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.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
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".
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