Welcome Back Home!

After 24 hours of traveling, I walked uncertainly out of the Phnom Penh airport, anxiously scanning the crowd waiting to greet those who had just arrived. I can only imagine that my face bore a completely bewildered expression for the few moments it took me to catch sight of the Sister who had cried out at my appearance and who was smiling and waving enthusiastically at me. She rushed over to meet me, as if I were an old friend; folding me in a warm embrace and kissing both my cheeks.

All of my uncertainties about the coming year were lifted at her loving welcome.

We loaded my luggage into the back of a pick-up truck, and then the two of us climbed in after it. The drive was rather overwhelming for me, as I tried to carry on a conversation with Sr. Ophriini while taking in the many new sites flying past. Colorful buildings, flared roof corners, piles of trash lining the street, signs written in Khmer, street vendors, children playing, and large gatherings performing traditional Khmer dance. Motos (small motorcycles) were rushing by, some with whole families piled on, a few with babies held in front of their parents (no helmets or protection of any other kind) and one very talented driver who managed to steer his moto while holding a twelve foot ladder!

Before I knew it, we had arrived. The gates to the school were flung open, to reveal the courtyard just beyond, where the girls were all awaiting my arrival. They began singing a welcome song and clapping for me; as I climbed down from the truck, I was soon encircled by them. They presented me with a ring of flowers, a traditional Khmer welcome as well as a Khmer scarf. Looking at the smiling faces around me, singing my welcome, I was incredibly moved. Being so far from home, it was especially beautiful to experience this loving reception. As the community of six Sisters I am living with emphasized that evening, I had been welcomed back home.