SAMsam

Apologies for sending in the reflections late. Have really been busy rushing out report (yes even aft i have grad).

I am really glad that i chose to go for a overseas community project for my residential project for the NYAA.

There are just so many things that i learnt from this trip. The housebuilding was really a new skill that i picked up. it's really addictive to hit the nail right in although my finger kept getting nailed. It did occurred to me that we were rather more of hindrance than help as the carpenters could do it in like 3 hits while we took 10 hits? LOL. but they were really patient with all of us and gave us plenty of chances. My best nailing combo was 14 nails straight! (for some of you who might know why!)

For the three days spent at the house building village, i realise that the villagers do live a fairly simple life. They dont enjoy luxury items such as tv, radio or even having newspapers to read. It is the first time i see a village where they live in bamboo houses and their livelihood is probably just rearing animals. and they're rather adorable, well in their own ways(:

I was just so amazed at how soap were made. i never knew it was so easy, and it was just possible having it hand-made. i learnt many tips and facts about soap too! Through the soap making, i can tell that the cambodians are very detailed and particular about what they do. They are perfectionists. the lady was like picking on the way we paste the label, cut the paper, stick it and all they wanted was it to be perfect. it is no wonder why they are able to do handicrafts which we singaporeans can't do and i think it's something that we should ought to learn from them,

i just feel really heartened to see how in every small way that we can help the cambodians. The kids at Hope are just so welcoming to us. even at the orphanages we visited, the kids would just hug you when they barely know me. although i hoped that i could have spent more time with them, i am glad at least i met them(: the people at Hope and the clan of mosquitos, brother narin and everything, i just miss it!

i am really thankful that the trip went really smoothly, without much hiccups (the breakdown and nasty food) which just made the whole trip so much more enjoyable. Although there were a few people who got sick during the trip, i feel that they actually made us closer as we learn to take care of each other in a foreign land!

the trip has changed my views on my life. i am much more appreciative about what i have and experience back here. i remember the times when i came back and complain about every single thing that people do, telling them that how lucky we are and comparing ourselves with the cambodians.

i believe i have contributed to the trip as a member and also bringing joy to those around me(: i hope to bring a team of my own back to cambodia and sharing the spirit of giving!

lastly, i wanna thank the entire team for making this trip just so memorable for me! it has been a wonderful time spent for that 12 days and let's continue to keep in touch! big thanks to brother narin, simone, mr robert kee, the carpenters and the staffs for being so kind to our team! and of course, mr ben and ms lai for being the best mummy and daddy to us during the trip!

I believe most of us will have a deep impression on the house building as it is our first time trying to build one. In the process of house building, we also get to see how the people are living in the village. We will never be able to see how flour are make in the most traditional way, how people can use spend the whole day at home resting, how people can just bathe openly and how animals can just roam around the area like that.


Other than that, I think the time we get to spend with the Hope Village children will somewhat be the next more memorable one. Although they are orphans, but they can live happily just like any ordinary children except that they may be lacking the love from their parents. However, I was very happy to be able to meet and know these children. Although at the start I was quite amazed by how comfortable they can get when meeting us for eg, holding hands and hugging us etc but as days past, I no longer find it weird and able to take it.


About what I have learn..

1) Sometimes things can be just so simple and you are just thinking a little bit too much
2) Be thankful of what you have
3) Prepare for the future – Sok Jeer
4) It’s okay if you have lost this because you could have just gain something else elseway


I think through this expedition it has challenged my perspectives ‘Try to get the best’. Although these people are poor on the monetary side, however they are full of energy and vigor when doing any particular thing. This is something that Singaporeans will never be able to have as the kind of lifestyle that Singaporeans lead are too comfortable and they will always seek for their best interest. However, even how tough a job can be, the Cambodians will still do and not grumble.
Perhaps this is something that we can learn from as it teaches us to be really contented with what we have now instead of having any regrets in the future.


I would DEFINITELY say that I have contributed in this expedition! Other than the hard work put in during house building, I’m quite a crappy person and I can say that I entertain the rest at times =) I wouldn’t know what might happen in future but before this trip, my brother-in-law actually told me that if I had found this trip alright, I can actually join him next time to do overseas CIP together next time. So I’ll probably be looking forward to this day where I can help another community and bring life to them.
Lastly, thanks everybody for making this trip an enjoyable and meaningful one! =)

Mr Ben: Thanks for making this expedition a success and I’ve think you’ve slim down a little after this trip.
Ms Lai: Thank you Mummy for going out to get that glucose even though u might risk getting mosquito bites but you still went.

