Ten days ago I arrived in Cambodia, so the only thing that makes sense is for me to do a “Top Ten” list of things you should know about this country, and how I am spending my time here.
10 I am in Battambang, Cambodia working with an organization called Ezra Ministries, a school that focuses on teaching both the Gospel and English.
9 In addition to a school, Ezra recently opened a café called Ezra Library Café, which they hope will bring in a large enough profit to pay the Ezra teachers a living wage.
8 On a historical note, the Khmer Rouge overtook Cambodia in 1975, and though they intended to turn the country into a communist agrarian utopia, people were actually shipped off to labor camps where they were starved, abused, and separated from their families.
7 An estimated 2 million Cambodians died during the reign of the Khmer Rouge; teachers, monks, doctors, and anyone who appeared educated or wore glasses were systemically tortured and killed.
6 A well-known movie and book about this time in history is called “First They Killed My Father;” it is a memoir from a woman who survived. I suggest you read or watch it to learn more about this mass genocide that isn’t taught in American schools (the movie is on Netflix).
5 It is stinkin’ hot here. The average temperature is in the upper 90’s, and the “real feel” nears 105° almost everyday. Our refuge comes in the thunderstorms because they bring a breeze and cooler temperatures. I am always sweating. Always.
4 One of the main ministries I have done here is Vacation Bible School (VBS). I was on the worship team, so I led worship for the kiddos and also taught some Bible Study, played games, and did arts and crafts. So fun!
3 Another ministry in which I am involved is teaching English. I teach two ESL (English as a Second Language) classes each morning with my friend Erin; the lessons focus mainly on phonics and basic conversation. Dare I say we are killing it?
2 I also volunteer at a hospital in Battambang where I play games and color with the patients. Additionally, we make greeting cards for the hospital ministry, which they sell to fund their projects and programs.
1 So far, Cambodia has been a really unique experience with many different opportunities to serve and learn about a new culture. With a little less than two weeks left, I am excited to see how God will move!
Until the whole world hears,
Mia
