The Power of Choice

Almost every single action we take, emotion we express, and word we say, is a choice. We choose how to live our lives and nobody else has the power to make that choice for us. At times, it may seem impossible to choose, or as if your life is being dictated by someone else, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Over the past two weeks, the realizations I've had and the lessons I've learned have helped me to expand my knowledge of the world and the life that I would like to live. Many of the children at L.O.A.M.O. have some of the hardest choices of all. Their choices are similar to choosing between studying for a test that could affect their future, or finding food for themselves and their families because they haven't eaten in days. Those are choices that affect the present moment and impact their physical well-being. These children live in conditions I could hardly fathom, yet they continue to share their glowing smiles spreading happiness and love. These are the choices that make the children some of the most incredible souls I have ever met, and ever will meet. The students at L.O.A.M.O. who live in poverty have come to accept it. Of course, they hope for a better future and work hard to try and reach that, but they have come to peace with their situation and they know that it will not change suddenly. They can either enjoy every moment and find happiness in their life or stop trying and give up. These amazing people choose to be happy, they choose to love unconditionally, and they choose to accept strangers into their home. All of the choices the students make may seem incredibly small, but with the life they live, the choices are actually amazingly, consecutively positive. Meeting these beautiful people have made me look at life differently and for that I will be forever grateful. I now know that I have the power to choose, I am in control of my life and it is completely up to me what I make of it. This experience has taught me that unexpected things will always occur in life, bad things are unavoidable so it is up to you, how you deal with it. You can take an awful thing that has happened to you and learn and grow from it, or it can ruin your life. I will never look at a situation the same again and every time I hope to choose happiness and love. Every single time I will think of these incredibly beautiful children in Tanzania and choose happiness.

Changing the World one Notebook at a Time

Some things are always present in the world, you hear about them on the radio and see them on the T.V., but you believe there is not much you can do about it, so you try to erase it from your mind as much as possible. Poverty is one of those things. It was not until I was driving through Arusha did I realize the extreme conditions that some Tanzanians live in. Even then, I did not learn the severity of them until talking to a boy named Innocent at L.O.A.M.O. school. Innocent is a very bright student in class four. He is one of the hardest workers and always pays attention. I never thought he could be a child who may only have one meal a day, but I soon found out that he was. I was walking around the classroom Friday morning helping kids with their work when Innocent called me over. It took a couple of minutes to figure out what he was trying to tell me, but when I finally understood, I was shocked. Innocent had won a notebook the previous day as a prize for good behavior. He told me that he showed the notebook to his mom and she somehow traded it for food. Because of that one notebook, Innocent and his family were able to eat dinner that night. I don't remember if I said anything after that I just know that I felt an immediate rush of sadness. I didn't understand how I could be so lucky and never have to worry about food a day in my life. Whereas Innocent who is just as capable as I am, lives in extreme poverty and may never get out of it. That thought hit me so hard. I broke down into tears after that and had to excuse myself from the room. My mind was completely blank in those few moments I could hardly comprehend anything. I didn't know what to feel or think or do. I had never had so many emotions running through my head at once. When I could finally put together what had just happened I realized that I should not be crying at all. I should be incredibly happy that I helped his family get food. Even if it was only a little, that is one less night of being hungry. I realized then that I am doing exactly what I came here to do. I am putting all my efforts into helping these children and am hopefully changing their lives in the process. There will always be poverty in the world and people who are less fortunate than I am. I will be saddened by it and that will never go away. However, now I know that I can do something about it, I can give a child a notebook or I can help them solve a math problem. My capabilities are limitless and I will never stop helping and caring about these children. I am changing the world one notebook at a time. "Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi

Love and Peace

Peace and Love. Love and peace. The two things that bond humans together and make the world a better place. It is possible that peace and love are all we need in life. That we can survive on so little with just these two things. Unfortunately, many people in this world need much more than that, or they think they do. Even I was convinced that to live a fulfilling life it couldn’t be based on two morals. Over the years though, I have realized that if you go back to the simple things and focus on the peace and love, everything else follows. The first day we were in Tanzania, our group took a small tour around Arusha with a man named Rasta John; he was amazing. He was so passionate about everything he was telling us. Rasta John, was proud of Tanzania, proud of what they had overcome as a country and that their history is in the past. He talked about how the Germans enslaved his people, murdered and tortured them, but because of the love they have for one another and life itself, they got passed it and moved on. Then he said this, “We are suffering but that’s okay because we have each other.” This has been replaying in my head ever since I heard it. Of course I know that some people live in rough conditions, I had seen it in Nicaragua and Cambodia. For some reason, though, it surprised me that he said what he did. It almost made it more real for me. The African people don’t forget they live in poverty, of course they can’t because that’s how they live, but they accept it because they know that there is so much more to life than money. They love one another and treat neighbors like family and really, that’s all that matters. I have been in Africa for less than 48 hours and have already seen and heard things that I will remember and live by for the rest of my life. I absolutely love this country. It is a beautiful place and the people make it even more incredible. The love that these children and all the people carry in their hearts will continue to amaze me and shape the person I am becoming and hope to become. Africa and the people of Africa will stay in my heart forever and I will never forget the challenges they face every single day. Because of this experience I will always remember to spread peace and love. “Sometimes the most beautiful places have the greatest hardships.” – Marika Feduschak.

