FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM RURAL SCHOOL PROGRAM DIRECTOR DOUGLAS SCHLEMMER ON RETURNING TO THE U.S. AFTER TWO YEARS OF SUPERIOR WORK TO RESUME GRADUATE STUDIES

  December 15, 2001

Dear Bernie,
 
I know for a fact that my time in Cambodia has been some of the best years of my life.  This is why it is so hard for me to leave. 
 
I wonder if I will ever have as meaningful, rewarding, and productive working experience as I have had here in Cambodia working with you and JRFC.  This thought worries me to no end, but it is my future goal to get back to a position where I can continue to help people, using the knowledge I learned in Cambodia and graduate school. 
 
I was given such an amazing opportunity in Cambodia to do great work and make a difference in peoples lives - I know that any job which follows will be a disappointment after my experience here.  I am not looking forward to this disappointment, but am prepared to face it.
 
Good things come from change.  I know this is true, despite the pains going through the process.  2002 will be a time of transistion for me, and I am not sure where I will end up, which is a scary prospect.  The only certainty I know is that I wherever I find myself next year, I will be missing Cambodia and the School Project very, very much!
 
Gratefully,
 
Doug