This is a real life story about a family I have become exceptionally attached to in Cambodia.
I have recorded their lives through the pictures and stories as their lives developed.
Please take time to read it by clicking on the various links below. I believe it will give you a great insight as to how some peoples lives are.
I've added a page about the city they live in. See images of the lovely Cambodian place it was compared to how it looks now the Chinese have almost taken over.
LATEST NEWS AND PICTURES
THE FAMILY
Despite all the hardships of life in Cambodia, the family have continued with their lives as best they can since the ending of covid.
The family were aware that working/selling on the beach was becoming difficult for their mom due to her age and general health and so she began staying at home more.
Som - the eldest son - continued to work as a waiter and has always been contented in that occupation. He continues to do so - working 5pm to 5am (to cater for the Chinese community).
Mao had a girlfriend for some time - although it was difficult for them to see each other at times, Mao changed his job so he could see her more and the relationship appeared to be going well. Sadly, after some time, it ended.
Mao currently struggles to find a job and is restricted as to what he can do due to his lack of education when young. Sometimes I think this affects his outlook on life.
Ngeang had a long term girlfriend. They had known each other since their young days and were very attached to each other. However, Ngeang confided to me that he was worried the relationship could end if he didn't find the resources to be able to marry her.
We talked about the options and came to a solution where he could marry (albeit a rather basic wedding). They couple were overjoyed and the ceremony was held at the family's home. As I was unable to attend, parts of it were relayed to me via video calls and I received many photographs too.
Crab had great difficulties getting a job as whilst he had a little education when I became involved with the family, he would rather try to earn money on the beach making bracelets and therefore is unable to read or write. However, he currently has a job serving at a stall in the market. He works 6am to 6pm, 7 days a week - with no days off.
Mouy had some education at school and later attended an English School to learn to speak English - which helped her. She had worked in small businesses helping in kitchens - but in late 2023 she started work serving snacks and drinks at a local cinema.
I visited the family for almost a month in June 2024.
They are in a far better position now than they have ever been. There are still many struggles at times but they are becoming more independent - both as a family and individually.
Whilst I was there, we discussed the future of the two boys - that some work would be needed to get the required paperwork to enable them to get ID cards which would be required to get jobs - and that we should start progressing that issue.
I was aware of a few improvements the house needed and thankfully after talking with Ngeang about what was required, he was happy to arrange get the work done (paying Cambodian rates) rather than me (where I would be charged westerner rates).
After spending so much time with them, it was heartbreaking to be leaving them again. After I said my final farewells, I got a tuk-tuk to the bus for Phnom Penh - and a huge deluge of rain fell. I guess it matched my mood. I guess the rain running down my face hid any tears that may have been there.
Snar and Pich - the youngest two of the family!
Whilst the ages of the family members are uncertain, looking at family records I now believe Snar was born in 2008 and Pich in 2010.
The earliest pictures I have of them are from November 2013, approaching 3 years after I met Mao - making them around 5 years and 3 years respectively on the first photos.
One of my main priorities on becoming involved with the family was to ensure these two boys attended school every day - which they have done. This has enabled them to be able to read and write Khmer - despite the poor standards of teaching.
For me personally, it has been a wonderful experience seeing the boys develop and grow up into the young men they are fast becoming.
They are so well behaved, polite, caring and funny too. I have watched them play together, chat together... do so many things together - but I have never seen them argue or fall out!
They have been fascinating to know. They never fail to make me laugh. They always great me with a hug - likewise on departure.
When I offer to treat them, they often ask for a can of Coca-Cola! I do know though, that they love it when I take them for a BBQ meal at one of the small local restaurants on the beach. You could not imagine how two boys could eat as much as they do, it staggers me... but I love to see them enjoy the foods the family cannot afford.
I have taken bags full of clothes and toys donated by friends over the years and they have been thrilled - especially with the Leeds football shirts - as they see me wear clothes with the club badge.
They are now becoming typical teenage boys. If I let them in my bathroom I know I won't get in for an hour whilst they shower using my gel, comb their hair endless times, clean their teeth with the toiletries provided - and come out smelling of aftershave.
Since I returned, both boys are also now on Facebook and message me (in Khmer - so I have to use Google Translate) - but it is wonderful to hear from them directly and they always ask me when am I going to Cambodia again.
I could write a book about them!
This is what Pich thinks about it all...
LATEST PICTURES
JUNE 2024
[Click on image to enlarge]
The boys (Snar and Pich) cooked food for me and I took them for their favourite... a BBQ meal in a beach restaurant or local foods by the seafront many nights.
They have the biggest of appetites you can imagine. They added another bowl of rice each and finished off any food that others couldn't eat!
Over the years I have taken lots of clothes - and toys in their earlier days (which have now been replaced by toiletries) - and again I took many clothes kindly donated by others.
When Pich spotted a top with a Leeds United badge, he soon grabbed it and was delighted when it fit him.
I was amused to see him kiss the Leeds badge. Clearly he must have seen footballers doing that and so copied them. Although he did tell me he was "fan Leeds".
The home is not a home as we would class it, but it is a palace in their eyes. In fact it is probably one of the better homes in the surrounding neighbourhood.
The two boy, their sister and their mom all share the one large bed for sleeping - although the mother often sleeps on the floor as it is a little cooler.
Whilst Ngeang is in the picture with Snar and Pich, he lives with his wife in a small room nearby.
The two boys love coming round to swim in the pool at my accommodation. Sadly, they still expect me to chase them around the pool and throw them about like I did when they were smaller and lighter.
It was also good to catch up with the only girl, Mouy - when she wasn't working.
A few final photographs.... Mao and the two boys with me, Pich with Crab when I took the family out for a meal and finally, Pich in his school uniform.