Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Leavin' Cambodia

I am leaving Cambodia soon.

What made me decide to leave Cambodia? Some may say that I've grown tired of living here. I really do not know.

Or let us just say that I want to give myself a break. Let me tell you a story to illustrate my dire situation here.

There was a heavy rain last week. As a consequence of that, some areas in Battambang were flooded. On my way home from school, I had to do one thing that I dreaded the most. I walked through the flooded street while imagining all the harmful bacteria that pass through my pores.

There are other horrible stories I can tell you but I think one is enough. Besides, I love Cambodia so much that I don't want to paint an awful picture of her.

Anyway, there are happy memories which I will treasure for the rest of my life. I met a lot of wonderful people who are now now part of my being.

My students who gave me wonderful time in school. They are too many to mention. I remember my students in Banteay Meanchey who climbed mountains with me. My students in BBU who are all awesome. My students in Aii in Phnom Penh who are also equally gun to be with. My students here in Battambang who taught me that there are still teenagers who are respectful and peace-loving. Thank you very much.

The ordinary people who I met everyday here in Cambodia. The store owners, the motodop drivers, the beggars which is seems innumerable. All of you gave me new perspective in life.

Indeed, Shakespeare was correct when he said, "Parting is such a sweet sorrow."