SERVE Cambodia 2006

Stanley

2006-11-24T13:56:00.000+08:00

Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
US poet (1807 - 1882)

Indeed just a little love, a small effort, a tiny sacrifice and some time can make a different in someone life.

After I went to Cambodia than I truly understand what is to live in a developing country. Feeling so fortunate to have a comfortable house to live in, clean and hygienic food to eat and also neat and smooth road to travel. Perhaps after living in Cambodia for 2 weeks I became of them.

When I first arrived at the capital of Cambodia I was shocked but what I saw. No tall building, no huge roads and it looks so different from Singapore. I began to open my eye, my ears and started to feel. The green pasture, the plots of padi fields, the herds of cows, the beautiful sun and clouds I know Cambodia have much to offer.

I felt so curious in many things making me asks lots of questions, as I wanted to know more about Cambodia. I began to understand their history, the problems the people faces and how is their daily life. I started to think that a simple life like the Cambodian is not as bad.

I felt most deeply is when I heard about the pol pot the genocides, where the past government killed his own people in order to “Purify” them. So many people were lost, so many families were broken, so many sadness in people and so much pain and suffering. If those people are alive perhaps Cambodia will not be in this state. I am really wondering why a person would want to bring so much harm to others to make him happy. Is this one of the human nature? When I went to one of the killing field, seeing all the skulls and bones I start to ponder what kind of pain that the people were going though that time and how they can contribute ( most of them are educated people like doctor, politician, teacher ect) to their country.

As I walk though their market, their shopping area and their schools. I was stunned. It was not air-conditioned, no proper road, not cemented stalls, and all muddy paths way, everywhere is stuff with rubbish and strange smell roam the area. The biggest shopping area in Cambodia is not even the size of any heartland malls in Singapore. Only than I realized what is to live in the country. It may sound weird but I what I see perhaps is how my grandparents were living in the 60s in Singapore.

When the bus passed though the houses of the people I saw the rusted roof, the broken house I felt so lucky to have a HDB flat in Singapore, and perhaps our small house could be a heaven to them. (Refer to the poor only in Cambodia; the rich can be really very rich. However 40% of the people are living under the poverty line)

However went began to interact with resident in the home than I truly experience something extra in Cambodia. I think with really make me feel for them is that what ever we did something for them they would always have a “thank you” behind and a smile. This little action makes a different. They appreciate what we did for them and the do not demand anything form us. Perhaps some little things to us were a great difference in their life and that is why they are so nice and kind to us.

What I cannot forget is that how they prayed for me, I remember one boy pulling my hands and prayed for me twice, those little actions really melted my heart at that time. Seeing so much concern in them toward us I am wondering do we give much love to our peers.

I really miss the resident in the two homes, both FGAC and BAC.

I really want to thank Miss Chew, Mr Ng, and BA Care, Serve team and Cambodia for giving me such memorable experience. I think this Trip gave me something extra.

I remember before I went for the trip I began with a quotation

We make a living by what we get, we make a life but what we give.

Indeed is true I made my life by what I gave in Cambodia.

Post entry: Ifah

2006-11-23T03:01:00.000+08:00

Having gone to Cambodia for 15 days has definetely made mi a stronger lady and totally change my perceptions about certain issues..I have been born in a family in which my sisters and i were always given the luxury of goin on vacations and being given wateva we wanted.Honestly speaking being brought up in Singapore,we tend to take the simplest things for granted like the 1st time we did something special for our friends or said the words,"I LOVE YOU" to our parents..No words can reli express my feelings i have towards these newfound frens i made in Cambodia..We started off nt knowing each other and nt knowing how to approach one another..But its their sincerity and friendliness that reli touch my heart...They reli respect you and appreciate every moment in time...

These are the experiences that can't be written in a book but instead can be kept as memories deep in my heart..Not a day in Cambodia that i did not cry over the smallest gesture that these kids have done for mi.Their hugs,greeting mi "Hello Sister",protecting mi frm dogs and sacrificing their time to help mi out..These are the moments i will always remember for life....No amount of monetary value can take these moments frm mi...

Having said that,i believe that my friendship will these kids will nt end juz here but will last a lifetime..If i had the chance to go back in time, i would take this opportunity to strengthen the bond in my Serve team because i believe that every single individual is unique but its the juz the small misunderstandings that usually break a friendship..So pple,put aside ure differences and start friendships on a brighter note..Lastly i hope there's a way for us to meet the beautiful pple of Cambodia again...

PS:Wld like to apologise for the super late entry!!!

Post Trip Reflection - NuuRuL

2006-11-17T00:49:00.000+08:00

Though it has been more than a month since our return from Cambodia, I often have flashbacks of it everytime I sit alone up in my room. The humble staffs and kids, the peaceful environment they live in. They are easily contented with every little thing that they get. During the celebration day, we had organized a mini carnival with some simple games and balloons. They really enjoyed it very much!

The children there had talents, hidden talents. They had big dreams of what they would want to become when they grow up and what type of job they would want to pursue although they knew that they couldn’t possibly get everything they wished for. I’m very proud of them all.

In contrary, it is different here in Singapore. Life is competitive. One has to keep pace with each other or they will be left behind. We are well-fed and pampered, never satisfied with what we have, and always asking for more. Going to school is something we take for granted.

From this wonderful trip, I’ve learnt that life does not have to be complicated to enjoy it. It could be simple yet more enjoyable. I’ve always had fear of difficulty adapting to the new environment, fear of the people’s impression towards me and how they would react, and fear of not being able to survive the whole trip.

FEAR is only False Evidence Appearing Real and hey, getting out of my comfort zone wasn’t so difficult after all! It made me a better person having being able to make a contribution and at the same time brings happiness to their lives, after having painted the canteen walls at FGAC, teaching the kids Ms Access, and most important of all, having FUN!

My perspective of Cambodia has totally changed and if given a chance, I would definitely want to go there again!

“The hand that gives is better than the hand that gets.”

NuuRuL

Post Trip- Sarojini

2006-11-16T01:19:00.000+08:00

I am really thankful for the opportunity to be able to go to Cambodia for this service. I have learnt and understood a lot of things. During the whole two weeks I experience different emotions, feelings and challenges.

I saw a totally different lifestyle that has a lot of impact on my opinion of other country’s living capabilities. Being in FGA for the first week, I was able to understand that love, passion and communication are more important that material aspects. They really appreciate and value a person’s attention and care as I communicated with them. In this issue I really feel that one person who touched my heart was ‘Annie’ as I can see the longing for love and care in her eyes every time I see her.

The kids in the center never fail to show appreciation unlike us who normally take advantage of things and feelings. I also learnt not to underestimate a person by their appearance as the saying goes ‘Don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ as I was able to see that the kids are more brighter that they seem in education and general knowledge as I communicated with them.

One thing that really made me very sad was the situation the kids have to go through when they walk to their school. It really breaks my heart to see them to leave very clean from the center and end up muddy when they reach the school. I really hope something can be done about it. * Maybe the next few serve teams can build roads for the kids*

When we reach the second place, I felt ashamed of myself looking at the place where the kids sleep as it looks like a small cabin that accommodate more than ten kids while here I always fighting with my sis for the space in the room. It thought me how to be selfless and appreciate for what I have in life.

One scene that breaks my heart was when a small boy used a string and made a knot to a brick that was being used to build the place as a car toy. He looked so pleased and satisfied with the toy he made and happily played with it where else the kids here are more fortunate but are pickier on their toys and other things.

I had a lot of memorable moments to remember such as the reflection time every night, forgetting the date and time, taking care of my two patients (nuurul & ifah), celebration days, the nature view of the country which I loved the most, a nice hot bath in the hotel, shopping spree, how scared was I to climb the steep stairs at Angkor Wat (thanks to nuurul and JZ) and lots of other things.

I believe this trip has opened my mind to look at life in different perspective, importance of teamwork, how to forgive and forget and most importantly, how important it is to treasure my life and my loved once for things may not be the same as it looks like now.

Last but not least, I would like to thank Mr. Ng and Ms. Chew for their care, guidance and concern while we were there for two weeks. Even though I missed my parents and family at the beginning, I was able to overcome it.

Sarojini

Post Trip - Mildred

2006-11-14T05:57:00.000+08:00

During my stay in Cambodia, I have finally understood the importance of communications, be it communicating through spoken, written or even body language.

The one incident that I clearly remembered was the day I fell sick at FGAC. It was one of the happier memories. Through this incident, I felt truly felt the care and concern from the people around me, be it the lecturers, , Mr Sonny, fellow servers or the Cambodia kids. There were several times I was awoken by people who were trying to take my temperature constantly with their hands, but I didn’t minded the disturbance, in fact, the feeling was good, and I was deeply touched. It’s horrible to fall ill far away from home without my parents, but I guess little acts like the ‘touch of warmth’ made up for all that. The pains, aches and sufferings were worth it, definitely!

Little acts can cheer one up, but it can also upset one, be it deliberate or accidental, since 70% (estimation) of language is body language. During the trip, there were many times when we chose not to air our views or unhappiness for fear of upsetting and offending others in the process.

What we failed to realize was that, we make matters worse as we tend to reveal our thoughts and feelings through our acts and facial expressions. These acts and expressions are ‘read’ by others, and often misinterpreted. I guess this is where misunderstandings start to occur. A small little teeny weeny misunderstanding will then snowball over time, along with many other misunderstandings.

Sadly, these misunderstandings often end with either party flaring or a cold war between the two.

Communal living is tough. To have twenty four of us to living our lives as one is a great challenge, as we come from different family backgrounds and are brought up in different environments, with different perspective in lives.

However, I think we have done our best in bad times.

At least, at the end of the day, we still regard each other as friends. (At least I think so.)

Let bygones be bygones. =)

-- Mildred --

Post Trip Reflection By Siwei

2006-11-14T00:42:00.000+08:00

15 days of life in a country I have never thought of going before. The longest trip ever since I was born, but seems to be the shortest one. The one which I thought to give more but I received more. This 15 days have been engraved in my heart and will not be forgotten for the rest of my life. The moments, memories, lessons learned has already been imprinted in me.

Before the trip, we have been told that this is a serve and learn trip. And I thought, I go to Cambodia, I will serve as I learn and it goes fifty fifty. Now that I am back, I felt that I had learnt more than I serve. What we had given them might be something material. But what I have learnt is something money cant buy.

Being a videographer, I do not usually join in activities. I watched and take down moments and so, I tend to see things which my team members cant see. Its like they are in a box interacting and playing with the kids and I am outside the box seeing each and every emotions of them. I realize that the kids there are easily satisfied. They have nothing more to ask for. Looking at myself, thou living in a fully developed country, I can never be satisfied with the things I have. Singapore is improving all the time and we will always ask for the better. When will we learn to be satisfied?

We kids staying in Singapore are so lucky to the extend which we do not know we are lucky. On the games day in FGAC, I was kind of worried when I saw the games that the kids over there are going to play. Feed the monster, the lost gem, spider web and others. These are the games which even primary school kids here do not even give a glance at. The games started, as I walked and took videos, one 19 year old teenager, Roth Chearn, ran towards me and said “Brother pig!! I got full points while playing the ping pong game and others are so fun!!” He was jumping around happily, being so proud of himself, enjoying himself to the fullest. I cried upon seeing that. They get so happy over games that we do not play anymore.

Since young, I had lost my dad. Tears do rolled when I think of my dad at times. I do miss him. But after the trip, I learned to be strong, to cherish what I have now. Kids over there do not even have any family members and they live everyday to the fullest. So why should I get sad over the slightest of things that happen in Singapore.

They taught me alot. These things can never be learnt in lessons. This trip is more than a fruitful one. Too many things I have learnt and too many things I have seen and gone through during the trip. The true friendships, the care and concern among the team, the helpfulness of everyone, the respect given are all that I have gained. Words can only convey limited messages. Nothing can describe the feeling within me for this trip, how much I love it, how much I cherish it, how important it is to me. If I have to give and example on how much I love serve Cambodia, I can only say, it is like the universe. Somehow, I think I still have lots to say, so, when I am free, I will blog again. No matter what, I have to say, I LOVE SERVE CAMBODIA!! take care guys.

sign off by,
brother pig..

Post Trip Reflection

2006-11-13T11:22:00.000+08:00

Serve Cambodia was a learning trip that made me appreciate my “good life” wonderful, fruitful and meaningful to serve experience for me. I feel so fortunate that I was selected for serving Cambodia 2006 and never regretted choosing and going to Cambodia despite of many negatives feedback from my family and most people that gave to me about Cambodia.

Cambodia is a less developed country. However, the nature and scenery is so beautiful and relaxing. The environment is one that is hardly able to find in an urban city like Singapore. Life in Cambodia seems to be simple, carefree and relaxing to me. It is a place where I can truly appreciate the nature whereby the way of living which is less simple and complex than that of a city life.

One of the great people whom I admired and learned from was Mr Sonny from FGAC. His leadership spirit, determination, motivation, selflessness and kind heart and most importantly, he and the people over there do not waste food. There was an incident where the biscuits were burned; he just ate it as he did not want to waste food. There are not many people who would do so. I was the one will think of throwing it away.
Another two great people that I want to “salute” are Dr Castro and his wife. The way they treated the kampong village patients with care and concern really shown the kindness of their hearts.

I have gained a lot in terms of knowledge of their culture, religion, living lifestyle, living conditions and many more and certainly, I received more than I gave from the Cambodia trip. Frankly speaking, I really enjoyed the hard labor and missions that we need to accomplish during our stay in FGAC and BAC. It was really a great experience and new skills/knowledge to learn from which I might not have the chance to do it in my whole “comfort” life. Such knowledge and skills can only be learnt through such experience.

I like the children and people over there. Their selflessness, friendly and kind nature towards me left me feeling so warm and touched and also made me felt at home during my stay in Cambodia. To my surprise, one of children still makes the effort to contact with me through smses. They are so brave and indeed a worthy friend to make. I will never ever in my life forget that one of the children plucked a flower for me. It was dangerous for her to do so as the flower was near the river. I was shocked by her action and would not imagine if she fell inside the river. Their patient, hardworking, strong and determination attitude had made me admirable of them too. They know the quality of living standard that they have, but nevertheless, are determined to seek a better living conditions and the lack of resources make them appreciate it more. Such spirit really inspired me when I thought of how some teenagers in Singapore take things for granted.

