Chapter 16: The Village

 

“Does anyone speak English? Does Rama live here?” Sutton looked for a reply.

From the back of the crowd Sutton then noticed someone approaching. He was a large man dressed in a worn dhoti and was accompanied by at least two dozen men. The villagers moved aside to let them through.

“My name is Haridas. Welcome to our village.  How can I help you?”

“Hello, thank you.  My name is Jimmy. Jimmy Sutton. And this is Blake Turner. We are from America. Perhaps you have heard of Judy Martin. She lives in Cambodia and has a school for homeless children in Phnom Phen—it’s called the Shining Lotus Orphanage. She brought us here in her helicopter.”

“Yes, we heard the helicopter but I’m sorry to say I do not know the person you have mentioned. Again, welcome to our village. Please follow me where we can talk more comfortably. Please, this way.”

Greatly relieved, a few minutes later Haridas motioned for Blake and Sutton to sit down under an outdoor awning covered with palm leaves. Within seconds coconuts were handed to them, full of sweet milk.  Blake was thirsty and took a long drink.  Noticing this, one of the villagers gave him another one.

Haridas sat so that both Sutton and Blake could easily see him. Other men also took seats. The mood seemed inquisitive, rather than hostile. There was none of that.

Sutton spoke first.