On the Streets of Phnom Penh. Image © Tim Humble 2010 – fotofugitive.com
Today, Sokun (Metamorphic’s Asia Manager) and I worked in the office. We went out to lunch to this amazing Thai restaurant. I have seriously fallen in love with the food here. For lunch I had fried rice with chicken, cashews, pineapple, carrot and shallots but it was all put into a pineapple. It was so cool and extremely delicious.
Then we had to quickly pick up some office supplies. As I was casually walking around the shop, this cute old man came up to me and asked in his very broken English where I was from and I anwered Australia. He then spoke about the floods he had seen on the news. As the conversation continued he said, “I have never been to Australia, only New Zealand” and naturally I replied “you definitely must visit one day, it is very beautiful”. What he said next was something so beautiful that it makes everything else seem to fade away and only kindness, love and in essence the simple truth that he can change the future for at least one child. He said with the hugest smile on his face, knowing he is making a difference in this broken country,
“I 63, from Japan. Three year ago I retire and come to Cambodia to teach. I volunteer so no money to see Australia.”
This man went against all human instincts and during his retirement he gave up everything and came to teach. This act of selflessness is one so beautiful and pure that nothing can compare. It really was a moment that touched my heart.
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About Tahlia:
Hi everyone, my name is Tahlia van de Beld and I’ve just finished Year 12. Just before starting university this year, my parents offered me the opportunity of going to Cambodia. Being a travel bug, I jumped at the chance of exploring a little more of the world – gaining an understanding of the world I live in. I do not want to merely live in this world but I want to be apart of it. The world is full of different cultures, traditions and laws. It would be naive to believe that you live in one country and not be affected by all the others. As the world becomes more interconnected through the use of internet and the advancement of technology, it is of upmost importance to gain some knowledge of these different countries.
I hope that this trip to Cambodia will teach me more about the world I live in and also how to appreciate every aspect of life. I think that as westerners we often forget to appreciate the little things in life and I know that poverty-stricken countries are the best examples of people who “go with the flow” and appreciate every good thing that comes their way – no matter how small. As I am doing this trip by myself – well without anyone I know – I hope that I learn more about myself. It will give me a chance to spread my wings, perse, and hopefully allow me to find out what and who I want to be or grow into. I want to see and hear how God has changed people’s lives. I hope to build long-lasting friendships. There are so many possibilities and I truly hope Cambodia will teach and show me so much more than what I hope for.
Tags: Tags: Cambodia, Phnom Penh, SE Asia, Southeast Asia
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I can only hope I can be this giving for others when so many people his age are needing assisted living and such. Hopefully, by the grace of God, everyone will inspired directly or indirectly from this man’s charity because it has certainly touched me.
Comment by Madison on May 23, 2011 at 1:27 pm