Thank you, Good-bye and Thank you.

Another week has come and gone and I find myself sad to be writing this blog. We just finished our last week in the village and although I am looking forward to some of the comforts of home, I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to some of the friends I have made.

We returned from Kep Province on Monday morning and headed out to our third Dream Home to start building. The family is a family of five, a mother, her two sons and two daughters. Her husband passed away due to illness and their house was old and made of mud and it had fallen down. When we arrived it looked as if they were sleeping in their yard. It is heartwrenching to see, but so good to know that we can help to make it better for them. We spent our first day there mixing and pouring cement to secure the frame. Once we had the frame secure we began to attach sheet metal to all of the walls and thatching to the peaks of the walls. It’s awesome that we were able to complete so much in the three weeks that we were working in the village

On Thursday afternoon and Friday morning we were back to work at the Community Vocational Training Centre. We spread around two truckloads of dirt to help fix some of the road and low spots that collect water. It was hard work and the heat had finally kicked in. I think it was actually the first time I saw Mr. Theary break a sweat!

Throughout the week the group took turns riding into the village in the evenings to visit the youth group. It was nice to be able to sit down with them, show them pictures of our families and be able to help them practice their English. They are all so eager to learn! Mom, I hate to break this to you over the Internet, but after seeing one of my pictures of you they all agreed that you were “lop lop”… and they then understood where I got it from!

Our bike rides back home after youth group were always an adventure. We usually tried to leave early enough to ensure we were riding in daylight but apparently our timing isn’t always as great as we would like to think! On one such trip I had a scorpion run out in front of my bike and for the longest time I just couldn’t put my finger on what that gecko on the road was carrying… until I got closer and realized what it was! I know, a major DUH! on my part!

Friday proved to be the hardest day emotionally on this journey so far. It was time to say goodbye. In the afternoon we visited the first house that we completed. It was phenomenal to go back and see the house that we had built for them turned into a home. It brings tears to my eyes to remember their gratitude for us. The whole team had gone through our luggage and picked out some clothes and items that we would no longer need to give to the families. There was clothes, hammocks, sandals, towels, etc. It feels good to know that the smallest of sacrifices of us giving up a few shirts or pairs of shorts (or in my case all but one because apparently I can’t count!) means so much to them. I know that I will take that feeling with me wherever I go. Once we were finished at the first house we headed out to the third house to pay them a visit. We left items for them as well. I cannot imagine the hardships that the mother is going to have to face in the future, raising four young children alone, but it brings a smile to my face to know that we had a part (no matter how small) in making it easier for her. Putting a roof over her children’s heads I feel is the least that we could do to help her. Sometimes you wish that you could do so much more, but I know that by doing what we have done we have helped her to be able to focus on her kids now, and not on where they will find shelter from a storm.

After dinner on Friday (our last with Pha) we headed into the village for a party that the BAB staff were throwing for us. There were speeches of goodbyes, thanks, and good times shared by all. The mothers from the three homes we built were there as well, it was good to see them all together and heartwarming to hear their thanks. Mr. Theary made sure that we all knew that we were welcome to come back at any time and that he would always find hard work for us! Some of the youth group thanked us for our help with their English and just for being there to visit with them. Sarah, the local program director with BAB, mentioned that when we first arrived in the village they had originally planned for us to complete two houses in our three week stay with them. I am proud to announce that we completed three houses, repaired a playground, picked (and twisted!) a field of yams, re-distributed two truckloads of dirt, dismantled a chicken coop, and dug countless holes. I am so proud of the team to know that our hard work has paid off so much for the village.

Each member of the team got up to say our favorite parts of our time in the village, what we will remember most and thank certain people that made our stay easier. Every single one of us was blown away by the village of Chamcar Bei. I know that coming here everyone always tells you that Cambodians are some of the friendliest in the world and I can now say from a first hand experience that they are. I’ve traveled to quite a few different countries and I have never experienced the welcome, or made friendships so fast as I did in Chamcar Bei. The village truly has a lot to be proud of. After the speeches, feast of fruit and the team (most for the first time) experiencing rice wine mixed with coke, it was time to dance! While I designated myself photographer for the evening, the rest of the team was taught traditional Khmer dances by the youth group and BAB staff. The hardest part of the night came when it was time to say goodbye. Both Theary and Cham Nan moved me to tears as they gave me hugs goodbye, said they would miss me and told me to come back and visit.

I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge some of the people that helped to make not only mine, but the entire team’s stay here so amazing. First off, Pha, our housekeeper and cook. What an amazing, beautiful woman she is. She always has a smile on her face, will do anything she possibly can to help you and is above all an amazing cook!

Mr. Theary, the Volunteer Assistant with BAB. Mr. Theary was always the first person to laugh when we were having a tough time, let us have a tough time for a little bit longer, then teach us the easy way to do it. In his words, “I want you to use your personal skills first, then learn from me.” I would love to think that he learned as much from us as I know I did from him. My Khmer would not be nearly as good (okay, not really good, but better than it was) if it weren’t for him. He was patient, kind and always provided a laugh!

