Eric's Blog

This is my last night in Cambodia and I'm sad. I don't want to leave. It's nice being here because I realize how much I take people for granted, like my dad. He and I haven't been getting along lately and I miss him so much right now. I want to have conversations with him like we used to. I'm more patient since I've been here. I've had to be very patient, with a 20 hour flight, 5 hour bus ride to Battambang, and a 7 hour boat trip to Siem Reap. After seeing the temples and walking through the structures and climbing the stairs it hit me that I'm in Cambodia. I've learned some of the language from Phala my friend who was our translator in Phnom Penh and Battambang. I felt a sense of pride in helping with the daycare by painting and just playing with the kids. And I know I touched some of the hearts of the children I've encountered. Whether it was playing soccer or eating dinner I know I bonded with people I would never normally have. I don't feel as awkward around the people that are on this trip. I've grown to like everyone here. I know we're all suffering from culture shock but we were there for each other and it made things easier. It's best to go to a foreign country with strangers. You have to work together and rely on each other so you make true friendships. I will miss Cambodia. This experience gave me a whole new outlook on life.