16/7/2016
Day 1: The beginning
Racing hearts, apprehensive minds, the trip that we have prepared for a year has finally arrived.
Stepping foot on Cambodia soil with a million questions running through our minds, yet with the team by our side, we knew that everything would be alright.
17/7/2016
Day 2: Baby steps
Officially starting our OVE'16 expedition with the construction of the aquaponics system designed by our aquaponics team! It was hot and exhausting as we could not get used to the sudden escalation of work, yet the day was very fulfilling and interactions at night with the TJSSS (Training Job Skills for Service Sector) students made our day much better!
18/7/16
Day 3: Pressing on
Day 2 of aquaponics preparation and the team was much more prepared for the hard work awaiting us! As the aquaponics system started to emerge before our eyes, it spurred us to work harder to witness the fruits of our labour!
19/07/16
Day 4: Pure hearts and innocent souls
Day 3 of aquaponics and it was yet another glorious day! Half of us set off to Hope Village (an orphanage and school) to set up the second aquaponics system! The children touched us with their pure and innocent hearts as they were extremely excited to meet new people!
20/7/2016 - 23/7/2016
Day 5-8: The going gets tough
The next few days were a true test of the team as we started with our house construction project. Building 2 houses at 2 sites were a challenge as us city kids were not equipped with the skills that were required for construction. The few days were made even tougher as many of us fell ill, yet with sheer determination, help from our co-workers and many trips to the clinic, we successfully pulled through and built 2 houses for our beneficiaries!
24/07/2016
Day 9: The little things in life
The team headed to Hope Village to distribute water bottles to the children and it was extremely heartening to see the children so contented and happy with just a water bottle. It also made us realize how we have taken life for granted and forgot to count our blessings.
25/07/2016
Day 10: Gratitude
We approached the villages feeling extremely satisfied to have finally completed the houses while bearing a heavy heart as we knew it would be the last time that we would ever meet our beneficiaries again. Distributing milo and towels to the fellow villagers while watching the beneficiaries so grateful to finally get a roof over their heads made us realize that despite us contributing to build the Cambodians a home, we have benefited so much more through pushing one another to put others before themselves and truly experiencing the joy of serving. We are very grateful to the families for their gratitude and trust.
26/07/2016
Day 11: Bright lights
The past few nights have been a showcase of how erratic Cambodian weather could be, as the rain poured and thunder roared. The electricity and water supply were cut off and we had to rely on weak torch lights to shine our way and a leaking tap for our showers. Yet this night was different. The skies were relatively clear, our light bulbs still shone and water was flowing from our taps. It was a night filled with gratitude as we appreciated something that was once considered as necessary and taken for granted. It's the small things in life that really makes a difference, and the team cherished our electricity and water even more.
27/07/2016
Day 12: Cultural Exchange Day
It was a hectic day for all of us as we prepared for Cultural Night! The cooking team set off to prepare a sumptuous dinner for everyone while the rest got themselves busy with decorating the venue and making sure that the day was perfect! After some fun and games with the TJSSS students and a wonderful dinner, the team showcased our dance and skit performances for our Cambodian friends. It was a wonderful night of cultural exchange and we were very glad that the Cambodian students were so enthusiastic in learning our local culture!
28/07/2016
Day 13: Not ready to say goodbye
It was our final day in Prey Veng before we headed back home the next day. The team visited Hope Village for the final time and bid farewell to the children there, our hearts full of love that they have showered upon us and we can't wait to visit them again next year! After being totally defeated by the TJSSS students in football, our night was made perfect as we were treated to a Cambodian feast prepared by the TJSSS students! All in all, it was a wonderful way to end our expedition and we really couldn't imagine leaving Cambodia in a day's time.
