Monday, July 20, 2009
Impressions of Cambodia
Despite all the suffering Cambodians have endured, they have surely persevered heroically these last couple of decades to demonstrate that they are a people of strength, determination and talent. Many are working multiple jobs to fund their English studies with barely any time to sleep. Yet, their smiles are warm and their gratitude is genuine.
Seemingly, NGOs flocked here in a huge effort to pull the country out of the horrific effects of genocide. Their projects remain and the locals state they are grateful for the aid. Although the locals maintain distrust of the new government, they are glad to be living without fear nor suffering and to be aptly rewarded for their hard work.
Reality hit me here and I realized how truly difficult life can be when poverty strikes and how resiliant the human body can become. Rice is not merely grains to me anymore. Rather, it is the sweat and toil of farmers hunched over for hours on end barefoot in muddy, mosquito and buffalo-infested waters working for a dollar a day. I am so fortunate.
Pics: to come
Seemingly, NGOs flocked here in a huge effort to pull the country out of the horrific effects of genocide. Their projects remain and the locals state they are grateful for the aid. Although the locals maintain distrust of the new government, they are glad to be living without fear nor suffering and to be aptly rewarded for their hard work.
Reality hit me here and I realized how truly difficult life can be when poverty strikes and how resiliant the human body can become. Rice is not merely grains to me anymore. Rather, it is the sweat and toil of farmers hunched over for hours on end barefoot in muddy, mosquito and buffalo-infested waters working for a dollar a day. I am so fortunate.
Pics: to come
