In the afternoons my ministry is teaching at Ezra learning center. I teach two classes, one at 4 and one at 5:15. After two months of teaching here I’ve been privileged to get close to a lot of the kids so I thought I’d write a blog about some of them. I hope you get to know them a little bit through this and love them as much as I do!
Kimly
A free spirit. He loves in a big way and wants to be over back the same way. Will buy you popsicles just because. Always snacking on weird Cambodian sandwiches and neon yellow drinks. The absolute sweetest with the biggest heart.
Ratana
She’s one of the guys. Doesn’t like pictures. She’s fearless. A good student, a lot smarter than she lets on. Hangs out at our house every single day. A true friend to all.
Sela
Ahh this girl. Some background info on this picture is that I’m holding a dress that she hand sewed me as a present before we leave! One of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve received. Sela is also an amazing student to teach and is full of love everyday. A true friend I will miss dearly.
Phalet
My heart smiles thinking of her. A day doesn’t go by when I don’t get at least 20 hugs from her. Constant love and joy pours out of her. She loves authentic connection and I love her for that.
Elysa
Phalet’s older sister. She’s in my older class and always has the cutest outfits. I’ve seen her grow in confidence in and outside of class. Always smiling and laughing inviting others to join in.
Phalet’s and Elysa’s sister
Phalet and Elysa’s youngest sister. I love her and see her everyday but to be honest there so are many names it gets so confusing so I’m not 100% sure what it is. Anyway, she’s a complete goofball. For example all day today she was holding onto me in some form or fashion whether that be on my back, in my arms, clinging onto my ankles or holding my hands. She loves physical touch but you can feel her joy and excitement through that. All of the sisters love hugging and I feel like I’m a part of the family.
Sarang
I count down the seconds each day to the time I get to see this little girl. Everyday I see her, her eyes light up running towards me and she gives me the biggest hug. I never want to stop squeezing her. A true nugget.
Nara
Nara! What a guy. He translates for our class and he’s only 10 years old. It’s so impressive. He loves having fun and messes around with all the little girls. He’s eager for God’s word and has a big heart to receive all the teachings on the Bible we’ve had. A world changer.
Mey E
Loves the song Father Abraham because whenever we do the “I am one of them and so are YOU” we always point directly at each other with huge smiles on our faces. A BIG hugger. Hard worker. Loves super well. Has been making sad faces at me all week because we’re leaving, breaks my heart into a million pieces.
Boramey
Our relationship makes me laugh. I taught her he first month but not much this month. Always laughing, and when I say always I mean like all the time. Loves hanging out and gets aggressive at the little feather Cambodian dodgeball hitting game. We joke around and have fun. Makes everyday a little brighter!
Souchee
My girl souchee. I’m honored to get to know and teach her. A big dreamer. She’s been through a lot that most can’t even fathom going through but she still pursues the Lord with everything she has. Keep an eye out for her because she’s gonna do some amazing things.
Bun rong
Got to know him a little bit this past month. Always stays late helping us clean up the classrooms. He never forgot my name (even though I forgot his multiple times). Super respectful and is so passionate about learning it’s contagious to be around. Also he chooses the Lord even though it is hard to do and make your own path here in Cambodia.
Sunday
One day on our bike adventures we wandered into where he lives.since then we’ve been pretty tight. Just like Bun Rong he always stays a late helping clean up. Everyday he asks me how I am and before we leave he always says “God bless you”. It’s the little things like these that makes teaching so amazing here. Also not to mention he’s insanely smart and is close to getting his engendering degree.
Cha Le Jing
A few words to describe Cha Le Jing would be humble, gentle, and kind. A soft spirit. My little shadow when we’re outside playing. It’s the coolest thing ever getting to see her open up. At first she was so shy I could barely get a smile out of her, now I get daily hugs and gigantic smiles all day long. Also fun story, we were exploring and found this camera shop one day and I look behind the counter and there she is playing with her little sister. It happened to be her dads shop that they ran inside their house. It’s awesome how we got to support and bless her families business while we were here.
Ching
Sting! Everyday all day. Sting is an energy drink all the kids drink and it’s now also a game we play with Ching. It’s pretty much poking someone in their side and simultaneously yelling”sting!”. Ching is an example of pure joy. A little genius too. Brings a smile to anyone he’s around. I hope everyone gets to meet a Ching in their lifetime because people like him truly give you a new perspective on life when you’re with them.
Mey
I feel like Mey is the older version of Cha Le Jing. Gentle and humble. You can’t see in this picture but she’s missing her two front teeth and she’s just the most adorable person I’ve ever met. Even though she’s quiet and doesn’t speak much English there’s just something about her that draws you closer to her.