Lastly, I would like to thank Ms Chew, Mr Ng, all my teammates and people in Cambodia for the wonderful and memorable trip.

Karen

Dickson's Post Trip Entry

2006-11-12T23:52:00.000+08:00

It's been a month since we returned from our 15-day Service Learning Trip, SERVE Cambodia 2006. Until today, I still strongly believe a miracle happened and I am part of this miracle. Everything just happened so quickly yet so much has been done. From the pre-trip plannings to bonding camp to the actual trip. It's just mind boggling how this much was done...

Individually, I still cannot believe I have been through all this. Living in the suburbs. Living with limited resources. Living without Internet. Sleeping with mosquitoes. Bathing with bugs. Washing my own dishes and clothes. I have done so much more and honestly I don't think anyone would believe...

I miss the days when we were all lost in time. "What day is today? What time is it now?", were the questions that no one else could answer... What we all knew was our purpose and goals there. To finish up what we had promised. Everyday we would wake and just go for what we had to do. I miss the days when it all seem so slow and long... Have we been complaining how busy and short of time we are in Singapore? I am not saying there's a lot of time, there's only 168 hours a week. We will have to accept that fact and know what we want to do, definitely there will be enough time for everything...

Chatting with the kids and teenagers at FGAC, we will know more about their dreams and ambitions... As much as we want to run from our lives, they want to live our lives... What an irony... We were provided for education, food, clothes, a roof over our heads yet we want to throw our lives away here to live simpler lifestyles... It's no doubt that our lives are physically less tedious and we live in reasonable luxuries yet we don't treasure them because of the struggles living in a stressful city with skyscrapers all around...

Are we happy? Do we feel all cooped up? I definitely still believe Man were born free, away from all these restrictions. I still cannot understand why they want to live our lives... Isn't growing own food, knitting own clothes, building own homes, being self sufficient and keeping life simple better...? I know being self-sufficient needs skills, loads of them therefore a certain level of barter should be beneficial to everyone. Perhaps it could have been better if the World stopped got stuck in Time centuries ago...

Even though I don't understand why they want to live our lives, I certainly admire their attitude in Life. They treasure everything they have, are selfless, helpful and relatively contented. A simple old Stephen Chow movie can make them laugh until they drop. Even with a blackout at night, they don't curse and swear but take it in their stride while looking for a solution...

I would say the 15-day did not melt me, the "Ice Mountain". On our departure date, I only bade goodbye to my parents... I wanted to hug them but they left too quickly and I hesitated. When I was at Cambodia, I didn't think of my family or home for more than 3 times or maybe I didn't even did so. When I left brothers and sisters at the Centres, I only felt minor sadness as compared to many "fountains" around...

Why am I so cold-blooded? I am not, just being selfish. I didn't want to hurt myself emotionally. I am just emotionally prepared. I will not let such things affect me because coming together and leaving each other is just part and parcel of Life. Being attached to something or someone brings us unhappiness only.

During our 15-days, there were differences and shaves as expected. Being a Overall Student Coordinator, I had to maintain my neutral stance. I learnt that there's nothing called neutral. Even Switzerland is no longer a neutral state. What is neutrality? I chose to just keep quiet on all differences. When fires flare at me, I would tell myself that it is due to the scorching weather...

On the 11th day, I was the Day In Charge. That was the day I wondered how did the team survived the last 10 days... Each and every of us had different working methods and many things were just not on sync. I slowly realised everyone has their strength and weaknesses. Someone's strength would cover for another's weakness. Then somehow or another, the team just survived... This is perhaps one of the best realisation I got from the trip. Sometimes letting things go their way can turn out well. There don't have to be some governing body...

Through my life, I will never forget the times we spent at Cambodia as a team and will never stop admiring Mr Sonny and Dr Castro for their work. Thank you all of you for putting and living this miracle together with me. At the end of the day, I have to admit I miss the team more than the Cambodians... If there's an opportunity, let's go back as a team again...

Post trip reflection - [eStHeR]

2006-11-12T23:48:00.000+08:00

First of all, Im really sorry for this super late post trip blog entry. During some point of the day, memories of Cambodia will flash through my mind. However, whenever I sit down quietly wanting to start blogging, my mind would be in a blank. Like when I see my dad taking the clothes that we hang outside to dry back cause it was going to rain, this remind me of the times when we rushed to keep our laundry when it was going to dry in Cambodia. It shows how fortunate we are that in Singapore we are under the shelter of our home when we keep our clothes, whereas in Cambodia, people might have to run in the rain just to keep the laundry.

Now that we are back in Singapore, we each had our own different commitments and different lifestyle and all the schools projects start coming in, we would have little time and perhaps impossible to go back to the Cambodia slower pace of lifestyle. However, this also makes our stay in Cambodia more significant.

15 days in Cambodia had passed in a blink of the eye, when all seems as if it just happened yesterday. If I had a chance to go through everything in Cambodia right from the first day, I would. It was 15 days of memories I will hold in my heart now and forever.
I could still remember clearly that on the first day when we all gathered at the Changi Airport, we were so excited chit chatting around that the lady at the reception counter had to remind us to move aside for the other passengers.

On the first two days when we arrived at FGAC, we were feeling pretty restless and feel as if a week had passed when it was only second day. Slowly, we got to know the kids there and start interacting with them and that’s the start when our love for them and Cambodia grows.

During the IT class, we could see how keen they want to learn from us. It is true that we are able to learn more than them in Singapore, but how many of us are really keen on learning. Throughout the whole of our poly life, I’m sure most of us or even all of us had skipped lessons before and it is not due to being unfit for school. To them, they have goals and they know learning is important and they want to achieve their goals.

The children there are also easily contented, even treating them a simple ice-cream, they would be smiling so broadly, for Singapore children, they might even request that they want the expensive kind of ice-cream.

When we were there, all of us wanted to go to the market to see how it looks like and try the food there. But back in Singapore, how many of us are actually willing to go to the market with our mothers?

There are so many memories at Cambodia, so much things and events and people that I missed, I missed the kids there, their laughter, their smiles, their letters, their presents for us. I missed the staffs there, the way they helped us with our chores, fetching us to and fro the market, helping us with translation, cooking meals for us. I missed the trip to the markets, to phnom penh to buy our cooking ingredients, the trip to Angkor Wat, the stay in the hotel, the buffet dinner, the roadside food. I missed our serve Cambodia mates, the games we played together, the meals we ate together, the meals we cooked together, the wall we scrubbed and painted together, the mural we painted together, the medical outreached we planned and came out with, the chats we had, the reflection time we shared. I missed our teachers, the reflections we had together, the lessons they taught us and the list goes on and on.

If I were to choose if this was a service or learning trip, I would be still in a dilemma, it is a mixture of both. However I knew we had left part of our heart at Cambodia and the people there had also left part of theirs with us.

esther~

Post Trip Reflection - Hwee Yim

2006-11-05T21:36:00.000+08:00

Time flies real fast and the 2 weeks spent in Cambodia had already past. Thinking back at the first day where we were so excited before boarding the plane to Cambodia. It seemed like it had just happen a few days ago. Its almost a month after we came back. I miss the people there, the environment, the puppies, basically ALL the things there. Hahas.

At FGAC, the kids there really cherished whatever they had, never taking things for granted. They really made use of the opportunity to study. Each and everyone one of them had their own goals in mind, some wanting to be a businessman and they were working to each of their goals. But for us, sometimes most of us will tend to ask ourselves, why do we study? Do we have a goal of our own to work for? I feel that most of us go to school for the sake of going or maybe, being forced by parents to go. The end product was just to get a paper. The kids took pride in the things they do, such as their homework.
As from young, they had to do their things on their own. They had grown up to be independent young people. While Singaporean kids, things were mostly left to their parents or maid to do for them. Example, washing of dishes. Some singaporean parents were afraid of their child getting any hardships that in the end, the kid became spoilt.
The kids there do not have any luxury items like us. They can do without mp3, handphone, etc. But for us, just a day without handphone would make us go crazy.

After knowing them for just a short period of 6 days, I'm already so bonded with them. Their sincerity really made me very touched. They made cards and wrote letters for us. Some of us would receive their hand-made friendship bands from them. I had one which had my name on it. Really appreciate their effort in making the bands. I believe they had brought us alot of joy instead of us bringing joy to them.

At BAC, the kids there were less open. That was the time where we had to make our first move to approach them. As they don't know English well, we had some communication breakdown. But communication still can be done through hand signals. But you could see them really enjoy themselves playing within themselves. Their games maybe simple but they had a great time.

Comparing Singapore and Cambodia, the lifestyle are definitely very different. A hectic, stressful compared to a carefree life. Sometimes I wonder, why do people see things as so complex when things are so simple. Is it because of the lifestyle we live in? I guess so.

After the trip, I've learnt to be even more independent. Looking at things at different perspective. Not taking things for granted. At times we might have some misunderstanding, but we must learnt to forgive and forget. It might be easier said than done. But at least we try..

This had been a fruitful trip. A BIG THANK YOU to ALL who had made this Serve Cambodia a MEMORABLE one!

Post Trip Reflections - Jian Zhou

2006-11-05T20:12:00.000+08:00

Time real flies past very fast... 15 days in Cambodia has just gone like this, within a blink of eyes. It feels like it was only yesterday that the whole event actually ended, but came to think of it, it is the 25th days that i'm back in Singapore. I began to miss the people there, the environment there, basically everything. I yearn for the warmth that they had, the fun and laughters that we seldom have in Singapore.

It seemed that I really have changed into a different person after i return from Cambodia. A difference in my characterisitic which only me can tell, but hard to put into words. 15 days had really left a deep impact and wonderful memories in me. Most of the things happened in FGAC, whether is it bad or good or sad or angry, it happened mostly at there. Quarrels had sadly came about there, misunderstandings and emotionally faced problems too, happened there.. And i realised something. The people there, doesn't seemed to have the same problems as we do. Is it because that we used in living in cities like Singapore whereby the environment had structured us to become someone who cannot see things apart? Or is it just us whereby we cannot have self-control over ourselves?

Why are the kids there seemed to be so happy and stressless, even though they do not have the luxury of using the internet, computer, play stations, air-con, arcades etc.? Is it that because of those luxuries that we began much hot-tempered, much aggressive than the people there? I think so too. I've learnt that see things apart and learnt how to take certain things lightly, close one eye open the other,

I remembered the times when we cried because we were leaving, especially during the celebration night, after the performance where they prayed for us and hugging the friends there. Everyone started crying, all Serve Cam peeps, including some of our friends there.. Thinking about that, I am still sad that we have left them, missing them, but then i'm very glad that i have known the nice bunch of friends. They are people who can talk their hearts out, as if we have known each other for many years. I really feel the warmth that they gave us and hated the apart that we are leaving them, although we have been there for only 7 days. Just imagine how much we have bonded.... =)

At BAC, the kids there are much more quiet and we have no idea of how to approach to some of them. Cos at FGAC, we were getting approached to, instead of the other way. But then we learnt the skills of approaching the more quiet ones, because we dont want them to think that we left them out. The kids there are different from the FGAC kids. They need attention more than anyone else. We need to learn how to take care of the kids there, act as in father and mother of theirs... Anyways, we also bonded with the staffs there and also.. The contractors there. We onced celebrate birthday for the superviser of the contractors, whom we bonded with much more compared to other workers. But then because we dont have any birthday cakes with us, we used the mooncake we still left with to replace it. Cool right?~~

Throughout the 15 days journey, not only I’ve made many great and close friends, I’ve also learnt something. We cannot take things for granted. Those things around us, no matter how we dislike something or someone, we must try to forgive and forget whatever bad things that had happened. If not, we will be living in a miserable lives of ourselves. Although sometimes it may be hard, try not to think about it, will make life easier and happier. Don’t always think that a developed country means better living, because we have experienced that stress come in more often in developed country then not so developed ones. Without stress, we then can live well and better.

Anyways, I would like to thanks Ms Chew and Mr Ng, all my Serve Teammates and also, people in Cambodia for the wonderful 15 days there. =) *claps claps*

2006-11-05T17:18:00.000+08:00

Yuan Jin's Post-Trip Refections

Looking back on the memories of Cambodia, it seems blurry and yet exceptionally wonderful.

When we first landed in Cambodia, I see all around me dark-tanned Cambodians, skinny cows, too many people on a motorcycle and tones of sand. Cambodia is a less developed country compared to Singapore; hence there wasn’t much high-rise building. This was my first impression of Cambodia.

Our stay at FAG was fantastic. The children there are wonderful; they address us as Brothers or Sisters, something that would never happen in Singapore. Hearing “Hello Sister!” brings warmth to me. The kids there really appreciate whatever they have in life (even though what they have is little) and never take things for granted. They really cherish the chance to go to school. But for us, Singaporean kids, I feel that most of us just go to school for the sake of going to school and getting a diploma certificate. Whereas FAG kids take pride in doing their homework, cleaning up the school compound during the holidays and they have ambition at such young age. Most of their ambition will eventually contribute to the Cambodia’s society, be it a teacher, doctor or lawyer. Ultimately they want to help to build a better Cambodia, help their following Cambodians and improve Cambodia’s standard of living and economy. And sad to say, I don’t think I have goal unless you count wanting to get into a local University a goal. Also, I don’t know what I can do to contribute back to the society. After getting to know the FAG kids, I felt that they are contended with what they are and have and that there isn’t a need for us to bring joy or happiness to them. Yes, we gave them clothes, notebook, pens and a memory of us but in return, they made me view life in a different light.

Shopping at Cambodia is “ABSOLUTELY GREAT!” Why? Cause I get to bargain, bargain and bargain! Well, that’s not important. What’s important is that I get to see Cambodia’s wet and dry market. And yup, hygiene is definitely a problem there and of cause you can see litter everywhere. But that’s part and parcel of Cambodia.

BAC and FAG are poles apart. The surroundings of BAC are rice fields and grasslands, magnificent scenery. The kids at BAC are much younger and understand/speak limited English. But nonetheless, they are utterly adorable. Singing simple songs, playing easy games, playing in the rain, playing with mud and running about can make them happy and brings lots of joy to their life. Just by watching them makes me realized how simple life can be and yet we always complex it. And maybe it’s also due to the technological devices we own, such as television, computer and mp3. Speaking about technological devices, I’m rather amazed at how I can survive 15 days without television and laptop. And also, in Cambodia, I lost track of the day, date and time, these just seems unimportant and irrelevant when I was over there, unlike Singapore, every minute and seconds matters.

