We all emerged richer individuals...

My Experience in CampVision Expedition Agape 2008
By Lilyana Gan

The air in Phnom Penh on a lazy afternoon is hot, balmy and dusty. Just 15 minutes under the sky without any sun protection can leave my skin toasting fresh with a smooth coat of brown. I travelled some hours by air and sat through a bumpy bus ride meandering through the organized chaos of the city’s traffic before arriving at the designated location.

Kien Khleang Orphanage, or KK as affectionately termed, has some 120 youths under their charge. It used to be run by a French Catholic mission before it was left ravaged by civil war. A large part of the compound’s façade was constructed in the typical French style. I could only imagine how beautiful and peaceful the place looked in its prime.

My days at KK, were spent refurbishing select sections of the compound which were long forgotten and had by now collected thick, crusty layers of dirt and cobweb.

Evenings were riotous sessions of fun with the young residents. Each night was a different craft activity and from their creations, it was obvious to see which of them could be potential artists, architects or engineers. What a waste it would be to see such talents untapped.

Education is valued by the administration of the orphanage. This value is reflected onto five of its children who are learning a second (and even third) language and who are either in university or have already secured employment. I am impressed by their enthusiasm and steadfastness towards learning.

I wonder if it takes me to lose everything, to start from nothing in order to value my every day gifts – the ability to read, write and count; the capacity to make discerning choices.

Outside of KK, a five year-old, HIV-positive boy held my hand and showed me around a hospital that has become his home. This was the first time I came across someone infected with HIV. I was scared. What if I got infected? I soon discovered that my fear stemmed from not knowing enough - here I was holding his hand, carrying him, giving him space to sit on my lap as I rested under a shade. He is like any other child; only unfortunate to inherit an illness borne from his parents’ irresponsibility.

He cannot speak English and I cannot speak Khmer. Yet despite the language barrier, I understood his friendship and welcome. My time with the boy was one of the many moments where I felt truly alive, humbled and loved.

As I recount my experiences, I realize that the chance to be with these people is a privilege. I have learnt so much and received more lessons than I can possibly record.

I now live alone with my 68 year-old grandmother who survived from a stroke. And as I continue moving forward, I think of how rich I want my life with her to be; just as rich as I had made to the lives of the people I met in Cambodia.

Sharings & Learnings...

Why bring the youths overseas?

That is a question that I get sometimes... from skeptical folks who feel there is a lot of work to be done for the needy in Singapore as well. I absolutely agree, but I also think that the overseas immersion plays a significant role in youth development. It is only when we venture out from our comfort zone, removing the shackles that is the routine and conveniences of our modern life, that we learn, that we really and truly learn.

Diving into another world that is foreign yet so familiar, devoting two weeks of our lives 24/7, wholeheartedly into exemplifying and living out the meaning of service brings the experience to another level altogether.

But... let me leave you to hear it from the words of one of our youths. He was a part of the expedition in 2008, and we just got the news recently that he excelled in his studies with 5 As in his 'N' levels. I am proud of him, so so proud. Not everyone will turn out exactly the same way, treading the same footpath of success, but what is important is I know the experience was not for naught, that it mattered.

My Expedition Experience
by Tan Zhan Yang, 16
I am Zhan Yang from Expedition Agape. My trip to Cambodia was a very life-changing experience for me. When I first reached Cambodia, I remembered that my first reaction was to complain about the environment because it was too dirty to live in.

But things soon changed. The kids in Cambodia are very fun to interact with. I remembered that there was at first a communication barrier between us and the Cambodia kids because we didn’t speak their language but as days passed, we could interact with each other easily. They shared with us their culture and taught us their games. I can feel that they are pure in their hearts and spirit and they are always very happy when visitors come and play with them.

