Joining a writers group has enriched me. It has been an experience of community development in practice and empowerment in action. As we shared our stories, I learned from listening and it softened me. Our writers words come from our experiences, our feelings and our senses. We know that we are experts in our own lives and we value the knowledge and wisdom that resides in each one of us. The respect and support I have been given has encouraged me to try harder, to go further, to experiment with stories and test how they sound. This is trust and empowerment. Our writers group is a microcosm of the broader community working with a holistic approach to community development. My community development career enabled me to work with Aboriginal communities in New South Wales and the Northern Territory. I made mistakes and I learned, I am grateful for the privilege of working and living alongside First Nations people. Internationally, I worked in Central Vietnam and the Mekong Delta for six years. I have written many stories of my experiences over these years. Could it be another book? Maybe. A dear Cambodian friend introduced me to rural life in Cambodia in one of its poorest provinces. By her side, I witnessed the poverty, strength and resilience of Cambodian villagers. I also felt the warmth and friendship of the Cambodian people. I have much to be grateful for.