First Person: Loung Ung

Dear Friends,

What happens to us when we find ourselves at the right place and the perfect time in which to share a beautiful weekend with a group of like minded souls? In my case, I breathed. A long thankful, life affirming, delicious breath that filled my lungs, expanded my heart, and invigorated my mind. A conscious breath. A song that woke my body up at 4 A.M. to tune into the meditative prayers of the brothers and sisters at the Peace Village. A lullaby as I snuggled warmly in my bed, knowing I was surrounded by friends. I dreamed of peace.

Albert Einstein wrote, "Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all causes-good will among men and peace on earth." I know this is a dream, but if war can make nightmares come true, then men, women and children must dream a bigger dream for peace.

But peace is not an ‘automatic'. Peace is not something we want and is granted by our parents, teachers, governments. Peace is something we must commit to at every level in our home, community, and world. I believe the era of merely raising our voices and dreaming is over. We must now wake up and act.

As a survivor of the killing fields of Cambodia, I know the importance of taking actions. Yes, in many ways I was lucky to have survived the war, and to thrive in peace. I also know that I did not get here on my own. I am alive, well, healthy, and happy because so many went out of their way and comfort zones to find me, to reach out to me, and to extend a helping hand. It may have been a kind word spoken to me as a child or morsel of food that sustained me for one more day. All of their efforts, actions, and support gave my family and me the chance to go beyond surviving to thriving.

In turn, I have dedicated the last fifteen years of my life to promoting equality, human rights, and justice in my native land, and worldwide. I have always believed that the best way to create positive and lasting changes in our societies is to support and empower all people to become agents of change in our communities, and hence, in our world. A mission shared and fostered by Images and Voices of Hope and its participants. And together we worked; laughed, played, and brainstormed up some nifty ways to infuse our passionate dreams with pragmatic strategies to achieve our goals. And then we nourished our souls with deep levels of friendships. Real love bloomed. A spiritual love based on respect, admiration; and gratitude. Thank you all.

Loung Ung is former spokesperson for The Campaign for a Landmine Free World and The Cambodia Fund, and the author of two memoirs, First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers, and Lucky Child.