We’re entering day 4 here and I have been loving every minute of it. Here’s a little update thus far!
Ministry
After a day of rest, we started ministry on Friday (February 1st). Our main focus is teaching English to the children that live in the orphanage. This includes planning the lessons (both English and biblical), gathering supplies, preparing, and coordinating with my team who is doing what. It has been a challenge trying to teach concepts in English but not knowing the language, Khmer, and because we don’t have a translator our team has had to capitalize on our art and acting skills. Let’s just say the kids give us many confused looks and bursts of laughter. Since day 1, teaching the kiddos came very naturally to me. One of my biggest prayers leading up to and throughout the trip is that God would reveal gifts in my team and I to better serve Him. It’s been so cool to see the Lord affirm the gift of teaching in me given a completely new environment with limited resources and a prominent language barrier.
Our first day was focused on learning and writing names. There were many pronunciation errors and corrections but I can confidently say I know all the children’s names. Calling each child by name was really important to me because I believe that one’s name is the sweetest sound to the human ear. It shows sincerity and intentionality when someone takes the time to learn and remember a name.
We split up the kids this week based on skill level. My amazing co-teacher, Liz, and I taught the more advanced group/higher grades. We tried to teach vowels this week and let’s just say the English language is very complex and hard to explain. Our students are so hungry for knowledge and excited for anything we teach.
Miscellaneous
Another part of our day consists of playing football (aka soccer) in the rice fields after school before dinner. We usually play during golden hour so it is not ridiculously hot but also absolutely beautiful to look at. The competition gets real as teams are divided and goals are scored between the two piles of hay. I love the simplicity and universality of the sport and how connections are deepened every day. Even if some the kids don’t play, they will all come and watch or play in the tunnels near by. When it’s time to leave no one is left behind, even if that means running almost a mile to get one of the little boys who got distracted chasing a lizard. I admire the family that these kiddos have established between each other and truly being an example of what it looks like to live in community.
Me
I am honestly overwhelmed by quickly I fell in love with life here. In no way is it glamorous (squatty potties, bugs galore, sleeping on the floor, and 100+ degree weather), but the relationships, community, and simplicity of life has brought me a joy that I had difficult time finding while in the states. One of my biggest goals while being here at NHO (New Hope for Orphans) is for each of the 20 children to know that they are loved, seen, and important. I see each day is a new opportunity for me to hug and love each child the way God would.
The funny thing is, those who know me can vouch at the fact that physical touch is not my favorite love language, especially while hot. However, good morning and good night hugs have become a part of my daily routine and have been my favorite parts of the day. There is nothing like walking out to the courtyard in the morning and being greeted by cheek to cheek smiles and “good mornings”!
I’ve adjusted to life here rather quickly. Besides the fact I am constantly sticky due to the heat, I am doing really well. I have learned to ignore the bugs that are literally everywhere and perfected the squatty potty life. My team has grown to become a family over the past couple days and I am so thankful for each and every one of them.
Thank you for reading another post! You can also subscribe to receive updates anytime I upload. Until next time…
–Steph from Kampong Thom, Cambodia
