Another Month; Another Step

Nearly a month has passed since my last entry, and with that month has come more learning, patience, growth of cross cultural faux pas. Some notable things I have experienced and/or discovered include attending my first Khmer wedding (I presume my first of many), found and attended Catholic mass in my provincial town, and had my first major holiday away from my friends and family in the States.

Let's start with the wedding. If I could think of one word to capture the essence of what I experienced it would be production! This two day affair is full of religious (Buddhist) ceremonies, a plethora of food and drinks, about 10 costume changes from the bride and groom, picture taking, live entertainment, dancing, and camaraderie. I accompanied all the staff at my school in support of another teacher who was getting married. I never saw the wedding invite; only I was told about 20 minutes before we all left which made it impossible to decline, especially since they all decided to meet at my house. Anyway, before the wedding even began I felt like I was back in dance/theatre/pro-cheer heaven. All the women teachers transformed into these glamazons I could barely even recongize: the pompadour hair-styles, the glitterati-clad outfits, the fake eyelashes...what?! Who knew? And more importantly why in the world didn't they include me in the pregaming fun? Well, next time I know...but I was just in shock! So we arrive at the wedding fashionably late...well, considerably late, but no one seemed to mind. We got there for what my staff felt was the most important and fun part: food, drinks, and dancing! I have to admit I was apprehensive of going at first because I did have the proper and traditional Khmer wedding attire. Heck, my Khmer teaching skirts were soaking wet from just having washed my clothes before the entourage of staff bombarded my house...and moments later my room to pick out some clothes for me to wear. All in all, the end result was happiness all around. As you can imagine, I was all the rage at school the next week among the staff who was surprised to see me pick up the traditional Khmer dancing at the wedding (I am no expert, but at the same time the moves aren't too hard to pick up, either!).

I was excited to find out about the Catholic community in Cambodia, as small as it is, but even more excited to find out that there is a church in my provincial town. I have only attended mass a few times since being here, but I thoroughly enjoy it. The mass is conducted in Khmer by diverse priests who are part of a Catholic mission (one is from India; the other, France). Anyway, never did it dawn on me how much customization plays such an integral role in religions. As it would be, everyone sits on the floor (on grass mats), priests included (unless they are doing any of the readings, communion, etc.). There are even pictures all around that depict the Stations of the Cross in which Jesus seems to be a Khmer man...even the scenery is that of Cambodian farms. With that said, I am glad I found a community to be a part of that makes me feel more at home.

As we all know, Thanksgiving just passed and it was not at all sad. I indeed missed being away from family and friends in the States...just as much as I missed the food. I was very thankful, however, that PC decided to have our first IST on the holiday so that clusters of volunteers would be together, and at a place where Western food was at our disposal. I had a burger, fries, and Sprite for my Thanksgiving dinner. I also enjoyed some Halloween candy previously sent from the States. There were other volunteers who got to enjoy turkey, stuffing, and the works, but it came with a price I don't necessarily see myself delving into (unless of course next year I just get downright desperate). One volunteer was able to buy a turkey live- the only way turkey comes here in Cambodia- so I am sure you know how that went. I know, I know...yes I have eaten turkey and other animal meats, but the thought of having to buy it live, fully feathered and all would probably bring me lots of guilt and not want to eat it knowing that just some ours earlier it was running around wild and free on somebody's farm.

Work is still a work-in-progress. I have recently found out that my school received funding to help me launch an English club, and a few other clubs so updates on that shall be in the next post or so. Other than that, thanks for all the prayers, packages, and phone calls on Thanksgiving. I love hearing from everyone, and it made my night very special. Until next time, "lee sun howee".