GOES Trip to Cambodia Tugs Hearts
From March 21 to 26, the Cambodia GOES team traveled to Phnom Penh to serve children who were rescued from human trafficking and kids living in extreme poverty. The team included 11 high school students, Yerim C., Emily D., Ellie F., Helena M., Gianna P., Hanna C., Kaiden H., Yuna K. L., Hannah S., Christine K., Bailey T., and five chaperones, Mr. Booysen, Ms. Butler, Ms. Kang, Ms. Kuk, Mrs. Trevino.
The first day in Cambodia set the tone for the students as they visited Tuol Sleng, a museum dedicated to remember and honor the prisoners of S-21 prison. Students were deeply saddened to learn about the injustice that occurred within the prison and had the opportunity to meet with one of 12 survivors, Chum Mey. Later that day, the team served young boys who had been rescued from trafficking or abandoned by their parents. The team organized fun activities such as singing and dancing to VBS songs, origami, and various games and sports.
On the second day of the trip, the group went to a local church in Cambodia and ate lunch with the older girls from the Global Renewal girls’ home. The team then went to serve at the girls’ home and held a girls’ night where the girls painted their nails, made bracelets, and wore face masks. The day ended with the girls braiding some of the students and chaperones' hair.
Next, the team went to the Royal Palace. In contrast to the visit to the S-21 prison, they learned about Cambodia’s rich history and culture before the Khmer Rouge and saw the beautiful murals and amazing architecture of the palaces. Later in the afternoon, the group returned to the girls’ home to dancing and singing worship songs with the kids. Afterwards, they made necklaces with pasta noodles, folded origami, and did perler bead art. This was unfortunately the last day the team would be with the girls, so they shared their goodbyes and shed many tears. Hannah Smith said on behalf of the team, “We are so grateful to have been able to serve these girls and to have been able to bond with them.”
The following day, the team went to meet the railroad kids, who lived in extreme poverty in the railroad community. They first started with doing their dance and later transitioned to origami. They also played the games, Charades and Simon Says, with the children.
After spending time with the railroad kids, the students celebrated the end of a successful service trip, going on an evening dinner cruise, buying souvenirs from the Cambodia market, and relaxing at the hotel swimming pool.
This service trip was a memorable one for all the students. Seeing and connecting with the children who were in less fortunate circumstances inspired the students to continue to serve and help them from wherever they are in the world!
The team would like to thank to all the teacher chaperones and the faculty and admin who make these GOES trips possible. Another special thank you to Global Renewal who made it possible for the team to meet and serve the kids.