Pan Ying's Reflection

I’ve learnt a lot about Cambodian history and culture through this expedition. Every activity is a highlight and has its own learning point.

I love the interaction with the villagers during the house building and soap distribution and also with the kids during the activities at the orphanage. I am not an extrovert, I do not have the forte to mingle with people in a short time, I did not talk a lot, and I miss out one day of activities with the kids, but I enjoyed every moment of it.

Through the interaction with Cambodians, I am touched by their personality, they are friendly, genuine, helpful and I can feel that they are happy. The house building was not that tough, with all the help from the carpenters, laying the foundation properly for us and aiding us in every way during the house building. It feels great to be able to build a house for someone. From then on that lady has a proper house to live in, a proper sheltered place. It took a few weeks (I think so) for the carpenters, took us 3 days and many bamboos, nails, dried palm leaves, wooden planks to build a traditional Cambodian house for the lady. No bricks, concrete, weeks or even months of construction, just a very simple traditional house, I believe it gave the lady new hope, a new house to build her home.

I always feel that what comes from the heart can be felt, action speaks louder than words, and it is all proven. A few hours of soap distribution has taught me a different way to communicate. They appreciate our presence and what we gave, they welcomed us and despite the language barrier, we were all happy. Perhaps they could feel our love and care, and we can feel that they welcome and appreciate us. It is a very special feeling of satisfaction. We only learn that few Khmer words, and we just kept repeating them during the soap distribution, and I supposed our pronunciation and accent is pretty alien to them, but we were able to spread our love and it was all well received, we can feel the joy, there is just a kind of happiness and satisfaction from within that could not be explained. Not only words can communicate care and love, but actions and what comes from within.

I feel that I am exposed to many things in this trip but not in depth, I would like to have more time with the villagers, to have little conversation with them instead of just simply giving them soap, and telling them how to use and why they should use. I’d like to hear more things from them, spending more time at the celebration of the newborn, to share that joy together and feel their warmth.


The kids at the orphanage are great. They are very well mannered, greeting us when they see us, I am not a Christian but I feel really happy when they call me sister, it brings me closer to them. They are curious about us, just like the way we are curious about what grade they are in and how they are doing. Despite any story they have, they are all independent individuals, studying hard and working hard towards their very own future. They did not give up or ‘emo’ at one corner because of their encounter but they are brave enough to live on their own and are happy for what they have. I believe all of them will have a bright future, living their dreams, because they are brave children who had already gone through the toughest part of their life and are able to overcome them and take care of themselves at such a young age. I look forward to hearing success stories about them in future. =)

The food and living conditions were better than expected, perhaps I anticipated the worst, so it was not that tough to adapt to it. I thought I will have a hard time but I did not, in fact I appreciate everything that was given, the bread every morning, air conditioned dorms, a proper bed, proper meals, and simply everything. The basic needs were met, not as comfortable and nice as the ones I have back at home, but it is sufficient. I learn to be contented, I knew that I already have many things, I could complain no more. The children’s dorm does not have air con, and they do not have proper bed to sleep in, but visitors has the privileged to enjoy what they don’t, and I am grateful for that (at the same time a little ashamed, we should receive the same treatment as the kids).


I gained a new insight about the concept of time. During day one of the house building, I was puzzled, why are they so many villagers around? Don’t they need to work? Why are they idling? They are not rich people right? Then shouldn’t they go to work? I feel that they are wasting their precious time, because they could be working or doing many other things. Time should not be spent idling around, it should be spent wisely! But I realized I forgot an important fact, they couldn’t get a job, the employment rate is low in Cambodia, and yes they already did what they should! They rear animals to sell or for own consumption, their basic needs are met, and there is absolutely nothing else they can do. It is a huge contradict, they have so much time on their hands, but look at the place we are in now, especially for the adults, they do not have the luxury to spend time doing practically nothing. No, I did not learn from them that I can spend my time that way, but I’ve learnt that spending time that way is not wrong, they already did what they have to, the difference lies in what we have to do. So perhaps it is not about how you spend your time, but did you spend time doing what you should do?


