Cambodian Detour

Well, here I am back in Cambodia for the 3rd time in 3 years. Can you believe it's been that long since I lived here? I can't...and yet, walking around Battambang the last few days, to some degree, I found myself oddly amazed that I really had called this place home because it's changed so much. When I lived here, everything felt like some grand adventure, and I just went with the flow. Now I look around and see paved streets, a zillion hotels, and places where I used to go all the time gone and replaced. Yet, in the midst of that, I see so much that hasn't changed that I feel caught in the midst of some cosmic paradox.

Change happens...everywhere...whether you're there or not. Seeing old friends, meeting new ones, and wandering around this place reminded me not only how much Cambodia has changed without me, but how much I've changed since I left. Of course, if it hadn't been for Cambodia, I never would've gone into teaching, but even more than that, I was reminded how blessed I've been in my life. How many people can say they got to live overseas for a year, completely immersed in another culture? I had so many adventures and wonderful experiences over here, and very soon, I will get to start a new adventure when I marry the most amazing guy I've ever known. I realized today that I really have been blessed with the best of many worlds. 

I don't know what God has up His sleeve for me exactly in the months ahead in the way of finding a job, but this trip has been good at reminding me of all the ways He's provided for me in the past...even now. Getting me across the border, getting me to Battambang (after getting cheated) -- even the negative experiences have helped me get where I needed to go and taught me things along the way. I definitely have a lot of work ahead of me for job hunting, but somehow, I feel like it'll come together. Some of the best things that have come to me in life, I fell into backwards: Cambodia, teaching, meeting Adam.

I'm ready for what's next. It's new and different, but I'm looking forward to it. I got where I am now because of where I've been, and I guess it was just good to be back in one of those key places again before I take that leap.