As you all know, I was looking for a home for my kitten that I found a month ago. (I say my kitten like I formed some sort of attachment to her. Ok, I'll admit it's true.) Last night, her new mom, a cat lover named Caroline, excitedly took her home. I met Caroline about six months ago when she had just moved to Phnom Penh. With good luck, she recognized my name on a forum announcement I sent out.I'm so happy I found the kitten a good home, but I was a little sad to see her go. She was a little miracle in my life that got me through my final month in Phnom Penh. Playful company to bridge that gap between a month of travel and my departure home - a perfect distraction.
Do you believe in mini miracles? I do.
2 comments:
yay!
Rachael,
I hope you enjoyed your stint at the University of Cambodia and your life in Phnom Penh. You will have learned to appreciate Cambodians and know the country's recent history well enough to be generous in your comments.
The country needs help from friends, hence my ongoing engagement with wonderful friends like Dr. Keat Chhon, Dr Kao, Dr Moniroth, Norodom Sirivudh, Dr. Chap Sothirat, Bandol Lim and others in the University and the Royal Government.
I spent half a decade in Phnom Penh with CICP and University of Cambodia.I enjoyed my stay, did my little bit, and learned a lot. Despite some frustrations,I find Phnom Penh by the Tonle Sap, Mekong and Bassac a great place to be. Understanding their tragedy and history, I admire the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of Cambodians to rebuild their country. They now have political stability (since 1998) and are attracting foreign investments and tourists (to Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kap, Sihanoukville, and other spots) for doses of Cambodia's glorious history and culture (music, dance and customs and beliefs), thereby partaking in and contributing to its development. Believe me, Cambodia has a way of captivating you with its own special charm.
There are, of course, still performance gaps, which can only be overcome only with time and effort. Education and human resource development are receiving the attention of the Hun Sen government. The Uof C has a special role to play in this.
A more sympathetic support from international community and people like you and I and others who have had the privilege of living and working with the smiling people of Cambodia is helpful and motivating to those who are in positions of responsibility in the government.
The country is difficult to understand when viewed from the outside. Spread the good word and take home to the United States fond memories of Cambodia and Cambodians. For you, it has certainly been "one unbelievable adventure".
All the best from my wife, Dr. Kamsiah who you met last April at AEF conference and I. We hope you will have a safe trip to Ohio where you will continue with your studies and will also blog. Cheers, Din Merican
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