Day 6 Lighthouse Orphanage

Today marked the end of the Community and Service component of our 2010 Cambodia experience and it proved to be a highlight for many team members. After breakfast we loaded the new bicycles onto a tuk-tuk and all of the clothes and gifts onto the bus, and headed out to the Lighthouse Orphanage.
We were instantly welcomed by over 100 children who took us by the hand and offered us hugs and games of soccer. We could have played with these gorgeous children all day, but we knew that first, we had an important job to do. Out team was presented with three huge piles of soil and the instructions to cover the front area of the orphanage with the soil and flatten it out so the area would not be so prone to flooding. The task was made easier, as every one of our students was helped by one of the orphanage children to carry the soil to the designated areas. Friendships were instantly forged as our team of 20 worked literally hand-in-hand with the Lighthouse children.
Many students reported that this was the best part of the trip as they were able to make real connections with the children and work together to make their lives a little bit better.
Sophie and Chelsea thought that this experience was one to remember. The smiles on the children's faces were so touching , and not only did we make their day but they too made ours. When talking to the children it was very surprising, as the extent of their English was brilliant. After working hard the children and we were rewarded with playing games and getting to know each other more. When leaving the children, the special bond we had was proven, as to how upset we all were to say good bye to each other.

After lunch we went to visit the Central Market for some more serious bargaining and then back to the hotel for a quick dip in the pool before getting ready for Shabbat.
Tonight we will be trying something special in the form of a Shabbat service and dinner with the recently opened Chabad Phnom Penh.