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The finish line.

My time at rescue is down to one more week.  Muoy sapada te'it.  It's been an interesting relationship we've had, Cambodia and I.  With ups and downs, flawed just like we are.  But as I'm preparing to leave, or at least starting to get myself organized, I'm glad to be leaving.  Excited even.  Not in the "running from a challenge" sort of way, but with a content sense of completion.  My time is up.  There is still so much work to be done and maybe there's still another chapter for Cambodia and I later on ... but right now?  Right now it's time for a break.  It's time to debrief, it's time to collect energy, it's time to learn more ... I just hope my complex love for this place, these kids is able to be seen.  In the grand scheme of things, I've done very little.  To the pessimist or hopeless achiever, it would appear that I've done very little in the way of long-term effects.  But as long as one child remembers something about their strange, crazy-haired English teacher that would dance around class and make silly faces, as long as one kid remembers something significant somewhere down the road, I will be satisfied.  And I may never know the affect I've had ... but I hope there's something.  And maybe I'll come back to continue the beautiful work that has been started here.

I read over some of Rescue's newsletters recently, tears welling in my eyes over the faces of the kids on the letter.  I know them!  They're my students!  Unruly at times, but always smiling.  

Mischievous smiles.
Teasing smiles.
Shy smiles begging for hugs ... they makes me cry.

And so Cambodia, keep pushing forward.  You have amazing people at your back for support.  It's been a ride and despite it all, I really do love you.  Your quirks, your flaws, your beauty.  One day, we will meet again.  I will carry you with me, everyday of my life.  You have changed me and I hope something of me will stay with you too.

Much love and affection, 

-teacher chelsea.


... one more week then off to wander Asia for a few weeks before back to Canada.




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