merry christmas, darling

Coming to America for Christmas was a two-week whirlwind of friends, family, a new baby, an old dog, approximately 34 trips to Chick-fil-A, and much more. I wasn't sure what to expect. I was definitely ready to see everyone, but I didn't know how I would temporarily re-adjust to life back in the states. A life full of Targets and fast food and clean things.

The day I flew home, we had our Christmas production at school. All the staff then spent a few hours working on materials for our upcoming fair, and then we were free to go. Maria and I went and got an ultimate hair wash and ate at Viva (I think...this feels like years ago). Then we had some time to kill before it our driver came to take us to the airport. I looked around at my room. The room I had just painted. I had pictures put up everywhere and London souvenirs on everything. It was all me. My room, my home, was in Cambodia. I thought about the last time I was about to get on a plane. It was July, and I was a complete wreck because I had no clue what I was getting myself into. All I knew was all the wonderful things, and people, I was leaving behind.

This time was so different. I knew I would miss Cambodia while I was gone, and I knew how wonderful it would be to spend time with loved ones in the US and then come back to my new home.

After 24ish hours of traveling, I arrived in Dallas. I had time to quickly get some Subway before boarding for Shreveport. A guy complained about his cookies not being fresh enough and a woman yelled at the girl making her sandwich. I guess she meant business about extra lettuce. Anyway, it was a good thing I had just come through customs and was on an America high. They have this awesomely cheesy video full of cowboys and front porch swings and iced tea and a really moving song that makes me want to blaze the Oregon trail. It just makes me feel so proud (to be an American...sorry), which is the point I guess. I always want to fly back into Dallas just so I can see that video.

I'm sorry to everyone on the Dallas flight with me who witnessed the first time a human has ever inhaled a sandwich. It's possible, it happened, and it. was. glorious. Subway in my belly. Happy girl on a quick flight to Shreveport. I arrived to a welcoming party of my parents, aunt, and two cousins. They had signs, but more importantly, they had a bag of CFA. You know that part when the Beast is being a slob whilst eating his soup? It was like that. Except nuggets and fries.

  

I didn't know that one day would be spent building Wesley's new ping pong table with some of my favorite guys. I got to play on the old table one last time, and then we got to break in the new one. If you aren't aware, playing ping pong at the Wesley is how I met and became close with some very dear friends. It was also a great way for me get connected when I was too scared to talk to a room full of strangers. Oh, I've come so far. It was also what kept me sane during the internship, I think. Ping pong breaks were an essential part of every hour...um..day. Anyway, it was really fun. 

be afraid. be very afraid. 

The best part of the trip though, what made traveling halfway around the world for two weeks totally worth it, was this little guy right here:

That's Gavin! He wasn't supposed to be born until a few days after I was going to come back to Cambodia, but he came early. He was born a few days before I left Cambodia, and I am the proudest aunt in the whole world. Because he's the cutest baby ever, and I'm not just saying that. I know every says that, but I'm not. He really is. Just look at the perfect wittle face. I don't know how to type out the baby voice I'm making, but just use your imagination.

my brothers: Reed is holding Gavin, and Ryan is the baby daddy. 

My parents kept saying over and over again what a blessing it was to have us all together, and it really was. The whole time I kept having to remind myself where I was. You aren't dreaming, Meredith, you are actually in Wal-Mart. Or, you aren't seeing things, that really is Diet Dr. Pepper for sale. It was all so surreal, but it was all so great. I was right, I did miss Cambodia. Leaving the US this time was so peaceful because I knew I was coming back to exactly where I belong. 

<3M

the pavement shines like silver

Mmk...this one is going to be short and sweet. At least, it should be. Who am I kidding? I'm supposed to be packing. This may be the longest post of all.

Let's see, oh for a while I had developed a habit of falling down stairs. Ok, it happened twice. But it's left my back in pretty rough shape. The first time happened at home, and that's when the back problems started. The stairs here are completely ridiculous and made for people with tiny feet. This little gem was from the fall at school, which didn't help things. My roommates named my bruise Brutus. 

Brutus says hey.

All jokes aside, I got some x-rays done and now I'm seeing a physical therapist on the reg. The flight home should be interesting. Also, Zack Pittman, my doctor says you are not allowed to pop my back when I come home. I already asked her. She did say the break from school should help since I won't be on my feet all day. Oh, that already sounds so glorious. 

