mind on cambodia

ive been in cambodia for just over two weeks now and i meant to write and entry, but ive had such a difficult time gathering my thoughts and emotions as so much has been experienced in such a short amount of time. ive also learned so much in these past days, about the country, its people, its history. admittingly, i knew almost nothing before i arrived. only warnings of not wandering off beaten paths because there are still landmines scattered throughout the countryside. but at this moment, what ive seen and learned is beyond words. at times beyond comprehension. and my heart is heavy as ive never, in my travels, seen or experienced what i have here. the result of cambodias recent past is seen everyday, in almost every pair of eyes you encounter. its hard not to ache or be moved. and yet, i see resilience in the smiles of the children here. hope.

their eyes sparkle when they do smile. some have forgotten how, it seems, or never learned. but what beauty there is in the souls of the people, collectively and individually.

this is all i can say for now. i will collect my words and try to convey what ive learned in subsequent entries.


*******update*********
im currently in sihanoukville, a beachside city. got back from a boatrip to the islands today that made me totally seasick. i can still feel the rocking of the boat as i sit here writing this. uck.

i will determine if my suffering was worthwhile after i have a look at my photos. :-P