Not the end, just the beginning

Would you still remember

Fun we had together

Every time you make me laugh

You know you light up my path

All of us (plus Kunthea, Sreyneang and Sreymom) and our completed mural at Blum!

It is unbelievable that fifteen days of working with Riverkids has passed in a flash. We have gotten so used to life here, so used to seeing the kids smile and wave at us everyday, so used to playing and giving high-fives to them, so used to anticipating that on the next day we will bring more joy and laughter to them that it is scary to think that we are leaving today. As I am typing this at 7 in the morning, many children have already gathered at our house gate, wanting to say their goodbyes before they leave for state school, where they will still be when we leave for the airport later this afternoon. This is probably the last few times we will ever hear the familiar cries of “ ‘cher!” and “hello!”.

During one of our group sessions, my group mate, Daniel, said, “when you look into a child’s eyes you see the world.” Indeed, we came here wanting to serve and give to the kids but I think we have learnt much more from the kids than what we have to offer them. Personally, they have taught me that so long as you are sincere and genuine, there will be no barriers that cannot be broken down. Despite my weak grasp of the Khmer language, I believe that the kids understood my every gesture, every mispronunciation of their language, and every purpose behind what we did. The kids have also taught me to be contented with whatever I have.

Yesterday, we had a little appreciation tea session where we invited all the staff from Riverkids plus all the Get Ready Girls to have tea with us at Romdeng in order to thank them. I believe everyone had a great time. While the staff enjoyed their food indoors, the Get Ready girls and some of us certainly had much fun splashing in the pool and dunking unsuspecting victims.

Group photo (almost everyone) in the pool at Romdeng :D

Today is the end of our trip. However, it is just the beginning of our work with Riverkids. I am sure that even when we get back to Singapore every single one of the 27 of us would find our own little ways of continuing to help the kids. Some of us may write to the kids that we have built relationships with, some may give donations to Riverkids, some, like me, may even choose to come back next year. Memories from this trip shall never be forgotten.

We’ll be friends forever

Sharing all the laughter

Maybe we will drift apart

But promise you my friend

Left you a space in my heart

-RJC’09 Batch Song

Elizabeth
ISLE Cambodia 08