We're back!!

Hi again and apologies for the break in information.

The last 2 days have seen some, if not all members, of the team go through some form of emotional struggle.  2 days ago, we received some terrible news in relation to the death of someone close to one of our team members.  The death was as the result of a tragic accident and involved a young man aged 22 years.  This has meant the update of the blog has been the furthest thing from any of our minds.  The repercussions of such a tragedy are made bigger when we are away from families and for many it has really brought home the reality of family and what it means.  All families have been contacted where it was felt necessary. 

What we have seen, is the respect and friendship that has developed amongst our team members as they have pulled together to support the people who have been affectd most by this accident.

Yesterday we visited the Angkor Wat temple complex and some were able to particpate in a Buddhist blessing to be our way of saying farewell, not only to the young man involved in this acccident, but also to others who have passed before, for whom we may still be grieving.  I know that the small group of students who participated have told me that it has really helped them to begin to deal with their grief and they were thankful to the other students who participated with them.  The blessing involved words from a local elder, along with a band being placed around the participant's wrist, followed by a brief period of prayer/thought and placing incensce at the alter (in front of a statue of Buddha).  The blessing was brief, but hopefully will assist all involved.

Our leadership team has been incredible and have formed even closer bonds with the students. 

We are now back on track and will hopefully begin daily updates again.
Akun
Shaz