In September 2006, Ms Susilawati Surya, who works in the banking industry, went on a volunteering vacation to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Hailed as “The Pearl of Asia”, it is now a bustling city with relics of French and Khmer architecture that gives it a rustic charm. However, Susi, whom she is also affectionately known as, got more than what she bargained for in her weekend trip as she shares with us about her experience and involvement there.

TMTVT: So tell us, what inspired you to embark on this volunteer vacation?

Susi: Well,   it wasn’t my initiative really. I was encouraged by a group of friends who were planning to spend a weekend away in Phnom Penh. I was told that it would be a meaningful one with volunteer programmes lined up in some of the villages there. I thought to myself, since I had never been there and had no plans for that weekend; I jumped on the opportunity and went for this 3-day trip during the end of September in 2006.

TMTVT: What expectations did you have in this volunteer vacation prior to departure?

Susi: I anticipated Cambodia to have more torrential rain due to the monsoon. I also expected the hotels to be a far cry from the ones back home that comes with warm water, air conditioning and relatively mosquito-less.

TMTVT: So, did your expectation come true?

Susi: Weather-wise, it was not as bad as I thought. We only encountered one short drizzle in the evening during the entire trip but I was spot-on about the accommodation. I guess I was jus too spoilt and had difficulty falling asleep as the room wasn’t air-conditioned but only a fan. And yes, there wasn’t a water heater in the bathroom. The cold water was however refreshing and certainly very welcomed in the warm climate. The village we volunteered at had a mini miasma of mosquitoes breeding, but was otherwise fine.

TMTVT: So what were some of the volunteering activities at the village you just mentioned?

Susi: I was wondering when you would come to that! It was great joy working with the villagers, comprising mainly of children.  I believe we enjoyed interacting with them, albeit through the village translator, as much as they did with us. Some of the activities we had there were story-telling, singing, making handicrafts and playing games.

TMTVT: So tell us, how have you benefited from the volunteer travel?

Susi: I think one of the most surprising realizations is my capacity of tolerance, mostly to mosquitoes, and maybe also the compassion for complete strangers. After this volunteer vacation, I can share with more confidence that true joy lies not in how much you have but how much you can give. This trip had also given me an edge of sensitivity when dealing with others, especially in the area of my work. I think I have an increased awareness of the diversity of human life one the whole.

TMTVT: Would you recommend volunteer vacation to anyone?

Susi: Most certainly yes! A volunteer vacation like the one I went to provides the volunteer an avenue to give and touch the lives of others. It is meaningful and rewarding. If there is anyone I would recommend it to, it would be to me again.

TMTVT: Thank you for sharing with us Susi! All the best in your next volunteer vacation and please share with us again about the next experience.

Susi: Sure I will. Talk to you again!

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