Today was our second day of work on our project for the Sangkheum Center for Children. Songkheum is a terrific organization that is very well run. It house about 60 orphans that live there full time and teaches close to 200 students that come in from the neighboring communities to learn English, computers, weaving and much more. We decided to start early to try to beat the heat. After arriving at the center at 7:30 in the morning, we quickly realized that there is just no avoiding the heat in Cambodia! Even as I blog tonight at 9pm, the temperature in Siem Reap is 37 degrees Celcius! The students did their best to get as much accomplished as humanly possible in this heat.
We are currently working on two projects at the center. One involves plastering, sanding and painting a wall. The other is builiding a structure that will house bicycles for the students. The group working on the bike structure had a very physically demanding day, sholving and moving large amounts of sand (without a wheelbarrow) and moving bricks. The students were such troupers, working very hard. During breaks, we found ourselves playing soccer and volleyball with the orphans and despite the heat the students had a very good time.
We took the afternoon to rest and recouperate cooling off from the sun either in the pool or in our air conditioned rooms. The teachers and guide felt this was neccessary to try to prevent further illness from the heat. Tonight we all headed out to a local restaurant that had shadow puppets and music for entertainment. The food was probably the best we have had in Cambodia but the heat was oppressive (well over 37 degrees at 7:30 pm) so we ate quickly and headed home. Once again, your kids are tucked into bed early, getting lots of rest, at their request! They are just such great kids! A few have mentioned that they are missing the cold Canadian winter right now, so I guess the heat is getting to them!
Tomorrow we have another busy day working at the center. We all can't wait to see how much work we can get done and love being able to look back at the end of the day and see just what we have accomplished.
Will blog soon.
Laurel
Thursday, April 9, 2009
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10 comments:
Sounds like a great, but exhausting day! Laurel, you are fantastic at describing all the activities the students are engaging in. Students: Good job, guys! Despite the heat, I'm glad to hear you still want to play with the children! Way to go!
Happy Passover to Noah and all the other students who may celebrate it, and happy Easter to anyone who celebrates that! We miss you guys lots and we are so happy to hear from you. Be well! Don't get sick any more!
-Izzy, Whoopi, Owen and Scully
The stories are great - I am living vicariously through all of you. 37 degrees Celsius and higher - wow. I hope you're all soaking in this experience - I'm sure it will be one you'll never forget.
A shout out to the teachers - Mrs. Beaton, Mr. Paske...and that funny girl ;)
-Kelly Freeborn
How awesome! the work you are doing the experiance you are having those kids are the luckiest kids having you there! Your big hearts are making a huge impact and you will be remembered long after you are back home!
Take best care of yourselves under that hot hot sun! Keep each other going- keep each other strong - you are lighting up everyone you meet ! ps-momma loves you Gabe
Happy Easter to you all. I will save some chocolate & Easter bread for you Chandler. We love reading & re-reading the posts, thank you soo much for keeping in touch as much as you have. The weather is finally turning warmer here so the shock shouldn't be so tramatic when you get back. lol We are so proud of all of you!
Adrienne Mark & Sam
Happy Easter everyone! You are an amazing group of young people and teachers. Lou Ann.
It's so wonderful to hear about your adventures, accomplishments, fun and games, and challenges. The whole experience wouldn't be as meaningful, if it was all easy. I am sure you will be leaving a lasting, and positive impact on the communities you are visiting.
Thanks for the blogs, we enjoy reading them so much! Happy Easter, and Passover!
Diane and Dave
We really have enjoyed reading about the group's experiences - it is hard to believe that you are more than half-way through the trip. The heat and humidity must seem overwelming at times but the work that everyone has achieved and the impact you are all making with the communities is more than worth it. This is an Easter that will remain in your memories forever. Justin, I know you will be surprized to hear this - it is snowing in Sedona right now. That probably sounds pretty good to you with the heat and humidity you are experiencing however, we are not so thrilled! Take care everyone.
Nancy and Doug
What an amazing experience you are al having - it's so exciting to hear about it! We're sure that you are having an awesome time and we're happy for you, but we miss you very much. Mrs Beaton, thanks so much for your very interesting blogs - it feels like we're there with you. Enjoy your adventure. Love, big mama g & dad
Happy Easter... hope you all have a wonderful day. xo
Hope you are all well, keeping cool and enjoying Easter so far from home. Alex,I hope you found an Easter surprise in your suitcase. We are now home from holidays. Looking forward to hearing about your recent adventures.
Sharon and Hans
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