The Second Time Around

Exactly one year ago today, I woke up with knots in my stomach uncertain what the day would bring.  October 1st is the first day of school in Cambodia, and I had NO IDEA what was going to happen.  All I could decipher with my minimal Khmer skills was that a lot of students would be coming, but we would not be teaching classes.  It was some sort of opening ceremony but I had no clue as to what that would entail.  Were they going to make me give a speech?  How would the students react to me?  Would any of the teachers want to teach with me?  And most importantly, what I am supposed to wear????  

Needless to say, this time was much easier.  I woke up today just like any other day, put on my sampot and headed off to school, where I greeted teachers I haven't seen in a while, and met some of the new teachers at our school.  The students were much less phased by my presence, and there was significantly less staring the second time around.  I also finally understand that just because the school director says we have school tomorrow, it doesn't mean we actually have school, and I've finally learned to tell the difference.  

I'm at the point in my service where I'm going to start doing things for the second time.  While it might not seem as exciting after coming from a year of almost entirely new experiences, I'm quite looking forward to it.  Excitement is sometimes overrated.  

However, it is rather exciting to see the progress I've made over the year, and think about all the things I want to accomplish during my last year.  Just this last weekend, my friend Jodi and I were able to reserve lunches and dinner for over 70 people at a workshop, speaking only Khmer.  This is definitely something I did not envision myself ever being able to do a year ago.  

The lady at the restaurant even gave us some free cokes.  This was a cheers after a job well done!  

And although I've made a lot of progress, I know there are still things I'm going to need to figure out.  Like how to ride a mountain bike in the mud without looking like I pooped myself.  Hopefully I can master that skill, and a few others by the time I leave.  

It's mud, i swear.