First Theft Experience: They Stole My Heart

Dear Family and Friends,

Continuing with my story of Cambodia. Once we returned to Phnom Penh, I invited my friend to go to Angkor Wat with me, as only two members of his family had ever been, and most Cambodians can't afford the trip. The bus is $10 r/t, and his admission is free as a Cambodian, and food is really cheap. He was delighted, like a kid, and constantly thanking “Father!” We were there from April 7- 11, when he returned to PP to join his family for Khmer New Years, a week long holiday here. Angkor Wat (as well as Angkor Thom, Bantay Srei, the river carvings, and Ta Prohm), cannot be described, so I will post photos as soon as I can, hopefully today! He was so delighted with seeing the temples, and had an especially good time hiking through the jungle and seeing big rocks/boulders for the first time on the way to the river carvings

On Thursday, I went to a coffee/Internet cafe, and met a young man who told me about an orphanage he stayed at, the Director being a friend he grew up with in an orphanage. Well as you probably have anticipated, he took me to visit the next morning. I met the fifteen children who had no family to visit during the holiday, half of the normal population. They greeted me with the hands-folded at forehead (for an elder) bow, and gathered in the dance and classroom, where translation made it possible to communicate with them. Such beautiful faces, such poverty, as this orphanage is not funded by the government or any foundation or benefactor. The children range in age from 10-19, and are delightful. I taught an impromptu English class, and again, eager students! They just love “If you're happy and you know it,” which became our theme song.

I had a conversation with the Director and volunteer staff, and learned how he runs it by the seat of his pants. Well, actually the seat of the pants of the homemade traditional costumes used in their dance performances, which supports the orphanage at $90 a gig. I saw them perform at a 5* hotel for a Thai Tour Group, and a second time, by contrast, an hour into a country village on creek bed roads for about 200 farmer families. The 15 year old girls transform into beautiful young women and perform meticulous formal dances, and then both boys and girls perform folk dances. Well, I had a few days left on my Temple pass, so I visited the next few days and continued the English lessons. We really began to form a bond. I brought a 50 lb. Bag of rice, New Year's decorations, and three friends from my guest house – they also contributed a bag of rice and fruit and toys, and helped with English lessons for several days. By now, the children were running to me for a hug when I arrived, usually as a crowd, and I definitely got my kid-fix! As it turned out, day by day, I found I couldn't leave, so I spent another week all together.

One day after classes, I was invited to join the staff on an outing to a holiday BBQ at the beach. The five of us started out in a pickup, and half an hour into the trip, the skies unleashed another torrential storm, forcing the bed riders into the cab through the slider window. I suggested maybe we turn back, as an American would think this was no time for the beach. Crazy Khmers, continued on for another half hour over creek bed roads full of bumps and potholes. We finally arrived at the beach, filled with thousands of family holiday revelers. We got out of the truck and crossed the river in the road to shelter under a tarp. It was so cold, three of us huddled for warmth wrapped in my kroma (scarf) for a half hour more. The rain finally became a drizzle, and we made the treacherous descent in the mud to the three-tiered tarps along the curved sweep of a long beach. Now I could see why they continued (they seem to know the country!), as we enjoyed a BBQ, some went swimming (in their clothes as is customary here), and we had a great time – photos to follow.

Finally, I had to get to Bangkok to apply for my visa to return to Hanoi en route to China. We had a very tearful good-bye, hugging them one by one, the first refusing to let go. I miss them so much, I could have stayed and settled there. As it is, I am attempting to set up some development fund for them when I return to have a more reliable flow for food and clothing and school supplies.

Well, once again, a long account – I hope you enjoyed the journey, and can see the smiles and feel the joy these children brought into my life.

Till next time,

Love, Peace and Joy always!

David