Today was our history lesson day, in which we visited the Killing Fields and the National Museum.
At Choeung Ek we witnessed the holes where mass graves once existed. The Khmer Rouge tortured and executed many people here, using such tools as hoes and shovels. Babies' heads were smashed against trees, the soon-to-be executed were blindfolded, bound by hand, and forced to their knees, not knowing that the blow of a weapon would quickly approach their skull. Remnants of bones and teeth still exist on the ground, and the moment I noticed them my stomach dropped. I was sickened at the thought of so many people dying here. Our tour guide lost most of his family in these killing fields, and he continuously spoke about the crazy Khmer Rouge. I agree with him! I couldn't fight my tears-I felt so sorry for him...I can't imagine my life without my family.
Read more at http://www.cambodia.org/khmer_rouge/ if you're interested. ;)
The National Museum housed so many archeological finds including statues of Buddha, the feminine divinity, and jewels recovered at Ankgor Wat. We took the opportunity here to do a yoga photo shoot. Ha! Hilarious!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Cambodia Day 5
The hottest of days, but a productive day it was.
We started our day with games and puzzles, soccer and frisbee. Again we added more supplies to the medicine cabinet, so thank you to those that donated medical supplies. Additionally, I morphed into teacher mode and worked with a handful of kiddos eager to learn. We covered the alphabet, numbers, blends and the like. Anna took the initiative to read some pre-decodable books with kiddos as well. Kassie was up to her knees in sticky alphabet letters today, Jack was nonstop soccer boy, Nina delivered roofing parts for the coop, and Tabor wired away on the coop, frequently dodging the leaves.
The chicken coop roof is finished and now the hens can enjoy a shaded, protective environment. I hammered my thumb a few times, but by the end I had the hammering thing down. When we arrived to the farm today I noticed a large pile of what I thought was soil, but every other inch of the soil contained trash upon trash. My first assumption was that someone came and dumped their garbage in the middle of the night, but not possible because some of the boys sleep there in the hut. I asked Ritchie the director about the situation and he said that he ordered some soil to fill the large hole, and this is what you typically get. Trash is everywhere, and I found it ironic that near the city center many signs are posted highlighting the clean environment. Cambodia would literally need a country-wide Arbor Day (or month) to clean all the trash. The people don't know any different, because it's always been this way. I believe my OCD has lessened somewhat, and that's a good thing. ;)
The highlight of my day today (besides loving on the kids) was our visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This prison was used by the Khmer Rouge/Pol Pot for interrogation, torture and killing after confession from the detainees were received and documented. The photographs and actual skulls were sickening, but our tour guide (a lady who lost most of her family during this time 1975-1979) created a realistic picture for us. Bodies of 14 individuals are still held in coffins on site. Similar to the Holocaust, the Pol Pot regime's objective was to purify the country and start new with the Khmer Rouge, thus killing all intellectuals, former leaders of organizations, babies that would be future threats for revenge, etc. And to end our experience? Handicapped men standing outside the museum-we all got "RayBans" in a multitude of colors! (I put the quotation marks around RayBan like I'd be signaling with my first two fingers)
After the museum, we ate our power bar lunch on our drive back to the orphanage. We handed out some more clothes again today. Underwear are a hot item in demand! Like a snake shedding its skin, we peeled off their sweaty, dirty clothes and replaced their moist body with dry items. Smiles!
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, so Happy Easter to everyone reading this blog. Jum Riap Lia!!!
We started our day with games and puzzles, soccer and frisbee. Again we added more supplies to the medicine cabinet, so thank you to those that donated medical supplies. Additionally, I morphed into teacher mode and worked with a handful of kiddos eager to learn. We covered the alphabet, numbers, blends and the like. Anna took the initiative to read some pre-decodable books with kiddos as well. Kassie was up to her knees in sticky alphabet letters today, Jack was nonstop soccer boy, Nina delivered roofing parts for the coop, and Tabor wired away on the coop, frequently dodging the leaves.
