Peace

by Rebecca Herranen

Title

Peace

Artist

Rebecca Herranen

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Digital Art

Description

Award Winning. Many years ago during a particularly difficult time in life, we decided to run away to a place we had never been. We found ourselves in Cambodia, a place that would change me forever. We decided to take a private guided tour on quads out to see the Cambodian countryside.
Our guide asked us if we would like to stop along the way at a little village in order to give the children some "new dolls". We would stop at a store along the way and purchase a box of 30 "new dolls" for $15. We said sure, but I was thinking tiny dolls and why are we not getting anything for the boys too? Maybe some balls. Understanding each other was a bit difficult and our guide looked a little confused. Honestly, we were confused too, but simply agreed to whatever he suggested.
Driving down a dusty, rutted up road we stopped at a tiny little shack, caked in road dust. The store. Our guide went inside and came out with a relatively small box which confused me even more, how many dolls were in there? As he got closer I could see on the faded and dusty box the word "Ramen" on the side. Then is struck me, the "new dolls" were in fact noodles!! For a moment I was stunned as I realized we were not going to be giving the children toys, but we were going to be giving them something to eat.
Immediately we requested an additional box of noodles. We strapped them to our quads and headed toward the little village. Since we had extra we stopped along the way every time we saw children. Our first stop was some boys about 10-13. They weren't expecting us and one was quite timid, not wanting to take any of the Ramen, eventually he accepted. What broke my heart the most was the boy who right at that very moment ripped his bag of ramen open and started eating the hard uncooked noodles. He was just that hungry.
We made a few more stops along the way and then turned down an even narrower little road, more like a path. Then I see something out of the corner of my eye, a child running out of the bushes, then there is another and another. Children running from all directions. As we pulled into the tiny village about 20-30 children gathered around. Our guide instructed them to get in line, be polite, do not shove and only take one bag of ramen each. They did exactly as he instructed them. The bigger children made sure that the smaller children were to the front and would not miss out.
This little girl, maybe 4 was at the very front and she looked into my eyes and held her 2 little fingers up. At first I thought she was giving me the peace sign, then I realized she was asking for 2. Our guide had specifically told us to only give each child one bag so there would be enough for everyone. I gave her just one.
We spent about 15 minutes with them. They were so thankful and made sure we knew it. Smiling and giving us namaste over and over. The children began to disperse and I noticed this little girl was now standing with her mother who was holding a smaller child, less than 2 years old. I knew then that this little girl was not asking for 2 ramen for herself, but wanted one for her younger sibling who was far to small to be a part of the group. We had a few bags of ramen left and gave another to the mother. The look of gratitude on her face just tore at my insides. She only desperately wanted for her children to have something to eat.
As we headed on down the road, I was numb, emotional and in awe of the Cambodian people. Cambodian's have an extremely painful history. If your are familiar with the story of the Killing Fields, that is their story. This little will girl will have no memories of that dark past, but she will no doubt grow up hearing the story. Grandparents, aunts and uncles who know it well, likely many did not survive. It was not that long ago. People many years younger than us lived through it. Nearly every person we spoke to and they love to talk, not just about themselves but about where we come from. Every single one has a story that breaks your heart.
What I was so struck by is the peace that Cambodians for the most part have for their lot in life. Their history has not soured them or filled them with hate. We have seen a bit of the world and the Cambodians were the most kind, friendly and appreciative people we have ever met.
My life was forever changed. As I look around at Western civilization, it's so sad how entitled people feel. Everyone is out for themselves and so many have no consideration for their fellow man. The Cambodian resilience, their kindness, their forgiveness, humility and appreciation.......maybe there is something we can all take away from that.

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December 24th, 2020

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