Little Thieves
 
Cambodia, Stung Meanchey (June 2005) -- Before going to Cambodia I had heard many negative things about it in the media and also in neighboring countries. About theft, crimes, violence, ...etc. I arrive at Stung Meanchey... surrounded by kids and handing out the goodies (cookies and candies). Since there was a limited amount of cookies and many people, I only gave one to each kid or adult. I noticed one boy tricked me after I handed him a cookie for the second time. Some kids do that. They move over, place the goodies in their pocket and come back to get another one and act like it is their first one. I decided to do a test.. "No more! maybe later...", I said. The goodies were only half finished at that time. I placed the rest in the basket which was attached to front of motorbike and walked away into the field. I wanted to see if anyone tries to steal any goodies. I saw them going back to what they were doing while looking at me with puzzled faces. This test lasted about an hour and they passed it with flying colors (very well). No one even went near the motorbike. I decided to go back and distribute the rest and also it was getting dark, but I just saw the boy who tricked me (purple shirt in middle) going down the garbage hill and put his hand in his pocket, pulled out a bag of cookie and hand it to this little girl that looked like his sister (smiling girl, right). Her face shined and the kids were being themselves. Playful and happy! So, be careful! They may not touch your cookies, your motorbike or equipment, but they will steal your heart! This is one of my own favorite photos because of the story that led to it and the moment it captured... hope you like it! skye ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Freedom (can be read happiness also) can only come about naturally, not through wishing, wanting, longing. Nor will you find it by creating an image of what you think it is. To come upon it the mind has to learn to look at life, which is a vast movement, without the bondage of time, for freedom lies beyond the field of consciousness." ----Krishnamurti (the book: Freedom From The Known)
Tuesday, September 12, 2006