This month we are working in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is home of the Ankor Wat, which is a temple that has both Hindu and Buddhist histories.
In the beginning of the month, we have a new team and new teammates. We are working at the only Christian school in Siem Reap, called Agape Christian School (www.agapeschool.org). Most other schools are Buddhist and have to learn the Buddhist ways. Christian children who go to these schools are usually ridiculed. Not many children go to school because it can be expensive for the family ($100 for the year) or the parents want their children to work instead of go to school. So there are about 15 students who live at the school since their family is too poor and they have been sponsored, where food is $1 per meal. There are many more children who want to go to this school, but as of right now, the school does not have enough money to even transport them.
In addition, unlike other schools, this is a full day school, where computer, art, and Bible are taught as well. This is one of the few months that we actually have somewhat of a daily rhythm, so I thought I could write a brief of “a day in the life of.” So here it goes:
5:30 or 6ish – Workout or Quiet Time
6:30 – Team Devotion
7:00 – School starts with morning gathering of all grades
7:15-11:00 – Teach Morning Classes
11:00-11:30 – Lunch
11:30-12:30 – Team time
12:30-13:00 – Sneak in a nap if we can or prepare for afternoon classes
13:00-16:45 – Teach Afternoon Classes
17:00-18:00 – Evening Adult English Class
18:00-18:15 – Sneak in volleyball or sport before it gets dark
18:15-18:45 – Dinner
19:15-19:30 – Team prayer
19:30-20:15 – Worship, devo, and prayer with everyone
20:15-21:00 – Teach some guitar or keyboard
21:00 – Get ready for bed
While most of my teammates teach song, game, sport, Bible, or English, I teach the computer classes and music. Teaching in itself is difficult; teaching in a different language than the children is even more difficult. It has been an exhausting and busy month, but every time I see the kids, they make me so joyful and they remind me of how much God loves me and God loves them.
Pretty cheesy and simple blog, but I have learned to enjoy the simplicity.
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'” – Matthew 19:14