The trip was a superb and fruitful experience. The impression I had of Cambodia have changed, I’m in love with their fascinating culture, their breath-taking landscapes and lovely Cambodia kids at FGA and BAC. It certainly left memorable prints and made an impact in my life. And I have never regret joining Serve Cambodia 2006 and if I have the chance, I want to join the Serve team again and again. I will remember the obstacles we overcome together and cherish the friendships forged and most importantly, the times we spent in Cambodia.

“What one has not experienced, one will never understand in print”

My Post Trip Reflections - Ginni :D

2006-10-30T00:02:00.000+08:00

Ever since I’m back from Cambodia, I wish for a time machine. I hope that this time machine would stop at the time when we’re in Cambodia. But I know that this is IMPOSSIBLE.
So, the only thing i can do is to treasure these unforgettable memories.

Before the start of the trip, we’re asked if this is more of a service or learning trip. And i cannot find the answer. but after the trip, I personally feel that this is more of a learning trip rather than a service trip. Reason being very simple, i think what i had learnt from them had exceeded the services i had given them.

Every now and then, I would think of the times we spent over at Cambodia. The wide smile on the children’s faces, the laughter of the children, the hugs and kisses given from the children and most importantly the sincerity of the children is something that would make me smile from the bottom of my heart whenever I think of it. Cause it’s just too sweet and this is the kind of feeling that one can never experience in Singapore.

To me, I had learnt many valuable lessons from there. These are the lessons that taught me to grow and to become a better person. I learnt how to be less rash and to be more responsible for my own actions. And that I have to learn how to think before I speak.

Sincerity. All of us have been saying that the sincerity of the people there is nothing as compared to Singapore. The act of helping but asking for nothing in return is something that touches our heart. But yet, are we able to apply that sincerity in our daily lives? Maybe we’ll be more appreciative to our surroundings, but will it last long? And for that, I’m guilty of it. I believe after this trip, we’ll all learn to treat others with more sincerity than before.

The act of putting others before self is another very prominent value we see in the cambodians kids. Even though they had very little pocket money, they are willing to use that money to buy ice cream for us. Just to thank us for sending/accompanying them to school.

Food was simple and mostly one dish meal. Yet, I enjoyed it. Simplicity is still the best. But the one thing I feel bad about was that the children over there ate much more than us even though they’re younger and smaller size than us. This was one of the reasons why we didn’t dare to sit with them at first.

The kids over there weren’t scared of boredom at all unlike us who often find friends to go out once we’re bored. They “settled” it without a single cent spent. They played simple games like London bridge is falling down, making a flute out of papaya leaf stalk and etc.

During the 15 days, there were unhappiness among ourselves, the team and each other. Much misunderstanding occurred. Each of us thought that we’re unhappy with each other and hence didn’t dare to approach each other. This made the situation worse. In the end, the team split. All of us know that, but nobody had taken the first move (including ME)to patch things up and to be ONE UNITED TEAM again. Back in Singapore, where all of us have our own schedule, own group of friends and the question lies, will we be able to get back as a team?

But despite the unhappiness, I believe all of us had enjoyed the trip as much as i did. The joy we received from them, the beauitful scenery, shopping and etc had surpassed the unhappiness within us.

All in all, the 15 days spent in Cambodia are the best 15 days of my life. And if I were to be given a chance to go back, I would definitely not say "nO".

THANK YOU SERVE CAMBODIA FOR GIVING ME THE BEST MEMORIES I EVER HAD

THANK YOU SERVE CAMBODIA 06 TEAM MATES FOR GIVING ME THE BEST FRIENDSHIPS.

I LOVE SERVE CAMBODIA 2006 !! :D

post-trip post by peiwen

2006-10-29T18:37:00.000+08:00

It was a life changing experiencing community service trip in Cambodia. Be it the children of Cambodia, my team mates, my lecturers or the activities done, each of it has made an lasting impact in my life and it will continue making a difference in my life.

The friendships and the memories in each of the places visited made this experience invaluable and unforgettable. Remembering the days I have spent in FGAC and BAC, even though there were language barriers, culture and race differences but connecting and communicating with the children was not stumbling block to me. There was an unexplainable mutual human feeling drawn towards each other that communing together was not a problem.

Indeed, we went there to bless them with our hands and efforts in providing them a better environment of learning- mural painting and painting of their canteen, a basketball court for activities, footpath for better transportation, health care-delicing, carnival etc. but they have blessed me so much more by experiencing their lifestyle by living among them, gaining knowledge about their country, culture and language.

Knowing them personally has made me established friendships with them and even understanding their life background help me to empathize what they went through. It was not an easy life like what a normal Singaporean child would go through. Life is to be treasured isn’t to be taken granted for. I am very inspired by their perseverance in studying and striving hard for their education so that they may be able to provide for their family who maybe far away from them. I encountered a brother who shared with me how he decided to give up studying in the bible college so that he can work to provide for his family. He has 6 other brothers and sisters plus parents to provide for. The load of providing financially for a family like that would definitely not be easy alone. I boldly would ask how many of us would think of giving up our studies and dreams if we were in his position.

I am also very much encouraged by their hope in life and the never say die spirit I felt so strong in them. Things was not provided as naturally for them yet they strive and they believe that one day they will make it out of their poverty, out of the sufferings and out of the pain they may face each day. Many of us would probably complain and give up half way in when facing sufferings in our lives, how many of us would be the one of the few that make it in the ending of the race?

Another learning point that could be worth thinking about is problems we face in our lives. The problems we face each day, to us could be a major problem, but at another end of the world, people face problems like a roof over their head, the 3 meals they have to worry each day. So what are the problems we face compared to theirs?

The trip has made things very real to me. The reports and news we see daily on the television are reality, it is happening and it is not far away from us. It was a trip that has made me reflect a lot and I believe this experience would make a difference in others life when I share with them.

Before ending off, I would like to appreciate each and everyone in the team because we made it and survived. I believe there were many times that we were out of our comfort zones and discouraging moments during the trip. But I would like to say it was not the moments that we disagreed or were unhappy with each other but it is the moments that each and everyone of us struggled that we learnt grew to love and accommodate each other and relationships and friendships built among each other that we are remembering and cherished.

yus-Z post trip entry

2006-10-25T22:45:00.000+08:00

It has been almost 3 weeks. But it seems like only yesterday that we gather at Changi Airport to check in. Initially, i do have doubts about Cambodia and in myself? What if i can't adapt? What if it sucks? Fortunately, my fears were unfounded.

And so, on 26th Sept, 22 priviledged, well fed and pampered Ngee Ann teenagers arrived at FGAC. During the short span of 1 week, i have learnt and enrinched myself more than my 19 years in Singapore. The kids there are amazing. With a smile so genuine and a heart so sincere, it is only natural that we grow emotionally attached to them. They are never pretentious or fake. They are real and warm. They might be around the same age as us, but has a maturity level lightyears ahead of us. They are open and affectionate, never shy to give a hug or hold hands. It's something we can all learn from. If a kid we barely know could hug us, why is it so hard for us (and me) to display some affection to our loved ones (our parents,etc). From some of the kids life stories, i get to know a few poignant and tragic stories behind their smiles and laughter; which make me think abt the emo kids in spore. They seem to have everything. A decent house, education and a complete family but acted as if the world is against them and all that emo crap. They find joy in every small things, things that some of us might considered as insignificant. They are so respectful towards others especially the elders, while some of us (yours truly included) find it normal to call a teacher or a lecturer just by their first name. I can't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, they are better individuals than us. Maybe it is due to the environment we are brought up. We are brought up in a ratrace, materialistic society whereas they are brought up in a poor, simple yet joyful society; thus making them more down to earth and grounded. I believe we all learn so much from them. And leaving FGAC proved to be one of the most difficult thing we have to do.

During the visit to the genocide museum and looking at the skulls, its like a reminder to us that we(ie; young singpaoreans) are fortunate that we are living in a peaceful nation. very national education, but true. And i can't help but feel envious towards the richness of the Cambodian history and culture. I mean, look at all the angkor temples and the history behind it. We only have Merlion. =( and the durian thing

BAC and FGAC is as different as chalk and cheese. But, nonetheless, the kids there are SO adorable and CUTE. They don't speak much English and are not as receptive towards us, compared to FGAC kids, being so young. Still, they are so likeable and like the kids in FGAC, they found joy in every small things, like the games we put up during the celebration. A few of us have to do de-licing for the kids. It makes me thankful that we have more awareness on hygeine and stuff like that. To be honest, i was a bit afraid that i would get head lices too. But its okay. And i don't have headlices. The things in BAC is so flexible, which can be quite cool. or not. Like the sudden decision for some of us to help the villagers to build a footpath. Which has given me a great opportunity to explore the even more rural side of Cambodia. The atap houses, the wheat fields, the cows and seeing naked kids running around. Its like watching Discovery!Channel Live. And the kampong spirit is alive and kicking. Fellow villagers helping one another and us with the footpath. Oh ya, i'm also thankful for HDB flats, upon seeing the atap houses that could easily be blown off by a twister or something. And there's one thing that we didnt do in BAC that we did in FGAC. This is kind of corny, but bear with me. In BAC, we didn't have any reflection night, unlike in FGAC. Its not as if i'm a big fan of reflection, but i feel that this is the only time we actually sit down as ONE group, to share what we feel and what we think, and it's..nice.

I dare not say i have become a better person or i WILL be a better person, but i will try. Even though. And lastly, we are all humans, we screwed up all the time. And we all learnt in one way or another. This has been an AWESOME,AWESOME trip.

yus-Z

post trip reflection - Joy

2006-10-25T21:30:00.000+08:00

Time for post trip already.. so fast..

I still remember the departure day.. all of us still feeling enthusiastic about arriving Cambodia in a few hours time.. Parents arrived with most of the teammates.. Bidding farewell to their kids, who’s going overseas for the first time, to a foreign land, doing service learning, without parents, with new found friends n 2 lecturers.

It's in FGA that we really opened up to the kids, interacted with them, shared tears and laughter, them helping us with the painting and footpath, adapting well into the culture, got used to the food, learning new and interesting things along the way.. It's there that we hung all clothes and underwear for the first time together with 23 others, slept with spiders n their webs beside us, toads and lizards outside on the walls and ground, I think, a rat.. Plus plentiful of mosquitoes..

Still remember the banner that was up at the gate of BAC.. They had misspelled Ms Chew’s name as ‘Nelie’ and ‘Ngee An’ instead of Ngee Ann. Haha.

It is their new dorm that we’re bunking at.. Though it's still under construction, with a lot of things still to be done. The toilets, kitchen door, the window grills, the 3rd level, etc.. But its okie! We made do with what we had. The kids here are much smaller in size, do not look their age, just living the fullest with whatever they have.

Jonny is the boy who loved soccer a lot, and remembered the time of BAC celebration, he was the first at the booth, and came back again to keep playing whenever there’s no other kids at the booth. He also asked for permission to play with the green soccer ball together with the other boys when we’re all busy at work/out for outreach. I’m sure he’ll b a great soccer player one day.

Washing clothes with well water, hanging more clothes, brushing teeth just outside the dorm, rushing to toilets at the church and mission house (both abt 20 meters away) when we want to do business.. There are also lots of first times for the team here.

The whole team kinda got split up into 3 grps at BAC.. The mural team, the basketball court team n the delicing team.. I think each group had done a meaningful and fantastic job in the respective areas, which would definitely be remembered by each individual on their work. I have the mural’s picture as my handphone’s wallpaper/screensaver! I look at it whenever I miss the team or whenever I miss the things in Cambodia.. The sun in shades definitely made the day. I’m sure the rest of the team do have the pix on their handphone too!

Overall, it is a BIG THANK YOU to all 24 of us, with our different roles, working hand in hand, to change another person’s life, as well as our own, to bring hope and a helping hand to all we’ve visited. We have definitely brought back inconspicuous benefits and wonderful experiences that we can pat on the shoulders and say to each other, “Hey, it’s a job well done!” and “Let’s go back there and/or to some other places of similar situations!”.

Joy

Post Trip reflection - wendy

2006-10-25T11:45:00.000+08:00

The first thing that came into my mind after the wonderful 15 days in Cambodia was
"wow~! I'm so happy that I actually geared up all my courage, months before, to sign up for the trip."

I realized stuff that I learnt from this trip are invaluable and has already been unconsciously creeping into my actions and words.

In FGAC, I learnt not to hesitate when approaching people and I think I can apply that back in Singapore too. FGA thought me a lot of things. How to attain happiness from the most unnoticeable things and how to be appreciative of everything, irregardless of its size and nature. I mean if they can be so happy because of the little gestures we do, (that we ourselves dun even think much of its worth), why cant we ourselves appreciative of things like tat in real life?

And if being happy is everyone’s goal in life, and if we can control our emotions to be happy most of the time, why not let it be happy and positive then?
Then, most of us will find ourselves becoming more optimistic and cheerful.

The children, even with their harsh family background have already shown such impressive courage... in moving on from their past and working hard for their own future. The rough past they had helps to push them and motivate them to achieve better results.

I can’t imagine living in a world where my family is not with me. It is absolutely true that nothing can replace family. Yet these children have grown up in an environment with no doting complete family. They have grown to become individuals that even intellectuals would be envious of. The maturity they shown when they put their heart to doing something and the childlike gleam in their eyes when they are playing just strikes a perfect balance to me.

They are sincere and genuine in helping others as can be seen when they helped us with the footpath. I was very impressed by their strength. Do they go to the gym? No. It’s just that, living in that kind of surroundings makes them stronger, internally and physically. It’s the way they live that builds them up to be who they are today. On some level, I think that we can be like that too. But yet in some ways we can never be like them. It is something in them that is different.

In Singapore, I have been born into a middle class family and raised just like any other Singaporeans... basically with little hardship involved. Is that good or bad? At some point I began to think that, here, the flowers are so beautiful, they wither.

But plants can do wonders and grow again. Even though I can’t ever change my own family background, I can change my attitude towards things. Everything can become sunny with a quick change of perspective. The world will be a better and jollier place.