Challenging my Fears and LIfe Changes

Fears- they are something people encounter daily. They can be as small as being afraid of the monster under your bed, or more serious like being afraid of not having anything to eat for your next meal. No matter how big or small, everyone has them. Fear is always present and there’s no way to avoid it. The world is full of fear; it wanders about freely, creeping into our minds, eating at us until we snap. It loves to stay in our brains and remind us of all the hate in the world. There has not been a day in my life where I have not been afraid of something; it is inevitable to avoid fears. I think that the only thing you can do is embrace them. I have so many fears going into this. For starters I am afraid to travel to another continent without my parents, leave my sister for two weeks, and just be away from home. But these are only the minor ones. I am afraid that after seeing the conditions the children live in and go to school in I will freeze and not be able to help them to my full ability. I am afraid I won't know how to react, so in response, I won't do anything. These have always been my fears and I think they always will be as long as I am a part of CGA. I know that I have been able to overcome them in the past, but I can't say the same for the future: those feelings are almost the hardest part. Since I have been able to confront and conquer my fears on past trips, if I do not succeed this time I will feel like an even bigger failure. I just want to make the children feel like they are worth something. That they are important and their capabilities are limitless. I want to show them that they can do anything with their life and are not held to lower expectations. I knew that I had started the next chapter of my life as I entered high school. New school, new friends, new challenges. But I didn't know that starting high school meant I had ended one. I have been ignoring the fact that I am growing up. I love thinking that I could just be a kid forever with no worries and responsibilities. But that is not the reality; I now have to start thinking about my future, like what college I want to go to and eventually what kind of life I would like to live. I rely so much on people around me for emotional, mental, and physical support. I have amazing bonds with my friends and family, they have helped me grow as a person and helped me through every aspect in life. However, I believe that the next step for me is to break out of my comfort zone and become more independent. I believe that traveling to Tanzania will help me do this. Although I believe that teaching will be a huge challenge for me, I will hopefully learn to problem solve on my own with little help from peers, teachers, or chaperones. I know it is important to have special people who are with you every step of the way, but I want to start becoming my own hero, to strive to be better than the best me, to become more confident, and initially be an independent person so that I can truly live my own life and be completely happy. The fundraising deadline is a little more than a month and although I have about $1,200 left I have a plan that will help me reach my goal. On April 16 I will host a yoga fundraiser at Yoga Off Broadway in Eagle from 4:30-6:30pm. In addition to an hour long yoga class, there will be a silent auction, homemade salad dressing and a few other homemade items for sale. This will be a donation based event, suggested donation is $20. My goal for this fundraiser is about $700. I will also have a garage sale on Saturday April 23, and I hope to make $200 from that. This weekend or next weekend I will have a bake sale for the Vail ski instructors, and finally I am receiving $200-300 more in donations. I will also do some more babysitting, this should help me reach my goal by the deadline. I have worked incredibly hard these last few months and am becoming more and more prepared for this journey. The trip is quickly approaching and I could not be more excited to depart on this incredible adventure!

My Journey Continues

Everything is starting to become more and more surreal for me. I have finally grasped the fact that over the summer I will travel to Tanzania to teach children and help them in anyway I can. I am becoming more excited for this amazing experience--the more I think about it, the luckier I feel. I am only 14 and I have already been to three continents, and am traveling to my fourth. I have incredible friends and family and I live in a beautiful place. I am lucky that I can do all of the activities I love and not drive more than 45 minutes. I truly am living a dream. This is why I am thrilled to help even more children and share my love with them, as I teach to the best of my ability and hopefully create an everlasting bond with them. Although I am very excited, I still have much to do before the trip. I am a little more than halfway done with my fundraising. So far, I have participated in three holiday markets, a bake sale, and received many generous donations to raise my money. I will continue to babysit, and am thinking of more ideas that could be very successful. I am a little nervous about raising the money, but I know that if I work hard and put my best ideas into action I will reach my goal. As part of preparation for this journey it is important that I learn about the country in which I am traveling and am well informed about its history and customs. Tanzania has had a tragic history. Europeans started to explore the country in the late 1800’s. In 1885 the Germans began taking over the region, led by Karl Peters, who forced tribes to make treaties with him. As the Germans were taking over the mainland of Tanzania, the British were beginning to gain control of the island of Zanzibar around 1890. The British and Germans made a treaty that the British would have Zanzibar and the Germans would have the mainland. From the very start the native Tanzania tribes were against the Germans. The first main revolt was in 1888. It was called the Abushiri revolt and the tribes on the coast of Tanzania revolted against the Germans. However, it didn't last long because the Germans crushed them quickly. Then from 1891 to 1898 the Germans fought a war with the Hehe tribe. Ultimately the Hehe were defeated and their leader, Mkwawa, killed himself. Shortly after that, in 1905-07 came the Maji Maji rebellion. Native Tanzanians were forced to work on cotton farms and plantations. People in Southern Tanzania started to rebel, but it was not long before they were defeated. More than 100,000 people died, both from starvation and from the rebellion. Finally, Tanzania became free from the Germans after World War One had ended. The country was handed over to the British and the people of Tanzania started the African Association. Eventually, Tanzania became a free state on December 9, 1961 and became a republic a year later. Tanzania is a very unique country. It has suffered many hardships in the past but ultimately with perseverance the people came together and united as one. Tanzania is about half the size of Texas, and although it's not very large it has many incredible features to offer. It has a diverse collection of wildlife, including: giraffes, lions, cheetahs, elephants, and zebras. Mt Kilimanjaro, also towers over the African savanna. Tanzania’s main language is Swahili, and some of the main religions are Christianity and Islam. When greeting an elder you say Shikamoo as a sign of respect. Every meal is eaten with some form of carbohydrate such as rice or corn. Every ceremony that takes place in Tanzania requires a large platter of food. In one instance a pilau may be the meal. This is a dish that includes spiced rice, potato, and meat. It is considered very shameful if a guest leaves hungry from a ceremonial meal. After researching Tanzania and learning more about the customs I am even more thrilled to travel there. Not only to help children in need but to also experience Tanzania’s culture and see how other people live. I know that the world is much larger than just America and there are all kinds of sights to see, people to meet, and lessons to learn. I have made incredible bonds with children in Cambodia and Nicaragua. I still think about them everyday and know that I have impacted their lives. I would like to feel the same way after returning from Tanzania. I want focus on something bigger than myself. I want to learn how to bring all sides of me together so I can truly discover who I am. I want to help the children in Tanzania with all my capabilities, I want the experience to make me more aware, make me able to always persevere and open up to the world in ways I never thought I would.

