Sunday, January 30, 2011

Although the sights and sounds of Cambodia impress the mind, it is the people who engage the heart. Some of them are tucked away in small neighborhoods away from main thoroughfares. One such group lives in Ka Kho, a small cluster of homes about 15 kilometers from Ta Khmao. There is nothing like driving up and seeing their "scout" run to announce our arrival. As soon as we got out of our van, we were surrounded by children who escorted us on the trek down narrow pathways to a home where 35 family members and neighbors had gathered. Joy was felt as songs were sung, prayers given, life-changing concepts taught, games played, and refreshments eaten. The evening spent, we were then escorted back to the vehicle--with flashlights to make sure we didn't stumble--and goodbyes rendered. They are a happy, humble people who treat us as royalty when, in reality, it is we who have been blessed to be in their midst. The following four photos (two with Ka Kho people) show children, youth, baptism and marriage--a small potpourri of our life here.