By Farah Pahlavi and Sophie Simon
Today we had an early morning and arrived at the Aranh school by 6 am. We served the children rice porridge and talked with them while
they ate. They were so happy to have us and loved giving high fives. Many
times, the children bowed when we served them their food.
 |
| Serving breakfast with the "Food for Thought" program |
 |
| Good morning, Sam! |
After this, we met our pen pals that we had been
emailing back and forth with. We ate a rice and pork breakfast with them and
started to get to know them. After this, we walked around the school for 45
minutes and continued to get to know our buddies on a scenic walk.
 |
| Kieran, Aniya and Meghan plus buddies |
 |
| Sam, Coley, Karsen and buddies |
 |
| Roya, Julia, Goldie, Farah and buddies |
 |
| Max, Gianna and Sophie with buddies |
 |
| From top right: Karsen, Roya, Kieran, Farah. |
 |
| Sophie, Max and Gianna |
 |
| From top right: Meghan, Sam, Coley and Aniya |
 |
| Goldie and buddy (big heart) |
 |
| Julia and buddy (little heart) |
 |
| The whole group! |
Once we
returned to the school, we played many games with our buddies, including jump
rope, volleyball, and soccer. At the end, we sat in a circle exchanging fun
facts that we learned about our buddies, while enjoying a snack and drink.
 |
| Soccer match |
 |
| Jumping rope! |
 |
| Big volleyball game |
 |
| Introduce your buddy and tell us what you've learned about her or him |
After lunch and a swim at the hotel, we broke into three groups. One group went to the Aranh school to build a brick wall and the other
group taught two ESL classes. Teaching children English is really moving and
makes us feel very helpful because it is good for them to hear our American accents
and learn from our English. Building the brick walls made us feel accomplished because
it was clear that we put a lot of hard work and effort into it to help the
school and make a difference.
We are now back at the hotel resting and cleaning up before dinner.
 |
| ESL classroom |
 |
| Duck-duck-goose |
 |
| Head, shoulders, knees, and toes! |
 |
| Meghan at work |
 |
| Julia and kids |
 |
| Building a wall |
 |
| Brick-by-back |
 |
| Group photo of Sophie, Julia, and Meghan with the class |
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYou guys have really settled in and made fast friends! Keep up the great work and spreading your gifts! Hugs to everyone!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible experience you are having! My heart is full thinking about how much joy you are bringing to these Cambodian peers. The exchange with your pen pals becomes more real when you can sit with them looking into their eyes and share stories, games, meaningful activities! I continue to see your eyes open and remain humble with the act of kindness and service. So proud of all of you. plus it looks like you are all bonding and building culture Through this once in a lifetime shared experience. Proud mom!!
ReplyDelete