It has been awhile since I have blogged here.  Some of  you might wondered why I did not blog about my Cambodia experience like I did when I was there around the same time last year.  I just had too much going on that I felt overwhelmed and if I could not sit down and write about my experience in a reflective manner, because it would all be too emotional and when I get emotional, I cannot get the tasks at hand done. 

Going from Thailand to Cambodia was a totally different world.  I felt as if I had to switch my mind to function differently than I did when I was in Thailand.  Some of you might heard that my first night in Cambodia was shattered by the news that my friend Ti (who worked as a care taker of the place I was staying at in Cambodia) had passed away in April. The news shadowed the rest of my two weeks in Phnom Penh. 

But this blog is not about my loss or heartache, but it's about Socheata, one of my photography students from Boeunk Kok Lake and her family and how my experience with her gave me a sense of renewal hope in humanity. 

I am but one person.  After seeing my Khmer students and listening to the going-ons in their lives, I just felt overwhelmed with all that I see and hear in Socheata's one room house.  Later in the afternoon, I met with my friend Anna for lunch at The Living Room Cafe.  She asked me what my day was like and I recounted a story about Reach, Socheata's little brother and his broken wrist (hadn't seen a doctor for it yet) and another how Socheata's mom wants her to quit school so she can work and bring extra income to feed her four other silbings.  

Socheata's dream was to learn English and be a doctor I said to Anna.  I told Anna, I cannot do everything, but I want to do something.  Anna then told me I need to meet one of her friends, Sylvia Sisowath, Secretary of State, member of of the Royal Cabinet of his majesty, the King.   After Anna and I took Reach to see a doctor to get x-rayed for his arm, we swung by Kabiki Hotel to meet with Sylvia Sisowath.   I was honored that she would drop everything to come meet me to discuss my students' affairs. 

That was in mid August.  Earlier this week, I got an email from Sylvia and Anna saying that Sylvia has helped the entire family providing the mother with a monthly income for each of the kids and a brand new sewing machine (hers got stolen) as well as food and clothing for the kids.  Anna has been arranging for her Khmer instructor to teach English to Socheata in the slum. 

I cannot thank my friend Anna enough and cannot thank Sylvia Sisowath enough for their dedication to want to help those in need.  I saw the fire in Socheata's eyes and the passion in her voice, when she pulled me aside and in her broken English told me, "Samantha, I Socheata, study English, look me write English...I no marry next year, or next year, no marry like you...I go to school and study."  I wanted to hold her and cry because I do want her to succeed, but in my heart, I was not sure how to do it,  but God brought amazing people into my life so that I can do His work in honor of Him alongside others.     

Reach with his broken arm that his mother tried to heal with natural herbs.

Socheata's mom with her sewing machine that got stolen last year.

Socheata in her one room home she shares with 5 of her siblings and step dad and her mother.