The Husband's Family

- May 24, 2016

I said I would share about "the husband's family" and so I shall.

I was given a big brown bag/purse full of vitamins, lotion and some clothing items to schlep to Cambodia for Khunara. I was very willing to take the bag for the record! I always loved it when people sent or brought stuff for me when I was living away from my family! I was a bit nervous about making the exchange because I wasn't sure how well their English would be. I was also unsure as to what the expectations would be on both sides and what would happen.

Once I was in Phnom Penh I tried calling on the cell phone RAW Impact let me borrow the week I was there (which let's state also for the record how awesome it was that they gave me one to borrow. It had all the other people's numbers in it so in case I got lost or needed help. The were also able to connect with me to make sure I had a place to go for supper. Seriously, what a great org!). So I called the first number I had been given by Khunara and it was the wrong number?! It didn't even work or go through, oy, I hoped I wasn't stuck with the bag and no Cambodian to give it to! I waited a day and then asked the principal of Salt School, one of the schools RAW is working with, for help. She helped clear things up! I wasn't doing something right. Anyway, she helped me and we made contact!

Me and my little friend, the youngest family member.

We figured out that we would meet at a local café and make the swap. I was actually quite excited to meet with them because I love making new friends and I love being immersed in a culture.

Turtle that was cooked for some customers outside.

We met and they took me to their house for a visit. They have a store front and their apartment is behind the small store. They were so kind and welcoming! They offered me water or soda or anything else I wanted and in fact didn't listen to which I wanted and brought me both! Then they asked what I was interested in eating for supper. (I figured they'd want to feed me, mercy I love a culture that so completely opens up their home and makes you family.) After they asked what I wanted to eat I quickly shot out "chicken" for fear that I'd end up with some crazy meat. Then I hung out with the littlest member playing with the ipad and watching the craziest Japanese dubbed into Khmer soap opera I have ever seen. (Trust me I will be writing extensively about that Samurai soap opera.)

Mango and Jack Fruit with garlic salt to dip it in.

Supper came and we ate and I sat at the table for at least three rounds of people. The men where first, then the women and finally the last group were people that I didn't know who they were due to language barriers. Something good that this has taught me was to EAT SLOW! Otherwise I'm done and sitting with an empty plate. What else is there to do with an empty plate but put more food on it! Akkk. So full! I love the struggle of figuring out what I'm supposed to be doing, what is acceptable and what is being asked/said.

Okay, so this narrative is turning long. I don't want to bore you so I'll try and keep the rest short.

I walked home that evening because it turns out they only live 3 short blocks from the apartment I was staying in and most likely will be living in. Over the next few days I was called and checked in on daily, making sure I was safe, happy, fed and to see if I wanted to check out their village the next day. Such a great family!!

They also offered to take me to the airport that Saturday night.

That alone was awesome! They have connections and so they were able to go all the way with me from the front door (you can't go into the airport unless you have a ticket) all the way to my gate. I think I'm kinda a big deal around here *insert head tilt and eye roll here*. I had so much free time to wait around because I was the second person at the gate!

I am thankful for the local connections and excited to get to know the family better as well as practice my Khmai! Hurrah! Someone to talk to in Khmai! I anticipate more adventure stories with this family as I learn to be a proper Cambodian.

Here's to the blessings of new friends.