A Day in My Life Cambodian Family 

A Day in My Life Cambodian Family - Gurleen Deol (Abbotsford Middle School, Eighth Grade)

6:00 AM: As the crimson hues of dawn creep over the horizon, painting the sky with strokes of golden light, I am roused from slumber by the soft chirping of birds outside my window. At 79 years old, only making $307 as a monthly income for the entire family, each new day is a cherished opportunity to embrace the rhythms of life in Cambodia, a tapestry woven with threads of resilience and tradition. With a slow stretch and a yawn, I rise from my simple cot, the worn floorboards creaking beneath my feet. The cool morning air dances through the open doorway, carrying with it the scent of jasmine and earth. With weathered hands, I smooth the wrinkles from my cotton sarong, the vibrant colors a testament to the rich tapestry of Cambodian culture.

6:30 AM: As the matriarch of our humble abode, my day begins with a sense of purpose and quiet determination. Turning on the light in the kitchen in order to see properly, it may not be much but I’m still thankful. With a bucket in hand, I make my way to the sink, the cool water soothing against my skin as the faucet runs slowly “drip, drip, drip”. I set about my morning chores, sweeping the dirt floor clean and tending to the hearth where yesterday's embers still smolder.

8:00 AM: The early hours pass in a tranquil blur of domestic activity, punctuated by the occasional sound of laughter from my daughters' room. V, the elder at 50, exudes a quiet strength and compassion that resonates through her every action. Her work as a humanitarian not only sustains our family but also uplifts our community, a beacon of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness. Meanwhile, N, my 42-year-old daughter, carries herself with a serene grace that belies the struggles she faces in a world where opportunities are scarce. Despite her unemployment, she contributes to our household with unwavering dedication, her presence a grounding force amidst the chaos of our daily lives. She decides to nurture for our puppy we had just found her on the streets as the mother had just passed. We may not have the puppy for long but she fits in our family just right.

8:30 AM: As the sun climbs higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the landscape, the rhythm of our household quickens with the pulse of life. My grandsons, ranging from 27 to 10 years old, emerge from their shared sleeping space with boundless energy, their laughter mingling with the sounds of morning. I make them a healthy shrimp and veggie soup for them knowing that if I can provide enough for them they’ll provide enough for us in the future.  Each one carries the hopes and dreams of our family, their youthful exuberance a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

11:00 AM: In the kitchen, the scent of spices fills the air as I set about preparing lunch for my family. A pot of rice simmers on the stove, its nutty aroma mingling with the sweet fragrance of tropical fruit. With deft hands, I slice vegetables and herbs, their vibrant colors a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Soon, the table is laden with steaming bowls of rice, a fragrant curry, and fresh fruit from our fruit tree, It may not be much but we are still grateful we could have food today. As we gather around the table, laughter and conversation flow freely, weaving a tapestry of joy and camaraderie. Stories are shared, jokes are told, and for a moment, the world's cares slip away, replaced by the simple pleasures of family and community.

11:45 AM: I head to the bathroom wanting to relieve myself after a long afternoon. I am still so grateful for the drainage system we had in order for the bathroom to work, although its starting to rot and develop rust it can hopefully give us a few years to survive as we can barely make it through with money for food.  Perhaps if we didn’t have a bathroom we might need to relieve ourselves outside just like some of the other villagers but due to the dangers in our neighbourhood for thieves and goons its really hard to leave your house unattended due to the poverty and unemployment in our country. After I finish up I don’t use toilet paper I use the cup and bucket I had filled up earlier as an alternative since we don’t have that kind of money as well as personal preference.

12:00 PM: With bellies full and spirits buoyed, we set about our daily tasks with renewed vigor. My daughters depart for their respective duties, V to her work in the nearby village and N to tend to the chores that keep our household running smoothly. Meanwhile, the grandsons embark on their own adventures, as they complete their school work at an attempted location to make a study space in our house.

1:00 PM: As the sun reaches its zenith, casting a warm glow over the landscape, I find a moment of respite in the living room. With a sigh of contentment I sit on the hammock, closing my eyes and letting the gentle hum of life wash over me, a soothing balm for the soul. As I prepared to tackle my chores, I made a conscious decision to prioritize my personal hygiene. It had been a couple of days since I last brushed my teeth, so I squeezed a tiny amount of toothpaste onto my brush, making sure to make it last. Adjusting my glasses, I embarked on my daily routine, starting with this small act of self-care before delving into the tasks that awaited me.

2:00 PM: As a 79-year-old widowed woman living in poverty, I know that every task I undertake is essential for my family's survival. Despite my limitations, I press on, determined to do what I can with what little we have. Returning to the kitchen sink, I'm aware that our water supply is running low, but I can't afford to waste a drop. Carefully, I portion out enough water to fill two buckets, knowing that this will have to suffice for our needs. With resolve, I begin the arduous task of washing our clothes. We can only afford to wash them every two weeks, and even then, we must use the bare minimum of detergent, stretching it as far as possible. Every action I take is a testament to our resilience in the face of adversity, a reminder that even the smallest efforts are significant in our struggle to make ends meet.