There was this boy in Cambodia that sang to us a lot of songs. He has a great voice and he sang with such emotion. It touched me that he took all his effort to explain to us the meaning in the lyrics. He says he wants to be a singer when he grows up... somehow I feel inspired me and I believe he can do it. I jus think that it’s a very interesting part of the trip for me. And I want to see him singing live one day haha.

In BAC, the children were very adorable and cute. Although we couldn’t communicate properly, we can always hug them and plan surprises for them that makes them happy. At first, the kids seemed distant and not as open, then slowly, I realized that they were really actually very playful and welcoming.

Just on the first day, they came over to help us to work on the basketball court! They are sooo young! So much younger than the FGA children. I was worried that the stones would fall on them and such. But then I realized that they are much stronger than the children in Singapore. And much more street wise.

We all made many friends there. During one of our performances, I realized that the girl that I had been interacting with, refused to join us in our dance. I encouraged her to come over, but she seemed sad and wanted to just sit and watch. I was troubled that night... wondering about what was she feeling at that moment. Why was she so sad? Could it be a haunting from the past? Or longing for her family? I will never know. But I just hope that during the few days we spent with her, we have brought some joy to her.

BAC and FGA are very different in their management styles. But to me, both work well. Maybe there was a little confusion in BAC, but we all worked through it together as a team and everything went well.

A lot of the people that I got to know in Cambodia told me that they yearned to go to Singapore because it’s a very nice country and so on... However, I wonder if they will be disappointed when they really do come over. Their world and our world are so different. Their world is so simple and lively. Ours is complicated but yet, can be ironically, quite boring at times. But applying what I learnt, this boring world can be as interesting too; if we learn to appreciate what Mother Nature has given us in its full glory and what our family has provided us with.

Working together as a team has been an enjoyable experience. I even learnt how to speak mandarin most of the time. My friends in Singapore will be so amazed.hee. In the trip, there were times when I let other people down and feel very guilty about it and times when I had to learn how to plan and organize things.

It was a new experience and even though there were its downs, there is not one moment that I want to change or forgo. Everything we went through in this trip, everything...! All concluded into a heart-stirring success. Made a lot of wonderful friends in this trip within the team that I would never want to let go off, because we shared a common vision and survived the trip together, hand in hand!

Oh...The celebration at FGA turned out to be a very memorable day and its one of the things that I will always remember about the trip. At first, I was skeptical that the celebration would be coordinated properly even though I was part of the celebration team. However, during the last leg of the preparation, we gave our all and managed to string things together neatly. Yey! I love twister ha-ha. Everyone experienced immense gratification when they saw the smiles on the childrens' faces.

Overall, for me, I not only laughed a lot, cried a lot but also smiled a lot (took photos until my jaw wants to break from smiling) during this trip. We sort of exchanged lessons and values with the Cambodians and the people we met over there. I love everyone on the trip and everyone who was part of the trip. Everyone for their handwork and tolerance. I never want to forget any detail of the trip. But memory is truly a very realistic wonder and i hope I won’t fall prey to its fickleness. And we won’t! Because we've all got our photos...and the Self-Reflection journal with all the juicy bits inside to help us re-experience the 15 days, with just a flip of the book!!! :)

Post-Trip Reflections - Alexander

2006-10-24T17:17:00.000+08:00

A 15-day trip to Cambodia, not just of pure community service, but also that of learning. Indeed, many things have been learnt, and I dare say, not only I have benefited from this trip, but even the rest of the team. And I feel that the things we have taken back from Cambodia are that of great value, and will be useful in our daily lives, even in Singapore, for example, appreciation.

Seeing and observing the lifestyle of the children we visited and interacted with in both the childcare centres has reminded me how “lucky” we, as teenagers, are in Singapore. We have almost everything we want. Yet, even as the children in the childcare centres do not have everything they want, they are not just contented, they are happy. I remember how warm a welcome they gave us when we entered each of the centres, and throughout our whole stay there. It just shows their sincerity towards “loving” us. Do we show this sincerity in Singapore? Perhaps we do, but it is not a sincerity of continuity.

Appreciation. The appreciation for our parents. The appreciation for electricity, for electricity is not readily available 24 hours of the day. The appreciation for the comfort in our homes and schools. The appreciation for hygiene. And the list goes on. These are things we “oversee” while we are in Singapore. Of course when we are in Cambodia, we appreciate their fresh air, we appreciate their simple life, their simple joys, and the list goes on.

I remember seeing a kid in a centre, while playing, his slipper broke, he did not cry, or looked shocked, or panic. He simply laughed and tried to fixed it. 5 years old. What would we have done in Singapore, as teenagers 17 to 20 years old? Looked pissed? Curse? And then get a new one, even if it can be fixed.

So, the question  Who brings who JOY on our mission to Cambodia? I would say it was a 2-way thing, we brought them joy, they gave us joy, ALL were joyful! The question on quantity of joy is irrelevant. Joy is joy.

Of course, friendships were made there, in both the centres, both kids and mosquitoes. I will never forget them.

I would say that each and every person in our team has had the chance to take up a leadership role and lead the whole team. And each has his/her own style of leading. And definitely, unhappiness would in one way or another, arise. But I feel that, what matters most from these things is that we learn from them. So that we can improve.

All in all, the trip was fulfilling. Much was learnt, much was experienced, we bathed with well water! That’s so cool. I would say everyone had fun while serving, building, painting etc…

Alexander Tang
Serve Cambodia Team 2006

Post-Trip Entry by Mabia =D

2006-10-23T00:06:00.000+08:00

In the blink of an eye, 15 days passed and now Serve Cambodia Team 2006, bringing back with them the ever valuable experience, mixed emotions and memories had safely returned to the warm embrace of their homeland, Singapore.

I had been to Cambodia for 15days and the experience and “enlightenment” from the service learning trip I returned with was just simply, simply no words that can describe. From the fearful me who had a withdrawal symptom just before leaving Singapore for Cambodia, to a stronger and a more independent me after leaving Cambodia for my homeland.

To speak the truth, I had witnessed some of the great changes in some of my serve team mates. Character wise i mean. I do not know if it is because that there are no opportunities for them to show their leadership qualities before the Serve Cambodia trip or what but, they really did "showed their true colours" during the trip at Cambodia, expressing their respectable and utmost leadership qualities. *Salutes*

As for me, although I think I am still kind of reserved, however, I feel that I am able to approach strangers more. As in, to ask “Why”, “What”, “Who”, “When”, “Where” and “How” in order to clear any doubts and not to blunder anything up because what we did over there really reflects us as a team, from Singapore. Especially for the case at BAC, where we were the pioneer batch to serve there, so whatever we do we must be cautious in order not to affect the “reputation” or set a bad record for the upcoming batches who were to serve in BAC.

Maybe, maybe people are sometimes forced to adjust to and fit the adversity of the environment. Maybe the character changes of some of us were due to the differentiation in the lifestyle over here at Singapore and over there at Cambodia. It goes the same way for the people at Cambodia. Especially the children, it must have been real hard on them.

After the stay at FGAC and BAC, the visit to Sunshine House and other places and most importantly of all, the reflection after reading the book “The Children of Sunshine House”, I realized that we are far much more blessed and luckier than the many of them. I learnt that there were just too many reasons that brought them to the orphanages and homes; sickness, the death of their parents, poverty, hunger and many more. On a deeper note, thinking, these children from homes and orphanages had suffered hardships and are very lucky to be able to be brought there, what about those children and people who are out there in the world who are not as blessed and lucky to be brought to the homes where they have a roof over their heads and showered tenderly with care, warmth and laughter?

Thinking of this, it really will make one feel so disheartened, thinking that one only have limited capabilities and are not able to do a lot to help everyone in need of help, hoping that everyone who are able, to lend their helping hands and do whatever they can to help.

Also, maybe due to the way they are brought up, they are much more disciplined and well-mannered than the children in Singapore. Maybe not all, but in overall, they are. This allows us to see the major difference between the way children are being brought up and the outcome of the way they are brought up.

Looking at the simplicity of life they are living there, we may feel like living over there, where everything will slow down in pace, where everything will be stress-free and where everything will be so light-hearted. Little did we know, they actually have their own problems. Problems which might not be deemed as a problem in our case. Problems of hunger, problems of love, problems of ill treatment, problems of longing for a shelter over their heads and many more.

To them, these are great big road blocks to their smooth future. To them, they could only walk a step at a time and dared not think about the future. To some of them, there is no hope. However, seeing and knowing that most of the children I interacted with during the trip had expressed their aspiration to hold great careers and to work real hard to visit us some day in Singapore, it was a real assurance to know that they are still gleaming with hope about their future. Hurray!

Leaving them to return to Singapore was a challenge. Although it was just nearly a mere week with them at each place but the bond and friendship had grown strong and sturdy over the days. Though we cried a lot and fought against the pain of us leaving them, I remembered one of the boys whom teased me for being horizontally challenged and no doubt I was a bit pissed initially and eventually my “anger” subsided because I find him nice and he said “Not goodbye forever” to me. Really. Tears flowed down immediately as I embraced him into my arms. Oh my god. And his name is, Sark. I will never forget you.

Last but not least, I want to say a VERY BIG “THANK YOU” to everybody who made the Serve Cambodia Trip a memorable, heart-warming and successful one! Thank you all for making it possible.

I am sure that the memories of our time at Cambodia will be deeply etched in our hearts.

Mabia
Serve Cambodia Team 2006

Post-trip reflection--linna

2006-10-21T22:54:00.000+08:00

15 days have passed, time really flies very fast. We are back from our memorable Cambodia trip, SAD! O MY GOD! It is just like a dream. Really wish that we stay in our dream longer or maybe don’t come back to this busy world (School Life!).

Really missed the morning scenery there, **the fresh air, the friendly and polite people there, the working life (mural, painting and other work that I done like footpath and a bit of basketball court), the daily life in the FGAC and BAC and time spent with the kids there.

I feel so welcome at both places. FGAC makes us feel more warm and we are more bonded with the kids there, it could be that they are more mature and they are more developed with feelings and thoughts that’s why they have feelings when we are about to leave their words and actions make us feel more unwilling to leave them. It is as though we know each other for many years or we are very closed best friends or sisters & brothers. The feelings and thoughts of leaving them made us cried at the last night. And most of them did not cry because they are too used to it as there are many student groups helpers like us have went there. But we are the unfortunate batch because we only have 6 days to spend with them and most of the time we were busy with our work not like other serve groups who went there for 2 weeks. But we still managed to bond with them. And they always show their thankfulness and gratefulness to us which make us really feel very happy and warm. They are really very helpful even our close friends in Singapore can’t compare to them. Maybe we can’t use that to compare but it is quite true that the guys there are very fit and very helpful. They even help us do normal housework which I believe not many Singapore guys will be willing to do that or maybe some girls don’t even do simple housework. And they are of great help to s without their help I don’t think we will be so efficient to finish our jobs. Every seconds, every minutes and anywhere we were able to heard their sweet and polite voice,”Hello Sister! Hello Brother!” It makes us feel great and loved. And their letters and messages for us makes us feel touch and really sad to leave them. But life has to go on. There is always times we have to leave the one we loved or close with in order for us to grow up and learn be independent. The Food there is DAMN nice and delicious! I just loved they food and fruits there.

In BAC the kids are very young and it is their first time having visitors to stay with them. We may not feel as close with them as compare to those kids in FGAC because they don’t really know much English words and we also don’t have much time to spend with them. But there are happy memories for us to bring back. The scenery there is super nice. I just loved it .I love the kampong life there but not the insects!

I just enjoyed the whole trip. Though there are some unhappy things happened among the team but we still stay together as a team. After this trip I believe everything is back to normal but we got to know each other better and make a great group of friends. Thanks the kids there for making us feel welcome and loved. Thanks Mr. Sonny, DR Castrol their family member and the stuffs there for taking care of us so well. And thanks for our lecturers for being with us all the time to look after us. And also must thank our own group member who cook soups for us , boil water for us, give us vitamins to eat , the team of people who cook for the farewell night, the video man and the photographer ,the team of people who plan for the games, dances ,cleanliness and the logistics who make good planning for the whole trip AND of cause all the day ICs for all their handwork to make things goes smoothly everyday. THANKS EVERYONE WHO MAKE THIS TRIP A VERY SUCCESSFUL, MEMORIABLE, ENJOYABLE AND WONDERFUL ONE!!

I MISS CAMBODIA!!!!!

pre trip reflection -linna

2006-10-11T10:57:00.000+08:00

Few more hours to go! I'm going to Cambodia with my team mates. I feel so excited but packing my stuff is a big headache to me! There is always a feeling that tells me that there is still something that I forget to pack where I serious don't know what is it. Is this a normal feeling when we go oversea for such a long thing? I guess so. This is the longest oversea trip that i'm going even longer than I go back to my home town. Really feel that there is alot to pack but the fact is that there is nothing to pack already. Wierd feeling!

I have been waiting for this big time for a very long time already.During sec 3 I missed this chance cause of the SARS. Finally...CAMBODIA I"M COMING!!!!! There is just a strong feeling and emotions that I have towards Cambodia. I really want to go there and help those people who I think is more in need of help than those in Singapore. There is always kind-hearted people in Singapore and even goverment to help those needy people here, but those needy people in Cambodia ,they don't really have as much help given to them as in Singapore. So they need more foreign helper like us. I feel that they are more poor and they need more help, that's the reason why i choose Cmabodia instead of Thailand.

I joined this trip all by myself even though at first i thought I will be lonely cause none of my friends is joining with me.LUCKY only after we have been choosen then I know that I actually have two friends that I know them through other friends.But to me with or without good friend accompany me go is alright ,cause there is always chance for us to make new friends!

After the bonding camp, we actually got to know each other already so the coming trip is the time where we will be getting to know each other much more better and closer!!!! It is both a learning trip and serve trip!!!!!!

My reflection before going Cambodia- Yanping

2006-09-26T03:35:00.000+08:00

The first thought when I first decided to join Serve Cambodia 2006 is that this is my final chance to go with the school to experience something different and make more friends. I’ve already joined 2 camps in year 1 and 2. I need something different. I decided to join serve trip after I being through the module in my 3.2 called the Work-Integrated-Learning. This module taught me a lot especially about service learning which I guess I could further more get more from Serve Cambodia 2006.

