After being awed by the many different magnificent temples of the ancient Khmer Kingdom we are spending this whole week teaching at two village schools. We tought a lesson on oral hygiene in every class and distribute donated toothbrushes and toothpaste. The children's teeth are in a terrible state and many complain of toothaches, caused by rotten teeth. No one has ever been to or even heard of a dentist.
The English classes from grade 4 up have doubled up for the benefit of having instruction (and more fun!) from American student teachers. The afternoon shift joins us at our morning school and vice versa. Therefore we have from 70-90 kids in a classroom! They are so disciplined and eager to learn that we can do it. They hang on our every word and at recess swarm around as happy bees. We brought them sports equipment and they are so happy playing with balls, hula hoops and jump ropes. They love the bubbles, too.
While traveling from one school to another we visit wells that we're sponsored by our fundraising efforts and the donations from family and friends. It is very emotional and rewarding, be it for the incredible gratitude of the families or for the meaningful connection of those of our family members in whose memory the well has been built.
This trip is proving to be an incredible learning opportunity and an adventure of a lifetime.
