As my last blog described, the Cambodian people have been
stripped of virtually everything. Just
30 years ago, the majority of all educated people were murdered. Any educational system that was in place was
completely abolished. And for over 5
years, there was no education, no school – nothing but war and death. Only in the past 15
years have they been given control of their government.
Because of this, the objective of the ministry we work with
is to serve the Cambodian people by offering them skills and education to
increase their chances of finding jobs.
We spend our days teaching English, life skills, and
computer. Jane even teaches a Korean
class because there are many Korean tourists here. Teaching English had proved slightly challenging
for me – back to middle school English class.
I can’t say that those were the best days for me, or my favorite. So I am relearning object pronouns and
possessive pronouns. I’m not sure I
could have defined those two weeks ago. I
just speak the language; I don’t actually know the terminology. I am discovering how to explain what possessive
means. I am learning how to clarify the
difference between there, their and they’re.
Some days are incredibly rewarding. I walk out excited about teaching, feeling
like I helped my students to understand and learn English or computer. Other days, I leave my classroom feeling
completely defeated and failed, as if my students didn’t understand a word I said. I have a new respect for all teachers.
We are in the town of Siem Reap. It is very touristy because of the famous,
world wonder, Angkor Wat, located 6 km from the town center. The temples are beautiful and you could spend
several days touring all the ancient temples, but I have yet to visit. Because of
Angkor Wat, we are in a Buddhist center of the world.
Pray for restoration of the land, of the people, of the
nation. Pray for God’s victory to come
to this place. Pray for truth and
answers as people search.
