The reason for joining this expedition was to bring a difference to the orphans’ lives. I was in awe staring at all the pictures during briefing and all that was in my mind was not just to bring a difference to the children’s lives but to challenge myself, out of my comfort zone, into a third world country. Being the eldest in my family, helping my siblings with their schoolwork is just another simple chore I had to fulfill.

Hope Village, Prey Veng gave me the best times spent in Cambodia; even the magnificent Ang Kor Wat is nothing as compared to the lovely children in Hope Village and the sense of achievement when teaching English. Playing with the children, listening to their personal stories, made me feel how blessed I am staying in Singapore. The guilt when complaining about lousy service and awful food overcame me. The sense of achievement I get after a day of teaching and when seeing their excellent results at the end of the whole trip made me realized that nothing is much more worthwhile as compared. I was truly amazed by the enthusiasm and willingness to learn by the children there. Despite poor living conditions, everyone worked hard for their dream – to be a translator, doctor or pastor. The 7 days spent in Hope Village made me grow, into a more forgiving, stronger and definitely a more patient person. Fostering close relationships with some of the children had thus stopped me from leaving the orphanage; the unwillingness had left a huge scar on my heart, up till today.

Journeyed on with the other 16 and our lecturers, we encountered several challenges, so to speak. Transportation will always be the main problem, bumpy rides, motion sickness, dusty environment and broken bridge which caused the detour. Pushing of vehicle, breaking down of air conditioner, breathing in the thick amount of dust and being surrounded by beggars were common scenes. Despite feeling angered, I felt a tinge of sadness for them, of not having any knowledge or skills for survival and to resort to begging.

Speaking of my other 16 friends, I certainly believed that everyone signed up for the expedition had a heart of gold. The camaraderie which everyone shared was unforgettable. We had the gentlemen who will never fail to protect the ladies in all circumstances and the ladies who will take turns to create more jokes to kill time in the lonely nights.

Overall, I believe I had grown, learnt to never take things for granted, to treasure my life and therefore remember all my time spent in Cambodia, till the end of time. The experience was wonderful and the friendship which everyone shared was absolutely remarkable. Therefore, I reckon that everyone deserved a pat on their shoulders for their contributions, in one way or another and that their efforts were definitely paid off in this meaningful trip!

Joycelyn Low

DBF 3B07