I feel as if I've been living in a fog, or rather, a third dimension the past month. I flew home for about 2 weeks and after a 35 hour trip to the USA, and a 25 hour trip back to Cambodia it took everything out of me!
It was wonderful. It was somewhat restful. It was fun. It was rejuvenating. And it re-confirmed my decision to move to Cambodia. How is it possible to love such different places so much?!?! I love the Tennessee mountains and the easy 85 degree summers. I love the Cambodian skies and the difficult 100 degree all year life. I love the ease of traffic in the USA, but I love the wind I feel when I drive a moto. I love southern casseroles and sweet tea, but I love Common Grounds grilled cheeses and chicken fried rice. I love my friends at home who understand my past and get my humor, but I love my new friends here in Siem Reap who giggle when they're uncomfortable and always refer to me as "teacher".
Even though some of these things are centered around environment or food... it's really all about the people. People hold memories, laughs, experiences-good and bad, emotions, and most importantly it's the people who push us out of our comfortable places and give us new perspective. It's people who open our eyes to new hardships or shed light on the goodness in a situation.
I encourage you to focus on people. May the "love of things" not suck you in too much and may you value being present with those who matter most. Although I noticed many things when I went home, a lot I never saw before, one of the biggest lessons I have learned is to be present. My time in Cambodia, as of now, is limited and I hope to NEVER irresponsibly pass the moments I have with my friends here... or playing games at the Children's Home.... or even just teaching a class. And when I'm home, I hope I never take for granted the babies I push on swings, the puzzles we put together, or even the simple neighborhood walks with girlfriends.
You know what all of that is? It's life. And it's so beautiful.
“In almost everything that touches our everyday life on earth, God is pleased when we’re pleased. He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our maker’s praise without anxiety.” ~A.W. Tozer
1 comment:
Beautiful, Abby! So much wisdom from someone still young! You are an inspiration to me and, I'm sure many others, as you throw yourself into a purpose....making the most out of life and giving yourself to others as you answer the call of God on your life!! Blessings!!
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