3:00 PM: Once all the clothes are washed, I carefully hang them on the makeshift clothesline strung between the branches of our old tree, the only means we have to dry them. As they sway gently in the breeze, I turn my attention to the pots and pans waiting in the sink. With no soap to spare, I rely solely on the clean water from rinsing the clothes to scrub away the remnants of our last meal. It's a simple yet necessary task, a reminder of the resourcefulness and resilience that have become second nature to me in this life of scarcity. Every action, no matter how small, is a testament to our determination to persevere despite the odds stacked against us.

8:00 PM: Before locking the door for the night, I make a mental note to refill the water for the toilet, a mundane yet crucial task in our household. As I wait for my family members to trickle in, I feel a sense of relief wash over me knowing that we are all safely under one roof. Once everyone is accounted for, I secure the door and turn my attention to the grandchildren. With a heavy heart, I offer them some fruit that has fallen from the tree, knowing it will have to suffice as dinner tonight. Our food supply is limited, and the next big challenge on my mind is ensuring that my family never goes hungry. I can endure the pangs of hunger myself, but the thought of my loved ones suffering is unbearable. Providing for them is my driving force, my unwavering commitment in this constant battle against poverty and scarcity.

9:00 PM: After tucking my youngest grandson into bed, I offer to read him a book, despite my limited education. We make our own stories from the pictures, weaving tales together until he drifts off to sleep. Saying goodnight, I quietly make my way to my own room, the worn flip flops on my feet echoing softly on the floor. As I settle into bed, I send a prayer to the heavens, hoping for the possibility of achieving our next goal: owning a refrigerator. With a sigh, I remove my glasses and reflect on the resilience of my family. Though we may not have much, we have each other, and together, we can endure anything.

9:15 PM: As I drift into slumber, my mind dances between the realities of our struggles and the dreams of a better tomorrow. Today was a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness ingrained in our family's spirit. Despite the hardships, we found solace in the simplicity of our love for each other, in the small gestures of kindness exchanged, and in the hope that fuels our perseverance. Tomorrow awaits with its own set of challenges, but as long as we stand together, we will weather the storm. In the quiet darkness of the night, I find a sense of peace, knowing that we have done our best with what little we have. With the soft hum of crickets outside my window and the gentle rhythm of my breathing, I find solace in the belief that brighter days lie ahead. Our journey is not easy, but it is ours to navigate, filled with moments of both struggle and triumph.

9:30 PM: As I surrender to sleep, I hold onto the unwavering faith that sustains me. Tomorrow is a new day, brimming with possibilities and opportunities. And though the road ahead may be uncertain, I face it with courage, determination, and the unwavering love for my family that fuels my every step. And so, as the night envelops me in its embrace, I rest assured that no matter what challenges may come our way, we will face them together, bound by the unbreakable bonds of family and fueled by the undying hope for a brighter future.

My Thoughts:

Examining the life of the Cambodian family has stirred a profound sense of reflection within me. It's a stark reminder of the stark disparities that exist in our world and the privilege I have often taken for granted. While I may have moments of stress or dissatisfaction, my daily struggles pale in comparison to the challenges faced by families like the one I observed. The Cambodian family's resilience and determination in the face of adversity are both humbling and inspiring.

Yes, I do feel privileged. I have access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities without ever having to worry about where my next meal will come from or whether I'll have a roof over my head. I have opportunities for leisure, entertainment, and personal fulfillment that many can only dream of. Reflecting on the privileges I enjoy, I am filled with gratitude for the stability and security that underpin my daily life.

If I could change one thing for the Cambodian family, it would be to alleviate their immediate struggles with food insecurity. No family should have to endure the pain of hunger or worry about where their next meal will come from. Providing them with consistent access to nutritious food would not only address their most pressing need but also improve their overall health and well-being, giving them a stronger foundation from which to build a better future.

If I could contact the family, I would first seek to understand their specific needs and challenges. With that knowledge, I could tailor my support to address their most pressing concerns. Here are some ways I could share some of my privilege with them:

Financial Assistance: I could provide financial support to help them access food, clean water, and essential healthcare services. This could involve sending regular payments to cover their basic needs or providing a lump sum to address any immediate emergencies.

Educational Opportunities: I could offer support in accessing educational opportunities for their children. This could include covering school fees, providing resources like textbooks and school supplies, or even funding vocational training programs to empower the family members to acquire valuable skills for better employment prospects.

Healthcare Support: I could assist them in accessing essential healthcare services by covering medical expenses or connecting them with healthcare providers who offer free or low-cost services. This could include routine check-ups, vaccinations, or treatment for any existing health conditions.

Housing Assistance: If the family is struggling with housing insecurity, I could explore options to provide them with safe and stable housing. This could involve covering rent payments, assisting with home repairs, or connecting them with organizations that specialize in affordable housing solutions.

Nutrition Support: To address their immediate food insecurity, I could organize regular food deliveries or provide them with vouchers to purchase nutritious groceries. Additionally, I could offer guidance on sustainable farming practices or support initiatives that promote food security within their community.

Empowerment and Advocacy: Beyond direct assistance, I could empower the family by advocating for policies and programs that address the root causes of poverty and inequality in their region. This could involve supporting local organizations working on issues like land rights, access to education, and healthcare reform.

By extending a helping hand and offering genuine support, I could make a meaningful difference in their lives and contribute to creating a more equitable world for all.