That’s right. I’m living in the village in Cambodia.
And it’s hottttttt – but it’s incredible.
I’m living in my tent on a piece of property that has no electricity. We pump our own water for showering, cooking, cleaning and for flushing the squatty potty.
I wake up before 6am every day and begin chores at 6:30am. Two hours later I begin the 15 minute walk down the sandy dirt road with Cara and Megan to meet the most beautiful children in the world – I know I’ve said that before but seriously, Cambodians are the most beautiful people ever. I teach English to some of the children in the village ranging from 4-15 in age. Their English is minimal at best but every morning, without fail they greet me with, “Good morning teacher Jenni” and it brings the biggest smile to my face. However, teaching children English who barely recognize their alphabet is a challenge. At the beginning of the month I would get so frustrated that they didn’t understand or would grow discouraged thinking that I would not be able to teach them anything in my time here. But then I was so kindly reminded that I’m not here to make them world scholars, I’m just here to love them and share Jesus with them.
I teach another class in the afternoon and they are even younger. When they recognize A, B and C it’s a good day but even when they don’t I still smile because when they come running down the street and jump into my arms all that matters is that child and making sure they know they are so loved. Loving on some kiddos- I can do that.
Chores continue throughout the day with food preparations for meals – I have learned how to peel and cut a mango and have perfected my chopping skills. I love meal prep and the conversations with our contact Deb that come along with it. She is the best cook in the world and loves us so well by making delicious meals for us every single day.
Naps are taken in hammocks, card games are played around the picnic table and bible studies are taught nightly. We basically sweat all day every day but it’s worth it when someone understands something new about God or you hear sweet children singing songs of praise to Jesus in Khmer.
It’s a hard life in the village, but it’s simple and I love it.
How could you not, right?
Enjoy the simple life…
– J
