On Saturday, I got the chance to join a touch rugby social in the afternoon for about an hour. It was good fun! I was definitely out of shape considering I was out of breathe after less than 10 minutes. Touch is an intense sport.. you don’t get many chances to catch a breather at all. But it was a good work out and great to get my hands on a rugby ball again. 

What’s even more exciting is that I got in touch with a few guys who pretty much started up and runs the rugby union in Phnom Penh. I went to one of the stadiums today and watched one of the domestic games. I arrived early and was able to watch the little ones practice and play, then caught the first half of the mens 15 league. It was surprising and shocking to find out about such a big rugby community around here. 

I enjoyed being there at the stadium and getting to know these European guys who have been here for more than 10 years but it also felt very nerve-wracking. The fact that I might be able to play rugby here, and to play rugby (full on tackle rugby) after over half a year is a little scary! What adds to that nervous-ness is that I might be playing on a team for the French school where they will also not only know each other.. but they will be speaking French. 

Not all that sure what the plan is yet, but like I said, I might play for a team which would be exciting. I might keep going to Touch Rugby every Saturday. Who knows? But I will keep you updated! 

Who woulda thought I needed my rugby gear in Phnom Penh? 
(which at the moment is back in Hong Kong… that might be a problem)

If you have turned on any news channel (especially CNN, because it has not shown any other news), you will know or have heard about the terrible tragedy happening in India ever since Wednesday. Multiple and continuous attacks left over 150 dead and hundreds injured. I continue to watch CNN and read the news, but up to a point… it begins to just give me a headache. I can’t keep up and I don’t understand. 

I don’t know what to do with myself. I’m not in the mood to sleep, all I want to do is press refresh on CNN. Yes, I know there is nothing I can do. Yet it feels like a knife just went through me and I’m trying hard to keep it beating. Don’t try to tell me it’ll all be okay. Because it’s not, and I don’t even begin to understand how everyone involved is feeling. Hostages, family members, those in hiding. 

We live in a tough world, there’s always going to be problems. But is the financial crisis not enough? Is the Thai internal conflict not enough? Suddenly, I turn on the TV and my eyes are focused on a little box on the bottom of the screen that said 101 dead, 300 injured. And the numbers continue to increase. Terrorist are still in major hotels.. guns and grenades continue to go off.  

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7

It’s my second year celebrating thanksgiving in Cambodia. We had Cambodian style turkey… which is actually chicken because turkey is too expensive, mash potatoes, stuffing, beans, and pumpkin pie. In fact, I had TWO thanksgiving dinners tonight. Impressive eh? … Now I really need to go exercise tomorrow. 

I had a thanksgiving meal at my house with some colleagues and then headed off to a good friends house for my second meal with some friends from the Khmer church I attend occasionally, as well as with others who I just met tonight. The food cooked at both meals were great! I almost couldn’t stop myself from eating more.

It is quite remarkable that exactly a year ago, I was also in Phnom Penh celebrating thanksgiving. Charmaine, Dominic and I were here filming our senior project and was able to celebrate at Grandma Peg’s house along with our Khmer friends from the church who helped us out tremendously. Who would’ve thought I’d be living here a year later eating a thanksgiving meal with the same friends? (We missed you Grandma!)

I spent the day at a resort with the Khmer staff from our school. Some office staff, other TA’s, and a few teachers. It was a cheap resort that they were able to afford, though the meal was quite pricy. I’m really glad I was able to get them together for this event. From what I understand, they have been out together as Khmer staff before but it’s a big encouragement to them to also be able to spend time with some of us, staff who are not Khmer. Likewise, I enjoy their company. 

After a full day of socializing with people and being out there, I am wiped out. Looking forward to another day off tomorrow, relaxing and spending some time to myself. Although I do have to get some unit plans done in the midst of all the relaxation.

Thanks you?

Throughout the day today, there were a few times or incidents where I had stories or thoughts that I wanted to post tonight. I kept telling myself, “I’ll remember, there’s no need to write it down!” But by the time the day is over, dinner and perhaps a drink with a colleague… OOPS! 

I could bring around a small notebook to write things in, which would probably be a smart idea. But no matter how small it is, it would be a pain to carry around while I work. If only we had an internal sticky note in our mind where we could store ideas and just whip it out when we need it… How convenient would that be? 

On another note, one more day of work for the week. I don’t have too many plans for the weekend, perhaps exercising will be a good idea… and once again, going to explore new food around Phnom Penh. It will be nice. I have another long weekend next week… only three days of work. oh snap!

I guess I can’t really complain.

It’s hard to believe today is already Saturday. I have a day and a half left in Hong Kong and I go back to Cambodia, my home for the year. I’m not complaining, I’ve had a week here and that’s more than what I can ever ask for. If you ask me what I did this week, I can’t really tell you! 

I’ve been eating, spending time with family, running errands, seeing friends and old teachers. The first few days was a little overwhelming coming back. I was constantly thinking about the difference between daily living here verses in Cambodia. The difference between HKIS verses Logos. Oh and of course, I have been out and about late in town.

Though it’s time to leave Hong Kong again, I am looking forward to coming back to Cambodia. I have thought about my first grade kids a few times this week and it made me smile. I’m looking forward to catching up with colleagues again and riding on a moto around town. Being on my own again…. oh but I have to clean my room when I get back. A whole week of dust balls… it’s not too fun. 

Christmas is going to be a blast with everyone back! 

Decorations are already starting to go up around HK.. it’s beautiful.