Lauren Smith

Video From Cambodian News Source About The Mission

Here is a video of a broadcast that covered the mission. It includes an interview with Dr. Song Tan, the head of CHPAA. It is in Khmer, but there is still video footage to be enjoyed.

S-21 And The Killing Fields – A Reflection

Early on in our trip, we visited S-21(the Khmer Rouge’s main interrogation prison in Phnom Penh) and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields where most of those prisoners were sent to be killed. My fellow volunteer and new friend, Chris, wrote the following of her experience and I am posting it on her behalf… ˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜ Hello!Continue reading “S-21 And The Killing Fields – A Reflection”

Wat’s Wat

I am now resting back in New Zealand and the rest of the IWA Team are on their way home too. The last time I had written was when we were on our way to Siem Reap. In effort to experience the full breadth of he travelling experience, I came down with food poisoning andContinue reading “Wat’s Wat”

Where The Lotus Grows

We’re driving to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh and I sit here quietly with my feet propped up on my seat. My shoes are off and gentle music plays in my headphones while a cloud of conversations floats around me. It is a peaceful ride. I’m soaking in the solitude and it’s the first breathContinue reading “Where The Lotus Grows”

And Off We Go…Back To Phnom Penh

This morning we left for a Phnom Penh orphanage to set up a mobile clinic there for the children and some of the adults. The drive from Takeo to Phnom Penh was interesting because we got to see more rural areas before we entered the city again. The orphanage is The Summit Foundation and isContinue reading “And Off We Go…Back To Phnom Penh”

An Evening At Wat Opat

Yesterday, after a long day at the clinic, we took a bus to see our volunteers and the children at Wat Opat Children’s Community. The children were already at the gate – welcoming us with an exuberance that one can only expect from 50 something young kids. As the bus stopped, a little girl ofContinue reading “An Evening At Wat Opat”

Hellow

This is a note that Ellen received today from a young girl who she had met yesterday. Ellen had commented to her how lovely her English is. Apparently she made quite the impression because the girl wrote this note for her and brought it to her when she returned for her clinic appointment today.