This blog has really nothing to do with any weddings, although I have seen a lot of wedding while driving around town here in Cambodia. And also many married couples get their photos done at Angkor Wat ( Which is the largest Religious temple).
This is more about a funeral.
Every week this month in Cambodia about 2-3 times a week our teams go around the neighborhood and just meet people our contact knows or has an acquaintance with and we just get to know them and build a relationship. Last week we went out and we walked by this woman’s house and we noticed her head was shaved. Someone in our group asked why her head was shaved and in the Buddhist culture when a person in your family dies they shave their head as a way of respect and honor for the one who passed.
We walk past her and after a few feet we decide to go back and talk with her.
It was the greatest decision to do so.
Fourteen Americans surrounding her small house, sitting there asking her questions. We learned that she shaved her head because 5 days earlier her husband died of a heart attack. Not only did she shave her head but her 2 eldest sons also. They also mourn for 7 days and after the last day they have a celebration day.
She was telling us that her husband would have loved seeing us at his house. He loved conversing with foreigners. After we were their talking with her for about 30-45 minutes we asked her if she needed anything. She said she was fine, but she invited us to the funeral reception that was happening two days later.
Here it is, Saturday morning we get up and we head to her house. They start the party at 7am. Everything happens early here and it’s because once it hits 9am it’s already super hot outside. As we walk up the first person to invite us in is her oldest son. He has this big smile on his face like he had known us for a while. He was happy to see us, even though he only met us for 30 minutes the other day. Then came his mom and she welcomed us in.
The one thing that blew me away was how this family showed such genuine hearts of being a servant. This day should be about them and the one they lost. Instead it became about everyone that showed up. They made sure the guests felt comfortable and were being taken care of. The kids helped serve the food and entertain the guests. It was such a different sight to see for what would normally be a somber day.
Living your life at the lowest point, and serving all who you come in contact with.
I was very humbled to see all that I did that day.
(This is the Widow)
(These are the 4 huge pots of food cooking)
( This was the meal they served. It was porridge. rice, pork, squid and vegetables
along with lime, bean sprouts and croutons)
(The table set up)
(People from the neighborhood)
