One role I've had for a little while already is the Language Facilitator for our team. This means I'm meant to assist the process of language and cultural learning particularly for those new to Cambodia. (You know, point them in the right direction, give them an encouraging pat on the back and let them go for it.)
This week I began my own formal language lessons at the Language Exchange Centre. LEC was started by an entrepreneurial Indonesian lady who realised that there were very few trained language teachers in Cambodia. I've found the teachers there excellent - proactive in preparing lessons and correcting errors.
This morning I received a lot of correction and it was clearly obvious to my teacher that while I can speak quickly (making many people believe I can speak well), I really have a limited vocab. The story I made up about the picture she held was pathetic and my listening comprehension skipped crucial points.
I ended the lesson demoralised. It certainly didn't help that my teacher had begun the lesson raving about Steve's ability in his lesson on Wednesday.
Ah, nothing like a good dose of empathy to make you better at your job.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Enjoying a gurgling head
It's no surprise (but still disappointing) that my quality control job at the cafe fell through. They really need someone there full-time which just wasn't practical. Ruth (the heart and soul of Bloom) asked me if I'd be willing to pass on my metabolism instead. As much as I love her, I might need to pray about that one...
But the good news is that my depression at losing such an ideal job passed quickly. The ideas and opportunities for serving here in Cambodia are just pouring out of my head. Some have been gurgling in there a while (like soap nuts and solar ovens), while others spring from conversations with others (income generation and Board memberships). There are also the long standing projects like fundraising for the school's building program and developing my current language consultant role. Or the far off dream of writing a biography or two on some seriously amazing people working here.
It seems that each new person I meet sparks a conversation that brings new ideas and another night of difficult sleep (is there a recurring theme here?). I was beginning to wonder about my sanity until I spoke with a good friend Pip who has the same dilemma. However, she sees each new idea as an opportunity to develop her strategic thinking skills, so writes up a project proposal and promptly files it, forgotten until the day someone asks, "have you ever thought of...?".
While wondering about the random overflow of exciting ideas, another friend wisely encouraged me to enjoy it. Sooner or later, I will focus and become stuck in a job. For now, I can just enjoy a gurgling head ... and get those project proposals down on paper.
But the good news is that my depression at losing such an ideal job passed quickly. The ideas and opportunities for serving here in Cambodia are just pouring out of my head. Some have been gurgling in there a while (like soap nuts and solar ovens), while others spring from conversations with others (income generation and Board memberships). There are also the long standing projects like fundraising for the school's building program and developing my current language consultant role. Or the far off dream of writing a biography or two on some seriously amazing people working here.
It seems that each new person I meet sparks a conversation that brings new ideas and another night of difficult sleep (is there a recurring theme here?). I was beginning to wonder about my sanity until I spoke with a good friend Pip who has the same dilemma. However, she sees each new idea as an opportunity to develop her strategic thinking skills, so writes up a project proposal and promptly files it, forgotten until the day someone asks, "have you ever thought of...?".
While wondering about the random overflow of exciting ideas, another friend wisely encouraged me to enjoy it. Sooner or later, I will focus and become stuck in a job. For now, I can just enjoy a gurgling head ... and get those project proposals down on paper.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A perfect fit
I've already mentioned how we are glad to be back in Cambodia.
After five and a half years here, like worn running shoes, we seem to fit here better than ever. The initial stressors of language, culture and climate have lessened with familiarity and growing competence. Dare I even say, we've developed a greater understanding of and empathy for Khmer people - valuing their strengths and recognising within ourselves their foibles.
Maybe a year away has brought fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm.
Even so, it is a little shocking to think that when our much loved and admired friends, Barry and Fiona, leave at the end of the year, we will become our team's longest serving members.
Are we ready for that mantle?
Steve might be. This week one of the key physios here declared that Steve was "the Mahatma Gandhi of Cambodian Physiotherapy". He has no positional power but everyone looks up to him as "the man".
Me? Well, I'm concerned that they are seriously huge shoes to fill and I'm frankly a bit of a Cinderella.
But I'm pleased to say that it seems that a good friend has found me the "perfect job". It's a role which recognises my extensive experience and fits with my lifelong passion, critical analysis skills, discerning taste and ability to tell it how it is, utilitising my Khmer language skills.
Taste testing cakes at Bloom Cafe in Phnom Penh!!!! Baking starts Monday.