The chicken coop roof is finished and now the hens can enjoy a shaded, protective environment. I hammered my thumb a few times, but by the end I had the hammering thing down. When we arrived to the farm today I noticed a large pile of what I thought was soil, but every other inch of the soil contained trash upon trash. My first assumption was that someone came and dumped their garbage in the middle of the night, but not possible because some of the boys sleep there in the hut. I asked Ritchie the director about the situation and he said that he ordered some soil to fill the large hole, and this is what you typically get. Trash is everywhere, and I found it ironic that near the city center many signs are posted highlighting the clean environment. Cambodia would literally need a country-wide Arbor Day (or month) to clean all the trash. The people don't know any different, because it's always been this way. I believe my OCD has lessened somewhat, and that's a good thing. ;)
The highlight of my day today (besides loving on the kids) was our visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This prison was used by the Khmer Rouge/Pol Pot for interrogation, torture and killing after confession from the detainees were received and documented. The photographs and actual skulls were sickening, but our tour guide (a lady who lost most of her family during this time 1975-1979) created a realistic picture for us. Bodies of 14 individuals are still held in coffins on site. Similar to the Holocaust, the Pol Pot regime's objective was to purify the country and start new with the Khmer Rouge, thus killing all intellectuals, former leaders of organizations, babies that would be future threats for revenge, etc. And to end our experience? Handicapped men standing outside the museum-we all got "RayBans" in a multitude of colors! (I put the quotation marks around RayBan like I'd be signaling with my first two fingers)
After the museum, we ate our power bar lunch on our drive back to the orphanage. We handed out some more clothes again today. Underwear are a hot item in demand! Like a snake shedding its skin, we peeled off their sweaty, dirty clothes and replaced their moist body with dry items. Smiles!
Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, so Happy Easter to everyone reading this blog. Jum Riap Lia!!!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Cambodia Day 4
To market, to market, to buy 4 kilos of pig and chicken...literally.
Our day started with a trip to the Russian market, with the objective of purchasing potatoes, apples, watermelon, chicken, pork and veggies for a special Friday lunch at the orphanage. Preparation of this lunch made me intensely appreciate my bag of frozen green beans in my freezer at home. A bunch of us sat in a circle on the floor and de-beaned, sliced up mushrooms, and enjoyed smiles and giggles together. Lunch entails the orphanage kiddos sitting in a circle, patiently waiting for all to have their portion served, then showing down the delectable food. Nothing but smiles and smacking lips today. We were thanked and given multiple tight hugs. It felt so good sharing our love, even after witnessing heads being cut off of chickens and pig heads staring me down in the uniquely-fragranced market alleys.
After lunch I had the pleasure to sit with LisaMarie and the director, gaining information about the possible schooling the children could receive. To send one student to private school for one year, the total cost is $500, which includes their education year-round, uniforms, books and transportation. Only 3 of the 75+ students have been given this opportunity from overseas sponsorships. If anyone would like to sponsor a child's education, please contact LisaMarie at http://www.childrensglobalalliance.blogspot.com/. My goal is to sponsor Thong, a little boy that has truly grown on me this week. I call him my "lil Eminem."
Before we left the orphanage for the day, we distributed clothing. It was like a fashion show-we took snapshots of the kids in their new outfits (graciously donated during our medical/clothing drive at SCCS) as they walked out the door.
Star Kampuchea just dropped us off from our city tour, on which we enjoyed a scrumptious ear of street corn. We saw many monks, the national history museum, the Royal Palace, Independence Monument, the Olympic stadium, and Wat Phnom.
I do have to mention Lay (pronounced Ly), our tuk-tuk driver, for he is the most responsible, dedicated, loving Cambodian man that takes our security seriously. He will do anything for us, so we've been compensating him with Starbursts, Lifesavers, and leftover breakfast items such as fruit and bread. We. Love. Lay.
I can't wait to spend another day with the kids tomorrow. We will finish the chicken coop, practice reading, and who knows what else!
I am blessed. I am blessed. I am blessed.
Our day started with a trip to the Russian market, with the objective of purchasing potatoes, apples, watermelon, chicken, pork and veggies for a special Friday lunch at the orphanage. Preparation of this lunch made me intensely appreciate my bag of frozen green beans in my freezer at home. A bunch of us sat in a circle on the floor and de-beaned, sliced up mushrooms, and enjoyed smiles and giggles together. Lunch entails the orphanage kiddos sitting in a circle, patiently waiting for all to have their portion served, then showing down the delectable food. Nothing but smiles and smacking lips today. We were thanked and given multiple tight hugs. It felt so good sharing our love, even after witnessing heads being cut off of chickens and pig heads staring me down in the uniquely-fragranced market alleys.
