Today, was the last day I got to spend with the beyond amazing children from Children's Hope Association Orphanage. Ugh! We began our day by going straight to the orphanage! When we arrived, the children were once again nothing but excited to see us, however they were a little bit more clingy than normal and they all knew (even the younger ones) that today was our last day here. Despite this, the Cambodia Crew wanted to make our last day at the orphanage an exciting one for the always energetic kids at the orphanage!! We played with them all morning and gave them the last of our donated items. Toys, arts and crafts, medical supplies, and the Kind Design t-shirts from Jack Skidis sponsor. Thanks Kind Design, the boys absolutely loved them!
We once again left at our lunch time and went back to the Tattoo Guesthouse to eat lunch. From the morning we were alll pretty tired, but the hip music allowed me to stay awake. But, the hard benches allow Jack to fall asleep. Ha! After lunch we went to the Lucky Supermarket one last time. This time we bought all party supplies, sugar, and more sugar!!! We also went to the Russian Market one last time, buying only party supplies. Games, party hats, and more party hats. Ha! As a group we decided to put the party hats on in the tuk-tuk so we had them on when we arrived. We already stick out like sore thumbs here, but with our tuk-tuk packed to the rim and Jack and I having to ride on the back with our party hats on, I don't think the looks could have gottten any odder. When we arrived the kids thought we were pretty hysterical, so we immediately handed their hats out and their smiles were from ear to ear! Some of us continued to play while the others plated the 22 pizzas we ordered and poured the Coke into their cups with ice. The children sit in the kitchen, in a circle and wait patiently for their food. Then, when we all passed out their food, every kid will make sure to bow and tell you thank you. So sweet!
After, we let it get dark outside so we could dance and play more games. This was so much fun. The kids were running around with their hats, balloons, ice cream, and extra candy. As were we by the way! We played for a while, but as it got a little bit darker and a little bit later into the night, we knew it was time to start saying our final goodbyes. Ughhhhh! This was absolutely horrible. Even though I grew attached to all the kids, there were a few of them who were my own secret favorites. So, I saved those hugs and words for last.When I eventually made it to those children who were my secret favorites, I couldn't keep it together. I hugged them, told them I loved them, I will miss them, I will be back soon, and everything is going to be ok. In the meantime, I had tears coming down my face. My friends around the room looked exactly the same. As I said before, I grew very attached to a little, shy boy named David. When I came to him to say goodbye, the tears were already flowing. I got down on my knees and he came to me and held on to give me a hug. He knew I was crying, but when he had his arms around me and he put his face into my shoulder and started to ball his little adorable eyes out, I could not take it anymore. I could see it in his eyes that he was absolutely crushed. As was I. After, I finally had the guts to to say my last goodbyes to the children. Then I got in the tuk-tuk with the rest of my amazing group of friends. I waved down the street, and yelled I love you back to them for the last time on this trip. I will no doubt be thinking about these children everyday until I am back here again.
When we turned the corner, I took a little breather and let myself cry out all my frustration that I have over the situation these kids are in, the sadness that I have because I am leaving them, and the happiness I have because of what I have accomplished on this journey and what I have received from it. This trip has alllowed me to grow so much as a person. Actually in ways I never thought I could ever grow. I learned important life lessons in many situations while working here everyday. Also, I gained more of an appreciation for the family, friends, and things I have. This trip has forever changed the way I look at life and me as a whole! I know this was not the last time though, because I will be back, just like I promised each kid!
Thank you so much Daddy, Mommy, and Zach for supporting me throughout this whole journey and especially my entire life. I could not be here in Cambodia doing the things I am doing without you Mom and Dad. You raised me to be who I am, and I couldn't love you and thank you enough. I love you so much! Dad the ultimate studier in the world, my sportsman, and most of all my giver of advice. I need you everyday for something and you are always there. Mom, my personal chef and chauffer, the greatest researcher/planner/organizer ever, and the person who will always make me laugh. You are the best and I know you are always right there if I need anything. Zach, the greatest lacrosse goalie I know, smart and a strong man, who will always be dorky and hilarious. You are leading a great path for me through high school Zach. I love you all!!
Lisa-Marie Howell. I could not thank you and Children's Global Alliance enough for this amazing experience. You are one incredible woman, who everyone should want to be like. On this journey you were everything a girl could want. A shoulder to cry on, a joker, a teacher, and most of all, a lover to all the kids. I admire you so much and cannot wait to share another experience like this one with you again!! I love you!
I cannot wait to share this journey with all of you when I get back! Hopefully seeing how amazing my journey was and what I was able to accomplish in such a short amount of time with your help, will encourage all of you readers to go on a journey like this one! Thanks again for all your support of the Children's Hope Association Orphanage and myself. It couldn't have been accomplished without the help from each of you! This is only the beginning.........
Love always.
Anna
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Day 10: Attatched Forever
Every single day I am here, I am no doubt growing more attached to the children! The children are beyond amazing. The looks on the children's faces when they realize we are leaving tomorrow is absolutely heartbreaking. It was today that the question of when are we leaving came up so many times from the kids. Ugh! You realize you are attached to a child here when you tell them you love them and you give them a hug and kiss and they do the same back. This is exactly what my little buddy David did today. He is shy and doesn't talk much, however he has been by my side this entire week. He gives me hugs a lot and I always tell myself, "I will not be the last one to let go of one of them, ever." You also know you are attatched to the children when they write you letters and draw you pictures that will be in your heart forever. Two in particular brought tears to my eyes today, and words couldn't describe then how I felt and still feel. I had what LM calls a sunglass moment.
Tonight Lisa-Marie and I were talking about the children at the orphanage and how since we have been here, they have all been able to come out of their guarded shells and be the kids they are supposed to be. Like I said in my last blog, they are always in survival mode. It is as if we lifted this really heavy weigh off their back and they could finally breathe! I personally enjoyed watching it. Leaving here on Sunday night, knowing that there will be no one at the orphanage to give the much needed love to them, or do and accomplish the things we did, is absolutely heartbreaking.
