anyway

Yup! A blogpost for the 9 day trip in Cambodia. 16 KMB students: Wan Zulhilmi, Syukri, Nina, Nik Syuk, Mimy, Linda, Izzy, Hosni, Fasya, Farid, Erni, Asmak, Ariff, Ammar, Aliah & Adlan Wafi departed on the 14th of August to Cambodia on a humanitarian mission and together, we are "Sehati Serumpun".

I didn't expect that my journey to Cambodia would be so colourful! With so many places to go to and with so many activities; I could only wonder what new experiences I might gain and how they're going to affect my personal well-being.

Leaving Malaysia

The first mosque that I found in Cambodia

At the House of Emirates (an orphanage)
Good hygiene always

What better way to spend time than to play a game of Frisbee?

Smile to the camera

One more picture before leaving

A souvenir for the orphans

Painting the grimy walls

We love to have our pictures taken while relaxing from painting

All the guys of Sehati Serumpun with some of the children

The villagers followed us wherever we go

Staring through the window

The students loved their photos to be taken too

Flour attack!

With the cute kid!

So joyful

The children can get very excited when it comes to candy

And not to forget, balloons!

Preparing for the battle

It was definitely a fierce combat

Group photo!

We're back in Malaysia!

I was grateful to meet the children of Cambodia. They taught me something - even though they're living in awfully depressing environs, they manage to make the best of their lives even at tender age. The children's faces are filled with hope, valour, great determination and of such innocence.

Each of us learned the importance to lend a hand to these people who are desperately in need of our attention. We know what we did is not enough. It might not be a life-changing experience. It might not even be long-lasting. But we did it anyway.

"You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach and you know it might not ever come your way; dream it anyway..."
Martina McBride

What makes me marvel is that the children seemed so buoyant to receive such little gifts. They'd jump for joy when they get candy or even a colour pencil. They'd crave for the simple things in life which we often take for granted.

I know that all the members of Sehati Serumpun have one thing in their minds - we wish we could do more. Well, at least it's a start. A start to new opportunities; a start to a much better future.

What I enjoyed would most probably to be able to make the Cambodians feel exuberant as we visited their villages. Despite the poor conditions which they live in, they were capable of greeting us warmly. They knew that our assistance may just be worthwhile but they're still happy. They smiled anyway...