Our second full day in Cambodia was devoted to house building along side Life and Hope Association, among the small village of Prey Dang. Our hour long bus ride brought us to a rural community, and although we were expecting to construct a house by starting from minimum prior building, we found the house already 80% completed. Despite our disappointment, we all pitched in to help complete the wooden floor of the building, and attach windows and doors. Although the work wasn't extreme as it could have been, the building still resulted in immense sweat, tiredness and fatigue - talk about a days work!
When not building, we spent out time with the children and locals in the village. All of the children were so happy and endearing, as we played soccer and games with them. Despite the difficult circumstances they lived within, the locals were hard working and very appreciative and grateful for our help. Seeing the village and the community was at times confronting, but a great experience that helped us asses and appreciate our own lives.
In the intense heat and humidity, the house was completed, and the blessing ceremony began. The monks, families of the newly finished house, and ourselves circled the new home twice, and entered the building to begin the prayers. The entire ceremony lasted about an hour, and consisted of chanting, praying and blessing to ensure a new home of positive spirits, encouraging hope, love and health throughout the family and their house.
With many happy smiles from the locals and ourselves, we left the village to return to Siem Reap in midst of the Water Festival - a traditional Cambodian celebration, lasting three days. We then had dinner, and some relaxing, preparing for our beauty sleep for tomorrow, another full day of building!
Jessica Chester 😌
Keep up the great work. What a terrific thing you are doing to help someone else.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work. What a terrific thing you are doing to help someone else.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great to do something and be appreciated for your efforts!.
ReplyDeleteThe children are always happy and fun to be with.
Hi there, sounds like you are all having a very exciting time in Siem Reap and enjoying your time in the village. I hope you are able to experience Angkor Wat at sunrise!!!. Best wishes, Christine Jones
ReplyDeleteIt's great to read such good accounts of you daily experiences. Keep up the good work...in all that heat....the Cambodians will remember you kindly for all your efforts. Roma Cavanagh Geelong
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