This month our team is working in Kongtaneang, a very remote village in the Kandal province of Cambodia. It has been an adjustment to say the least.
As the first foreigners to visit this village, we have found ourselves the focal point of all the locals’ attention, free time, and curiosity. Men, women, and children alike can be spotted at all hours of the day shamelessly starring into the barred windows of the church in which our tents are pitched. Never have I understood the plight of the zoo creatures as I do now! The day of our arrival we found ourselves on constant display. After experiencing the heat we’re up against this month, we decided to ask the pastor to encourage the locals to give us our privacy, as we have the habit of peeling down to our skivvies during the hottest afternoon hours. Along with electricity limits of 7pm-10pm every night (thus the only time we can get the help of fans) and having the same water basin used to flush our squatty potties as our shower/ face washing water, we’ve had a lot to process:)
As the first foreigners to visit this village, we have found ourselves the focal point of all the locals’ attention, free time, and curiosity. Men, women, and children alike can be spotted at all hours of the day shamelessly starring into the barred windows of the church in which our tents are pitched. Never have I understood the plight of the zoo creatures as I do now! The day of our arrival we found ourselves on constant display. After experiencing the heat we’re up against this month, we decided to ask the pastor to encourage the locals to give us our privacy, as we have the habit of peeling down to our skivvies during the hottest afternoon hours. Along with electricity limits of 7pm-10pm every night (thus the only time we can get the help of fans) and having the same water basin used to flush our squatty potties as our shower/ face washing water, we’ve had a lot to process:)
Our ministry is to teach English twice a day at a Center located a short walk away from the church in which we stay, and do home visits in our free time. Pastor Vrrack, who taught himself the English language alone in his home, is the head teacher of the elementary aged students and a shining light for Christ to the surrounding Buddhist community. Despite the rough living arrangements, it has become clear to our team that God has ordained for us to be here. The children, being the poorest in the community and typically left out of life’s adventures and blessings, are eager and excited to practice with the new foreigners. One of the main things our contact desires is for us to help the students with correct pronunciation, which has been a perfect window of opportunity for us to share the Word. Reading poetry from Psalms, teaching the younger children stories and parables…the possibilities are endless. We feel SO blessed to get the chance to show these children love and acceptance, to be servants and helpers to Pastor Vrack, and to get to serve as this community’s first impressions of Westerners, young Americans, and most importantly Christians. Please pray for our team to have a continuing spirit of honor, unity, and a posture of servanthood. Pray that God will open hearts and minds and speak through us to the children and families we meet during our time here in Kongtaneang.
On a special note, pray for financial provision!!! I still have $4,000 to raise in order to be fully funded and one member of our team (Kim Brown, check out her blog as well) is in danger of not meeting the required $10,000 deadline that is quickly approaching. Thank you!