Teamwork, I think it is everyone’s contribution that made this expedition a success and I am glad I am part of the team, playing my little part, making a difference and leaving joy in people’s life. At the same time, I supposed perhaps I benefitted more than the children and villagers, I’ve learnt a lot from them.

I feel that I could have done more. I hope to embark on more expedition in future, to spread my little love. But perhaps, not only overseas expedition, there are many locals that need help, love and care as well. It doesn’t has to be overseas expedition to spread love and care, but it can be done locally too! I hope to play a little part for the local community, on a more frequent basis. (Anyone has similar sentiments? It will be better to go in a group...)


I think everything went well, and all of us were bonded after a few days. We were still strangers when we were at the airport, but through the 12 days, we get to know each other better and we care for one another. Besides the experience, it will be this group of friends that I’ve made, we really had fun together and it is amazing how we became pretty good friends through this expedition.

Once again I thanked everyone for their care and concern, it made me feel a lot better during then, and I hope I did not became a big problem... I think for a period of time I wasn’t strong, but all the care given really gave me a lot of comfort and speed up my recovery, I hoped I did not hinder any progress then. I am really touched, because EVERYONE showed their care and concern in a way or two, taking turns to take care of me etc. To be frank, I thought some people won’t care, but I am wrong, I appreciate what all of you have done for me (shan’t name it all here, but I do remember =) ). THANK YOU ALL! x)


I supposed the reflection for this expedition could not be fully expressed in words, there are many different thoughts throughout the expedition, from the shocked, to adapting, to understanding and accepting. This experience allows me to relate and reflect upon various issues, the end of the trip does not put a full stop to the stuffs learnt, instead it still continues. When I am back in Singapore, the feeling back home, getting in touch with what is missing in that 12 days reminds me that almost everything is a luxury here, these are what I can survived without and there is really nothing more I could ask for.

There is too much to be shared, this experience, the memory, will be with me for good and I hope that I will not forget and always bear in mind what I’ve learnt. Sometimes, when you are in a place for too long, the environment will change you. I hope I will not be changed, even in the competitive environment, I will work towards my dreams but I must be contented, I don’t want to forget the true meaning of happiness, it is what that comes from within, not based on what I owned.


Lastly, thank you Mr Ben and Ms Lai (after reading the blog, I feel like calling you mummy! hahas!) for selecting me to go for this trip then (I hope I did not disappoint), for all the hard work in organizing this expedition and for taking good care of all of us. If not for this expedition, I will still be unable to appreciate many things in my life and continue to take things for granted.

All the best to all, be it those going to year 3, going to NS, going to university, entering the workforce or anything, “jia you!” Take care! <3

Post-expedition reflections

Hello people. Esther here. Hope you guys had a great rest after the trip. I shall be the first to put up my reflections! :)

a. Based on your experience in the many activities we organised in Cambodia, what would be a highlight(s) for you? Why? Please elaborate.

The house building, soap making and distribution, as well as interacting with the children at Hope Village left a great impression on me. They are things which I have never done before and will never have a chance to experience in Singapore. I am very glad that I took the step to go for this trip.

I seriously thought that we were going to build a concrete house but it turned out to be a wooden one instead. In my perception, I thought that it would be rather easy. But after doing it, I felt that it was not as simple as it seemed and as I thought. It was due to our team work and the expertise of the carpenters that we were able to get the work done earlier than the scheduled timing. The shaving of the bamboos, the nailing of the bamboo floor and the four walls of the house. It all seemed so easy. But I am sure that most of us suffered muscle aches from shaving the bamboos and had our fingers hammered numerous times from nailing the bamboo floor. Not to mention the second day when we put in extra team work and time to finish the four walls of the house. All the perspiration, peeing behind umbrellas, physical exertion and the hour long, plus kind of bumpy and dirty, truck rides to and fro was WORTH IT when we saw the gratitude from the house owner. :) I am super happy that I was a part of the team, part of the reason for the happiness of the house owner, that I have contributed something and part of something great! :)

Soap distribution left a rather large impression on me too. I saw a whole stretch of village with similar houses. I saw how the villagers lived in a village like that. Wooden stilt houses with many things under it. Pigs, dogs, cows, hens, hammocks, you name it. I didn't know that it's actually very cooling under the wooden houses in the afternoon until I experienced it for myself. The dogs there were pretty scary. There is actually a cause for a huge celebration whenever a new child was born, we were even invited into the house to see the newborn baby and the mother. That was the only time when we put the Khmer language to good and proper use. I can even remember them even now as we used them for so many times talking to the villagers. It was so heartwarming to see the kids use the soap that we gave to them right after school.

b. Were there learning points during your trip? What have you learnt? About yourself, your fellow expedition mate, Cambodia, orphans, etc.