In order to successfully proceed with the trips, many preparations are made and before everything could be started, we needed a team. Our team, 22 persons plus 2 tutors have been rather bonded even before we had our bonding camp. This is actually rather surprising. I would never imagine how this could be done.

Heading to Cambodia in less than 12hours time makes me realize that the whole team is actually sharing a common vision and hence this vision brought us together, bonded and working well together. Well, at least I hope that this bond will last even over at Cambodia. I know conflicts might have already been created during this period of preparation, everyone has learnt to bear with it and I guess this would be a very good chance for me to learn this life-skill of holding my temper as Miss Chew said. After all being over at another stranger country, it’s the best time to curb some bad habits and temper already.

It is really near to leaving my house for airport to meet up with the team. The excitement really does build up. I really wish to experience a completely different life which we had seen in local. A simpler life which seems much more unfortunate but who knows what the people of Cambodia are thinking? Being poor might not be too bad cause often city people had worried far too much about money. “Money is the root of all evil”. I somehow felt that they are living happier than us. They are striving very hard to live and yet in local, we see many trying to leave the world. They don’t have everything that this world could provide such as clean water, sufficient food and stuff, yet they want to live. In local, we have almost all we wanted to have, some chose to die. How ironic? I wish that by experiencing this difference of life will bring me better insights of life.

As one of the year 3s, I think I got the responsible to take care of the welfare of the teams; especially there are a lot of younger juniors in the team. Well, I guess it would be mutual roles of taking care. I hope I could help the team as much as possible with my given ability. Being a big sister may not be easy but I will try. I don’t want to let myself nor the tutors down.

Pre-Trip Post by Mabia =D

2006-09-26T02:56:00.000+08:00

It’s now 11.43pm in the night. In 4 more hours I will be leaving home for the airport. Off to Cambodia. On what purpose am I going there for? SERVICE LEARNING that is. Finally, I learnt and understand the meaning and differences between service learning and community service. To think that I kept on saying “community service” in the past before the bonding camp at Punggol where I understood and learnt a lot about the cultures, practices of Cambodia and a lot of other stuffs. I am totally grateful.

Year 1 semester 1, when I am still a greenhorn in the polytechnic and am undoubtedly alien to what are being offered in the School of BA and others, I tend to hold back. However, when I got to know of the Serve trips being organized by School of BA, I told myself, I wanted to go for this trip at least once during the journey of my three years in this polytechnic. My friend then joined and so, for two consecutive semesters, I let this opportunity slipped past me. This semester I did not. I signed up the form with some of my friends and went for the interview. Unfortunately, my friends did not get in and I remembered during the interview and the confirmation, I was asked, “You sure you confirm you want to go if your friends are not selected?” Back then, I know I’m sure not to get selected if I answered “No” and I will not be able to go and when my friends are selected. So I answered “Yes”, and I am prepared for it. Really, even if my friends are not selected. So there I am, now preparing to go for Serve Cambodia Trip.

Sitting in the middle of the mess, CHOOSING what to bring over to Cambodia. Seriously, do the people in Cambodia have such luck like us to CHOOSE what to wear? I don’t think so. Singaporeans like me, are choosy and fussy over what we wear, what we eat. People in Cambodia are already very much contented if they have a roof over their heads. Shame on us. In order to be independent, to learn to show care and concern for the less fortunate, to lend a helping hand when we can, to experience what and how life is over at the other end of the world, I’ve always wanted to go for an overseas service learning trip. Of course, not necessarily overseas trip because, what can we do overseas when we are unable to even help our fellow elderly and the less fortunate in Singapore? Everything starts from scratch. Everything has its own originality. So we have to start from servicing our own country mates. We went to the so-called old folk’s home as our pre-service trip. It had been a wonderful experience as we can interact to a lot of elderly and we are able to communicate well. It’s been a pleasure to see how much they welcome and love us. So touching. So back to main point. Now I have got this chance to do my part, I will definitely make use of it to do my best to do what I can. Although there are sure to be conflicts, be it silent or verbal ones between the team mates, we know we are there to solve it, we are sure to go through all rough patches and blunders together. Am I not right?

Now that we are going to Cambodia, with most of us still unknowing what and how life there is and what is going to happen, I am sure no matter what happens, we will bring the best of what we can to the people of Cambodia, let them feel that love is all around the world and that they are being cared for. Strive on! Serve Cambodia 2006.

Mabia =D

Pre-trip Reflection >> Nuurul

2006-09-26T02:43:00.000+08:00

I’ve always wanted to experience what life would be like living in a place where only the necessities are met, no privileges. Being in a third world country where you’ll be more than happy to have a shelter over your head, barely having 3 meals a day, and hygiene practices are minimal or none at all. I want to feel what these people feel. This is the perfect opportunity.

In 2hrs time , I would be on my way there. I’ve been to several overseas study trips but this trip is totally different. This once in a lifetime Serve Cambodia trip is very special in a way that my team of 24 would be doing more than just any local community service. We're going on a mission.

After viewing the pictures during the bonding camp, I could clearly visualize what the place would be like and that really had me anticipating and expecting the worst. Yes, I have to be physically and mentally prepared for the worst that would happen.

Upon return, I would want to make a difference to the lives of the children. I would want to feel the satisfaction of giving them happiness, bringing joy, and the sharing the knowledge with them in hope that they will share them with the other kids apart from merely giving them little gifts.

Pre-Post Trip - Jian Zhou

2006-09-26T01:55:00.000+08:00

In another last than 6 hours, I and the Serve Cambodia team will be on the plane, begin our journey to a place where I never been before to do Community Service, or rather, Service Community. This would be the 1st time I going overseas without parents’ companion. Thinking about this and some other reasons like of my brother and parents’ health and my younger brother’s exam , I will have a very reluctant feeling to go Cambodia, but then 17th this year and since I came this far, I think I should not drop my duties and carry on, doing something big alone.

I came across this Serve Cambodia when my friend asked me to join. And hearing a lot from my seniors and brother who was previously a Ngee Ann student too, this really interest me. I never regret joining this team because I came to know different kinds of people and at the same time, get to make new great friends. I still could remember only after the WIL-KEYS program that people start to get bonded among one another. And also, through our bonding camp, we came to know what kinds of characteristics we have in our team, how to communicate in order to avoid conflicts among each other and produce results became something which I believed everyone has learnt from the camp.

24 different individuals, originally didn’t know one another, came together to perform something for the outside world is definitely something which is difficult to accomplish. However, we made it seemed like the last 3 months had been a fruitful one. When told to others that our group has not yet done our service in Cambodia, some people wouldn’t have believed because of the way we acted, as if we have known each other for at least a year or so.

Being in this Serve team, I believed my purpose is really to help the people there, to help build a new and better place, but at the same time, having fun while working. Although I have done a lot of community services in Singapore, it is kind of different when you work overseas because of the environment, different kinds of people and unpredictable situations which you may not have faced before here. Watched a lot of documentaries when I was young, part of being influenced by my father, I have learnt a lot and realized how fortunate we are living in Singapore where water and food are readily available. Although my parents keep on saying that I still do not really have the survival skills yet, I am willing to try out this time.

I believed that this trip will be something which will bring the people there and us happiness, and also, valuable lessons of living to be learn. I hoped that conflicts among one another will be as minimal as possible and of course, everyone will enjoy every single thing they do there and instead of complaining why the thing happened, think about why this will happen and the ways to prevent the same thing from happening.

Pre-Trip Post

2006-09-26T01:49:00.000+08:00

I first knew about this trip from some lecturer who was telling us about it after a lecture. Initially, I didn’t really pay much attention to it as I was busy trying to finish writing my notes. It was only until later that day, when I saw a notice regarding Serve Cambodia on the NP website, that I started to pay more attention to it and slowly began to recall what the lecturer earlier that day had said.

It has always been my wish to do my bit for the community and I saw this as a perfect opportunity. I know I could easily join in some volunteer group and do community service every week. However, I feel that the people in those third world countries deserve more attention. Comparing them and the needy in Singapore, I feel that the former have poorer living conditions, less things to eat and have less ability to get help. Therefore, I made my way up to the admin office to get myself a copy of the application form for Serve Cambodia 2006.

When I was notified of my successful application, I was so excited that I started making plans on what I wanted to do for the people there and what I wanted to bring for them. Never did I expect the amount of preparations that was lined up for me to be done before the trip. I was assigned to be in the Research Cambodia Team. There was much to be done and researched on before we embark on our trip. We needed to find out things like the climate, population, map and even things like the political unrest in Cambodia in 2003. Although a lot was to be done, I felt that it was nonetheless essential for all of us to know how the country is like and what to expect when we get there.

Other than doing research, we also prepared lots of items to be brought over there for the children. These items were divided equally among ourselves so that we would all share the load. Apart from these preparations, I had to start planning on what I needed to bring and what I needed to buy for my own personal use. I had to make appointments with my doctors to get the necessary vaccinations and adequate medications for my trip. I had to make a trip down to the mall to get more T-shirts and pants as most of the clothes in my closet weren’t really suitable for the trip. Last but not least, I had to get down to the tedious task of packing everything into my new 60-litre backpack.

As the day of the trip draws closer, my excitement grew. As of now, it is only a matter of a few more hours that I will be in Cambodia. I just hope that together with my group, we are able to do something fruitful and make a difference to their lives.

Pre trip post - [eStHeR]

2006-09-26T01:33:00.000+08:00

“Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with that happened to him.” – Aldous Huxley

[just another 3hours before i see all you at the airport =))]

Life hasn't been quite the same for the past month. Holiday had been really different from all the previous ones. Holiday would usually means working and plainly hanging out with friends. For this holiday, I had been busy juggling work, meeting up with friends as well as preparing for this serve Cambodia trip. It is an experience little has, it is an experience that I chose to make it happens.

I took a big step out to apply for Serve Cambodia 2006, not knowing what’s going to happen. This is already the 3rd year of my polytechnic life, for the past 2 years, poly life simply means coming to school for lectures and tutorials. This trip is going to be a lifetime experience, a turning point in my poly life. When I first told my dad that I want to go to Cambodia to help the people there, he would go like “Don’t go lah! There are mines, very dangerous.” Now that he allows me to go for this trip, it just proves that he had build trust in me, know that I had grown up and would take good care of myself.

I had been living in Singapore, in our own comfort zone for the past 18 years or so. I had always been pretty lucky, able to get into the secondary school and polytechnic of my choice as well as being able to study a course that I had interest in. Truthfully, I had never ever suffered before; I had been hiding under the wings of my parents all along. They had been protecting, caring me all my life, even till when I was packing my luggage my mum would be there asking if I had brought this and that along, etc.

It is time for me to do something, to help those little children who are not as fortunate as me. They are as fortunate as me but it doesn’t means that they are not as happy as I am. To each individuals, how to find happiness are different. Some people could easily be happy, while some have higher expectations. Hopefully, my presence there could bring a smile on their faces and hopefully, I could learn some things from them.

A part of me wanted to do something for the society, while another part of me wanted to go on this trip for an experience and to learn. Sometimes, I wonder whether I am going this trip for my own sake of is it to help others. During the bonding camp, we had been asked a question, are we going on a service trip or learning trip? I do not have the answer to it; perhaps there wouldn’t even be a model answer to this question or I might have the answer to this question only after the trip.

Through the bonding camp, I realized that I would be living with another 23 different people. Each one of us has different live, different experience, different opinion, different thinking and different ways of doing things. We can’t change anyone and we shouldn’t be changing anyone, each one of us is unique in our own ways. However, there are bounded to be conflicts. This is why there is a need for all of us to learn to accept one another, whether it’s the flaws or beauty that we have inside us.

This trip is definitely a lifetime experience that I cannot miss. We would go as team and come back feeling like a family. =)

esther

pre trip reflection from siwei.

2006-09-26T00:29:00.000+08:00

i have heard about serve cambodia the first semester i entered ngee ann poly. i have friends who joined but i didnt think much of it. didnt really expected me to have joined in the end as well. the main reason for me to join serve cambodia is because i hope to share and help and of cause, to learn.

since young, i have been leading a good life even though i grow up in a single parent family. i am considered lucky enough because i still have my mum. children over at cambodia are ophans and i hope to bring joy over to them. i do feel that life in singapore is great and still, we kids still complain over slightest of things. so i hope, after the trip, i will be more sensitive to life and be more mature along the way.

when i was young, my mum often brought me to homes for the elderly to help them and stuff. as i grow up, these activities lessened. i miss the feeling when i helped people. when they smiled and laugh when you do things to help them. i will feel very good. this time round, i am determined to share the fun and happiness in me, together with the kids over in cambodia. i just enjoyed bringing laughter to people around me. i wan to do a part in spreading happiness around this world.

this will be a great learning opportunity for me to learn to be independent. it will be the first time i leave my home, my family for such a long period of time, to a foreign and unfamiliar place. its a once in a life time experience to me and i guess if i were to miss this trip, i will definitely miss lots of things to learn and lots more.

i believe this trip, will not only benefit the kids at cambodia. we will also benefit from it. we are not helping and serving them only. we are also learning from them. the different lifestyles that we have. there is too muach a difference. if they were to live our lifestyle, they will be happy and glad. if we were to live their lifestyle now, will we be able to take it? just pondering.

all in all, i am going to learn and to serve. this will be a very fruitful trip for me. i will cherish this alot as not many people have the chance to go and see the outside world. buddies of serve cam! i believe we can work very well, hand in hand to help to serve right? lets work hard together and cheers!! this is getting exciting for me. just a few hours left and i have to coop on my own without my family around me. after this trip, i will be another new person. this will most likely be a turning point in my life.

Pre-Trip Reflection - Sarojini

2006-09-26T00:27:00.000+08:00

I never thought there will be a time I write down my thoughts in words because I do not have the habit of having diaries. But now sitting on my favorite sofa and penning down my thoughts, expectation and believe is interesting. The first time I heard about this trip I was very much interested in it as I wanted the experience of being able to help others whom I do not know of. When I was chosen I must say that I was very excited.

Coming form Malaysia, I thought I had a less comfortable life compared to Singapore in the earlier times when I was here and I guess I am definitely wrong as I know there are people out there facing a more harsh life then mine because I was given a chance to choose unlike other who are more than happy to get anything at all.

