I have a bit of insomnia – it’s 3:00 am Phnom Penh time. Thought I would give a mini update.
Day 1 – November 15. There are about 10 HFH volunteers, 4 Cambodian craftsmen and 1 translator working on the house.
The day started great but ended up in medic tent in the afternoon. The Canadian (moi) could not take the heat. It’s been 35C at least with super high humidity. I was vomitous, went home and crashed initially but then up until 3. Doc told me it was probably due ro my body being so revved up in trying to cool itself. I joked saying that I found a way to get a new t-shirt as other one was disgusting! TMI, I know, but it is part of my experience.
Day 2 – I was a trooper and went out. Felt on the mend. Spent part of morning in medic tent – nothing happened, just did it as a preventative measure. I got to sit under the fans in the company of the handsome Cambodian Doc, Ritti. Afternoon was awesome!
I have laid and hauled 20 pound bricks, more than you can imagine.
House is going up! Day 3 we’ll build and install roof trusses.
So much to say – love you all and know I am having a great life experience.
Will post pics later.
Baci
The Travelling Psychologist 
Awesome Sonya,
Yes the heat and humidity can be really draining, especially for an Albertan girl who is used to dry, cooler climes. It is perhaps the biggest adjustment factor for us here in Macau. Fortunately, Macau has quasi seasons so it is cooler now. It is easy to get sick in Cambodia. Of course you know to only drink bottled water but also don’t buy a coffee or tea from a street vendor. The water will make you sick even if its ‘boiled’. Joe got very ill when we were there. Pocari Sweat is a good choice to replenish fluids and body salts. Its Asia’s version of Gatorade. I noted that there were only girls in the welcome parade…were boys on the other side or just not present? Suggestive of girls not in school??? I hope not.
Thanks for your comments Jen and the tip on the Asian version of Gatorade. I think I was just overwhelmed by heat and my body was out of whack. I think I drank too much plain water and not enough electrolytes. Went to the build yesterday. I felt rough in the a.m. And much better in the afternoon. Today was awesome! I’m feeling happy, perky – my normal self. So far, so good on the water. I’m extremely careful not to go near any of it.
I don’t know if the children were from a girls school. There are a lot of them hanging around the perimeter of the site and some should probably be in school. It’s a whole different world here!
Hi My friend!
All I want to know is did you chat to the cute doctor???? LOL What an incredible experience! Thinking about you on your adventures.
Take Care
Deneen
Oh, wow. What a cool experience this must be! I’m beyond thrilled that you are there and doing this, especially after spending the summer with you and hearing you talk of your desire to do so. I am so proud of you, my friend. You are living life!
Love,
L
It was a very cool experience. A great accomplishment and team building. I’m going to do it again and likely sooner than later…. 🙂
Sonia…I loved the release of the lanterns~ very moving…all the photos are wonderful…what a sould enriching experience…book material…sending you big hugs from Halifax~ xo Mara and Nat