I cannot wait until tomorrow! Party, party party!!!! Get ready to eat, dance and sweat kids!
XO
Anna
Tonight Lisa-Marie and I were talking about the children at the orphanage and how since we have been here, they have all been able to come out of their guarded shells and be the kids they are supposed to be. Like I said in my last blog, they are always in survival mode. It is as if we lifted this really heavy weigh off their back and they could finally breathe! I personally enjoyed watching it. Leaving here on Sunday night, knowing that there will be no one at the orphanage to give the much needed love to them, or do and accomplish the things we did, is absolutely heartbreaking.
I cannot wait until tomorrow! Party, party party!!!! Get ready to eat, dance and sweat kids!
XO
Anna
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Day 9:The Little Things
Today was a great day! Our goal was to try and play with some of the more shy children who don't get as much attention as the others do. I did this, and it absolutely amazes me to see those children who are more shy come out of their boxes and shine. It is really cool to see! For this reason, Gutmann and I took a couple kids on a bike ride out of the orphanage today. We went to a little shop on the side of the road, which was like their candy store. They picked out a few pieces of candy each, and their faces showed how happy they were to feel special at that moment. I loved it! I also loved the nice breeze that was in the air on the bike ride, because it is nothing but hot here! Would do this everyday if I could.
The little things we consider to be a part of life, are the bigger and harder things to accomplish here. For the children it is a simple thing we do everyday at home, brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth seems to be a foregin concept to them. Ha! So, today during bath time, Lisa-Marie and I handed out toothbrushes to the kids and gave them each a squirt of toothpaste. We showed them what to do and then let them brush themselves. Hilarious! Our over exaggerating examples of how to brush,spit, and rinse is pretty catchy, and they all seemed to want to repeat the steps five times. LM and I did not care though, because it worked!! Let's just hope they can continue to brush when we leave so they can have beautiful teeth.
At our lunch break we took Bon Lou, a selfless, respectful, and smart thirteen year old swimming with us. So cute! He absolutely loved swimming and I swear his face had to hurt at the end of the day, because he smiled the whole time. This boy takes care of everyone before himself and he is the only one in his family at the orphanage. It is so sweet, but all I want him to do is live how a thirteen year old should live. He never has time for fun. He goes to school and he comes home to work. I hate seeing that.Ugh!'
Overall today has been a great day! I am very sweaty and very happy. Now I am going to take a nice long shower!
Love
Anna
The little things we consider to be a part of life, are the bigger and harder things to accomplish here. For the children it is a simple thing we do everyday at home, brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth seems to be a foregin concept to them. Ha! So, today during bath time, Lisa-Marie and I handed out toothbrushes to the kids and gave them each a squirt of toothpaste. We showed them what to do and then let them brush themselves. Hilarious! Our over exaggerating examples of how to brush,spit, and rinse is pretty catchy, and they all seemed to want to repeat the steps five times. LM and I did not care though, because it worked!! Let's just hope they can continue to brush when we leave so they can have beautiful teeth.
At our lunch break we took Bon Lou, a selfless, respectful, and smart thirteen year old swimming with us. So cute! He absolutely loved swimming and I swear his face had to hurt at the end of the day, because he smiled the whole time. This boy takes care of everyone before himself and he is the only one in his family at the orphanage. It is so sweet, but all I want him to do is live how a thirteen year old should live. He never has time for fun. He goes to school and he comes home to work. I hate seeing that.Ugh!'
Overall today has been a great day! I am very sweaty and very happy. Now I am going to take a nice long shower!
Love
Anna
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Day 8:
I LOVE cleaning!! I know this sounds, weird but I do. I think whether you like to clean or you don't like to, it always feels good when you are finished. So, today this was our mission. Clean the whole entire orphanage and make it as clean as it can be. We started off by going to the largest market here, the Osprey Market. Here we had to get all the cleaning supplies you could think of and more. You might think this is very easy, however this took almost two hours. This market is not like your average store. Everything is in a different area, we walk single file, and we probably find one person who can speak English, if that. This is an experience in itself! Ha! We eventually bought everything we needed and all seven of us and our large supplies got in the tuk-tuk with Lay and headed to the orphanage.
Driving around Cambodia is crazy. It is just like driving on Highway 6 but with cars, bikes, motos, tuk-tuks all driving in a different direction directly at each other. You might think the cars are beat up little cars, but people drive Lexus, Mercedes, Land Rovers, Toyota trucks, etc. All the cars you wouldn't expect to see here. Also, car horns are used all the time here because it is there way of telling the others on the road that they are coming. I say it is the part of the car that has to get fixed the most. Pretty sketchy if you ask me!!
We eventually arrived at the orphanage and once again we all recieve a greeting that I personally think is the nicest. Amazing! Whenever we have supplies, they always help us bring them into the kitchen and put them away. Reminds me of home a little. We wasted no time today and we started cleaning the girls section of the orphanage. The only thing I saw all day was bubbles and water, and I could smell disinfectant and bleach. I really find it amazing when all the little hands of the orphans and the Cambodia Crews come together. Everything gets accomplished faster and much better. I love the feeling! The girls section is a bit larger than the boys because it is shared for other purposes, so it took most of the morning. As a group, we did our normal and left at lunch and took are small, nice little break. When we came back we cleaned the boys section of the orphanage. This to me was nothing but hilarious!! We all scrubbed the floors and walls and again all I could see was smiling faces and bubbles. To get all the bubbles out of the room, we have to flush it out with large buckets of water. I am not sure these boys have ever seen this much bubbles and water in one area in their life. For this reason, they used this oppurtunity to make their own slipping slide. I could of watched it all day it was so funny.
