General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
I was excited to volunteer in Cambodia, however, I had no idea it would be one of the best experiences of my life!On the first day teaching, I was personally picked up by the ‘Dad’ of the orphanage, he was so friendly and made me feel welcome immediately. As soon as we got to the orphanage, I got off the Tuktuk and was greeted by the cutest little people. They were all so excited, and couldn’t wait to tell me their names and how old they were. Since it was my first day, I mostly observed how the previous volunteer was teaching. I sat with the kids and was completely surprised at how concentrated they were, they were all so willing to learn and were all so happy. During break time, the kids started drawing pictures for me (since then I was given at least two pictures every day until the day I left). We played a bunch of games together and they soon felt very comfortable around me. When the day ended and it was time for the volunteers to leave, every single one of the kids would walk out with us, watch us get on the Tuktuk and wave until we were completely out of sight. Some of them even tried running to catch up with us! I couldn’t believe how well the first day had went, and I couldn’t believe how much I loved these kids already!
The next three weeks flew by. I felt closer to the kid’s every day. I could also see the progress the kids were making, they were all so hard-working and appreciative of everything they had. I tried to make the lessons interesting by incorporating games and fun activities. The kids loved it and the day would always end with the sound of their laughs and giggles. It was always sad leaving the orphanage, the girls would give me the most loving hugs and the boys would give us high fives! I remember there was one day when it started pouring outside. I thought the kids would be sad about not being able to go outside to play. Boy, was I wrong! They were absolutely ecstatic and ran outside to play in the rain. They brought little buckets out with them and had water fights. It was such a beautiful moment to witness. Besides from teaching, I spent my time with the kids playing tickle war, learning Khmer, reading their favourite books, colouring, playing ball, learning their favourite food, we even had our own inside jokes.
I never wanted to think about the day I had to the leave the kids. But the day had to come. Instead of a normal lesson, we decided to have a fun day instead. We watched movies, danced to music, and played games. Later that evening, we went see a movie at the cinema and had fried chicken for dinner. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more excited about fried chicken than these kids. The greatest surprise of all, my little ones made bracelets for me, it was absolutely precious. Then it was goodbye. For the very last time, I got on the Tuktuk, looked back to wave to the kids, until they were completely out of sight. Its difficult describing how I felt, but there was one thing I knew, this wasn’t really goodbye, I will see them again soon, because they are family.
These kids and “Mom” and “Dad” are the kindest, most appreciative, loving people I have ever met. I would never trade anything for this amazing experience. Thank you so much for teaching me how to be happy, how to love and how beautiful life is.