Outside the Box: July 2021

I don't even know how to fully comprehend the fact I've left. People have told me to 'grieve hard'. I will. I'm moving ..... again. I've chosen this life of packing a suitcase. Every 5 years or so I end up moving. That's a long time to settle down and build community and develop deep friendships. I know people that pack up and leave every few months as part of their job or family situation but that is different. I applaud them still though. I have LOVED Cambodia and the HOPE community that has so lovingly welcomed me. I've grown through my teaching career, my personal relationship with God, and my understanding of life. I came with the passion and vision to serve HOPE school. This was odd for many mission families coming as adults to the mission field. I still feel the need to back myself up when people frown when hearing I don't speak fluent Khmer and have lived in Cambodia for 5 years..... or 'all' I've done was work at HOPE school etc. Our callings and passions and service are ALL different. That's why God uses us all for different things. We are His body. He uses us each for His purpose not what others think that should be. As a mission kid myself, I never in a million years dreamed of enjoying working at a mission school. (Tip: Never say "never" to God!)

I realized that I am extremely privileged to have 3 cultures under one roof growing up. Indian by blood. Dutch-American parents. Growing up in India. Attending British boarding school with international friends. Attending University with mostly Americans. I had some full summers visiting The Netherlands and Rochester, New York. I lived in Germany for a few weeks during 2 summers during grad school. I lived in Cambodia for 5 years. It has truly become one of my many homes. A particularly precious one though as there was a lot of growth these last few years. There is always an end to a beautiful season though. A season where I've grown confidently in myself. I've served and helped families and students that I've loved and will miss dearly. I came with the understanding I'd give and serve and help. I'm leaving with an overwhelming full-feeling of being blessed. Cambodia and HOPE has given me a lot. A lot of healing. A lot of close friendships. A lot of familiarity that I didn't realize I missed so much. A lot of love.

This concept of 'home' is never an easy one for someone like me. However, I've learned that home are where my people are at! It is where I live. I've been extremely overwhelmed with all the amazing homes I've had the privilege of living in. It's easy to forget the GOOD when I'm in the midst of a transition season and goodbyes have happened. Having friends literally across the world to visit has been so fun. Getting to experience and live in many cultures has been a privilege too.

Our true home is Heaven. A place with no fear, no tears, no sorrow, or isolation. We have to make the most of the 'home' we get down here. And wow- I've been spoiled greatly by my 5 years in Cambodia. God is just so so kind. It is a hard place to leave and a precious season I will cherish dearly.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

This place truly has its ups and downs and everything has not always been the way it appears, but I am grateful to have called this lively place MY HOME for this current season. There were definitely days I was frustrated about something: being far from family, dust, heat, noise, something broken even though I just got it repaired, flooding, moto accidents...... However, I am just in awe by this beautiful place I got to live in and call home. These beautiful people. The simplicity of life and living. I find it a lot easier to live in Asia than to live in a Western country. Coming from the hustle of Calcutta, India to a place like Phnom Penh was needed. I was able to appreciate things in an unusual way. The things I never realized I missed about India became real. Cambodia has so many similarities that I was able to process my growing up years while not even being in the same place. I will miss the people the most. The community built will never be replaced or forgotten. My students. The way of life. I will miss my Moto driving and the independence of daily life. I will miss the colors, tastes, and smells. My time in Asia has come to an end for now though. My dreams here have come true! The Lord has shaped and grown me. I am ready for whatever is next. Asia will ALWAYS be home.....

Phnom Penh
Home
Noisy
Oh, those hammocks!
Merry markets

Permeated
Energetic and lively
Nice places to eat
Houses on stilts
😀