After we finished their room, we de-liced the girls again, and handed out little flip-flops to the children. Once again I de-liced the girls. I personally love the feeling when I get my head scrubbed by anyone and so do they. All I here is "Sister, sister more more more!" So I add a little bit more lice shampoo and scrub and itch and do all the things they would want done. Lovely! When they recieve their flip-flops their faces are so happy and cute. They come out of the room and they run up to and ask for pictures because they love seeing themselves through the screen. Ha!
Once again, I leave with hugs from every kid! When we drive away from the orphanage the smiles, blow kisses, and waves last all the way till we turn the corner. I will never ever be the last one to stop waving! I am getting more attached everyday and I offically am dreading the day I have to leave.
I would like to thank Lisa-Marie Howell, founder of Children's Global Alliance for making this trip happen. I could not be anymore thankful for being here and she has been supportive to me through all the good and bad times. I love her!
Love and miss you
Anna
Driving around Cambodia is crazy. It is just like driving on Highway 6 but with cars, bikes, motos, tuk-tuks all driving in a different direction directly at each other. You might think the cars are beat up little cars, but people drive Lexus, Mercedes, Land Rovers, Toyota trucks, etc. All the cars you wouldn't expect to see here. Also, car horns are used all the time here because it is there way of telling the others on the road that they are coming. I say it is the part of the car that has to get fixed the most. Pretty sketchy if you ask me!!
We eventually arrived at the orphanage and once again we all recieve a greeting that I personally think is the nicest. Amazing! Whenever we have supplies, they always help us bring them into the kitchen and put them away. Reminds me of home a little. We wasted no time today and we started cleaning the girls section of the orphanage. The only thing I saw all day was bubbles and water, and I could smell disinfectant and bleach. I really find it amazing when all the little hands of the orphans and the Cambodia Crews come together. Everything gets accomplished faster and much better. I love the feeling! The girls section is a bit larger than the boys because it is shared for other purposes, so it took most of the morning. As a group, we did our normal and left at lunch and took are small, nice little break. When we came back we cleaned the boys section of the orphanage. This to me was nothing but hilarious!! We all scrubbed the floors and walls and again all I could see was smiling faces and bubbles. To get all the bubbles out of the room, we have to flush it out with large buckets of water. I am not sure these boys have ever seen this much bubbles and water in one area in their life. For this reason, they used this oppurtunity to make their own slipping slide. I could of watched it all day it was so funny.
After we finished their room, we de-liced the girls again, and handed out little flip-flops to the children. Once again I de-liced the girls. I personally love the feeling when I get my head scrubbed by anyone and so do they. All I here is "Sister, sister more more more!" So I add a little bit more lice shampoo and scrub and itch and do all the things they would want done. Lovely! When they recieve their flip-flops their faces are so happy and cute. They come out of the room and they run up to and ask for pictures because they love seeing themselves through the screen. Ha!
Once again, I leave with hugs from every kid! When we drive away from the orphanage the smiles, blow kisses, and waves last all the way till we turn the corner. I will never ever be the last one to stop waving! I am getting more attached everyday and I offically am dreading the day I have to leave.
I would like to thank Lisa-Marie Howell, founder of Children's Global Alliance for making this trip happen. I could not be anymore thankful for being here and she has been supportive to me through all the good and bad times. I love her!
Love and miss you
Anna
Monday, April 25, 2011
Day 7: We all have a story.....
Sometimes it is hard for me to understand why these children are at the orphanage, because they could not be more happy. Everyday I am here and I look at Ken 11, and Kym 9, (sisters) who both run up to me everyday hug me, tell me they love me, and thank me with the most beautiful smiles. I really cannot help myself to think why they would be here and be so happy without any family. Having been away from my family for almost close to two weeks has been hard enough. For this reason, I asked Ritchie some of these kids stories...starting with Ken and Kym. Sisters who were street kids, who have traveled everywhere around Phom Pehn looking for money, food, clothing, etc. The authorities found them and when Ritchie took them in, they did not want to be at the orphanage, so they began escaping late at night. They wanted to be on the streets. This however was not and option for Ritchie. He would not give up. Eventually, he finally got Ken and Kym to stay in the orphanage with the other children in early 2009. Yes!! Now I understand why they enjoy living here. It is because they are surrounded by their "new" family which is built up of love. Every child has a different story. I may not know every story yet, but the one thing I do know is each story has a very happy ending!
Today every kid at the orphanage had a little bit more energy than normal. We started our day with a trip to the Lucky Super Market. I compare this to a City Market because it is air conditioned, smells delcious, and its just amazing! Here we got 50 donuts and soy milks for all the kids. Talk about sugar rush! The kids all sat in a circle and we passed them out. They will all sit there until everybody present at the orphanage gets their donut and milk, and until we say our prayer. Today they asked Mrs. Gutmann to lead the prayer which was very nice. They ate, we laughed and we all went on with our busy day!
I consider Jack Skidi and I the ultimate frisbee team because we played in a circle with some of the kids today and it was so fun and nice. Hot though, very hot! Jack looked like he had taken a full on shower and I was not as bad but pretty bad. I can not wait for shower tonight. Here I come shower!!! In the middle of our games I try to get shade and when I do I probably have ten kids on me or surrounding me at once. Books wanting to be read, hugs wanted from everyone, and new games wanting to be started. The sugar rush throughout all of them made everything a little bit more tiring, but all good.
Everyday keeps on getting better and better! Whether I learn something about myself, about the children, or about life each day I am learning something that will never be replaced. Thanks Mom, Dad, and Zach for all your support back home. You are the best family I could ever ask more. I miss you so much!
Love
Anna
Today every kid at the orphanage had a little bit more energy than normal. We started our day with a trip to the Lucky Super Market. I compare this to a City Market because it is air conditioned, smells delcious, and its just amazing! Here we got 50 donuts and soy milks for all the kids. Talk about sugar rush! The kids all sat in a circle and we passed them out. They will all sit there until everybody present at the orphanage gets their donut and milk, and until we say our prayer. Today they asked Mrs. Gutmann to lead the prayer which was very nice. They ate, we laughed and we all went on with our busy day!
