Sometime in August last year, the boss I worked for at Volunteers International asked me to conduct a TESOL-training to local teachers in an unfamiliar village. The demand was too soon that I had to start right away the weekend. I only had two inquiries to end our coffee-talk. One was about my staying which didn’t really bother me a lot. And the other one was about the RESTROOM which I am very particular about ever since the existence of a nature-call.
Bingo!
I made another speculation right. Two to three weekends was a battle. But that is part of the package if one desires to become an agent of change.
I understand!
“It’s just a temporary discomfort. And I am not going to be here for long.” I reminded my self over and over specially when confronted with this scenario of a rest-room-dilemma. I got no choice. Well, not when I am in Phnom Penh at my own solace place.
Then little by little, a week after week, I learned to set my mind on this two-day-discomfort, and so heartening the inner me of an opposite life-style I always have back in the city. There I have the whole weekdays to enjoy my very clean, very tidy, and very fresh smelling rest room – one of my favorite areas in the house. So give a paradigm shift!
It was just a rest room issue indeed, but it seemed like carrying the whole world on my back. A weekend was like forever to bear. And what if I didn’t learn to let go of my comfort? For sure things would never be the same again. I knew it wouldn’t.
It started just a year ago but all turned in a colorful experience like a tapestry if not for such a decision made. And got some “that’s whens” to tell about…
That’s when I tremendously got to know different individuals, learners, and co-educators who have become a true family and friends along the way - when mere teaching wasn’t enough.
That’s when without defiance had to sleep inside a mosquito net to avoid bites from merciless mosquitoes – outside the house. I hate being confined inside a mosquito net.
That’s when I realized that lotus and water lily are not only grown wild flowers but also vegetables. I have eaten such here almost every day - not to mention all sorts of vegetables we just considered grasses back home.
That’s when birthdays were celebrated in their unique ways - including mine.
That’s when I adopted a son for the first time ever.
That’s when I learned to embrace a father image and take care of kids like my own – now proud to be a daddy.
That’s when in span of year, a very huge first time experiences have learned – mostly were shocking and surprising. Remember the article I have published about crabbing and village hopping?
That’s when my mouth have become used to eating fish in all kinds- both known and unknown.
That’s when I found a new home regardless how uncomfortable the place really is –now a home sweet home.
And that’s when every memory shared is worth reminiscing and recapitulating – an item to thank and praise about.
"THANKS AND PRAISE BE TO THE FATHER"
Yesterday, proud and fulfilled, I told my kids that daddy has been staying here for a year now. Looking back at those odysseys was but manifestations of God’s abounding GRACE. Yet I had to do my part to step a faith to make things happened. I had to stay open to have things learned receptively. And I had to stay patient to be able to spell E-N-D-U-R-A-N-C-E correctly and meaningfully. Then I would be able to see things accomplished.
I had!
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