After lunch I had the pleasure to sit with LisaMarie and the director, gaining information about the possible schooling the children could receive. To send one student to private school for one year, the total cost is $500, which includes their education year-round, uniforms, books and transportation. Only 3 of the 75+ students have been given this opportunity from overseas sponsorships. If anyone would like to sponsor a child's education, please contact LisaMarie at http://www.childrensglobalalliance.blogspot.com/. My goal is to sponsor Thong, a little boy that has truly grown on me this week. I call him my "lil Eminem."
Before we left the orphanage for the day, we distributed clothing. It was like a fashion show-we took snapshots of the kids in their new outfits (graciously donated during our medical/clothing drive at SCCS) as they walked out the door.
Star Kampuchea just dropped us off from our city tour, on which we enjoyed a scrumptious ear of street corn. We saw many monks, the national history museum, the Royal Palace, Independence Monument, the Olympic stadium, and Wat Phnom.
I do have to mention Lay (pronounced Ly), our tuk-tuk driver, for he is the most responsible, dedicated, loving Cambodian man that takes our security seriously. He will do anything for us, so we've been compensating him with Starbursts, Lifesavers, and leftover breakfast items such as fruit and bread. We. Love. Lay.
I can't wait to spend another day with the kids tomorrow. We will finish the chicken coop, practice reading, and who knows what else!
I am blessed. I am blessed. I am blessed.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Cambodia Day 3
Jack, Kassie, Anna, Nina and Tabor are really coming out of their shells on this trip. ;) It's awesome! We are having such a great experience together! We are creating many memories together that we'll be talking about for days after we get back.
Today I had the pleasure of stocking the orphanage's medicine cabinet, which was almost bare. We brought new underwear as well, and what a delight it was to witness the distribution...the kids were ecstatic as they patiently waited for their own new pair. Soon after, little tan bodies were running around in whitey tighties. ;)
Our group took the initiative to bathe all kiddos today-what a trip! We were covered in suds, water and lice shampoo. The SCCS girls got their first dose of de-licing and performed very well. Jack played frisbee for hours with the boys.
I was taken back by how much the kids already knew. (abc's, identifying pictures, blends, etc.) We worked through several sets of flashcards, identified colors, and flipped through sight words. I can't wait to bring books tomorrow!!!
Additionally, the sidewalk chalk and dry erase markers were a hit, but now I'm realizing that erasers and cleaner would have been something wise to bring.
Have you ever sliced a mango? Yep, looks much easier than it really is...but those eyes, those eyes, I just had to do it for her. The smiles that followed...priceless and oh so worth it.
Chicken coop, chicken coop, oh how we love you. We tore down your roof, we built you back up, and you look amazing. It was a group effort today, unwinding wires, winding them back up, hammering, sweeping, and talking to the chickens. Creating a safe, healthy environment for the hens will now reap eggs, eggs, eggs!
Hmmmmmm...teaching English in Cambodia, living here to volunteer on a regular basis...I am considering. ;)
Today I had the pleasure of stocking the orphanage's medicine cabinet, which was almost bare. We brought new underwear as well, and what a delight it was to witness the distribution...the kids were ecstatic as they patiently waited for their own new pair. Soon after, little tan bodies were running around in whitey tighties. ;)
Our group took the initiative to bathe all kiddos today-what a trip! We were covered in suds, water and lice shampoo. The SCCS girls got their first dose of de-licing and performed very well. Jack played frisbee for hours with the boys.
I was taken back by how much the kids already knew. (abc's, identifying pictures, blends, etc.) We worked through several sets of flashcards, identified colors, and flipped through sight words. I can't wait to bring books tomorrow!!!
Additionally, the sidewalk chalk and dry erase markers were a hit, but now I'm realizing that erasers and cleaner would have been something wise to bring.
Have you ever sliced a mango? Yep, looks much easier than it really is...but those eyes, those eyes, I just had to do it for her. The smiles that followed...priceless and oh so worth it.
Chicken coop, chicken coop, oh how we love you. We tore down your roof, we built you back up, and you look amazing. It was a group effort today, unwinding wires, winding them back up, hammering, sweeping, and talking to the chickens. Creating a safe, healthy environment for the hens will now reap eggs, eggs, eggs!
Hmmmmmm...teaching English in Cambodia, living here to volunteer on a regular basis...I am considering. ;)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Cambodia Day 2
Manual Labor. ;)
To market, to market, to buy trash bags, gloves and boots...
