Odd and Ends

Today I feel like writing, but there is no major event to report on. So instead, I am offering up a list:

• Last Friday was my last day of Khmer class. Though I am by no means fluent, I am ready to be done. Its difficult to keep up the energy for it after 3 months, day in day out. I told my sisters that they have to force me to speak more Khmer at home so I do not lose anything I have learned. I do not know if my vocabulary will increase at this point, but I hope that by the end of the year my conversation skills will be more smooth and natural.
  

• The end of language class means that I will finally start working full time at Peace Bridges. Well, at least 30 hours a week. I realize I have not said anything about my job lately. After toiling away for most of November on a qualitative research proposal, my supervisor and I came to the joint conclusion that that project just was not going to work. A little disappointing after so much work, but also kind of a relief because I was definitely in over my head. So now, I am doing a quantitative research evaluation project. A little more manageable. I am working on writing the survey so it can be translated. Its slowly coming together. The plan is the administer the survey in early February. Also, a new Khmer co-worker just started work in our Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit. He really knows what he is doing, probably more than I do. He has been a great help- with the project and also with Khmer and English practice. Overall, the job is good. Its a little too much sitting at a computer time for my taste, but its a good experience. Plus, if I am going to do research, I am glad I am doing it for an organization I believe in. And this kind of capacity building is exactly what Cambodia needs from expats right now.
  

• Being away from home in December does kind of suck. (Of course when I think about the fact that for the last 4 years, I have been taking finals during this week, I am pretty glad to be here!) I miss being home for our family traditions and even the cold weather. On the other hand, it does not really feel like Christmas here, so its easy to carry on with life without being too homesick. (at least so far) My plan is to absolutely not expect it to feel like Christmas at home and just enjoy it for what it will be. Christmas festivities so far have included a day of baking cookies and decorating the tree in the office. On Christmas Eve night, a bunch of people from MCC are having a sleep over and then Christmas breakfast together. Then, the day after Christmas, I leave for a week of vacation- half at the beach and half in Siem Riep. It will not be as good as a family Christmas, but I am happy to share it with my expat family here in Phnom Penh.

• I also wanted to say a little about my church life here. On Sunday mornings, I attend a Khmer church with my sister. Although I really cannot ever follow the sermon, I do really enjoy the service. I love feeling Gods presence so deeply when I cannot even understand the words to the song we are singing. Its a really beautiful experience. And next week I am participating in the Christmas program. I would never, ever agree to sing in front of people at home, but here it seems like a worthwhile way to be a part of the church. And its not a solo or anything! There are a couple of people at the church that I am getting to know a little which feels really wonderful. On Sunday nights, I have started going to a expat house church. It has taken awhile to settle in with this group, but I am starting to get to know people. The community reminds me a lot of my small group in Spokane last year. In fact, my wonderful experience last year led me to seek at a similar group here. Its a good way to meet more people, build intentional relationships, and just have the opportunity to worship in language I understand completely. As I settle into a routine here, my spiritual life is settling in also. What I mean is that at first, with so much rapid change, my brain felt scattered, but now I am returning to my normal equilibrium and both these churches play a big role in that process.

Well, thats all for now. I hope all of you are enjoying cuddling up with hot chocolate and seeing Christmas lights. Because I am missing out on those things now, I give you permission to feel a little sad for me. But when I am lying on a beach in 90 degree weather on December 26th, I will return the favor and feel a little sad for you : )