Kampuchea, the local name for Cambodia, carries a gentle sound for a nation shaped by a turbulent history. Despite decades of atrocities, children still tread lightly among the hidden remnants of war—an estimated four to six million unexploded ordnances lying just beneath the surface. These silent traces are the legacy of the Khmer Rouge regime, the Vietnamese, the U.S.-backed Lon Nol government, and various smaller factions that ravaged the landscape.

I first visited Cambodia in 2009 on a business trip, partnering with local manufacturers in Phnom Penh to grow their shoe production. Friends Rachel and Stephen had recently moved there, and I looked forward to joining the local Ultimate Frisbee community as well. What began as work quickly became an opportunity to experience the rhythm of the city and the lives of its people.

Since then, Phnom Penh has transformed remarkably. High-rise buildings punctuate the skyline, public transport is more organized, and streets once dominated by food stalls now feature trendy restaurants and gyms. The city reflects a growing middle class and a community investing in both work and leisure—a local economy in bloom and a testament to resilience.

Despite the lingering scars of its past, the Cambodian people radiate quiet strength. Their smiles, defiant yet warm, tell a story of hope and perseverance—a reminder that history may have shaped this country, but it will not define it.