Cham Nan, the Dream Home Coordinator with BAB. Although Cham Nan’s English is limited he more than made up for it in hand gestures, demonstrations and a want to help us. As I know I have mentioned before, his smile could light up a job-site and he was always there to help us when a piece of wood was just too hard to nail through, or a nail just a bit out of our reach. I have no doubt that it is largely due to his guidance and patience that we were able to finish three houses in our time here.

Peou, BAB staff, my personal saviour. Had it not been for Peou both times my peddle fell off I would have been stuck trying so hard in my broken Khmer to get my bike fixed. Without him I probably would have ended up with two left peddles!

And to the countless other residents of Chamcar Bei who came to everyone’s assistance any time something went wrong. I have no doubt in my mind that we will all be taking back great memories of the people and the village.

Driving away from the village on Saturday morning I was filled with mixed emotions. I was looking forward to a shower and a fan, but it felt like I was leaving my home. I have left a piece of my heart in Chamcar Bei, a piece that I am glad to give away because I know that what I did here is 100 times better than what I could have been doing at home in the same time. I will take this experience with me everywhere I go and I will never forget the friendships I have made, the people we have helped and the overall good feeling residing in me just knowing that maybe, I finally have made a difference. Afterall, that is the exact reason why I came here in the first place. It was not to see Angkor Wat, to visit the Killing Fields or to have a bit of a vacation (although they are definitely appreciated!). I came here to help those who wanted to, but could not necessarily help themselves, to give of my time and myself to help to better someone else’s life because everyone deserves a chance at a happy, peaceful life. I know that we are all blessed to live where we live and to have what we have and I know that I am so lucky to have gotten the chance to pass that on and maybe, just maybe, pass on a little bit of hope.

I want to end this blog by thanking all of those who helped to make this adventure possible not only for me, but for everyone on the team. I know that I could not have done it without the support of my family, friends, countless donors and the community. By helping me you have helped to better the lives of people you may not ever meet, but yet you found it in your heart to help anyway. This world is a better place because of you, please don’t ever forget it! In the words of William James, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

And of course, thank you again to all those who commented last week, I love reading them! Very soon we will be able to discuss our experiences in person with all those back at home.

Our Second Week: Building, Biking, and Bonding

Our second week in the village seemed to fly by. Pha continues to feed us great and take care of us all like we were her children. A few members of the team got a bit sick, but we all think that it’s due to the change in diet, surroundings, etc. but I guarantee they felt taken care of with Pha around! She has been a god send and one I know I will miss when I go back to my own house and having to cook for myself again.

On Monday morning we finished our second house that we were working on. It feels so great to accomplish so much and help people get into houses that are good for them. To correct the slight blunder I made in last week’s blog, the Bridges Across Borders staff member that works on the Family Dream Home Project who’s name I could not remember is Cham Nan. I will admit, I was a bit sad to know that he wouldn’t be working with us on the playground as his unwavering cheeriness and smile light up a job site.

In the afternoon we went to start work on rehabilitating a playground by the Community Vocational Training Center. One of the swing sets was struck by lightning so we had to dig it out and move it along with re-thatching the roof. As much as I hate to say this, moving a swing set that was cemented into the ground was quite the project for 7 girls and 1 guy! But, eventually one of the locals we were working with shook his head at us and put two long sticks under the swing set so it was easier for us to lift it out of the hole and move it into the new ones. I am learning quite a bit about handy little ways to get things done without the use of machines and power tools!

Over the playground set there was a thatched roof that had collapsed so we had to take down the old thatch, fix the roof and re-thatch it. Carmen and Lauren got quite the show of creatures that live in thatching. I think they had colonies living in their hair after they were done with that job, but like troopers they did it with smiles on their faces! We tilled the land around the playground, which proved to be hard work with all the rain we were getting!

We finished the playground on Thursday morning and headed over to the school in the village to help pick a field of yams. I can proudly say that I am now a professional yam twister after my experience there! We also got the pleasure of trying boiled yams dipped in sugar after our work there. I’d never thought to eat yams that way but I think I may have a new treat when I get back to Canada!

On Thursday afternoon on our way into the village Sarah and I both had peddles fall off of our bikes. While hers got welded back on and didn’t cause her any more problems, the Silver Bullet (my bike) had other ideas for me. After getting help from one of the Bridges Across Borders staff in the village I left my bike at the shop to get fixed. I went back in the afternoon, all was well and the Silver Bullet and I took to the streets once again! Our glory was short lived as the next afternoon, on my way into the village it fell off again. Apparently the peddle just wasn’t the right fit. This time, however, I wasn’t quite as lucky and it fell off quite a ways out of the village. Once again I was pleasantly surprised when I had four different people stop to offer me a ride into the work site (everyone in the village seems to know where we are and what we are working on at all times), which unfortunately I had to turn down because I just couldn’t imagine trying to bring my bike and myself into town on the back of a Moto… truth be told, it scared me a little! When I was almost into town I ran into the same BAB staff member that helped me last time and he met me at the shop and they were ready for me and fixed it at no charge. I am constantly amazed at how accommodating the people in this country are, they’d do anything they can to help another, whether it be their best friend, or some stranger from a different country who not only looks funny, but talks funny too!

