Leaving home for the first time is definitely a bittersweet experience. Not knowing what to expect or what’s going to be on the other side. Excited for what’s to hold, but at the same time afraid of letting go of the security blanket that you call home.
Arriving to the airport, reality finally sinks in that the moment that you have been anticipating for months has finally arrived. You sit on the plane for hours, exhausted, constantly looking out the window, and trying to distract yourself to make the time go by faster. A sigh of relief escapes from your mouth the moment the plane hits the ground, you’ve made it.
As you make your way though the airport of Cambodia you get ambushed with culture. Almost like you’re in shock, and you see that you are no longer in the United States. From the people, to the designs on the wall, and the language that they speak, everything just seems so beautiful.
Walking out of the airport you’re greeted by a bunch of smiling faces. Faces that you have never met in your life but know that you will be sharing long lasting memories with. Sharing stories of each other’s adventurous travels getting to this country, and we all instantly bond.
Laughing and gossiping the whole ride back from the airport on a tuk tuk. The night’s wind blowing in your face and the scenery all laid out for you to see, you realize that the world has so much more to offer other than Disney World and South Beach. Life itself does not revolve around what you know and are accustomed to.
Monday arrives and the tuk tuk has arrived to come take you to the orphanage. As you arrive you see little children with glowing faces standing there waiting for you to come play with them. Giving you big warm hugs and high fives the kids are so happy to see you even though they just met you. It really displays the inner beauty of these little ones, they are so inviting and open to new people.
As you walk around the orphanage you really see how fortunate you really were growing up. The little kidshave very little but they are so appreciative of what they do have. It pulls on the strings of your heart.
After spending a few hours playing and laughing with the children you head off to go teach at the school. Not having much teaching experience prior, you are a little antsy. Afraid that you are going to fail miserably. All those worries quickly disappear the moment you step in front of class. It’s almost like something takes over you and everything just comes out naturally.
The journey has just started, but you feel as if this is where you’re supposed to be at this very moment and place in time. You were brought here for a reason, and it’s now time to see where this experience takes you.
– Daniel Hoang
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