For almost our first whole year in Cambodia I didn’t have any close friends. Let me explain. When you live in a foreign country, you’re almost instantaneously friends with any other Christian expats. You bond because you are both foreigners. You feel comfortable getting together with people you’ve only met once and sharing life experiences, because you’re all in the same boat. But no one really needed my friendship.

A month and a half before we left Phnom Penh, Ayra and her family moved into a villa across from us to house-sit for their mission’s regional director while Ayra’s husband waited for an appointment for a visa. Ayra has been in Cambodia for 11 years. She came as a single missionary and is now married to a Khmer man. They have two girls (2 years old and 4 months).

Ayra and I became quick friends in part because we both needed a friend. I think that’s what made the difference for me. I wasn’t trying to figure out how I fit into another person’s world–I just fit. I was blessed by Ayra’s vast knowledge of Khmer culture and wish I had had more time to pick her brain. For now, I’m thankful for the weeks I had to get to know Ayra and for how we encouraged each other.

Quick update on our move: we had a good move to Ratanakiri. The first 2 days, Anna had a hard time adjusting. Becca and Isaiah are having a blast…and who wouldn’t: the home we’re house-sitting came with 5 half-beagle puppies and a wonderful helper whom the kids love.