found them now one is 9 and the other is 11. Sok Nei, who is 13 had nothing. He has been at CHA for three years now and says he is so happy he has people who love him deeply there.  Naldene also found him he lived with his Grandma who had cancer and found it very hard to live now he doesn't even know if his Grandma is still alive.Now I'll finish off with Top and Long who are brothers. They are the cutest little things ever so skinny. Top is 10 and Long is 12, Im not posistive but close to that age. They lived with their Aunt who had cancer but didn't even live at their house. She was staying at a neighbors who was trying to "heal" her. Top and Long had to care for themselves I believe they have been there for around a year now. It just makes you thing WOW can you imagine. You might wonder what it would be like to be in their shoes before they walked into the orphanage. The truth is you can't most if not all reading this blog have loving families.Who will be there right along your side as you grow up. Helping you take the right steps and not falling into the streets. These kids have no one, family, realtives who can care for them. They all don't care though becuase they have eachother and people like us who go and make a difference out there.I love them all so much!! So to help the kids pay for school which is not cheap at all.You can contact Lisa-Marie at childrensglobalalliance.blogspot.com to see how you can make a difference. Miss and love you all so much but am having the time of my life out here.

Traveling 4-24-11

Traveling around Phom Penh is not at all like driving around in America. The people are crazy on the roads with their tuk-tuks and motos. Unlike your cars and buses. There is a line to separate the roads from one another but they honestly don't follow this line. If their destination is on the right side and their on the left they'll dive right into traffic dodging everything. A bit nerve racking but almost like an amusement park ride. Also, to drive anything you just have to be 18. When you turn 18 you are allowed by the law to do anything drink, smoke, drive, etc... It is so different and doesn't sound that safe but probably even more. Seeing as the roads are insane the drivers have their eyes wide open and aware of every little thing. So to cross or to let your kids play near the sides of the road is ok.There are rarely any accidents especially no one getting hit by a car.Had so much fun with just hanging out and can't wait to go to the orphanage tomorrow.

Khmer Rouge 4-23-11

Today we visited S-21 a school that was transformed to a prison during the Khmer rouge. The Khmer rouge was much like the Holocaust, the ruler Pol Pot transferred people in to kill Cambodians. They first went for the intellectual, ones who went to school because he thought they would be too smart for the country. Also, babies because they thought they would grow up and have revenge against Pol Pot. Pol Pot wanted to wipe out all the people so he could have people with fresh minds and ones who would follow his rules.During this time many fled the country but only a few made it. The torture at S-21 was so cruel and depressing. Some things the soldiers would do were drown people. Tie their hands behind their backs and drown them in a bucket of water until they would suffocate and die. Beat them in the heads with shovels until they would bleed to death. Pull finger nails off and pour alcohol while doing this just to play with them. Make them sniff up rubbing alcohol and cause them not to breathe. Pull the woman's nipples off then rape them. Although two of the leading ways to Cambodians deaths during this time was starvation, and diseases. This was much like the Holocaust also referred to as a genocide. That explains why there are so many orphans here because their family's got killed and when they came back there was no one for them. It  happened not to long ago, the late 70's.It is a wonder to me why no one teaches it in history. Before going on this trip I had no idea about it and many don't. This type of genocide was shocking and should be remembered by everyone. It is a wonder how Cambodia is as happy and peaceful of a country as it is. I believe it is because of forgiveness and sometimes to get on with  your life. You need to forgive and forget that is the only way.

Meat Meat and Meat. 4-22-11

The beginning of the day didn't start out too fun. Let's just say I almost threw up! We had to go the market and get fruit, vegetables, and MEAT.  The meat basically is being butchered and cleaned right there. There are very many different kinds of meat so it smells awful.One of the worst things I've ever smelt, plus I had to carry a heavy bag and try not to gag watching the girl take the guts right out of the chicken and slaughter it's head off. Although I just kept thinking it's for the experience buck up and BREATHE. The kids were over joyed with just some apples, vegetables, pork, and chicken. It felt good to see how happy they were with their big smiles on their face chomping away at the food.Today at the orphanage we didn't do much at all. Read some books to the kids and gave them new clothing. Once again thanks to all who donated to my trip because without you I wouldn't be able to put the smile on their faces and give them the clothes you didn't need anymore. After our relaxing fun day at the orphanage we went on a city tour through Star Kampuchea,. our organization. We visited many things like the riverfront, National Museum, Olympic Stadium, and many more beautiful temples and such.I'm very much glad hat my Aunt Brett came out here that was just a bonus. I haven't been able to see her for two years because several years back she moved to Australia and started a new life there. When I was young and my parents went back to work she took care of me and I've been so close to her ever since. She probably is the one piece keeping me from getting homesick and I appreciate that a lot. Seeing everyone cry talking to their parent makes it depressing but they'll get through just like I've done. Can't wait to see many of you soon miss all of you bunches. I love you pumas.


