09/17/2026
**CAMBODIA — THE PEOPLE**
**The People You Meet Along the Way**
The day I had to step away from the trek was without a doubt one of the saddest parts of my Cambodia journey.
But somehow, that same day also gave me something I never expected.
**People.**
One of the things I’ve learned through these Shelter Foundation treks is that the support doesn’t stop with the people assigned to your group.
It comes from everywhere.
From the people walking beside you.
From the guides who are constantly watching out for you.
From trekkers in completely different groups who may barely know you but somehow know exactly what you need to hear.
And sometimes, from people you haven’t seen since the last time you did something crazy like this together.
Because I wasn't trekking that day, I ended up crossing paths with some of my **favourite people from my previous trek**.
People who already understood.
They knew what these treks mean.
They knew what it feels like when you've trained, fundraised and committed yourself to finishing — and suddenly the plan changes.
And just when I needed it, there they were.
I also met new trekkers that day.
People who really didn't know me yet, but offered the same encouragement, support, laughs and, quite honestly, **love** that I've experienced throughout the Shelter Foundation community.
That's difficult to explain until you've been part of one of these treks.
You arrive as Royal LePager from different offices, different provinces and different parts of the country.
Some are friends.
Some are competitors.
Some you've never met before.
But out there, none of that seems to matter.
**You become family.**
Someone is always checking on you.
Someone is making you laugh when you need it.
Someone is walking beside you when things get difficult.
And if you're not walking that day, somehow there are still people there to make sure you aren't going through it alone.
So yes, missing that day was a difficult part of my Cambodia story.
But when I look back at it now, I don't just remember the kilometres I didn't walk.
**I remember the people I was lucky enough to spend that day with.**
And maybe that's one of the reasons why, when I think about signing up for another trek, the destination isn't what pulls me back the most.
**It's knowing some of these incredible people will be there too. ❤️**
But my Cambodia story still wasn't finished.
**Next: Could I get back out there and finish with my group?**