------------------UNDERNEATH THE SURFACE------------------ (Sex Trade Documentary)

I’m not sure what it is about Cambodia that takes your heart, but from the moment I got here I fell in love with it. I can’t put my finger on why I initially loved the place, I hadn’t gotten to see the people, it was dirty, crazy, smelly, and new, but I loved it!

The longer I had been here the more I saw how friendly Cambodian people are in general. Even with everything that they have gone through they go out of their way to smile and make your day a little brighter. Even the poorest of the poor, their faces light up with this brilliant smile, as if they don’t have a care in the world. It’s really humbling to see people who really have problems, and a right to be mad at the world, be so happy.

I especially see it with the beautiful girls from Transitions. To hear stories of how they were when they first arrived at the TLC; shut down, angry, quiet, and hurt. Yet girls who have only been at TLC for two weeks are smiling and happy, or happier at least. I have a sense that some of the girls just put on a happy face, at least for us American visitors. I’ve noticed one girl at TLC, and other young women at the massage parlor, who smile big, but as soon as they think no one is looking they go blank. There is something going on deep within that seems to take them over, that no smile can push away. That makes me wonder if in general the Cambodian people feel they need to put on a fake façade and pretend all is well, when in actuality they are broken and bleeding inside. I’m sure it’s a little of both.

 James & Athena have done a phenomenal work in Cambodia. What they are doing, the organization that they have set up is truly one of a kind. I have never known an organization to do more for those they are trying to help, then Transitions. The way James & Athena have poured out their hearts for the girls and sacrifice so much because of their deep love for them is incredible, and I know that it doesn’t go unnoticed by the girls. When you dedicate your entire life to helping someone, they know it. They can feel your love and that makes more difference then any training or counseling they could get. There’s no way girls can leave TLC without knowing they are deeply loved, appreciated, and valued. You should see James with the girls, no one could doubt that he loves them to pieces, and has a blast with them. He’s a different person when he’s around those girls. He lights up and become a big kid. It wonderful seeing him with them, it makes me really proud to be a part of this organization. 

It’s interesting how there is always a tuk-tuk driver, or 5 waiting EVERYWHERE. No matter what time a day, you never have to worry about there being a tuk-tuk. What’s funny is the fact that after the first guy asks if you want a ride and you say no, the second guy is right there to ask you again, like you said no to the first guy and somehow you will change your mind when he asks 2 seconds later. ;) Drivers here are pretty much insane. I don’t know how people have enough guts to ride motos. Everyone and their grandma drive or at least ride on a motor bike. Sometimes you’ll see literally 6 people packed on to one, or someone loaded down with crates of fruit or something. I must say I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

If you just looked at the traffic in Cambodia you’d think that the Khmer people are very fast paste, but in actuality I don’t think they are. You see people sleeping in their tuk-tuk, or in a hammock, it doesn’t seem like they are too worried about being somewhere or continually being busy. It’s interesting to see how laid back people seem.

I absolutely love Cambodia. I can’t even describe why, but the moment I got here I fell in love with it. Yeah, it smells, it’s noisy, people are crazy drivers, but there’s just something I can’t put my finger on that has just captured my heart. Besides the fact that I will FINALLY get to see my husband, I’m going to REALLY miss it here when I have to go, and the girls. The girls and staff at TLC are pretty amazing. I am pretty much in love with the girls, I love being with them and just hanging out. I wish I could be at TLC more often. Sola & Zaya are great, they are such sweeties. Zaya is probably the most amazing person I’ve ever met in my life. She has such a heart for the girls. I haven’t gotten to know T-dine much yet, but she seems pretty cool too. She said that I could ride on the back of her motor bike with her if I’d like. I’d love to, even though it seems scary, I have to ride on the back of one before I leave, plus I’d love to get to know her better. I like Sareem & Sarin too, they are fun.