Teaching in Cambodia was my first formal teaching experience ever. I initially thought, “how hard could it be?” After all I have been speaking English for about 28 years.
We arrived at the school and got our classes for the month. I had quite the variety- 3 classes ranging between ages 4 and 12. Being that this was a Buddhist school I was not allowed to share the gospel. So I was hoping my actions would outweigh my words in this instance. I tried to show kindness, joy, and patience with these kids as a follower of Jesus.
I get to my first class and all the kids stand with their hands in prayer position to say “Good Morning Teacherrr.” Adorable. This will be a piece of cake- they seem so well behaved. Wrong.
As the weeks went on I naturally gravitated to one boy, Kevin. I don’t know if it was because his name was familiar and easy to remember. Most kids have long 17 letter names that are very different phonetically. I don’t know if it’s because he tried to come to class early to chat with me. Maybe it was because he sat front and center, or because he is so stinking cute. However, something about him struck a chord with me. I do know he wants to grow up and be a science teacher. He can’t remember his own birthday, yet he will tell you he’s going to be 8 years old very soon.
Yesterday morning was my very last day of teaching. So trying to be the “fun teacher” and given it was Thanksgiving day I decided to tell them the story of Thanksgiving, say what we’re thankful for and end with games. Some kids were thankful for family, some for friends and some that their parents had good jobs. Yet the whole right side of the class seemed silent. In my most “teacher-y” voice I asked “let’s hear some things from the right side.”
Still silence.
I look over at Kevin who was kicking his legs in the air from little chair, as kids do, and said, “Teacher they’re silent because they don’t know Jesus.” I couldn’t believe it. I have found the one disciple in the whole Buddhist school- 7 year old Kevin. He proceeded to tell me that he knew Jesus and he is thankful that we have the gift of Heaven.
I’ve learned that God will always make an appearance. Even in the ministries where I feel like I am not learning as much. The ministries where I am not allowed to talk about Him- He is still in the room. I am thankful for that. We need not do anything knowing that God will always make a way to present Himself. We just have to be available to have the conversation.
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.
Psalm 145:18
I knew there was something different about this one kid. Something in his soul or demeanor, but you can show your faith by what you do over what you say. The Holy Spirit is presently dwelling in Kevin, and it’s why I felt a connection to him over all the other students from all my three classes.
The class period came to an end so I gave about 354 high fives to say bye to the kids.
Kevin comes right up to me to give a high five and says “See you in Heaven teacher.”
