At the arts and crafts station, we decided to start with a simple origami activity. The children gathered around and sat at their tables, and although they might not have perfectly understood us, nor did we perfectly understand them, we managed with lots of gestures, pointing, and smiles.

We also organized a drawing activity to encourage the students to express their creativity in the form of a comic, and taught simple English words along the way.

Whether our activity with them will have a lasting impact in the far future, we don’t know—but at the very least, we were able to put a smile on these children’s faces and build genuine connections that will last a lifetime—at least in our memories, even if we never see them again.

In this corner of the world, the children had greeted us with wide smiles and open arms, and as the hours dissipated and it was time for us to leave, we were flooded with hugs, goodbyes, and thank-yous before being pulled away on the tuk tuks.

With full hearts, we waved our arms until they hurt, at the same time shaking off any last bits of prejudice we may have had about the country. As much as we endeavored to provide education to these children, they had given us so much more.

And once again, we are reminded of the importance of service in our everyday lives.