goodbyes

goodbyes are a part of the lay of the land here. people come. people go. every few months at our office we have new people arrive. and every few months people leave. most social circles are a modgepodge of old and new friendships. old ones being 3 years -- a span of time considered "a long time in Cambodia" for most expatriates.

it's a bittersweet thing, and i'm especially in awe of my Cambodian friends who open their hearts year after year to new people, knowing that goodbyes will come. that the inevitable late night airport run loaded with friends and over 100 pounds of bulging luggage and lots of hugs and last words will come. some day sooner than later. i think they are especially brave. they say they shed less and less tears each time. it gets more and more normal. and they promise themselves that next time they won't make new friends. but they do anyway. i'm grateful, since i am one of them.

last night, we said goodbye to Amie. beautiful, goofy, passionate, wild-spirited Amie. spiritual force to be reckoned with, with a truth-seeking integrity that challenges me, compassion that has brought me coconut juice on many a rough day, and an authenticity that pours out permission for others to do the same.

thanks for the many slumber parties, for making me laugh so hard i want to pee my pants on a regular basis, for getting real about the hard stuff and giving me grace to do the same, and for our many unmentionable discussions about bodily functions that i will not list in this public forum. i will miss you, in all of your glory. wild hair and dance moves included. i am so grateful for you and for these 7 months together in this Kingdom of Wonder! Texas is lucky to have you...

Jew-ap k'nee-ah pail crowie, pok-mak!