Reasons to be thankful

In honor of the USA Thanksgiving today, I thought I would list some of the things I am most thankful for this year (in no particular order).


1. The opportunity to learn a new culture

This was the scene in my living room yesterday.  Here in Cambodia, you don't use counters to cook, that is the purpose of the mats.  A bunch of my co-workers came over for a Friendsgiving of sorts, though to them it was just a gathering.  We foreigners made 'foreign food' and the Cambodians planned a Khmer menu.  In my time here, people are SO willing to share their culture.  I have been welcomed to homes and families, driven around, shown new sites, foods, and ways of life, learned two new languages and been welcomed to the Deaf community.  Plus, been forgiven for more cultural blunders than I care to count or even realize.  All of these are such amazing gifts.

2. My family

These are just the most recent family photos from when my sister and bro-in-law (plus father-in-law and sis-in-law) came to visit and then took me along to the Philippines to meet all of their family. That trip and being surrounded by family was so life giving.  The text messages, phone calls, emails, updates on the news of all the immediate and extended family are what keep me going on many days. I would not be able to be here if I didn't have those deep roots and that constant love (and the weekly 2-3 hour phone calls with my Mommy who is the switch board for us all).

3. Supportive friends

This photo is from my first Australian bush walk with the lovely Kim who made me a part of her family while I was in Sydney.  She housed me and fed both my body and soul while I was rejuvenating.  This was just the most recent picture I could find with a friend but this list could be endless.  From the emails of support, the fall leaves sent straight from Oregon, the baby photos, the life updates, Skype dates, mail, care packages, visits, text messages, Facebook likes, food deliveries or the making of food for me (shout out to my roommate), making of clothes, and so much more, I am forever thankful.

4. My orientation class

This group of people are a prime example of community.  This is the MKLM Class of 2014.  We may be spread over four different countries but through Skype dates and email support groups we are always connected.  Though the cultures vary, so many of our struggles match.  At the end of our 3.5 year contracts, we will all be joyfully reunited and some days, that is what keeps me going.  Words can't express how thankful I am for them.

5. Health Insurance
Not sure what more I can say about this.  We are blessed with the most amazing coverage - doctors, specialists, therapists for mind or body, dental, vision, pharmaceutical.  Yes, we are exposed to many more risk factors than most people coming from our backgrounds but, in the health sense, MKLM takes amazing care of us.  I have joked I should have all 'optional' organs removed while in mission because I will likely never have coverage like this again.


6. Rest

I have had the opportunity to 'rest' in some pretty amazing places.  Above is Royal National Park in Sydney, Australia.  This past week we went on retreat in Siem Reap.  Often, I feel like rest is not a common occurrence but when it comes it feels so GOOD!

7. Technology
Thanks to Skype, Google chat, Facebook, Email, Google Voice, I can call, text, message, attend weddings, funerals, family gatherings, and be in touch with those I miss most.  With the power of the internet, just popping in is easy to do.  And, likewise, I am never sure who will be popping in to check on me.  Plus, I can always escape into an e-book or Netflix for a break from reality.

8. Fresh fruit and vegetables

One word.  YUM!

9. Change
This is one I try to embrace.  There is a quote I have in The Book of Karen that reads "There are moments when everything goes well, but don't be frightened, it won't last. - Jules Renard"  As a person who constantly loves to be trying new things, meeting new people, having new experiences, in many ways I am addicted to change and so thankful for it.  BUT, this quote reminds that all things are fluid.  Whether good or bad, we need one to truly appreciate the other and neither is permanent.  As I once read in an eastern philosophy book, we must meet every person in each moment as if we are meeting them for the first time.  They are not the same person we met two minutes before because things are always changing. When I am in a good head space, I am much better at embracing this.  And, cross-culture experiences are great ways to practice, meeting each moment as a new opportunity for growth and change, and being thankful for the challenge because that is what makes the new learning really stick.

10. Meaningful work that involves a direct human connection

These are some of our amazing field workers at DDP.  I love that part of my job is to see all the work that these folks do.  Our staff members all have such great potential to really become leaders for our Deaf community.  Many have been through so much and I am so thankful to hear their stories, share their stories, and be present to them.  There is a direct correlation between "good days" and the amount of time I am spending with our staff as opposed to just my computer.  I doubt much of what I am doing really makes a difference or is the kind of stuff that people couldn't live without, but, getting to know so many strong, resilient, motivated, ambitious, devoted (this list could go on and on) people is a huge reason for thanks.

So, from me to all you, THANK YOU for being a part of my life.  Hug your families and friends (or show your love in some other culturally appropriate way).  Happy Thanksgiving!