Back To Normal

It took a couple days, but now we are in the swing of things. The typical afternoon drowsiness is getting easier, the one missing piece of luggage made it last night, and we have plans firming up for next week.

Before all that here is a contribution from Ethan on his perspective so far:

I’m Ethan and I am in 7^th grade. I live in Texas, and have two younger sisters. I am on a trip with my dad in Cambodia. It was a long 27 hours of flying and there was some drama in the beginning. I am having the best time I’ve had in a very long time and I hope to come back next time.

Picture taken by Ethan at Angkor Wat

Today we did the most tourist activity required when coming to Siem Reap: See Angkor Wat and surrounding temples. As the world’s largest single religious structure and UNESCO world heritage site it draws people from all over. I remember from 12 years ago when there were just a handful of daring tourists and questionable shops. It has grown tremendously in terms of visitors but still managed to keep the same sense of wonder.

We’ve also made progress on our humanitarian work. We’ll be teaching at the Provincial Teacher Training College next week from 9am to 11am daily. This will mostly be computer classes, but Ethan plans to supplement the learning with his planned science experiments. We hope to open their eyes to new ways of teaching kids and seeing what is done in other cultures, as well as entertain with a few fun activities.

Years ago I set up a solar-powered computer in Bos Kralanh at Mr. Sok’s house. They now have electrical service there so the panel isn’t needed anymore. He identified a family in need nearby. They don’t have money to pay for the hookup nor could they afford the cost of electricity if it was connected. Instead they use a single lightbulb attached to a car battery. They can get it recharged in town for about $0.50 but even that cost can be a challenge for a family of 8.

Mr. Sok thought his unused solar panel could help. I agree! I’m going to draw up a wiring diagram and go into town this week to buy supplies and wire up their home. It’ll be a simple installation for just a couple lights and a way to charge a cell phone if they should get one. That alone can help them tremendously.

More to plan and do this week!