Reincarnated- From the Ashes

Hi my friends!

I realize I haven’t entered anything in my blog for a good portion of seven months, but it doesn’t mean that I haven’t been quite active!  I believe that I owe it to CUSO/VSO International to still explain the process that I have undertaken and to still encourage anyone to donate, as I AM requested to raise a grand total of $2,000, and I am currently $1,950 short.  “Oopsies” as I like to say!

I transferred placements from one Province to another after my first quarterly meeting was completed.  I came to the conclusion that progress on my objectives had been halted as a result of the lack of dedication of the staff to be a part of the learning process involved in the capacity building exercises.  That is a diplomatic way of saying I was attending work with little direction, attention or attendance from my peers, who happened to be my only friends at the time.  I believed the strategy of becoming buddies first to establish trust was a worthwhile goal, and even suggested as a Khmer approach to building momentum.  The resultant effects was a team of boys in the 20’s that liked me so much, that they didn’t feel it was much necessary to be obligated to hide their lackadaisical effort at work.  Ouch.  Let alone, my translator (who is still a brother) had denounced his role with me to work with the partner organization.  Porm is quite the character, and gets himself into enough trouble, so I couldn’t hold the prospect of making more money against him.  But, it did add to the buildup of placement blow up.  Bottom line is the NGO partner had additional issues that I made evident, and they have since been removed from receiving a future volunteer.    

 As of the end of February, I was sent to Phnom Penh for two months waiting for the next opportunity to arise.  I already had another placement in mind.  A dear brilliant colleague, Ali, had suggested there was a need for a Business Management Advisor in Banlung, with another environmental NGO which had raving reviews for the stellar professionalism they embodied. 

This tree is beside the leaning Buddah in Banlung.  It has most amazing arhoma which comes from each flower as it drops at your feet (seemingly every 30 seconds).  I don't know the name, but it brings a smile to my face when I am under it!  

I didn’t get placed until April 24^th, and again I had to be flexible and move into a new surrounding and hoping that it would be a brighter future.  I must admit that two months in Phnom Penh had drained my bank account and I went through a rough patch, but being stubborn (thanks mom) I managed to surpass the trials and tribulations. 

Needless to say, three months later in July and I am thrilled.  I have such a great new line manager, and the team is amazing.  They are all kind and so eager to learn, that they inspire me.  I will get into details about what I am actually doing in the next blog, but I seriously needed to get my mind around what had happened before it felt appropriate to post.  Kind of like when you don’t want to tell your family you got a divorce until you are remarried again, right?!  

Saturday morning in the Market is an adventure with colour and flavor.  I just enjoy the feeling of pretending to blend in and to watch life exude. 

My positive nature had shone through, and I am very pleased to say that I am excited to be working in Cambodia again!  That was one big roller coaster and it’s a good thing I fastened my seat belt prior to departure.  I am formulating an action plan on sharing and learning skills with my team, and I have learned a lot about myself during this experience.  It’s getting closer to a year abroad and I have just scratched the surface on the perplexing and complex beauty of Kampuchea.      

I miss my loved ones dearly, but my lone ranger adventure needs to grapple with the next curve balls and accomplishments must be attained.  Giddie up!

Oh, and the Federal Election is days away.  Hun Sen (sort of a dictator, but we can't get political ya know) has been in power for 30 years, and it is doubtful that change is in the air.  Either way, VSO will evacuate us out of the country if a probelm arises as people are pretty passionate for their parties.  I am going to the Capital to be in the thick of it.  If I played it safe I would be at home with bon bons waiting for the next Ru Paul's Drag Race.

All my best to you...