On Friday we went to help take apart an old chicken coop that they are planning on moving so they can use the space as a football (soccer) field. It mostly involved us taking down walls, moving them, and digging holes. Throughout this we came across a scorpion (which Lauren dispatched of), a few wood worms (that Savoun had the pleasure of showing us how bad they bite by putting a piece of wood in front of them), and I’d say about a million ants. All in a days work!

Aside from work there is always other important experiences we have that I love to share with you all. Remember Houdini from my first post? Well, apparently Houdini has quite a large family as Quinn and Kelsey have discovered. They went to go to bed one night (which I have to admit, I’m usually asleep by 8pm, I know, party animal!) and found two of them outside their door. We have all become warriors when it comes to facing our fears of spiders and I was woken up by yet another war cry, this time coming from Quinn!

While we were working on the playground it was nice to not have to bike ride every day, it was close enough to where we are living that we could walk there every day. We had about 3 days of heavy winds and rains, but we fought through it, lived soaked to the bone for a few days and got it done! The rain here is something else. And, as strange as it may sound, I’m going to miss it when I head back to Canada. The thunder and lightning have a way of calming me, I know, it’s strange, but it’s cool. And for the first time since we’ve been here we’ve actually woken up cold at night because the rain had cooled it off so much. It was a pleasant surprise to find myself reaching for a blanket!

On Friday after dinner we headed into the village to meet some of the students and teach a bit of English. It was a bit of a struggle for some of us, but once we got going it seemed to get easier. It’s amazing the insight you get from talking to children. Leland, the teacher of the class I was in, must have a great influence on the children he teaches as when we asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up and half of them said teachers. One girl said she wanted to become a doctor and come back to the village to help the people there. Another student a police woman, a lawyer, and a farmer. All was good while we were in the classes, it was on the way home when disaster struck…

Okay, don’t get all worried, it wasn’t really disaster, just a minor accident! First I have to explain the way back to our house. You have to bike across a bridge which they have been doing some work on, on one side is a pond, the other the water is coming out of pipes so while there is water there, it’s not much, mostly sand. On this side there is also no barricade. Earlier in the day the workers had a truckload of sand delivered so now not only was there the obstacles of rocks, now there was a large dirt pile in the middle of the bridge that you have no option but to go over it. We were all heading over it, with trepidation, and The Pearl (Michelle’s bike) somehow lost her footing and went over the edge. Don’t worry! Michelle ended up sitting on the bridge, with some scratches and needless to say a bit shaken up, but all was well. Adrian had a good laugh at us girls as it became like a medical tv show. I started to clean the scrapes on her hands, Quinn took her knee, Kelsey was somewhat of a scrub nurse handing us the supplies we needed, Carmen held the lights steady while Lauren occupied Michelle with story time. All the while, Adrian, being the good cook he is, went into the kitchen and brewed her a pot of tea. For Michelle’s parents, DON’T WORRY! She is doing great, her scrapes are healing and she still has her unshakable calm about her. While we were looking after her injuries I kept on trying to get her to scream, to let it out, but all she did was laugh at me! I have to admit, I think it may have been one of the best team bonding experiences we’ve had. And I know that it was good for us to practice the first aid training we all have, to know that we could put it to use. So, thank you Michelle, for becoming our patient! The Pearl seemed to have come out of it on top as well as there was only some damage to the basket and the rest of her was good!

For the weekend we are staying in Kep and while some of the team took a boat ride over to Rabbit Island, myself and a few others decided to hang back, enjoy the fans blowing in our faces and relax a bit. I think I get enough sun in the village!

On Monday we are heading to help with yet another house. It’s so good to know that we are getting so much accomplished! Two houses, a playground, and a field of yams, so far with hopefully another house complete by the time we leave at the end of next week. The time has flown by and we are all sad to see the end of this trip coming up so soon. We will bring home with us many memories of the friends we’ve made, both within our team and with the Cambodian people, our experiences here and the amazing time we’ve had. There truly is nothing else quite like travelling with a purpose, which I feel I have accomplished here. I know that this something I will take with me wherever this life takes me.

Thank you for your comments on last weeks blog, it’s good to know that someone out there is reading! Expect another one at the end of next week.

Until then, keep your chins up, I know some of you are dealing with snow, but consider this, you have running water, electricity 24/7 and toilets that flush! Life is good!