I consider Jack Skidi and I the ultimate frisbee team because we played in a circle with some of the kids today and it was so fun and nice. Hot though, very hot! Jack looked like he had taken a full on shower and I was not as bad but pretty bad. I can not wait for shower tonight. Here I come shower!!! In the middle of our games I try to get shade and when I do I probably have ten kids on me or surrounding me at once. Books wanting to be read, hugs wanted from everyone, and new games wanting to be started. The sugar rush throughout all of them made everything a little bit more tiring, but all good.
Everyday keeps on getting better and better! Whether I learn something about myself, about the children, or about life each day I am learning something that will never be replaced. Thanks Mom, Dad, and Zach for all your support back home. You are the best family I could ever ask more. I miss you so much!
Love
Anna
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Day 6: History Day
Yesterday on our day off, we visited the Killing Fields.This was very tough. You can read, hear, think, or talk about the Khmer Rouge, but experiencing it in person does not compare in any way. All approximately nine thousand bodies found, all for different horrific reasons, and still more not found and not dug up. When you walk in and you see one whole building full of skulls that show the many ways women, men, and babies were killed, it kills you in side. We began our tour by walking around the field, where there are "mass graves." These "mass graves" come in all sizes, probably 5 feet by 10 feet, 15 feet by 30 feet, and they were full of bodies, heads, jaws, and other bones that were destroyed by Pol Pot Regime. The bodies in the graves each had a reason for being there. Yanking of teeth, heads being cut off, babies being smashed, or substances they were given. It was absolutely crazy. To make this even harder, our tour guide had lost every single member of his family and he was the only one left. Ugh! I could not even imagine. I was not just seeing the holes that the bodies were put in, I was seeing the bones, clothes, blood all left behind. Even though this was tough, I will surely remember this forever and definitely recommend seeing this site when you visit Cambodia!
After, we went and visited the National Museum. This museum is home to many important statues and items found and dug up. They are beautiful! The outside of it is so pretty with amazing flowers and little sections of water. Some of us including me took this time to have a goofy photo shoot! Yoga poses. Very funny! Wait til you see the pictures.
XO
Anna
After, we went and visited the National Museum. This museum is home to many important statues and items found and dug up. They are beautiful! The outside of it is so pretty with amazing flowers and little sections of water. Some of us including me took this time to have a goofy photo shoot! Yoga poses. Very funny! Wait til you see the pictures.
XO
Anna
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Day 5: "Touching"
Everything is going great here! Words really can't describe how thankful I am and how amazing and touching this trip has been. Today was especially touching to me because of the little things. Little things are what make these beautiful children light up every single day. When you just bring a simple amount of chalk, bubbles, paper, markers/crayons, stickers, clothing, food, and love, these kids enjoy it so much. It brings a glow to their faces. I absolutely love it! We started today by giving them papers and the Crayola "magic" markers. It took them a little while to actually figure out what Lisa Marie and I were teaching them, but they eventually got it. After they figured it out, they were each making the most amazing pictures for us! One of mine said "I love Anna, and God loves you too!" This right here brought tears to my eyes! Definitley framing this when I get back home! With the clothing, LM and Mrs. Gutmann handed it out again individually to each kid in the directors office room. Their faces are priceless when they come out with their handful of clothes.
They are so happy! Ear to ear smiles! I did not hand out clothes today because I decided I wanted to hang out with some of the older boys who were playing soccer with Jack Skidi. So much fun, but maybe I should of chosen another day to do this. It was 98 degrees today and with humidity, holy moly it was hot. It looked like Jack and I both had literally taken showers we were dripping so much sweat. Pretty funny and gross! Thank goodness you cannot see what I look like at home until you see the pictures. We are all sun burnt, sweaty, gross looking people. But it is o.k. that means I am working hard. I am probably also this way because today we also finished the chicken coop and pig sty. I was so happy and I cannot wait to roll these little pigs in! We then took our lunch break and we went to the S-21 museum.
The S- 21 museum is very sad, yet so incredible to see! When you see the orphaned children we are working with and the impoverished children who we are surrounded by, you think to yourself everyday "Why?". Every single day I have been here, I think exactly this. So, today on our tour of the museum where torturing, detention, interrogation, and killing took place, it touched me so deeply. I saw everything. The blood stained floors, the single cells, the rooms where they were beaten in, the way they were beaten, thousands and thousands of pictures of the victims and soldiers involved, and the overall grounds of where it took place. Think of this as the Holocaust Museum. But I am consuming it in a much different way because I am here. Just our tour guide herself, had lost every single member of her family. Ugh! The Pol Pot Regimes goal was to kill all the intelectual people in Cambodia and also anyone who were related to them. Crazy. This is exactly why there are orphans and impoverished people living here. My question has been answered and the answer really stinks. The unfortunate thing about these orphaned children though is you cannot adopt them. Trust me, if I could adopt I would be telling my parents to hop on a plane and expect a new kid to come home with us. I am sure you would too if you saw there little faces!
I have the weekends off here, so tomorrow I think I am going to the killing fields. Can't wait! However, I will miss these kids hugs and laughter all weekend.
XO
Anna
They are so happy! Ear to ear smiles! I did not hand out clothes today because I decided I wanted to hang out with some of the older boys who were playing soccer with Jack Skidi. So much fun, but maybe I should of chosen another day to do this. It was 98 degrees today and with humidity, holy moly it was hot. It looked like Jack and I both had literally taken showers we were dripping so much sweat. Pretty funny and gross! Thank goodness you cannot see what I look like at home until you see the pictures. We are all sun burnt, sweaty, gross looking people. But it is o.k. that means I am working hard. I am probably also this way because today we also finished the chicken coop and pig sty. I was so happy and I cannot wait to roll these little pigs in! We then took our lunch break and we went to the S-21 museum.
