Hi people! Hope everyone is doing well after the trip, and is still eating your malaria pills religiously! hehe. alrights, heres the photos before my long long post of stories! Our first project: MI mart to rasie fund!

1st and our fav hotel: Thunborey hotel

The Magnificant Angkor Wat. Im sure all of us were impressed with all these temples.

Our first tour guide. Thank you Somuch so much!

Our poor Hazalin stucked with these kids. * She's at the exteme lift side. Our very first emotion ride in the Kingdom Of Cambodia

Rice Soup Prog: After meal's fun time!

Rice-Soup Prog: Saying their prayers before eating. I swear the way they eat will break your heart.

Adli with his babies. Too many to handle, i suppose?Haha!!

At BBLC[ Boy's Bridgate Learning Centre]: New friend, skinny Biscuit!

Christina, Zarah, Asha and me with our friends[students]

Group photo outside BBLC, before going to the road building site

Making new friends along the way...

Jump shot 1

Jump shot 2

BBLC corridor

Mr Christ- silk worm in his mouth...'taste like watery peanuts' OMG...

Last Day: At out friend's high school

Here is the playful Mr Chuk Mun. The site coordinator who stayed with us from the very beginning.

Christine, Yana and I [ I am YUQI]- chilling out at the cafe after shopping time. Trust me, the ice-cream and atmosphere after days of hard work is......heaven......

Hi, allow me to introduce myself. I am Yuqi from 08s3. I personally loves to do volunteering work. I felt that its my job to give back/ contribute to our society, to the unfortunate ones. Too many teenagers[none of us here of cus] are preoccupied satisfying themselves that they ignore those in poverty, pain etc.

Alrights, the photos here DOES NOT show our full ten days program. Our first task together was to prepare for the MI mart, it was a great effort by everyone, including Mr Nasser and Ms Ajmoon. Everyone helped in a way or another. Next was all the lesson planning, packing of gifts: candies, study pact etc. Preparing for our performance [ Very fun and addictive] We all made new friends, get the chance to break the ice and bonded the whole team. Also went to take vaccination together. Thanks to those who consoled me though i didnt cry. HAHA!

Day 1

When we get to Cambodia, the first thing was: ok the airport is SO, SO different. No such thing as 'multi-storey' building in the first part of the trip ok. CULTURE SHOCK was the thing, but good experience. Thunborey Hotel was so much better than I've expected, everyone was happy. My room-mate a.k.a Yana and I had room opening ceremony, room rules and many scissors, paper and stone game. We all went places of interest: Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat. FIrst debrief was not very nice. Insects/flies planned a massive attacks on us! Personally i felt that the 1st day was too packed, too many of movements for our heavy bags and luggage.

Day 2

Went for Rice-soup prog. We were introduced to Sister Louise, from her, I've learnt that to contibute to our society, it is all from our heart. Not based on your age, knowledge, fitness. If one wants to contribute, do it wholeheartedly.

The kids were very active, and of cus happy to see us. One of the boys was so facinated and curious in my camera. So I taught him how to use the camera. Many had brown hair [Not trendy not they went to dye it.] , due to malnutrition. Sister Louise also touched on Cambodian's cultures. It was infomative and its good to learn their culture and practices at the beginning of the trip!

Day 3-7

HAHAHA!! BBLC was FUN!!! First night was horrible for me. I cant sleep due to the heat. But subsequent nights were better. Electricity generator is off at ten pm sharp everyday! Made so many new friends, even those not from my class. I felt that it is a necessity to get close-not physically to out Cambodian friends. One of the main thing about the trip is about learning humanity, learning another's cultures, understanding their practices and traditions. And it is impossible to do so if one maintain a 'teacher-student' relationship. But of cus we have to take note of physical contacts! Our friends are all very hardworking, eager to study and never fails to keep practicing on english language. Saying goodbyes to our friends were hard, really hard. Its because of the bonds we built during our few days stay. heartwarming farewells..

The five day's stay bonded our team through road building, giving lessons and of cus meals preparation! Preparing meals with Mr Nasser, Mr Christ and Ms Ajmoon is really memorable. The times when we paniced was really fun. I also had the chance to go the market with Mr Chuk Mun and Mr Nasser. It was a good experience and an eye opener for me. The walk to the market was even more 'happening'!! One vehicle pass by, ok thats it. Ultra sandy! And i wonder why Singapore's road is not so dusty and sandy..

Another 'MEMORABLE' event was the toilet bowl man. Eveytime i do the huge business, the toilet bowl just wont flush. I didnt offend it. IT just want to mess with me. Irritating...

Day 8-9

Shopping and shopping!! Here we hone our bargaining skills! Hope everyone had their best buys. went to dumpsite program. the first step down the bus was 'i cant describe the smell and experience'. It was a nice experience though. where else can you see a dumpsite a few storeys high? I was astonish to find out that the dumpsite itself was a village. There's even a school right in the center of the village. The children were actually very fun-loving. I had a great time playing with them!