29/07/2016
Day 14: Survivors
All good things have to come to an end. It was hard saying our goodbyes to the TJSSS students and our extremely gracious hosts that have accommodated us for the past 2 weeks. The bunks that we once could not get used to have become our shelter from the insane monsoon storms, the dogs no longer barking at us non-stop when they see us, the bugs treating our bodies like their second home, it has been a life-changing 14 days. However, we were also glad to return back to the city life through exploring Phnom Penh as well as to finally meet our family and loved ones in Singapore!
R E F L E C T I O N S :
"OVE'16 Cambodia was a trip that has tested my physical and mental fortitude due to the challenging conditions faced. Nonetheless, it was a memorable journey that brought people together for a good cause. I believe that while the trip might have been a short one, the footprints we left behind will have a lasting impact on the communities we served. Yet, as with all OCIP trips, the values and culture that we as participants learn always benefit us more than we are able to give".
Brendan, Head Business Manager
"This trip gave me an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and serve the people in need. It also made me realise how fortunate I am as compared to the people in the third-world countries. I feel that I have learnt and grow a lot through this OCIP, and I hope that this will encourage more people out there to stand out and volunteer!"
Simin, Secretary
"Surviving 14 days in Cambodia was tough.
I learnt to appreciate the stability and proper sanitation we enjoy in Singapore, here we do not need to worry about blackouts or a cut in water supply every night. Through the house building project, I realised that a lot of time and effort is needed just to construct a small home. Lastly, after the endless digging, shoveling, and hammering, we persevered and supported one another and successfully completed our project. I've enjoyed the trip and I will not forget the friends I made both in Singapore and Cambodia."
Erwin, Volunteer
"Through this trip, I've had the opportunity to reflect very much on my life. I'm blessed to have the ability to help others even though I don't have much. I've always believed and am now confident that voluntary work benefits the servers more than the serviced. I simply hope that I will continue to volunteer and one day be able to create a greater impact in this world."
Kelvin, Programmer
"OVE'16 opened my eyes to the world and how we as Singaporeans have been so self-absorbed in our own cocoon of practicality and chasing after material possessions. Despite Cambodia being a third-world country and deemed as a poverty-stricken nation, it warmed my heart to witness how selfless and grateful the locals were. A loaf of bread, water running from their taps, a roof over their heads, these were all that the locals needed that I have always taken for granted. Although I went to Cambodia with the mindset of serving and benefiting the Cambodians, I realized that I have left the beautiful country with so much more than I have given. Hence, on a global platform Cambodia might be economically poor, yet through my eyes I have truly understood the meaning of wealth: Happiness and gratitude for every little thing in life is the true attainment of success. Hence, I truly hope that more city-dwellers could leave their comfort zones and dive into the amazing land known as Cambodia."
Amanda, Programmer
"The short-lived fulfillment and gratification that was felt upon seeing the Cambodian’s smile and appreciation was a moment to be remembered for a lifetime. Besides being able to serve the Cambodians, what was enduring in this trip would be the experiential learning self-awareness and self-discovery of my capabilities and limits. Being in a less favorable environment, coupled with food poisoning, learning to serve my teammates was a valuable lesson to me. I was reminded that being a servant leader starts from serving the people closest to us, starting from our family and friends, before we can talk about serving the overseas community. This served as a timely reminder to myself as we often take the things closest to us for granted and forget to show our appreciation to our loved ones. Thus, I also am very grateful to my teammates who took care of me and supported each other throughout this trip. On a personal note, this trip was also rewarding as I had the chance to unwind myself with what the nature had to offer, which is the limitless blue skies and green lush of paddy fields. Being close to nature once again, allowed me to reorganize my thoughts, set my new goals and feel recharged for the new semester ahead."
Xing Jie, Business Manager
As OVE'16 comes to an end, the team would like to thank each and every one who have been following our one-year journey and contributing to the success of our expedition through our canvassing efforts! Without your love and support, OVE'16 would never have made it this far.
Please keep a lookout for our booth at North Spine as we are looking for the next group of passionate individuals willing to serve to form our new OVE'17 team!
With love, OVE'16.
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