DAY 4: INITIATIVE AND BLESSING

Today we visited two Sunshine Centres where each of our teams displayed initiative, resourcefulness without resources and leadership skills as they ran games, dance, drama, songs and even taught the children how to flip a water bottle. All RHAC students stepped up to lead the K-6 students in at least one activity. These wonderful interactions stretched our students in positive rewarding ways. The Sunshine kids performed songs in Khmer for us. Our stationery gifts were gratefully received. Students discovered how richly their smiles and games blessed them as well. 

Walking away from the Sunshine Centre, I have a huge smile on my face, seeing how children in poverty live and how happy they are despite their circumstances. When we arrived we played ‘duck, duck, goose’ and the kids were really involved and understood how to play very quickly. When we gave them their gift packs, they were extremely happy and showed each other what they got. Every child had a smile on its face the whole time, which made the students from RHAC happier. I enjoyed giving the children the gifts and showing them how to use the bubbles. I feel like I have helped them and they have definitely walked away with a sense that we love them, and they are not forgotten about. - Ethan

The day today was filled with many games, a performance by us of the story of Joseph and song about God. The games included duck duck goose, stuck in the mud, captain says (with an Australian twist) and Simon says. With each game we had to come up with creative ways to communicate the rules and show them how to play. We also did the hokey pokey and head, shoulders, knees and toes. When explaining and showing the kids the game, they all understood pretty fast. 

The kids inside the Sunshine Centre have next to nothing yet they are always happy, willing to laugh, they're smart and they are willing to sacrifice the little they have for the people they love. This experience showed me what type of people live here and I am so grateful I got to see this as it truly opened my eyes. – Denver

I was part of the group that went to the Sunshine Centre in Phnom Penh. It felt a little awkward at first, trying to entertain a group of children with little preparation or confidence, but after a while, our group and the kids grew a bond. We acted out the Bible story about the Lost Sheep, and taught them about our country. I played our National Anthem on the flute and a few other pieces. We described our weather and I drew our native animals and country shape on the white board. We got the children to dance, sing and play with us. By the time we had to bid goodbyes, the RHAC and the kids had made friendships and memories that can last a lifetime. The reward for us after the experience, was knowing that we gave those kids joy, laughter and fond memories of today and probably made the highlight of their week. - Laura

Today is the 3rd day of our Service Trip around Cambodia. Our trip today took us to one of the sunshine centres many schools around Cambodia. It was the task of myself, the rest of my group members and the teachers to entertain and help teach the children ranging from the ages of 5-14 about Australian culture. In my personal reflection it was my favourite and the best experience I had on the trip so far. As Mr Conoulty said in his reflection of the day, what you put it you really get out. I felt this particularly applied to me. I felt I put in a lot of effort and what I received was an experience that can't be replaced. I experienced some unforgettable exchanges with the children and it was really eye opening to see how similar they are to children just like you and me in Australia. These children even with their hard lives were so eager to enjoy themselves and have a good time. This was great to see and after they left, the feelings they left with me were still there as I was still smiling hours after they left. The experience was unforgettable and will stay with me forever. As the trip progresses I hope for more just like this one. - Harry 

A delicious lunch was enjoyed at Jars of Clay before our quick flight to Siem Reap. A two hour bus trip took us out to Svay Sisaphon.

PICTURES FROM TEAM B

- A game of Duck Duck Goose -

- Heads and Shoulders, Knees and Toes -
(Chris & Dean)

- Bottle Flipping in Cambodia -

PICTURES FROM TEAM A

- Duck Duck Goose - 

- The Story of Joseph and his colourful Krama/Scarf
(for when you don't have a coat) -

- Pretending to be Australian cockroaches -

- Giving out gifts -
(Aime)