Day 9 (Last Day in Cambodia)

Yesterday when we got to the school at 7am to see how their breakfast program works, the whole school was lined up on both sides of the entrance--what a greeting! My friend Kim presented them with $150 to purchase a generator for the library so the children will have a cool and enjoyable place to read. Ms. Lucky, a teacher a Ta Pang, gratefully accepted the donation. As we walked through the lines of students, they began clapping and saying thank you and as I type this, I am still moved to tears. To me, what we did for them seems so small in comparison to what they have done for me. My perspective on life is forever changed and a piece of my heart will be in Cambodia forever.

The mothers from the village rotate making breakfast for the children and we helped serve them. They finish everything on their plate; no ifs, ands or buts. The rest of the morning, we went to each classroom and passed out toothbrushes, toothpaste, books, stickers and clothes. The pre-dental people taught the kids how to brush their teeth and the psych majors did English lessons. We had the toothbrush holders hung in each classroom with their names on the slot for their toothbrush. This is in hopes that they will keep it at school and brush their teeth at least twice a day. Most of them only brush once a day and their teeth really reflect the truth about that. I have never in my life seen such tooth decay.

I spent the afternoon at the Ampil Health Center which was pretty uneventful. The morning shift saw the birth of a baby which of course I am super envious about. I did get to see the beautiful baby girl though.

We then went for a group massage. It was unlike any massage I have ever had. First, they lay strips of cucumber on your face. They use their whole body to massage you (clothed) and they also do a type of cupping that sounds like they are slapping us. We were all laughing at first, especially the guys but were then able to enjoy it for the most part. They give you tea afterwards which was really nice.

We were given money for dinner of our choice and I went with two of my friends to a Mexican restaurant. It was suprisingly really good and we even got our cocktails to go! I rode a tuk tuk for the first time and we shopped a little more at the night market. We were offered cocaine as we walked down the street which caught me off guard a bit. We also witnessed several children that were put to work, some of them even carrying babies asking for money or formula. Sick people drug the kids and babies and watch from a far as they beg for money or anything they can sell back to the market. It was extremely disturbing and sad.

This morning I was up early to donate blood at the Angkor Hospital for Children. I was really nervous but knew it was something I really wanted to do while I was here. They draw a small amount of blood first to test your iron, etc. Mine was fine so I went first. It wasn't bad at all and I felt fine after I drank a Coke and relaxed for a bit. It was when my friend was donating blood that I saw the size of the needle and was glad that I didn't see it before I donated--it was huge (sorry Dad and Amanda). It made my trip knowing that I did something that will save a child's life.

Afterwards, we had a free day. I packed and then went out with some friends. It is probably the hottest it's been since we've been were. We found a nail shop with fans so we got manicures (for $4)! We are now heading out for dinner then showering and heading to the airport. I am not looking forward to the flight and leaving Cambodia but I am looking forward to the tour in Seoul, South Korea and getting home and seeing everyone!

Prayers for a safe and comfortable flight appreciated!

Love you all and thank you for coming on this amazing journey with me! Xoxo