Methodist School of Siem Reap

Today was, by far, my most enjoyable day in Cambodia. Our group went the Methodist School of Siem Reap to do crafts and to play with the young pre-school and 1st and 2nd graders. Every child there was so elated to be spending time with us; but I can promise that they were not as happy as we all were. Instead of being in the states enjoying fireworks and coleslaw, we were in Cambodia delighting in time with God's beautiful young ones. However, the Americans at the lunch table did sing the national anthem. The craft that we did with the children was a very comlicated concept for 4, 5, and 6 year olds to master, but they caught on really well. First, we divided the children up into groups of about 5, lined each group up and took their individual picture, then they each decorated 4 tongue depressor looking popsicle stick to eventually assemble them into a picture frame. I was in charge of printing the pictures, easy in theory but not when you have the most hands-on little girl wanting to touch the picture with still wet ink on it. But, I learned how to say "don't touch" in khmer and it came in handy the whole day. After everybody finished their frames and attached them to the photo, we made necklaces with beads and plastic string. Very messy, and very fun. Afterwards, we played parachute games until our team was about ready to collapse. I would say, overall, it was a very succesful and delightful day!