Ziplock bags and the big M -- Motivation.

After a browsing session on one of my favourite websites (idealist.org) I came across and organization called Pepy ride. Pepy stands for Protect the Earth; Protect Yourself and their physical approach when helping people in need immediately appealed to me. Six weeks down the line and loads of so-called “necessary” shots/jabs/vaccinations later I am zip-locking the last of my things for Cambodia.

So why Cambodia?

The brutality of the 70’s and 80’s left a scarred nation desperately in need of help. Pepy works hand in hand with two NGO’s based in Cambodia: (CCF) Cambodian Children’s fund and (RDI) Resource Development International and on this trip we will build a Rainwater harvesting tank (holding about 30 000 litres) in a village school 40km out of Phnom Penh. The ground water in this area has high levels of naturally occurring arsenic – slowly poisoning the villagers. Disease is rife and speculations abound on Cancer prevalence in years to come as a result of the poisoned water.

Why do I want to be part of this? (Why not?)

Even though I fell in love with vibrant Hong Kong the moment I set foot in the city; 16 months on I am still appreciative of living in a first world city but there is more to life than being “sorted”.
On the one hand it is time to get out of my comfort zone but more importantly, go out and physically labour where it will make a difference.

As Helen Keller said: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Viva to that.