We're getting pretty good at making deals in the marketplace. However, our sense of direction is not exactly up to par...but I dare you to enter the four story market in Phnom Penh and try to successfully exit from the same entrance you came. 12345, 12345...I keep counting my students' heads to keep track of them.
As we pulled in to the orphanage today, the kids and director knew we were coming to work on cleaning up the farm. "Thank you" is a common phrase around the orphanage when we're there. We snagged some of the kids who wanted to help. Anna rode via scooter and we rode in the CHA tuk-tuk. Today we worked on the "farm" of geese, chickens, hens, and soon-to-be pigs and ducks. The day was spent de-trashing, filling in holes, leveling grounds, and wiping our brows in the Cambodian sun. I have definitely left my blood, sweat and tears in Cambodia already. Before and after pics of the farm are simply amazing...we shared our love on the soil today. CGA will help purchase new chicken coop roofing. Sponsored pigs will be purchased soon as well! I will admit, there were times when I wanted to put down the shovel because I was light-headed and literally blinking out sweat droplets, but I kept going for the Cambodian kids. This is why we are here. After working on the farm, we went back to the orphanage for a little while. The kids are so happy with bright, smiling faces. What's not to love about a little Cambodian toddler splashing around in a tub/bath? Makes me miss my little Axel...
After some serious manual labor, we were blessed with a downpour on our tuk-tuk ride to the VIP Sport Club. The dunk in the cool pool was a blessing, and I have to admit that the fish foot massage was interesting to say the least.
I am still in awe over the economic situation here in Cambodia. Such a beautiful place, lush flora and happy people, but poverty-stricken is truly an understatement.
Okay...so we went down to the riverfront...different story. I have seen the wealthy part of Cambodia. How sad it is to know that two extremes exist just a couple miles apart. Government corruption became evident tonight.
To market, to market, to buy trash bags, gloves and boots...
We're getting pretty good at making deals in the marketplace. However, our sense of direction is not exactly up to par...but I dare you to enter the four story market in Phnom Penh and try to successfully exit from the same entrance you came. 12345, 12345...I keep counting my students' heads to keep track of them.
As we pulled in to the orphanage today, the kids and director knew we were coming to work on cleaning up the farm. "Thank you" is a common phrase around the orphanage when we're there. We snagged some of the kids who wanted to help. Anna rode via scooter and we rode in the CHA tuk-tuk. Today we worked on the "farm" of geese, chickens, hens, and soon-to-be pigs and ducks. The day was spent de-trashing, filling in holes, leveling grounds, and wiping our brows in the Cambodian sun. I have definitely left my blood, sweat and tears in Cambodia already. Before and after pics of the farm are simply amazing...we shared our love on the soil today. CGA will help purchase new chicken coop roofing. Sponsored pigs will be purchased soon as well! I will admit, there were times when I wanted to put down the shovel because I was light-headed and literally blinking out sweat droplets, but I kept going for the Cambodian kids. This is why we are here. After working on the farm, we went back to the orphanage for a little while. The kids are so happy with bright, smiling faces. What's not to love about a little Cambodian toddler splashing around in a tub/bath? Makes me miss my little Axel...
After some serious manual labor, we were blessed with a downpour on our tuk-tuk ride to the VIP Sport Club. The dunk in the cool pool was a blessing, and I have to admit that the fish foot massage was interesting to say the least.
I am still in awe over the economic situation here in Cambodia. Such a beautiful place, lush flora and happy people, but poverty-stricken is truly an understatement.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Cambodia Day 1
I am speechless. I am consumed with excitement. I am grateful. My eyes are opened.
We arrived safely last night, and despite the inability to sleep through the night during a power outage (which means no a/c), we made TODAY a great day!The TATTOO guesthouse staff is friendly and helpful.
We attended orientation with STAR Kampuchea, in which we learned more about Cambodian history, we practiced conversational Khmer, and our group tackled the Russian Market scavenger hunt. Needless to say, the smells and display items were simply eclectic. ;)
After consuming a bowl of rice noodles and lettuce, I was introduced to the Cambodian iced coffee. Yum! The 5 SCCS kids did a great job practicing their Khmer, and I'm so proud of their perseverance today despite the lengthy travel schedule over the past couple days.
