Cambodia

My Trip in Siem Reap, Cambodia...

When I first a arrived in Cambodia, I was a little mesmerized as well as extremely happy, I made it to Cambodia sooner than I had ever anticipated. I thought two things precisely as I went through customs: 1) I remember being really sad when I was in Viet Nam last time because I could not afford to go to Cambodia. So to be here was simply an amazing feeling! 2) I thought about the people I know back home who are from Cambodia. I thought about precisely one friend who I've known since elementary school. I thought about her family's challenges and struggles when they arrived in the US and wondered about their experience in Cambodia. I admire her and her family. I wondered how she would feel to be here. I wondered if she would ever come visit. I wondered if this experience would ever come to her and what it would do to her? Would it change her view about the world? Would it revolutionize her heart and mind as my experience in El Salvador did to me?

Going to El Salvador as part of a student delegation with USEU my sophomore yr in college changed my life forever. I learned about my history, my culture, my people. My love for the country was indescribable, just palpable. It felt like home. I did not want to leave. My identity was cemented, my blood was roaring, "this is my country" I remember saying, "and now it was my duty also to help in its transformation for the better." I'm eternally grateful to God for having given me such an opportunity. I wish the same for all my brothers and sisters who have yet to discover their identity, their origin and thus, their purpose.

Cambodia was amazing. It was a short trip but it was also a very eventful trip in Siem Reap. We visited the most beautiful sights including, Angkor Wat "Heaven on Earth."  This was a beautiful Hindu religious center; its art and magnificence transcended any different beliefs. It is a recognized world heritage site, built in the 12th century and it remains the best preserved temple.

These temples were indeed aesthetically pleasing and brought such sereneness to our hearts and minds when walking through them. They have survived so much; these sites have endured war, natural disasters, looters and simply, time. But despite the disasters, these sites are resilient, nature has revindicated them and they remain standing, some better than others. After Angkor Wat we went to Angkor Thom, which was the last and most enduring city of the Khmer Empire.  Here we found the sites of Bayon and Ta Prohm, Ta Prohm  was my favorite :)! This site was built in 1186 AD and it also stands, there are trees growing out of ruins- life breathes through them. I've always loved trees, I think that has to do with my dad who when driving home would always take some time to drive me through different neighborhoods to look at the diverse trees and taught me how to appreciate their beauty. I love the green and the life it brings and the tranquility it brings.

The politics in Cambodia are pretty intense. Our tour guide for this day in particular was very nice and thorough and he took the time to tell us about not only the history of Cambodia but also, about the political situation in Cambodia. I have yet to do my own research and discover answers to my my questions about its socio-political conjuncture, but one thing is for sure, Cambodia has seen and felt a lot of adversity. They have suffered trauma and to this day continue to seek healing. Three million people died during the Khmer Rouge period specifically between 1975-1979.  This is not that long ago, and if grievances have not been confronted but silenced, weariness and skepticism pervade society.

Cambodia reminded me of how I felt when I was in India. I saw the poverty. I saw the homes, the kids without shoes and with bags under their eyes who have had to grow old so fast. I saw the floating villages here, it was amazing to see the lives of the people that live on water. How they have created their homes there, how creative and savvy they are, or perhaps how great their need is and how grateful they are for what they have. The majority are fisherman, this is the greatest Lake in Southeast Asia- Tonle Sap Lake, the little ocean that inhabits a diverse population of fish. The guide that day was sweet.  He had just graduated high school and being a tour guide is his daytime job, at night he goes to school.  He was from the rural north in Cambodia.  He was fortunate enough to go to school with the monks when he was a child and as a result has been able to acquire more schooling and will be starting college soon. He wants to study Literature and languages. Listening to him as well as bearing witness to the ways of life in Cambodia, surviving poverty is the majority's everyday struggle.

 In Spanish some would say, "son deschisados,"  they are the unfortunate. Many times while I've traveled or even when I'm back in the states, I ask myself why do some people suffer so much? Why do they have to endure so much pain? I think about this and I conclude that it is mankind who has brought this upon the world. When I mean mankind, I mean those few who due to their greed, unkind, capitalist and selfish hearts and minds take from the majority and witness our race to the bottom. If we all loved and cared for each other as Jesus did for us, perhaps everyone's destiny would be different. I believe so.

I heard an interesting statement the other day, it was about generosity and it being a luxury. I guess I never thought about it because I've never thought about it as a privilege. Perhaps it is, but I too have seen and witnessed poverty stricken people offer the little that they have to me and to others. It has been "those people" that have been the most generous! They've been jaded, yet they remain the most hopeful, interesting how that is huh? Adversity is a virtue indeed and when its energy is used in a productive way, change is a possibility.

One thing I know to be true though and I do not mean to generalize but, only those that do not suffer from starvation and misery can delight themselves in conformity or better yet, in their ignorant bliss. There are many that have a lot without deserving it. Mankind will never be righteous enough to attain peace by ourselves but, with God's help all is possible. I hope that Cambodia, as well as every country who has endured trauma for whatever circumstances attain peace one day. May forgiveness be granted and may the yoke be easy and one's burdens be lifted. I may sound naive and idealist, but I believe this can happen one day ;).

Thank you- "Akun" Cambodia. It was a beautiful and reflecting time.