Day 1

So far, we have spent only one full day in Cambodia, and I'm already completely in love. We started out the day with an orientation where they introduced us to our amazing translator, Meng. We spent about half an hour just practicing our pronunciation, which was extremely helpful, then we took off for the Toul Sleng museum. The tuk tuk ride over to the museum was an experience of its own. The streets were packed and there were absolutely no rules, no order. It was insane. Although we encountered many unpleasant odors, we still had an amazing time. Seeing Cambodia for the first time during the day was truly wonderful.

When we arrived at the museum and the tour started, my mood instantly changed. I went from being in a good mood, to feeling sick to my stomach. I was there, listening to everything the tour guide was saying, but nothing felt real. It felt like a really bad nightmare instead. I don't know exactly how to describe what I was feeling, but I felt like I was going to pass out and vomit. I just couldn't believe any of it. Seeing the beds, the jail cells, the blood stains, the bones, and simply learning about the history of Cambodia was incredible. We also went to the Killing Fields. There, we learned a lot more about the Khmer Rouge and even some of the stories of those who where affected by it. Hearing about it is one thing, but actually being there, where it all happened, was too overwhelming. Seeing bones scattered everywhere was absolutely awful, and just knowing what had happened there made me nauseous. Although I didn't like what I was hearing, going there was an absolutely amazing learning experience. 

Later that day, we got to go visit the orphanage for the first time. They had told us before hand that most of the kids would be in school, which was kind of a bummer, but we still managed to make the most of it with the kids that where there. We got off the tuk tuk and right away we made some new friends. Being happy there is completely inevitable. Lisa Marie gave us a little tour and we got to spend some time playing with some of the kids. Everyone there is so full of life. Their smiles are contagious. Their precious laughs made me feel like I was doing something right. We played volley ball, soccer, frisbee, and we had so much fun. I had an amazing time with the kids, I can't imagine how awesome it will be when all of the kids are there. I'm really excited to meet them all. 

Day one in Cambodia was wonderful. To sum it up, I had some major mood swings throughout the day, but everything was amazing, from the tuk tuk ride, to the museums, to the kids. The streets are fascinating, the people are wonderful, and everything exceeded all expectations. Tomorrow is when the real work starts, and today was just a little glimpse of what the next 17 days will look like. I don't care how hard we have to work, I know that in the end it will all be worth it.