Coming from a construction background, I have been amazed by the architecture and design of the ancient temples, but there is another side to this trip - the humanitarian side. We visited quite a few orphanages, an unwed mother’s home and a hospital. The orphanages are what have gotten to me the most, being able to interact with the kids, read books, sing songs and of course there’s play time. The children have a way that connects with you straight away. It gets harder to leave. It's been a very humbling experience.
There are so many young children here who know what it’s like to have nothing…and yet they are so courageous. Rotary has taken them off the streets and given them hope. It felt great giving these kids the opportunity to listen to their favourite stories through a new voice. They inspire me to move forward, to drive myself closer to my goals.
There has been a point on this trip where I realised that I probably now know more about the history of the Cambodian (Khmer) people than my own town. When it comes to opening your eyes, the best place to start might be in your own neighborhood. My neighborhood has challenges with graffiti, needles being left in playgrounds and public spaces, drunks, mentally ill people without support, a major freeway due to start construction, an overcrowded hospital and loads of refugees finding schools.