Charity..... What is that really? I never had thought that I could become a volunteer teacher. Once, when I was a child, I read an article about Malaysia volunteer teachers - in Siem Reap. That article must have stayed in my heart somewhere. It blossomed slowly, unexpected. Was that my karma? I am not sure. It was 5 years ago, in Siem Reap, at a very dramatic moment, that I turned my head and noticed a sign - "ART WILL SAVE THE WORLD". That sign changed my entire life. It changed me, and brought a huge new learning curve. Throughout my years of involvement as a volunteer art teacher, I have learned so much, not only regarding teaching skills but also about humanity. Our world can be so much better and peaceful if there are more people who are willing to share their love and caring.
So many times I have been asked “Why Cambodia?” My answer - Why not? Sharing our love and care, giving our help to the needy you do not need to know what race and what religion they are. Looking in poverty stricken innocent children’s eyes has reminded me to live simply and happily. When I teach in schools, laughter surrounds me. When I cycle along the river, joys and happiness float in the air. When I visit orphanages, there are hugs and kisses with the children of Siem Reap jumping on me. They have taught and given me much more than I offer them. I have learned to be grateful of the life I am living, and to appreciate what I have, ever since I first stepped in Siem Reap. Even though I enjoy teaching - both in Siem Reap and Kuala Lumpur, I can’t help missing Cambodian students. I sincerely wish our Malaysian children could learn to be grateful by looking at others and learning to live their lives with lots of love - love within family and others.
It is because of these wonderful experiences, that I made an aspiration to write a book, and to share the story about how I became a volunteer teacher. I wanted to bring an awareness of my gratitude to my lovely Malaysia children and their families who are having better lives and education when compared to others. I wanted to raise funds for that charity - Colors of Cambodia, to help bring education and art to the children in Cambodia. That idea was wonderful, but where was I to find a writer to write that story for me? Could I find someone willing to write for charity, for free? I thought that it would not be at all easy.
At that time, I could not believe that my aspiration could come true, or should I say - dream come true. Martin Bradley married me while we were journey in Siem Reap. It was while we are walking together on the journey, sharing the experience of “Colors of Cambodia”. He was not only agreed to write the story, but to take the effort to design entire whole book from scratch. Ideas and creativity flowed everyday in that creation as we worked together. We talked about the idea, the story, the people, the gallery, the art and the children. My thoughts were like watching a film, scene after scene. By the process of creating this book, I have rejoiced so many times about the happiness and love that I continue receiving. It was because of those Cambodia children that I had the opportunity to look into my inner-self, and start searching for that person who really is me. I was extremely happy each time I travelled back to Seam Reap, and spent a few days with those children - bringing art materials, walking along the streets and sketching with them, singing and playing with the children in the school. I love to see the smiles from the children when they receive a small party pack filled with just a few sweets, a packet of biscuits, or a lollypop. Their beautiful smiles stay in my heart for years.....
The book ~ “A Story of Colors of Cambodia” was born after 9 months of hard work. It was printed with lots of mental, spiritual and financial support - help from lovely friends, known and unknown, as well as my wonderful cousin brother and sister. My days are full of love and joy since this project started. I realise that I am having so many wonderful people walking along with me on this life journey. I am so touched by meeting so many kind people. I can’t say enough thank-yous to all of them.
A smile is always on my face, and in my heart now that I am aware of “A Story of Colors of Cambodia” is bringing awareness to children who read it, and I know that I have planted a seed of loving kindness in a small heart. Hopefully, with care from parents, this seed will slowly mature, glow and blossom.
I wish that I may have more opportunities to learn, and to be a better person. I do believe that by giving, we are also receiving.
By the way, all proceeds from the book are 100% go to Colors of Cambodia for student's stationary, art materials and education fund. Hope to have your kind support by purchasing this book...@ USD20/ RM50 / S$26.
For further information please contact cocthebook@gmail.com.
