Never take things for granted. This is one of the many things that I have learnt back in Cambodia. Before the Mission OPIC, I have always taken some things for granted. Often I would spend my father’s hard-earned money on branded items that I want and NOT need. Sometimes, if I do not get what I want, I would rebel and throw tantrums. However, this picture showed me something that is very important to me. In Singapore, maybe only two students would share a bench whereas in Cambodia, four students would share a bench. It is all about comfort against survival. For the Cambodians, as long they get to go school, they would be contented but for Singaporeans including me, being in school may not be enough. We would prefer to have good facilities in the school which we would dream of. I hope the trip has taught me a lesson. Never take things for granted. I will remember that for life.

One of the contributions that I have made is to do morning calls to the some OCIP members. Xinying and I decided that we had to do morning calls so that we would be late for breakfast and gathering. Although I was guilty of oversleeping at times, I think I made a contribution which allows us to start the day on a good start by being punctual. If we were late for breakfast, I guess we would get to see Mr. Jeff Lim blow his top. Haha.

Another contribution that I had made is that I make sure that we had the materials for the programmes that we had planned for the Cambodians. Being in the Logistic group, there are not many things to do except for preparing all the items for the programmes. I had to thank Marvin and Wee Jie for allowing me to store the items inside their room. I’m so sorry about that but thanks a lot guys!!!

I must admit that the trip was very memorable. Not only that I made more friends, but also I learnt a lot of things beside ‘Never take things for granted’. I am glad that I managed to learn some Khmer words. In addition, I become a person with a higher level of patience and tolerance especially with the children. This is will be useful in the future when I have children. Heh.

I really look forward to the trip back to Siem Reap at the end of the year. It would be definitely very touching if the children can remember us. I hope Mission OPIC is a success.

Labels: Farhan