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Published: February 18th 2017
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Cambodia – Party Time
Our day began with a visit to Battambang’s Bamboo train. None of us knew what to expect, but the outing was a novel and fun adventure. Four by four we were loaded onto bamboo platforms. Each ‘car’ of the train ran individually, powered by a small motor and piloted by an ‘engineer’. One by one the cars rode along the tracks. Although the path was straight, the tracks had visible gaps, bends and curves. We sped along at roughly 20-25 mph. It felt much faster from our crossed leg seat on the bamboo platform. At the end of the line we got a chance to stimulate the local economy at a market. Most of us had fun collecting trinkets to bring home and practicing our negotiation skills. Once our shopping was complete, the cars were reversed and we made the return trip.
At the end of a global village build, whether the home is complete or not, it is tradition to share in a dedication ceremony with the partner families, volunteers and staff. Today’s ceremony was the best GV dedication I have ever participated in.
We started with balloons. . . lots and lots
of balloons. With the help of the HFH Cambodia staff we decorated the front of each home with a balloon arch. Then in turn at each house we each made a small cut in a large ceremonial ribbon. The family made the final cuts in the ribbon, welcoming them to their new home. We then presented a large ceremonial key to the families. Photos in various combinations were taken. One team member was able to use my portable photo printer and give each family a handful of prints of photos of their children, family and the team that built their home.
We gathered under the Habitat tent, where each volunteer and staff member could share a reflection or wish with the family. The family members then shared their reflections with us. The process of translating from English to Khmer or reverse may have been long, but the emotion was fairly conveyed.
After the presentation of a fruit basket and tin of cookies for each family the party began. Phally, our host coordinator played his guitar and sang some traditional music. He has a lovely singing voice (which I had already listened to in the van). We moved from
a live performance to Phally’s play list of Cambodia pop music. Then the dancing began. In a riotous display of joy, we all danced together. As we were moving to the music, we were doused in baby powder by the family. Powder was flying through the air. Children and adults alike were joyously patting powder onto everyone’s faces. Giggles and laughter continued until the powder ran out.
After a quick wipe down, we went back to the same restaurant we had been going to for lunch everyday. Today was different. We were joined by our partner families. I spent part of the meal with the Song family. This was their first time ever eating in a restaurant. They appeared to enjoy the experience.
After lunch, our tired and baby fresh smelling team loaded into our van for the 3 hour ride back to Siem Reap. It was a good day. Many of us were sad to leave our new friends, but we felt the satisfaction of having accomplished something worthwhile during our visit.
The week of coordinating and problem solving had finally caught up with me. I was exhausted. I passed on the team dinner and choose a massage and early bed time instead. Massages in Southeast Asia are widely available and very inexpensive. It was a relaxing way to wind up our work week.
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Renu
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Your trip
Michelle, your descriptions are so eloquent - make me one feel like they are there too! Keep up the great job in helping people have a place to call their own. Lovely pictures