This month I came in not knowing what to expect in ministry just like every month. All I knew was that maybe we would be busy and be teaching English. Should not be too bad I thought. Well that was an under statement. In the past there have been children I have gotten to teach, but I never expected the quantity or extent of what we did here.
Our day would begin about 7:30 AM. I needed to be at the school and wait for children until we began classes at 8 or so. Children came and came. The kids screaming from the top of their lungs. Some were also non-stop crying. I really did not know what to think. This felt a little chaotic at first and I did not know how to act towards all this rowdiness. All I prayed for was God’s love for all these children.
Class would begin and we would begin by singing a few songs to attempt calming the children down and probably the teachers as well. Then I would proceed to teaching the lecture for the day. In this case, it was two weeks of birds. I am not going to say it was easy because it sure was not. There were three classes and I taught ages 3-8. Trying to get their attention was the hardest. Especially after snack time. When it came time for lesson two, the attention was just not there.
At some points, I just believe I felt lost like them. Could be because we were in a 90+ degree weather with 60+ humidity. Oh yeah and no AC and a ceiling fan. Life is real out here. Hot and sweaty 24/7 is real. This is their everyday life. When I had small children telling me “teacher, teacher I am hot” and they are pouring in sweat while trying to write, I felt so helpless. All I could do was fan them with a paper as they did their work.
As we continued with our day, classes would be done around 11. Still more screaming and crying as they proceeded to play and make their way out the door. Once the children were gone we had lunch with our host family and teachers. Cambodian food and some fruits. Yummy! This was the time we could talk and get to know each other more.
Break time. It was definitely needed. I say this not because of the kids so much but more because it was a chance for me to get a coconut for $0.80 (my favorite) or street iced coffee for $0.75 down at the market. It has grown on me because I can buy things for cheap.
My next class would be at five in the afternoon at Bailang Baptist Church. There I had kids that were between the ages of 8-19. Those kids were definitely the opposite of my morning class. These kids would not even speak. I cannot say I disliked the quietness, but I wish they were not shy. I totally understood them though and placed myself in their shoes as some could not understand what I was saying. They would talk amongst each other and had no clue what I would say aside from “how are you?”. This sort of reminded me of how I would I was during the church service. I would read my Bible and completely zone everything out since I had no idea what was being said. It even reminded me of my first team in South America and how they would stare at me wondering what the conversations was about. I can relate now.
I would feel a bit defeated after the afternoon english class because I did not know how to help them understand and teach them in a way information could be balanced between the ones who understood me and those who could not. It was hard but I still was able to pour some wisdom and knowledge to these young kids in the little that they could understand. I shared Jesus the best I could and I know with the little translation given, a seed was planted. I cannot wait to see where God takes them and I pray for knowledge and wisdom in their lives.
I can honestly say as rowdy this was with cries and screaming, I felt at peace. Surprisingly I did not run out screaming which is what I would have done back home. Being in the midst of about 50+ children a day made me realize how much I have grown in patience and in love. I know I have spoken of this before, but had not truly confirmed it until now.
Craziest part of all this and I had never imagined I would do was to be the principal of a school. Got to do it for two days as our ministry host left with wife on a date. We did offer them a date night but they took two days (they do not play around). When our host told me how long they were leaving and I would be the one responsible, I kind of freaked out. Not only was I to lead my team, but now I would be left in charge of school, teachers, students and their children. If that was something God was trying to show me, I was up for challenge.
Let me just tell you the turn out was pretty good. At least I choose to believe so. I stayed at the school most of the time and made sure things ran decently. Surprisingly I did not feel overwhelmed nor did I want to go out running. At this point I truly believed God had really done a transformation (I pray this is permanent). I could feel so much peace, love and patience regardless of the screaming and crying.
Overall ministry was very good. Our host and his wife were very hospitable. Full of energy of course and very loving. It was easy talking to them and building a warm friendship. I also enjoyed building relationships with the teachers and being able to minister to them and share some of Jesus. God always opens doors and I am glad he brought my team do Kampong Thom.
Happy with our ministry and time spent. I know my team planted many seeds here and cannot wait to see or hear about the harvest.
Life on the field is not always colorful and beautiful but that is not the focus. The focus is God and what he is doing and will do.
P.S. With all this, I just want to say THANK YOU and SORRY to all teachers, principals and school employees period. Being in these big shoes has definitely given me a deeper appreciation for you. When I have my own kids and they go to day care or school, whatever you need let me know. I now know it is not an easy job and thank you so much for your caring heart. Sorry you deal with all the tantrums and disrespect. As a side note, You deserve much more money. Just saying.
