A Beautiful People

I found the people of Cambodia to be absolutely beautiful in every way. Their physical beauty is striking, but the're also warm, and funny, and very sweet. They use their smiles constantly, and this is all the more surprising after you learn about their recent history.

An estimated two million Cambodians were killed, primarily between 1975 and 79, under the totalitarian rule of Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge government; that was about 20 percent of the population. Rouge is French for red, and red meant communist. The concept was for an agrarian-based communal society, but Pol Pot was in fact a tyrant and a dictator who embraced genocide. City dwellers were deported to the countryside and forced to work in the fields. Chidren were separated from their parents and indoctrinated. The country was closed to outsiders. And anyone who might stand in the way was killed.

I avoided visiting the 'Killing Fields' where people were forced to dig their own graves before being slaughtered. The first to go were educators, doctors, lawyers and intellectuals, as well as the elderly. This is a factor in the country having a median age of 21 today. I also avoided the Land Mine Museum, which tells the story of the widespread use of devices that have maimed so many Cambodians living today. You see victums everywhere you go, and that was enough for me. Like the people here, I prefer to focus on today and look ahead.

I'm baffled that I had so little awareness of these atrocities while they were happening. And It was particularly sobering to realize that our government played a supportive role. But these people aren't resentful. They don't hold a grudge, and they don't dwell in it.

Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world, with real challenges just providing clean water and sanitation. We saw that at an elementary school we visited where Habitat has installed toilets and is assisting with water supply. Despite all of this, these people have a very positive outlook for the future, and they just keep smiling. Ninety-five percent of the population is Buddhist, and I think that's part of it. They're seeking Enlightenment and Nirvana. Their incredible spirit has won me over. I'll always remember those smiles, and they'll definitely remain in my heart.