Throughout the bonding camp I had learnt a lot on the difference of my perception of the trip and the information given to me. I thought it would be a very relaxing trip while we serve the children but after the camp I got the actual picture of the trip of hard work, knowledge and relationship.

The slide show shown by Mr. Ng in the bonding camp of the difference environment of the well established countries and third world countries really touched my heart knowing how they suffer and have difficulties to have the basic needs in life while others are fortunate to have more than enough for themselves. I really wish to make a difference in the children life even if it is small because I believe every human has the right to lead a good and comfortable life.

I also learnt on teamwork by experiencing it in the camp. As Yuan Jin said, there are always two sides of the coin and we have to be considered of others idea, thought and feeling in order to be successful. My advice, take things light and enjoy the trip while you gain experience.

I know that going on this trip does not mean I have learnt everything that I need to know about life but the learning process has just begun for me and the journey route is very long. I really hope to give what I have (all my care, love and knowledge) to the children so that it will make a difference in their lives which may be a beginning of their journey just like mine. So, will all my expectation will be met, discovered and experienced?

Check out my entry after the trip.

Pre-trip reflection - Hwee Yim

2006-09-26T00:22:00.000+08:00

In another few more hours, I'm going to meet my team at Changi Airport. I'm looking forward to the trip and working together with the rest of my team. Its the first time I'm leaving my parents for another place for 15 days without them around.

I became interested about the serve trips during the freshies orientation. I wanted to go for the trip is because I had not experience community service at another country before. Its a good time for me to experience it. I had been leading a good life since I was born and had no real experience of how poverty is like. I had never been to a third world country and through this opportunity, I'm able to know more about the lifestyle and culture.

Some people may ask me why do I have to go all the way to other country to do community service where we could also help the society in Singapore. In Singapore, there are helping hands everywhere while in third world country like Cambodia, millions of kids out there, searching for helping hands and warmth.

I join this trip is also to get to know more new friends. Some of us really bond before the actual trip. But will we still as bonded after the trip? I join this trip is also to train up on my leadership skills. I believe leadership skills can be improved on through getting myself hands on.

I was selected to be the I/C for logistics. I had never do logistics before and I had a hard time esp during the bonding camp where me and my partner had to rush the logistics stuffs. As both of us had no experience of doing logistics before, we had a hard time getting things done. But luckily, guidance from the more experience ones had really help us alot in getting the things started.

I hope for a good trip to Cambodia and a good team working together. Bringing joy and warmth to them, hoping to add more colours to their lives.

Pre-trip post by Karen Lim

2006-09-25T23:30:00.000+08:00

Actually this is my first trip ever overseas. I’m really looking forward to taking a plane and seeing how someone else lives their life elsewhere.

How would it feel like in a plane? How long will be it feel actually feel like cooped up in the plane? Would I like the food there? Would I be able to cope actually?

I started doing community service 4 years ago as part of my CCAs last time. Community service has always been on the easy side. I was not required to engage in any activities that involved too much menial work or invest in-depth emotional feelings. Most of the time, I were there to provide companionship and a listening ear. No sweat.

This time, however, I will be there in a more participative capacity, no more just smiling to the little old ladies or playing with children.

This time, what I will be doing will leave a reasonable impact in the future of the quality of peoples’ life. I would not be coming back and so my contributions would have to have a telling impact. I would not like to leave a mess behind would I?

Living in a life normally where life’s comforts are at an arm’s reach, I would be now out of my comfort zone. I cannot expect a comfortable bed to return to and air conditioning on demand, but what I can expect is a mental toughening, a stiffening of my spines and the genuine joy of working for the benefit of others.

I hope not to think of my time spent there as work and complain about the conditions, but to embrace my noble purpose there and to make a difference with my contribution.

Karen

Pre-Trip - Dickson

2006-09-25T16:18:00.000+08:00

In another 12 hours, I will be meeting up with 23 others at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1, Row 5.

In another 15 hours, I will be flying off on JetStarAsia 3K591 heading towards Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

In another 17 hours, I will be on a never-stepped-before foreign land, away from my family and home.

------------------------------------------------

Approximately 4 months ago, I retrieved a SERVE Cambodia 2006 form. I filled it and handed it up, even without the company of my friends.

It is going to be an opportunity of a lifetime.
An opportunity to journey through from 1st World to 3rd World.
An opportunity to widen my viewpoints and thoughts.

Pictures speakth a thousand words.
In pictures, we see smiles before a Singaporean skyline.
In pictures, we see smiles before a Cambodian village.
We live in high-rise buildings, they might not have a house.
We pick on food, they might be starving.
We wear branded, they wear rags.
But do you see any differences on those smiles?

No. Despite the differing lifestyles, we all wear the same smiles. In fact, I think their smiles come more often than ours... They are contented if they have a roof, clothes and food. We never get contented and continue chasing after more money, bigger houses, better food and more branded.

I ask myself, "Do we have the right to judge that we are leading a more right, better lifestyle than the Cambodians? Is it definitely better if they develop and live our lives? While the Cambodians have their problems, we have our own problems too. Will it be better if they live our lives, are exposed to our problems and become as glum as we are? Will they be better off being status quo?".

Think again, our main objective for the trip is perhaps service-learning and personal development. Our secondary objective is to help the childcare centres build requested facilities.

We are there to learn and realise ourselves more.

For the past month, we have worked together and it all had turned out well.
24 different individuals, 24 different personalites, 24 different thinkings.
In the next 15 days, 24 of us will be our only reliance.
In the next 15 days, 24 of us will once again make things happen and turn things out well.
In the next 15 days, we will learn what we cannot in textbooks and 150 days.

pre trip post by peiwen

2006-09-25T15:33:00.000+08:00

This is not my first time going to Cambodia, in fact it is my second because I am still so in love with that place. Cambodia is a place very rich in culture and heritage. Even though the people there may not have the best environment to live in, they are still very much blessed with various organizations and missionaries groups to relief their situations there.

Being in Singapore makes me feel very fortunate when I compare myself to other people. Most of my needs are being met and I do not have to fret over the basic needs of life. Unlike me, the Cambodia children may even have to worry about their 3 meals and a shelter for them to stay under, so what is going to happen next in their life and what is their future? They probably won’t even know the answer themselves. The more fortunate children would probably have a roof under their heads, meals being taken care of and even a school to study in. But the unfortunate ones do not even have clothes to wear.

Many times I would think I can help the children there and try my best by providing them their needs, it is true I can help them but also in fact they are the ones that help me learn and giving the experience I would not have if I did not choose to go on the trip. It helps me to learn to be contented and see beyond my own needs and being exposed to the world out there.

This team is made up of people with different personalities and characters. As far as it is, within a group, there will definitely be different opinions. The bonding camp was like training ground for all of us when we learn to work with one another. So I think it is very important for everyone to have open heart and mind to be ready to accept each other. That is a part of growing and experiencing. I believe it is essential as well in the future in handling human relations.

I believe every trip is different. Even though I would likely know what I would probably expect there in terms of environment and people, but unexpected events will still occur. I am someone who does not like changes; therefore I hope to be able to adapt myself in every situation I face.

Some of the objectives I have the trip I hope to achieve is I hope to bless the children with what I have, build friendships in this team and gaining new perspectives different from the previous trip.

I hope that all of us can have fun and learning something valuable from this trip…:)

Pre-trip Blog Entry-Latifah

2006-09-25T14:15:00.000+08:00

Life is full of people who will make you laugh, cry, smile until your face hurts, and so happy that you think you'll burst. But the ones who leave their footprints on your soul are the ones that keep your life going.

Since 1st year in poly,i came across this poster that reads SERVE CAMBODIA...I've always wanted to take part in overseas expedition project but i simply cannot find the time to do just that..But now that i have one more semester left in Ngee Ann Poly,i feel that i should contribute my time and services to make their lives a much more happier and fulfilling one...Living in Spore has made all of us very dependent on our family and friends.Everything that we want is right in front of our eyes and because of that,we tend to take things for granted..The reason i signed up for this Cambodia trip is to challenge myself physically and mentally and to raise my limits up to a certain level..I've heard people say that their lives have made a 360 degrees turnaround after they come back from an overseas expedition project...

As you know living with 22 people with different kinds of personalities is indeed not easy but im willing to see hw it turns out to be..I guess thru the preparations that we have made as a team made mi realise that a person could have double personalities which is a good and bad one.This is indeed a test of friendships as to whether they are real friends or just friends that are onli there for you at that moment of time only..

Im glad that i have my own grp of friends who supports me in participating in this overseas expedition project.Juz a few words for my fellow team mates: Though sometimes some of us do miscommunicate, i hope that we put all our differences aside and maintain a positive attitude in Cambodia..Imagine that all our tiny squabbles and misunderstandings are nothing as compared the poverty lives that Cambodians has to go through everyday of their lives..

3 cheers for our Cambodia trip!!!!

pre trip post~

2006-09-25T13:01:00.000+08:00

Everyone born in this world has a unique role that only he or she can fulfill. Were this not the case, we would not be here. The universe never acts without cause; everything invariably has a reason for being. Even the weeds people love to loathe serve a purpose. I might add that every cherry blossom has its own personality, a purpose and meaning in life that is unique to it—as do the plum, peach and damson.
Daisaku Ikeda
http://www.ikedaquotes.org/contents/quotes/life.html

When it was announced that it is going to be either Cambodia or Thailand, I wanted to join the Cambodia team. Why? I felt that between Thailand and Cambodia, Cambodia still needs more help, in terms of economic and standard of living. There are so many things that really made me want to go Cambodia more. The culture, the experience beyond just sight seeing, the lessons we can learn beyond textbooks.

She is still a 3rd world country, who suffered under Pol Pot. Millions of people killed under his rule. There is still the Vietnam War, which also got Cambodia involved. She needs a helping hand badly though she is improving.

As with the quote above, each and every one of us in the team are different individuals. Each of us are unique in our own way.

A plum is a plum. A cherry is a cherry. A peach is a peach. A damson is a damson. When all are planted into a garden, they beautify it. People get to enjoy the scenery. Each of us with different characters are coming together, to help someone else in need, to give others a better life. To put aside all our differences and go there together as one. Before we help others, are we helping ourselves too? To strengthen each other’s strengths and to overcome own weaknesses.

To teach what we learnt, to understand, to love, to forgive, to forget, to smile, to solve, being passionate, to bring joy to the places we are going. It is all so many different emotions coming together as one, from many different people. Many bodies, one in mind, but are we there yet? I do hope so since its just hours to the trip now.

This team, consisting of 12 year 3s, 5 year 2s n 5 year 1s, is the largest team so far who’ll be going to Cambodia all these years. With half the team graduating soon, would the others cope? I think they did a good job in the bonding camp. *cheers for them*

Cambodia is a place where most of us will be there for the first time. What will happen there? What is it like over there? How tough will it be over there since most of us are so used to the luxuries we have in Singapore? Will we get used to the culture there fast? Will we interact well with the kids? Will they enjoy what we gave them? Will they remember us? These questions I do not know and will not know till we come back from there.

Many things happened during these few weeks.. All of us are busy with all our different roles. Let us all really come together as one to bring joy, hope, fun, laughter and happiness to all around us over there.

cheers

joy

2006-09-25T02:39:00.000+08:00

My Pre-Trip Reflections
By Ginni :D

I’m always very interested about overseas community service and had looked forward to be able to participate in it. Hence, I would like to make use of this opportunity to thank Ngee Ann for allowing me to participate in it and to thank the teachers for selecting me. THANK YOU! :D

For me, I joined Serve Cambodia without knowing anybody but will the mentality to help the less fortunate over there and to gain multiple experience, life skills and beautiful memories from there. And I’m very glad to be able to know this group of friends from Serve Cambodia. Each and every one of them is unique in their own way and has a character of their own.

Joining the trip as a year 1 is quite intimidating for me as I didn’t know anyone there at first, but slowly, as time passes, things got better. The seniors really taught and helped me in several many things such as computer knowledge, leadership skills, interpersonal skills and etc.

During the bonding camp, we were asked many questions such as “is this trip more of a service or learning”, “what’s the difference between the Cambodian kid and me?”, “what’s the difference charity and transformation?” To be frank, at this point of time, I still dun have a complete answer to these questions. And this worries me, because if I don’t have a answer, why am I going Cambodia? And I hope I’ll be able to answer these questions when I come back from there. But nevertheless, I hope to learn as much as possible from the Cambodian kids and the whole trip itself. They may not be as fortunate as us (we Singaporeans) with e stable government and economy. Poverty over there is prominent.It’s difficult for them to have 3 meals a day, a proper sleeping area, a proper home but yet they are able to carry a smile. Why is it so?

As the trip draws nearer, meetings become more frequent and hence the probability of having conflicts is inevitable. Through these conflicts, all of us grow up. We learnt about the good and bad points of each other. We learnt about each other’s management style. Some may be stubborn, some may be quick-tempered, and some may be the peace-makers while some will just sit back and be the audience.

As much as how I looked forward to the trip, I questioned myself if I’m able to adapt to the environment there. Will I get use to the food over there; will I be able to get use to the culture over there? How adaptable am I? Being born in Singapore, most of us are pampered with the “good things” that we have over here. Will we be able to put the “good things” down and not compare to the Cambodian?

Someone once asked me, “Why am I paying $388 to serve others?” I answered by saying “I don’t pay to serve, but I pay because I’m want to serve”. I want to give a helping hand to those in need over at Cambodia. I want to have a feel of what it is like out of the comfort zone. I want to feel what it is like to live in a third world country.

All in all, I hope that the trip will be enjoyable and fruitful to each and every one of us. The trip ahead may be tired and challenging, but fear not, because we all have each other for support and help. I believe we’ll be able to work as a team and laugh, smile, joke and cry as a team.

My Reflections - Alexander

2006-09-25T00:59:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I think to myself, am I doing enough for the community? Recently, I was pondering upon this question, and the answer is clearly a “NO”. What does it mean to “do community service”? What does it mean to “give back to the community”? Many people have different viewpoints on this. There is no definite answer, but to me, what matters most is the intention behind doing “community service”, in other words, are we doing community service for the right reason? I feel that learning only comes after this stage.

Living in Singapore, I would say most of us are more fortunate (economically) as compared to the population in Cambodia, where we are heading to. Because of this, some of us (eg. me), are more pampered and spoilt (not that being in a more fortunate country is bad). In short, we take things for granted.