My new favorite thing is my commute to/from the doctor. It takes at least 45 minutes to go three miles, so I've been using that time to listen to music and take in the city. It's the alone time I've been forgetting to give myself. Tonight's ride home was just perfection. 

Enough about me, I got a nephew last night! Gavin Lucas Gore, born on his parent's wedding anniversary. Ryan and Christina also share a birthday. And they were all born on the 19th. They are just stealing thunder all over the place. 

A conversation this afternoon:

Student: Does having a baby hurt? 

Me: Yes.

Student: Like, worse than a tummy ache?

Me: (inaudible due to laughter)

Judging from this picture, I'm thinking he's a lefty

I fly home tomorrow....huh? Five months have totally flown by. I can't wait to see everyone and spend hours appreciating Target. I know the next couple of weeks are going to be totally insane, and I'm sorry in advance for falling asleep at random times. Cambobo jet lag is the WORST.

Before I go, Dararaksmey wants to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

He wore that sucker all day.

<3 M

sweet november

Celebrating Thanksgiving in good ol' Cambobo turned out to be pretty great. Maria whipped up Cracker Barrel Chicken, green beans, cornbread, quiche, pumpkin pie, and stuffing. Lorinda and I contributed mashed potatoes, apple crunch, and decorating/cleaning up skills. Our friends sat around our humble little table and we all gave thanks. Maria had placed two corn kernels on our plates, and as the bowl went around, each person was to say two things they were thankful for and place the kernels in the bowl. It was a very special evening full of delicious food and wonderful fellowship. My "family" enjoyed it, as well!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Gore's and the Scott's

Wonderful roomies!

On Saturday, Lorinda and I took Maria to Daughter's for some early birthday celebrating! We got pedicures and ate lunch in the cafe. Sunday was her actual birthday, and we continued the celebration by going to the Italian restaurant of all of your dreams. It's that good. Afterward, we went to Brown, which is like Starbucks' distant cousin. 

One of Maria's friends sent her funfetti mix and icing, which 

reminds me, it's almost time for me to eat another one.

It's Water Festival time, which means we have the whole week off of school! Holla! The downside is that a lot of places around the city are closed. The biggest downside has proved to be the fact that our beloved tuk tuk driver is out of town. He's the one who removed our rat. He also knows us well, drives cautiously, knows all of our favorite places, and is just a very sweet man. He also doesn't charge us very much, which is greatly appreciated. Yesterday, Maria and I ate at The Shop and then went to see Breaking Dawn. It had been several years since Maria or I had read the book, so we were in for a few surprises. It was cool getting to see the last movie over here, where we have been spared all the hype. Bye, Twilight. I'm already over it. I was never even sad. 

I'm still not ok with the fact that there's no more Harry Potter, and I never will be. Maria just finished HP6, and getting to live with someone who is experiencing Harry Potter for the first time is quite interesting. She has never read the books before and hasn't seen the rest of the movies. I think she's the only person I know who hasn't seen or heard any spoilers. Therefore, I need to make lots of desserts to prepare for her imminent book 7 depression. It's gonna be a rough couple of weeks. 

Today! 

This afternoon, we decided to head to Oressay (?) market and hunt for fabric. We are both trying to Martha Stewart our rooms by getting curtains and pillows made. We didn't want to call the same driver we used last night because he tried to charge us $10. Let me think of how to explain how ridiculous that was...um...I don't think I can. Just know that it was. Anyway, we decided just to walk in the direction we wanted to go and pick up a tuk tuk on the way. After a few failed negotiations, we finally grabbed one. We stopped to pick up a few iced coffees, but they tasted...well, they tasted terrible. Like dark chocolate gone horribly wrong. And then we saw this:

Yes, that is 34356 balloons attached to one moto. 

We kept waiting for it to fly away.

We made it to the market and were dropped off at an unfamiliar part. No worries, we thought, we'll just go on inside and figure it out. Welp, we couldn't find the fabric, but we did find the meat section. I wish smells didn't bother me as much as they did, and I was trying just to breathe through my mouth and not seem incredibly rude/touristy, but I honestly could not help covering my mouth and practically running out of there. We then realized we were at the wrong market, so we hightailed it outta there and headed to Olympic. 

