Roughing It

From July 10, 2008.

Life at the Palm Tree Orphanage became a bit more challenging for me this week. It began with a two day long power outage. Previously, the power would go out for a few hours at a time. So when the lights and air conditioner went out at 7:00pm the other day, I did not think too much of it. I assumed it would return around 9:00pm or 10:00pm. I fell asleep rather comfortably, but woke up drenched in sweat. It was morning and the power had not yet returned! I did not worry too much, since I figured there was nothing I could do. Besides, not having the air conditioner on is only a minor inconvenience. I am more bothered by not being able to have a hot shower, as the water is heated by electricity. At around 8:00pm that night, the power was still not back. I decided to sleep outside in a mosquito net I fortunately brought with me, even though I was told it was unnecessary in Phnom Penh. The power returned the next morning and I am happy to have my air conditioner back!

However, though we have electricity, we are now without running water. Around the same time that the power returned, a pipe broke and now there is no water available for the interns’ or girls’ rooms. Having never lived without running water, I did not realize what I was taking for granted! For two days now, I have been unable to shower normally or flush the toilet. Yesterday, I showered out of a large bucket, which was an interesting experience. Through all of this upheaval, the kids have been incredibly helpful. This is the life they are used to, so they are willing to help me adapt. The girls helped me set up my mosquito net and slept beside me outside. They also filled and carried five gallon buckets of water to keep in my room so that I can wash and brush my teeth. It is very nice to have them help me along the way!

These experiences are helping me deal with transition. Before my time here, I used to avoid change. I kept a regular routine, and lived comfortably knowing exactly what would happen next. However, that is impossible in Cambodia. Every day is different and presents a unique challenge. I have learned to not get so worried about things that are out of my control. If the power is out and I cannot email my family, I cannot do anything about it. If the water is not running and I cannot shower as I am used to for several days, I will just have to live with it. I am slowly becoming accustomed to dealing with whatever changes come my way.

I am pleased that my classes are going well. The other day, I was reading to a few of the kids in my spare time. I noticed that one of the staff member’s wives was trying to listen from a distance. When I invited her to sit with us, one of the kids told me she did not speak any English, which is rare. Most adults at the orphanage know at least a few words. The next day, I arrived at my morning class to see the same woman sitting at a desk with a brand new notebook, waiting for me to begin my lesson! It was so interesting to see this grown woman sitting amongst seven and eight year old children, as eager to learn English as they were. She did quite well on her first day, and I stayed with her afterwards to review what she did not understand. I taught her the alphabet and a few basic greetings as well. I asked one of the children to tell her in Khmer that she was welcome to return to my class at any time, as she was an excellent student.

For some reason, hearing this woman memorize and recite the alphabet was so rewarding for me. I felt something that I do not usually feel when I teach. Perhaps it is because she is older, or maybe it is because she took the initiative to come to my classroom and learn. Either way, I felt very good about teaching this woman and I hope she continues to come to my class.