Firstly, I learnt so much from my fellow expedition mates. We should seriously not judge a book by it's cover because everyone is so much more than what I initially thought! Each and everyone of us has our individual strengths and weaknesses and it's good to have learnt from one another whether you realised it or not within the 12 days of seeing one another all the time.

Cambodians are definitely very different from Singaporeans due to the different culture and standards of living. They are simple, happy and contented people who do not have problems expressing their love through actions.

I learnt A LOT from the orphans. I know that under their smiles and playfulness, they do have a sad story behind them. I feel ashamed of myself when I saw a 3 year old girl bathing on her own and a girl a few years older than her washing her own clothes. They are forced to be independent at such a young age and I finally understand why they were so happy that we came. It's because we showered them with love through little actions like holding their hands, hugging them, carrying them and playing with them. But there is only so much that we can give and do, which is rather sad when I think about it sometimes.

Lastly, what have I learnt about myself? I am not as strong as I thought, both physically and emotionally. By going on this trip and interacting with the Cambodians, I found myself putting down my guard. It is only through this that I can learn more about myself. In Singapore, I feel that we are always guarded against people and putting on a strong front due to the environment that we live in. It's over there that I felt more humane and in touch with people, love, care and kindness. I learnt that it does not hurt to be weak, it does not hurt to trust. Most importantly, we must be in touch with our own feelings.

c. The theme of this expedition was 'Challenge your perspectives". Did this happen? Did you have a new insight? Or do you now have a new perspective?

Well, the trip definitely widened my horizons. Seen a new country so full of history and culture. Stayed there for 12 days soaked in the Cambodian atmosphere. Worked hard and played hard. Many things are difficult to express in words but the memory remains and I am going to bring them with me for the rest of my life.

d. Call to action. Do you feel you have contributed at the expedition? Would there be future expeditions for you? What are your plans (related to community service). What does the future hold for you?

Well, I feel that the activities that we did. Namely house building, soap making and distribution, as well as interacting with the children at Hope Village will definitely contribute something to the people there no matter how minute it is. But I for one am certain that I received more than I gave. For each time I give, I learnt something and received ten times more. I DEFINITELY want to go for future expeditions. No matter how many mosquitoes there are in the toilet and sand fly bites I get, it's all temporary. But what I have learnt is for LIFE. Definitely worth it. I am sure that no matter how many times I go, I will surely gain new insights.

It's my turn to post and its just a few hours till we meet! HAHA!

• Going to Cambodia, and on a personal level, what do you hope to achieve?

(Give at least three different objectives)

I want to have a taste of the kind of the life in the less-developing countries and this is something which I’ve never tried before.

In this trip, I will be brought out of my comfort zone and will be exposed to a lot of different kind of situations. I hope to be able to tackle these problems base on my own intelligence and knowledge. Lastly, I am expecting myself to feel alot more fortunate to be living in Singapore.

Building a house is something new to me and this needs to go through a lot hard work. I will hope to build up my mentality and tolerance level as as different people have different kinds of attitude and working style. Furthermore, working under a hot weather is never easy and giving each other encouragement is needed. At the end of the day, I hope that we will be able to finish building the house!

• On my own, have I made a concerted effort to find out more about Cambodia?

Its geography, history, culture, politics, economy? What can I do about it?

Similar to Pan Ying, ever since after the interview, I did not really make an effort to find out more about Cambodia. =( But anyway, I will be very interested to learn about the history and culture of Cambodia since we will be visiting some of the places for eg. Ang Kor Wat and Killing Fields.

• What are your fears going on this trip? Elaborate.

My fears for this trip will probably be falling sick. As I have a sensitive nose, I tend to sneeze a lot when I’m in very dusty places and when things get worse; I will have headache and stuff and will most likely be unable to contribute for the rest of the day as I will need ample rest. However, I’ve prepared my medication when there is a need and hope that things go well.

• Do you have any suggestions

No suggestions =)

I’m looking forward to this trip and I’m sure everyone will have fun and enjoy ourselves!

