Travel hounds
Phnom Penh taxi
The Killing Fields
Words unnecessary
Boys having fun
Happy Last Day!
Big love from Cambodia!
Today was an emotional day. We started out at The Killing Fields. No explanation necessary for the horror, pain and sadness that one feels walking those grounds. It is no wonder that Cambodians are so superstitious about ghosts, the way so many lives were taken in such a brutal manner.
We decided to spend the afternoon with the Palm Tree kids, so we took them to the Phnom Penh Water Park. It was so fun seeing all those happy faces, and hearing their screams of delight as they flew down the water slides time and time again.
It was hard saying goodbye tonight. There were lots of tears. The kids didn’t want to let Lewis leave. It was kind of like getting a ‘rock star’ in the van in order to leave the orphanage. I wish I could have taken pictures of the scene, but it was pitch black. Lewis and I had a traditional dinner with the staff at a Cambodian restaurant. We are coming home with many beautiful memories of Lewis’ homeland. This journey was big in terms of Lewis being able to connect with a part of himself that is rooted deep in his soul.
It’s time to wrap this up, finish packing and get a bit of sleep before we head to the airport for the long flight home. I have so enjoyed all the heartfelt comments that were shared. It added a layer of richness to our travel experience, that didn’t exist before the internet. I will be looking forward to hearing Lewis tell his stories over the next weeks. He is already talking about his next trip back to Cambodia. Thank you again, for being a part of our journey. Much love, Cheryl
Thank you so much for sharing such a remarkable journey. The pictures and words bring tears to my eyes when I read each entry. Itis truely an amazing journey and one that I am sure none of you will forget.
What an amazing trip you have had together. I would love Maxson and I to take a trip like this sometime in our lifetime. Hopefully we can figure out a way to make that a reality. I am very drawn to this lifestyle and their values. I feel such serenity when looking at your pictures. The faces and places are very soothing to my soul. The challenges that the people there have faced in their lives have left them with special powers of strength that I very interested in exploring for myself.
Maxson is home and I am amazed at how much he has changed in 6 weeks. He loved his camp experience and I am sure Lewis and Maxson will have great stories to exchange.
Have a safe journey home. All our love and gratitude for sharing your experience.
Krystn, Maxson, Eric and Binki xxoo
Thank you ,thank you, thank you. It was a priviledge to share in this journey with you. Safe home. Ingrid
thanks for sharing Cheryl… I followed your journey :)
Wishing you a safe, comfortable and crutchless trip home. It’s hard to imagine a more poignant and enriching experience for Lewis and your family than the journey you all shared together this summer. What a trip! Just a hunch but I imagine the stories and memories will only become richer seasoned with time, reflection, and maybe a little red wine for good measure. See you in NYC with all the comforts of home! JD
On the top picture I would be remiss in not pointing out how much you look like your Dad. Not sure if he is still living today but what wonderful memories that picture provoked. Hope all is well
Cheryl, thank you so much for sharing this journey with all of us. What an amazing opportunity for your family, especially Lewis. Travel safely and hope to see you in NYC this Fall. Steph and Nick Osborne
Safe travels Cheryl and Lewis! It’s been wonderful tagging along. Looking forward to hearing more and seeing you all soon.
Thank You!!!
have a good flight home……thank you for this possibility of traveling with you via the internet…how amazing…see you soon love.M.
I am so sad that your journey (and OURS through you) is almost over. What an incredible time for everyone. What an amazing journey for Lewis, and for you all to have experienced so many ‘firsts’. Thank you so much for the pictures, many that needed no explanation. My whole family has enjoyed your adventure. Be safe in your travels home. love you, liz
boy, I really cry easy these days…sometimes the beauty of the landscapes you sent or the children’s faces or even the ear of an elephant would make me cry during your recent blog entries ….but TODAY…I cried just imagining how those kids felt letting you go…and thinking of your and Lewis’ emotions. Waaah!
and the horror of the fields….even the words on the page just make me shiver.
Welcome Home! You gave so much of yourself and your time to include the rest of us.
Big big gift. You are very special…a unique giving person. see you soon.
Thank you Cheryl! I loved being virtually there with you through your amazing photos and poignant words. Sharing Lewis’s return to his homeland was a gift and leaves me wanting to visit. Safe journey home and again thank you both.
love
dorothy
Patricia and I have been following your travels and, as usual, the photos are great. I am sure Lewis had a great time. Hopefully, your leg/ankle has benefitted from all the exercise. Have a safe trip home.
Mike Mole
Cheryl, what an amazing trip and incredible journey you had share with all of us. I enjoyed the pic, your time, dedication, and all the details. Mi mother always said that you are an incredible and strong woman and that she admire you, and now I know why she said that, you have and incredible heart. I am sad that the trip is over, but at the same time I am happy that you guys are coming home. Have you an Lewis a safe trip, and I talk to you soon much love. Gloria
Thank you so much for sharing everything with all of us. Have a safe trip home, much love, Barb
Sharing is what connects us all.
Have a s are flight back home.
Cheryl,
It’s been wonderful sharing your adventure. Thank you so much for including me. It will be great to see you tomorrow.
Dee
Cheryl,
What an incredible gift this is to all of us!!!
Having traveled to Viet Nam to pick up Katie, I remembered so often when we were there how grateful you were for the time to get to know Lewis’ birth country, and I felt the same in Viet Nam. We all feel drawn to go back, even Katie at age 3 talks about wanting to see her Nannie, and also talks about the policeman who picked her up, and the little babies next to her: they were all bundled and on a low platform on a rush mat- it seemed so wonderful and humane that they had the constant human contact of another baby right next to them. So this was a doubly poignant as I read and viewed your travels, I felt myself speechless and at times in tears… unable to communicate in words.
What an amazing, beautiful family. I have a lingering gratitude for the phone talk we had, and look forward to getting together this fall,
with Love,
Nancy
How fun to catch up on your journey. It seems Lewis will be a changed young man after this trip. I can’t wait to hear more about it all and see even more photos.
Cheryl,
What an incredible journey for you and your family! Thank you for sharing this amazing trip with all of us. I can’t wait to catch up with you in person to hear your insights about the trip!
Much love, M
Thanks for sharing this amazing journey!
kim