This is my last glimpse of Angkor Wat, with the setting sun casting its shadow over the five towers of this once magnificent temple. I couldn't help but have this gush of emotions. I smiled in my heart, thankful for a wonderful and unforgettable experience with these beautiful ladies who love me more. I heard myself sigh, feeling a bit sad that the day had to end. My aching neck & back and my throbbing feet made my 12 inch strides become baby steps. Our tour guide together with Swanee and Jannette were about two hundred giant steps away from me., as I walked very slowly, silently, feeling the peace and the bliss that this ancient place of prayer and worship exudes.
I saw this toddler seated on the hot stone floor of the bridge. She sat there quietly, as I have been observing her from afar. Many tourists just walked by, ignoring this red-cheeked, tiny, impoverished, cute Cambodian toddler A few feet away from her were her siblings giggling and playing a game of tag. She just sat and looked at the tourists pass by, not asking for anything, not with an outstretched palm, so unlike the beggars on the streets of Manila. Here, they just look at you, no words, no begging. I suddenly thought of getting a dollar from my wallet to give to her, but then decided to give her my bag of chocolates instead. I pointed to her brothers and told her to give them some too. She smiled at me, placed her two palms together, bowed her tiny head and said thank you in her language. ...... And if you know me quite well, you can anticipate what I did next... And you are right. Tears suddenly kept falling nonstop. As I tried to catch up with the travel buddies, I let the tears flow. .... I am on that roller coaster again.
The tears were of gratitude to our dear God, thank you for this opportunity to fulfill one thing more on my bucket list. Thank you for physical strength that helped me walk all day. Thank you for letting my medications work so I can be 'normal'. Thank you for the compassion that I felt for the little girl. I pray that I may have more of this compassion, so I may be able to share more of my blessings and not just a handful of chocolates. Thank you for travel buddies, friends who love me more, who made this trip fun! ... And thank you for giving me a very hardworking partner, a good provider, a kind loving hubby and awesome father to our son, one who loves me most; who understands that i need to be with my girl travel buddy friends; who finances my travels. Thanks for all the blessings dear God. Sometimes I need not ask and You have already given. Amen.
betsisanders July 2012
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