There is this powerful, incredible connection I have with this country. It's really quite strange. I've never felt like this. Maybe it's because I haven't traveled as much as some of my peers? Or maybe it's because I really value the opportunity to have been able to come here? Or both? And the other factor: how can you not love a country filled with individuals who make the best of every possible situation?
Why did I even come to Cambodia, in the first place? What was my purpose?
For the past year, I've dedicated my time helping to build our first chapter ever of GlobeMed at Rutgers. Starting this organization with one of my best friends has been, probably, the most rewarding experience I've had at Rutgers. I know I still have a lot to learn, in terms of management and leadership; but it's been so exciting seeing the growth of the chapter build into one huge family. I could talk about this all day so I'll get to the point. My main purpose in Cambodia was as a GROW (grassroots onsite work) intern. By working directly with CSSD for three weeks, we have been developing an incredibly deep relationship with them. Like I said in my last post: this partnership surpasses any business relationship, it's a friendship founded on love and trust. Since getting settled in, and creating this bond with cssd.. I'm so overwhelmed. I'm overwhelmed with joy, excitement, and curiosity. I can't believe how much I've come to love these people in a span of two weeks. I can't believe how much I came to love this country.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
"Eat, babies, eat!"
As are most sundays, we spent the morning getting some much needed rest. We took a modest time getting ready, eating some breakfast, and creating lesson plans for our first english lesson with the staff! I only hope that we will be as great teachers as they are students. After spending some time prepping for a long week ahead, we got a call from Mr. Chanthan- he invited us for supper with his family. This invitation, although seems like a simple gesture, had so much meaning; our partnership is more than just business, but filled with friendship, love, and trust.
Before we headed over to Mr. Chanthan's, we got to venture into the long-awaited Russian Market. The market was incredible. There were vibrant colors everywhere, assorted goods, and foods. I could easily spot my, now, favorite fruit, rambutan, from miles away. Delicious! Walking around the market, the different stands could easily distinguish us as foreigners. We had to haggle our way through cutting down prices for different goods, but we all eventually left the market extremely satisfied with our purchases.
After the market, we met with Mr. Chanthan, and arrived at his home. Upon walking into his abode, we were greeted with smiling faces from his son, wife, and some neighborhood friends. A beautiful home, a beautiful family. His son, or informerly known as "Wat", created a sort of english club within the neighborhood. (Joke: "What's your name?" "Yes! That is my name!"). Furthermore, when the neighborhood kids heard that we were coming to Chanthan's home, they all rushed over to have a conversation with us and practice their english. I was extremely impressed at how eager all of them were. We sat in a circle, and listened to the stories about their lives. We came to know that a few of them were able to travel abroad, through scholarships. Nita, a first year at her university in cambodia, was able to travel to America, and visit both Illinois and Washington DC. I was incredibly impressed at how far their determination can take them. Their futures are so bright, and they will surely succeed in what they put their minds to.
After a pleasurable afternoon, we made way upstairs onto the roof. Mr. Chanthan is all about having a good time, especially on the roof of his home. We quickly came to see that it was hard to not have a good time, when you're surrounded by great company, delicious food, and a beautiful home. We spent the night furiously taking the shells off of fresh shrimp, drinking some angkor, squid, and home-made soup with noodles, shrimp, and assorted meat. It was the meal of the century. Mr. Chanthan continuously told us, "eat, babies, eat! Don't be shy." And believe me, none of us were shy with our food- we were stuffed to the brim.
We ended the night with some karaoke, and dancing. It's not surprising that by the time we arrived back to our hotel, we slept. It was a great night. One that none of us, surely, will ever forget.
Before we headed over to Mr. Chanthan's, we got to venture into the long-awaited Russian Market. The market was incredible. There were vibrant colors everywhere, assorted goods, and foods. I could easily spot my, now, favorite fruit, rambutan, from miles away. Delicious! Walking around the market, the different stands could easily distinguish us as foreigners. We had to haggle our way through cutting down prices for different goods, but we all eventually left the market extremely satisfied with our purchases.
After the market, we met with Mr. Chanthan, and arrived at his home. Upon walking into his abode, we were greeted with smiling faces from his son, wife, and some neighborhood friends. A beautiful home, a beautiful family. His son, or informerly known as "Wat", created a sort of english club within the neighborhood. (Joke: "What's your name?" "Yes! That is my name!"). Furthermore, when the neighborhood kids heard that we were coming to Chanthan's home, they all rushed over to have a conversation with us and practice their english. I was extremely impressed at how eager all of them were. We sat in a circle, and listened to the stories about their lives. We came to know that a few of them were able to travel abroad, through scholarships. Nita, a first year at her university in cambodia, was able to travel to America, and visit both Illinois and Washington DC. I was incredibly impressed at how far their determination can take them. Their futures are so bright, and they will surely succeed in what they put their minds to.
After a pleasurable afternoon, we made way upstairs onto the roof. Mr. Chanthan is all about having a good time, especially on the roof of his home. We quickly came to see that it was hard to not have a good time, when you're surrounded by great company, delicious food, and a beautiful home. We spent the night furiously taking the shells off of fresh shrimp, drinking some angkor, squid, and home-made soup with noodles, shrimp, and assorted meat. It was the meal of the century. Mr. Chanthan continuously told us, "eat, babies, eat! Don't be shy." And believe me, none of us were shy with our food- we were stuffed to the brim.
We ended the night with some karaoke, and dancing. It's not surprising that by the time we arrived back to our hotel, we slept. It was a great night. One that none of us, surely, will ever forget.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
wisdom.
"True heroism is minutes, hours, weeks, year upon year of the quiet, precise judicious exercise of probity and care-- with no one there to see or cheer. This is the world."
-- David Foster Wallace
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