Student Blogs and Jenna's thoughts

Please check out student blogs:


Anna:

http://journeytoacambodianorphanage.blogspot.com/

Camryn:

http://camrynscambodia.blogspot.com/

Zoe

http://zozoincambodia.blogspot.com/

Nikko:

http://nikkocambodia.blogspot.com/

Mallory:

http://mallorysmissioncambodia.blogspot.com/

Bret:

http://bretscambodiablogtravel.blogspot.com/

Ava:

http://avacambodia.blogspot.com/

Alex:

http://cambodiaalex.blogspot.com/

Lisa Marie:

http://childrensglobalalliance.blogspot.com/



 Tired Thoughts: 

Oh my goodness.  I need to outline and think harder than possible at 10 pm in order to write this blog.  Quick and dirty:  I am immensely grateful to be here with an amazing group of young adults (and old adults) to experience the culture of the Cambodian people and have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many children.  The exhaustion I am currently experiencing is proof that we have been working/playing/dancing our butts off; the fact that I cannot think straight at this time of night is also proof of the eye opening, thought provoking experience I have had here.  My mind is currently racing thinking of kids- The questions I have are all intertwined between our dear students  from the Vail Valley and the students and children we are meeting here in Cambodia. 

Food for thought:

What level education will the Cambodian children receive?
Do students in the United States (and other areas of the world) realize how fortunate we are to have an organized education system?  
How do genocides occur (yes Sara, we did teach this last semester, but it is still mind boggling)?
What would Cambodia be like if the Khmer Rouge had never taken over? 
How many children go to sleep at night without a hug?
What are our students' thoughts/feelings that will surface by the end of this trip?
What happens when children in the orphanage get sick?
How will this experience change outlook on material objects in the lives of our students?
What happens when funding doesn't come for some of these orphanages?
Will the culture shock be more extreme entering Cambodia or returning to the United States? (one of my favorite points to ponder while traveling)

The largest lesson I have learned, or re-learned thus far is this: Nothing is ever so awful that you can't smile (constantly a Jerry Hagen lesson - thanks Dad).  We can make the glass half full and look for the good, bright spots in less than ideal situations.  The children we have the pleasure of working with do not have much, but are delightful, happy children; I never knew there were so many ways to play with wooden sticks!  Each student at CPO (I'll fill you all in on that later) has a tiny dresser, but is so proud of that dresser containing ALL of their earthly belongings.

I will end this blog with a quote (as I recall it) from a student on our 26+ hour journey to Phnom Penh:
"I have decided that nothing and no one will stop me from making this trip amazing." The sentiment is clearly that we make life what we want it to be.  Students and adults alike can always make their lives exactly what they want it to be - whether it is simply making the decision to change an attitude or situation, or taking an entirely different life path, it is all within reach.

I promise I will fill you all in on the details tomorrow, as this was a late-night blog (10:50 PM - I am either getting old, not used to the time change, or the energy from the environment and students is amazingly tiring!).

Thank you to all of my friends, family, and Children's Global Alliance for all of your support - I love and cherish you all!

Jenna Ileen