Chaplain's Chat
Service Tour Cambodia 2024
Student Perspectives
Amelia D’Angri – Year 11
I was a part of the 2024 MAG Habitat for Humanity service tour to Cambodia. Throughout the 11 days we were there, we were fortunate enough to participate in a range of activities from exploring the city to holding giant rats.
A common favourite was the lively night markets. We spent hours as a group bartering trying our best not to get ripped off. It was hard not to get lost as the collection of close knit stalls, almost all containing similar items, seemed to go on forever.
Another favourite for everyone were the tuk tuk rides. Carol, a Habitat for Humanity Australia staff member, was able to find the first women's run tuk tuk business in Siem Reap. We were welcomed with flowers and a demonstration of how they fold the petals along with some delicious Cambodian snacks. The rides, although a bit scary due to the lack of doors and seatbelts, were very fun and an amazing experience.
As for the build, this was an unmatched experience! Although the days were incredibly hot and humid, we worked together as a team to complete the task of a finished house. Everyone tried tasks they never had before, from bricklaying and chiselling through to painting and drilling. It was a hectic 5 days. We learnt that language barriers are not as significant as we originally thought. We played, danced and sang with the families and children of the village, leaving us with some amazing new memories.
Fergus McGillivray – Year 10
After going over to Cambodia, l realised how lucky and privileged we in Australia. We had a loving family, good health care and a safe home to go back to. The entire trip was one to remember, from visiting the ancient temples, to interacting with the local kids in a game of soccer or jump rope, in between building sessions. My personal favourite memory was visiting the ancient temple of Angkor Wat and watching our group of students and teachers getting chased by monkeys as the locals laughed so hard they almost fell over. Overall, this trip was a great experience to see other cultures and help out families who are in need.
Miller Davies – Year 10
I wanted to take a moment to share with you the transformative journey myself and our group experienced during our recent trip to Cambodia. This adventure has left an immense mark on each of us, shaping our perspectives and deepening our understanding of the world around us, in ways that words struggle to fully capture.
The main goal for our trip was the construction of a home for a deserving family. Under the relentless Cambodian sun, we toiled together, overcoming physical challenges and setbacks (such as it pouring down rain, or the occasional splitting of one’s pants) with determination and teamwork. We were able to complete the house, but we all knew it was not just a construction project; it was a tangible symbol of hope and resilience and a strong test for all of us.
During our time at the local village we weren’t always building. We were so lucky as we got the opportunity to engage with the local community through soccer matches, spontaneous dance circles with singing and joy, a failed attempt of tug of war and some competitive skipping. For myself, this was one of the most enlightening parts of our trip and the language barrier was not a worry as we were able to communicate through many other ways. The opportunity to participate in cultural performances deepened our connections and broadened our perspectives. Although a local tuk tuk driver made the mistake of handing out baby powder bottles which ended up with us all covered in powder, white as ghosts, dancing to the Nutbush and the chicken dance. These interactions were often carried out through laughter and gestures and when words failed, it reminded us of the universal language of humanity—a language of empathy, kindness, and shared joy.
Rev. Tim Bowles
Chaplain