Then that was it.
As I was busy preparing things in the village, so did my friends on the other side. Constant calls, emails, and facebook connect just to make things sure, well prepared. Even a day before, I had been receiving endless calls. Excitement filled the air especially for the kids in the village.
Yet, it was not easy as it was thought. Although we did this twice before as I have mentioned, we still faced huge challenges in the process. Suddenly, some friends got sick, and some had to cancel their commitment for a reason. The seemingly short journey extended for no legitimate reason. Some had sleeplessness nights. Miscommunication also took the greater part almost ruining everything. I guessed everyone turned out restless. So did I. But that's part of perseverance.
In the end, all those obstacles turned out pointless and meaningless when we all got in the village. Looking at those smiles and happy faces soothed our weariness. The kids and young people welcomed as with joy and excitement.
But then let me elaborate briefly the three objectives of the said trip. First objective was Friendship. It was an opportunity to bring people together regardless of the belongingness... the Cambodian-Filipino-Vietnamese friendship. As educators, we always believe that no matter where we from, we can still play, smile and share our deepest thoughts, and even our aspiration together. Second objective was Cultural Exchange. It was also an opportunity to show our heritages and cultural identities. Learning new things from each other was always a fun thing to do. Third objective was Conversations with Foreigners. These kids and young people learned English everyday, but they have rare chances to practice what they have learned. So bringing foreigners in really help. It did.
My heart is overwhelmed with excitement sharing these photos.
Please enjoy the postings!
...teacher Janeth and teacher Chantha..
...teacher Joy was giving lecture to young people...
...teacher Rema and her co-hort...
...what's going on?...
...so attentive...
...teacher chantha interpreting to the kids the lesson for the day...
...teacher Joan and her Vietnamese assistant...
...another attentive snapshot...
...the cuty kids...
...teacher Rema and teacher Queenie...
...teacher Lina and the kids...
...OOO young people was playing balloon race...
...go-go-go...
...run-fast-run...
...teacher chona in action...
...1-2-3..peace...
...team photo and the hosts...
...Our Executive Director in his speech and welcome address...
...i and my co-teacher in the village giving orientation about Khmer culture...
...a beautiful dance rendition by our young people...
...battle of the brain hosted by teacher Sherwin...
...a khmer welcome song from young people...
...a modern apsara dance...
...our young people in their song-girl you are my love...
...another song rendition - thousand roses...
...Vietnamese friends presented their culture...
...awarding the smartest boy in OOO...
...awarding the 3rd placer for our poster making contest...
...and the winner is...
...awarding the 2nd placer...
...our emcees for the night...
...smile...
...smile again...
...smile again and again...
...endless smile and poises...
After a day visit in the village, the team had to go back to the city. But the treat didn't stop there. We brought three teachers with us and gave them some unforgettable treats.
...Mr Tung and our two lovely teachers in the village at the river side...
... a lunch treat at Sorya Mall...
...our 3 Vietnamese friends...
That's the end of the trip.
And to the teachers and friends, thanks for making the kids happy and for your visit.
Appreciated.
Unforgettable.
Amazing.
And heart warming.
