Hi everyone back home, it’s Emma here, and I just wanted to share a little about our experience at NHCC in Cambodia, so you all can hear about our experience. During our time in Cambodia, we spent 7 days at New Hope for Cambodian Children, an orphanage for children that are HIV positive. NHCC is an incredible organization that was started by a couple from Texas, and our week there changed our world. Instantly upon arrival, we were greeted by beautiful, smiling Cambodian children of all ages. I remember the first moment I walked up to that sandy playground in the middle of the compound and a dark skinned, dark haired little girl ran up to me, asking me my name and answering my questions in perfect English, spoken in a high pitched voice, interrupted often by her own toothless smiles. This was Sina, a little girl who stole my heart and will remain in my memory forever. That first moment was a perfect introduction to the week, which continued on with just as much love and affection. Those seven days flew by in a blur of warm embraces, endless piggy back rides, shared laughter and constant playtime. Our days were filled with mural painting, one-on-one tutoring, water balloon fights, dance parties, trips to water parks, egg hunts; they were filled with hours spent on the playground, multiple children hanging on us at all times, or individual time with Sina and other beautiful children. The kids there were so open and loving, constantly hugging us and touching our faces, playing with our hair, reaching up to be held. We got to know the other volunteers, the amazing people who run the place, and the 240 kids who call it their home. The days were long and exhausting and hot, and we enjoyed every second of them. By the end of the week it seemed like we had merely blinked since we first arrived. Those children had the sweetest smiles and the sweetest souls, greeting us with affection from the very first second, and never letting that go. There wasn’t a time during the week when we weren’t hugging a smiling child. It was hard to even wrap our minds around the fact that these kids have been through so much; that they are sick and have lost parents, siblings, relatives, probably from the same disease. But here they flourished instead of failed. Kids that are sick and orphaned are running around healthy and happy, living in a place that they now call home, with supportive teachers and nannies and peers. They are surrounded by people who love and care for them. The orphanage is a life-changing place for those children, and it was the same for us. Our experience was nothing but positive, and it sparked in me a great need to continue to help them out and to return one day. NHCC is an inspiring place where I felt myself and my fellow group members truly shine as we helped those sweet kids. It will remain in our hearts forever.
