Once again, looking ahead

It has been so fun and rewarding traveling through the countryside in Cambodia. With a violent, horrifying past in the back of your mind, it is amazing how kind, open, and gentle the people are throughout the countryside. We've taken two boat rides, and as we pass through villages along the riverside, we are met by squeals and eager "hellos!" as naked kids run and jump into the river or race along the banks beside our boat. Today, we ventured off on bicycles and by the end of the day my face was sore from smiling so much at everyone we passed. The young kids seemed so pleased to get a hello out of you and their smiles are absolutely mesmerizing. The ones I am most touched by though, are the old people who sit under their houses, smoking a cigarette, whose faces light up and melt into a smile when they see us biking past. A generation that stood witness to so many atrocities, but remain so open to others and seemingly so welcoming. It was a delightful afternoon exploring the countryside, passing wooden thatched-roofed houses raised on stilts. Hammocks hang limply in the shade underneath the house. Pots and pans are visible on the side of the house, where much of the cooking is done, as many of the houses are simple one room houses. Chickens peck around the bare dirt plots, and big bellied pigs lounge lazily in pens. Big Brahma cows munch tirelessly on collected fodder, and tired looking dogs and cats wander endlessly amidst their terrain....seemingly belonging to no one and everyone.

We spoke to one guy, just about our age, who was born in Thailand in a refugee camp and eventually came back to Cambodia with his family. He talked about the horrors of his country's past, but quickly added....'What good does it do to point fingers? We just have to look to the future and make a life for ourselves.' And it seems that is what so many people are doing and their warm and gentle smiles tell me that they are succeeding, despite continued hardships and challenges.