My time is coming to a close. An ending, that's not fully an ending because - surprise - I'm coming back to Cambodia! Home for 3 months in 10 days and then back after Christmas for another year in this country that I love, to work in a new job empowering survivors of sex trafficking: entering more fully into their stories and long-term transformation towards wholeness. I'm daydreaming about the coffee dates and cool air and babies to play with at home, and I'm looking forward to noodle-cart hunting, deepening friendships, and the awesome work I get to do come January.
But right now it's a time to end well. I like closure and I long to say goodbyes well, even if I'll see people again. In the last few years I have come to live by a personal code:
say how you feel about the people you love to them
in those moments of vulnerability that well up inside of you,
...even if it feels a bit risky or awkward
because that is the moment you have.
I can't save those words for later. Say them when the time comes and say them well. Hold the space for those feelings of affection and nostalgia, and the sadness of leaving, however large or small those may be. Let them be there and give them words, even if you sound like a Hallmark card or a Lifetime movie.
This last week has been intense and amazing as I've worked alongside my beautiful social work sisters to provide care for women and girls rescued from an seedy brothel. It was a wild way to end this year, perfect really. I'm coming back, and I'll have a lot of hellos and goodbyes between now and then...but right now I'm saying goodbye to a season spent participating in incredible work alongside colleagues of deep faith and courage. It has been such a privilege to be a part of this team - watching my heroic fellow social worker command the attention of a room full of scared girls in high heels like a mother hen, letting them know that they aren't in trouble and that we're here to help - hearing our lawyer deliver a closing argument like a swift kick in the shins and then celebrating the strong convictions of men and women who have commandeered the sale of girls' virginity and dignity - seeing our team pray in two languages and many voices rising together about the challenges and victories this year has held.
I'm so grateful for this family here. For the work they're doing. And that I've been able to be a a part of it with them for this season.
But right now it's a time to end well. I like closure and I long to say goodbyes well, even if I'll see people again. In the last few years I have come to live by a personal code:
say how you feel about the people you love to them
in those moments of vulnerability that well up inside of you,
...even if it feels a bit risky or awkward
because that is the moment you have.
I can't save those words for later. Say them when the time comes and say them well. Hold the space for those feelings of affection and nostalgia, and the sadness of leaving, however large or small those may be. Let them be there and give them words, even if you sound like a Hallmark card or a Lifetime movie.
This last week has been intense and amazing as I've worked alongside my beautiful social work sisters to provide care for women and girls rescued from an seedy brothel. It was a wild way to end this year, perfect really. I'm coming back, and I'll have a lot of hellos and goodbyes between now and then...but right now I'm saying goodbye to a season spent participating in incredible work alongside colleagues of deep faith and courage. It has been such a privilege to be a part of this team - watching my heroic fellow social worker command the attention of a room full of scared girls in high heels like a mother hen, letting them know that they aren't in trouble and that we're here to help - hearing our lawyer deliver a closing argument like a swift kick in the shins and then celebrating the strong convictions of men and women who have commandeered the sale of girls' virginity and dignity - seeing our team pray in two languages and many voices rising together about the challenges and victories this year has held.
I'm so grateful for this family here. For the work they're doing. And that I've been able to be a a part of it with them for this season.
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