Day 16: Last Day in Kampong Thom

Today we visited the Children's Home. After being enthusiastically greeted by the children and seeing the path finished, we were invited to hear their testimonies. Despite spending nearly every day together, we did not know their stories. 

Some of the kids told us one by one about how they came to live in the Children's Home, many through tears. It was heartbreaking to hear that only a few get to see their parents at all. The smiles soon returned to the faces of the children and we played the chicken game which was followed by skipping, stickers, dancing and balloons. To the sound of old bangers, with bubbles floating around in the field we had helped clean up, we played and danced together. All too soon the kids were called in for lunch after which we celebrated Monica's birthday with cake for everyone.

Gradually and then all of a sudden, the celebrations turned into a food fight until almost everyone had cream on their face. It was with significant sadness and many hugs that we said goodbye to the children. After a break at the hotel we went for lunch at Seoul Cafe. Due to the difficulties of the language barrier everyone ended up with soup that was very spicy for them. This resulted in unblocked sinuses, a lack of functioning taste buds and some interesting facial expressions. After lunch some of us went to the op shop where we found some good bargains.

Others relaxed at the hotel until dinner at our favourite restaurant; Love Cafe. We thanked Sam and his family for their generosity and kindness and the boys who made the concrete path for their hard work. We thanked Vicky for giving us food nearly every day and putting up with our loud conversations. It will be hard leaving Kampong Thom as we have learnt so much from the people here.

Anke