The S- 21 museum is very sad, yet so incredible to see! When you see the orphaned children we are working with and the impoverished children who we are surrounded by, you think to yourself everyday "Why?". Every single day I have been here, I think exactly this. So, today on our tour of the museum where torturing, detention, interrogation, and killing took place, it touched me so deeply. I saw everything. The blood stained floors, the single cells, the rooms where they were beaten in, the way they were beaten, thousands and thousands of pictures of the victims and soldiers involved, and the overall grounds of where it took place. Think of this as the Holocaust Museum. But I am consuming it in a much different way because I am here. Just our tour guide herself, had lost every single member of her family. Ugh! The Pol Pot Regimes goal was to kill all the intelectual people in Cambodia and also anyone who were related to them. Crazy. This is exactly why there are orphans and impoverished people living here. My question has been answered and the answer really stinks. The unfortunate thing about these orphaned children though is you cannot adopt them. Trust me, if I could adopt I would be telling my parents to hop on a plane and expect a new kid to come home with us. I am sure you would too if you saw there little faces!
I have the weekends off here, so tomorrow I think I am going to the killing fields. Can't wait! However, I will miss these kids hugs and laughter all weekend.
XO
Anna
Friday, April 22, 2011
Day 4: Friday Fun Day!
Friday Fun Day! Let me explain. On Fridays we try to get small treats that they normally wouldn't recieve. Whether it be food like today, games, candy, etc. we do it all. We went to the Russian Market again to get our goods. Today's goal was buy pork, whole chickens (heads feet and all), assortment of veggies, red apples (they don't grow here so they are rare), and also an assortment of fruit. This was hilarious, yet disgusting at the same time. When you walk into this market, there is already a stench, but think of when you walk into the meat section. Fish are jumping in the buckets they have been put in, fish are half cut off, meat is hanging, pig's heads are sitting around and their ears, and chickens are hanging with everything in and on them except for their feathers. One word: DISGUSTING! I can withstand the smell, but when you see it and you get a little bit stronger of a smell, you can't help yourself, and you just have to gag. Today I did this, and the sellers around were just laughing! Ha! We then loaded our tuk-tuk driven by Lay, Jacey and Lisa-Marie's driver from last year. He is so nice. He waits everywhere we go, and he even comes into the orphanage and hangs out all day de-licing, talking, and helping. So, his tuk-tuk is loaded and we can barely fit. I had to share Jack Skidmores designated spot on the front of the car, while in the back the meat was floating around. Jack and I were butt to butt. Gross! We finally made it to the orphanage!
When we arrived, once again the kids were nothing but excited to see us, as was I. Hugs all around and every single one of them yelling "Sister, sister." Of course, my favorites Taupe, Dina, Bon Lou, Pao, Tong, Noit and MyMy, get their own special little hug or hello. With some of them I have special handshakes that we made up. So adorable! In a conversation we were having schooling was brought up. Most kids go to public and only three go to private. LM of course wanted to get on this private school thing. They got information from Ritchie and gave us the news. It is only $500 dollars a year for a child here to go to school -that is includes everything. If anyone back home would like to sponsor a child going to school, please go to http://www.childrensglobalalliance.blogspot.com/. This would be an amazing goal to accomplish if we sent most of the kids if not all to this private school.
Today we distributed the clothes donated by many of you. We had a little individual fashion show! Each kid received a new shirts, pants, plus underwear. Adorable once again!
The organization that helps organize us, takes us on a city tour one time while we are here. Today we saw a lots of historical sites on this tour. They were so beautiful and there are so many nice stories behind each of the sites. This was a great way to finish off a great day.
Love
Anna
When we arrived, once again the kids were nothing but excited to see us, as was I. Hugs all around and every single one of them yelling "Sister, sister." Of course, my favorites Taupe, Dina, Bon Lou, Pao, Tong, Noit and MyMy, get their own special little hug or hello. With some of them I have special handshakes that we made up. So adorable! In a conversation we were having schooling was brought up. Most kids go to public and only three go to private. LM of course wanted to get on this private school thing. They got information from Ritchie and gave us the news. It is only $500 dollars a year for a child here to go to school -that is includes everything. If anyone back home would like to sponsor a child going to school, please go to http://www.childrensglobalalliance.blogspot.com/. This would be an amazing goal to accomplish if we sent most of the kids if not all to this private school.
Today we distributed the clothes donated by many of you. We had a little individual fashion show! Each kid received a new shirts, pants, plus underwear. Adorable once again!
The organization that helps organize us, takes us on a city tour one time while we are here. Today we saw a lots of historical sites on this tour. They were so beautiful and there are so many nice stories behind each of the sites. This was a great way to finish off a great day.
Love
Anna
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Day 3: "Firsts"
All of the supplies donated from you at home we are bringing little by little. Today we brought medical supplies and arts and crafts. Mrs. Gutmann and I organized their medical supplies into a locked cabinet and explained what they were to Nalin, one of the directors. The children at the orphanage do not know what the supplies we gave them are, so they will just go into the cabinet freely and take the items. Gutmann and I gave Nalin packages of underwear we were given and she wrote each kids name on them, and created a line and each kid was handed out their own pair of underwear. The boys had girl underwear on with hearts and stars. It was so adorable!
