Happy New Years

Well It is now nearly 2012 across the world.  I hope that you had a satisfying 2011 and can look back at the highlights and be happy with the year that was. 

Over the past couple days I have been trying to think how to define my 2011.  Often you hear people say if you could sum it up in one word what would it be.  I have been trying to do that, but it has been tough to pin point one word that could some up the entire year.  This morning I got up and the word Faith popped into my mind.  A year abroad had never really entered my mind as something to do.  I certainly would not have done if it weren't for God poking me and prodding me to sign up. 

So I signed up for SALT in February 2011, and specifically requested placement in Africa.  After about a month I was told that the African spots had been all filled up and that I would be placed on a waiting list.  Shortly there after I received a call that there was a position in Cambodia and that MCC Cambodia was interested in me.  This was another instance where I had to put my faith in God.  I can distinctly remember telling Eva, the SALT coordinator that I felt that God was calling me to Africa, and only Africa.  I could have easily used this as an excuse to back out and say no thanks but no thanks.  I quickly realized though that maybe it was just myself who was calling for Africa and not God.  I emailed Eva back the next week and told her that I was interested in Cambodia, and within a couple weeks it was settled. 

These past 4 months here in Cambodia have been full of ups and downs, and I think I will experience similar things in the next 6 months.  It isn't easy entering a new culture, and having create new relationships (at least not for me), but it has been a challenge that I have embraced and enjoyed.  I have learned to take joy in the little things like fighting through conversations with my neighbors or students, learning new Khmer words and actually remembering them, and making new friends.

With that in my mind I have some sad news.  My host father has just taken a job in Malaysia and will be moving there in a week, and my host mom is moving there at the end of the month.  That means that I will be moving out and will have to find a new host family.  It is sad because I have developed a good relationship with my host dad, as well as with my host brothers and one of our neighbors.  I am really going to miss them and it will be tough to move out from a place that had felt like home for awhile.  That said there is a bit of excitement when it comes to change.  I will be moving into the MCC guest house for awhile during the transition, which will allow me to have a little more alone time.  After that I will get the chance to meet a whole new family, which like I said is a little bit exciting.  I ask that you keep me in your prayers in the next couple weeks as I go through this transition.

Thing to remember this week:  God works in mysterious ways.  On Thursday my computer cord went missing, which basically renders my computer useless until I can find it.  In the last few weeks I had been spending a lot of time in my room on the computer, and I think this was Gods way of  saying "you have a week left with your host family spend some quality time with them."  So I am trying to listen to him and spend as much time as possible with them. 

Many of you may have already read about my Christmas on facebook (thanks to those who filled out the quiz), but for those of you who do not have facebook here is a look at my Christmas weekend.

1) Washed my motto(car)
2) Got a hair cut
3) Got pulled over by the Police 

4) Paid a $2 fine;) to said Police
5) Ate Indian food for Christmas Eve
6) Went to a Candle Light service
7) Sang Silent Night (unfortunately not in German)
8) Went to Church on Christmas morning
9) Ate Khmer/Thai food for lunch on Christmas day
10) Exchanged gifts with friends and acquaintances
11) Had the worst excuse for a steak for Christmas dinner

 Thanks for reading!