bitter goodbyes, sweet hellos

I have some exciting news to share--news that makes me anxious with anticipation of new dreams and adventures while at the same time brings me steps closer to the dreaded day of my departure from Sweet Salone. 

I have been given the opportunity to go to Cambodia to work with the WHI anti-trafficking program.  World Hope runs an aftercare home for girls rescued from sex trafficking and prostitution.  I have been asked to do work very similar to what I have been doing here, writing stories of survivors, the work of WHI and to assist with other communications needs.  This is an incredible opportunity and encouragement for me in the work I've been doing.

I have always wanted to see this part of the world and since my passion and work in anti-trafficking, I have  desired to go to Cambodia and directly support the work being done to fight this atrocious bondage so many are forced to live in.

So, I jumped at the opportunity - with only one reservation.  We have decided my time will be most fruitful if I have adequate time to get aquanted and adjusted.  I've been asked to go at the begining of April so I will have at least two months before I need to be back in DC for my dear Betsy and Isaiah's wedding at the beginning of June.  This leaves me only one month more in SL.

I am truly experiencing the definition of mixed feelings.  Part of my heart is ecstatic at the thought of all I will see and do and live and learn in Cambodia - while instantaneously my heart sinks at the thought of having only five short, short weeks left in this country I have grown to love.


I also know this will be a drastic transition.  I will certainly not have time to adequately process all of SL before jumping into Cambodia.  The cultural transition as well as the work will be more than I could ever anticipate.



So I ask for your prayers.  Prayers for peace and not anxiety.  Prayers for time to slow down and not speed up in frenzy.  Prayers for divine understanding and transition.

Tanki, tanki, tanki!  I am so thankful for all the love and support I feel everyday.  I truly feel your prayers and rely on them. 


Here's a little overview of prayer request:
-Prayer for peaceful closure for my time left in SL, that I would be able to accomplish all my work and spend adequate time with those I have created relationships with
-Prayer for a smooth transition and the ability to process one experience while jumping into the next
-Prayer for additional funding for Cambodia