The title of this post has nothing to do with the content but it makes me laugh to myself as I think about how sometimes things appear to be exactly what they are but they are called something completely different. The last couple of months have been incredible. Hard, messy, downright icky at times but incredible all the same. I’m currently riding home in a tuk-tuk from my last day in my Kick Start Khmer class (Khmer is the language of Cambodia). The breeze is wonderful and the sun is setting. It’s a Friday evening so the roads are full and the markets are busy. The smell of dust and gasoline is thick and the sea of Khmer faces are beautiful.
It would take a lot of time for me to share about all that has been going on and to be quiet fair, nobody has time for that… so here are some highlights, prayer requests and needs (the good, the bad, the ugly) from March to now.
March Highlights
– My amazing friend Kelly Morimune “Kell Kell” came to visit me (we were on the World Race together)!!! She was a tremendous help in getting me organized. I mean the girl loves some spreadsheets. We made new friends, took a trip to Battambang, had a couples massage (not so sure Kelly loved it as much as I did), she cooked me homemade soup, loved me well and I miss her so much. She is a friend that keeps her word and isn’t afraid to love you when you’re a mess.
– Got a visit from Kayla Burgess and Rachel Morris who are currently on the World Race and happened to be serving in Siem Reap. They came down for the weekend to Phnom Penh and we got the chance to spend time fellowshipping and pouring into each other!!! So grateful for these two beautiful ladies and so excited for the journey the Lord has them on.
– Got quite sick, spent a full week in the hospital with two infections, one in the intestines and one in my bladder. Had a room to myself which was beautiful, pooped myself twice without even knowing (I know, I know… TMI), truly humbling, insurance issues were a nightmare, I ended up pulling my own IV out (am I my father’s daughter, or what?)! Got a visit from my friend Rachel who brought me soup and came to rescue me from the hospital on the last day. Dr. Kim, from ITCS, came to visit with two ITCS teachers and brought me pastries and cakes and prayed over me.
– Developed a really sweet relationship with one of my teachers and I am so grateful for how much help and support she has given me. Vy, you bring me so much joy! The Lord is using you in amazing ways!
April Highlights
– Did I mention that I love fresh coconut water? Well, I do!!!!
– Khmer New Year – Had an incredible day with the teachers and kids at school. We played games, danced and of course threw water and powder all over each other.
– Khmer break I spent quality time seeking the Lord while swinging in my hammock. The Lord gave me a picture of what He wants me to focus on at AAA. We are to simply love these kids, speak into their identity and share God’s love for them. The education and curriculum will come but most important is for us to encourage them to know who Jesus is and how precious they are to the Father.
– Took a two week Kick Start program to learn basics of Khmer. Loved the class, my teachers and classmates. Hard and intensive class but I learned a lot. Mostly how to laugh at myself when speaking Khmer.
– Got confirmation from my World Race “little brother”, Jon Ames will be coming to teach at AAA. Can’t even!!! So excited, Jon is going to change lives in this community. He’s incredible and I beyond blessed to call him my brother and friend. June 5th is the day!
– Can’t wait for May 28th when I get to be reunited with my amazing friend and WR mentor, Alissa. She is coming for a quick visit on her way to Q squad debrief. Happy heart!
– Finally feeling caught up with school enrollments, finances, class rosters, quarterly reports and more.
Needs
– Prayer Team – would you consider committing to praying for our school and our community? Simply put, prayers asked become prayers answered!
– Maintenance & Repairs – Our school is in need of a lot of work. We have water leaks, broken toilets, faucets, and doors. Several electrical issues and more. Would you please consider partnering with us to fix these issues? You can use the below link to donate, just make sure to note it’s for “maintenance and repairs”.
Click here https://www.gofundme.com/ace-american-academy-leap-to-excellence
– Sponsorship – It has come to my attention recently that we have several students who are unable to pay tuition and haven’t been paying for over a year. Depending on the child, tuition ranges from $15-$35 a month. Is the Lord calling you to sponsor one of our students? Please contact me if you are interested or you can donate at the following link, just make sure to note it’s for “child sponsorship”.
Click here https://www.gofundme.com/ace-american-academy-leap-to-excellence
– Teacher Certification – I am looking to get several of my teachers certified and the cost ranges from around $560-$950 per teacher depending on whether they are Cambodian or an EXPAT (foreigner). This course gives teachers the tools to manage and teach in the classroom effectively. You can donate at the following link, just make sure to note it’s for “teacher certification”.
Click here https://www.gofundme.com/ace-american-academy-leap-to-excellence
– Monthly Support – I am so grateful for all the support I have received and continue to receive. I am looking for 10 more friends who are willing to donate on a monthly basis. Any amount is a huge blessing. Your funds are used for medical expenses, food, transportation, languages classes, emergencies, teacher and student needs, etc. Would you please partner with me, without all of your help it would not be possible for me to continue my work here in Cambodia? Thank you for your support. Go to my website to partner with us.
Click here https://www.modernday.org/field-workers/RebeccaBannister/
Prayer Requests
– Most importantly, we need prayer. Prayers for our school, our teachers, our students, the community. Please pray for the health of my teachers and for myself as I am still dealing with an infection.
– Pray for the Lord to open doors to partner with churches back in the states.
– Sponsorship support for those students who are unable to pay.
– Please pray for all building needs to be met (water and fire prevention/safety)
– We know that the Lord is faithful and His timing is perfect, please pray that we would always remain in tune to His leading and be obedient to follow.
– Please pray that the Holy Spirit’s presence would just radiate throughout our school and throughout the community.
xo,
R
