Torrential rain streamed onto the killing fields around us. Under shelter, we stood beside a glass case of bones, waiting for the rain to subside. It was a haunting sight.

Before the build, we gained a deeper understanding of the people and their history. The Khmer Rouge regime during the 1970’s was a particularly dark moment in Cambodian history that left deep scars on the population.

We visited one of the killing fields, now a memorial site named Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre. We toured the site and reflected on the stories of the violent regime and the reason behind the killings. This experience helped strengthen our understanding of how Cambodia is today.

We also took time to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum where 20,000 prisoners were tortured. As we walked through buildings wrapped in barbed wire, we listened to stories of unimaginable suffering. We were fortunate to meet a survivor of the murderous regime, Chum Mey, who now teaches future generations about the past so that it won’t be forgotten.

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