"I learned how to make teeny, tiny little origami boats that involved folding new crisp notes many times over."

Story Highlights

• Cassie learns to fold paper money into the shape of a boat for a ceremony
• She was initially confused by the folding of new, clean money into origami
• The boats are mixed with candy and sprinkled over people as a blessing

BATTAMBANG, Cambodia (CNN) -- Cassie Phillips is in Battambang, Cambodia, where she will be working with the NGO Homeland.

"I learned how to make teeny, tiny little origami boats that involved folding new crisp notes many times over."

Homeland is a Cambodian organization that works with local underprivileged children to give them some of the advantages they may have missed out on in their early life.

Cassie will be meeting and helping children from the region who have suffered from a range of afflictions. Keep up with her experiences in her blogs and video diaries.

December 17, 2007

Of the 100 riel notes in circulation, many are old, grimy and beginning to deteriorate. On occasion I'll come across a brand new, crisp white note that greatly contrasts with the usual limp, discolored brown notes I collect in my change purse.

While money is often dirty and gross, the creases, tears, and stains of a bill tell many stories about people and places.

In preparation for a ceremony at the pagoda, I was helping arrange flowers and fold 100 riel notes into little boats. I learned how to make teeny, tiny little origami boats that involved folding new crisp notes many times over. Watch a video of origami with 100 riel notes »

As we were slowly making our way through the stack, I noticed there were many bystanders observing our little operation, perhaps thinking the same thing I was: why are we folding up brand-new money?

At the time I didn't know what was going to happen with the boats, as I felt it was a bit silly to be folding new, clean money into origami when there were people everywhere who were in real need.

Later, I asked someone what happened to the little boats. I was told that during the prayers at the pagodas the monks sprinkle water over the people, and the boats were made to mix with candy for the monks to sprinkle over the people as a blessing.

I was glad to learn the money was given away in the end. And now when I see a note that seems excessively folded and falling apart I have a better idea of how it may have come to be that way.