Date of Trip: January 2008
When my taxi pulled into Palm Tree on my first day, I was greeted by one of the little boys who opened my door, jumped into the taxi, sat on my lap and hugged me. For a moment, I assumed he had mistaken me for someone else. After our embrace, he pulled away, looked square into my eyes, smiled and then hugged me tighter. I felt from the very moment I entered through the gates I had literally been welcomed with open arms. News traveled quick- Within seconds, I was surrounded by big brown eyes and giant smiles everywhere; all eager to greet me with a “Hello” and a hug. My warm welcome will be forever remembered.
The children are beautiful, full of energy and down right endearing. I was amazed with how generous they were with one another and how much love was shared between them. It’s fascinating how one can have so little, yet be so rich in spirit and full of love and appreciation.
It is obvious from meeting the staff and touring the facility, these children are deeply cared for on a daily basis. They are provided 3 warm meals a day, bathed regularly, have clothes on their back, enrolled in school, play in a large recreation area, go on cultural outings, have a place to call home and most importantly, they are offered love, safety and security. These children are safe from being sold into the sex industry, safe from being on the streets cold and hungry and safe from working in a factory as child labor. While the needs are endless at Palm Tree, the situation for the children is superior to many orphaned children in a poor developing country. Given most of their situations, many would consider them lucky. Overall, Palm Tree children live better than the typical Cambodian child in Phnom Penh. I guess it is a trade off for what most of these young children have already endured at such a young age. They are so resilient!
My three weeks at Palm Tree was an enriching lifetime opportunity that will be forever remembered deep in the depths of my heart and soul. I’m not sure who had more fun and enjoyed it more, me or the kids! I look forward to returning soon.
- A Journal of Visitors to Cambodia's Hope Palm Tree Orphanage
- These are the words of those who have given their time to Cambodia's Hope, who have shared their time and talents with the Palm Tree Orphanage and Farm. We hope that these words will illuminate and inspire. If you have visited the Palm Tree Orphanage, have volunteered, or spent time with the projects of Cambodia’s Hope, and would like to share your experience on our blog, please email your story to cheryl@cambodiashope.org, and she will add it to the blog.
