Just make lemonade...

I think that Leanne and I would both confess that the the month of May was tougher than we would like to admit to ourselves and our supporters. As school finished up and responsibilities shifted, we had to say goodbye, if only temporary, to many people who were heading home for the summer.

Our excitement for those heading back to the U.S., Canada or wherever they call home was truly authentic. Before they departed we discussed what their first meal would be, where they were going camping, who they would see and what they would on the 4th of July.

Those discussions inevitably led to Leanne and I feeling low as we are still 11-months from returning home for a visit. We found ourselves talking about friends, family, camping and Chipotle. We discussed how excited we will be to go on long runs or bike rides in cooler, crisp air, or be able to share in the excitement of children and new homes with our friends, or feel the comfort that comes with sitting in our parent's living rooms. And not to mention central air conditioning.

We talked about these plans with limitless excitement - and then we never got on a plane to go home.

One major lesson we are learning here is the reality that, at most times, we as individuals are responsible for our own feelings of happiness and contentedness. There are countless cliches supporting this: When the world gives you lemons make..., Make sure to always see the glass as half..., Don't worry be...,

Often this is difficult for Leanne and I to do. We can be angry or bitter at the culture, the pace, the way business is done or how far away the day is when we walk into an airport terminal, see our family and can read the signs. To be literate again...

However, we have made a very strong effort to be prayerful and proactive about our feelings and our choice to see the blessings that surround us. To start our "summer" we spent time on our bikes, made tortellini, enchiladas and chocolate chip pancakes. We had meals with friends who are here and watched the Stanly Cup Finals at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. We talked to friends and family back home and enjoyed the rain that has been cooling Cambodia down and making it pleasant once again.

Today, I went on a 3 hour bike ride and rode the first decent incline I have found since being here. Passing ox carts, excited children and quite fishermen straitening their nets; I was once again content. I found myself at the top of a hill overlooking miles of green Cambodia. On the hill was a 40-foot reclining Buddha surrounded by the smell of palm incense and a rare Cambodian silence. It was a perfect reminder for me to stop, realize where I was, the opportunity I have and the blessings I have been given.

We are better, happier, content and excited about what is in store for us this summer. We hope you are as well.

We have been spending a lot of time on our bikes recently, here are some images from our Sunday ride and my Tuesday ride (While Leanne was working. Teaching = Awesome.)