Shadowed Past

Puppet Show
U Kang Teo(Romanian) So Kan


Cambodia is a country without a distinct history. We have great historical documentation from the French arrival in the late nineteenth century, but before that things are somewhat in the shadows. Even the Khmer Rouge tried to destroy as much history as they possibly could. They totally dismantled the countries educational institutions.

The great ruins of Angkor Wat have tremendous relief stone carvings that tell a great deal in story form of the era. All materials used for writing deteriorated rather quickly in the heat and humidity of Southeast Asia. Monks wrote extensively on bamboo, and still do to this day, but very little of it survived the elements.

Much of the history has been preserved by the use of stories and fables passed down through the generations. Our cook at the PIP house tells many stories about history that includes talking animals and mystical creatures. Tonight we went as a group to a shadow puppet presentation. The puppets told Khmer fables in their native tongue behind a backlit screen. It was very interesting and was accompanied by authentic Khmer musicians. We are learning more and more about the culture every day which is crucial to our future mission.

Tomorrow morning, two university students will be baptized into Christ after being taught by a young lady from Romania. Everyone is happy and the Angels in Heaven are rejoicing.