Also, today I de-liced the children. This I have to admit was pretty gross but it was o.k. because I made sure to de-lice my self really good when I got home. Not all the children had lice but the kids who did had it bad, really bad. When you put lice shampoo in, you have to leave it in their heads for ten minutes and it cannot get in their eyes because it stings really bad. So, when the shampoo gets in their eyes it hurts me to see them hurting and all you can do is put water on them which does not really help. For this reason, I had to take a few breaks and let myself breath and take it all in. On one of my small breaks, I got in the Cambodian Hope Association tuk-tuk and sat with the boys who were going to school that afternoon. Taupe, Cheat, David, and Kea all told me I was their "puma" which means friend in Khmer. They would tell me I love you Anna and then ask me if I would be back tomorrow. I say ÿes and I love you. I got out of the car a couple of minutes before they left and Sok-Nee a fifteen year old boy said Anna how do you spell your name. I told him how to spell my name and he said A-double n-A and I said yes. He then showed me his wrist and it had a bracelet on it. Yellow, blue, green, string bracelet that had my name on it with two hearts on the sides of it. Sok-Nee had made it the night before and gave it to me. This moment brought tears to my eyes and it was so sweet!!
Then, we left for the our lunch break like we always do because the kids have to sleep and eat. We went to the VIP Sports club and I swam an ate my favorite delicious banana smoothie. As much as I want to spend every single moment with these kids, sometimes a little relaxation and time to take everything in that I am experiencing here, is worth it. After this we went back to the orphanage. Lisa-Marie popped out one dollar Wal-Mart bubbles and gave them to me. Blowing these bubbles in the air and letting them chase them around and blow them is one of the happiest and funniest things you will ever see. Some try to keep them in the air by blowing them, some try to pop them, and the two together cause the most hilarious moments! Ha! We also pulled out chalk in the afternoon and we drew pictures and wrote our names. Mrs. Gutmann thought this was the perfect time to pull out the learning utensils we brought. To your surprise and mine these kids are actually pretty smart with their English. They know a lot. After this we went back to the chicken coop with the new supplies LM picked up and began working hard again. This was some hard manual labor! We had to take off the roofing of one and add a whole new set of roofing. This includes nails, rocks (used for hammers), bamboo, and grass to cover it. By working together we finished! The pictures are priceless of the mud, chickens, all of us looking as dirty as could be, etc.
I cannot thank my parents, my brother, my friends and all of my supporters back home in Vail, because I would not be here without you any of you! Thank you so much and I love each and every one of you.
Sorry for such a novel!
Love
Anna
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Day 2: Working Day
Today started off with a trip to Orrsey Market down the street from Tat-Too Guesthouse where we are staying! We found a tuk-tuk driver named Jack who drove us around all day. Tuk-Tuk driver Jack dropped us off at the market with the goal of getting trash bags, rubber gardening gloves, and rubber rain boots. With the language barrier this is a challenge, but it is quite comical! Ha! This market is not your average market because it is three floors and has almost everything you could possibly imagine in one spot, but you can''t ever find anything. Even though this is a challenge, the brief orientation at Star Kampuchea yesterday was a help. Mrs. Gutmann has pretty much mastered the numbers and questions, but sometimes we do not say it right and the sellers just look at us like we are complete idiots. Their faces are priceless when this happens!! Eventually, we found everything and got in our tuk-tuk with Jack and we headed to the orphanage!! Just a note, we started calling the Jacks, Jack squared because it was getting confusing just like it probably is for you.
We arrived at the Cambodian Hope Association where every kid was there to greet us by yelling our names. As much as I already love and adore all of them, I secretly have my favorites. We did not stay at the orphanage long because we had a lot of hard work ahead of us. The goal of today was to clean out the entire chicken and pig coop and sty. So, all my fellow group mates got in the orphanages tuk-tuk driven by Ritchie. I however did not. Two girls who are 18, but look like they are younger than me, wanted me to ride on their moto with them. I was a little worried at first but I got on and they gave me kisses and hugs and drove me to the pigs and chickens. When we got here we knew we had a long day ahead of us!
First, we had to pick up all of the trash which was a lot of the grounds, under the rocks, in the coops and stys. We had probably 300 pounds of trash and we ran out of trash bags so we just kept piling it into the others. Ha! After we did this for about two hours, we had to even out the dirt and put anti-virus spray all over so we can bring 30 new pigs in later this week.
It is not that hot here because it has rained here a little which cools it down however I honestly think I lost a few pounds today and I don't think I ever sweat that much in my life. These circumstances however do not stop me from being so incredibly happy and proud of what I am doing here. This area which we cleaned out for the kids, is what they allows them to be self- sustainable. They will all raise these chickens and pigs together so they can not only eat but later make money for the orphanage. When I looked at my work at the end of the day I was so happy to know that I was one step closer to helping these children and the directors of the orphanage. No other words can come out of my hands and head except for AMAZING! The kids are such hard workers when you get them working. I swear they could work all day and never complain once but they just don't know how to get started on a project. When they start working and you talk to them they are so funny. Sometimes you just laugh and nod your head and they think you are funny. If some of you don't know this, the don't ever say "yes"or nod or shake their head. This is why they probably think we are so crazy when we do these actions because we most likely look like clowns. The director of the orphanage said that it looked good and we were done for the day
The orphanage's tuk-tuk took us back to the orphanage where we played for a little. The little tuk-tuk broke down on the way back because it did not have any pertroleum left. So, Jack and I got out and pushed the little kids. The "afternoon kids" were all going to school this afternoon so we said goodbye to them and the others. The little school outfits they wear are so adorable I thought I was going to die. They all leave and each and everyone of them ask me if I will be back tomorrow. I say yes, and they give me another hug and they say I love you sister!! Words cannot explain the feeling I get when they say this!!
After we left, Jack took us to the VIP sports club. Here there is a pool, gym, showers, fish massage (Hilarious), and food. I did not really feel like swimming today because I was so wiped, but I did get a nice tan. Lisa-Marie and I both drank a delcious banana smoothie and shared some fried rice. We will come here on are breaks every single day.
