Entry #1 ~ Introduction

Hi, my name is Haily Norvell, and I am sixteen years old. In June I will be embarking on a journey that I would have never expected to happen. This June I am traveling to Cambodia, in order to volunteer in an orphanage with children who have been previously abused. Looking forward, this trip is going to be so different - I have no idea what to expect. I have never been to a third world country, and I have never worked with a language barrier. I know that my intentions are to help, to love, and to inspire these kids. I am hoping to make an impact on their lives, one that will change their outcomes. When I hear about the love that changes a life, it inspires me. What scares me is entering a journey with absolutely no expectations. However, I know that this experience will be humbling and life-changing. It will change my outlook on the daily things that I take for granted. It will change my outlook on simple problems that at the time may seem important, but in the grand scheme of things, mean absolutely nothing. I am longing to meet kids who are happy without material items. Kids who are happy because they are alive and because they are healthy, a type of happiness that is not commonly expressed in America. Hopefully I will learn lessons both about myself, and about life that will stick with me forever. I am hoping for growth, love and gratefulness to come out of this trip.