Appreciation

Merry Christmas! A day of joy and celebration. May everyone in every part of the world (Christians or non-Christians) share in the joy of the day and peace.

Last week, I went to Cambodia together with World Vision and it was truly a fruitful trip. I started to be very appreciative of what I have. Things that I took for granted since young. It's only when I was there and visited some of the families and witnessed the street families and kids that I realised that I was truly blessed. Blessed to born in Singapore and living under a proper roof with water and electricity. Blessed to be educated and able to find work.

I visited one of the schools in a rural area (Baiti) near Phnom Penh. Their classrooms had no lights installed. The kids have to study and learn using the natural light shining in from outside. In spite of the slightly dark environment or the lack of studying materials, this does not dampen their enthusiasm for learning. Even if their homes are faraway from schools for some of the children and they will need an hour or so, or that they'll have to cycle on their own in bicycles big in size (bicycles more meant for adults than children), they are still happily cycling to and fro school. Their toilets have no flushing systems or taps available for washing hands. More importantly, although education is free to all children, parents might not opt for their children to receive education as they might want their children to help in farm work or work in streets to earn income. Maybe it's then I realised how lucky I am to be educated and in a clean environment. I seem to take this for granted.

I went on a night trip and saw families living on the streets. They have no proper roofs over their heads. One of the kids ran around only with a shirt and without bottoms, and it's rather cold at night when we made the visit. In addition, they might only bathe once a week, by swimming at seaside. But they are still happy at times when they receive the food from World Vision at the end of the education session conducted. This is when I realised I should be contended with what I have now and be feeling happy about it. Concentrate about what you already owned than what you do not have.

I was also impressed and touched by the dedication of the World Vision staff there, particularly those on the street camp project. This is because I could really sense their care and concern for the street children from their interaction with them. Their sincerity in helping people to have a better life and living environment. This is not just a job for them.

I wish I could do more then, aside from just buying biscuits and sweets for them. When I see their joy in receiving things, I was very happy. Sometimes people who are on the giving end, can be just as happy or even more happy than the people who are on the receiving end. I hope I can always do my share in giving to help the people who needs them the most.

My Christmas wish is that everyone will be able to receive help in their critical moments of need.... and world peace... Because the innocent are always affected when wars are involved. Cambodia is one example. People are still trying to rebuild their lives and families after the genocide by Khmer Rouge and the landmines planted during the civil war. I wish upon the stars...