Reflections

On the night before we left for Cambodia, I had mixed feelings. I was afraid that I will not be used to the living conditions but at the same time excited to find out what it would be like there. Time passed really quickly! We reached Cambodia in no time! Then while waiting for the van a few of us sat at the table of a mini cafe chatting. We all felt the same way: we could not believe that we were in Cambodia!

The first stop we came to was LUCKY supermarket- my favourite! When I heard that my group was going to cook first I was a little nervous because I have never cooked for people before! We started to discuss on the dishes we were going to prepare and buying canned food and all. After we left the super market, we were told that we would experience the roads. The roads were fine initially but it got from bad to worst. It was really a new experience and it makes me appreciate the roads I have in Singapore.

The village was much better than I had expected. I expected the toilet to be like mud everywhere and a hole but we had a tiled toilet. The place we slept on was spacious and clean! Expectations can really change our moods. I was happy that we had such a nice village house.

It was my first time cooking in Cambodia! I learnt from those people who cooked before and I enjoyed cooking too (with oyster sauce:))! We walked the uneven roads together; we build toilets together, play games together and eat together every day!!!

One thing that impacted me was the hospitality of the villages. During the home visit, they actually brought us up to the place they sleep to eat and they ate below us. It was their home not ours but they let us eat there. I then realised that we may be more educated in Singapore but we may not be able to host guests with such warmth.

Lastly, I am really thankful to be in the Cambodia team because I got to know really great people! It was during the trip that I got to know most of you better. All the interesting happenings helped me grow in one way or the other. I learn to better appreciate what I have in Singapore. This will be an experience that stays with me! The friendships too:)!

p.s Thanks for all the care and concern too!