The Power of Positivity

When Da Dot was 28 years old, he stepped on a landmine, on his family’s farm, and lost both of his legs.  “Dot” means legless.  ​

Victoria met with Da Dot in 2017 and we’ve all been interested to see how he is doing four years later.   Da Dot’s story really touched many hearts especially our newest team member Kathy.  She spoke with much emotion, “I read about Da Dot’s story as part of the People of Siem Reap.  Having dealt with such adverse challenges in life, Da Dot’s positivity inspired me greatly and I immediately found myself wanting to learn more about him.” 

With no time to waste, Kathy started working with our local volunteer Veasna who subsequently visited Da Dot at his village home.  
 
Times are tough right now and Da Dot currently has no orders for his wood carvings which is quite sad.  “There are no tourists or guests ordering my sculptures.”  He shared with much disappointment as we know that wood sculpturing is his lifelong interest as well as a good source of income prior to the pandemic. 
 
With little income, life is very difficult for Da Dot and his family.  Kathy was interested to learn how Da Dot’s family is doing during the pandemic and he said, “Covid-19 has had effect on my life, making me lose my job and family situation even more difficult.”   
 
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Speaking about his family further, Da Dot said, “I have two older children working as construction workers but now Covid-19 is very contagious in Siem Reap and both children are unemployed because their place of work is temporarily closed.”   

Covid-19 is spreading fast and wide in Cambodia.  Many people in the rural villages are not fully educated on the handling but Da Dot told us with much pride, “Because Covid-19 is highly contagious in the community, I have followed the instructions of the local authorities as well as the Ministry of Health on how to prevent Covid.” 
 
With so much adversity in life, Da Dot’s amazing positivity isn’t hiding away!   In fact, he has started a little corner store selling snacks and soft drinks!  Hoping nearby neighbours will visit his store and to earn what he can to provide for his family.  His incredible level of resilience absolutely is shining and there is so much for all of us to learn from Da Dot.   
 
We’re all thinking of Da Dot and his family and wishing them well, especially during the continued struggles due to Covid-19. 

​Story written by: volunteer Kathy Aunkst ​