We met so many gracious and wonderful people in our short stay in Cambodia. Visiting with hotel staff (the boys, again, were a big hit with their blonde hair and smiling faces), and spending three days with our driver, Pich, who became part of our family, we could not express our gratitude for how we were treated. It was overwhelming.
A stop that was most important to us was to go to the Cambodia Landmine Museum and school, (http://www.cambodialandminemuseum.org), set up by a Cambodian citizen Aki Ra. His story is one of pain, perseverance, commitment, and compassion.
His work and life is difficult to comprehend for those of us who have grown up in peace and security. Walking through the museum with our boys, safe and secure, was in stark contrast to the history of Cambodia as a nation and the stories of individuals. With tears in my eyes, I read the stories posted containing indescribable acts of violence, abandonment, and hopelessness. Nonetheless, it has been people like Aki Ra who have continued to see possibilities of what can occur with healing and support in this beautiful country. Words cannot do justice to all we saw here – I would encourage you to take some time to review their website, educate yourself on the ongoing need to support children and families impacted by all types of violence around the world, and finally celebrate with joy, the gifts you have right now. As a mother, an educator, a Canadian citizen, I am thankful for what we have, but continue to ask, what can we give?
We had an opportunity on our last day to drive out to a floating village which during the rainy season is entirely enveloped by water; however, at the time of our visit, the water was significantly lower and only those houses and stores on Tonle Sap Lake were floating. This was an eye opening experience for our family. Pulling up to see a what can only be described as a cacophony of boats lining the river banks, we were brought to our skipper’s pride and joy and after a few eye opening moments of seeing how he manoeuvred us out of the rather narrow parking space, we were on our way. It felt as though we were on the African Queen heading into unknown territory…
You’ll notice the water is rather brown – everyone is in it! Fishermen lined the river, casting their nets in hopes of catching some of the many small fish. As we came to the village, it was shocking to consider daily life in this environment. First of all, it is hot – debilitatingly so. Many people are laying hammocks in shade from the rays of the hot sun. As we went down stream we were all surprised at the amount of trash floating in the water and sitting along the banks. Making our way out to Tonle Sap, we stopped at a floating restaurant and ordered a small snack – they had alligators next to the restaurant and also on the menu – a highlight for the boys.
On our way back to our car, we stopped off at the local school to drop off some school supplies. It was fascinating to climb the tall ladder to the entrance of the school (which would have had about 50 Health and Safety guidelines back in Canada), to greet the students in their one room classroom. Students were fascinated with the boys as they deposited the supplies at the front of the room and we visited with the young teacher who was despite the heat dressed in full professional wear. Again – difference certainly sharpens appreciation for all that we have for our children. However, it could also be suggested that we need to maintain our focus on what is important in the context of the whole world rather than get caught up in some of the minute details which can distract from our overall goal of educating our children to become global citizens.
As much as we were thankful not to contend with the challenges one would face living in a floating village, we were also struck by the beauty of the sights, the care for families, and again the gracious treatment of visitors to their homes.
Pitter Patter 
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