The Start of my Journey

My name is Karlina Feduschak and I am an 9th grader at Eagle Valley High School. This will be my third year traveling with CGA. I went to Nicaragua for a week when I was in 7th grade and I traveled to Cambodia last year for three weeks. This summer I will travel to Tanzania for two weeks. In Tanzania I will be working with 11 other student volunteers, we will work in a school that has about 300 students. While in Tanzania we will teach the students and go on home visits providing children and their families basic necessities. On my trip my biggest goal is to help the children and make an impact on their lives. While doing this I believe and hope that I will learn about myself and learn more about the culture and people in Tanzania. Ever since I traveled to Nicaragua I fell in love with helping children and people in need and Cambodia solidified that. Helping people has become a part of who I am and who I would like to be. I would like to continue my journey on discovering my true self. I have many passions, I love to be active and be in nature. I play soccer and will participate in high school Nordic. I also love skiing as well as kayaking and rafting. I love to be in nature and be isolated from the real world and reality for a while. I enjoy places where I can focus on what is happening in the current moment and not be worried about what is next, it is hard to do that in the real world where everything is so fast-paced. That is why I like to escape and go on backpacking trips or rafting trips. I am extremely thrilled to embark on this new journey and experience with these other student volunteers. I cannot wait to meet all of the children at L.O.A.M.O. (the school in which we will be teaching) and help them as much as possible. I will prepare as much as I can in these next months and be as ready as possible for this incredible experience.

Teardrop Full of Love

A teardrop contains sadness, happiness, compassion, and most of all love. It can symbolize the ending of daily interaction with another individual, but the beginning of so much more. A teardrop may mean that people will break apart; however, when saying goodbye to everyone at the orphanage it meant that a stronger bond would be created. Although I will never see the children again and I was heartbroken to leave them, I can still love from 8,600 miles away. I will face many challenges in my life that I will need to overcome. Thinking about Sarat, Srey Ti, and all of the other children, I know I will be able to climb any mountain that is placed in front of me. With that, my love for the children will only grow, strengthening our bond. Before coming on this trip I was afraid I wouldn’t impact the children. I was afraid they wouldn’t remember me. I know now, however, that is not the case. On the last day at the orphanage, I was sitting on Sarat’s bed and had just given him a stuffed panda with a heart on it that said I LOVE YOU. I was holding Sarat in my arms bawling. After about 5 minutes Rath came up to us and said, “Don’t cry, be happy.” I smiled at him and wiped away a few tears. Then he said, “Tell Marika I miss her every day.” That really hit home for me because my sister, Marika, traveled to Cambodia last year. The fact that Rath remembers her and still thinks about her all the time proves that we make an impact on these kids’ lives. I may not have understood it at the time, but little gestures such as washing the kid’s clothes or teaching them the ABC’s shows them that we love them unconditionally and want to improve their living conditions. The children have helped me grow so much as a person. I have learned to appreciate my life more, live in the moment, and love more deeply.

Love

Love is unexplainable. It can cause people be happy or sad. It can cause you to laugh or cry. Love is the sun in our sky, yet the darkness that covers the Earth. The only thing about love that isn’t a mystery, is you know when it’s there. When I met the children at CPO, right away I could feel the love. Love is what pulled us together, and made me create a bond with every single child there. It inspires me to shovel dirt into a bucket in 95 degree weather. When I was sick with a fever and throat infection all I could think about were the children. I felt bad that I couldn’t help teach them or make their living conditions more comfortable. Although I could hardly swallow without grimacing in pain and was sweating like crazy, I was putting the children’s needs before my own. That is love. Saturday afternoon, Sarat and I were hanging out on the stage, drawing and making origami. I could feel our hearts beating with one another in perfect rhythm. The wind was blowing just enough to wipe the sweat off of our faces, cooling us down. I could here the roosters cocka-doodle-dooing under the stage and heard other small children giggling. Sarat grabbed my notebook and took my pen. He flipped to an empty page and started writing something. I looked away and saw smiling children everywhere. A warm calming feeling came over me and ran through my body. I felt peaceful at that moment, like there was not a care in the world. I looked back to Sarat, he pushed my notebook into my lap and scooted closer to me. The paper read “I love you” in Khmer and English. My eyes got glassy and lumps in my throat started to appear. I never knew that three words could mean so much and impact me so greatly. Although Sarat and I speak different languages and come from completely different worlds, we have an unbreakable bond that will always be intact. I believe that love is the most powerful feeling. It can build you up or break you down. It can be your darkness or your light. Love can bring people together and connect them for the remainder of their lives. The children at the orphanage have given me an incredibly large amount of love. They have made me realize that you don’t have to know someone for years and years before you can love them. There are no rules to love, you either love someone or you don’t. You can’t force or pressure love, it comes naturally. I love the children at the orphanage and because I do, I will do anything in my power to make sure they live a happy life.