I just need to get into those running shoes before I have a different kind of problem with "fit".
After five and a half years here, like worn running shoes, we seem to fit here better than ever. The initial stressors of language, culture and climate have lessened with familiarity and growing competence. Dare I even say, we've developed a greater understanding of and empathy for Khmer people - valuing their strengths and recognising within ourselves their foibles.
Maybe a year away has brought fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm.
Even so, it is a little shocking to think that when our much loved and admired friends, Barry and Fiona, leave at the end of the year, we will become our team's longest serving members.
Are we ready for that mantle?
Steve might be. This week one of the key physios here declared that Steve was "the Mahatma Gandhi of Cambodian Physiotherapy". He has no positional power but everyone looks up to him as "the man".
Me? Well, I'm concerned that they are seriously huge shoes to fill and I'm frankly a bit of a Cinderella.
But I'm pleased to say that it seems that a good friend has found me the "perfect job". It's a role which recognises my extensive experience and fits with my lifelong passion, critical analysis skills, discerning taste and ability to tell it how it is, utilitising my Khmer language skills.
Taste testing cakes at Bloom Cafe in Phnom Penh!!!! Baking starts Monday.
I just need to get into those running shoes before I have a different kind of problem with "fit".
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The naughty suitcase and other misadventures
Again, our renegade suitcase containing all our clothes went missing on our trip from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. I'm not sure of the bright spot this time, but I'm glad it is finally here.
Other than that, we are settling into life in Cambodia quite well. The noise, smells, dust and mossies are just as expected. In remembering these things, I had forgotten how good it is to be back amongst like-minded people who inspire and challenge us. Friends have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome and the kids have settled back into school with ease. One teacher commented that the school now felt complete with the West-Newmans back.
Our youngest, Mr Happy, is probably faring the worst. His life has been turned upside-down. He remembers occasional things like the houses with the pointy noses (the local pagoda) but he has forgotten things like Mum and Dad's ability to speak in some strange language that he cannot understand (which he finds particularly annoying). He has also started at pre-school which he enjoys once he settles into it for the day (but finds scary at first).
The upshot of all this major change is that he is having bad dreams and is afraid of falling asleep at night. I've taken to sleeping by his side which brings him great comfort, and me very little.
At least our suitcase has now arrived and I have fresh clothes in the morning even if my eyelids are still a little shabby.
Other than that, we are settling into life in Cambodia quite well. The noise, smells, dust and mossies are just as expected. In remembering these things, I had forgotten how good it is to be back amongst like-minded people who inspire and challenge us. Friends have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome and the kids have settled back into school with ease. One teacher commented that the school now felt complete with the West-Newmans back.
Our youngest, Mr Happy, is probably faring the worst. His life has been turned upside-down. He remembers occasional things like the houses with the pointy noses (the local pagoda) but he has forgotten things like Mum and Dad's ability to speak in some strange language that he cannot understand (which he finds particularly annoying). He has also started at pre-school which he enjoys once he settles into it for the day (but finds scary at first).
The upshot of all this major change is that he is having bad dreams and is afraid of falling asleep at night. I've taken to sleeping by his side which brings him great comfort, and me very little.
At least our suitcase has now arrived and I have fresh clothes in the morning even if my eyelids are still a little shabby.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
A rest under the Juniper Tree
2010 was an intense year. Living with a Masters student who received a Dean's Commendation for High Achievement, it could be nothing other than intense.
So were were looking forward to a brief 10 day holiday in Thailand before heading back to Cambodia for another three years. It could have been a week or two longer if we left Australia earlier but there was no way we were missing our first Christmas on Aussie soil for seven years.
After flying through Sydney to Bangkok, the plan was to catch a pre-arranged taxi / minivan from the airport to the Juniper Tree in Chiang Mai. This would save us hours of waiting at the airport in the middle of the night for another flight and we could sleep through half the trip until the sun rose.
Imagine our surprise when we awoke at dawn at the beach in Southern Thailand. The taxi driver had taken us to the wrong Juniper Tree hours in the opposite direction. The children were delighted to run, collect shells and build sandcastles while we problem solved. Fortunately, there was a room available for the night and we were able to rest up for a long taxi ride the following day.
The taxi company owner himself arrived before dawn in his own car. It was a sedan, not the mini-van we were expecting. After more discussion, we decided to take it anyway... hoping it would be faster at least.
