Reflections

This was a really fun and memorable trip which stretched me both physically and mentally. before the trip, i was really apprehensive and wasn't sure if i could survive for 16 days with 23 people i hardly even knew.
i'm extremely thankful that our living conditions in cambodia weren’t as bad as i expected. but what brought more comfort was how welcoming the villagers were. they were very hospitable, taking out their 'chairs' offering us a seat even before we did any work. and of course, not forgetting their super fast 'relay system'.
it was really interesting to learn how to make cement and lay bricks. we also got to do things like digging out the mud while building the well, things that we would not have the chance to do in singapore. well, i must admit that it's really back-breaking work.
another unforgettable part of the trip were the kids. the kids in the school were really cute and started crowding around you excitedly as soon as they familiarise themselves with you. i remember the group of kids that were around me, they were reading alphabets from the alphabet charts we brought along. they kept on insisting that i read the alphabets to them as they chanted along. i was having a sore throat at that time, but the enthusiasm in their voices, the smiles on their faces and the spark in their eyes kept me going.
what i felt stretched me mentally and physically, was actually my cough. every night was a struggle for me. late in the night, i'll start coughing really hard that i can feel my dinner climbing up my throat. all i could do was to wash everything down with water, leaving that awful aftertaste behind. i would silently wish that i was back in singapore, in the comforts of my home. however, i told myself i had to be strong, preserver and take good care of myself so that i'll not become more ill.
through this trip i realised that i became more self-disciplined. due to the fact that i was coughing for half the trip, i didn't snack at all, except for 1 lollipop and 1 oreo biscuit. as much as i wanted to visit the market together with my group, i had to opt out voluntarily as i knew that i wouldn't be able to take the bumpy ride and will suffer from motion sickness. i surprised myself with certain decisions i made, which made me realise that i more self-control and self-discipline than i really thought i did.
this is one of my few most memorable trips. and through this process i forged friendships. without the rest of you, i don't think i'll ever make it out.
last but not all, it is a journey of self-discovery.