Joelle,
Developing World Connections Volunteer Participant 2009

June 1: Our Lives in Cambodia.

Cambodia is amazing. It is such a beautiful country. The first week or so that we were here we took some time to explore Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. In Phnom Penh we got to see the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (which was right across the street from where we were staying), visited the Killing Fields just outside of Phnom Penh and got to tour the Royal Palace and Museum. It is amazing and heart-wrenching to see the horror that went on here only 30 years ago. But I think the most amazing thing is how much Cambodians have bounced back. How after a history of such repression and violence they are some of the happiest and most accommodating people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Everywhere you go you are greeted with a smile. I truly am blown away. The history is there, but this is not a sad place, it is a place of hope.

After we left Phnom Penh we drove out to Sihanoukville for the weekend before heading out to Chamcar Bei to start work. Somehow we all managed to walk out of if with sunburns (no matter how much sunscreen some people used), but were happy to have a day to relax and get to talk to the local children. Of course they were trying to sell you their bracelets, fruit, and lobsters on the beach, but they were entertaining nonetheless.

When we were driving into the village the one thing that came to my mind was "perfect". Here is a place where life is simple, and quiet. It is absolutely beautiful. Our cook in the Red House where we are staying, Pha, is amazing. Her meals have been wonderful and we are learning as much from her as I would like to think she is from us.

Our first few nights in the Red House proved to be a test to our tolerance of creatures we don't usually deal with in Canada. Traveling in a group of seven girls and one guy has got to be tough for Adrian. The poor guy gets called upon anytime there is something that might give us the creeps, but he has been a trooper through it all. Lauren conquered a spider we had named Houdini (he kept on disappearing on us). She let out a very primitive sounding war cry before killing it, and I have to say, I am so glad to be traveling with that girl!

We bike ride to all of our job sites in the village. We love the work and luckily for us we can all find humor in some of the things that happen. So far, Lauren, Michelle and I have all suffered flat tires and at one point the seat on my bike fell off. And through all of this we were all offered helped by numerous Khmer people on our walk into town, one person is getting 2 free new tires because she is "satnah" which means pretty. On one of the rides home Carmen had the chain on her bike break right as she got back to the house, lucky her!

We have already completed one house for a family. Their house had burnt down and with it most of their possessions so they were definitely in need. Our first day there I was impressed at how well they took to us and how patient they were with all of us. For some of us (myself being one of them) it was the first time in a while to swing a hammer and instead of them getting frustrated with our sometimes ineptness they just laughed with us, gave us pointers (we have all become quite good at talking with our hands and motions!) and helped us through it. I think without the patience and understanding of our first family this trip would be a difficult one! They helped us all get our confidence with tools again and miraculously we finished our first house in 3 days. Which I have to say, is quite the feat! The walls on their house consisted of us nailing smaller trees to the frame. This created a bit of an obstacle for us sometimes as there were no ladders and by the end of the three days we were hanging off of the frame and nailing as if we had been doing it our whole lives.

I am so proud of the team, we have all adjusted wonderfully and have been putting our heart and soul into these projects and I would like to think it shows! At the end of our stay in the village we are all planning on going back to visit the family to pass on clothing and other items that will help them. Developing World Connections' host Partner Bridges Across Boarders, has a Volunteer Assistant named Mr.Theary. He has been wonderful, along with the Family Dream Home Coordinator (I feel terrible but I cannot for the life of me remember how to spell or pronounce his name!). They have been on the work sites with us every day, laughing at us, with us, and helping us to learn some of the local language. "Lop lop" has become a common phrase amongst all of us (meaning crazy). The bike trails are lop lop, we are lop lop, the rain, the sun, pretty much anything. Every time we use Khmer language they smile and laugh and are so proud that they taught us something new!

We started our second house on Thursday afternoon and the bike trek proved to be a bit more of a challenge. We were riding in between rice paddies, along skinny, curvy trails, and through what we like to call a lake (it sounds cooler than a large puddle). This house shouldn't take quite as long as the siding is all thatching and requires to be wired onto the frame instead of nailed on! The first day we spent mixing cement in the rain, which had essentially cemeted my sandals onto my feet.

We are currently in Kampot for the weekend, staying at a Guest House called the Bodhi Villa. Of all things to be grateful for at the moment, it is definitely a shower!

I can't begin to say how thrilled I am that I decided to have this adventure. The people I am traveling with are all amazing, the local people are beyond belief and this country is amazing. I have no doubt in my mind that this will prove to be some of our best experiences we will have in this lifetime. Working alongside with people who truly want to better their lives and their situations is endlessly rewarding and it is easy to go to bed at night with smiles on our faces, feeling as if we have made a difference.

Until next weekend, keep fit and have fun! I know we will be!
- Joelle Risi
Developing World Connections Volunteer Participant

Student Experience, May 2009: We have arrived!