The Power of Education

     Education is the life-line for children in Cambodia. Education is the key that unlocks a door of possibilities for their future. It guides them through life and is with them every step of the way. Children at CPO hardly have anything. They live in a small dorms with 9 to 17 other people. They have no parents to guide them through life, and the conditions in which they live are definitely not hygienic. Although these children don't have much, they bring happiness, knowledge, and excitement into the classroom. The Cambodian kids love to go to school and learn. School is the their escape from all of the difficult things going on in their lives. All of the children are eager to learn each day and don't want to leave school. When I was teaching in a level 3 classroom I was instructed the teach pronunciation. I had the class read sentences that I was writing on the board and I told them how to pronounce them correctly. Class was almost over but the children wanted to continue reading the sentences, even after class time had ended. It surprised me so much because in America, students want to leave school and try to get the teacher to let class out early. However, in Cambodia the children always want to read one more sentence and keep learning. The students eagerly shoot their hand up when asked a question and compete to get called on.

     Whenever I walk into the school my heart is filled with joy. I get to see these incredible kids learn English which will help them throughout the rest of their lives. Almost any well-paying job in Cambodia requires you to speak English. These kids that live in the orphanage don't have money to support them the rest of their lives. They need to get a good job in order to live on their own and possibly even raise a family one day. In the couple of days I have taught at the school I have learned that education is so much more than just going to school and learning various things. It's more powerful than the ocean. It can stop wars, create peace, and improve a country. Education is why I am here helping these children, and even writing this blog. It can create a bond between two people that will never be broken. Parents in Cambodia and this village area don't realize the power of education, they want their child to live for now and help support the family. Many don't want their child to have the only key that will open the door to a better future. This is astonishing to me because I have so much support from my parents and sister with my education. I couldn't imagine them not thinking about my future and knowing the potential I have.

Dancing in the Rain

A spider web clutches onto my hair as I pick up another piece of trash. My legs are sore from crouching, my knees are sore from kneeling, and my back is sore from bending, but I push all of the aches aside and keep working. I peer out from under the stage and see the trees rattling from the huge gusts of wind. The sky is getting darker and layers of clouds are starting to build up. Bye hot weather hello rain, we welcome you with open arms. I resume my work to find picking up one piece of trash reveals 10 others that I hadn’t seen before. I sigh, but work as efficiently as possible so I can get the job done. I move to the next section under the stage just as I hear a loud crackling from above. I look out and quickly realize that it’s only the rain. I see everyone rushing under the shelter to be protected from the mighty downpour. I glance over at Zoe and we both rush outside. We lift up our arms to embrace the rain. I notice that the other student volunteers have come out on the rain as well, however I don’t see many children. I beckon for Sarat, one of the boys at the orphanage, to join me. After a few moments he hesitantly walks out with a volleyball. Sarat tosses it in the air and slaps his hand against the ball, it comes hurtling at me at an impressive speed. The two of us hit it back and forth a few times before we start playing soccer, or how Sarat likes to play, kick the ball at me as hard as you can. Other children and student volunteers join us and we switch from soccer to monkey in the middle to volleyball again. I had the most incredible time playing in the rain with all of the children and, most of all, I loved seeing the smiles on their faces and the sparkle in their eyes. While I was playing in the rain I realized that life will never go as planned, unexpected things will always show up and be present, but its important to cope with what is thrown at you and make the most out of every situation. Sometimes the most amazing times are from going out into the unknown and traveling beyond the fence that blocks you from experiencing new things. Life isn’t about shutting down whenever unexpected, new or things you don’t like come along, its about learning how to dance in the rain.

So Close

 For this blog assignment we had to answer a few questions. The first one asked if the experience so far had been difficult or easy, and why. So far my experience getting ready for Cambodia has been fairly difficult. I have had to study hard for the Khmer quizzes because the very first one didn't go very well. I don't like not doing well on anything, so the first quiz score upset me quite a bit. However, I picked myself back up and started to study and practice the language. It wasn't just the fear of failing that motivated me to practice though. I thought about the kids and how last year in Nicaragua I didn't practice Spanish as hard as I could have, which made it incredibly difficult for me to connect with the kids.  I really don't want that to happen again and know that I will be able to have a deeper connection with them and be able to help them even more if I practice hard and am able to understand and speak some Khmer. Although the language takes constant studying I am determined to learn it and that has made it a bit easier.

    Going into this trip I have many many fears. I am afraid that I will not be as impactful on the children and their lives as I am capable of. I know that these children have a hard life and I it saddens me to see people, especially children, live in those conditions. I want to do everything I can to help the children out. I want to leave Cambodia with the children remembering me and them being happy because I did make such a big impact on them. I want to help the children in any way possible and have them make a deep connection with me, it scares me that this may not be the case. To overcome this I will do anything anyone asks me to, whether it's cleaning some rooms or reading to the children, I will always be there for them and try to have as much fun with the children as possible. Another one of my fears or something that I'm dreading is leaving the children. I hope to make a very deep connection with the children on this trip. However the whole time I will be dreading the end and leaving the incredible children.   Although this will be at the back of my mind, the kids in Nicaragua taught me to live in the moment, so I will try to push the thought aside and enjoy my time with them.

    One of my personal goals for this trip is to understand how lucky I am. Last year Nicaragua opened up my eyes in so many different ways. Although I am more aware of what is going on in this world I don't think I would fully understand how some people's lives are unless I had the opportunity to see it firsthand.  Every one of these trips I take I hope my eyes will open farther and farther so that I can see the world more clearly. I want to be the most grateful I can be and understand that I am incredibly lucky, but I can only do that if I continue to venture out and experience new things. Another one of my personal goals is that I hope to learn more about myself. I am still young and I know that I have my whole life to figure out who I want to be, but Nicaragua has shown me a different part of myself that I would like to rediscover in Cambodia. I never knew I could fall in love with children that I had only met a day or two ago, I want to find that loving, carefree part of myself again. Even though I can let loose and have fun fairly easily, this is different. I felt as though the children had opened a door and a new person had walked in but it was still me. I want that same person to come back while I'm in Cambodia and this time, stay.