On our last night in the orphanage, we held a Christmas party and all of us enjoyed the party. The kids in Cambodia told me one thing: “This is the first and best party that they have.” When I heard this sentence, I cried and I felt sorry for them. We stayed in the orphanage for 1week, and when we were about to leave, all of us cried and the Cambodian children cried too, because we have a lot of fun memories and we have become close friends. Hence, it was very hard to say goodbye, but we didn't have a choice, and still said our goodbyes in the end to proceed to another part of Cambodia – Koh Rumdual.

When we reached the island, we saw that the people there do not have proper houses to live in like in Singapore. The houses they live in are made of leaves. We stayed for a week and during the stay, we helped to paint the walls of their school and also helped a villager to build his house. After 1 week, it was time for us to go back to Singapore. When I arrived in Singapore, my friends asked me how the trip was and what I have learnt. I told them that I am really very fortunate to be able to live in Singapore and have a family. The people in Cambodia are not so fortunate, and sometimes, do not have a proper house, family or even food.

I realise that in Singapore, we really take things for granted and always regret it after we have missed the chance. The people in Cambodia work hard in their studies though they do not have proper classrooms like us. In this regard, we can’t compare with them, because unlike them, we often don’t appreciate our school and education. In Singapore there is air-condition, but in Cambodia they don’t have the luxury. So after the trip, I always remember that there are less fortunate people and I learnt not to waste food or excessively indulge in things like PSP, MP3 and the latest handphones. I also learnt to study hard for my education.

I always tell my friends, cherish what you have now, or else when it's gone, you will regret it. Opportunity only comes once, do not miss it.

Genius, power and magic...

Wise words that really inspired me and made a daunting challenge like the expedition that much closer to reality:

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. There is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans, that the moment one definitely commits oneself the providence moves too. All sorts of things begin to occur which would never otherwise have occurred, and a whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all maner of unforeseen incidents and material assistance which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:
Whatever you can do or dream you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."    - W.H. Murray

It is so true. The moment one commits wholeheartedly to the realisation of a dream, even the Universe moves to support you, and miracles happen. Beautiful miracles that you would never have thought possible. It describes my experience with Expedition Agape 08 so aptly, that I had to write it down, capture it before it is lost to the sands of memory.

I know it will hold true this time round as well.

Starting the journey anew...

Calvin and I have once again decided to take up the baton to lead another youth expedition.

It was, admittedly, a decision I struggled with for a long time, because I now know the intensity and the hard, hard, hard work ahead that I was getting into, having done this once before in 2008. It would be a HUGE commitment, one that would consume my mental and physical energy, and a significant portion of my waking hours outside of work. There were also fears... fears of not meeting expectations, fears of not raising enough funds, fears of disappointing the volunteers and youths.... the cons and all the reasons not to organise the expedition are endless. 

There were a few things that convinced me and turned me around though. First, Calvin was extremely passionate about organising this a second time. His confidence, and strength of belief in the success of the initiative was contagious. He was so sure, and so certain, that my doubts gradually diminished as his enthusiasm mounted.

Secondly, my belief that character-moulding, and the empowerment of youths cannot be done in short stints. It is a long process, and day-to-day, week-to-week effort, love and heart needs to be invested. The expedition journey, spanning 6 months, is 1 way that I know I will be able to see positive change. Next, the bonds that were built and the memories that were shared. I get absolutely sentimental just thinking about it, because I grew to love every single individual on the team, for their amazing strengths - even their weaknesses - and marvelled at how wonderfully we were brought together for purposeful contribution. It is friendship that will last forever... there is just an unspoken connection and bond that builds when you've been together overseas with someone for extended lengths of time, and been through tears, sweat, laughter and all. Nothing will ever take that away.

I feel blessed by the experience. Blessings that I can never fully recount and describe with words alone. It has strengthened me, and given me countless opportunities to be grateful for every moment that I am alive.

I received many gifts of love through the journey, so... hence... now... I am ready to give back again, to serve, to contribute, to share, to commit.

It will not be an easy journey, but it is one that I am now making with conviction of spirit and clarity of mind. I am back... and together with Calvin, and many more like-minded volunteers and individuals, this expedition will be yet another success story to remember.