Se's Village

Tuesday (January 12) we spent the morning with the Minister of Rural Development Water Authority: Mr Mao Suray. This was an extremely interesting visit. Dr. Siray said that it was important for all NGOs to work with the Government, and that the Government has produced a guideline for building and maintenance of wells. He also told us about a program dealing with "gender balancing." This is a program acknowledging the need for female participation in water management. This was the first time we ever heard anything like this. We hope what he said was true. Dr. Suray's daughter happens to live in Lowell, Ma., and I plan to visit her as soon as I return. It was also interesting to have Se with us listening to a fellow Cambodian talk about his plans for Cambodians. We also asked the Minister if we would be willling to go on camera in March. Needless to say, he said we would have to get clearance from his boss. Grabing a few banana chips and cashews we piled into the car for a 1.5 hr drive to Se's village to meet his family. Se had not seen his family for three months, and we imagined warm embraces. Upon arrival everyone was there to greet us: parents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, etc. There were no embraces but many j'im rip surs and head bowing. We sat on a mat in their house, and I decided to video his parents talking about their new filter which looked like a Brita, but did not function very well. We learned about Se's father's fishing and rice harvesting. Everyone was there laughing, smiling, and enjoying the camera. Before saying goodbye to Se, we drove out to where his father fishes everyday. The sun was setting and light was so soft and miraculous. Se said no one notices the beauty because they have always lived with it. After many embraces this time, we said our goodbye to Se and headed back for dinner in Phenom Phen. Paul will see Se next week in Siem Reap where they both will return. I felt a bit sad saying goodbye. Lauren