As I was packing my bag for the trip, I realized I was taking very long, in fact, it was longer than usual. I had so many things to pack, so many things to choose to bring. I was thinking whether I should bring a backpack or a luggage. What I am saying is, I was “spoilt for CHOICE”. Thinking about the Cambodian kids, do they generally have this service/privilege called “CHOICE”?

Ever since I came into the polytechnic, I told myself that I would try my best not to be such an introvert, and just be “active”, and participate in whatever activities I can participate in. Ever since, I have joined many things, ranging from teambuilding camps, to leadership roles in the school’s orientation programme for freshmen, roles in my cca, even roles outside school. What have I learnt from these? I have learnt more about Leadership. Is Leadership important? Yes, leadership IS important. However, what good is leadership if you can’t even CARE for people? What good is leadership if you only think about yourself?

On another note, by working as a team, there is bound to be arguments, conflicts, silent wars, negative remarks about/to each other. I guess having these “vitamins” makes the team “healthier”, in the sense that we will be able to learn from each other’s mistakes, and then grow as a leader/follower from there. However, having an over dosage of these “vitamins” will not be too good for us. I guess we should learn to accept each other and forgive all past grievances. By forgiving, I do not mean forgetting, as you might have heard from some people saying “forgive and forget”. How can one forget, unless he is brainwashed? However, by forgiving, I mean to put away all anger, malice, slander, hate, and not bring it up again such that it may cause more hurt. Which is easier? To continue hating, leading to gossips, leading to more division among the group, or just simply forgiving? On the other hand, does asking for forgiveness mean you “lose face”? I do not think so. We should also understand that as humans, we are all different; we have different styles of working, different personalities, etc…

I believe that we are still learning, at least, I am still learning, because I still have a lot to learn, whether it is about leadership, or about caring, or about forgiving, being more understanding, or about Cambodian kids, their culture, their lifestyle.

For this trip, let’s all have fun together while learning; let’s exchange our laughter with them. I believe that this trip will change my view on many things by the time I reach back home. I am glad that I have the chance to go for this service learning trip to Cambodia.

By,
Alexander Tang

Pre cambodia trip post

2006-09-24T18:28:00.000+08:00

The many sounds that meet our ears, the sights our eyes behold,
Will open up our merging hearts,
And feed our empty souls. - Stevie wonder

Its funny how we (ie; young Singaporeans) took things for granted. We have a decent roof over our head, a world class education system and almost everything in our mercy, and yet we are complaining abt everything and anything 24/7
And i do that all the time. Even though, im fully aware that some of teens ard my age in a 3rd world country are probably much worse off than i am, no food, no money and no house. I would watch them on TV and thinking "oh poor them...i should consider myself fortunate and not take things for granted." And i would be all remorse about how self centred i was...for the next 5 mins or so.

See, the thing is, Singaporeans in general, are a fortunate lot and we will never know how fortunate we are till, we really experience life in a 3rd world country. It's not the same as watching them on Discovery channel or in the news. And so this Serve Cambodia trip is a great start for me.

I hope to make a difference, big or small, to their lives. Mr Ng once said during the bonding camp about how we are going to bring joy/happiness to their lives. And i am like "REALLY DUDE?" I was thinking are we the happier ones just because we have an easier life compared to them. Does all this things like, good food, a condo, a stable PAP govt make us a happier lot? Or are we all just encased in a hollow shell chasing the Singapore Dream? I don't know.

This Serve cambodia trip also serves as taking a huge leap of my comfort zone and experience the hard life.

2006-09-24T16:38:00.000+08:00

Pre-trip post! Enjoy!

I have always been living in comfort due to my parents’ hard work and I got to admit, there are times when I take my family, friends and money for granted. I know how lucky I am to be born into the Goh family, living in Singapore where it’s strategically located, it has a stable government and it’s a peaceful country. But there are times when I lose myself and find my life meaningless. Hence the decision to join Serve Cambodia because I want to know what it’s like to live in a less developed country and how it feels to be them, eating, working and sleeping in poverty. And I’m in need of a change in environment even though it will only be for two weeks.

The Serve Cambodia team has been meeting up constantly for the past few weeks. Yes, there are conflicts, differences in opinions and unsetting issues, but I hope that we can learn to accept one another’s flaws and accept that person for who he/she is. That’s always two sides of a coin, what you perceive may be different from me but that doesn’t mean either of one of us is wrong. I guess everyone needs to keep an open mind and accept other opinions.

Two weeks before, I was very excited about the Cambodia trip and anticipated tons of fun. But today, I am somehow afraid to expect too much. Nonetheless, I hope this trip would make a difference in my life as it will definitely be a memorable journey. I expect a different me when I’m back from Cambodia or rather a much better me. I want to learn to be independent, selfless, to have a caring heart, to curb my temper and improve my tolerance and patience. Through this trip, I wish to get to know all the 24 of us better and to not judge others based on words of mouth but through interaction. And that when we are back in Singapore, we will all still remain as friends and not foes. Forgive and forget.

I hope I can help the people of Cambodia and that I can bring them joy and laughter. And also that our stay there would leave them memorable prints in their life as it will definitely have an impact on mine.

As for the Serve Cambodia Team 2006, I feel that we are going that with the same goal and intentions, so let’s do everything with perseverance and patience. The road ahead may seem daunting at times but with will power, we will see the light at the end of the tunnel. And we should enjoy doing everything out of passion and loves. It is pointless doing something that you are forced to do.

Let’s enjoy our trip, have tons of fun and laughter and not be crippled by obstacles along the way but try to overcome them. =D

YuanJin

Reflections before the Cambodia trip-Stanley =D

2006-09-18T16:57:00.000+08:00

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston ChurchillBritish politician (1874 - 1965)

With this quotation in mind to serve and to give the less fortunate I took the first in joining this Cambodia trip. Wanting to broaden my horizon and to see the world we live in. Perhaps living in Singapore we have everything we want and have a stable government to take care all of the citizens. We do not need to worry too much about food, water and shelter these basic necessities; we cannot see how many people from other country is living in poverty and constant struggle for survival.

Watching the Documentary about the developing country I have always want to experience it myself being there. Looking at the poor, the staving, the death, the sadness in people in the television I wish I could do something. Luckily in NP I have the opportunity to do something for the poor. Although it may be a two weeks trip, we cannot save the people; we cannot change the people life and eliminate they gloominess. However I believe it will make a different in myself.

We make a living by what we get but what we get does not write our life. We may have big car, luxury house and tons of money but that does not mean happiness. True we can live lavishly but the heart of one person will not me full if we do not give. It does not mean we have to serve the poor, but at least make someone happy. Family members, friends? Only when we give then we will feel the fullness in ourselves, it does not mean money but true giving. A spoken thanks form the people and a smile will be anything worth doing. What I want to say is that I want to brighten some people. Although is just a small act it like organize games and paint a wall it makes my life in this world meaningful. Life is the events and live is the basic need to stay alive. We should live our life rather than to live for the sake of living.

Cambodia, helping people, love, and friends and giving all these are big words before the trip. I personally know it is just saying but only when I did it than I will truly understand. People, will there be happy when they see us? We they feel warm? Will they understand? Will things happen as we planed? Although having the heart to serve but these uncertainties makes me worry. Nonetheless I feel that that uncertainties make it special to go Cambodia, if everything happened as we planed the value is not as great.

Many things are going on in organizing the trip, many views from each person and many objections in disagreeing with others. We may not have the same perception, same personalities and same feeling. However, I believe the people going the trip will bring a whole heart to give and share and they know the reason of their life. They want to serve so they join the trip right?

People say that serving trip will be more work and fun, but I am sure that we will take pleasure in the work we do. Getting fun from social activities, sight seeing and shopping. And that everyone will get his or her thoughts back to Singapore. The trip will be a memorable (bad or good) and fun.

I do not know what will happen in Cambodia, but all I wish is that everyone will be save back home and that we will be a person who has the extra passion in our heart.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.

Stanley

2006-09-05T00:20:00.000+08:00

hello everybody,
i'm so sorry for not passing the message abt today's meeting efficiently. it's my bad.
SORRY GUYS!
n because of this, some of u guys were not told of today's meeting n that missed out the information.
n i realised that i shdn't rely on the blog too much. hahha.
(:
ginni

2006-08-29T22:43:00.000+08:00

hello everyone,
mr ng just called and said that there's a meeting next monday. haha. details are as follows:
date: 4th Sep, mon
time: 10.30
venue: blk 72-03-01
it's compulsary and everybody has to attend. so ya.
we'll be discussing abt the bonding camp and some community services after the camp. haha
so that's abt it.
cya on mon n dun miss me too much kies. muhahha
(:
ginni

meeting!!!

2006-08-29T00:42:00.000+08:00

as u all noe the few of us went to pulau ubin that day. (yuanjin, siwei, dickson and me) we have check out the place. a few of u have reflected wanting to go but that day was rather last min and u all cant make it. i hope we could arrange another day and go there and enjoy ourself again too. tbc again alright

okok. as u all know the bonding camp is near, we will need a meeting without the tutors so that we could plan the camp and who to help what. i guess all should should attend before we spilt into groups. what about 4th of sept so that we have exactly one week to plan? or u all wan earlier like this wed or thurs? please get back to me asap at 96371479 or lion_yp@hotmail.com (msn).

*urgent*

2006-08-26T15:07:00.000+08:00

Hey babes and dudes!!!

A few of us were thinking of going Pula Ubin (pardon my spelling) 2molo which is 27Aug(Sun) to cycle . Yuppi, it's kinda a last minute thingy but those who are interested, pls get back to us by tonight mid-night ya. Even if there's no big response from the rest of you, YanPing, Siwei and I are still gonna go ahead with the cycling. =D

So just sms anyone of us if you're interested.

The contacts are:
Mi (YuanJin) 90479719
Yan Ping 96371479
SiWei 91895040

Looking forward to your response.
Best Regards.
Yuan Jin

2006-08-25T03:02:00.000+08:00

hello everybody,
ginni here. haha

since exams are over already rite, wanna do some CIP work? haha
the details go like this:
on 23rd of sep, sat. there's a mid-authum festival celebration held at kreta-ayer commumity cc (somewhere at chinatown). and they need people to help them in the event such as usher-ing( i got bad spelling. sorry), helping out with the pushcarts. the event starts at night. but u guys probably be there in the afternoon. details are not confirm yet. so ya.
so who wanna volunteer? pls. i need to get 40 ppl. haha. so ya.
for those who wanna help out, pls msg me kies. thanks alot. (:
this is my contact
ginni
91886784

2006-08-18T00:32:00.000+08:00

GOOD LUCK FOR EXAMS

2006-08-17T17:29:00.000+08:00

Serve Cambodia mates!

Just wanna wish every single one of you all the best in exams! Just give it all you got ya! Tons of lucks!!! Mug smart! =p

best rgds,
Yuan Jin

2006-08-16T21:41:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone... alex here... haha... this is the first time i am blogging here... haha, cool...

umm... ok, anyway, i just wanna wish EVERYONE all the BEST for the coming exams this week and the next... after that, WE'LL PARTY!!! haha...

more bonding sessions for us! FUN FUN FUN!!!

2006-08-14T09:56:00.000+08:00

hey people, for the photographs taken on 11th Aug 06 (Miss Chew's birthday Celebration), please go this site to download them. this would be more efficient than sending one by one.
http://www.savefile.com/files/3293040

first entry

2006-08-12T17:20:00.000+08:00

i was actually putting pics and blogging here de. but then the IE played a joke on me. i oni manage to like copy our blog content. now i am quite lazy to post the pictures le. guess i shall post it later

this is also my first time bloggin here. i must say i am touched and impress by the team spirit of our Serve Cambodia 06 team. at first i was like not realli close with the people but i do know some of u b4hand la. i oni join this first event with u all. the other u all came for the ceremony and went out. too bad, i din manage to join u all la. but this time round, i was really glad to create a better bond with u all. thanks sia. i guess we might be the oni serve team that are bonded so well even b4 the bonding camp la. but seriously i hope this bond last lo. anw i dont want to type much la. since mabia already blogged about the incident le. take care all.. looking forward for our next gathering ya

Ms Chew's Birthday Celebration! =D

2006-08-12T03:25:00.000+08:00

WooHoo~!! First time I blogged for the SERVE Cambodia 06 blog. Hope you all don’t find it boring or what. =D

Okay. Today went to school to celebrate Ms Chew's birthday. Hah. Actually is in advance. Cause her birthday is on Saturday. A day in advance. Hee. Guilty to say, i was late when my fellow mates were already starting to prepare for the birthday gifts and of course the ultra-super-duper BIG card. Hah. We bought a chocolate cake and a sunflower for Ms Chew, a.k.a Nanny Chew. Hah. I think is Yan Ping who started this nick. Cool! It's just too rhyming and it's meaningful too! Know why? Cause she will be our mother duck taking care of us small little ducklings to Cambodia. Hee. Also, not forgetting our Nai Ba! （奶爸）[meaning male version of nanny] hah. okay i sucks at explaining. Okay. Then Ms Chew still ask is which "ba". Is the daddy's ba (爸) or the big boobs' kind of ba (霸) haha. Erm. I am sorry if the Malays you all dont understand! No offence. =D You can ask me i will gladly explain to you. =) Hee. Okay i side tracked too much.

So we decorated the card, everybody wrote our wishes on the card and we wrapped it up with the plastic. While we were doing so, Jian Zhou the cameraman took the camera and took candid shots of us doing our work. Hah. Yeah! Wrapped nicely already then guess what?! We left the scissors inside the card! OMG! We saw it and we were like laughing like hell. So silly of us. Hah. So we took the scotch tapes out and took out the scissors and then pasted the scotchtapes back in place again. Then! When we were getting ready to post for the camera to take us all with the card and sunflower, we realised that there's a strand of hair in the card! And so we took out the scotchtapes out once again and took out the strand of hair and pasted the scotchtapes back yet again. Okay. Done. THEN! We found out that there's a after-rubbing-rubber-leftover inside again! And we did the process all over again! This time, Jian ZHou and Hwee Yim made a THOUROUGH check to make sure everything was okay and nothing was left inside. Hah. Okay. Then we sealed it.

