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Still here?
Let the countdown begin........
First things first, not really super into the whole, hey check it out status update about every minute detail of someones life. I am not trying to do that, so sorry if I sound like a Jed Gyorko. I don't know what to say, only typing some thoughts about my experiences in the last few months.

A month from today Phan, Hooner and I will travel the 8,255 miles to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

I had a conversation with my sister who has been a trailblazer (both figuratively, literally and by national Basketball ASSOCIATION) about the difference between wanting to do something and actually doing it.
I can honestly say it is much easier to say, "traveling is something I've always wanted to do" then it is to GO.
rent out the house, storing stuff, quitting one job and taking a LOA from another, moving in with folks, being genuinely scared about living in another country, getting a lot of shots (the doctor kind), saying goodbye to friends, missing family already, especially my nieces and nephews.
How will we deal with the physical environment (temperature, dirt, rain)?
Will I be able to learn to speak or understand Cambodian?
How will Phan do with time on her hands?
Will Hooner be ok?


Your list will look different, but there may be some common themes.
Family,
Finances,
Fear.

In our case, family has been very supportive and gone out of their way to make our dreams a reality. We will miss them, probably more than we realize now.
Our financial plan is to spend less money then we make, if we are able to do this on a consistent basis we should be okay.
Fear of the unknown. It is at the same time troublesome and really exciting.

I read something this morning about living in Asia and one thing this particular guy liked was the idea of not being bombarded with what we are supposed to do with our lives.

There is a challenge in not having your mind made up for you.

Happy Birthday Dave

Well its official. I am middle-aged. I am writing in a blog, because clearly there is a vast audience for my wit and charm. I figure that this is a good place to recount our adventures and record some of life's episodes.

So, while not official, Phan and I are moving to Cambodia, yes Cambodia.
      Quickly some of the immediate reactions I/we have gotten when uttering those words.

• Wow
• Why?
• When
• No
• Awesome
• Serious?
• Dude, go for it.
• What about your job?

So, I have been fortunate enough to get to know a pretty exceptional Cambodian named Phan. I'll admit that I knew little of Cambodia before making her acquaintance, but without much reverie I have learned, studied, wrote and taught things about Cambodia for the last several years. I came across a school near Siem Reap (that is where the temples are) that I liked and decided to send them a resume. I did, and they said this resume is awful, could you revise it and send it back to us when we begin the hiring process in a few months.  I did, and then we spoke via skype and liked each other enough to pursue the opportunity of teaching, living, traveling in Cambodia for at least a year and maybe two or more.

So why?
I think it is for me a collection of reasons that we are pursuing this opportunity. We have the ability to leave America and go there, and it would be a waste of an opportunity. It is where Phan is from, it could be very good to spend some time learning about where she comes from and maybe who she is a little.  I like to teach, I like Cambodians, We don't have any kids, but I'll be honest I don't like to be reminded by others of this fact. Thats a soft spot for me. We think that living overseas is something we will enjoy. This could allow us a year or two to travel and see and experience a new world. Imagine where our minds and hearts will go.

Obstacles
It is more involved than you think to make choices on possessions and cars and a house. A lot of moving pieces, but family has been really great and hopefully our imposition is not too much of a burden.

more why
I love Phan and I really love to go on adventures with Phan, we're at our best when we are tackling challenges together and figuring stuff out together. I am most fulfilled when Phan and I discover something together. I am humbled to be able to experience this with her at this time in our life.


even more why
I want to

I am not going to ask you to come to Cambodia, but it would be our pleasure to see you there. Visit, email, skype or don't. We love you just the same

We adopted Hooner

Steve walking Hooner at Balboa Park

Hooner enjoying his cupcake

 

Battambang, Cambodia 2011

We visited a small school in my dad's village in Battambang. 

Pheap and Nee came to visit

Little brother and his wonderful girlfriend drove 31 hours one-way to visit us in San Diego. What a treat to spend some quality time with them!  Plus, they brought oysters, crawfish and shrimps.  We are so thankful to have such a loving family.