Reflections of a Watt Devotee from Chicago: Kimpha Chau

Below is a Facebook post by Kimpha Chau from 2015:¹

"My family and I travel to this temple at least twice a year. We are from Chicago, and the drive is about 6.5 hours. In good weather, we usually make it there in about 6 hours. In bad weather (we still make it out there) the drive is about 7 to 8 hours. We leave Friday nights and return on Sunday, which makes for a very short vacation. I say this to emphasize how much we enjoy making our trips out to this temple. No matter the weather, rain, snow, sleet, there is something about the temple that makes it worth the trip."

No matter the weather, rain, snow, sleet, there is something about the temple that makes it worth the trip.

"We are always welcomed by the monks and all of its residences. The people are kind, respectful, and very hard working. When we visit the temple, every stress point melts away. I feel very calm, very much at home, at peace, and happy. I talk to people I don't know. I call everyone I meet, family. Everyone is Uncle, Auntie, Brother, Sister, Grandma, and Grandpa. That is how welcome I feel. Everyone helps each other out. It doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, or even how old you are. Everyone is welcome and everyone shares the temple."

When we visit the temple, every stress point melts away. I feel very calm, very much at home, at peace, and happy. I talk to people I don't know. I call everyone I meet, family. 

"What I appreciate so much about this temple is the ambition, it has to continue to grow. It is so gorgeous! Every time I come to the temple, be it 2 or 3 times through out the year, there is always a new project. There is always a new addition to the temple. There are so many temples all over the world that struggle with finances, and struggle to show the community where that money is going. It is so obvious that the money being donated into this temple is being used honestly and for the people that share the temple. There is no doubt and no question that the revenue in this temple is ever being misused. The structure speaks for itself. It is an ever-growing and ever-changing temple."

What I appreciate so much about this temple is the ambition, it has to continue to grow.

"I am proud of Watt Munisotaram, and that is an understatement. I am proud that it takes in the elderly, offers food to any visitors, and continues to teach the culture and traditions of Cambodia to the younger ages. Traditions, beliefs, morals, and lessons are preserved here. There are leaders at this temple, all of which volunteer their time to keep the temple together. This temple will resound for many generations to come. I look forward to bringing my children here some day so that they may receive a rich understanding of their culture."

"My family and I enjoy our visits to this temple. We look forward to attending celebrations here, and embracing our culture and religion. Thank you, Watt Munisotaram, for what you have become and for all that you offer about the past, present, and future of Cambodia."

"Thank you, Watt Munisotaram, for what you have become and for all that you offer about the past, present, and future of Cambodia." —Kimpha Chau