It’s very difficult to put words to an experience at times. Many times in the recent past it seems for me, I’m sure this resonates with millions of others enjoying the roller coaster ride of life. When your in the midst of a moment and you become so aware to the people beside you, the sky the landscape and sounds. Well, after recently riding 565 km across the beautiful countries of Vietnam and Cambodia I sit writing here this morning reflecting like it was some sort of dream. A special dream at that! Emotionally packed full of laughter and tears. But the one thing that stood out in my mind the most was the blessing to watch peoples paradigms change over the course of the trip. It was as if there was a big energy shift the moment we crossed into Cambodia from the Vietnam border. I’ve spoken to many people that I shared this experience with and they feel much the same. I did a similar ride last year and it was equally as special, just like everyday we live is one to be cherished and honoured. This year though, my eyes were more lets say “wide open”. Somebody asked me what the highlight of the ride was. I can’t give an answer to that question. The main thing was that for a brief space of time the group I was with were able to will our way across two countries for a cause that will benefit because of our self determination and all the support from donators, family and whoever tuned into what we were doing. it’s funny how I thought to myself during this ride “I wonder how many people are riding a bike across SE Asia for human trafficking and sex slavery?” It didn’t make me feel special or extraordinary..It made me feel like it was a gift, I was proud. I had one day where a migraine headache came on. It was the last day of the ride where we had to ride 95kms. I woke up feeling great, and was dedicating that last day to a world filled with peace and no violence. An hour in I got vertigo and lost my speech. This wasn’t out of the norm as I’ve been dealing with migraines since I was a kid. I think I drank 3 litres of water straight, prayed my butt off, and within a half an hour I was peddling with force and purpose. usually my headaches take at least 2 days to leave my head. This day I was lucky? Whatever the case, I feel privileged to have given a piece of my heart along with everyone else involved. I wouldn’t change a thing…The first few days were tough getting back into the rhythm of life. This wasn’t a vacation! It was a trip though that defined a different meaning to everyone who shared the experience together. Cambodia I will be seeing you again sooner than you think !
Thank You, Ryan J P.