SARAH LOVES CAMBODIA

Although its been over a week since leaving Cambodia, I feel as if part of me is still there, symbolically of course.

Serve Cambodia has indeed been a wonderful and unforgettable experience! Over a span of two weeks, not only did I rediscover love and friendship, I also learnt to treasure the simple pleasures in life. I'm sure that this trip has definitely left a deep impression on the entire team.

Seeing how easily contented the kids in Cambodia are makes me feel a little guilty. Most local students here dread going to school every week, and find it a chore to have to wake up early and sqeeze into the extremely packed bus or train. On the other hand, the Cambodian kids are so eager to learn! The fact is that their school starts earlier than us, and their long-sleeved uniforms are definitely less comfortable than our home-clothes. Yet, they all still diligently cycle to school each day. Not to mention, the facilities that they have in their schools can't be compared to the overwhelming facilities that we enjoy. It's a shame how we don't treasure the wonderful education system that is given to us.

Another thing that really moved me was watching the kids at praise and worship. They all literally sing their hearts out. The simple faith that they have in God is just so heart-warming. For them, they read the bible, and they believe it, whereas we challenge God every now and then, and wonder if he really exists.

Also, the kids are just so eager to share this love that they have found in God. They will just go up to you and ask if you believe in Christ! Think: evangelism. I just love the way the kids have such simple faith, a kind of faith that we all should learn from.

Over the two weeks that I've spent in Cambodia, I learnt that there's more to life than computers and electronic gadgets. Instead, we can always go back-to-basics. Playing ball games doesn't always have to involve winning, it's about having fun with friends.

I just love playing and interacting with the kids. Seeing the smiles on their faces is just so heart warming, an indescribable feeling of happiness just engulfed me.

In conclusion, although the work that had to be done to paint the walls and build the basketball court was extremely tough, the fun and laughter that i experienced definitely made all that work worth it. It was through the work that I got to interact more with the kids, and with my fellow teammates.

Thank you everyone for your hard work, and for making my 14 days in Cambodia so memorable!