We went to the Cambodian Institute of Technology for a meeting with all their departments of engineering, of which apparently there are many. It was a thrilling scene, two long tables facing each other, one row of American students and one row of Cambodian students and department chairs...
At one point during the presentation the Cambodian student explained their plight, their funding was running out and they sought collaboration to enable them to continue there work...fixing wells in rural villages, teaching proper water sanitation, testing water supplies, improving the health of and increasing the standard of living within rural communities. Wow, sounds oddly familiar...we said we would love to collaborate...at which point smiles light up the Cambodian students faces. The room burst with a flurry of questions from the Americans table, asking every question imaginable. Seeking answers to answers to be able to answer one question..."what can we do to help these students build, grow and develop a stronger country", it was an interrogation of the highest ideals. (interspersed with an occasional confused stare when the language barrier showed itself.
We followed the meeting up with and extensive tour of the university, our engineering students in all their glory, bouncing from lab to lab, talking with professors and surveying the extensive equipment used to educate the young future of Cambodia.
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I went today to see if you had written yet - and I cant believe how much blogging is already going on! I didnt think you would have the time. It sounds like a fascinating experience so far!
Guess what - we have ANOTHER snow day here today.
Keep peace and keep safe...
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