deep breath...
breathing.
Oh June, how you've done me in already!
So, apparently, I have reached the point where it is time to say goodbye to the place I've called home for the last two years (until I return to the same province to train new Volunteers in four weeks), and my body and mind seem to be resisting.
Ye olde brain has decided to send lots of signals to my nerves and emotional centers that the appropriate response is frustration for no reason? And el body threw a violent protest a few days back, making itself clear every twenty minutes that it did not agree with whatever was going on, and it would make itself heard by burning itself from the inside out, allowing itself to be sat on by ten elephants simultaneously and emptying itself of everything that existed within.
Or, that's how it's going around here lately.
How are you?
Who are you out there? I try not to do too much blog-navel-gazing (talking about the blog on the blog to people who read the blog), but as I inch closer to this returning home thing, I wonder: is there anyone who has followed along on this Cambodian journey the entire time? Anyone left from the days when I told rando stories about our rando life that I found somewhat funny? I don't pay attention to traffic, and the visible decline of comment notification emails hasn't been too noticeable without a smart phone for two years. And yet, I wonder.
Is it true? "They" tell us no one will care about this experience, this life we led, as much as we have. Some will ask us, in passing, without realizing or wanting the time needed for a full answer.
Are the imperceptible, tiny changes I've begun to notice about myself felt here? Can you read them between the lines, in the words?
This is all very blog-life-existential. Let's move away before this becomes a very strange thing.
June thus far has been quite the amalgamation. Camp GLOW (2nd Annual!), myriads of actual end of service appointments- medical, language and otherwise, fun things like this:
and an assortment of goodbyes and illness and learning how to eat again.
That about sums it up?
I'll have to get into more detail because that second picture just begs for more, doesn't it? And oh, but there is more.
But on a final note for today, one of the trainees I've taught for two years made it very clear she wanted to find me on facebook as we took pictures this morning.
"You know, because I want you to tell me the good news someday," she said as she patted my stomach and giggled.
No pressure at all.
And that's Wednesday, folks.
I've followed along since your weddingbee days. Your peace corps story is so different from anything I've ever experienced that I've loved following along.
ReplyDeleteI've also followed since your weddingbee days! I love reading all your interesting stories about the Peace Corps. Good luck on all your future endeavors & I look forward to more "rando stories" ;)
ReplyDeleteI've also been reading since WB. I've loved, loved, loved reading and learning about Cambodia through your posts. Really! Before I get too creepy, I'll just say that I think about your experiences a lot and I think you're an inspirational person.
ReplyDeleteI read each and every one of your posts and have LOVED hearing your thoughts on how things are going in your life, what you're learning and experiencing, and what you hope to accomplish both today and in the future. Also: you're a great writer, I miss you, I hope your body stops throwing a revolt, and Dave and I can NOT stop looking through your Cambodian wedding photos. Nailed it.
ReplyDeleteI've also followed since WB! I just rarely ever comment because I find I don't have anything terribly great to say!
ReplyDeleteI too, have been following since your WeddingBee days. When I really think about it, its perhaps a bit creepy that I have followed your life for the last 3 years or so without actually knowing you. But, with that being said, I have loved reading about your Peace Corps experience.Without ever knowing you in real life, I do think that your experience in Cambodia, and the changes it brought in you, can be read here. I have loved following along and can't wait to see what comes next for you. Thank you for sharing so much of your life here for us all to learn from and gather inspiration from.
ReplyDeleteAnother since-Weddingbee-days follower here, just chiming in :)
ReplyDeleteBeen following since WB :) Love your posts, attitude, and the experiences you're having!
ReplyDeleteI've also been following since your WB days, and been totally fascinated by your journey. What you guys have decided to do post-wedding is so rare for the people in my life and I wish more people were reading about it or knew people did this because they are so used to "the norm" -- marriage, house, kids, whichever order you want. Even though my husband and I have had a journey that didn't take us as far or have us doing something quite as selfless it still makes me feel like because you did these things, even if we are not following a specific plan, it is okay. So in ways your posts always give me a lot of comfort in my own decisions.
ReplyDeleteI feel so sad that your time is up already. I can't wait to hear about what you do when you get home and all your reflections once you are back. Thank you for taking the time to keep your blog updated and always share your honest thoughts.
Oh please, I love reading your posts! If it wasnt for you, I wouldnt cherish a coke with ice quite so much. As a fellow bee, I have been following along for quite some time now and I am excited to hear what the future holds for both of you!
ReplyDeleteI've really related a lot to you, probably because we got married around the same time (yep, I followed you on WB too!) and then we both made big lifestyle changes around the same time, although yours was arguably way bigger! But I just really love your story and how you tell it. And every time I hear about Cambodia (which looks like a really lovely place, by the way!) for whatever reason I smile and think of you!
ReplyDeleteI've read all of your posts since I've been home. They've been my connection to pretend I was there for all the wonderful things we've missed.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading all of your posts; I love this journey you've been on and I'm so glad you've shared it with us. And I'll continue to read, too :)
ReplyDelete