The Cambodian people have truly touched me. I am so grateful for the goodness I have felt from them. In such a short time, they have given me far more than I could ever give to them.
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." - Leo Buscaglia
Three AMAZING women...huge examples to me. They were all taken from their families as young girls during the Khmer Rouge regime, and forced to work in agricultural labor camps. They did not know each other beforehand, but were forced to live in the same tent together. They have since become three best friends. They have overcome all odds and now spend their lives devoted to serving children at the CICFO orphanage in Phnom Penh. Getting to know them was an honor...truly phenomenal examples of fine human beings.
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s-21. Genocide museum. Everyone needs to understand what took place here just 30 years ago. Over 17,000 people were imprisoned, tortured, and brutally killed here. There remains blood stains all over the prison floor. This is a picture of a prison cell (previously a high school). Of the total 17,000 + inmates, only four reportedly survived. Estimates of the total death toll from the Khmer Rouge range from 1.7 million to 4.8 million. Over half of all deaths were said to be by execution.
Despite these horrible events, the Cambodian people are extremely resilient and courageous. They have overcome a lot. They are some of the happiest people I have ever met.
May we learn from this. May history not repeat itself.
Dude, those look so appetizing. Did you eat any of that?
ReplyDeleteBTW, so many people try to become photographers but you seriously have a gift. Pretty amazing pics. It look like you guys had a sweet trip.
Dan West
Dan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking out the blog! I ate tranchulas and crickets. I will get after the little birdies next time.
I bumped into your older bro today at Olive Garden. I got a West family update--glad to hear everything is going well for you and your fam.
Also, thanks for the kind comment about the pics. I really appreciate it!
Steve
Hey Steve, I don't know if you remember me from freshman year or not, but I just came across your blog from facebook and just wanted to say how amazing these pictures are! Seriously, you could be a photojournalist. So impressed!
ReplyDeleteNicole (Fullmer) Caywood
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you! Thanks so much for stopping by and for the most kind words. I hope life is treating you well!
Steve