July 22, 2006

• …roots…

  A gentle cloud of dust kicks up as the moto speeds past us. Dragonflies are abundant, and so too are their counterparts–my mortal enemy: the mosquito. We all pile into an incredibly small truck and we’re off. Green rice fields line the landscape of this beautiful countryside. The annoyances of city life are long gone and honking is left to the geese here. Life is simple, sweet, and serene. I am home…

  
  

  I was born on our plantation in Battambang. My mother was taking a bath when she went into labor. She sat down in the tub and had me under water. Hours later, I popped right out.

  
  

  I don’t remember any of that, nor did I remember the beauty of this country, but I am grateful for the chance to see it again. We’re staying at the Street Families Center where they take in the poorest families in Battambang and teach them occupational skills and English. The Center also serves as a shelter for abused women. I wish I could post my pictures up as my words do this country and the conditions people are living in absolutely no justice, but until I figure out how I can upload all of my pictures in the little time that I have, my words will have to suffice…

  
  

  A little goes a long way here. As we climbed one of the mountains today, a child asked me for a pen. I gave it to him in the hopes that he’ll one day realize his power and change this country through other means…

  
  

  Butterflies are abound here. They flitter all around us. They are at peace and to me, they are the symbol of hope for this country. There is still hope, but we’ve so much more work left ahead of us…

  
  

  My dearest Poch, thank you for your strength and love.

  • 5:52 am
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