Living on one Dollar

      The most profound thing I saw in the documentary is the amazing community the people lived in. The Pena Blanca village in Guatemala was really like family. When one man's wife was dying, he didn't have enough money to pay for her medical bills, much less take her to the doctor. His neighbor willingly paid all of the bills for him, even though it cut into his expenses. Things like this are priceless, the love that individuals in this village had for one another was incredible.  Here in the United States the communities are varied. There are some communities in this country that think of one another as family and have an incredible bond. There are some communities however, that hardly know each other and don't make an effort to be a good neighbor and get involved with activities within the community. I believe that the Vail Valley has a very strong community and lots of people know each other and have for many years. Although this is the case I do not think, for example, that a neighbor would pay for another  ones medical bills especially if they themselves weren't financially stable. I don't think that many communities in the U.S. would have that strong of a bond and put a neighbors needs before their own. 

If I had grown up in those conditions I believe I could survive, though it would be incredibly difficult. I think I could do it because that's all I would know. I wouldn't know what it feels like to live in a big enough house where I could I have my own room and many bathrooms and a good size kitchen, or where my parents could afford to send me to college and primary school. If I had not grown up in these conditions and I was living like this for even a little bit I do not think that I could survive. I use technology for almost everything, whether it's snapchatting or texting my friends to trying to type a paper for school or looking at what the weather is going to be like for the next day. Honestly it would be one of the biggest challenges of my life to live without technology and electricity. I use these things for many day-to-day things that I don't even realize.  That's just the beginning of living in poverty though. These people hardly eat anything all day.  They work from dusk to dawn and most of them don't to school or only go to school for a little bit. Thinking about living in poverty is incredibly difficult for me because even though I have seen what it's like and have been to Nicaragua it is still a much different experience than actually living it. However, based on my lifestyle and how I live I do not think that I could go from my fast paced life to living in poverty. 

I think the most difficult part of living in poverty would be the inability to feed my family or children and know that I wouldn't be able to pay for their education. In the documentary, one of the villagers said that you have to choose between feeding your children or sending them to school. That would be heartbreaking for me. If I were a mom, I would want what is best for my children and give them the best life I could, if I couldn't do that, it would kill me. Also, seeing that my children wouldn't be able to follow their dreams or really be a kid because they barely get any food would be so challenging and sad for me. In the documentary one of the dad's said that his children don't have enough energy to play, they just lie around because that's all they have energy to do. 

My values and those of the villagers in Guatemala are very similar. Like the Guatemalans in the video I value education, food, water, hard work, and shelter, plus many other things. I work very hard in school so that I can continue my education and go to a good collage so that when I am older I can get a well-paying job and provide for myself. I also am very grateful that I can have my own room and can eat more than enough food. Sometimes I do stop and think how lucky I am and I understand it much more after going to Nicaragua  However, I still take most of these things for granted. I complain that I have to go to school, I many times whine that my parents need to go to the store because we have no food even though our pantry and fridge is packed ful of food, am careless when running water, and get lazy when I have to do work. So I take even the things I value for granted. Whereas with the villagers, they hardly get any food, drink unclean water, can't afford education, and have to work incredibly hard every day in order to receive their small paycheck, yet they are still incredibly happy and make the most of their life. 

I will apply my knowledge from the documentary to my work in Cambodia in many ways. First I know, even after going to Nicaragua, I will go into Cambodia more empathetic towards the children. Because of this, I will be more motivated to help the children as much as I can and be able to make a bigger impact on their lives. Not only that but the children living in the orphanage live in similar conditions to the people in the video. Since this is the case I have a better idea of how I can help the children. For example, I understand that education is very important because if you are educated you can provide for your family and make a better life for yourself and them. Because of this is will put extra work into making sure the children understand the concept I am teaching or helping them with.  I will not move on until I know that every child has a clear understanding. I have been to Nicaragua and seen what poverty looks like and the effects it has on people. I will put every ounce of effort into this service trip cleaning the children's sleeping quarters and doing any repair work on the orphanage or giving supplies out to people in the slums. I will do whatever it takes to help these children have a better life and know that they have a bright future. They just need to work hard and believe in themselves. 

About Cambodia

     Khmer Rouge: The Khmer Rouge was a communist movement that started a civil war in Cambodia. They took over the government in 1975 and then stopped ruling in 1979. Even though they were only ruling for 4 years the Khmer Rouge killed about 1/3 of the people in the country. That’s about 2.7 million people. The Khmer Rouge represented themselves by wearing all black-they are also known as the Revolutionary Soldiers or The Organization. The Organization discouraged intelligence and killed and tortured people with glasses, teachers, doctors, monks, or other rich, important or smart people. Millions of families were separated because the Khmer Rouge didn’t want people plotting a rebellion. In addition, fathers were separated from their families and forced to be a soldier or taken away and killed. Most of the country worked in fields or labor camps all day. They were starved with barely enough food to live, they were fed only rice and sometimes an oatmeal substance. They were forced to work long, horrible hours and sleep deprived, so even though millions of people weren’t in prison or torture centers they were still pushing their bodied to the limits and on the verge of dying.  

S-21 Prison: This prison was one of the most brutal torture and execution centers ever. It was first a school but in 1976, a year after the Khmer rouge started ruling, became a prison. This center was so brutal that only 7 out of 14,000 prisoners survived. Kangkechleu was the head of the S-21 prison and he believed that torture would lead to the truth, and because of this many inmates were forced to make up false information to stop being tortured. There were many different way of torture and killing, and the only way that they did not kill people was with using guns because they were too expensive. This was one of many torture centers in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge.

