Hola!

I'd like to start today by thanking everyone who reached out after the last blog post. Your kind words and thoughts really helped me, and cleared my head of the negativity I was feeling. THANK YOU!!!

The last 4 days have gone as such:

Thursday and Friday felt largely uneventful with more training, and mindless classroom sessions. Then Saturday came, which marks us having officially been in Mondulkiri for a week! This weekend was brilliant and exactly what I and the rest of my team needed. On Saturday, I woke up at a leisurely pace, did some stinky laundry, and met the UK vols in Green House (a local hostel/restaurant/free wifi hub) for hours of video chatting Ewan (the boyfriend, in case people were wondering), and replying to emails and messages from back home. (So sorry if I have not gotten back to you yet, it's on my to-do list!) The afternoon flew by, and really boosted my mood after a dreary week.

Sunday, wow, what a day! The UK vols and a few Khmer decided to walk 10km to see the smallest waterfall in the Mondulkiri province. It was amazing. Swimsuits were on, and suncream was applied (although not as carefully as I thought) and morale was up. The walk was hot and sweaty, but the waterfall was more than worth it. We swam for 2 hours, trying to avoid swallowing any of the off colored water, and I was finally at peace. This little waterfall was surrounded by a forest of trees and so tucked away, you wouldn't have found it if you didn't know where it was. We spent the majority of the day chatting, eating fresh mango and enjoying each other's company, especially while everyone was in such a happy mood. The walk back to town was tough and hot (not surprising as we left at 2pm, after hours of swimming), but the food that we ate on the way back was just enough to re-energize everyone enough to continue walking to their host homes. On the walk home, I remarked to Flo (one of the lovely UK vols, as well as a dear friend) that walking back, I felt so clear headed, and ready for the week ahead. I had spent so much of my first week trying to adjust and not freak out, that a little breather to sort myself out, had done wonders. I can now say that I am ready for the next 10 weeks, and not feeling so bummed out.

Having lost my phone to the torrential rain of Sen Monorom and a Chinese storm, I am going to have to rely on Flo (who also lives near me) and her camera to take some pics of my host home, and my surroundings. So pictures should follow this post soon (hopefully!)

While I am 100% missing my UK/USA creature comforts, there are a number of things that I am really enjoying:
- Mangos are 1000 Riel ($.25) for a kilo. This means I bought 3 huge mangos for $.25 . Fruit is ridiculously cheap and easily accessible, making it a #1 pick on my way to and from work.
- Cold showers after being covered in dirt and dust all day.
- Cool nights, which make sleeping a bit easier.
- The amazing fried egg, beef and veggie combo that my family makes for me every night. In Cambodia they have green tomatoes that have become my fave (they taste similar to peppers)!
- My host family's generosity and understanding, especially when it comes to my weird "western" habits.

After a lot of thinking, and soul searching, I know that the hardship I experienced last week, was needed. It will make me a better person and give me the best background I could ask for. Once I have finished my studies, I really want to work in development, and this has given me a great perspective of the challenges I will face. Even if I do not agree with the program's techniques or their method of delivery, I know I am gaining invaluable knowledge and understanding.

Thanks again for all the messages and the kind thoughts. I am really so grateful for all the love and support.

xx