Cambodia kid-by Chic n Cheap Living

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Children of Cambodia

August 29, 2011
“I believe the children are our future…”
Greatest Love of All sung by Whitney Houston

I was struck by many things when I visited Cambodia: the breathtaking temples, the lovely food, and the children.  We encountered many young children everywhere.  Many were quite young (probably less than eight years old).  It actually broke my heart to see so many children not in school, playing on the sidewalk, or being forced to solicit business for their family’s shops (by the way, kids can be quite forceful in following up and trying to coerce you into shops).  It really made me wonder what I, a foreigner and tourist, could do to help.  It was impossible to shop at every family grocery store and textile stand.  I ended up feeling slightly helpless.  I know I can start by being more directive about where my donations go and focus on education and children.

The thing that did give me hope was the brightness and happiness of the kids themselves.  One little girl was perfectly happy as long as we shared our potato chips with her (no English is needed in the international, tasty world of potato chips).  Another one loudly yelled “Hiiii” to us before doing a cannonball into the river.  They were perfectly content to frolick and play among themselves living fully in the present.  They have that optimism that some adults lose.

I am fortunate enough to be able to see the world and travel.  This experience with Cambodia’s kids has touched me and I certainly hope that I can touch their lives some day as well too (Angelina Jolie was onto something here…)

Have a lovely week!

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  • The Girlie Blog August 29, 2011 at 07:28

    Such inspiring photos. They are certainly beautiful kids who find happiness in everything.

  • honey my heart August 29, 2011 at 07:34

    the kids are our future. it’s saddening to think of those not fortunate enough to be in school, but there’s hope in knowing there are good people who want to help in whatever way they can.

  • KizzyDoll August 29, 2011 at 08:48

    Loved this post..children do know better sometimes on what is important..love their beautiful faces..we complain on so much sometimes, but they smile so much!! Helps you think about what’s most important in life!! xx

  • ELEGANT MUSE August 29, 2011 at 09:41

    Its so important that you write also posts like this one..it touched me..

    have a nice week too 😉

  • Plami August 29, 2011 at 09:56

    They’re so adorable! I really want to visit Cambodia someday!

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/

  • Marina August 29, 2011 at 10:07

    Wow, some amazing pictures!

  • Tanvi August 29, 2011 at 12:40

    That’s the best thing about kids, right? They are always content and do not measure up their happiness versus others. As we grow older we start measuring what we have versus the next person.

    Great Shots, A! 🙂
    ♡ from © tanvii.com

  • Kim August 29, 2011 at 13:50

    Gorgeous photos! It is really difficult to think about children who do not have the same opportunities that we do, but it’s so true that everyone finds their own version of happiness. You really captured the emotion, optimism and happiness of these children. Lovely!

  • Bravoe Runway August 29, 2011 at 14:22

    These are great photos and my Aunt and Uncle visited Cambodia a few years ago and took similar photos and told us about these kids. I am always sad when I see these images because it’ll be hard for these children to break the cycle.

  • Heather August 29, 2011 at 15:10

    Children often exhibit so much positive energy even in the most difficult circumstances. They truly are an example to the rest of us, and we all have a duty to do what we can to help others.

  • Shia August 29, 2011 at 15:23

    What an amazing trip! Your photos gave me chills!!

  • K&M August 29, 2011 at 15:52

    fab pics! 🙂
    <3
    let`s visit and follow us
    fashion-ache.blogspot.com

    xx K&M

  • THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE August 29, 2011 at 16:34

    Wow you really put things in perspective today. Here were are feeling sorry for ourselves because our life is a little inconvenienced by a hurricane.

    xoxo

  • Sarah August 29, 2011 at 16:56

    You are so very lucky to get to travel like this and see the world. And I think it’s wonderful that you know where your passion for helping others lays! Mine is with animals, I’ve always had a soft spot for them. Someday I’d like to donate more than time! But every little thing counts right? 🙂

  • Parisienne August 29, 2011 at 18:12

    Just in love with your blog!
    Following you… and hope to see you soon back on: http://www.the-parisienne.com/

    Lots of love.
    Paris

  • missy. August 29, 2011 at 18:27

    those kids are so cute! love the photos. xoxo

  • Lisa August 29, 2011 at 18:36

    these photos are amazing. you really captured how happy the children are even though the have a lot less than we do here. it’s a reminder to truly appreciate what we do have!!

  • Aquí August 29, 2011 at 18:43

    These photos are so inspiring! I’m always in aw when I travel and see the youth of other countries. When I was living in Brazil I saw so many children everyday not in school selling things on the street late into the night rather than at home eating dinner. Its really an eye opener. Your experience sounds like it was really moving!

  • Elle Sees August 29, 2011 at 19:13

    How precious and inspirational

  • drollgirl August 29, 2011 at 19:18

    what a beautiful and touching post! i love the words that went along with the beautiful images.

  • MosaMuse August 29, 2011 at 19:53

    these photos are beautiful. im glad u had such an inspiring time!
    xo
    MosaMuse

    MosaMuse.blogspot.com

  • Alena: Oh, It's Just Perfect! August 29, 2011 at 20:14

    What sweet little faces!! You captured some amazing photos–I find people (especially kids) the hardest to capture. These images melted my heart!

  • Dirt On The Rocks August 29, 2011 at 20:33

    you’re so lucky you get to experience this. i wish that i get to experience this one day as well.

    your trip looks incredible and it’s quite a learning experience

  • Savvy Gal August 29, 2011 at 21:24

    i love all these pictures. children are happy with simple things in life.

  • Krysten @ After 'I Do' August 29, 2011 at 22:48

    Oh my goodness, so inspiring!

  • Bonnie August 30, 2011 at 02:06

    You are so lucky to have gotten such an awesome opportunity. I can’t imagine doing something like this. I bet it would be such an awesome experience. My heart breaks when I hear about the atrocities and sadness in these areas.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

  • Anna of IHOD August 30, 2011 at 02:22

    Some beautiful reflections and images! Thank for sharing them with us. Its so important to remember the state of other countries, and to make sure we continue our compassion to them. We are blessed to have an abundance of food, education, and shelter. I always wish I could do more for people in third world countries!

  • FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION August 30, 2011 at 03:12

    wow…such amazing and inspiring photos! Children definitely are our future….xo

  • bridechic August 30, 2011 at 06:38

    What an inspiring post. There is a truth and purity about children that shines in their faces . . .

  • ::little projects in style:: August 30, 2011 at 07:12

    we used to live in cambodia in the middle of it all. your amazing pictures brought me right back there again.. 🙂

  • jos xx August 30, 2011 at 12:35

    something makes me really sad when i see these faces from combodia. maybe because once i saw this tv programme about these kids forced into harsh boxing matches and prostitution. it’s really bad and people who hurt children should be punished.

    jos xx

  • sunny August 31, 2011 at 23:47

    I love these photos and want to visit Cambodia one day. Heard it’s beautiful there, though hot and requires quite a bit of athleticism if you want to keep up and visit all the sites!

  • Mary Lane September 6, 2011 at 01:37

    Great, inspiring post. The part about sharing your chips made me laugh and tear up at the same time… so sweet!

    http://www.stylish3.com/marylane

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