Stars hanging in by the window where I stayed my first few days, and next to a painting in my home here.

Cambodian stars

Soon the Cambodian Stars became one of the last things packed and first things put up whenever I moved. And when I myself moved to Cambodia the Cambodian Stars came home. I hung them in my bedroom – a promise, a reminder.

Beginning the Middle

It’s been a week now since I left Beijing and arrived in Phnom Penh. All in all, it’s been a great first week – a great start to this “middle” time I find myself in. I am delighted to feel so at home, and look forward to engaging in life here while I can.

A final visit to the Great Wall

I love the reminder that this world can be small. It’s a good thing to think on as I prepare to leave the place where I met many of the closest friends I’ve ever had. Not bad thoughts to dwell on during my last visit to the Great Wall of China.

I’m going to miss my xiaomaibu

These interactions are something I’ll miss when I leave. They make me love speaking Chinese, and the way it helps me think from another culture’s viewpoint. It makes me want to learn more languages, and live in more places.

It’s official – I’m leaving China

I bought a one-way plane ticket out of China. There’s something so FINAL about having paid for a plane ticket, about having a concrete date. About knowing exactly how much time I have left here. I suspect that’s why I put it off so long.

BIG, bittersweet news

This will be my last year in China. I have no doubt that this is right for me – but that doesn’t mean it’s been an easy choice to make. I will be moving to Australia to spend three years working on a Master of Divinity degree, starting in January 2015.