What I've Learned So Far: Part I

Three and a half months in I thought it would be wise for me to stop.  Take a moment.  And really think about what I’ve learned so far. 

I’ve adjusted to the heat better than expected.

Alright, I have to admit it.  When thinking about moving to Cambodia I reaaaaaally had to ponder what the extreme heat would be like from day to day. I didn’t know if I could handle it.  And some days-I do a really bad job.  While other days, I actually function.  But it’s a whole new mindset.  I set different expectations for what “cool” really feels like and have actually gotten comfortable with sweat dribbling down places I didn’t even know sweated.  It sure can put ya in a cranky mood, but luckily, we’re all patient with one another. 

I can’t get as much done in a day as I normally would!

Wow!  It’s really amazing how different it is.  At home, I could make a list and run around town in 2 hours and have been to 10 different stores, but it’s just not like that here. Traveling is more tedious… scary… and slow.  Buying items is random… sporadic… and somewhat uncertain.  There is a language barrier as well and not to mention the not so fun concept of being able to bargain which honestly, I hate.  Just set a price and I’LL PAY IT!!! At Wal-Mart you can get groceries, shampoo, a new shirt, oil for your car, fabric to make a pillow, and a paper shredder.  But in Cambodia… you go to the light bulb store to find a light bulb… then the paper store to buy some paper… then the hanger store to buy some hangers… then the toilet paper store… anyways.  You get the idea.  After two errands in 100 degree weather, I’m done.  Call it a day and go sit in the aircon.

It’s kind of a rollercoaster.

My emotions can swing heavily here and I have to be really mindful of it.  Not in a moody type of way or even in front of people usually but rather a OH MY WORD!  WHAT HAVE I DONE! Kind of way.  Praise the Lord, those feelings are actually disappearing and I’m settling in to the idea of this really being a place for me the next year and a half.  I have days of pure glee where I just want to freeze time because I’m blessed to be living such a captivating life… and then I have moments where I realize how FAR, FAR, FAR away I am from so many people and it feels like I’ve been punched in the gut.  I try not act dramatically on either emotion, mainly the latter.  I usually take a few moments to process it all… pray and ask for guidance… and then sleep on it.  After a good night’s rest (and usually a decent Skype call home) things always level out and before I know it, I’m up and at it again.