Thanksgiving

GABRIELE RIPKE - NOVEMBER 19, 1943 - 22 AUGUST 2022

Dear Gabi, when your husband died many years ago, you were looking for a new purpose in life. Fate struck us almost 16 years ago at the Altona street festival, here in Hamburg, at the booth of my small organization Sorya. I told you long and productively about the association, its background, its activities and its prospects - my life's work! Less than a year later we were having a drink together in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; our eyes wandered over the raging hustle and bustle of the Riverside and I listened with great interest to the stories of your adventurous past.

Together we drove to Tropang Sock. I introduced you to the village, the people and the Sorya school without having the conscience to introduce you to your future homeland. In many years that followed you returned to this place to pursue your life's work with much joy and enthusiasm - learning & teaching! 

Honesty - Freedom - Joy - Friendship

You vowed never to join an organization again! But you convinced Sorya to become a member. You vowed never to represent an organization again! I don't know anyone, myself included, whose name is more closely related to Sorya's values ​​than yours! We rarely agreed, but we were constant companions towards the same goal.

In the village they respectfully called you UM – grandmother! A rare honor and kudos for your community involvement. You lived and loved cultural exchange. Meeting you was like opening my heart and soul.

You once said that in Germany you are constantly confronted with the suffering and death of your friends and family. Dedicated to Cambodia, you are among many young people who give you a lot of courage and hope for a better future.

It's been a few years since our last conversation. You made the phone call from your apartment on Bernstoffstrasse. Your voice sounded weak and quiet, your words were slow and delicate. A silent farewell to me, Sorya and Cambodia.

"A new cycle may come!" - Gabriele Ripke  

Gratitude - Remembrance - November 19, 1943 - August 22, 2022

Hi-Khan Truong

Founder and CEO

Sorya has lost an important and unique person. To all of us, Gabi was a colleague, a teacher but most importantly a friend, full of heart and devotion. In Cambodia, Gabi was widely known and respected as “Grandmother” with a deep understanding for the Cambodian culture. Her uniquely positive and energetic nature, her love for teaching and her very own wisdom and philosophy of life were a great treasure for Sorya, our students, and the whole Sorya community in Cambodia and in Germany. Her year-long commitment is a key pillar of Sorya’s success and inspired all of us.

Whatever we write here cannot do her justice and each and every one of us has very special memories of her. Thank you, Gabi! We miss you and keep you firmly in our memories and hearts.

Thank you Gabi!

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