Nice Spoons

In Cambodia I'm constantly reminded about how much I have. Compared to my life back in Seattle, I live quite modestly here. I share a house with three other ladies (and we just upgraded our refrigerator so that we don't have to throw away food due to lack of space). I recently bought furniture (finally) after living with only a bed in my room. I don't own as much stuff as I would if I lived in Seattle but I'm okay with that. 

I've noticed my habits and views have changed over this past year. I buy less clothes. I buy less decor for my house. (I haven't stopped buying--please, I'm no saint--but I've cut down on a lot of my American consumerism.) I've realized I don't need many things at all, which is something that I've known but not something that I've lived.

Yet, with this realization, I still look at what other people have and I think about how nice it would be to have more things to live comfortably. Living simply doesn't come simply.

And yet, living simply here comes more easily than it does if I were back in the US. Generally speaking, Cambodians live with less furniture, clothes, decorations, etc. than the average American. Even though I'm living in the capital, there are still slums and lower-class houses a few blocks away next to the railroad tracks or just around the corner where the factory workers live. I drive by these places every day and it makes me grateful for the four flights of stairs I have to climb and my broken bathroom door. Because I have those things. 

A factory worker's home

Just tonight, my uncle and his family came to visit my parents' house. My aunt works in a garment factory and my uncle is a tuk tuk (a motorized rickshaw) driver. Coming to my parent's house is a treat for them (mostly because we feed their kids Kool-Aid and cookies). While getting some water for my relatives in the kitchen, my 12 year old cousin walked in and stared at the aluminum framed glass cabinet where dishes and the silverware were kept. "Nice spoons," she said. I chuckled to myself at how strange her compliment of the ordinary spoons was.

It took me a minute to realize that to her she sincerely meant that they were nice spoons. Spoons aside, I took her comment to heart and was reminded of how much I do have. I am a privileged individual and forget that at times. I'm blessed.

A Saturday Prayer

I don't know why I don't do it more often. Pray. I spent time praying this morning. Just me and God. I felt refreshed. Later I picked up my journal and read part of a psalm I had written down. Amazingly enough it was exactly my prayer, except much more poetic.

⁵⁷ You are my portion, Lord;

    I have promised to obey your words.

⁵⁸ I have sought your face with all my heart;

    be gracious to me according to your promise.

⁵⁹ I have considered my ways

    and have turned my steps to your statutes.

⁶⁰ I will hasten and not delay

    to obey your commands.

⁶¹ Though the wicked bind me with ropes,

    I will not forget your law.

⁶² At midnight I rise to give you thanks

    for your righteous laws.

⁶³ I am a friend to all who fear you,

    to all who follow your precepts.

⁶⁴ The earth is filled with your love, Lord;

    teach me your decrees. 

Amen.