My Several Worlds

Every life has a story. - A&E Biography

Cambodia. Never have I been to a country that has created so much flux and turmoil in my heart. When we left Cambodia, I thought surely I will never return to this god-forsaken place. I saw misery and destitution in Phnom Penh. The constant barrage of the homeless, child hawkers, beggars and amputees wore on my soul.

At one point after our arrival in Sihanoukville, I felt, for the first time ever, a strong urge to move on and leave this country behind. Now I’m finding I can’t leave it behind. These faces, those places, the scenery slipping and sliding. The smells and sounds are like echoes in my head. These memories are falling forth like small scraps of paper carelessly thrown into corners, awaiting the final dusting out. One after the other reminding me of times thought forgotten.

The people of Cambodia have suffered greatly in the hands of the Khmer Rouge, at times it seems as though they might never bounce back. Yet, bounce back they have, and I only needed to look at my pictures from Ton le Sap to remind myself of the beauty, passion and resiliency of these people.

A young girl out for a stroll in the fishing village of Kompong Khleang

Ton le Sap boys.

A small group of children scamper after me. Visitors are a rare treat for these children.

Fisherman and fisherboys bringing home their afternoon catch.