I want to help BUT…

I believe that many of you, like me, have thought of volunteering but have all the excuses in the world but just not starting. The stigma of NGOs and judgments on the superficiality of charity work developed a strange fear that I might be disappointed with the experience. How selfish was I. 
My very first trip as a volunteer into Cambodia turned out to be one of the most life changing experiences I had. I wish to spread the simple joys and peace that I’ve experienced at Peaceful Children Home to create a positive ripple effect and hopefully inspire those of you who have the heart to help to take the first step and reach out.

Going on this trip with a friend and not under any organisation made the village and home visits very personal and authentic.

The children were tasked to come up with a name for the home, and Peaceful Children Home was the one selected. This simple origin sets the tone of the place and brings out the beautiful soul of a child. Peace was what they wish and hope for more than anything else.

We stayed at the home and day by day, you start to build a connection with them. When you see them get so excited over lanterns and simple birthday celebrations, you start to see things through their eyes. Life is simple. Happiness is simple.

One night, the kids gathered for a dance session and when the music came on, everyone started moving and dancing so freely. They pulled me into the circle and went, “sister!! Dance!!!”. I was taken aback by my hesitation and it took me a while to join in.Whatever happened to just having fun and being in the moment? It reminded me how carefree it felt to be in the now.

Even though from the outside, they seem to have so little, but the qualities they possess on the inside, like gratitude, empathy and kindness, is so much more than some of us who have so much on the outside but are empty shells.

Chum Veuk, a former child of the home and now director of Peaceful Children Home 2, showed us how they created a sustainable system for the home because he understands that they cannot rely on sponsors and donations forever. It was his wisdom, sincerity and openness during the whole trip that made it so comfortable for us.

Leaving a high paying job in Thailand to come back to Cambodia to give back to his roots, he understands when volunteers come to their home, they take back a piece of peace with them as well and as long as you have a sincerity to connect with the children and to understand the situation, you are already helping.

When you go into an experience like this with a pure heart, it is also a great soulful journey for yourself and I hope that you get to experience it too. It has also become a motivation for me, to become a better version of myself everyday and to strive to make the world a better place one step at a time. To give back to the children as they have given me so much.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Yet not my will but yours be done.” Luke 22:42

If you would like to know more on how to help or would like to be involved, do get in contact with me at evetan2501@gmail.com

With Love,
Eve

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

P.S. Peaceful Children Home is under the Khmer Foundation for Justice, Peace and Development.