6th August, 2008.
It’s my last morning at the Khnar Village homestay, Siem Reap before I head back to Sydney. The early morning pink glow over the freshly sown rice paddies warms my face as I reflect on the past two months of teaching:
I’m gonna miss the enthusiastic optimism of the young students at Khnar who charge across the dusty playground into the classroom as they see my bike roll through the gate.
I’m gonna miss the curious minds whose tiny bodies pile up in the doorway blocking out the polarising afternoon light; whose tiny faces appear and disappear at the window’s edge until they had courage to join my impromptu creche.
I’m gonna miss the ever-present, love-filled hellos that I drew from children splashing in road-side ponds; swinging from palm leaves; herding water buffalo or gliding on the back of bicycles gripping onto their sibling’s hips.
I’m gonna miss racing along the ochre ribbon of road that stretched from school to home as the sunset melted the sky and darkness quickly approached.
I’m gonna miss Yada’s playful hits and girlish giggling at my mispronunciations and awkward Khmar text messages. I’m gonna miss her tireless efforts in the kitchen whipping up amazing curries and soups and our post-dinner language exchanges when her eyes would light up with surprise when I had finally learnt a new phrase...hopefully she saw the light in my eyes too!
...this is merely a brief glimpse, I blink and I’m back in Sydney. My heart and mind opened by working with amazing people. Thank you SCC for giving me this awe-inspiring opportunity!
Donna Barton
SCC Volunteer, June - August 2008
