We’ve been working on setting up a kids room at the house so the girls have their own space. We also thought it would be great for hosting families and might occasionally double as a therapy room for Crystal.

We picked what had been the computer room – it’s in the hall between the kitchen and the living room. It has two big glass doors which is great for giving kids space while keeping an eye on them. It’s really starting to come together but last night one of the girls (I won’t say which one) broke one of the glass doors.

First, there was the immediate “there’s glass everywhere!” Then, the relational stress! We were scheduled to meet our landlord for the first time tomorrow to change the lease to our names (a necessary step to get our Cambodian driver’s licenses). Our supervisors, the Area Directors, are also staying with us for a week starting tomorrow. And we are hosting all of the new YAMEN/SALT participants on Sunday. And we have a housekeeper who will probably tell everyone on the team.

It set off so much anxiety and “what ifs”! What if the landlord decides to raise the rent because of this or even look for a new tenant? What if the team thinks poorly of the girls because of this? What if the girls break something while we’re hosting?

Whew! Part of me is aware that is will probably make a good story one day and will help us relate to new service workers with families. The door is safe now – taped up with cardboard – and I’ll look into getting the door repaired today. Also, landlord texted last night to ask to reschedule for Monday. So we are taking a deep breath, checking our anxiety, and thanking God for grace.

Update: The MCC Cambodia staff told me that a few years ago a car ran into the outside gate at the house and the landlord doesn’t mind damages as long as they are repaired. They also told me that the previous MCC Reps had that door put in to make the computer room so the landlord probably doesn’t care if it’s broken or replaced. We asked a repairman to come out and assess the damage. So that first low point wasn’t quite as low as it felt in the moment but I think that’s often how it is when moving to a new home and building new relationships.