We also went to the killing field and s21-museum. I couldnt really explain how i felt at that point of time. I'll let others to explain yea?

last day

Saying good byes to Cambodia was of mixed feelings. But im glad i could learn so many things. Be it culturally, or on my personal qualities..

I feel fortunate to be part of this team! I will keep these memories in my heart. Do forgive me if i've irritated any one of you in one way or another! I really had a great time playing, working and ka-jiaoing all of you! =) Do remember whatever we've learnt. Apply it daily in out life. And give these experience to motivate you when you're at your lowest. Thanks to everyone, and the teachers for taking care of me during this trip. Love you all!

Enjoy your holiday, and will see all of you on 12 Jan2009!

*My apologies for the long post

MY AWESOME OCIP JOURNEY TO CAMBODIA 2008

HELLO THERE MY FRIENDS...

As for me i've always like doing community services. So when i first heard of the Ocip trip to Cambodia, I was super excited. "Omg! Omg! i must go for this trip! No matter what!"
After the interview with Mr Nasser, i was paying hard i would be in it. When i was told that im in it already, I was super duper contented to the max!!

And so.. we had meetings going on and on..haaha
There were last minutes perparations too! heehe! =)
On the night before our flight, my anxiety level went up. The anticipation was killing me already. haaha!

And when the actual day came and everyone were already at the airport, i became more and more anxious. but, before leaving,i reminded myself this: My purpose coming to Cambodia is not to just build roads and learn their culture,but also to connect with the people. Most importantly, bringing smiles, joy and laughter to anyone i meet throughout the journey. =>

16 NOV 2008, we went to their 3 Majestic temples which really impress me. These temples really showed the country's richness in its tradition and culture. I was elated and blessed to have witness it personally.
However, despite all the happiness, i was filled with mixed emotions(sadness and sympathy) when i saw the kids begging us so desperately to buy their handmade products.

One incident which strikes me the most is about this little girl who gave me a welcoming note when we alighted from the bus at Angkor Wat. Initially,i thought it was nice of her to do so and was deeply touched by it.However, when we were walking back,she came up to me and ask mo tbuy her wooden bracelet atUS$1.
When i refused, she said " YOU TAKE MY NOTE, MEANS YOU PROMISED TO BUY FROM ME!"
I was stunned by what she said. Esp the word"PROMISED"
This experience did upset and angers me a little. I felt that the girl took advantage of the symphatized feelings i had for her.
But overall, i still feel for these kids.At such a young age, they are already treating begging as a profession.
All in all, the cultural tour for the day was just MARVELLOUS & SPLENDID!.


17 NOV 2008, We had the rice soup programme.
This prog was truly an eye opener. Here, we were introduced to Sister Louise. Sister Louise really motivates me to community work even more now.
Her actions of just picking up the litters with her full hand really made realized the true passion of community work. I really respect her for that. =)

The kids there were truly fun and adorable. They were different from the kids at Angkor Wat.
These kids here welcome us warmly with huge smiles on their faces. We played with each other although there were no bariers.Through these kids, i saw true joy and laughter. Most importantly, they thought me that anyone can be happy even if they are living under poverty.
Seeing the kids eating quickly just to get another serving really breaks my heart.
Now,back in S'pore, i learned to appreciate the food that i have.

18 NOV-22 NOV 2008.
Our 5 days here at BBLC were hilarious,scary?, Fun, wonderful, Tiring AND Many many more!
But definitely, It was AWESOME! An experienced i'll never get to experience back here in S'pore.
There were FUN and TIRING ROAD BUILDINGS, IN TERESTING ENGLISH LESSONS, SPLENDID INTERACTIONS WITH THE STUDENTS, WONDERFUL DELICIOUS GOOD FOOD FOR LUNCH! AND OF COURSE DINNER? Minus away the flies.haha!
The stay here made me realized the importance of conserving water,electricity and of course to appreciate the TOILET! hee..
Most importantly, To treasure the people I have around me.
The stay at BBLC really bonded the group. =D
My stay here definitely made me a more independent person.
Looking at the enthusiasm of the kids when they study really made me appreciates education here in S'pore. Now, whenever i feel lazy to study, i will think of how fortunate i am here. The kids there really motivates me now.
The farewell was truly emotional. People were crying. But I told myself i shouldnt be crying. Because,my ocip trip does not end here. I know i will be back here again some time later.
All in all, i thank the BBLC and the Villagers for my WONDERFUL & ENJOYABLE stay there.
I TREASURE THE FRIENDSHIP WE BUILT.

