Afajita

Last week marked the end of a two month period of a constant influx of guests. We had friends from various places like Malaysia, Kuwait, Thailand, Romania and the States visit for one or two nights to two weeks.  Although busy, it was a wonderful time.  Not only did we use them as excuses to see new places in Cambodia, it was really nice to have  English speaking  companionship other than my husband and children. Each one was a blessing.

The thing I love most about having guests is that I find that whenever someone visits, particularly from the States, I experience Cambodia for the first time again. They point out things, like a family of seven riding on one moto-bike, that have ceased to amaze me. They observe things, like the incredible high percentage of folks with missing limbs, when I’d rather turn a blind eye. The amount and intensity of begging tends to disturb them, while I have grown accustomed to shooing people away. They experience the heat (even thought it’s “cool” season), cry taking cold showers (OK, I admit, I STILL cry taking cold showers), get bitten by mosquitoes like raw meat, and are always asking if the water is clean or if they should throw away the ice.

Having guests reminds me that I am, in a sense, a foreigner from a foreign land. I come from a place where life is A LOT different. I have not come to live in a place that is actually that strange or exotic. It is America that is the anomaly. It is not normal to live in a place where you can expect clean, running water, where the item you wanted to buy is REALLY in the box, where a “new” car is actually new, and where you can screw up on your income tax form and Uncle Sam not only lets you know but pays you back (this has actually happened to me TWICE!). The fact that there are such things as libraries, parks, free public bathrooms, sinks with hot water, and open refrigeration in grocery stores now completely baffle me.

Cambodia has ruined me for good. I has changed my life, my perspective, my attitude. It has burst my bubble.  I can no longer go back believing things that I used to expect as God given rights, like plumbing, electricity, and medical care, are the norm. These luxuries are not rights, they are privileges to those who are among the elite. Everyday that I dread taking cold showers, I am faced with the reality that most Cambodians do not have running water and much of the world does not even have adequate water period. Everyday I am bombarded with the fact that my life back in the States was almost like living in the “Truman Show”. It’s nice and neat, but not real, at least for most of the world.

As our family is now preparing to return to the States this summer, I have mixed feelings. In one sense I am totally looking forward to being back “home”. I can’t wait for all those creature comforts like hot showers, strolling down sidewalks, playing in public parks, wearing a jacket, and ice-cream that’s creamy. On the other hand, I dread reentering a society where I can so easily slip back into my self-absorbed, unconcerned and complacent ways.  I fear taking for granted things that I have come to appreciate so much. I don’t want to be spoiled again, but will trust God that Cambodia has “ruined me for good”.