Nora’s blog about the School Dedication:

The past two days we have spent at the Cambridge school and from the moment we got there it was nothing like anything I had expected.  As we drove in on our bus we saw two lines of people forming an aisle.  The teachers were at the end and after bowing to them, we walked through the students who cheered and clapped and waved Cambodian flags. We were led to a decorated tent with carpets and chairs for us.  We kneeled before monks who were dressed in vibrant orange and they chanted and threw flower petals at us.  Then we sat in chairs and finally had the chance to take in the rows of students and community members that were our three sided audience.   We were welcomed and then Heather, our teachers, and Lucy and I spoke briefly about how excited and thankful we were to be here.  We listened to a couple people speak in Khmer and presented the declaration we received from the Massachusetts government.  Each of us was given presents and we also received a framed certificate.

We then went into the classrooms and handed out writing packets, Harry Potter books in Khmer, pencils and pens.  Then we made nametags with the Cambodian students and had our first encounter with the language barrier. Most of them could write their own names in English and watching them write in Khmer was beautiful.  There were huge speakers outside that began blasting music so the rest of the day became a giant dance party.   We were full of energy and the kids were amazing.  The little boys were showing of their groovy dance moves while being just as adorable as they had been when we first met them.   They were also big fans of the fist pump.  When Askar brought out a soccerball some of them were confused wondering if they could abandoned us  which they soon did.  We all did the Macarena which everyone knew but when we started “jerking” they were a little confused.   It was an extraordinary day and unforgettable.  By the end of the day we had an unbreakable bond with all the kids!!

To read more blogs written by students and teachers from The Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School during their trip to Cambodia in February 2010, click here: http://www.cam2cam2010.webs.com/apps/blog/