Hello (Suesodie)!
During the end of March, the Carpe Mundi Ruam cohort stayed in Banteay Chhmar, our first homestay experience. Ever had a sleep over? Ever had a sleepover in another country you’ve never been to with a family you don’t know and a possible language barrier for seven days? No? Well we did!
Although the first couple days were nerve racking. We felt like our homestay families showed us nothing but love, compassion and treated us like one of their own. The experience was one that won’t ever be forgotten as we move forward. We developed deep connections, and new deep understandings of the world we live in. All while being loved by people who barely knew us. Here are some of our reflections after our homestays.
1. During this homestay, I felt like I learned the most from…
the bond the family shares. How important it is to have two active parents in the lives of children.
The children, eager to connect w/ them.
my homestay family. Their honest and beautiful values and ways of life.
my youngest homestay sister, Jooyoung. Just playing with her & other children taught me a lot about the community.
CBT, tour guides doing more than lecture style teaching/participating.
My homestay siblings — from getting ready to school in the morning and washing the dishes after dinner. It shows how they’re growing up and the values they’re raised with. What family is in a way. Siblings are a precious thing. They told me everyday things we overlook as a child. That childhood is so special when you’re someone else’s big or little sibling.
2. I noticed my privilege most acutely when…
the power in my homestay kept going out and we kept losing water.
I saw how the women cook. How the kitchen is different to what I’m used to.
I had to walk to the market or poor sanitary conditions.
on the last night when I realized that the homestay mom & dad were sleeping in hammocks in the open community space.
it came to realizing how often I use/showers. The amount of draining water I have (home
I noticed my privilege most acutely when…
I learned that if my homestay family is not active in their religion, they wouldn’t get the chance to go to Buddhist temple here. A thing I wouldn’t be able to do if I didn’t leave the states traveling is easier (but also defining) an American passport can erase big differences, which is crazy!
3. Something my homestay family has that I don’t have is…
The closeness and laughter they have together. They spend real time together.
A schedule to wake up early / 3 o’clock start to day.
a loving family
large extended family
How connected they are — family.
A dad. I didn’t had a father figure growing up. I wish I had both my comfort zone. I met my stepfather. Even though it was out of my comfort zone, it felt good to have a caring dad for a few days.
4. I want people at home to know that…
It’s okay to have actual conversation and putting the phones down (sometimes) is healthy!
I will try to implement what I’ve learned here & do my best to learn my peeps back @ home. Hopefully they can follow the routine I teach.
I’ll miss my homestay
It seems that technology is robbing a lot of kids’ childhood experience
I learned a lot and perspectives have deepened
Going to other people’s houses is so sacred that I’m grateful to my homestay family for welcoming me into their house and life. I miss my warm siblings and childhood. Hopefully in another life I’ll be able to have both my parents and siblings living together. Life is unfair sometimes, but gotta do what you gotta do to break the cycle. Thank you for this and more!
