Have you ever "picked something up" only to put it right back down when you found out how difficult it was actually going to be? You know, the time you wanted to pick up the guitar (for me it was the banjo), or learn to crochet a scarf, or finally become a runner. What about the time you started writing that book or a song? Well, that was how this project started. So much enthusiasm we could have run a small country with the power and strength we felt.
With no less enthusiasm we began this trip. Shortly we found out it would take more than that. Just like the music lessons and the hobbies, it would take years of commitment and alot of mistakes before any real results would ever be seen.
We had only 5 days on the ground in Cambodia this time. Our primary task was to see the 20 samples that Mr. Hay and the young ladies had put together since July. Since they were working only off a pencil sketch and a brief description from Nicole we knew there would be some aspects we would want to change. However, we didn't expect what we saw the first day. Frustration set in when we saw only 17 samples were done and only 1 was what we actually envisioned. "Lost in translation" suddenly became the catch phrase of the week. Apparently, terms like sweetheart neckline, ruching, corset back, ruffles and spaghetti strap aren't universal. Part of us understood that and laughed. What must Mr. Hay have thought when we said we wanted a spaghetti strap on the eggplant dress? Did he think we were chefs all of the sudden? And why were we surprised that all 20 samples weren't complete. Every foreign traveler and missionary knows no one but Americans operate inside the confines of time frames. Either way, we went home that day exhausted and discouraged wondering how this would end and if we should throw in the towel now.
Unlike the guitar and running shoes that gradually collect dust we decided to stick with it. We reevaluated everything we had done wrong and everything that we could do to change things in the future. We decided the mission behind this whole project made it worth the trials and hard work. We spent the next 4 days in the market and at Mr. Hay's working through all the samples one by one and changing every little detail. In the market we found the shiniest beadwork and the most stunning fabric. We were determined to be proud of this line and to work out every kink.
And it worked! On the last day 2 hours before we left for the airport we saw the new samples. They were gorgeous. Mr. Hay and all the girls were smiling and giddy. They all said they were happy to learn how to make dresses like "the rest of the world." Mr. Hay said everyone was excited because they were happy to see different types of dresses from traditional Cambodian styles. And so were we! We can't wait to show everyone these amazing gowns.
On the way home Nicole and I thought about what this was going to take. Weeks of travel, alot of money and even more plain hard work. Seeing the girls this week reminds us why we are doing this. Having a mission behind a project doesn't make it less difficult, but it does make it more rewarding.
