Day Six

After spending the morning packing up at PFC, last minute market runs and a lazy breakfast we headed north towards Kampong Thom. About 25minutes into our trip it occurred to the group that we hadn’t yet been to the Killing Fields (which were in the opposite direction). A quick vote was held and a unanimous decision was made to turn the bus around. That decision was never once regretted. The Killing Fields were a harsh and very real reminder of what the Khmer Rouge had put the Cambodians through. The horror of the place was incomprehensible, and it really brought home how blessed we are to be Australian. The drive to Kampong Thom (take II) was an eye opener for many. For those that thought the city driving was crazy, the country roads were even more entertaining. The team learned quickly that the best way to enjoy the trip was to not watch out the front window! Our guesthouse and frogs legs for dinner were very much appreciated after the emotional and tiring day.

Day Seven

We started today by heading out to one of Patrick and Carol Kelley’s Empowering Cambodia programs, known affectionately as ‘the Centre’. Near here we all got down and dirty helping to build the walls for a house. Sam couldn’t handle the workload however, and found himself a scorpion to be bitten by…any excuse would do :)
The afternoon consisted of teaching and entertaining about 70 of the most adorable children at the Centre. We ran a lesson in science on windmills, and a bible story on Daniel and the Lions Den, complete with an art project creating lions face masks for all. There is something about these kids that draws out every ounce of energy out of us, they are just so inspirational!

Day Eight

Today we were back on the building site. This time we finished a couple of walls (being pro’s at it by now), and laid the floor of the home. One thing we did learn was that you can build practically a whole house with just a little axe!
Saturday evening was a definite highlight for many on the trip. The lovely staff at the Centre invited us to stay over the night, and really experience the village life. We had an amazing party, trading dance skills with the locals. Many of the village children showed up again to join in the festivities, and by the end of the night we had them all doing the Hokey Pokey! We were treated to so much awesome traditional food, learned how to have a real shower in Cambodia, and slept under a mosquito net on bamboo mats! By the end of the night we really felt like locals.

Day Nine

Sunday saw us running a special church service for the staff and students at the Centre. Once again our drama ‘talents’ were utilised, followed by some fantastic worship. The highlight of the service was the testimonies and stories shared by members of both our team and the Centre’s staff. It is so inspiring to hear what they have been through, and yet see so much love and hope in their hearts. In the afternoon we were treated to a river cruise and bbq picnic with the staff. We had such a great time bonding with them and a fantastic afternoon out. It was a wonderful way to end our few days in Kampong Thom.

Day Ten

Today we travelled from Kampong Thom to Siem Reap on the local bus service. What an experience! The bus was almost full by the time we even got on it, so there was a whole lot of improvising to fit us and our entire luggage on. We are pretty sure that if the locals weren’t carrying about one million cucumbers, there would have been plenty of room for us all! On arrival at the flooded Siem Reap bus depot we headed to our beautiful accommodation. There is such a difference between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, as the few words of Khmer we used were truly appreciated here. The outstanding English skills of those in Siem Reap goes to show how many tourists they get through here.

Day Eleven

Angkor Wat! An amazing day. No pictures can justify what we saw today. The intricacies and detail are truly awesome. The grandeur of Angkor, the intrigue of Ta Prom and the intrigue of the Bayon. Here many of the team had their first elephant rides. We were all blown away by the angle of the stairs to the top of the temples, they have to be experienced to be believed. It was really lovely to see a place of such beauty and history in the world, and we are truly blessed to have had the honour.

Day Twelve

This was the trips designated ‘free day’. With no time limits or buses to have to catch it was a great day just to unwind after the pace of the trip. Most people spent the day reading, shopping, getting massages or manicures. Definitely a lovely reward for all the hard work the team put in.
Our last dinner together was a celebration never to be forgotten. Luckily we occupied the upstairs area of the restaurant, so we managed to limit the disturbance our attempts at karaoke and dancing caused to only a few poor victims :) Such a fun night, with even Chiz carving up the dance floor.

Days Thirteen and Fourteen.

Homeward bound! A bright and early start (ok, maybe not so bright for some, after the night before), but everybody did make it to the airport in time. A quick trip into Kuala Lumpur for some last minute shopping bargains and a rollercoaster lap for some. By the time we boarded our flight from K.L. to Perth the emotions were running high. Sadness as the end of the trip drew closer, happiness to be going home and excitement at the prospects ahead of us. The team bonded really well over the trip and lifelong friendships were formed. Overall the impact trip achieved so much for us all and we are so grateful for the opportunities and blessings to have had experienced.