On the way there, we were stopped at a red light for what felt like five years. It probably felt so long because a man on the moto next to us was checking me out. Now, I'm totally used to being stared at. I'm really pale. I'm tall. It's cool, whatever. This dude, however, let his eyes go up and down about twelve too many times. Normally I would just ignore it, but I guess my Sonic past came rising up. See, I spent a lot of years working at Sonic, and I dealt with creepers all the time. I had no problem addressing it at home, but here I feel so awkward. Even after I had given him the, "I see you, so cut it out" look a few times, he was still looking. So then I looked him in the eye and said, "Hi. You can stop staring at me now." Doesn't that sound very Regina George? That's what it felt like. Anyway, say what you will about it, but I refused to just sit there and be subject to whatever he was thinking without doing something about it. Thankfully, the light turned green and he sped off through the intersection. 

We got some fabric fabric and called it a day. Java, a wonderful little restaurant near Independence Monument, was still open so we headed there next. My sweet tea was sweet, my grilled cheese was incredible, and the wifi password was "pecanpie." Java was a good choice. Also, at one point my bag of fabric resembled the wrapping of a McDonald's cheeseburger. I think I'm ready for a visit home. 

After Java, we walked to Miss Care spa and got foot massages. Foot massagesssss y'all! It was incredible. We also figured out how for the price one one massage at home, you can do all of these things in Cambodia: go out to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, go see a movie, get a pedicure, get a haircut, and get a massage. Everyone come visit me! One the way home, it started to pour. Water Festival is supposed to signal the end of rainy season (I think), so we are definitely looking forward to some dry weather. 

Trying (and failing) to unlock our gate from inside the tuk tuk and not get drenched.

Just another day in the life.

<3 M

get lost on the boulevard at night

This week, y'all.

Maria was flying home from Thailand on Monday (lucky), so Lorinda and I experienced the beginning of what would be the oddest week ever. On Monday morning, the power went off at school. I think it was off from 10:30 until after we had all gone home. I've tried to communicate the heat, but just try to think about the heat with no air con or fans. It's really not that bad, except when you're trying to keep 17 students focused on multiplication. It was rough.

Tuesday, we all arrived home from school only to discover the power at our house was out. Neat. A few guys came over to try to figure out the problem. We unplugged everything and it was finally determined that there was a short and that we would have to wait until Wednesday afternoon for an electrician to come fix it. So, we loaded up our electronics and headed for The Shop, which is a cafe/restaurant not far from our home. We plugged in all of our gadgets, ate pizza, and took in all the air con we could before they closed and we had to leave. Maria and I made it through the night ok, but Lorinda didn't sleep because of the heat.

Wednesday afternoon, we arrived home to discover that the problem wasn't a short. It was us not paying our bill. It's hard to pay your bill when it doesn't come. It's also hard to read the shut-off notice when it is taped to a pole across the street. At this point, we wouldn't have power until Thursday. Back to The Shop we went! I wonder if they cared how much electricity we used. We bought more pizza, so I guess they couldn't complain. Lorinda headed to a friends house to stay the night, and Maria and I held down the fort for night #2 in the hot house. A gift straight from Heaven came via Maria's brother sending her all of the goodies to make s'mores. Gas stove = s'more time! We sat on my bed around the campfire coming from our phone's flashlights and enjoyed the taste from home. The power was on Thursday when we got home from school. Praise the Lord! Last night, we were all good for nothing and went to bed early like little old ladies.

Then, we arrive at tonight. Oh, tonight. On the way to the movie theatre, we got caught in some gridlock traffic that was just cray cray, and since traffic rules don't really exist/apply here, you can only imagine how people were trying to get through.

"Merry Elfin' Christmas"

The three-mile journey took us 45 minutes. We got to the movie theatre only to discover Skyfall was sold out. Oh. A tear may have come to my eye. After the week it had been, I was looking forward to going to the movies so much, but my heart will have to wait to experience the awesomeness that is Bond. James Bond (and Craig. Daniel Craig.). Anyway, there hasn't been a decent movie playing in about a month, so all the yanks must have turned out and taken our seats before we got there. Disheartened, we decided to get some dinner instead. Maria was craving some potato wedges, so we headed down to the KFC. Side note, KFC and Dairy Queen are the only American fast food chains here. Cambobo doesn't meet the health standards for McDonald's to come, or so I read.

