Our first formal introduction to each another was on board a boat on the mighty Mekong River. Over drinks and nibbles, we chatted and probed into one another’s lives, all interested in how each of us ended up in this desperately poor country sharing the same goal: a desire to help people we had never met. Everyone had heard of Tabitha's work through friends, the media or the grapevine and wanted to be part of this worthy cause. After a few hours watching life on the riverbank go by and the setting sun we were all quite familiar with each other.

The next day the team went to Tabitha's headquarters for our orientation with the awe inspiring Janne Ritskes (Founder of Tabitha Cambodia). Here we learnt of Cambodia’s tragic history. We were told about Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge and how they exterminated nearly 2 million people between 1975-1979. The destruction they inflicted on this country contributed to the death from starvation of another 1 million people. It is a very sad story but one that must be told in order for us to understand the anguish the Cambodians have suffered and to understand the terrible memories they keep and the sense of foreboding that something awful is going to happen, again! It was one of the darkest periods of modern history. A time that should never be forgotten, so that it never happens again.

After leaving Tabitha HQ we visited the infamous Tuol Sleng Prison (S-21). What was once an unassuming High School was converted into a prison for torture and interrogation. From there the prisoners were transported to Cheuong Ek, more commonly known as "The Killing Fields". This was also our next stop. We travelled by Tuk Tuk along extremely degraded roads to what used to be an orchard and a peaceful Chinese Cemetery. Cheuong Ek is no longer peaceful, rather a silent and eerie resting place for 20,000 people who were murdered at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. By the end of this day, one can only begin to understand the atrocities the Cambodian people have suffered - this day-long education helped us to understand their plight and why the country is still in such a devastated state.

We travelled to Svay Rieng the next day and were at the village ready to start building early the following morning. The local people were excited and a little apprehensive to see these strangers inundate their quiet village. They knew why we were there and watched intently as we started hammering. Some were very keen to help with the building of their homes and others stood back and "supervised", occasionally offering suggestions. The children were a little nervous to begin with but soon warmed to this motley bunch of builders. Before long, they were being cheeky, mischievous and adorable, giggling and playing around as we worked and watched them in bemusement. It was the most wonderful environment to work in.

At the end of our time there, we had completed 20 houses and it was time for the handover ceremony conducted by Tabitha's long-serving and hard working representative, Srei. The villagers all gathered around and Srei, speaking Khmer, presented the families with their new home and their new beginning. With Srei interpreting, the Village Head spoke on behalf of the people who expressed their sincere gratitude for the work we had done. They now have somewhere safe to sleep at night and have protection from the rain in the wet season. They have a place to keep their few belongings, a place to call home. Interpretation was not really necessary because the look on their faces was enough thanks for me. It was a look that could warm the darkest corner of your heart.

I had such a great experience in Cambodia that I will continue to go back and do what I can to help its wonderful people.