“There is an element of wanting to join,” says Mastin. “There are others who are ‘watchers.’ They want to see how it works first.” But once they are interested, it’s one village passing it onto another through a simple introduction workshop, which not only pleases the villagers, but helps sustain this country, which still feels the aftereffects of ethnic cleansing and war. And that is enough to keep Mastin smiling and coming back to help some more. “I am very aware of the gift that we bring to Cambodia.”
I’m sure Pursat, its villagers, and its growing children would agree.
For more on Cambodia, see “Inside the Thai Sex Trade,” by Amanda Coggin.
Windswept Kids. Photo: © Amanda Coggin.