(Friends)

Funny Day 4-21-11

Today was just a good relaxing funny day. First of all, we just went to the orphanage and colored with the kids. They were very artistic and knew many origami figures by heart.It was astonishing how the 5 year old were drawing and coloring in the lines perfectly.  Shortly after we just chilled at the sports club and had an amazing time with everyone swimming and  sitting back with a delicious shake. After this everything turned out weird, all I can say is that there was something in the air. After building the chicken coop and putting a new roof on we saw many crazy things. To begin we saw two ducks having fun on each other in the water. Nothing like I've seen before; the puzzle pieces just didn't fit together quite right. Soon after this we went outside to get on the tuk-tuk and visit some neighboring friends. Although, these neighbors weren't people; they were goats. One goat had quite a strong attraction to Jack; those are all the details you probably want to know about that. So after this we went driving on the tuk-tuk back to the guest house, after seeing and smelling peculiar things we were ready to eat and take showers. So here I am half asleep ready to go to bed. Can't wait to see all of you!!!!

Sweat:Work:Paradise 4-20-11

Sweat, work and paradise are the three things to describe my whole day. First I sweat miles and miles in the Cha's farm. It was still not that hot but I was also breaking my back working on the ground and around the trashy farm. Our goal today was to turn the farm upside down to go from crappy farm to fancy farm. There was an insane amount of glass, plastic wrappers,and trash all over the farm. We needed to make it a safe and clean enviroment for the kids and animals to play in. We worked for hours and hours of doing hard work such as: picking the trash up, taking rocks to fill holes, and levating the ground with mud. Doesn't sound like much but doing it for five hours and its 80-90 degrees outside, wow way too much sweat. It all payed off though because in the end the kids were happy and now we can buy pigs and chicken and fish without having to worry they'll get dieseases or hurt. Now it's time for my paradise part of the day. We went to the VIP sports club, yep that's right delicious food, swimming, and fish massages. Let me just say I had the best drink of my life there a pineapple smoothie it was so delicious and the best fried rice EVER. Then just to top it off I got to stick my feet in a fish tank!! Sounds amazing right? These little tiny fish suck all the gunk off your feet and smooth them out. Tickles here and there but very relaxing. The HUGE pool with an amazing patio is where we spent all of our time.The water is great tempature to cool off and make the sweat vanish. Badda Bing Badda Boom and now i'm here at the internet cafe. Watching the crazy tuk-tuk and moto drivers crowding the street. This may not seem like much but it represent the Khmer culture to me. There all close and friendly, and loving eachother in this peaceful country of theirs. Well so excited to go work at the orphanage again and spend more and more time with my sisters and brothers that I love. Wish me luck on not getting eaten alive by the bugs here while I try to enjoy my dinner by the riverside.

Final Destination 4-19-11

So after a long, tiring, sickening flight I made it to my final destination Phnom Penh.It is just very different here in words I cannot describe. Basically your either very poor or very rich no middle class. You look at one part of the street and it is this gorgeous house, then you turn your head a foot and there is a pile of trash and a dump. The Khmer culture that is based in Cambodia is no where near the American culture. Rules and customs are so different: men show public displays of affection but not men and women, never touch and elders head or shoulders, never point the souls of your feet at anyone, so many rules you just can't imagine. Even though the rules are a bit crazy the people are not. Everyone greets with a smile, they are all so friendly, no dirty looks. Later after our orientation for the Cambodian Voyage we stopped at a market, the Russian Market. This place was just astonishing. This little building has hundreds and hundreds of shops. Anything you could ever want or imagine: jewelry, toys, fans, lamps, engine parts, tires, meat, fruit, drinks, clothing, and on and on it is a shopaholics dream place. While here I got to start using my Khmer language with simple phrases and bargaining while shopping, After this fun stop we were all ready to head to CHA, the Cambodian Hope Association, our orphanage. No one I mean no one could understand the transportation here unless you have visited, it is out of this world. There are 4 types of transportation cars, tuk-tuks, motos, and bicycles. For the most part everyone is on motos or a tuk-tuk.  We take a tuk-tuk it is simply a carriage hooked onto a moto, a moto is somewhat like a small motorcycle. Any who, the streets are insane there are at least 5 motos or tuk-tuks lined next to each other in one lane. It is very nerve racking but so much fun at the same time. So we take a tuk-tuk to CHA as soon as we get there we are greeted with a few orphans who live here. With the smile and hugs they gave us it would never seem like they were orphans without parents and lonely. None of that matter to them they don't need a family because they already have one there at the orphanage. Every single kid there was so friendly some shy but most came up and started talking to us they ask you simple things like name, age, and where we live. The first person I really bonded with was an eleven year old girl named chtidda don't know how to spell but basically you pronounce as (teedaa). The size of her probably stoke me as first as a seven year old then she tell me she is eleven and I couldn't believe it. She took me to the farm to see their crazy livestock. It was pretty gross and tomorrow I have to clean it.....GREAT. When we got English but was so kind and always was laughing and smiling. Then I started to read with  a little boy or girl we couldn't tell named Whicta. It was so funny and nice he couldn't let go of me when I had to leave.I'm so excited I get to work with these amazing people and amazing orphanage.  Cham Reap Lau goodbye.

2 weeks!!!

Leaving in 2 weeks so excited to go with the 6 coolest people ever! Follow me while there love and miss you all!!

Shots:(

Got my shots and pills. Cambodia here I come!!!!!

Share The Love Fundraiser

With our last and final fundraiser Tuesday, February 1, we raised enough money reaching our goal of $10,000! Thanks you all who could come or supported my trip to get there. I'm so excited to go with the 7 other people this spring, and just can't wait to have an amazing time. Thanks for every one's support for this trip. I really appreciate it.
-Tabor