I just wanted to let everyone know that everything is going fine. Sorry we haven't been able to really blog. We arrived safe with no issues. We are in Sihanoukville right now, and leaving for the village of Kep tomorrow afternoon. We start our first day of work on Monday.

Talk to you soon!

Sarah,
Student Team Leader

Returning as humbled and inspired global citizens.

As I write my final blog entry I am feeling, at once, sad and happy and I trust I am not alone. It is hard to say goodbye to new friends. For some, the thought of going back to the cold and to regular life is barely more attractive that the 20 cramped hours we face in the airplane. Two weeks in a group this size is rewarding but equally tiring. I welcome some time and space alone to process and regroup... and to consciously consider how I can incorporate my profound sense of belonging I enjoy at this very moment into my daily life at work and life at home in general.

Being a Developing World Connections team leader is a significant responsibility and an honour. I am sure that the work our group accomplished and the houses we left behind, in and of themselves, is valuable to those we served. But the connections we made with each other and the Cambodians is, I believe, what will inspire us most as individuals to not let this experience end here. This is the beginning. I know this group feels as though the perspective we have gained and the generosity we have enjoyed from the Cambodian people has equaled or outweighed the contributions we have made. Our greatest collective legacy will be the culmination of all the individual changes we make in ourselves and in our own communities. We return humbled and inspired global citizens.

I have enjoyed writing this blog and sharing this experience with whoever may be interested. I can only hope I have successfully painted a picture of this meaningful adventure. However, if words are my brush, my thoughts my paint and this blog my canvass, I fear I have only offered you, the reader, at best a childlike sketch. Using words alone, I can not express to you what this all means. Perhaps the best I can do is implore you to have a Developing World Connections experience. If you have already done a meaningful adventure, do it again. In my capacity as as an employee of Developing World Connections, I would be happy to have you join us – like any non-profit, we count on people's generosity to operate and offer our services to others. But please consider my invitation a personal one. I want you to do it for you. Serve others and help yourself. There is a grassroots movement of concerned global citizens who want to make the world a better place. Bit by bit, our numbers are growing and sooner than later the culmination of our action will force an inexorable and lasting change. Change, I can see, doesn't necessarily require pain and sacrifice. On the contrary, fun, meaning and adventure should be part of the process. Developing World Connections makes it easier.

Have a meaningful adventure. Together we can change the world and find the peace, joy and contentment we all deserve.

Reflections.

As I reflect on everything that has happened over these past weeks, I find three main themes recurring, entering my train of thought:
1.The people of Cambodia
2. The group experience
3. Our place in the process

The Cambodia People: For me, the joy of Cambodia is its people. Certainly, its artifacts, its vistas and its novelties are beautiful and intriguing in their own rights. However, the greatest beauty I have seen daily is in people's smiles. Cambodians are at times quite shy, other times more assertive and pushy, but most of all, polite and hospitable. This is a high context culture and one whose intricacies I have navigated only at the surface level. But, I feel welcome in Cambodia. I feel generally valued in Cambodia. I felt like it matters that I am here. Cambodians strike me as present and quick to smile and laugh. I have experienced inspiring humility.

Cambodia is forgiving.... and all of this in light of its bloody and brutal past and the injustices, inequalities and immense challenges it still faces. Could it be that having lost everything but hope itself, Cambodians have gained something intangible that many westerners seek so desperately? Can it be that some who have it all have lost something more precious? I can only speculate but my guess is that the self-help industry may find it harder to penetrate the Cambodian market. So delightful are the people that it is hard to reconcile this country's reality with one's experience of it; it does become easier, after the initial shock, to filter out the poverty. In philosophical terms, Cambodia possesses a wealth of spirit and being that isn't as easily visible to me in my smaller world in Canada...even though I know it exists. But, otherwise, Cambodia is poor, very poor. Poverty is easily exploited. Cambodia needs our solidarity. It needs more Developing World Connections volunteer participants.

Our group can be proud because we were part of this country's healing. We are leaving this country a little bit better than when we first arrived, dignity in tact ... we are leaving as better people, ourselves more dignified. Thank you Cambodia. Akun Kampuchea. Thank you Kep, Chamcar Bei, and BAB. Kinyon Sraline Kampuchea. I love Cambodia.

The Group Experience:
This group – what a pleasant surprise. I worked hard to bring this group together and not for entirely unselfish reasons. My ego would have me believe I have a keen ability to find great people, but, truth be known, they found me and I am humble enough to admit I was lucky. For a group this size, I was pleasantly surprised at how we got along and we all shared tender moments, learning from each other. We could all relate to one another and we did in a way we could have never done within the context of 'normal life'. We worked hard together. We played hard together. We had disagreements. We had romance. We had personal discover. Life long friendships have come out of this experience. We all have a common bond: Cambodia, December 2008, Developing World Connections.

