Day four, and already we know we will come back home with some of the most unforgettable experiences in our memories. Today was strenuous, but the work was emotionally rewarding.
We were packed and ready to go by 8:30, a long bus ride ahead of us, and a sense of anticipation for arriving in the village where we would be building a house. After our last buffet breakfast at the hotel, we set off on our next adventure with full stomachs and tired eyes. Many slept on the bus only to be woken two hours later by a 20 minute market stop, and after a further half hour on the bus, we followed the long ride with of course – more food. We ate a lunch of the famous national dish, pad thai, then set off into the rural mountain ranges on an open truck. The view on the drive was spectacular, and from the first moment we arrived in the village, already we knew that these people were going to welcome us as if we were their very own, making the experience even more redeeming.
After setting up our bedding and unpacking our things, the humid air of the new environment really began to hit us. Despite the intense heat, we remained smiling and excited, prepared to face a new challenge. We all worked as a team to enthuse each other, making sure everyone stayed in top shape, and had a good headspace whilst working towards such an important cause. As we built, a crowd of villagers slowly emerged to the workspace, and as we waved and said hello, it really began to sink in how much of an impact our then current actions really had. This newfound realisation helped us to work through the tough conditions and remain happy. Us as students were truly giving to a community, one of which we had never heard of or met before, yet, because of these actions- we felt connected to them, and knew that we had the ability to truly change another’s life. The beginning of our build not only brought us such joy, yet joined us with others, some closer to home than we expected. We found ourselves in unfamiliar groups, starting such a memorable project with fellow students who were previously strangers to us. We created these experiences, made new friendships, and gained so much from such a simple task.
We really have begun to understand and embrace a new culture, diving into an unknown environment with hopeful aspirations. After only a short amount of time in a foreign country, we have begun to see how we can emotionally bond with others, regardless of different home environments, and of course, the language barrier. The emotions in their eyes cannot go unseen by us, as knowing that we are relating to another situated across the seas through purely a smile and laughter is honestly one of the most remarkable feats we have ever been able to achieve. Surrounded by such a natural environment, close knit communities who have been located here for centuries welcoming us into our homes- it really is such a huge contrast to the artificial and consumerist society of our own country, and the sincerity of it all truly allows a real taste of another home.
Amelia Gaskell, Bella Sewards and Jordynne Orb.