The Killing Fields: The killing fields were where the Khmer Rouge brought people to be executed. People were executed for, many times, no reason at all and other times for unacceptable reasons. A few of the main reasons is because people had pale skin, smooth hands, or wore glasses. These people were executed because if you had glasses the Khmer Rouge thought you were smart, if you had smooth skin they would execute you because you’re rich and if you were pale you were the “enemy.” The Khmer Rouge soldiers would bring people at night in trucks. They would tell them that they were being released but they weren’t. They would sometimes push them into big pits and bury them alive, but they also clubbed them to death, then pushed them into pits. These killing fields were located all around the country and millions of people were buried here.

Religion: The main religion in Cambodia is Buddhism. 95% of the country is Buddhism and 5% is Christianity and Hinduism. There are many temples with monks that live in them even to this day, they are a large tourist attraction in the country as well. There are three main symbols of Buddhism-the wheel, the lotus flower, and Buddha. The wheel represents reincarnation, the lotus flowered represents luck, and Buddha is the main symbol of the religion. Everybody who is Buddhist believes in Nirvana. Nirvana is the amazing after life that everyone wants to reach. They believe that everything you do in your lifetime affects your next lifetime. If you are a caring, good person then you will live a better life in your next lifetime and you will be closer to reaching Nirvana.

Government: Cambodia has had a long history with its government. In 1863 Cambodia became a protectorate of France. Then, in 1946 an armed campaign took place to free the country from France. Cambodia finally was no longer under France’s power in 1953. After Cambodia broke free from France they also broke off their relations with the US. Lon Nol served two terms of Prime Minister of Cambodia-he was elected in 1966 and again in 1969. During the Khmer Rouge the Cambodian currency (riel) was worthless. After the Khmer Rouge reign was overthrown, Cambodia retained their seat in the UN in 1981. Today Norodom Sihomoni is the king of Cambodia, and Hun Sen is the Prime Minister who was reelected in 2004. Cambodia is currently a constitutional monarchy.

Economy: The economy in Cambodia is very similar to other Asian countries. 35% of agriculture contributes to Cambodia’s economy and 55% of Cambodia’s population are in the agricultural business. Most of the rice farms in Cambodia are located in the eastern and southwestern parts of the country. A few products produced are corn, silk, and rubber. A few exported goods are tobacco, clothing, fish and rice. Some imported goods are gold items, oil and machines. Although Cambodia is a small country it trades with some of the world powers. Cambodia’s trading partners include Western Europe, U.S.A, and other East Asian countries. Cambodia also attracts millions of tourists each year, contributing about $1.7 billion to its economy. Tourism has created 300,000 jobs for Cambodian citizens. Some of the popular tourist locations are the royal palace, the Angkor Wat temples, the genocide museum, and the S-21 killing fields. An average Cambodian makes about $1.25 a day. 16% of people work in industry and 27% work in service business.

Culture: Cambodia has a culture that is based around respecting elders as well as very specific meanings around body parts.  In Cambodia it is considered very rude to point your feet at someone because they are the lowest part of your body. It is also very rude to cross your legs in in a person’s house. It is also a custom to remove your hat when entering a building. In Cambodia your head is a sacred part of your body. While sitting down you must always sit lower than elders. Men do not show many feelings because it is a sign of weakness.  This is similar to the Khmer Rouge regime-the only difference is that if men showed emotion during the ruling of the Khmer Rouge they would most likely be killed. In addition, women do not wear too much perfume, just enough. Finally, another of the many customs is to never touch a Buddhist statue.

Going to Cambodia I will definitely face situations out of my comfort zone. For instance the culture is very different so I will have to learn quickly and make sure I do not offend anyone while in the country. The Khmer Rouge was a terrible part of Cambodia’s history and I know people will mention it to me. Even though I have just researched it I will still have a hard time talking about it to people because because it so brutal and millions of people died from it. From going to Cambodia I will change a lot even prior to meeting the children just experiencing the culture and seeing all the people because it is so different from our country.

The First Step of my Journey

My name is Karlina Feduschak and I am an 8^th grader at Eagle Valley Middle School.  I have traveled with Children’s Global Alliance (CGA) once before to Nicaragua. I learned so much about myself and life from the children in Nicaragua and the country itself. I appreciate everything I have so much more than before going on the trip. The children barely have anything but all they need is love- to be happy and providing that for them was beyond words. The children didn’t care that we were from a different county and that there was a language barrier between us. They were just ecstatic that they had visitors and people who cared about them. For these children, every day is a new challenge and a struggle. But no matter what, the children always persevere and find the best part in every bad situation. These children are so ( use incredible or/and amazing here), they are so much stronger than any of us, just by living. I have chosen to travel to Cambodia in 2015 because I want to broaden my understanding of who I am and who I want to be, I also want to help other children living in different conditions and do everything I can to make them feel loved and cared for.

I am very athletic and love being outdoors. I play soccer for Vail Valley Soccer Club and Nordic race with Ski Club Vail.  I love hiking, rafting, climbing, skiing, kayaking etc. in the mountains. I am committed (redundant) in things that I am passionate about and persevere through challenging and difficult times. With these qualities I believe I can help the children in Cambodia and hopefully change their lives. I am open to try new foods, learn about new cultures, and experience a whole new life style. This is why I am so thrilled to be traveling with CGA to yet another unbelievable country.

Happy, Sad, Angry, Content

I have so many emotions going through me right now, it is unexplainable how I feel. The past few days have truly been some of the best in my life. One moment that will live in my heart forever is when a little boy named Jose-Andreas didn’t want to leave me. I was in the preschool room on Thursday and played with the kids the whole day. It was nearing the end of the day and I knew I had to walk Jose-Andreas to the bus. Instead, his mother came and was trying to get him to leave. He was practically in tears when his mom tried to pick him up. As she was carrying him out the door, he was reaching back for me. This moment plays back in my mind continuously like a broken record.