23 NOV-24 NOV 2008.
These Two days...WE were SHOPPING! SHOPPING and more SHOPPING!!
SHOPPING WERE AWESOME TO THE MAX! HAHA.
BUT, the killing fields and S-21 Museum we went to were rather disturbing.
The DUMPSITE. IT BREAKS MY HEARTS TO SEE THE CHILDREN THERE.
BUT, i was glad that our presence brought happiness to their life. Even if it is least for a day.
The Dumsite area made me appreaciate the cleaners in s'pore.

25 NOV2008(THE LAST DAY)
AN EMOTIONAL DAY FOR ME.
ALL I CAN IS I REALLY ENJOYED THE WONDERFUL TIME SPENT WITH EVERYONE.
FORGIVE ME IF I MADE ANY MISTAKES.HEEHE!
I KNOW MY OCIP TRIP WILL NOT END HERE. I WILL CONTINUE THIS SERVICE FOR AS LONG AS I CAN.
I HOPE ALL OF YOU GUYS WII DO THE SAME TOO!
I REALLY TREASURE THE FREINDSHIP WE'VE BUILT.
BETTER STILL, WE ARE ALREADY A FAMILY!!

LOTS OF LOVE: HAZELIN
OR U CAN CALL ME
HAZELNUT!hehe!

P.S . SORRY I'VE NOT UPLOADED THE PICS. I'LL DO IT SOON THOUGH. HEEHE. =D
ENJOY MY WORDY BLOG! HAHAAHA!

My Journey....

Let me start the first post, i think you guys are waiting for someone to start it right! My journey began when Mr Nasser approached me to interview the selected candidates for the OCIP trip, the interview went smoothly. And almost all were selected and I must say some of whom I thought possessed the leadership x-factor did not dissapoint me. But at the same time, some blossomed into leaders during the trip. Then all the preparations started, the lesson planning, the grocery shopping, the scoldings, the last minute shopping, the last minute packing and before I knew it 16 November 2008 arrived. The teachers were as excited and we ended up giving morning calls to each other to wake up ;P

The first day was spent in touring the temples and going waaa at Angkor Wat. The second day was the day that it sinked in that we are in Cambodia for a purpose. When I started interacting with the kids involved in the Rice Soup Programme, my inner hidden child just jumped out and I am sure it was the same scenerio with the other two teachers. The kid's innocence overpowered all other factors. I was amazed at Sister Louis's dedication towards the kids as well as the centre, here was a lady who gave up her comfortable life in America and dedicated her service to the children in Cambodia. When it was time for the distribution of the biscuits, I saw the spark in the kids's eyes when they received the biscuits, it was indeed a worthwhile effort to transport the biscuits from SG. Guys, give yourself a pat for the effort!



Our next destination was where it all happened, the Boy's Brigade Learning Centre. It was a place which challenged my/our mental and physical strength. Although I was mentally prepared for the challenges I was in for, I must confess that the first day was indeed tough. Coupled with a headache, I still went ahead with the Road Building Project and ended up with a bad migraine. I had to skip dinner for the fear of puking unglamourly =D. But I think nobody forcasted the first dinner to be uneventful with all the insects landing on the plate. The second day at BBLC had a challenge in for me as I and my cooking team had to prepare lunch for 20 of you guys. I never cooked for 20 pax before and it was my very first attempt. To make the scenario worse, the ingredients I wanted was not available and quoting what YuQi and Asha said our best ingredient was panic ! And I must say it worked and the dish turned well! The subsequent days programmes were mainly Road Building and teaching of lessons.


The team decided to stage a concert performance and within the short frame of time, we managed to do a good job. The performance that tugged my heartstrings was when the team started singing the national songs, it just left me with a fuzzy feeling and I missed HOME for the first time since I arrived at Cambodia. The MI Dance was cute =D, Banu's dance was captivating, the cambodians did not turn their eyes away from her...



It was also the Farewell Day where all were involved in exchanging letters and hugs.



All of us left BBLC with a mixed feeling and consoling ourselves that life has to move on and we meet different people from different walks of life everyday.

The next day was a tour of Artisan D'Angkor and learnt the process of making a silk material. The one burning question that was running in my head when I was there, do we really need to wear silk at the expense of the lives of the silkworms ? I guess the answer lies in each individual principles.




The following day when we had to endure the 6 hours bus ride to Phnom Penh, I was initially worried on whether anyone will be 'bus' sick but it was consoling when you guys slept through the whole journey =D All were active enough to head to shopping!

The next stop to killing fields and S21 musuem was indeed an eyeopener, the common question we were asking ourselves was WHY do they have to kill their own people ? The question was answered by Mr Chris during the facilitation, the Khmer Rouge were heading towards a communist society where all in the nation will be treated equally regardless of their education and position. But it was a cruel irony when the meaning of equality was distorted.





I am very sure all of us left Cambodia as a better individual. Cherish your family and friends as well as the country. I would also like to apologise to you guys if I was harsh in one way or another. Start blogging on your experience and I am looking forward to your entries. Ms Moon