Two Years

Yesterday I was talking with another PCV friend over the phone and we began to broach the subject of the 2-year time commitment for Peace Corps Volunteers.  Yes, two years is a long time.  But as we were talking I realized that my first year is almost up, and I feel nowhere near finished.  We concluded the first year is basically the time you have to screw everything up, and the second year is there for you to screw fewer things up, and hopefully get something done in the process.  

Progress is something that is extremely slow-paced in Cambodia, and in most other developing countries.  It is something that is especially slow when you are coming from the outside without a complete understanding of the language, the politics and the culture.  I can’t tell you how many times these roadblocks have gotten in the way of projects I thought would be amazing, only to realize that’s not really how things work here. 

But even with all the roadblocks, I am happy to report that things are finally starting to take off.  I have been able to work with a new teacher who is really receptive to working together, and even takes time out of his day to lesson plan outside of class with me.  My English club has a core group of students who meet every week, and I absolutely love working with them.  Last week I drew up my own ESL version of Chutes and Ladders.  It was the first board game they have ever seen or played and they LOVED it (side note: I’ll be on the lookout for used and unwanted board games when I come home to visit this summer, so let me know if you’re looking to get rid of any)!

I’ve also started an English class for adults that meets three days a week, and I have a great group of bank employees who are really dedicated to improving their English so they qualify for more promotions.  Last but not least, Camp GLOW has been fully funded so we are on for the second weekend in June.  When I told one of my students that her application was very good and I would like her to attend the camp, she was jumping out of her seat and clapping her hands, she was so excited.  I am so thrilled to see what this next year has in store for me. 

But with the great progress that comes with a great time commitment, there is also this continuing fear of missing out and the perpetual homesickness that never really seems to go away.  When I think about my time here, being in Cambodia has gotten so much easier, but being away from home continues to be just as difficult as the first day I left.    This past week, my Aunt Debbie passed away from a long battle with ovarian cancer.  This period of time has been the hardest for me to be here, even though things in Cambodia have been going so well, lately.  I wanted to be with my family, and even though we could Skype, in the words of my mom “The one thing with Skype is that I still can’t hug you.” 

But the great thing about being a PCV is the new family you acquire the moment you step off the plane.  I have felt so supported by Peace Corps staff and other volunteers in the past few weeks.  Of course I wish I could have been home during this time, but I’m very much looking forward to flying home in 36 days to give my family that big hug we’ve been waiting for, and then heading back to Cambodia to finish what I started.