The process:
As team leader, I enjoyed my role in this process. I had my fun, but team leading is work, albeit a privileged and highly enjoyable form of it. Being in a developing country is a unique experience with its privileges and challenges. One can never truly prepare themselves for how they will react when what we imagine and see on television become real..... when all of your senses take it in... when you breath reality and look into a person's eyes. Everyone reacts differently and at different times. There is no judgement in how people react and there is no good or bad way to be. Personally, I find it very interesting to observe people when they are challenged and taken out of their comfort zone. People's reactions reveal much about their personality and experience. I can't speak directly for each participant, but I do know this experience has changed each person for the better. This is my juice. I am a global citizen, but these are my people from my neck of the woods. Witnessing their transformations is my motivation. Contemplating the impact they will have as they incorporate this experiences into their daily routines reinforces why I am part of all of this.

At home it is easier to ignore the injustice and suffering of people. In a developing country, one's eyes are forced open and blindness is an option only for the coldest and saddest amongst us. Sometimes we need a little shove to remind us of what is important about being human. Interest rates, 'getting ahead', fashion, money, status, power, and keeping up with the Joneses all of the sudden becomes less important. Could it be that what makes us human – and ultimately happy - is our in-born desire to love and support other humans? Could it be that learning about the world through a glass tube just isn't enough to understand how we are all connected? I can see plain as day that when you have the opportunity to connect with another human being who has nothing in common with you but your humanity, a window of hope and meaning opens up. This is our process – we are opening these windows. Whatever happens is up to each one of us by my guess is that bit by bit we will all breath a little bit easier. Poverty is daunting. Greed is daunting. This world is a dangerous place. It is hard not to feel powerless. It is easy to be a cynic and hide behind a smug, protective shell. What does the cynic say?: “Poverty tourism”, “Guilt alleviation”. No matter, the cynic hasn't experienced what I have these past weeks. I see the twinkle in the eye of my participants and as I witness their generosity of spirit I know, as sure as day, that hope is not lost.

Team Leader's Thoughts.

December 20th:
My in-country responsibilities of team leader are now complete. This morning Boonang took his final trip delivered those who must go home to the airport. We hugged. We said our," see ya later's". It was emotional. It was time. It has been a challenging, enjoyable and personally rewarding experience. Possessing an intimate understanding of the energy and skill required to successfully carry out an international volunteer experience from start to finish, I have a renewed admiration and respect for the volunteer cadre of Developing World Connections team leaders. On paper, a good team leader is organized, knowledgeable, good with people and a proactive problem solver, and this is true in practice. But for me, above all, this experience has challenged my notion of leadership and helped me improve on these skills. This group consisted of my own peers who are, in their own rights, very accomplished. Many are natural type A leaders. For those who excel at directing and managing people at home, I can appreciate the opposite challenge of letting go, being directed and trusting the process.

Any team leader can expect to be asked questions to which they won't necessarily have answers. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone in the business of wanting to improve their leadership and team work skills. I needed this experience to be reminded that true leadership is finding that fine and dynamic balance between being, at once, the assertive, confident, directive and decisive leader, and the leader who listens carefully and can build consensus. If this group is a microcosm for people in society in general, I have learned that any good leader must show the way with confidence and humility, and be transparent when the way isn't clear; he must involve people but make a timely decision; he must be committed to an idea and a process, but not married to the outcome. Earning people's trust is an achievement. Earning people's respect is an achievement. Earning people's trust and respect simultaneously is an admirable achievement. I don't pretend to great leadership, but I can say without hesitation that everybody was safe, comfortable and had a meaningful experience. To this extent, at very least, I am proud to report that this international volunteer experience was a resounding success.

Happy to be relieved of my duties and a bit overtired, it would be easy for me to romanticize the experience but trust me, we have had all had our ups and downs. Being in a group and in a developing country is not always easy and not for everybody. I come by my intentions in writing this blog honestly: I want people to better understand this experience; I want people to become interested in Developing World Connections; I want you to become part of the process. Yes, I have personal and professional vested interests, but they are valid and benevolent. You must not worry about having to read between the lines. My words are heartfelt and genuine.

Last day as Developing World Connections participants.

December 19th:
This was our last official day as Developing World Connections participants. We spent the morning at the Tuol Sleng Genocide museum. We saw an impacting video and toured the grounds. There is so much I could write here but I will resist the temptation. Anyone who goes to Cambodia must visit this museum and learn about this country's painful history. What occurred here, inside what used to be a high school, was barbarous, inhuman, indescribable, evil and disgusting. Humanity must never forget what happened here. People don't voluntarily discuss the past here, but if you ask, untold stories of loss and suffering are everywhere. I asked my tuk tuk driver about his family. At face value he was just another guy earning his living. Yet, this is a man who lost all five siblings and both parents under the Khmer Rouge. This is a man who has experienced a level of suffering, depravity and loss I can't even conceive. Yet, he drives me with a smile. He told me of his past with a nervous laughter and in such a matter-of-fact kind of way that it makes reconciling his state of being and his experience very difficult.... as it does reconciling the reality of this country's past with its present. Are people's shy smiles a function of its culture or a symptom of a nation-wide case of post traumatic stress? Cambodia is very intriguing.

