Hanna's Reflections...

a. Based on your experience in the many activities we organised in Cambodia, what would be a highlight(s) for you? Why? Please elaborate.
What stays fresh as a memory for me is the house building. That was my very first time to build a house. To my surprise, the carpenters said that the house is going to stand still for at least 10 years. When I heard that, I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Although what I did was just very simple things like cleaning the bamboo, nailing and arranging the palm leaves for the walls, somehow I simply felt extremely happy, especially when I saw the built house after 3 days of work.
Actually at first, I was not that excited as it was not an easy job. During the bamboo cleaning, we had to sit under the sun and patiently clean the long bamboo. But, everybody was happily doing it, thus I was also motivated to do my best. During the nailing for the floor, when I got too excited, the hammer knocked on my hands several times. And, it took me about 3 minutes for one nail, whereas the carpenters could do it in less than 1 minute. But, the carpenters were happily guiding us instead of grumbling that we did it so slowly.
Through this house building activity, I realized how important good teamwork is. We were supposed to go to the building site for 4 days, but because we worked happily and efficiently together as a team, we could finished it in 3 days.
The house building is beneficial for me as it is a valueable experience and learning.

Another highlight for me is the cultural village visit. Culture might be boring for some people, including me. But, through this visit, I learnt more about the Cambodian culture, especially the traditional dances and the cultural practices which are new to me (eg. when a couple get married, the guy will stay in the girl's house, etc).
Again, this activity benefited me as I learnt new culture from the Cambodians themselves.


b. Were there learning points during your trip? What have you learnt? About yourself, your fellow expedition mate, Cambodia, orphans, etc.
I learnt lots of things through this trip.
About myself, I realized that I still take life for granted. For example, If I do not like the food I eat, I will just stop eating and throw away the food. But, for the less fortunate people, they will be extremely happy even if we give them only one piece of small candy. So, I learnt to be more grateful and appreciative.
About my fellow expedition mate and the facilitators (Mr.Ben Cho and Ms.Lai), they are awesome! Frankly speaking, one of the reasons that I could survive the trip is because of their motivation, determination and caring attitude. Everybody was just so helpful, cheerful and caring despite the 'hard-to-survive' environment (eg.dirty surroundings, mosquitoes everywhere...)
About Cambodians and the orphans, they are very friendly, simple and happy. They really have a simple lifestyle. They only have one dish meal, they are not dependent on handphones and internet, yet they are still happily enjoying lives.


c. The theme of this expedition was 'Challenge your perspectives". Did this happen? Did you have a new insight? Or do you now have a new perspective?
After going on this trip, my perspective is challenged...
We live in a developed country, where money seems to play the most important role in everything. I had the perspective that money could make us happy. When I saw rich people, I would think that they are the happiest people on earth because they could satisfy all their needs and wants. But I guess, I was wrong. I could see that the Cambodians(who are less fortunate) live happy lives too. This is simply because they appreciate what they have.
Wealth (richness) is not the main thing that can make us happy. Indeed, being appreciative and grateful towards whatever things we have currently is what make us happy.


d. Call to action. Do you feel you have contributed at the expedition? Would there be future expeditions for you? What are your plans (related to community service). What does the future hold for you?
Honestly, I feel that I have not contributed much. I can't deny that sometimes I found myself secretly grumbling in my heart when I was doing the activities (eg. Oh my, this place is so dirty, I don't like it). That indirectly translates that I have not given my best, in other words, I did my service to the community half-heartedly. But, eventhough I grumbled and complained, indeed I really hope to see the people smile.
I believe I can't be selfish and stop to serve the community as there are many more people who are in need out there. I would like to see myself involve in other community service projects like educational community service, mission trips, fund raisings, donations, etc. In my future expeditions, I will try my best contribute more and whole-heartedly.


In conclusion, I am grateful to have the opportunity to go for this trip. Experiences and Learnings are the most valueable gifts that I get from this Youth Expedition Project :)


~A sincere smile from the heart is one simple service that we can give everyday~