Wisdom from Angkor Wat

*Sunrise*

Watch me as I go To the temples, the trees, the Buddha statues that flow with the breeze

Watch the sunrise as it grows The birds sing, the world begins

Tell me how to know Where do I go? I walk the edge of Angkor Wat Slippery and steep

Watch the sunset as it goes My heart beats

Worry not, Don't you know? The birds will sing again

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We have been spending some of the last few precious moments together in the presence of some of the most beautiful religious monuments in the world. I think I can speak for everyone when I say, Angkor Wat has blown our minds. Angkor Wat is the biggest religious monument in the world (originating from the 12th century), and we got the opportunity to see very special parts of it. One of the temples we visited inspired the the movie "Indiana Jones". I felt like I was in a movie; walking through the little alleyways, and stumbling across little places of worship with Buddha statues. The oldest temple we visited originated from the 10th century and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of Shiva. The carvings and ancient sand-script in the walls were extraordinary.

Being in the last week of the trip has made me realize the specialness that has come with being in the group. We have been meeting so many wonderful, inspiring people. We grow close to our program leaders, local guides and the families we have had home stays with. We spend time with each of them as they come and go, in each of these bewildering beautiful places. One thing that has not left us is the individuals and the energy of the group. That has always stayed. No matter where we go, the support has always been there. That has been the most special part of the experience of traveling as a group for me.

We got up very early one morning to watch the sunrise over the beautiful ancient temples. Never have I taken the time to really watch a sunrise. I was amazed by the suddenness of the light as it filled the land, like turning the light on gradually in a dark room. As it became lighter, at a certain point all the birds started to sing. We watched the sunrise with the birds, and wished to the world a blessed day.

As we come closer to the sunset of our time together, I am reminded that every ending is the start of a new beginning. I feel all the more prepared for all the sunrises that have yet to come, wherever my life and my future travels take me.

Erika Williams