Thirteen hours. Cramped in a Toyota Camry with one Thai driver and his Khmer magic markings, two weary parents, three active kids, four suitcases (we fortunately lost one in Sydney), five pieces of hand luggage and numerous fuel stops at places like Tankomart, we arrived in Chaing Mai with New Years crackers firing.
We were greeted by our lost luggage and a plate of sandwiches, relieved that the trip and 2010 was over. We survived both remarkably well and even enjoyed parts. Thank God.
Maybe there is a sermon illustration or some sage advice for travelling parents amongst this, but first I just need to rest a while under the Juniper Tree.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wanted - Running Buddy
Relatively new runner seeking female running buddy for motivation and company.
Have run a half marathon in the last year but am currently struggling to do 5kms due to recent illness.
Applicants must have ridiculous sense of humour and not mind the occassional chat (except while racing). Future running goals and GPS functionality a plus.
Previous running buddy refusing to relocate to Phnom Penh. (What's with that?!!)
Positional available from January 2011.
Have run a half marathon in the last year but am currently struggling to do 5kms due to recent illness.
Applicants must have ridiculous sense of humour and not mind the occassional chat (except while racing). Future running goals and GPS functionality a plus.
Previous running buddy refusing to relocate to Phnom Penh. (What's with that?!!)
Positional available from January 2011.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
What a missionary should be?
Whatever you do, don't look at me!
For starters, I am a terrible entertainer (missionaries are meant to be masters of hospitality, right?). I'm not much of a cook and my house is generally a mess. Our dishes are mismatched and our chairs creak and groan (I'm not keen to update when it is all just put back into storage). Besides, the kids are noisy and it just plain stresses me out. And that's in Australia.
But, we gladly put such excuses aside for one type of people - those interested in missions. We bring out a simple (ie fail-proof) Sunday lunch of fresh salad sandwiches and listen to their journey of faith so far.
Our most recent visitors were a newly married couple with great questions. But it was getting tough to talk over the kids who were bored in the newly tidied house. As my frustration grew, I suddenly thought to ask the kids if they'd like to answer some questions. They were keen to talk about Cambodia - for them, it is home and they are keen to get back there. With their seemingly boundless energy focused on communicating, I slipped away to chop the salad which I had not prepared in advance.
After it all, there was one question that remained with me. "What is your greatest challenge as a missionary?" The answer was immediate and clear. "Not meeting my own expectations of what a missionary should be." As a mother of young children, I feel like such a pretend missionary living out a life that can be easily transported to another context without my main role or even my key relationships changing at all! It is tempting to look at the work and lives of others and wish I could be as "good" as them.
Yet, a missionary "should" be someone who is (by grace) faithful to whatever God has called them to. Not distracted by the need or by the works of others but commited to the call and the One who calls. Then, there will be no mismatch of expections and enterprise.
Mothers take note!
For starters, I am a terrible entertainer (missionaries are meant to be masters of hospitality, right?). I'm not much of a cook and my house is generally a mess. Our dishes are mismatched and our chairs creak and groan (I'm not keen to update when it is all just put back into storage). Besides, the kids are noisy and it just plain stresses me out. And that's in Australia.
But, we gladly put such excuses aside for one type of people - those interested in missions. We bring out a simple (ie fail-proof) Sunday lunch of fresh salad sandwiches and listen to their journey of faith so far.
Our most recent visitors were a newly married couple with great questions. But it was getting tough to talk over the kids who were bored in the newly tidied house. As my frustration grew, I suddenly thought to ask the kids if they'd like to answer some questions. They were keen to talk about Cambodia - for them, it is home and they are keen to get back there. With their seemingly boundless energy focused on communicating, I slipped away to chop the salad which I had not prepared in advance.
After it all, there was one question that remained with me. "What is your greatest challenge as a missionary?" The answer was immediate and clear. "Not meeting my own expectations of what a missionary should be." As a mother of young children, I feel like such a pretend missionary living out a life that can be easily transported to another context without my main role or even my key relationships changing at all! It is tempting to look at the work and lives of others and wish I could be as "good" as them.
Yet, a missionary "should" be someone who is (by grace) faithful to whatever God has called them to. Not distracted by the need or by the works of others but commited to the call and the One who calls. Then, there will be no mismatch of expections and enterprise.
Mothers take note!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
