Goodbye Cambodia!

COUNTRY: Cambodia
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Health & Education
WRITTEN BY: Leah Daniels

This week the nurses Emma and Pat went to help out at the health promotion classes in the morning while some teachers took turns to experience the home visits for themselves. On the Tuesday we went to New Hope which is a school, clinic and training restaurant which our friend Jo is sponsored to volunteer at. We met Jo on the first day at the ConCERT child protection training, so long ago now! We were shown around and then had a banquet at the restaurant, with crickets for an entree! Some people tried one, me included, while Pat ate the whole plate. The dinner was a Khmer curry and was the best I have ever had while here.

On Thursday we had a game day organised for all the kids, where we also brought some snacks for them. It was a lot of fun and full of improvisation for Pat and I because we were designated the bubble machine which ran out and the playground which was too hot in the sun. Afterwards some of us went out and got some dessert at the blue pumpkin, and dinner after it at vietking to have the noodle hot plate for the last night. Others rewarded themselves with massages and pedicures.

The Friday was emotional, with even children crying and saying they would miss us. First we gave some summaries of what we have done whilst we were here, the classes performed songs that the teaching students had taught them and we gave out water filters to every house and drink bottles to everybody. We also gave out some bikes. We had our last dinner together and then all went out to the temple bar for a few drinks to celebrate our time together, with no excessive partying.

The next morning most of us went out for pancakes for breakfast, while some had left earlier or were asleep... People then gradually started their long trips home sadly.

From talking to everyone we all agree we've had a amazing time and think it was one of the best decisions we have made. We all fell in love with the people and the country and hopefully will make it back in the years to come. We've made great friends and had a unforgettable experience that is life-changing.

The final good-bye from Leah and the November Team.