Tuesday 17th July

I have reason to believe that the cockerel outside my window is getting depressed. He is regularly getting defeated by the group of Brits that wake up earlier and let out louder shrieks than he. The only difference is that ours are not attractive to anybody.

As the shock of waking up far before 6am lessens, the enthusiasm for the practice is still at an all time low. Our morning moans are followed by a near silent breakfast that starts to warm as the (western style) tea comes out. Then slowly into the bus for an inevitable debate that leaves us sweating even before the sun comes out.

We were greeted by the 71 year-old female chair of the Prison Fellowship organisation at their headquarters. Her strong attitude was evident immediately as she ushered moped drivers through her office and into the back courtyard. Despite the cold she was fighting, she showed genuine belief in the cause she was fighting for and was an inspiring person to start the day off with. A trip to two contrasting prisons followed and left us with something to think about.

The first prison was a woman and juvenile prison. We were greeted by a picture of boys playing basketball and women with their children. It is fair to say that we have seen worse pictures than this in the outside world on a day to day basis. But I was left with the feeling that this was not the whole story. For these 2 hours when the prisoners were allowed out into the courtyard, life must be a blast relative to the other 22 in the confinement of their cells. But do not worry; with an average of 15 people to a cell life is definitely not lonely! These are conditions that are not suitable for an adult, let alone children and babies.

The men’s prison did not paint a prettier picture although we were able to view prison fellowship do amazing work by teaching mechanics, English and Khmer, it was pointed out that less than 10% of prisoners enjoy this benefit at any one time. At this point I would like to emphasise the blessing of the prison fellowship, without their work there would be practically no lessons or worthwhile activities. It will be an honour to work alongside them in my long term placement when this youth trip is over.

The afternoon brought a medley of activities as we took part in Sarah’s Spectacular Phnom Penh Challenge. Armed with a digital camera, $10 and a tuk tuk (imagine a motorcycle/horsedrawn carriage and you are getting warm) we raced around the city collecting objects and taking pictures until we collapsed into a café to comfort of a banana milkshake and brownie. Naturally the winners (Sarah J, Sarah B, Anna W and myself) were gracious to accept victory over our lowly counterparts.

I would like to finish off my entry with a dedication to all the charities we have visited so far. With each one we get a new angle on how Christian charity work works and the benefits of the genuine sustainable development. I am continually humbled by the energy and initiative that our new compatriots show. If just one of us can grow to become one of the driven workers we have encountered the whole trip will prove worthwhile.