We arrived in Malaysia this month, slightly sleepy after a 22-hour train ride through Thailand, and slightly breathless after an incredible month at a beautiful orphanage in Cambodia.
Our gracious hosts (whom we affectionately call P. Tom and Ms. Sharmila) let us rest for the afternoon. The next day, they called us into their office to get to know us a bit. We were touched by their genuine interest us: they took the time to hear each one of our stories and what led us to the Race.
We then found out that we would get to work with kids again this month, serving as teachers in a small northern town of Malaysia. Some of us would assist teachers at their pre-school/kindergarten nearby, and others would help homeschool our hosts’ children.
P. Tom and Ms. Sharmila just began homeschooling their kids this year. With no curricula and an already-packed schedule, the switch to homeschooling could prove challenging for any parent. Add to those difficulties a country where homeschooling is rarely practiced and educational resources in English are scarce… quite a predicament!
My teammate Emily and I work together every day to lesson plan, create worksheets and help these precious kids stay on top of their studies. I give props to teachers! It’s sure not easy.
Yet just as surely, God is in it. Emily was homeschooled! She’s been able to offer wisdom, advice and resources from her years of experience, and I’ve really enjoyed teaching alongside her. And even as I write this, we found out that someone offered to pay for a certified curriculum for the three children! Yeah!!
On the preschool/kindergarten end, Hannah and Marsha make the short trek to the school at 8:30am every morning. The kids range from 3-8 years old, and are as happy (and ornery) as you would expect for that age range.
The preschool has been struggling a little bit to get on its feet as financial stress and lack of consistent curricula burdens the staff. But God is providing… Hannah and Marsha have had years of experience working with young children, and both have a huge heart for kids. They sit with the students with endless patience: teaching them, reading to them, playing with them. They’ve also been able to contribute to the program by establishing goals and intuitive lesson plans for the teachers.
A few of the precious students at the preschool/kindergarten have special learning needs, including struggles with dyslexia and autism. With the naturally chaotic atmosphere of a preschool, their needs have been unintentionally sidelined… but God is providing! Brooke was commissioned to spend extra time with these students and to write up an assessment for them, including her recommendations for their educational needs. She lit up when she heard the news. Who knew that God could use her background in special education – and her huge heart for kids with special needs – at a preschool in Malaysia?
Malory received a different commissioning that fit her to a T. Various reports and spreadsheets have been put off as P. Tom and Sharmila have juggled a pastorate, their preschool/kindergarten, their children’s education and their own studies (they’re both completing their master’s degree). Yet God is in this, too! Malory’s willing heart to help them has been a huge asset. Where some may tire of busywork tasks, she loves them! Those reports have met their match.
And myself? P. Tom and Sharmila found out that I play both violin and keyboard. Excitement etched across their faces, they asked if I would be willing to teach a few music lessons for their kids this month. I am delighting in it! I love the eagerness of the two youngest girls as they lovingly take out their violins and learn how to hold their bows properly. And the eldest boy, having already learned basic chords on his keyboard, jumps at the opportunity to learn worship songs by ear. I don’t know who has more fun in these lessons: them or me!
Month 7 in the Race, when energy could flag and hearts could long for home. Instead, we’re in the midst of a month where the experiences, talents and abilities God has given us are being utilized to the fullest.
