The first sign I got that we had made an impact on these deserving kids' lives was when Villavong (one of the teenage girls who speaks English well) expressed how much she would miss me.

Because the orphanage always has volunteers from around the world coming and helping, and then leaving, I figured that us leaving wouldn't impact them.

Surprisingly, I was very wrong.

After playing soccer for long enough to feel light-headed and sick from the heat, I went to sit with the girls in the shade. As I
approached, they looked at each other and then disappeared.

Baffled, but content, I sat down and began talking with an Australian woman who was also volunteering.

When Yeng, Villavong, and Malia (or Palia or Balia I'm never really sure) returned, they started tying bracelets around my wrists. Since I couldn't see them while they were tying the knots, I figured these were bracelets like ones I had seen in the art room.

However, when they stepped away I saw they were much more personal.

I still haven't figured out when they had the time to make them, since we had spent every day of the last week with them.

One of the bracelets read "Rachel I love you and miss you." Another read "I love you Rachle you very prety". The other had light blue hearts around the whole thing.

I felt immensely grateful and appreciative of this tiny gesture. Khamsing also gave us all bracelets and Konelee gave us each a card. On each card he did a little watercolor painting and on the inside was a different personal message for everyone.

Although their culture doesn't involve hugging, I could still feel their sadness, as well as their appreciation as we left.

I think we spent just enough time there to create some sort of relationship with most of the kids there. Whether it was a relationship that was just comfortable enough to smile at each other, or one where we learned personal things about each
other, they were all worth more than I am able to put into words.

Everyone told me this trip would be a life-changing experience. I believed them but I didn't fully understand what that meant until now.

I urge each and every one person that reads this, TRAVEL! I don't mean travel to Europe and live in a first-class city (although that is very enjoyable).

Travel to somewhere outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to make connections with people whose experiences have been completely opposite yours. This will allow you to not only understand the world better, but understand yourself in a whole new way.