            Saying goodbye to all of the children yesterday was incredibly sad. My heart actually felt like it was going to crack and shatter. The deep connections that I have made with these kids have made it that much harder to say goodbye. I had no idea that these children would change the way I saw the world, life, and myself. I am so much more thankful and appreciative for my family, friends, food, water, home, and health. Compared to these kids here my life is a fantasy. I believe with all my heart that these kids, who some Nicaraguans think are burdens, are put on this world to teach us about love, life, and trust more than any other normal person. After saying goodbye yesterday, we cleaned up and left the school shortly after. We are now staying in a large beach house for 2 nights. Despite the beauty, beach and ocean I would rather spend 3 more days with the children then stay here.

Love is the most Powerful Medicine used for Healing

                Love is the most powerful medicine for healing. I’ve learned life lessons since I have arrived in Nicaragua, how I see the world is completely different. I had always known that people lived in harsh conditions but hearing it and seeing it is definitely different.

Countless unforgettable moments have occurred already. Just yesterday I was playing soccer at recess with four boys who are disabled. It was incredible because all they had was a flat basketball, a basketball court and a small soccer goal with no net. Yet they found a way to play with such passion and happiness. Then I realized that this is all they know. They have never played with a real blown up soccer ball or never played on grass, with a net, or cleats. They don’t care, because their love for the game is stronger than any soccer equipment. Despite what little they have, and that it is only recess, they are very competitive. They act exactly like the boys in my grade at recess. They get upset and mad when the other team scores, they are very strict on fowls and celebrate when their team scores. I love that two totally different countries could have the same love towards soccer and commitment to the game. While I was enjoying myself playing soccer I noticed a girl walking towards me.  She was extremely skinny girl with big hair who walked with her arms out to the side of her coming towards me. I recognized her because I had said, “Hola,” to her a few times and hugged her as well. I then realized she was coming over to me to give me a hug. I started walking to her, so I could meet her half way. I was about 7 feet away from her as the flat basketball come hurtling towards her. She just keep walking and didn’t seem to notice. I opened my mouth as if to say something, but then closed it as the ball flew past she and barley touched her arm. I stood there trying not to look stunned that the ball didn’t pummel her, but she gave me the biggest hug I had ever seen anyone give someone. I wrapped my arms around her neck and stood there for a moment feeling incredible. The hug felt like I had just saved her life. She let go of me after a few moments and I just looked at her in disbelief. I didn’t even know her name and I was pretty sure she didn’t know mine but she still decided I was the one she wanted to hug at that moment. I later found out her name was Suluma.

I had unforgettable moments today as well, but the most profound one was the time I spent with a little boy named Victor. He is in kindergarten and has Down syndrome. I didn’t know him before today; I had only remembered him because he was the first kid who hugged me. He is such a happy kid and loves to play. I have so many happy fun moments with him but I remembered a few specifically. It was a while into the day, after lunch and reaching the end of the day. We had played outside for a while, read books, kicked the soccer ball, and drew. I didn’t know what else to do so I picked him up and swung him. I will never in a million years forget the little smile and giggle as half his body flew through the air in a circle. I was feeling so emotions at that moment. I was, of course, extremely happy that he was happy but also made me wonder, does he get this kind of love at home? Then at that exact moment is when I realized love is the most powerful form of healing.

By the way mom and dad, HI and I have lice!

               

Clase Dever Tedo

            I’ve heard a lot of great stories but never quite knew what to expect. I was standing at the school waiting anxiously for the students to arrive on the bus. My heart was pounding and I couldn’t think straight. The only thing I could think about was that I had waited months for this life changing experience. I knew I was anxious but didn’t know if I was nervous or excited. I guess I was both but I wasn’t worried about my feelings right then. I turned back around to the street and saw a bus filled with kids pulling into the school. My palms started getting sweaty and my heart started beating twice as fast. The bus stopped right in front of us and a man opened the door. I was astonished by how many kids were piled in, as there were students on one another’s laps, some on the floor, and a few just wherever there was space. They all rushed out to hug the closest volunteer. I stood there for a moment still trying to believe this was happening but a small boy hugging and poking me immediately interrupted me. I looked down and noticed his hair. It looked like one of the three stooges hair. I laughed a little and bent down to hug him. I introduced myself and asked what his name was, although I don’t think he heard me because he quickly went and hugged the next volunteer. I said hola and hugged the rest of the students and then went to my assigned classroom. Picture this…I walk in and see two boys in a wheelchair a 17 year old and a 7-8 year old. I later found out that the 17-year olds name is Darwin and the 7-8 year olds is Antonio. I look over and see 6 other students 5 boy and one girl. I go around introducing myself and learn everyone’s name. The smallest boy is Royner, then Pepe, Yimi, Joseph, Yeronia (girl), and Moises. I then introduce myself to the teacher, Norah. I then talk a little with the teacher through a translator. We get started soon after and I get instructed to help Moises and Antonio draw. First I go to Antonio and see how well he can hold the marker. His motor skills were under developed so I helped him hold the marker. After a little bit I go over and help Moises do the same. He doesn’t look up at me, but just keeps his head down. I try everything I can and nothing I do is successful. He finally draws a few shapes on his paper with my help. I try to be as kind and understanding as possible because I have no idea how hard it is for him and was a little in shock by how undeveloped his brain is at his age of 15.

