Monday morning, I walked into New Hope School for my first day of teaching. I was very excited, and knew it would be a long day, but I had no idea about the roller coaster of emotions I was about to experience in a span of just 10 hours. After the first bell rang, I walked up to the front of the class to introduce myself. 24 precious, wide-eyed faces stared up at me like I was the most amazing person they’d ever met. They didn’t have much–one book, a small notebook, and some writing utensils–but I’ve never seen a more eager-looking class. After I introduced myself, I started to sit back down. I assumed I would just observe the first day in order to figure out what the students were learning and start to understand New Hope’s teaching style. Well, I was very wrong. The Khmer teacher (my translator) handed me her book and said, “You teach this page.” I’m quickly discovering that you don’t really ease into things on the World Race. You’re thrown into them.
At first, I wasn’t too nervous. They were simply going over colors. How hard could it be? I soon realized that teaching colors wasn’t the challenge. I had no idea what the kids had learned in the past. I didn’t know their skill level, or how fast they learned, or what pace I was supposed to teach at. On top of that, my translator spoke very little English, and when I would ask a question (without mumbling, Dad) I would usually get a blank stare. My second class was more difficult than the first. I was informed that they were more advanced, so I prepared some more challenging activities over lunch, but nothing unmanageable. I was wrong…again. My second class is more advanced than my first class, but only by a little bit. After writing an extremely short, simple paragraph on the board, not one of my 17 students really understood what it said. I was discouraged, to say the least. I managed to fill up the 3 hour classes, but at the end of the day, I didn’t know how to feel. Part of me was overjoyed that I had such an amazing ministry. Who gets to say that they teach English to 40+ students in the middle of the rice fields of Cambodia at a school that spreads the love of Christ? Like no one…except me! On the other hand, I was very overwhelmed. I just kept thinking, “How am I supposed to do this every day for the next 6 weeks?! These kids need a great English teacher to give them the best futures possible…and that sure isn’t me!” Thankfully, God gives peace and wisdom, and He’s given me a ton in the past week.
Yesterday I finished my first week as a teacher at New Hope, and it couldn’t feel more natural. “Teacher Abby” is something I hear about 5,000 times a day, and I never get tired of it. After my first day, I came back to our house and skimmed through my class’ book to get an idea of what they’ve learned. This alone helped a ton. I also found some good activities that work wonders. Writing lesson plans and teaching two 3 hour classes doesn’t sound daunting anymore. I know my classes so much better now. I know how fast to go. I know how to challenge them. I know which students need extra help and which students need more difficult assignments. I know how to balance listening, speaking, and writing words and phrases. I know how to get their attention (this took some trial and error). I know how to incorporate competition (they sure do love competitions). I know how to come up with my own activities off the top of my head. I’ve come to realize that it’s really not about how good the lesson plan is. It’s about giving it your all, and having enthusiasm about what you’re teaching. The rest will follow.
So yes, I love teaching. But I think I’ve learned more than I’ve taught (actually, I know I’ve learned more than I’ve taught). I went into the week fixated on one thing: teaching English. But God has been changing my heart and helping me focus on my real purpose at New Hope. While I do want them to remember how to spell post office and lemonade, I also want them to remember how deeply they are loved and cared about. I want them to remember the joy that comes from relying on the Lord’s strength. I want them to remember Christ’s relentless love. My job is to bend down, take their hands, and patiently walk with them towards the richness that comes from knowing the Great I Am. And who knows, maybe they’ll remember post office and lemonade too.
