Final Reflections

The end of the trip has come and the students await boarding at Ho Chi Minh City for the final leg of their journey home.

The homestay served its purpose as an opportunity to reflect and unspool the significance of the experience over the last 10 days. Time was spent seeing the unique environment of the Phnom Kulen National Park, including its waterfalls, river carvings and a temple housing a reclining Buddha carved into the natural mountaintop.

As we discussed our experiences, we drew connections to the purpose of service work in developing countries. We came to understand that ours has been a journey of flourishing in solidarity with those we have met, respecting their resilience and resourcefulness, and using our own comparative privilege to offer what we can give.

Included are some photos from the homestay, including the celebratory final night of singing and dancing around the campfire, having enjoyed a BBQ feast prepared by our host family. The students were admirable in the gratitude that they showed for their hosts and the experiences they have had, and we would also like to offer a big thanks to them for their spirit and purpose throughout the trip.