Khmer New Year

Happy Khmer New Year!

The past few days have been spent finishing up our work at the center in Siem Reap. Our bike shelter is completely built and painted, as is our wall. It is amazing how much can be accomplished in such a short time.

In thanks for our work, the center invited us to celebrate Khmer New Year with them yesterday. We had a terrific time playing traditional games with approximately 200 of the local children who use the center. Our kids got right into the action, many of the games were familiar to us, others we had never played before. In almost all cases, the Cambodian children beat us badly, but we all had a great time. The afternoon was spent watching a show of traditional singing and dancing that the center put on to celebrate the new year. At the end of the show they thanked us formally of our project work giving us a beautifully framed letter to bring home and display at Calgary Academy.

The Sangkheum Center is an amazing organization and many of our kids talked about finding ways to support them when they get back to Calgary. They have a program where you can sponsor a child to attend the orphanage and school for 40 dollars a month. After being there, we know that all the money would go to providing for the children's needs. If you and your families think this is something you could help with when we are home and want more information, please email Ms. Hoogendoorn as she has pamphlets with all the contacts.

Last night we took an adventure on TukTuks (local taxis) to the Night Market. The students got to experience riding around Cambodian style and once again got to barter with the locals for treasures. I must say, the kids are fantastic negotiators and have done terrific at bartering. The best part is that they have lots of laughs with the locals while doing it!

This morning, the Easter Bunny (Mr. Paske, Ms. Hoogendoorn & Mrs. Beaton) greated the students with Easter treats as a wake up call! Just a little taste of home! As today was our last day at the Sangkheum Center, we gave the many gifts the students had brought from home. They loved all the "Canadian stuff" and we also went out and purchased some mosquito nets, shoes and towels that the center was in need of. We spent the afternoon playing soccer with the orphans and once again, we lost, but not too badly (9-4)!

Tonight we enjoyed a great dinner at a Khmer restaurant that was a traditional home. The food was great but once again the kids are tired (as are the teachers). They are all currently healthy and feeling good so we trip staff are very relieved. Tomorrow we head to a different orphanage on a farm where the children learn many trades to support them once they are adults. It will be a new exciting experience for us!

Take care everyone,
Laurel