Visiting this museum provided more meaning and context to the experiences we have had in the past weeks. How is it that to this day, at this moment, there is still genocide and our international community refuses to take the necessary affirmative and collective action? I was inspired to learn more about what is happening in Africa today and consider my small role in ending it.

After lunch we had the afternoon to ourselves to explore Phnom Pehn. The markets here are phenomenal. I bought more trinkets and memorabilia and for the cost of one month of cable, I bought enough commercial free documentaries to last me months. Some of us also visited the national palace and admired the gold, silver and diamonds and fantastic architecture. We learned about the different kind of Buddhas. I can appreciate the importance of history and tradition, but something about seeing this kind of opulence in a country whose people suffer from scarcity just bothers me. Yet, who am I to judge? I suppose, as a Canadian, I am technically a royal subject as well, though not by choice. Given the recent political events in Canada, I can also suppose that on the odd occasion our royal representatives can actually come in handy.

By this time most of the original group has reunited for what would be our last dinner. We took this time to enjoy everyone's company all together, perhaps for the last time ever, and to reflect on our favorite memories. Erinn spoke of witnessing a little girl placing flowers on the graves of the last people who perished at Tuol Sleng and how it served as an emotional reminder of how recently this tragedy occurred. Sherilyn told us of her experience working the rice fields and connection with the people. For her, witnessing and participating in their way of life, if only momentarily, was a way of connecting to her own ancestors. Shalen spoke of the moments we all shared at the hotel sitting on the deck watching the sunrise. For her, these sweet moments were a reminder that everyday is in some ways the same, and in others different... that we must live in the moment. Ben spoke of his moments playing soccer with the kids and doing drawings and the joy it brought him connecting at that level. Some spoke of the dance party with the kids, others about our good times singing songs on the bus ride home, others about their memories working on the houses. Saran and Christina joined us for dinner. In her broken English, Saran told us that she loved us and we knew she meant it. Christina shared her own experience in Cambodia and reminded us of how important we all are to the process.

At this time, the comments I had been hoping for but not expecting were being vocalized. I heard:

“ I wouldn't travel any other way.”
“This was a fantastic, life changing experience.”
“My eyes have been opened.”
“Thanks Jess.”
“I enjoyed the structure of the group, but being able to experience the country on my own terms.”
“Let's stay in touch.”
“I felt like I was part of the country and got to participate in its development.”
“I am going to volunteer at home.”
“I am going to Rwanda next with Developing World Connections.”

During these moments the group may not have known it by my outwardly expression, but I was gleaming with pride. We did it! To those on our team - DWC Cambodia, Dec. 2008 - thank you so much! I really, really, really, appreciate you being with us and contributing generously. We have collectively contributed $9,500 towards directly improving the lives of the Cambodia people we served. We built two dream houses. We painted a community centre. We contributed thousands and thousands of dollars to the Cambodian economy. We beared witness and made it known that we care about Cambodia. We made meaningful connections with each other and with the Cambodian people. Mission accomplished!

After dinner, we hopped in some tuk tuks. In Phnom Pehn, there is never a lack of tuk tuks or people to take you where you want to go cheaply and at any hour. As is the case in most developing countries, for those with money, a little money can go a long way. It is going to be hard to come home and pay as much for a cappuccino as I would for a meal here. Goods and services are cheap, especially services. I still haven't figured out exactly how tipping works here, but, at these prices, one need not hesitate to do it.

Anyhow, we all went out and let's just say good times were had. Sorry folks, sometimes what happens in Cambodia stays in Cambodia. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Good times!

Enroute to Phnom Pehn.

December 18th:
Several people decided to leave one day early to go see Siem Reap and Angkor Wat before meeting up with the rest of us in Phnom Pehn. For those of us who stayed, today was a physically and emotionally exhausting one but also the most rewarding on several levels. I can speak for many of us when I say that we are now physically tired. We have been working hard and playing hard for almost two weeks now. Personally, I can't remember the last time I have existed on such little sleep and I envy the drive and energy of my counterparts. The physical exertion, late nights and heat have finally caught up with me.....I am fighting the urge to close my eyes but don't for fear of not wanting to wake up for days.

As I write, we are on the bus on our way back to Phnom Pehn. I was sad to leave the peace and tranquility of Kep, the ocean, and, above all, all the new friends I have made. Boonang, our fearless driver, is honking the horn incessantly as we pass family after family piled on scooters, sometimes four or five at a time. The honking will help me stay awake. I whisper silently to myself: “Resist the temptation Rothenburger. Resist.”