Of course I will remember the kids from this day. But one thing LM said to me after I asked her a question will stick with me forever. She told me she read in a book once that pretend you are at a church at a funeral. You do not know who is in the coffin, but you are walking down to see. In this coffin is you. This is the end of your life and you should appreciate and be happy and satifiied with what you have accomplished in your life. This meant so much to me! Everyone should live their life to the fullest and appreciate everything they have, no matter what it is. I am so satisfied with what I am doing right now here in Cambodia and couldn't be anymore thankful and happy with my life. I am living life to the fullest right now.
Miss everyone.Love You.
Anna
Then, we left the orphange and we were so dirty. Ugh!
We arrived at the Cambodian Hope Association where every kid was there to greet us by yelling our names. As much as I already love and adore all of them, I secretly have my favorites. We did not stay at the orphanage long because we had a lot of hard work ahead of us. The goal of today was to clean out the entire chicken and pig coop and sty. So, all my fellow group mates got in the orphanages tuk-tuk driven by Ritchie. I however did not. Two girls who are 18, but look like they are younger than me, wanted me to ride on their moto with them. I was a little worried at first but I got on and they gave me kisses and hugs and drove me to the pigs and chickens. When we got here we knew we had a long day ahead of us!
First, we had to pick up all of the trash which was a lot of the grounds, under the rocks, in the coops and stys. We had probably 300 pounds of trash and we ran out of trash bags so we just kept piling it into the others. Ha! After we did this for about two hours, we had to even out the dirt and put anti-virus spray all over so we can bring 30 new pigs in later this week.
It is not that hot here because it has rained here a little which cools it down however I honestly think I lost a few pounds today and I don't think I ever sweat that much in my life. These circumstances however do not stop me from being so incredibly happy and proud of what I am doing here. This area which we cleaned out for the kids, is what they allows them to be self- sustainable. They will all raise these chickens and pigs together so they can not only eat but later make money for the orphanage. When I looked at my work at the end of the day I was so happy to know that I was one step closer to helping these children and the directors of the orphanage. No other words can come out of my hands and head except for AMAZING! The kids are such hard workers when you get them working. I swear they could work all day and never complain once but they just don't know how to get started on a project. When they start working and you talk to them they are so funny. Sometimes you just laugh and nod your head and they think you are funny. If some of you don't know this, the don't ever say "yes"or nod or shake their head. This is why they probably think we are so crazy when we do these actions because we most likely look like clowns. The director of the orphanage said that it looked good and we were done for the day
The orphanage's tuk-tuk took us back to the orphanage where we played for a little. The little tuk-tuk broke down on the way back because it did not have any pertroleum left. So, Jack and I got out and pushed the little kids. The "afternoon kids" were all going to school this afternoon so we said goodbye to them and the others. The little school outfits they wear are so adorable I thought I was going to die. They all leave and each and everyone of them ask me if I will be back tomorrow. I say yes, and they give me another hug and they say I love you sister!! Words cannot explain the feeling I get when they say this!!
After we left, Jack took us to the VIP sports club. Here there is a pool, gym, showers, fish massage (Hilarious), and food. I did not really feel like swimming today because I was so wiped, but I did get a nice tan. Lisa-Marie and I both drank a delcious banana smoothie and shared some fried rice. We will come here on are breaks every single day.
Of course I will remember the kids from this day. But one thing LM said to me after I asked her a question will stick with me forever. She told me she read in a book once that pretend you are at a church at a funeral. You do not know who is in the coffin, but you are walking down to see. In this coffin is you. This is the end of your life and you should appreciate and be happy and satifiied with what you have accomplished in your life. This meant so much to me! Everyone should live their life to the fullest and appreciate everything they have, no matter what it is. I am so satisfied with what I am doing right now here in Cambodia and couldn't be anymore thankful and happy with my life. I am living life to the fullest right now.
Miss everyone.Love You.
Anna
Then, we left the orphange and we were so dirty. Ugh!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Day 1: Amazing!
I am here! After a long day of traveling around the world I made it. The flights were all smooth and non eventful however, I did not sleep at all. Ugh! We arrived to the airport in Cambodia went through customs and got in our large Mercedes van with our 14 bags, Rackmae (Worker for STAR Kampuchea), and drove through the streets of Phom Phen, Cambodia. When we got to the Tat-Too Guesthouse we recieved our room assignments and we all took some much needed showers and turned the A/C on high!! I am in a room with Tabor and she's great. When I was finishing up getting ready for bed a thunderstorm came in and knocked out the whole hotels electricity. Thank God for Walky-Talkys and flashlights because this was our savoir. I could not sleep at all because of the time difference and being over tired and it seemed I wasn't the only one in this situation because 4 of the other Cambodia Crew groupmates had the same problem. So, I ended up all falling asleep in Mrs. Gutmann's and LM's room. It is about 100 degrees here with humidity and it is not fun sleeping when every part of your body seems to be stuck together and you have to drink water and wipe your face all night long. Just remember the A/C is out so it makes this situation just that more dreadful. Ha!
When I woke up in the morning I was still very tired but ready to tackle the fun day ahead of me! I started off my day with breakfest from the Tat-Too Guesthouse's volunteer menu. I had a tomato and onion, omlete with a side of exotic fruit from Cambodia. Then, I took my first tuk-tuk ride to STAR Kampuchea where we had our orientation. I listened to Ben and Svjena give us backround information on Cambodia and learned the basic sayings of Khmer the language spoken here. After we had our orientation we headed to the Russian Market. This is an outdoor market with everything you could possibly think of and more. Our group had some rice noodles and some springrolls to eat. At a market like this though, it is all about bargaining. This is quite a show when they don't speak much English and they don't want to lose a sale to an American. The orientation lasted until 6:00 p.m.. but LM thought it wasn't necessary so we headed to the orphanage!!!! As I and my Cambodia Crew piled into the back of a pick-up truck and merged around motos, tuk-tuks, pedestarians, and other large vehicles we couldn't have been more anxious and excited to see the kids and the surrounding of this orphanage. As we pulled up in our truck we could see the beautiful, happy faces of the children. I got out of the truck as they ran to all of the us yelling Lisa Lisa Lisa. So adorable and amazing that it brought tears to all of our eyes.
