As a part of our ministry to the teachers at Good Seed School, SokEng asked/told the female teachers to take turns staying the night with us.
Their English is minimal, so it’s been really fun laughing and learning words and falling asleep trying to talk.
But, if I’m being honest, the language barrier has been a little frustrating for me. My team knows that I love asking questions. I thrive on getting to know someone, uncovering their story. Understanding who they are.
In South America, the language barrier didn’t bother me as much because I had a little bit more control. If I didn’t know how to ask a question, I could figure it out. And next time, I’d remember.
That’s how I learned Spanish. Talking with everyone. Asking every question.
In Cambodia, the language isn’t easy to learn. I’m giving it some effort, but Khmer words don’t flow off the tongue. So far I’ve mastered basic greetings and a few fun phrases. Nothing I could hold a conversation with.
So, back to the teachers. It’s driving me a little bit crazy not being able to talk to them, to get to know them.
I was venting to God about it. How can I show them Your love if I can’t even speak to them?
The response came immediately.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
I don’t have to worry about speaking His love to every person I meet. I just have to worry about being love to my neighbors, my team. The world will see that.
The Holy Spirit will use that.
“Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” Ephesians 4:2
