Brianna
Schoon
Did
missions in Cambodia, Summer 2012
This photo was taken in the city of Phnom Penh,
Cambodia. Cambodia is a country that has been ravaged by a war within. Because
of the persecution that went on at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, this picture
captures something that is not common. The age of the older lady means that she
survived the genocide that occurred roughly forty years ago. This is a wonder
in itself, because only four percent of the population is over the age of 60.
The kids are another story; 32% of the population is under age 14 and 35% of
prostitutes in this country are under age 18. These facts are hard to
grasp. Seeing a photo that defies the
odds in this country, where I am able to capture the smile on a child’s face
despite its circumstances, as well as an older lady holding a child despite
what she has overcome, is a reminder that joy can be found in the most unlikely
of places.