After meeting all of them, Ritchie the director of the orphanage showed us the pig and chicken pens. It is a total dump and here come the rain boots and gloves tomorrow because we have some work to do. I played with and hugged every kid more than once. They will hug you and hug you and give you so much love. This is what I have been waiting for. We will be bringing our supplies to the orphanage tomorrow. Can't wait to see the smiling faces tomorrow when I arrive!
Love and miss all of you.....
Anna
When I woke up in the morning I was still very tired but ready to tackle the fun day ahead of me! I started off my day with breakfest from the Tat-Too Guesthouse's volunteer menu. I had a tomato and onion, omlete with a side of exotic fruit from Cambodia. Then, I took my first tuk-tuk ride to STAR Kampuchea where we had our orientation. I listened to Ben and Svjena give us backround information on Cambodia and learned the basic sayings of Khmer the language spoken here. After we had our orientation we headed to the Russian Market. This is an outdoor market with everything you could possibly think of and more. Our group had some rice noodles and some springrolls to eat. At a market like this though, it is all about bargaining. This is quite a show when they don't speak much English and they don't want to lose a sale to an American. The orientation lasted until 6:00 p.m.. but LM thought it wasn't necessary so we headed to the orphanage!!!! As I and my Cambodia Crew piled into the back of a pick-up truck and merged around motos, tuk-tuks, pedestarians, and other large vehicles we couldn't have been more anxious and excited to see the kids and the surrounding of this orphanage. As we pulled up in our truck we could see the beautiful, happy faces of the children. I got out of the truck as they ran to all of the us yelling Lisa Lisa Lisa. So adorable and amazing that it brought tears to all of our eyes.
After meeting all of them, Ritchie the director of the orphanage showed us the pig and chicken pens. It is a total dump and here come the rain boots and gloves tomorrow because we have some work to do. I played with and hugged every kid more than once. They will hug you and hug you and give you so much love. This is what I have been waiting for. We will be bringing our supplies to the orphanage tomorrow. Can't wait to see the smiling faces tomorrow when I arrive!
Love and miss all of you.....
Anna
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Last Minute Preparations
Amazing news!! The support we have recieved from our school community and the Vail community has been amazing. I cannot believe the amount of donations we recieved in one week. We definitley are going need three tuk-tuks just for supplies. Ha! Imagine the sight!
On a personal note I am gearing up for Cambodia. Not only am I excited but I am nervous at the same time. All my feelings are setting in. Thinking about missing my family, being half way around the world, and especially making a difference in these childrens lives. Along with all my emotions rifht now I am looking at a pile of my things that need to be put in a bag. I have been buying things that I need and checking things of my list. Lice shampoo?? Deet?? Protein Bars?? Peanut Butter?? Never though I would be buying any of these things for a trip.
My journey begins early Sunday morning April 17th. Leaving from Denver to Phom Phen I will travel nearly 24 hours total.
On a personal note I am gearing up for Cambodia. Not only am I excited but I am nervous at the same time. All my feelings are setting in. Thinking about missing my family, being half way around the world, and especially making a difference in these childrens lives. Along with all my emotions rifht now I am looking at a pile of my things that need to be put in a bag. I have been buying things that I need and checking things of my list. Lice shampoo?? Deet?? Protein Bars?? Peanut Butter?? Never though I would be buying any of these things for a trip.
My journey begins early Sunday morning April 17th. Leaving from Denver to Phom Phen I will travel nearly 24 hours total.
Gearing Up For Cambodia!
The Cambodia Crew has recently got together for two small "get togethers." First, we had a Spaghetti Dinner meeting with the Cambodia Crew and their parents. We all had lots and lots of questions for Lisa-Marie which we got answered. Thank god! Also, just the Cambodia Crew got together for some bonding and and a very fun game of bowling at Bol, in Vail. Turns out my bowling skills aren't that great because I had many gutter balls and lost the game. Ha! Thanks to Lisa-Marie and Bol for a very fun afternoon.
As a group we are all still working very hard! Jack, Tabor, Kassie, Nina, Mrs. Gutmann, Lisa-Marie and I have all been looking for donations of any sort. At Stone Creek, the five of us split up and went around to all the classrooms asking for their support and gave the students a list of the items that we need. In the first week we recieved a large amount of donations which we are so grateful for. Mrs. Gutmann even started boxing some of the items up. Then, as a group we went around the school again and gave out another list that has only clothing and medical related items on it. We handed this out along with each classrooms own box to keep items in. Young children and older for that matter need something to inspire them sometimes so the Ferzacca Family/Zacca Za are generously donating an ice cream party to the classroom that brings in the most items!!! Almost every kid in the school had a grin on their face when we told them this! The week of April 11th-15th I along with most of the Cambodia Crew with be packing up the supplies.
Lets start the two week countdown!!!! Can't be anymore excited!!!!!
As a group we are all still working very hard! Jack, Tabor, Kassie, Nina, Mrs. Gutmann, Lisa-Marie and I have all been looking for donations of any sort. At Stone Creek, the five of us split up and went around to all the classrooms asking for their support and gave the students a list of the items that we need. In the first week we recieved a large amount of donations which we are so grateful for. Mrs. Gutmann even started boxing some of the items up. Then, as a group we went around the school again and gave out another list that has only clothing and medical related items on it. We handed this out along with each classrooms own box to keep items in. Young children and older for that matter need something to inspire them sometimes so the Ferzacca Family/Zacca Za are generously donating an ice cream party to the classroom that brings in the most items!!! Almost every kid in the school had a grin on their face when we told them this! The week of April 11th-15th I along with most of the Cambodia Crew with be packing up the supplies.
Lets start the two week countdown!!!! Can't be anymore excited!!!!!
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