En route to KFC, the power goes out. Like, the power of the entire City Mall went out. We were about to surrender to the powers at be and just go home, but the power came back on. We went into KFC and then realized their computers were messed up from the power outage, so everything was chaotic. Sweet. After having to establish our dominance in line so no one else would cut in front of us (I was just denied James Bond. Don't mess with me!!), we ordered. We sat down and were brought our fries and potato wedges after a few minutes. That's cool, but where was our Kentucky Fried Chicken? Eventually, after some confusion with the worker, Maria and I got our nuggets. Well, "nuggets." Have you ever eaten a chicken nugget that tasted like water? We have. We saw a worker coming with Lorinda's popcorn chicken, only to watch the popcorn chicken take a lethal plunge to the floor.

Oh, peaches.

We gave up on chicken and decided to go get some ice cream. As we were walking out of KFC, the worker runs up and hands Lorinda her new popcorn chicken. Yay, right?

"This isn't chicken."

No big deal, we thought. We then went to Lucky supermarket to pick up a few things (all of this is still talking place within City Mall). While Maria and Lorinda were selecting some mangos, I witnessed a kid throwing up a massive amount of what looked like some just-eaten Lucky Burger. Oh, and I almost stepped in it. Thinking it was over, I went back over to the girls, told them what happened, and pointed. Guess what? The kid was still puking. So they also had the pleasure of witnessing it. Y'all are welcome.

How much better can this night get? Still counting on ice cream to make everything better, we head over to the stand. I'm trying to decide between vanilla and cheesecake (I'm an animal), and then a very loud American man starts voicing his opinions on the state of US politics to his friend. Lord have mercy. Just when I thought I had managed to escape all of that nonsense, there it was. Being shouted in my direction by a man with very strong opinions. Sir, I was just denied James Bond so I'm gonna need you to check yourself before you wreck yourself.

I chose cheesecake, and it was delicious. Now I'm sitting in my room with Maria, and we are cracking up about all of this. Because we live in Cambodia. And you just have to laugh.

<3M

dr. pepper

Every Sunday, I go to the grocery store. It's only a bike ride away, and it has a really nice variety of goods. This is where my Starbucks drinks and Goldfish can be found (unless there is a Goldfish drought, like there was for about three weeks in September). They have a lot of American food at outrageous prices, but I know it's there if I ever feel like I can't go another minute without a taste of home. One thing I buy every week is a cold can of Dr. Pepper. I'm not sure why this is, but today as I enjoyed the delicious combination of 23 flavors, I began to understand. Dr. Pepper, unlike Coke, isn't available on every inch of the planet. Maybe that's why I get one. But then I began to think about what Dr. Pepper means to me, what Sundays mean to me, and then I understood.

My whole life, Sundays meant driving to Springhill to see my grandparents. Both sets of them lived there, so it was really great that we got to see them so often. Going to my dad's parent's house meant sitting down to a home-cooked meal and enjoying a glass of sweet tea, or, if you were a grandkid, an ice cold Dr. Pepper. So there we have it. Somewhere in my subconscious, I am longing for those wonderful Sunday afternoons in Mamaw Frances' living room.

I guess with Thanksgiving coming up, I'm beginning to recognize all sorts of blessings. Blessings in memories, most of all. Blessings in knowing that, even though a person may be gone or a certain time in life is over, I have incredibly vivid memories that I can cherish.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, this will be my very first one away from my family. Who will be there to turn up their nose at all the gross Thanksgiving food? Who will be in the roll-eating competition with my brother, Ryan? Who will be the only person going to Dairy Queen because it's the only restaurant open that day? Obviously, I'm not a fan of the food, but I am a huge fan of the day itself. The weather is just right for putting on a sweater and going outside to throw the football. The other day, I was trying to explain to one of my students what the air feeling "crisp" meant. She will never understand that feeling unless she ventures out of Southeast Asia, even though sometimes they complain of being cold when the temperature hits 80. C'mon, kids. You don't know the meaning of cold!

Count your blessings, y'all.

Mere

love, I want to fall back in

So maybe the iced coffee after school was a bad idea.

It feels like all those nights in college (oh MY did I just reference my college years like they were long ago? Yes, yes I did) when I had to pull an all-nighter. I am just so awake. Like deliriously awake. Like I probably shouldn't use this awakeness to blog because who knows what I'll say. Oh well. 

