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.