What I've Learned So Far: Part II

I have a few more items to add to the list.  Here we go…

I’m more flexible than I thought.

All those left in America were concerned about my personality of schedule and sense of planning and how that would fit in over here, but honestly, it’s been fine!  Living here means you come with the attitude that you have a plan and hope that it is executed, but if it gets changed a long the way,  it’s not that big of a deal.  I will never lose my sense of order but it’s been really nice to actually go with the flow a little more. 

Communicating home with friends and family has a whole new meaning.

I hope I can explain this well because I’ve been simmering on the whole concept a while now.  This is it basically:  EVERYthing in my life has changed: food, transportation, language, house, job, music, shopping, etc. etc.  EVERYTHING!  THE ONLY THING that has changed for everybody else at home is ME not being around.  Therefore, I have an entire new life and schedule so fitting people into it via facetime or email is just part of the job for me.  BUT-for everyone else, it’s much harder to change your whole schedule just to be able to talk to me.  BUT-It’s absolutely crucial for me to be able to make it over here.  Sometimes, when no one answers a facetime call or responds to an email I want to THROW MY COMPUTER AGAINST A WALL!  I know I’m not the center of everyone’s life, but it’s not like I can just call another friend across the street to hang out. For most people, you'll hopefully see a good friend every few days out and about so an unanswered email etc. is no big deal, but I don't get that option.  I have to communicate this way with ALL of my people at home while I’m probably the only one this far away for everyone else to talk with.  Making sense?  Honestly, a random email or facebook message means TONS to me and I don’t know if I can ever explain it. (don't send me a message just out of guilt now!)  Just to know I’ve not been forgotten.  And that life is kind of boring without me… haha.  Ok.  That’s terrible… but seriously guys…

HE is my constant.

After reading the above paragraph, and understanding how everything is different for me… the one thing NOT different is Jesus and how I’m still able to communicate through prayer and read His word.  I love it.  It’s the most comforting time and moment where I feel “at home” because it never changes.  It’s the same Word and the same sense of peace here in Cambodia as it is in Tennessee.  He is faithful, never changing, and a comforter.  Amen for that.