Yesterday Romy and I woke up fully rested and ready for the day! We got a ride to the Phnom Penh palace from the 'tuc tuc' driver outside our hotel, who's persistence to give us a ride during our stay finally paid off. The short visit was well worth it, as we headed back promptly for our 4.5 hour bus ride to Pursat, the main location of our trip.
Once in Pursat, we got straight on the back of two motorbikes (the first time for both Romy and I) and visited Sustainable Cambodia's main office for orientation. We met La, San, Seng, and many others apart of our Charity Partner's team for the first time in person. This was a super special moment for us because without them our work wouldn't be possible! Their office connects with a school too, which we walked around and got showered with little crafty gifts (as pictured) that melted our hearts; making us appreciate the unbelievably warm welcome and hospitality that seems to flow through all of Cambodia.
Today we woke up bright and early for the full day of gardening ahead. Knowing it'll be 30 degrees and we're very accustomed to UK weather, there was little we could do to prepare for the swelterer of a day that was today. The motorbike ride to the school was a little while out from Pursat town (roughly 30 minutes) but it turned out to be an incredibly peaceful ride through the Cambodian countryside, where a new happy place was unlocked for the both of us.
I don't think I'm a good enough writer to truly describe how it felt to enter Chambok Meas Primary school. All of the teachers and kids had lined up at the entrance to clap and cheer to welcome us into their school, where immediately, their smiles and positive energy were infectious to Romy and I. We met the principle and teachers as well, who were eager to practice their English with us (even more evidence of generous hospitality).
Shortly after our initial introductions, we got right to work in the garden, which we never had to work on alone. At all times there must have been at least 20 kids helping out. The sense of community and togetherness of Chambok Meas is said to be inspired by the outgoing Principle and caring teachers, who have had glowing reviews from Sustainable Cambodia and the students themselves. I think those in charge of running this school are the most unsung heroes of the world, making a huge impact on 350 young lives.
On the way back from a long day of garden labour, we had an impromptu stop by at a funeral of a previous Sustainable Cambodia employee. The traditional way of having a funeral was noticeably very different to UK standards, with bright coloured drapes hanging from branches and everyone wearing white. It felt like a true celebration of life that we were grateful to be a part of. Romy and I did our best to be as respectful as possible, until we were told by a few people we didn't eat the correct amount of bowls of soup (we were so close).
If anyone reading this has ever donated to Grow, you'd be happy to know it's gone to creating not only an invaluable food source for the children living in poverty here, but also a beautiful space in a loving community. We can't wait for many more days of getting our hands dirty in the garden, and spending quality time with our friends at Chambok Mies. Your donations have made this all possible.
I'll finish with a quote from Romy today, for which I whole heartedly agree: 'I think this may be one of the best days of my life so far'.
Lots of Love,
Toni (and Romy)