Signing up for the Seva Challenge, I knew it would be a life changing experience, but little did I know how much my life would change in the process. The term Seva means selfless service and I have decided there is nothing selfless about my experience, as I have perhaps gained more than I have given.

We witnessed endless tragedy and poverty. The after math of the Khmer Rouge Regime 30 years later, the Toul Sleng (S-21) genocide museum, the Killing Fields, and countless stories from survivors. Each person we spoke with lost at least one family member by torture, starvation or disease during this time. It is estimated that 80% of the population has PTSD. Despite all of this trauma, the Cambodian people are happy. They are warm and generous and the children of CCF are so appreciative and filled with hope. They find the beauty in everyday moments. I witnessed small miracles everyday, or perhaps I was just present enough to notice them. This is one of the many lessons I will take with me.

The highlight of the trip was meeting the 12 year old girl I am now sponsoring. I came with the intention of sponsoring a child, but was unsure how I would decide which child to sponsor. Walking into the CCF facilities, you are literally bombarded with children of all ages. My girl came up to me immediately and asked me if I would be her sponsor. How could I say no? She has been at CCF for only 2 weeks and is still not able to communicate well in English. After spending more time with her, I realized that we were able to communicate just fine without words. She has a story like all of the children at CCF. Going weeks without eating, suffering from physical abuse, and most recently losing her mother in a moto accident. Again, I am amazed at how trusting and loving these children are. Having worked with abused children in the United States, I am in awe of the resilience I see in the children at CCF. Supportive of one another, celebrating each other's victories. No sense of competition, only cooperation.

Our farewell party with the CCF kids was almost too good to be true! As we arrrived, the kids hung handmade paper chain necklaces and the most beautiful leis made of sweet smelling jasmine and roses around our necks. First class treatment all the way! The CCF children put on a show filled with traditional Khmer dance, live music, elaborate costumes and make up, and 5 emcees! In the background of the stage was a hand painted mural thanking us and saying "We love you." (The CCF curriculum includes traditional arts and dance because this was all lost during the KR regime.) The dancers took pride in their performances and the children in the audience cheered them on.

As if the performance was not enough, once the "official show" was complete, we had the dance party of the century! The DJ played everything from American rap music to Cambodian pop music and we rocked it out for hours! We danced holding 5 year olds in our arms, surrounded by groups of teenagers, dripping sweat and smiling the whole time! My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. It was a truly magical night!

Leaving CCF was the most difficult goodbye, not knowing when we may see these children again. Today, I leave Cambodia a changed person, filled with new awareness, an appreciation for the small things, and a softer heart. I set out to change the lives of others, and perhaps I am the one who gained the most. I will be forever grateful to the people of Cambodia, especially the children of CCF for their infinite gifts of unconditional love and unbridled joy...and the best dance party ever!