An Ordinary Life

I celebrated my 1st year in Cambodia last June 1. I wasn’t really thinking about it but I was out on that day with a new Pinoy friend who just arrived here in Phnom Penh. During lunch with him and his boss, Chris, he asked, "So, kailan ka pa dito?" And suddenly, I remembered that it’s exactly 1 year since I first arrived here. Time flies talaga.

What did I learn from the past year? So many things but the best part was the realization once again that even the most ordinary life can be the most peaceful and beautiful. Yes, I am living a very ordinary life here but I guess, it is probably the most peaceful phase in my life (so far!). Wala lang. Gusto ko lang mag-senti kasi it’s been a while since I last wrote a blog entry here.

Seriously, this has been a fantastic journey so far. I am away from my family and closest friends but still, I somehow feel at home here already. Cambodia easily fell into my life like a soft cushion - masarap yakapin, masarap sandalan. It helps a lot that I have a very kind and supportive friend and housemate, JR. (Thank you, Papa Chef!!!) And every now and then, my friends from Manila will visit…masarap mamasyal lang with them, hang out in the cafes and restaurants…and shop like crazy sa Russian Market (the most popular shopping haven here in Phnom Penh) where you can buy beautiful goodies at just $5 price tags (or even less!).

Last May 24, my colleagues in DHL and I (plus volunteers from Tiger Foundation) also went to Kamphong Thom (about 3 hours from Phnom Penh) and joined a clean-up drive in Aknuwat Primary School. It’s nice to see young schoolchildren working together, cleaning up the school grounds. It lifted my spirits. I am once again amazed by the genuine smiles of children and the very warm welcome of the teachers there. I heard somewhere that the public school teachers here receive less than $60 a month and seeing them happily showing us around made my admiration rose up once more to the highest heavens. These people are amazing. Yes, very ordinary people living very ordinary life but for me, they are already a BIG part of my equally ordinary life.

When I left Manila last year, I was still trying to mend a broken heart. Now, the hardest part is over. I can smile again. Dream big dreams again. Count the blessings again.

Isn’t it nice? That out of the most ordinary days, we will find the most exquisite gift? Yes, in this very mundane existence, I found myself again. And this time, I am whole again.