The Grinch in Cambodia: Evidence Donielle Does Nice Things for People

You probably wouldn't know it by first sight but the Grinch and I have several similarities. When I am angry I can feel my skin turn from its milky whiteness to a mildew green not so unlike Dr. Suess' forested creation. We also both seemingly hate children and well...most people. I am more civilized, however, I do not yell the names of my most despised at the top of my lungs from the boundless heights of a mountain. I do it with a red marker in my old yearbooks, making devil eyes, giving fangs and creating outer monsters of the inner evil. Together we could kill game with our glares, eyebrows furrowed, mouth arched like that sculpture in Missouri and forehead resembling those pitiful wrinkles of a Shar Pai pup; our partnered "bitch face" becoming the #1 example in how to lose friends and alienate people. Donielle & the Grinch, what a team.

We also both like crafts.

But you probably never would have guessed, that our hearts, as well, are all too similar. I know this because like the Grinch whose heart grew (3 sizes, you remember?)  right before he almost ruined Christmas (Christmas to pronounced as "chrisshtmas" lisped by Cindy Lou Who for heartwarming effect) for Whoville his heart stung with the pain of a growth spurt.

I, too, have experienced this organ's uprise, its expanding waistline almost crippled me on a recent trip to Cambodia. I was so nice I was sure the Antichrist's hand was going to reach from the hell to clutch and shake me, "What have you done with Donielle, we had such high (or low) hopes for you!"

The best news is that I have proof of all my activities where I was a nice person. This way if I get called at the pearled gates of heaven (hopefully they'll have better customer service than down here), I'll be sure to get into a great neighborhood with high property value, also don't forget my 72 virgins.

 Evidence Donielle Does Nice Things For People:
 (don't say I never did)

Donielle playing games with children

Donielle being nice to babies

Donielle being nice to kittens

Donielle & friends teaching some English

Donielle & Friends passing out clothing 

Donielle being nice to children
Photo Credit: Sarah Brown

I was so nice to these kids I let them put Tarantulas on me!!! Would Mother Theresa do that? I don't think she would.
Good Deed Score; Donielle: 1 Mother Theresa: 5,000 Let's hear it for the underdog!
Photo Credit: Sarah Brown

WHOA I'M TIRED.

Evidence People Do Nice Things For Donielle:

Just might have to do some crossing off

We met some amazing Khmer people who showed us true kindness and hospitality. It was they who fed my heart with hopes for humanity. The Khmer culture is strong and with perseverance and love they are rebuilding their country.

This is our driver who got up with us every morning at 5:00am to watch the sunrise with us! We love him!
Photo Credit: Sarah Brown

He even took us to a local market and has us try non-touristy delicious food!

This is our friend Sarann who took us everywhere and introduced us to a lot of Khmer culture!

When the taxi got a flat tire his fun and lively personality helped us get through it!

I feel honored just to have stood in the presence of such an awesome person.
Here is a local villager and her pet tarantula. 

Some locals in Phomn Pehn asked us to play volleyball with them by the river, so fun!
Photo Credit: Sarah Brown

Our Saviors: We were dropped off at the wrong place by a local bus where we proceeded to hitch hike (very literally) down to the center of town. These very nice people picked up three white girls with backpacks bigger than their bodies on the side of the road and proceeded to help us find this illusive home stay. He got us on the right bus and even called the home stay the next day to make sure we got there safely!
Here he is on the phone with a friend who spoke english and was helping translate.
Photo Credit: Sarah Brown

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” 
― Aesop