30th September 2021
When we left SA in March 2017, we started this blog for our loved ones, family and friends to follow and share our journey.
Over the past 4 years, being able to look back at our previous posts, we realize that this blog now means so much more to us.
Maybe one day, even the ground work for a book about our journey and experiences, but most definitely for a trip down memory lane. We will be able to sit together looking over all the fond memories of how our journey started and all the wonderful experiences we have shared along the way.
Someone once said, “Life is not about stuff to show but stories to tell”.
We want to be able to look back at all the cherished moments of our lives spent here in Siem Reap, Cambodia and all the adventures we have shared.
While sitting in bed with our morning coffee, we chat about which moments from the previous day meant something to us. This is our time to be present for each other and to remember all the little things that we are grateful and thankful for.
Sapphire is an early riser who brews fresh Cambodian ground coffee, every morning. His morning meditation ritual. So lucky me gets to wake up most mornings to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, lemongrass incense in the air and soft meditation music playing in the background. Our “peace” of heaven.
We are blessed with a vibrant, lush green hanging garden outside our bedroom window which Vichot (Pappa), lovingly tends to.
This beautiful hanging garden is not only there for our sensory pleasures but also to block the view of our bedroom window from the upstairs apartments next door, allowing us the privacy to be able to enjoy our morning coffee (and other pleasures), while looking out at the garden in our naturalist forms.
From the coziness of our bed we are greeted by the melodic sounds of chirping birds, the fluttering of butterflies between the plants and flowers and the occasional bird perching outside, peeking in to say “good morning”. We sometimes get to appreciate the artistic work of a garden snail, painting a path in the morning dew across our window pane.
Our window to the morning world outside, is such a blessing. These moments are so peaceful and such a beautiful way to start every day.
We often think back and recall busy, stressful mornings in SA, being jolted into reality by the morning alarm. Getting up in the dark to go through the usual Monday to Friday routine of getting ready for work and then having to brave the traffic etc. and we are reminded of how much our lives have changed.
This is the life we choose and the rewards far out weigh the sacrifices we have made. We live a simple, peaceful, safe and beautiful life here which we are very happy and grateful for each and every day.
So today, we would like to add a peaceful morning window to the world memory, to our Palm Tree Diaries.
Always so beautiful described of this place you call home. I’m so happy for you both. I remember you talking about going years before you actually did. The reason for your delay was that you had to first find your soulmate. And that you certainly did💜💙. It was all in God’s plans. Love you sis. Stay safe and look forward to some quality sister time in December.
Good Morning Big Sis
Yes, I remember always telling the kids that when I turned the BIG 50 I would be going to teach in Thailand. At 50 I was ready but they weren’t but then again they weren’t ready anyway but they finally accepted that this was always my dream and they both (although I know it was hard for them), finally supported me in my decision and were both happy that I was able to (in my fifties) spread my wings and fly….
Having someone who is also on the same spiritual journey makes this experience so much more rewarding. Difficult at times as we are both on individual soul journeys dealing with past demons, connecting with our true selves, learning things about ourselves (good and bad), accepting the past and forgiving ourselves and reconnecting with our true inner beings. But we are connected in soul so we accept each other fully, with all the flaws, insecurities and weaknesses along with positives and strengths while awakening the inner beauty of the souls we are. We are learning to look at others differently and to see the inner nobility and beauty in everyone. (sometimes difficult with some people).
After going through the very difficult life journey recently, which is all part of my soul journey here, I realized when the plane landed back in Cambodia that I was home.
I missed Cambodia and my life here so much and I know in my soul this is where I belong. Life is just so different here. I choose (although I miss my family and my beautiful daughter so much) to live my life here where I am free to just be ME!
I am looking forward to spending quality time with each of you soon. Time to smile and be happy without all the sadness and loss. Time to remember and laugh and feel love and joy again when we think back and talk about our boy, Wes… I can’t wait to be with you all again soon.
You too have grown Charmaine. You have taken Mom’s place as the Prayer Warrior for our family and she is so proud of you. I see your inner nobility and beauty. May your spiritual journey and relationship with God continue to grow as you become the BEST version of you.
Lots of love Big Sis. See you soon.
The picture you have painted has brought me peace this morning, for a moment i was there with you enjoying all that you described. Beautifully written!
Thanks Sweetie. Words cannot describe the peace and beauty we experience every day but I do try.
Was telling Richard yesterday, if anyone came here on holiday it would be like going to their own private retreat.
You would leave here totally relaxed and energized as if you had been on a meditation retreat.
All my whole food cooking and “happy” and healthy smoothies. Relaxed mornings lying in the hammock listening to the birds….
Long lazy swims in a cool pool drinking cocktails and “happy” shakes.
Chilling on warm evenings under the night skies listening to the frogs and crickets harmoniously in chorus.
A bus ride through the amazing country side to hop on a ski boat over to the most tranquil natural exotic islands.
I could go on and on….. You just need to make that decision and we are here to welcome you to the most relaxing and energy rejuvenating “time out” that you will ever experience. Don’t think of it as a holiday…. Think of it as an investment into your well being.
Would love to share many moments with you here in our home.
Take care of you.
Namaste’