The first time I visited Cambodia

I wanted to pay it forward

Paying it forward is something I’ve always felt compelled to do since my first visit to Cambodia in 1997. At that time, I was drawn to this astonishing and beautiful country because of its tragic history. I wanted to immerse myself in its culture, to understand firsthand how a nation could endure such atrocities and emerge resilient.

Little did I know that this initial curiosity would lead me to call Cambodia home for 16 years.

It wasn’t a decision I consciously made, rather, it was a journey that unfolded naturally, driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference.

Back then, Cambodia was often perceived as a dangerous destination, and my family was understandably concerned about my decision to visit. But as I immersed myself in the culture, connected with its people, and witnessed the resilience of the human spirit, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

My reward

Living in an astonishing country

My reward for living in this astonishing country has been far greater than I could have ever imagined. It’s not measured in material possessions or personal achievements, but rather in the profound connections I’ve formed, the lives I’ve touched, and the sense of purpose I’ve discovered.

Living in Cambodia has granted me the opportunity to witness the beauty of resilience, the power of compassion, and the impact of kindness. It’s a reward that transcends borders and defies conventional measures of success.

Every day, I am reminded of the extraordinary privilege it is to be part of this vibrant community, to contribute to its growth and well-being, and to be a witness to its remarkable journey of healing and hope.

My greatest reward for living in this astonishing country is the privilege of making a difference, one small act of kindness at a time.

My journey

On the incredible journey I’ve embarked on so far, I’ve had the privilege of encountering remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on my life. One such encounter occurred during my time in the once breathtaking seaside town of Sihanoukville.

Each day in Sihanoukville felt like a gift, filled with diverse experiences that ranged from exploring the mesmerising islands as a dive master to managing my own massage and beauty salon, and even overseeing a bustling restaurant or bar.

The richness of life in this coastal paradise was beyond measure, and I relished every moment.

However, amidst the beauty and vibrancy of Sihanoukville, I encountered a moment of profound urgency when I stumbled upon a dog in desperate need of assistance. With no vet available due to the Khmer New Year holiday, I was faced with a dilemma, how could I help this suffering animal?

It was during this critical moment that fate intervened, leading me to encounter two extraordinary veterinarians who would forever change the course of my journey.

These astonishing individuals, with their unwavering dedication and compassion, exemplified the true essence of heroism in the face of adversity.

Khmer New Year

What could I do?

I looked through the new app on the new phone I had not long got. This app was called Facebook.

I was searching for a vet. I came across some conflicting reports about some foreign veterinarians who had recently arrived in Sihanoukville. I must admit, from the comments I was a bit wary. However, given the urgent situation with the dog I had found, I realised I didn’t have much choice but to seek their assistance.

Despite my attempts to reach them by phone proving fruitless, I decided to take matters into my own hands and search for medicine to treat the dog myself. As I travelled the city in search of supplies, I stumbled upon a Khmer sign for a new veterinary clinic.

Once I entered the clinic, I was greeted by the warmest and most helpful Khmer lady I had ever encountered. I explained the dire situation with the dog I had found and asked if she could assist.

Her response was immediate and filled with compassion: ‘Bring him or her in now.’

Filled with hope and determination, I wasted no time and rushed back to where I had found the dog. I knew that this kind-hearted veterinarian was someone who genuinely cared and was willing to help both me and the suffering animal.

Her touch showed how much she loved animals

The way this compassionate lady cared for the dog was truly astonishing. The empathy and concern reflected in her eyes when she saw the condition of the dog are etched in my memory. While I regret not capturing the moment in a photograph, my sole focus was on aiding the suffering animal.

In that instant, I knew I had encountered someone who genuinely cared for others. From that day forward, I made it my mission to support her and her husband in any way possible.

Unfortunately, a few years later, I had to bid farewell to my beloved seaside town. However, my dear friend and her husband chose to remain, driven by their unwavering dedication to helping animals.

The once very Cambodian town of Sihanoukville

The rapid transformation of Sihanoukville from a picturesque coastal town to a bustling gambling hub was nothing short of astonishing. However, this development came at a significant cost, with little regard for the well-being of its residents or the town’s infrastructure.

Within just two years, the once-charming town saw an exodus of its long-time inhabitants, either forcibly evicted from their homes and businesses or lured by the promise of sudden wealth.

The unchecked influx of Chinese investors led to skyrocketing property prices and rents, making it unaffordable for many locals to continue living there.

Amidst the economic boom, concerns about the town’s safety grew as reports of online gambling and scams surfaced, tarnishing its reputation and making it a perilous place to reside.

Sadly, the allure of quick riches overshadowed any considerations for community welfare or sustainable development, ultimately transforming Sihanoukville into a shadow of its former self

Sihanoukville changed

As the landscape of Sihanoukville began to transform, many residents Cambodian and expats found themselves facing difficult choices. Some were forced out of their homes or businesses due to soaring rental prices, while others suddenly found themselves wealthy beyond imagination.

The rapid development of Sihanoukville into a bustling hub reminiscent of Macau came at a cost. Infrastructure was neglected, and the town struggled to cope with the influx of new residents and businesses.

Within a mere two years, the fabric of the community underwent a profound shift. Those fortunate enough to sell their properties profited immensely, while others grappled with skyrocketing rental rates driven by demand from Chinese investors.

In this frenzy of economic activity, concerns for community welfare took a backseat to financial gain. The allure of quick riches led to a surge in online gambling and scams, further complicating the town’s social landscape.

Srey Loeng and Her Husband

Confronting a Daunting Challenge

Srey Loeng and her husband faced a daunting challenge shortly after establishing their veterinary clinic in Sihanoukville. Just two months into their venture, they received an ultimatum, either pay an exorbitant rent increase from $450.00 to $3,000.00 per month or vacate the premises within a week.

With their livelihood and passion for animal welfare at stake, they embarked on a frantic search for affordable accommodation. The stress of the situation weighed heavily on them as they scoured the town for suitable options.

Fortunately, after much perseverance and deliberation, they found a ray of hope in a kind-hearted Khmer family who offered to rent them a space for $1200.00 a month, a more feasible option given the constraints of Cambodia’s economic landscape.

Despite the financial strain, Srey Loeng and her husband remained steadfast in their commitment to helping animals, determined to navigate the challenges and fulfil their mission, no matter the cost.

Using my shop as a vets

As part of my pay-it-forward initiative, I offered them the use of my hair salon every month, rent-free, transforming it into a temporary veterinary clinic for the day. I wanted to help transform the lives of Kampot Cambodian animals and people if I could.

Despite the two-hour journey from Sihanoukville to Kampot, they made the trip regularly to serve the animals in our town and meet their rental obligations.

Occasionally, road construction and heavy truck traffic turned the two-hour drive into a gruelling six-hour ordeal. Yet, their dedication to helping animals and being my friend remained unwavering.

Takeaway

You can also help pay it forward

Paying it forward is wonderfully simple, all it requires is a kind gesture towards someone else. If you’re inclined to contribute to my efforts, please reach out to me via email.

My message of paying it forward I would love for it to go viral. But like with everything in life, it takes time.

Remember if you would like a pet please adopt rather than shop. Many stray animals require a loving forever home, especially those abandoned by expats starting a new life without their beloved pets.

By adopting, you’re not only giving these animals a second chance but also inviting boundless joy into your own life. So, choose to adopt an animal and pay it forward. It’s a fulfilling journey for both you and your new furry friend. Wishing you a splendid day ahead!