Well not exactly, however, the feeling that I am leaving this tropical area for a thriving industrialized country is somewhat allowing me to, for whatever reason, contextualize and align myself with the crew from Gilligan's Island. The crew knew it was time to go for a variety of reasons, we are happy to leave for a while for a number of reasons.
I/We have pretty much run out of supplies here. For whatever reason, underwear seems to disintegrate out here - down to 2 pair that don't resemble something like a screen door. I am down to my last deodorant (started with over 20+ at the beginning of the year), I ran out of hair gel a little while back (only got this far because of the extreme group from church!) My dress shoes blew out the back end about a month ago- they are dead. My birk sandals are in need of a new bottom but could not be fixed by anyone here (even though they sell the "new" fake ones at the market, nobody could actually repair a "real" pair of birks in Cambodia- that is funny actually). I have sweat stained shirts I am embarrassed to say I have committed to this long in the journey. We ran out of Tim Horton's coffee, and honestly I am having a hard time drinking the stuff Les is making in the morning- it IS coffee but it just AIN'T coffee - if you know what I mean. This stuff is more like a black crude oil- and no matter how much sugar and 3 year shelf like milk substance I place in it- I can't seem to get down more than 3 sips before I give up.
Actually, I really do enjoy Cambodia. I know, like the crew from Gilligan's Island, that the many quirky things about this culture has grown on me (and our family). And with that quirkiness I am also starting to lose perspective on certain things- another reason to leave for a while. Yesterday, I nearly ran over a monkey that was crossing my path as I was zipping on my moto in front of the Wat Phnom and it reminded me of the time I ran over a jack rabbit in Manitoba and then gave it to my Dad to skin and eat. After I barely avoided the monkey I thought, "I wonder if monkey would taste like chicken?" You see, the problem is, I am subconsciously considering the idea that monkey is edible!! That is sooo wrong! Another lost perspective food related story: I also play hockey on Thursday nights with a mainly large core of Canadians out here. Afterward, we go to a place to relax and talk about the game. We casually order crickets from the menu! Are you kidding me? CRICKETS PEOPLE!!! That's right, LOCUSTS, NATURAL PLAGUES!!! And the real problem is... I kinda like them. One of the missionary guys across the table said, "it's kind of the Cambodian answer to potato chips". POTATO CHIPS??? WHO ARE WE KIDDING??? My problem is that I nodded and agreed with him that in fact I think he may be right. Mind you, unlike potato chips, I don't have to worry about getting any cricket legs caught in my teeth. So for any of you bold youth teens- if you plan on trying any crickets in your backyard- deep fry them first! Don't go eating them live or anything like that. Anyways, I hope when I am in Canada I won't start eyeing some of the pets and start wondering what that would taste like on the BBQ! Like I said, I am losing it and perhaps its a good thing if someone over in Canada can just give my head a shake to help me know I am no longer in Cambodia for a little while and I can get some perspective!
I am also feeling a bit like the SKIPPER from Gilligan's Island in the sense of figuring out what is relevant and how much stuff can we pack to make the journey back to Canada. There is only so much stuff we can take on our boat/raft as we cross the ocean to civilization. The suitcases are packed yet.... Actually I am bringing stuff back that I can't use, heck, no one could use here! Things like, a light golf jacket (thought that would help on the cool days- perhaps while playing golf?- seriously how did that get there in the first place) , an NFL football jersey (too hot to wear but got it from a guy visiting from China- by the way #21 LT Chargers [this info is for sports nut Gurv]), and an alarm clock that doesn't take 240V power (could have read the back on that one- good thing I didn't plug it in or it would have got ugly! Les did that with a night light - that'll teach her -lesson learned).
The boat is taking off soon. We are looking forward (NOT) to the long 36 hours+ of flight/airport time it will take to get back to Canada! However, we are very much looking forward to seeing all of you!
Blessings to all of you!
Deano
Acts 20:24
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