RAP Home – Restful Time in Mondulkiri
On Friday, February 1st, the young women and staff at the Ratanak Achievement Program (RAP) home travelled by bus to Mondulkiri, one of the northwestern provinces in Cambodia. They were able to have a time away for relaxation during this period of mourning for the late King Norodom Sihanouk’s funeral. When Lisa Cheong, Cambodia Country Director at Ratanak International, had arrived early at 5:30am at the RAP home, the bus was already there. Some of the girls were even gathered outside eagerly awaiting departure. In fact, they were able to leave at 6:00am sharp. The trip went very well with the young women singing on the bus, a pit stop for breakfast along the way, exploration at a rubber tree plantation; and that’s when the photo ops began. The clicking of photos happily ensued until the trip came to a close. The girls love taking photos!
The young women and the RAP staff next visited a place that seemed like a smaller version (yet in Cambodia) of the very popular Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC. There were beautiful flowers and a lush garden. Some cultural activities took place as well. They were able to visit the village of a hill tribe in Mondulkiri. The girls particularly enjoyed sharing candy they had purchased in advance of the trip, with the children in this area. In this beautiful mountainous region, as the young women and RAP staff walked around the village area, they had an opportunity to get a glimpse of life on a farm. They saw pigs eating and playing together, and goats grazing in a pasture. On the second day of the trip, they were able to enjoy a hike and see several waterfalls.
One of the most beautiful waterfalls they saw is called the Bou Sra Waterfalls. It’s a stunning sight! Some of the young women took the opportunity to change into outfits of the local hill tribes in that region so that they could take some more photos. Some RAP staff also enjoyed trying on the tribal outfits. The girls and the RAP staff spent some time along the water and had a picnic together. Some young women read books, while, others continued snapping photos and chatting together.
With all these simple activities enjoying the beauty of God’s creation, this mini retreat was also a time for the staff and the girls at RAP to rest and enjoy each others’ company. To reintegrate after rehabilitation is a challenging time of transition for these young women. The dedicated staff at RAP are also so well deserving of a time for rejuvenation. They encourage and support the girls. These young women continue to overcome obstacles and take steps towards independence. We will keep you updated, so much is happening at the RAP home. We hope you like the pictures!