Cambodia’s population falls below age 15 and immense poverty forces most
children to leave school at an early age.
Hope School is setting a new standard for this nation. It is founded
by New Life Church, and countless
scholarships are given to attend here. I am absolutely honored to teach English
& Jesus to these amazing kids this month. =)
The
Preschoolers actually double as my alarm clock. They arrive at school by 6:30am
and do their daily stretches & songs right below my window. Our English
lessons consist of ABC’s, lots of word repeating, singing, coloring, and BIG
hugs. We are in each class for 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to wear you
out.
—–
The
elementary students are my entertainment for the day. I am greeted at the door with
this routine…
1. Everyone
stands up and Yells… “Good Morring TeaCHA!”
2. I respond “Goodmorning,
how are you?”
3. “FAAAAA TanK
Yo, HA Are YOU?”, and then they sit back down… kind of =)
It
is the absolute most adorable thing in the world. Just wait until you see it on
video.
I
teach level 1 elementary, which consists of comprehending, speaking, and
writing out ONE new sentence every day… Along with LOTS of high fives. For the
most part, the hour goes smooth, I assign them homework to write the sentence
10 times, and it’s always a comedy show.
—–
In
the evenings I teach level 5 grammar and conversation to high school and
College students that come to New Hope for extra
English classes. I really look forward to my time with these older kids. We
hang out before and after class and the conversation is on a friendship level.
I am not ‘TeaCHA’ to these students, but ‘Beka’.
There
is a lot of new vocabulary & explanations that take place in the classroom,
but let’s face it; I am not an English scholar (I didn’t know the difference
between ‘Present Continuous’ & ‘Participle’ the other day). I do my best,
but I also realize it would be impossible for me to impact these kids’ lives
through a talent of teaching.
What
WILL have an impact is to speak life into these Students and lead by example in
the way I interact with them. Whether I am asking a group questions or having a
deep 1 on 1 conversation, I want to be someone they can trust and come to for
encouragement, in whatever area it might be. It is not hard, in fact conversation
comes easy. God has gifted me with an observing heart and a relatable
personality. THAT’s how I am teaching, I’m just giving them ALL my full
attention and love… and making them laugh of course =)
—–
No
matter what the age group, each one of these kids has something HUGE in common. They are SO eager to learn! Whether
it’s about colors & Jesus song’s in preschool or Life
& the Bible in the upper classes, these kids are Passionate & Filled
with God’s love. Christianity was most likely Not ‘taught‘
to them by their parents. It has been shown to them over and over through
the called leaders and community of this
school. I am more than honored to be a part of planting seeds in these kids’
lives.
If THESE students
are really the Future of Cambodia, BIG things are in store!