Perhaps it is the tiredness, but I am feeling a little overwhelmed right now. I have seen and experienced so much in the past couple of weeks that I can't process it fast enough. I expect I will spend the next months digesting it all. I expect we all will. I feel that I have so much to say but my mind is racing faster than my fingers can type. I can scarcely complete a sentence before my thoughts have skipped ahead to my next memory, emotion and reflection.

When we get to Phnom Pehn we are all free the evening. As for me, I plan to eat, get a massage and sleep.

A little love goes a long way.

December 17th:
In the morning we worked at the composting bin. We were told we would be 'composting' and we were all very curious to know what this would entail. We spent the morning gathering up shrubs and chopping them into little pieces with machetes. Essentially, over the course of several hours, our group accomplished what a small gas powered machine could accomplish in one. But, this wasn't the point. When in Cambodia do as the Cambodians do. We were together. We were learning. The real purpose wasn't lost though. By this point, we have mostly let go of the 'get things done as fast and efficiently as possible' way of thinking. Things are different in Cambodia. People are different. I think we are all now a little different.

Tired, we took an early lunch and feasted on what would be our last meal prepared by my favorite Cambodian cook (and my favorite Cambodian) – Saran! For me this was the best meal I have had in Cambodia. She prepared ample amounts of curry crab. Have I mentioned yet that I love crab? Anyhow, she prepared enough crab for everyone but because some had left early we enjoyed a surplus. I am pleased to report that we (especially the boys) took one for the team and stuffed ourselves silly. Let's just say I didn't eat dinner that night.

In the afternoon we spent almost three hours playing with the kids at the Children's Learning Centre and we played hard. We sang, we danced, we played a number of games and generally enjoyed each other's company. These kids aren't shy and like getting their pictures taken. I enjoyed the fact that they were as interested in us as we in them. They sang the alphabet for us and some showed off their surprisingly good English skills. We did our English rendition of Old MacDonald had a farm and they did their Khmer version. Who knew that pigs, dogs and chickens make different sounds in Cambodia? Ben what a hit with his guitar and enjoyed one of his most enthralled audiences to date (his words, not mine). Ben and I had a contest to see how many kids we could have hanging off of us at one time. We tied at 6 each. Kyle kept busy throwing the balls around and playing catch. Bobbi, Sherilyn and Shalen kept the kids entertained with group games. I can't remember what Tommy was up to, but my best guess is some sort of gymnastics. As I recall, there was an impromptu game of bowling using a water bottle and a ball. We formed a human pyramid – don't worry, the kids were on top. We gave tons of piggie back rides.

I found it interesting how well behaved these kids were. They were very interested in our things as well, like our sunglasses and cameras. Our items were passed around. Yet, they treated our things with respect and even if we didn't expect some things back, they all came back to us safe and sound. We had all brought a significant amount of donations but we were all wishing we had brought more. Note to self: next time bring more things to play with like soccer balls. It was also neat to see how the girls naturally tended to conglomerate with the ladies and the boys with the men. We were equally fascinated with one another. These hours were the highlight of my trip. Two boys in particular decided that I was theirs. From when we arrived until we left one or the other was literally stuck to me. Towards the end as we sang song, they were getting tired and were both falling asleep on my lap. As they nodded off it was so cute as they clambered and competed for my lap space. I felt really special and they didn't need to say a word. It warmed my heart. Thanks to these boys I have discovered in myself that someday I will be a Dad...I'll be ready. Thanks guys. Akun. As the bus left the entire school saw us of. We high-five'd. We waved. We blew kisses. There were eyes filled with tears.

In keeping with tradition, we made our way back to the hotel, cracked a few cold beers and watched the sunset, basking in the moment and reveling in what a great day we had.

Just when I though this day couldn't get any better, it did. Our group was privileged to be in Kep at the same time BAB in Cambodia was doing its strategic planning session with virtually all its staff and volunteers. BAB was kind enough to invite us to join them for dinner at a cozy and spacious beach side restaurant. There were probably 50 people or more present. BAB has volunteers from all around the world and we met people from Australia, Scotland and the US. Wow, these volunteers have it all: skills, generous spirits and good looks. There is something special going on here.

After dinner our group started some impromptu dancing which evolved into a full fledged party. We drank and danced and enjoyed some international group bonding on the dock. We cranked up some Queen, some Abba and some U2. By this time I still hadn't figured out exactly what our group itinerary was for the next day but I indulged again in a few hours of completely care free moments.

Some people went home relatively early and others welcomed in the morning. Earlier that evening I attached myself to an old dog who had evidently just become a mother. I am an animal lover so, unable to resist, I had to pet her, again tossing out the health nurse's recomendations. The dog welcomed my attention and she returned the favour. She and her doggie counterpart walked us stragglers home a far distance to the hotel. They weren't just following us – they had come to protect us, not a word of a lie. They walked us right to our doorstep and waking up the next morning, some participants must have wondered why there was a dog out their front door. This day was full of love. A little love it seems can go a long way.

This is my kind of travel.