Jin Wei

REFLECTIONS.

My 3 Objectives can be summarized in these three points below:

• Help the Cambodians
• Help myself
• Enjoy

The whole purpose of going to this trip is to actually help the Cambodians. It may not be monetarily, but giving our little efforts in making their life better.

Helping the Cambodian community is akin to helping myself too. The joy of being able to help them in a way or another and just making this little difference in their life. There is this sense of satisfactory that i believe money can't buy. I just needed a reminder of what it means to be contented and what does it mean to be contented. i'm sure this trip will provide me with the answers.

Lastly, Cambodia is one of the very few places i have not been to. That's because it's in Asia. And i know that it is a country that has a rich culture that i have yet to explore. And, im really looking forward to it! BESIDES, it's part of my GRADUATION PLANSSS!!!! WHOOOhooo! ((:

Just before the interview, i've already look up and read about Cambodia thru the internet and from CYAs who've been there for YEP as well. I believe by us going there, we're already actually contributing to the country's GNP? but how much actually goes to the people after deducting the crazily high taxes? LOL. But then again, i don't want to get into trouble with their politics so im going to stop here. Am really looking forward to sight-seeing! Especially Siem Rep and shopping:/

I don't actually have many fears going on this trip, or maybe just one- getting bitten by mosquitos and the weather? i just checked the weather for the next 10 days and on average, it's gonna be 32 degrees. wow. that's worse than singapore. I'm pretty much of being excited than scared. But i do worry for us as a whole. Things like, so few people will we be able to complete building a house. and our health, the food? But i suppose that we'll all do just fine as we'll take care of each other((:

No suggestions for the trip so far, but when i do think of it i'll tell you(:

See'all!

with peace, samantha

Challenge my perspective in a days' time!

Going to Cambodia, and on a personal level, what do you hope to achieve?
learn from the trip, to be stronger physically and mentally and eventually be a better person =)

Going on this trip is to put myself out of my comfort zone, to experience something different in the place that im living, but not different for them. I supposed I need to learn to be contented, but staying in my comfort zone doesnt allow me to do so, I forget about it very often...

This trip aint about only going to build a house, helping people, but more to building my character. I will be challenged both physically and mentally, to be fit in another environment, the kind of food (I am very picky at home..), to see another part of the world, different kind of people with many different story to tell. I'm trying to anticipate many things now, but I supposed its when I am there then I will know and take things as they come, to endure everything and learn.

On my own, have I made a concerted effort to find out more about Cambodia?
I must admit, i did not do further research.. intend to catch the killing field before the trip so that i can have more idea on it during the visit, but~ =/

From the research then, they have a rich culture and I am really very interested in their architecture (esp one of the palace). And of course the killing field, the Khmer Rouge Period.

What are your fears going on this trip?
My parents are more worried than me! I think my only fear now is falling sick.. But it should all be alright, with the exception of the construction because I have nose allergy. It is not very bad but when it comes to dust, Im a bit afraid. BUT! I prepared mask already =)
Im afraid I will get emotional, when I know about some of the "stories" of the children, might cry.... Hope I can control my emotions!!

Other than that, Im not afraid of any other thing, I just want to place myself out of my comfort zone and take everything that comes.

no suggestions. =)



Looking forward to the trip, I am ready to take everything that comes. Expecting myself to really learn a lot, going to experience this whole trip with an open mind and not be kept in my very own thinking. I hope I do not complain much, but even if I do, I will still make it. (I have this tendency to rant but by saying out I will be fine.. hahahas!!!)

Even before I go... seeing how my family worry for me does make me think a lot too... Its funny how I am not worrying but they are, I know I am fortunate and I often took them for granted... I've never moved out of my comfort zone, I am very protected and I do admit, and thats why I signed up for the trip. I choose to put myself out of my comfort zone and I do want to play my little part to put smile onto people's face. =)

hope to be a better person, to be contented and cherish what I have right now and perhaps it can answer some of my doubts towards the future. MAYBE, I will be enlightened on certain thoughts during the trip. hahahahas!!!! am i expecting too much? a 12 days trip to have such an impact? we shall see during the post trip reflection then. =)

OK! hope that everyone will enjoy the trip together! =) dont really know some of them, but Im sure we will be bonded in that 12 days. =)



<3 pan ying