Unlocked

6/15/13
The gates open and all the memories flush back into my mind remembering every little detail from two years ago. From each and every single kid's name and the special moments we spent in this or that specific spot; the opening gate, the building, the rooms and all the beautiful paintings are still there in the back of my mind. The shyness of all the children hiding in their rooms waiting for the ok that we are good and not bad, sort of stings a little. I wasn't shocked that no one remembered me specifically but the fact that they got hurt so bad they can't even be welcoming or trust worthy of anyone anymore. Long story short many volunteers went to CHA and started many bad rumors getting the police involved and almost causing it to shut down. I shouldn't be shocked that Rithey (the director of CHA) is very hesitant when it comes to people just walking in off the streets to "help" because when it happened last time the kids were scarred for life from the terror it brought upon their lives. As we warm to Rithey we have the chance to play some soccer with the boys and one girl who actually played quite well; Sry Teng. After touring the orphanage we went around trying to find what was needed to be fixed or purchased. We found they needed more mattresses because five were sleeping on the floor. So right away we go on the hunt for the mattresses needed and find them purchase them and deliver them right away. Hoping the fact that we just spent all this money is going to help Rithey see we are there to help not to turn them in and break down the orphanage any more. Tomorrow we will return and can only pray they let us in and accept our warm welcoming so we can be there for the remainder of our trip.

6/16/13

When I was here three years ago I grew a very close bond with four young children three of whom are sisters and one who is just a friend. Visal, Cheetah, Witchika, and Tida, stole my heart two years ago with their beautifully loud and sassy attitudes.... Unfortunately when everything went bad at CHA they moved out to the villages into another orphanage, Hope Children Hope. The trip out there started out quite impressive with us getting on a cargo ship while still sitting in our Tuk-Tuk and watching about ten cars and dozens of motos just line up in the small cargo ship, leaving their engines on while we cross the rivers to get to the village side. It was a site to see and fumes probably not to good to be around. Hope Children Hope, is well off with children that are all very smart in their own way but all know how to speak and read English. One boy knew how to play the guitar, read perfectly in English, and was an amazing artist. It was amazing how smart all the children were.The play time with the kids was great while we sat inside during the torrential down pour that occurs each and every day. We learned some new karate moves, patty cake games, and best of all some Khmer dance moves from the director and all the kids. The kids were amazingly bright and full of personality, I can't wait to visit them again.

However, today was not all fun and games. My Aunt who came Friday left today she just came up for a short weekend visit with her friend from Aussie. My Aunt has been helping us with fundraising tremendously down there and is coming next April with other moms and friends around Australia to come and volunteer to teach English. I could not thank her enough for the support she has given us and the effort she has put in to keep this organization up and running. However it is sad she had to leave so I will miss her greatly but have more great people I will be meeting and creating new memories with. I can't wait for what this trip has to bring and I hope while I'm here I can accomplish my task to fill children's hearts with love and show them their potential.