Saturday, May 4, 2013

The start of the lasts


Dear Friends,

I apologize for not communicating with all of you lately.  This year has been a whirlwind full of wonderful things and difficult things, and when I try to explain in words what is happening, I find myself overwhelmed and unable to express the way I want to.  I think also, it has been a confusing year in some ways and if you know me well, it is hard for me to talk about something if I don’t have it figured out. J
I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed, and here I am at the beginning of May, thinking about how to end my time in Cambodia well.  It seems like a just got here! 
This week I had the privilege of being on an adult TCK panel where parents at the school were invited to ask questions about life as a TCK and how it has affected us.  I really enjoyed the evening—just getting to share experiences and trying to communicate to parents that even though there are tough things about it, they are not messing their kids up by living overseas. J I teared up a couple times as I always do when talking about the life of a TCK.  And every time I hear others’ stories, I am amazed by the unique lives, and the way that God works in us so personally.   Of course, one of the main topics of questioning was about transition.  Transition to the host culture, transition to the passport culture, transition to university after graduating… never-ending transitions it seems!  And that is the hardest part of this life.  It never gets simpler really to leave.  With the re-entering I have made some progress and found some things that work for me, but the leaving is gut-wrenching every time. 

So that is the phase that I am going into right now.  I have about 6 weeks left at school with my kids, with my friends and in this city.  Last night I had my last concert with the community choir that I have been a part of during my time here.  It was a good one!  And I know the next few weeks will be filled with “lasts”, so I am trying to prepare myself to be able to enjoy them and to end this phase of life well. 
I am still waiting for direction about where to be next year.  I have some exciting options, but would appreciate prayers for wisdom in this decision.  Thank you!