Today, I wore my hair down to school. I don't expect you to understand what a monumental feat this is, because most of you have no concept of the weather here. Um, life here is a big sweat. I think that sums it up pretty well. I think I made it through the day because my classroom's air conditioner is finally working properly and (the Cambodian equivalent to) winter is coming. 

Did you know that saying "thank you" in Afrikaans sounds like you're saying "buy a donkey?" I have added a new language to my list. Because being able to say one word means you speak the whole language, right? Hopefully Lorinda doesn't mind me butchering her language in the name of learning : )

I'll leave you with this: the aftermath of a birthday party in class last week. Silly string. Silly string everywhere. Kids loved it. Ms. Gore's stress level spiked to an all-time high. Just another day in Grade 3.

<3M

p.s. If you got the GOT reference, then ten points to Griffyndor

all the details in the fabric

Well, folks, I've been back in Cambodia for almost three months now. Sorry I'm just now blogging about it! Life has been crazy busy. I don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll start by saying how incredibly happy I am here. I love my job, I love my roommates, and I love what God is doing in my life. I am learning to be content in Him, not in my surroundings or possessions. I am learning to completely trust His path for me and not hold on so tightly to the plans I had made for myself. I am loving the relationships I am building with my coworkers and others within Asian Hope. Life is good.

We are three months into school, and I finally feel like I know what I'm doing. I am challenged every day, but I am working hard to meet the needs of my little darlins. Oh my goodness I love them. Even when they are loud, forget to do their homework, or do whatever else is guaranteed to happen every day. They are so precious and I am so blessed to be their teacher. This week is Book Week, and though it has been bordering insanity at moments, it has been so fun to do special activities with them. All of them love to read, and that makes me very happy!

I am also incredibly blessed with wonderful friends. My roommates, Maria and Lorinda, are so much fun. Maria is another southern belle, and I'm so thankful I e-mailed her months ago about this job and thus began our friendship. She has been the best mentor I could have asked for, as well. I'm constantly asking her questions about everything related to teaching and living in Cambodia. She also introduced me to Modern Family, so I will forever be grateful to her. Lorinda is from South Africa and is a first year teacher, too, so we can relate on a lot of things. She just got a moto and is incredibly brave! I love learning about her country and attempting to pronounce her name the way it's supposed to sound. It ain't Luh-rin-duh, which is how it sounds when my Louisiana is acting up.

I miss Fall. And I forgot that I would be missing Tech football and the Revel. Homesickness is usually for really random things, like Chick-fil-A. Oh my GOSH you don't even know how much CFA I'm gonna eat when I'm home for Christmas. Technology has been incredible for keeping me in touch with family and friends, but I kind of forgot about what it would be like without other things. Like being able to watch TV shows online (won't work here). Saturday Night Live, I still love you. I just can't be with you right now. 

I'm also incredibly sorry for the thousands of times I have hated on Wal-Mart. A greeter may have to restrain me from kissing the floor next time I step inside those automatic doors. Now I can't even imagine a store where you can get everything you need inside one building. That's air conditioned. With every variety you could ever dream of. And it doesn't smell of raw fish that have been sitting out for days (I'm talking to you, Russian Market). 

first day o'school. I just realized I haven't named my bike! we've been through a lot together.

I'm definitely still me. grilled cheese happens at least four nights a week. with ketchup!

the Laid Back Lunch crew for this year! I think about LBL every Thursday morning. One time I woke up in a panic thinking I forgot to buy something for lunch. No lie. It's still got a hold on me : )

on the rare evening i don't grill some cheese, miraculous things happen, like this lasagna. 

a day which will live in infamy. 

I was showing them the blog post from our pen pals, my cousin Leigh Anne's class in Texas. 

view from my deck chair in Koh Chang, Thailand, aka Heaven. 

our table at dinner one night

Louisiana Tech I love thee!

this is a real place, y'all!

vacation buddy. the journey was pretty interesting, but it was totally worth it!

fabric shopping at Russian Market

one of our Book Week activities!

I still haven't gotten a good shot of the madness that is Phnom Penh traffic. Stay tuned.

Thanks for reading, and I'll share some more adventures soon.

(maybe)

<3 Mere