We then traveled via tuk-tuk to the Cambodian Hope Association, the orphanage at which we'll be volunteering for the next two weeks. The actual drive to the orphanage was unique-we piled into the back of a pickup and enjoyed the ride. The experience is comparable to the video game Frogger.
When we pulled up to the orphanage, the kids ran to the vehicle and started calling, "sister, sister, I love you." We were enveloped with hugs, so we obviously hugged back ever so tightly, giving them just a glimpse of our love they will be receiving over the next two weeks. We toured the facility, took many priceless photos, and began building friendships immediately.The kids are just amazing! Tomorrow our day will be spent cleaning the plot of land that houses chickens, geese, pigs and fish.
The drive BACK from the orphanage was via tuk-tuk during rush hour. Road rules do not exist. ;) How exhilarating yet terrifying at the same time!
I am still digesting my day, so my brain is on overload and my next posts will most definitely be filled with MORE details. What I CAN say right now is that I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I firmly believe this will be the first trip of many to share my love. Words cannot describe how good it felt to give and receive hugs today.
Share. The. Love.
We arrived safely last night, and despite the inability to sleep through the night during a power outage (which means no a/c), we made TODAY a great day!The TATTOO guesthouse staff is friendly and helpful.
We attended orientation with STAR Kampuchea, in which we learned more about Cambodian history, we practiced conversational Khmer, and our group tackled the Russian Market scavenger hunt. Needless to say, the smells and display items were simply eclectic. ;)
After consuming a bowl of rice noodles and lettuce, I was introduced to the Cambodian iced coffee. Yum! The 5 SCCS kids did a great job practicing their Khmer, and I'm so proud of their perseverance today despite the lengthy travel schedule over the past couple days.
We then traveled via tuk-tuk to the Cambodian Hope Association, the orphanage at which we'll be volunteering for the next two weeks. The actual drive to the orphanage was unique-we piled into the back of a pickup and enjoyed the ride. The experience is comparable to the video game Frogger.
When we pulled up to the orphanage, the kids ran to the vehicle and started calling, "sister, sister, I love you." We were enveloped with hugs, so we obviously hugged back ever so tightly, giving them just a glimpse of our love they will be receiving over the next two weeks. We toured the facility, took many priceless photos, and began building friendships immediately.The kids are just amazing! Tomorrow our day will be spent cleaning the plot of land that houses chickens, geese, pigs and fish.
The drive BACK from the orphanage was via tuk-tuk during rush hour. Road rules do not exist. ;) How exhilarating yet terrifying at the same time!
I am still digesting my day, so my brain is on overload and my next posts will most definitely be filled with MORE details. What I CAN say right now is that I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I firmly believe this will be the first trip of many to share my love. Words cannot describe how good it felt to give and receive hugs today.
Share. The. Love.
Lia suhn haoy!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
CLOTHING/MEDICAL SUPPLY DRIVE
Clothing/Medical Supply Drive for the Cambodian Hope Association Orphanage
CHILDREN’S GLOBAL ALLIANCE
Items Still Needed:
Baby Powder
Antiseptic
Neosporin
Band-aids
Toothpaste
Lice Shampoo
Hydrogen Peroxide
Calamine Lotion
Soap
Deodorant
Cotton Balls
Q-tips
Cold Medicine
Baby Wipes
Cotton Balls
Combs
Pedialyte Packets
Crayons and Coloring Books
Flip Flops of all sizes
Lightweight Cotton Clothes
T-shirts and Shorts
Children's Underwear
Picture Books and FlashCards
Bubbles
Chalk
Dry Erase Markers
Items Still Needed:
Baby Powder
Antiseptic
Neosporin
Band-aids
Toothpaste
Lice Shampoo
Hydrogen Peroxide
Calamine Lotion
Soap
Deodorant
Cotton Balls
Q-tips
Cold Medicine
Baby Wipes
Cotton Balls
Combs
Pedialyte Packets
Crayons and Coloring Books
Flip Flops of all sizes
Lightweight Cotton Clothes
T-shirts and Shorts
Children's Underwear
Picture Books and FlashCards
Bubbles
Chalk
Dry Erase Markers
SHARE.
THE.
LOVE.
Contact: Jen Gutmann
jgutmann@stonecreekschool.org
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!
We appreciate you!
STARTS: April 4th 8am
ENDS: April 8th 8am
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