So, getting ready to give Ms Chew her birthday surprise, we contacted Mr Ng. Then up we went to 7th floor. Hid in one of the consultation room. Hah. Planning what to do to trick Ms Chew. So finally, we came up with a brilliant idea which tested everyone's acting skills and Ms Chew finally came over and claimed that she had only two minutes. It started with Yan Ping telling her that we all had decided to withdraw from the SERVE Cambodia trip because of what happened in USA. She's not shocked at all unlike what we expected her to be. That really surprised me. I thought she would like go "WHAT?!" but she did not and remained her calm. Then Yuan Jin and Mr Ng added on to the conversation making it more like real. But she still said okay if that's what we want we can cancel off the flight and all those booking and stuffs. This really made me think it's even more unbelievable. Then in the end after she spoke her fill she walked out of the room! Okay. This is obvious that she knows everything. So we sang Happy Birthday Songs in 3 different languages. Woohoo~!! Multi-racial! heh. Everybody directed their attentions towards us. meeheehee. Then after that we cut cake and presented the card to Ms Chew. Hah. Can see she was touched and said we were sweet!~ Then after that she went back to the presentation thing.

After that, we played around awhile in the consultation room and later got on to serious matters. We discussed about the bonding camp, delegated work and showed out team spirit! Yeah man! SERVE CAMBODIA 06 ROCKS!!! Heee. Even Ms Chew was impressed with our efficiency. Hah. Keep up with the good work peeps! hee. So after that we went off. Deciding whether to go to watch fireworks at Marina. Hah. I didnt go cause i had something on. A little bit disappointed cause i always cant join them for aftermath. Hmmm. Haix. Nevermind. Most important thing is they have enjoyed themselves!!!

Okay. So here’s my 789 word, 1 and a quarter page report. Hee. Just kidding. Think i've crapped alot already. Hah. Till the next time we meet! Photos will be uploaded soon. Jian Zhou please? Thanks! Hee.

Reported by:
Ringgit =D

5/08/2006

2006-08-05T20:47:00.000+08:00

Today's blog will be quite long ar. And will got lots of photos. Yeah.. So be prepared to see familiar faces here. Muhahahax..

Alright... Meet up with Hwee Yim at CCK Interchange at 8.30. As usual, will be late lahx, then nvm, went to BP there wait for Dickson. Before we alight, saw him yawning there le. Must be waiting for a long time. haha.. Sorry. Anyways, before reaching school, Mabia msg me, asking where am i. Then afterwards got to find out that she also live in BP lorx. But then Dickson nvr call her to meet us. Cos he gave a very lame excuse, saying, 'i dont call girls.' OMG.. Dont call? SMS lah. Aiyo. So that we can come tgt right? Anyways, reached convention centre le, then mark attendance.

Afterwards, everyone starting to arrive, and we went into the hall about 5 mins late? That's what the person told us. Ok, the whole WIL-KEYS program finished about 1 hour and 10 mins? Yeah. Hahax.. Quite nice lahx. 'WIL' meaning Work Integreted Learning. It is a IT module. It's all about teaching those ex-conficts IT stuffs like WORD, POWERPOINT and EXCEL etc and giving them a new start in their lives.

'KEYS' meaning Kindling Education Yielding Success. It's all about helping to raise fund for the NP Student Aid Fund. And we managed to see our SERVE CAMBODIA's mates in the KEYS' video. Alex was in the video, passing by the convention centre there when he was approached by some Serve China people asking him to buy some pegs. The video also shows the passing the newspaper and also, doing that.. Ahem.. Shouting 'YES! We've done it!!' That diagoue. I can hear the loudest voice. Is Mabia. Hahaz.. Yeah. After that, we went to have a little bite at outside the hall. And chatted with the others while eating. Photos were taken then also. Take a look and recognise faces of some our SERVE Grpers!

Si Wei, Dickson and Yuan Jin

Si Wei

Latifah

Mabia and part of Esther. LOL!

OMG!! What they are doing??? HAHA! Anyways, Si Wei and Dickson are the 'GAY COUPLE' in our group. BEWARE!! HAHAX.. =X Dont blame me hor Si Wei and Dickson. Hahax.. JK only ar..

Gin Ni and Yuan Jin

Joy, Alexander, Latifah and friends.

Serve Cambodia 2006!!! =D

Ermm... Tt's about it lahx, although i did take alot, but then all repeated? Ya.. Behind still got alot. Ok, after taking photos, some left. But then the rest, which is me, Hwee Yim, Si Wei, Dickson, Yuan Jin, Gin Ni, Mr Ng went to play pool together. Yeah. Mabia didn't follow. She went studying. OMG... So hardworking. Ok. Anyways, took Mr Ng's Car to BTP(Bukit Timah Plaza) to play pool. Yeah. Dickson right.. He shot one ball then say he need to go le. LOL!! To study. Ok, cannot blame. Anyways, we continued playing... Gin Ni didn't know how to, but then we did try to teach her. YEAH!! And at least she did managed to play right, Gin Ni? Practise somemore! U can de. Cos all ur things ok le. Jus need more practice. Anyways, Mr Ng and Si Wei played very well wor. Hahax.. Like the experts. Yuan Jin also. and... My so-called disciple, Hwee Yim, ok lah. LOL! Hahax.. Take a look at the photos of them ready to hit the ball!!

Mr Ng! Wow.. Looks pro huh?

Dickson ready to hit

Another Pro.. Si Wei

Hwee Yim

Mr Ng and Si Wei teaching Gin Ni to play pool!!

Me

Yuan Jin. Another nice shot!

After a while, Mr Ng gtg le. So we continued playing. Ok, anyways, took alot of photos there also. Hahax.. Zi lianing time. (Self-taking)
Take a look!

Hwee Yim and Gin Ni

Me and Gin Ni

Hwee Yim, Gin Ni and Yuan Jin.

Me, Hwee Yim and Yuan Jin

Me, Si Wei, Hwee Yim, Gin Ni and Yuan Jin

After that, we went to KAP to find Dickson and also to eat our lunch. But then Gin Ni went to Tiong Bahru. Anyways, she asked us a Ahem question. 'Where is Tiong Bahru ar?' Then our definite answer will be ' Tiong Bahru is at Tiong Bahru lor!' LOL. Ok we are lame. Hahax.. We did really talk alot. Like.. We explored each other leh. I mean... About Dickson's nose, which looked like parrot, Yuan Jin's tongue a little funny and etc... And btw.. Si Wei's name right.. We helped him to modify le. Become Fei Yu Wei Si(Fat Merlion). LOL!!! Funny lahx. Ya. Anyways, we turned the whole KHP to a KBOX! Singing there, sometimes where the music goes too loud, people tend to turn their attention towards us. OMG. Attention seeker. Hahax.. We laugh alot also. Laugh until our cheeks are so stiff and hot!! Hahax.. Quite a number of dirty things we talk. And dont wana say here. Hahax.. Dickson went intruding into ppl's privarcy by asking about our love relationships' history. LOL.. So the KPO hor? Anyways... We came up with a name for the 5 of us.. Wana guess what?

Firstly, rmb i said Si Wei's nick was Fei Yu Wei Si? When u try to pronouce it fast, it become 'Phrise'. Then Yuan Jin's nick, by Si Wei, was called Pancake, cos when pull her cheeks right, looked like pancake ar? So call pancake. But then pronouce it faster, it will be 'Piak'. Then for Hwee Yim, chinese name is Hui Ying. Pronouce fast will be 'Pwing'. Then about Dickson, cos there is once where we talked about FARTING, then he said that he FART alot, and said that it was his family heirloom. LOL. Ok, so call him as FART King, Pi Wang. Then when pronouce quickly, it will become 'Pwang'. And for me? They cannot think of anything. Hahax.. But then later, cos they want it to rhyme? Then call me as 'Plic'. Cos 'Plic Piak' mah.. hahax. And Si Wei's nick dont rhyme with us, so we decided to change for him. Call him 'Pwong', cos 'Pwing Pwang Pwong'. So tgt, we become 'Plic Piak Pwing Pwang Pwong'!! Which sounds like 'Pic Piak Bing Bang Bong'? Sth like tt. HAHA!!! SO.. Everyone gt 'P' in their nick. So we call ourselves, PIVES. Cos P for fives, then take away the 'f' and put tgt with the P so become PIVES. Hahax.. Ok, we so bo liao. Hahaz..

Anyways, take a look at the photo

But then anyways, we did alot of fun. Ya, enjoy the day. Hope everyone will get to know one another well very soon. And be bonded like us, the PIVES. Hahax.. Come on people, we can do it right? Hahaz.. Yeah. Hope to have all of us being so strong in our friendship ya?

Anyways, everyone, pls add each other in msn. Tell us ur msn address in the tagboard so that everyone is able to add each other and we could have a msn conference sometimes ya? i think i end here le. Later too naggy. Hahax.. Forget quite alot of details. Shall be filling up the details when i recall or anyone tell me. Hahax.. Will contact u all again. Meanwhile, Stay cool and funky!!more photos will be in the Yahoo group. Please visit. =D

tshirt contact

2006-08-01T21:22:00.000+08:00

err.. dunno if this helps.. ahah

i've got dis tshirt contact.. d shop itself is at upper serangoon road, slightly after potong pasir NeL. mayb cld arrange a meetin w d person frm d shop to settle d shirt, color n design stuff if ya al find d $$$ frm dis shop reasonable (muz go see2 look2).. btw, dis shop does d shirt printin is done in malaysia..

i've done shirt printin w dis shop b4, found it okie.

contact: 90258522

31/07/2006 meeting

2006-07-31T21:00:00.000+08:00

Today we have our Serve Cambodia meeting at Blk 72 , 03-03.Yeah.. Reach there at 4.03, but then found out that Ms Chew just open the door. Thought we were late. But then nvm. Hahax. Ok, then also found out that the air-con wasn't working too. Although outside cooling, but then inside very hot. Ok, cannot blame also. Soon, everyone arrived and our meeting start.

Ms Chew gave back all those declaration form which are unfinished or whatever problems back lahx, which include mine cos no parents' signature which is the worst of them all. LOL!!... Ok, so start with our assigning of our jobs. Well, not everyone get sth to do, but then nvm. Think there will be alot of work in the future which needs them also. Anyways, dunno why, i sort of kena SABO into doing this 'MUSIC' preparation for the dance, which is by Latifah. Yeah.. So right, i think i need Mabia's help in the music preparation also, though i'm musician myself by i know i'm a lousy one. Hahax.. Anyways, alot of laughter in the class cos of some funny jokes and u know what.... hahax

Ok, followed after that, we get to see our shirt designed by Lin Na on her powerpoint slides. Alot of comments lahx, cos everyone feel differently, and we sort of test her powerpoint skills ar... Hahax... But then ya, her design were nice, i could say, but then sth was lacking. Duno what. Anyways, everyone gives ideas on how the shirt should be, and eventually, decided on the colour and design. Yeah.. Like jeresy like tt lahx. Quite different from the other 'Serve' Groups.

After tt, went to room 03-12. Nvr went there before. The room was big. About twice as big as normal room ba, or 1.5 times? Dunno. Ok. Went there to listen to NYAA talk by a year 1 student who was the chairman of International Affairs in GAHA @ NYAA. Hmmm... He was from ITE but then ya, came to NP to study after tt. Chairman at his age.. Wah... Quite good wor he. Anyways, he gave us talk on the achievements gonna made by us to achieve gold and blah blah blah. Anyways, we ate chocolate in the class. :P But then we got listen cos we guai mahx. Hahax. Ok... After that, everyone went separate ways, left with some of us to the busstop. yeah.. Took some pictures there cos i bought camera and thought of taking a group photo with everyone de, but then. Haix.. Nvm. So took pictures with some of us, cos if not this blog will be dead, no pictures only words.

Ok, enjoy the pictures taken by Dickson.

Anyways, there are a few things to remind everyone.
1) For those who have not submitted ur whatever stuffs like the declaration form, which u have taken back cos of whatever reason, hahax.. or like ur receipt, passport photocopy and blah blah blah, pls latest by wed put in Ms Chew's pigeon hole at level 9.

2)Please by reminded of the WIL-KEYS event this sat. Please be there at 9.45. Attire should be smart casual, if i not wrong.

3)For those who have not joined the Yahoo group or the blogger,please do so by sending Dickson ur email address, so that he can add u in Yahoo group. For blogger, anyone will do ya? hahax.

4)Pls pls pls... Blog or at least even tag here? Make it alive ok? Yeah... Hahax..

Ok, another thing. Can we like.. er.. take photo with every session that we will be together? Ya? Cos not many many times we can be together ya? hahax.. Ok.. And.. Talk more to others ya? Be bonded even before or bonding camp in SEPT. Ok? Hehex.. Tt's all folks!!

Addon by Dickson: Can we add each other on MSN also?

Meeting Notice

2006-07-25T15:09:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

There will be a meeting on Monday 31st July 2006. It will be held at 72-03-03 at 4PM. After that we will be going for a NYAA talk at 5PM in 72-04-12.
Please check your emails for more information and contact me ASAP to confirm your receipt of the message.

Thanks,
Dickson

Our First Service

2006-07-22T23:06:00.000+08:00

Today was SERVE Cambodia 2006's first service together. We assembled at Boon Lay MRT Station for attendance taking and proceeded to Jurong West estates to collect old newspaper and old clothes. We were separated into a few groups. I was with Gin Ni, Lin Na and Yusz. Together, we covered about 3 1/2 blocks because we met another group and helped them due to the block's overwhelming response.

Me, Lin Na, Yusz and Gin Ni taking a break and getting a drink while getting interviewed by our Mass Communications counterpart, Sham.

We got a bit mischevious at our last block... The door to the rooftops was unlocked and...

P.S Hey peeps, please do start blogging here. Your feelings before the trip and anything regarding the trip. You might want to educate others about Cambodia through here also. :)

SERVE Cambodia 2006

2006-07-03T15:12:00.000+08:00

Serve Cambodia 2006 is a continuation of 6 successive years of community work in Cambodia. Our area of service includes both a familiar host - Full Gospel Assembly Child Care Centre at Kampong Speu, and a new host - Bright Arrows Child Care Centre at Kampong Thom (Baray).

The Community Service trip is from 26th Sept to 10th Oct 2006.

We hope to inspire and encourage all of you to develop that heart of compassion for the poor and the needy, and to render assistance to the local community.