There I was on Mao's tuk tuk driving through Siem Reap just like I did on the 13th January, just 7 months ago and my emotions were flying high. I felt like I was back at my second home. Smiling at the locals who passed us, soaking up the humidity (quite literally) and smelling all those smells that had become so familiar; it was a strange sensation. As we drove past the guesthouse that I stayed in for so long, the roads I walked along and being back with Dave and Heather, where my journey first began; all those memories rushed back and I couldn't help but smile. I knew at this stage it wasn't going to be easy to leave.

My re-union with the kiddies and the ABC team was magical. Words really cannot describe! I entered (it rained as soon as I got there) with my great big bag of goodies and fancy dress gear to be greeted with big hugs from 'teacher Mon'. Once Level 3 realised I was there I could hear them shouting my name, a couple ran out and gave me a few hugs then grabbed my hand leading me into the classroom. I ran with them (being careful not to slip in the mud that surrounded us); I couldn't contain my excitement! Theavy and the class sang 'you are my sunshine' and 'we're walking on sunshine' to me, but I held back the tears! Teacher Suret poked his head round the corner and bounced with happiness, his character all over! I then sneaked next door to see Soxy and her class. She cried, which set me off; I had missed her so much! Seeing Teacher Hunly, she was almost unrecognisable! With the baby due in September she was struggling but such an exciting time for her and everyone else at ABC's - I'm just sorry I won't be there to see him/her. Chansip was shocked to see me with a cheeky smile on his face as was Phearin who had decided to grow a goatee beard?! The sad news, however, was to hear that Phearin was leaving at the end of the month! I heard Tammy's voice and as soon as she saw me we shouted and hugged, bouncing round the room. I had only been away two months yet a lot can change and you miss people more than you realise! As I was popping in and out of classrooms Vasna whispered 'imagine there's no heaven' in my ear….sob sob sob! What a range of awesome welcomes. Towards the end of the day a boy walked by the entrance, said "Hello Teacher Bess" and then realised it was me and cried out "TEACHER BESS!" and came running into my arms. With just one smile, one hug or one hello from a child it touches every sense inside your body. My three days in school went way too quickly but I got to spend time with each and every one of the kids and the ABC's team; especially with the fun day of activities which we had on Friday! They loved playing with the keyboards! My pile of pictures and notes from the kids has grown even more and I can't wait to read them all when I get home! I painted my name on the wall of ABC's and I managed to hold myself together until I started to walk out the gate of ABC's and realised that I was not going to be there on Monday! This, however, is not goodbye it's see you soon! 6 countries, 40 odd beds, beautiful kiddies and unforgettable people; I can't believe 7 months is already over! It really has been the most amazing time of my life!

You live once. Live it to the full. Live it with no regrets and remember those which help you to take a different route or turn for the better. Smile and people will smile back. Laugh and people will laugh back. Learn and you'll realise that everyone is learning with you.

Cambodia, Asia and the amazing people I've met, you will all be missed!

x