A few short days ago I had to say goodbye to so many people I have fallen in love with, not knowing if I’ll ever get to see them again. It was the hardest goodbye I’ve ever experienced. I knew coming into this trip goodbyes were going to be the hardest part, I just didn’t realize how much I would invest in people in such a short time.
So here’s a goodbye message to all I’m leaving behind:
I’m going to miss every part of you Battambang… all the 50 cent street pancakes, participating in volleyball games which consisted of old grandpas who could kick my butt, TRYING to play soccer with the locals, watching endless ping-pong games, waving to all the mysterious hellos being shouted in the distance, jam-packed tuk-tuk rides, accidently saying goodbye to strangers in Khmer instead of hello, riding bikes around town, walking into freezing cold, air-conditioned cafes on a hot day, taking one big sip of coffee and realizing its gone, the occasional splurge day that consisted of buying $4 ice-cream at Swenson’s, sweetened condensed milk on everything, no literally everything, even bread…, the coffee stand next to New Hope that sells 75 cent coffee the size of my head, looking out at the vibrant green rice-fields, the very questionable but delicious food, Sam; our very own tuk-tuk driver (the best in Battambang), the rollercoaster ride of a drive every day to ministry, late night prayers with Chhady (my best friend), calling squad mates crazy in Khmer with her as well (she’s a hoot), the occasional insanity workout on the roof, waking up at 5:45am to walk and watch the sunrise, being kissed by my “grandma”� Seva, waffles with sweetened condensed milk and chocolate syrup, memory café chocolate almond croissants and chocolate chip frappes, the smell of the market… just kidding I don’t think I’ll miss that, blastos!!, the sound of my students saying “nooo teachhha”� and “teacha chompa”�, deep rooftop conversations, the sound of New Hope students singing 10,000 reasons, New Hope meals, swimming in very suspicious bodies of water, the Cambodian waterpark, and the sweet smiles of all the New Hope staff.
So yeah, I’m going to miss you Battambang.
You have taught me so much.
You have taught me that with chaos comes simple beauty and growth.
You have showed me how to truly invest in people and take every opportunity captive.
You have helped me walk in peace and assurance in my identity.
You have shown me so much love and I thank you for that.
thank you all for waiting VERY patiently for my blog posts.. I appreciate all of the support!
xoxoxo
mikayla
