Our first stop was at the life and hope association. Here we met the monks that we will be building houses for the next two days. The monks explained their hopes and goals for the association, their main focus is on education, which they hope will lead to breaking the poverty cycle. The monks also explained who will be receiving the houses that we build, the top three poorest families will be receiving the houses we build over the next two days. One of the monks then gave us a lesson in the Khmer language, we decided that we would just try to communicate with English as it is so much easier. The monks also explained to us what it means to be a monk, the biggest thing we couldn't believe was that they cannot eat from 12 noon to 6am, we all decided that wasn't an option for us as we headed off for lunch.
The next stop was at the military museum. The museum was a big eye opener in terms of the Cambodian history and just how cruel it was. The museum had many guns, tanks, aeroplanes and pictures from the war. One of the tour guides was a survivor from the war, he has experienced near death 13 times and still lives to tell his story today.
After lunch, we were all given a challenge to buy certain items for the health packs we give to the Green Gecko orphanage. We headed to the markets where many tried bartering for the first time.
Tonight we are heading to the Red Piano restaurant for tea - this is where Angelina Jolie filmed a scene for Terminator, most of the boys are hoping she's still there!
Tenielle Cooke
Just reading your comments reminds me of my experiences last year. Good luck all and keep up the great work that you are doing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to hear about the events of Day 1. Hope you are all having an interesting time. Looking forward to hearing more stories and photos if possible!
ReplyDeleteHi ya Jezza!
Hey Jez - Tim says Hello and says he is really missing you! He's taken over your room too.
ReplyDelete