The rest of the morning was the same thing. I want back and forth helping them draw squiggly lines. After the students snacked they came back to the classroom. I was told earlier in the day that the teacher’s daughter was sick and was leaving in the afternoon. I was also told that the principal would be filling in for her but to my delight she didn’t show up. I was in a classroom with children who didn’t understand me and I had no idea what to do. Luckily Whitney (a chaperone) came in and helped me take back control. She left after a few minutes. I was asking the students, “Which number is greater (Cual es el nemoro mayor).” After a while the students started getting out of control again. I tried to focus their attention back on me, but I was unsuccessful. I was soon in the middle trying to break up a fight. I split it up very quickly. After about 10 minutes Samantha and Megan came in to help me. We started teaching addition to the children through a translator. The three of us finished addition and for the rest of the day read books to the children and the children read books to us. They left after a fun and interesting day. Just after those couple hours in a classroom I already understand how differently these children live and are educated.

 

Question 1: Who are three people who inspired who? How did they inspire you and effect your life?

 I honestly don’t know how to begin with this question or how to explain it at all but I guess I’ll try my best. One person who has had a great impact on my life is my sister, Marika. She has had the biggest impact on my life out of anyone I have ever met. She does everything she possibly can to support me and help me out. She helps me with my homework when I need it, supports me in soccer, Nordic, kayaking and always gives me the inspiration to do something new or something that I don’t necessarily want to do. I can go on and on of how many times she has helped me but that would take me my whole lifetime to write, so I’ll just write about a few. Marika is the main reason that I am playing soccer and love it to this day.  My mom signed me up when I was about three and just rolled in the grass, but Marika pushed me to actually try and play and she is always giving me tips on how to improve. My sister also inspired me to start to kayak. My dad was trying to get me into it but I was always scared of flipping and not being able to perform the wet exit. After she got into it I always wanted to go out with my dad and sis, I think it was part jealousy and part of the fact that she pushed me to do it and I felt comfortable with her there with me. Additionally if she hadn’t brought up the idea of going to Children’s Global Alliance and if she wasn’t going to Cambodia then I defiantly wouldn’t be going to Nicaragua. Not just that but she has helped me a lot through this process and keeps pushing me to practice my Spanish words more or do more research on the history of Nicaragua. Finally just the other weekend I had a Nordic race and it was my first one. I was not very confident in myself and honestly thought I would be one of the last kids. Of course Marika was standing right there with me at the start telling me that I was going to do great, explaining to me all about the course and giving me tips on what speed I should go out in. During the race when I was very tired she was yelling at me to keep pushing and finish the race. Sure enough Marika was right I finished the race in first place and probably couldn’t have done it without her support.  I have no ways of explaining how amazing and inspirational my sister is and even though we argue a lot more than many siblings do I can tell you that I love her very much and I could never ask for a better sister.

The next person who inspired me is Abby Wambach. She is a professional soccer player who plays striker and was one of the best women strikers in the world. She has won two Olympic medals in all of her soccer career both of them gold. She claimed the gold in 2004 and led her team to victory by scoring the game winning goal in 2012 against Brazil. The amazing forward has played in three world cups. Starting at age 23 she played her first world cup in 2003. She did not win the world cup title but played her way into third place. The next world cup was in 2007, again they lost in the semifinals but busted there confidents up by winning the third place game. Then finally in the 2011 world cup they beat France 3-1 in the semi-finals. They were playing Japan in the finals and were heavily favored to win. After overtime they were tied so the game continued on to shootouts. They lost in shootouts so Abby came up short of her world cup victory. Even though she never won a world cup she is still considered one of the greatest women strikers in the world. Although her soccer career was very successful she faced many challenges that she had to overcome. In one game she got kicked in the head and left the game for about 10-15 minutes before returning with seven stiches in her head. That determination and commitment is the reason I look up to her and she is one of my idols. She never gave up even in the hardest situations. When I am playing soccer and I can’t get a move or I am having trouble with a certain play I think of Abby Wambach and how hard she worked to achieve what she did.

 

The third person who inspired me is John Wesley Powell. He was and adventurous man who explored all down the Grand Canyon and further covering the Colorado River and the Green River, going through Colorado, Arizona, and Utah on his journey. Before his exploration took place he was a major in the civil war. In the Battle of Shiloh his right arm was amputated losing it forever. Although he had no right arm this never stopped him from exploring unknown rivers. He and nine other men headed off down the Green and Colorado in 1869. They were heading into unknown rapids with wooden boats no quick dry clothing and no lifejackets. Within three months Powell had lost one boat and four men had abandoned the exploration never to be seen again. They were running low on water and food and many men were urging Powell to leave to expedition. But John Wesley Powell refused and continued the adventure down the treacherous rivers. Despite the setbacks Powell had faced on his exploration he never turned back or gave up, and even if it meant to lose his life he was determined to finish the voyage. One year after John returned from his expedition he set off again following the same path as his previous trip. Unlike the other voyage though John Wesley Powell mapped the river and named most of the rapids. His commitment, bravery, and determination is a huge reason why he is one person that inspires me. I am adventurous, outgoing and not afraid to take chances partly because of him. Not only has he effected my personality but my family goes on rafting trips all the time down the Green River and Colorado River and it is one of my favorite summer activities. John Wesley Powell’s exploration makes me always want to be adventurous, brave, and take chances.

 

 

Question 2: If you could be any animal what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal in the world I would be a cheetah. This is because I love to run and feel the wind through my hair and hear the pounding of my heart as I sprint even faster. Cheetahs are the fastest land animal. They run lots of times to catch their prey. Also the magnificent creature are at the top of their food chain that is except for humans. They are fierce when catching their prey and do not give up easily. I see this as outgoing and determined which are some of my most dominant characteristics. That is why I would want to be a cheetah.