It is month four which means new country, new ministry, new food and this time even a new team … the one thing that remains is… the beach! It seems God likes me near the ocean and I’m not complaining
December began in Phnom Penh where all the teams of K squad came together for mini debrief. This is a time where we get to evaluate past months and pour into one another before heading out to begin again. This debrief is different from the rest because the new squad leaders are chosen and teams are mixed up. The change was much more difficult than I had expected… I knew I would not stay with the same people for the full 11 months, but I have made some pretty solid friends and knowing we were no longer working together hurt.
I then moved to Sihanoukville, Cambodia with my new team: Danny Weiss, Jen Price, Stephanie Montes, Tanner Hubbard and Michael and Veronica Bourdon (the Bourdons and I were also together on 6.33.) The seven of us are living in a ministry house, girls in a bunk room down stairs, boys in a bunk room upstairs and the married couple just two houses down in another room. Upstairs there is a room with sewing machines for women who come to learn to sew and earn a living so that they do not resort to prostitution, and outside there are three class rooms for young Cambodian children who come in the evenings to learn English. Sihanoukville is a beautiful place… lots of half dressed children, cows crossing, random dogs barking and so many roosters and chickens roaming free.
Our ministry this month is Teaching! That’s right.. I’m a teacher 🙂 In the evenings I have a class of about 13 Cambodian children full of energy, eager to learn, very smart and not afraid to ask questions.. always raising their hands as they shout out “teach-ah, teach-ah”. I have really enjoyed spending time with the kids, coming up with lesson plans and even making tests. During the day we volunteer at a Christian school helping out in different classes. I am with sixth grade and I’ve mainly just been testing the students lately, the teacher is in the states for holiday and I’m playing substitute. Spending time with both classes has given me an even stronger appreciation for the many teachers around the world.
Teaching is a selfless job, dedicated to the betterment of others. With all the different required tests and standards students must pass and now add on the job of teaching manners and life skills, it is amazing teachers last for as long as they do.
Special shout out the all the teachers back home… YOU are making a difference in this world. Whether it is your 20th year, last year before retirement or maybe you’re just about to begin, get excited and be encouraged.. God has placed you in a very important position because he trusts you.
Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Horn, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Williams/Thigpen (she got married mid-year.. invited the whole class to the wedding, so sweet) Ms. Nolan, Mrs. Sharp, Mrs. Huggins, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Malnar, Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Carr, Mrs. Jost, Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. Ragan, Mrs. Frizzel, Mrs. Weibe, Mrs. Hillis, Coach Mac, Mrs. Dack, Coach C, Dr. Shafer, Dr. Scott, Dr. Woosman, Dr. Petrick, Dr.Walker and Dr. Crompton….
You might not be traveling around the world spreading the gospel but because of you.. I am. You helped me to become the woman I am today. You challenged me and expected more.. You taught me how to think, how to ask questions and how to find answers. Thank You!
I am blessed to have the opportunity to teach these children and pray that I might be half as influential as my teachers were in my life.
