Sheldon reflects on his family, motos, and corruption

Sheldon took some time to answer a few questions about his SST experience via e-mail from his post in Pennsylvania. He did as good of a job as I could have telling you his thoughts, so I’ll just let you read his own words.

What are you up to these days?

I am interning for the GC May Term, with split duties between BikeMovement Asia (bikemovement.org) and Franconia Conference (franconiaconference.org).

What is the point of SST as you see it?

As Christians we are called to be global ambassadors. I believe that SST is an outlet for GC students to begin to think about what it means to be a global ambassador, specifically through experiential living, conscious observations, and relationship-building. SST is good for both the student and the country, not to mention Goshen College itself and the world as a whole. I am a pretty hardcore believer in cross-cultural experiences.

The specific program we were a part of allowed us to learn not only about a new culture and way of living, but about ourselves, our classmates, and our God. I believe the Cambodian people we came into contact with -- or even those who simply stared at us -- were able to retain at least a little part of what it means to be American. I don't often think about what it means to be an American; I probably thought about this more when I was in Cambodia than I had my entire life up to that point. And that is what SST is all about: learning about and engaging ideas you wouldn't have otherwise.

How have you noticed your life changing since returning?

I am more aware of my family life. While in Cambodia, I was reminded time and time again how important family is. And not just one's blood relations, but also friends and neighbors who are referred to as "brothers" and "sisters" both in language and in people's hearts. I have become more conscious of how I relate to my family -- how much time I spend with them, how I treat them interpersonally, the ways I talk about them with other people, etc.

How has your transition into US culture been?

My transition was intercepted by a two-week stint in the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. I didn't experience much "culture shock" coming back to the US because even though China is a "developing country," it is vastly different from Cambodia -- in ways, it is very much like the US. We saw our fair share of KFC, Starbucks, and 7-11 before ever stepping foot on American soil.

What have you learned from SST and what good do you see that knowledge being?

SST is all about challenging your worldview. People like to say that cross-cultural experiences always "change" your worldview. I would agree, but also challenge that with the fact that sometimes it makes certain particulars of your worldview more concrete.

Would you go back to Cambodia? If so, under what circumstances?

I would definitely like to make a return trip to Cambodia. I would probably never go there to straight-up vacation in Sihanoukville, but more likely would go as an MCCer or to visit my host family in Phnom Penh. Whatever the reason, my Good family will hopefully be able to go over with me sometime in the future.

Are you still in touch with your family?

I just sent my oldest brother and my mother emails last Friday. I have emailed with my mother -- who began emailing my parents while I was on service, because I had no internet connection -- two or three times already since being back. I am waiting for the day they call my cell phone, since they all have my number! I have also emailed back and forth with Nathan's host-brother, TR, who I established a very good relationship with. He is considering applying for MCC's IVEP program for the group that would leave two years from now.

Have you noticed any changes in the States since you were last there in December?

I live in the sprawling suburbs of Philadelphia, so YES. There are newly paved roads, new roads, more stop lights, housing developments that were formerly unused farmland, along with countless other physical objects. Oh the suburbs, you leave for even a week and they're not how you left them!

What (if anything) did Cambodia help you appreciate about America?

Even though I have considerable disagreements with our country's political policies and stances on current issues, I am thankful that I am allowed to vote for a government that actually counts my vote and allows me to voice my opinion. We oftentimes view our government as "corrupt," but after being in Cambodia, I have learned of new potential for corrupt governments.

What was one of the best things and one of the hardest things about your experience?

Wow, another hard one. At least you asked "one of the best/hardest..." and not just "THE best/hardest..." As for one of the best things, I would have to say riding moto against SST rules. One of the hardest? Probably the fact that I couldn't fit a moto in my luggage.

If a student told you he/she was considering Cambodia for SST and wanted your thoughts, what would you tell him/her?

Can you think of any reasons NOT to go??