Extravagance

I moved to Cambodia with the assumption that I would be confronted by how many material possessions I have.  My expectation was met.  Each day I am made aware of how much I have compared to most people in the world.  Even though we live much more simply here than we did in the U.S., we still operate out of abundance. 

An expectation that I did not have is that my extended family would make me feel extravagant.  If I show a Cambodian some pictures of my extended family, I feel sometimes like I am showing off.  Here’s my grandma—she’s 99.  Here’s Alan’s grandpa—yes he looks like he could be Alan’s father.  Here’s my mother—yes, she’s aged so gracefully.  That’s right; I did grow up knowing all my aunts and uncles.  When asking a Cambodian about his or her family tree, there are always gaps.  The Khmer Rouge killed so many people and sent many people to take refuge in far parts of the world.  The people left behind carry the weight of survival in their faces and bodies, often making them look much older than they truly are.  Every Cambodian has a story.  Every Cambodian, regardless of age, has gaps in his or her family line.  I know that when it comes to material possessions, I can change my ways.  I can decide to live more simply and give more generously.  However, I know that I cannot change my family circumstances.  I can be grateful for this extravagance that I’ve been given and be thankful for the blessing. 

And I am so thankful.

-Katy