Back to Ro's roots
During our visit to Ro's family in Popel village, we experienced their warm hospitality, connected with Ro's childhood friend Seap, and experienced the deep bonds of family and friendship between everyone there firsthand.
Connection is why we're here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. - Brene Brown
After finishing the tour at Popel Primary School, and talking to the primary school English teachers present, we decided to continue our trip and headed toward Ro's ancestral home.
Ro's family
They live fairly close to the school by bike, although the road is rather challenging - think sand, potholes, boulders, and mud. It took us 10 minutes to get there. Once we arrived, Ro's mom was already waiting for us. She greeted us with the biggest smile and the warmest hugs, this is where Ro gets her smile from! Her father was laughing and bowing to us from a distance. The neighbors were also present, Ro's siblings and aunts, uncles, and nephews, nieces, and cousins. They all stayed home from the cashew farm to see Ro again. They are so proud.
Dee, one of Ro's nephews, a 4-year-old was running up and down, greeting Ro with the biggest hug. Ro told us that Dee brings home some of the cashew nuts he plucked for her whenever she visits.
We bought coffee at the local shop that Ro's mom manages and gifted the fruit. Especially Ro's nephews were thrilled with the fruit. Mangos are very common on the mountain, but apples are foreign, and with that special to them, and they just love it! They devoured the apples with visible joy.
When we finished the coffee, Ro showed us the house she grew up in, where people wash themselves, the cashew nut trees and fruits, and how she used to pluck them. The family watched and followed us from afar.
The thing that will stay with me - up until this day - is the big smile of Ro's mom and the emotion-filled eyes of her father. They don't speak English, but their facial features speak volumes.
Ro's best friend
We had one more stop to make before going out of the village. We wanted to meet Ro's childhood friend, Seap. She used to be a student at Kulen Outreach until she fell ill, incurably ill. She went to the hospital, but the doctors couldn't find what caused her illness. There is no treatment for her in Cambodia and cannot leave her village. She stays in or near her house and waits for time to pass by.
Seap and Ro used to do everything together. Walk to school, help at the farm, play around the village,... They both started together at Kulen Outreach and promised each other to finish it as well.
We walked to her house and sat with her outside, in front of the building. It was very peaceful. Chickens sitting on sticks with little chicks, dogs sleeping, butterflies flying above our heads, and complete silence. No engine, car, or machinery in earshot. Just nature and peace.
Seap told us about her daily life, we talked about school, and we ate some bananas together. Before we left, Ro promised to come back soon to visit her. We all gave her a big, heartfelt hug, and walked back to the motorbikes. Next stop: local waterfalls.