The sounds of children playing and laughing filled the air.
“Is this what heaven is going to be like, Abba?” I asked as I sat, taking in the joyous sound.
The sound of young boys worshipping their Creator filled the air.
The sound of foreigners giving testimony of God’s goodness, faithfulness and grace filled the air.
The sound of a crackling bon-fire filled the air.
The sound of dogs barking and ducks quacking filed the air.
The sound of “Teacher, teacher!!” filled the air.
The sound of hammocks swaying filled the air.
I left my heart in a place full of wonderful sounds- sounds I’m sure I’ll hear again. I left my heart in a place I never dreamed of going, a place I never thought would feel like paradise… like heaven meeting earth.
That place is a village in Kampot,Cambodia. Once we drove out of Phnom Penh and got closer to the countryside my mind drifted to a faraway place- simply astonished by the beauty that surrounded me. I pinched myself a few times to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
We pulled up to Light of Hope and I was taken back to the day I first dreamed about going to Africa. I dreamed of seeing destitute children, of feeding them and caring for them, but the most vivid dream I had was teaching in huts. The dream I had as a little girl came true, but not in the way I had imagined. Huts were at Mercy House, but this wasn’t Africa. “God, what are you doing?” I asked, somewhat jokingly because of the irony. Later that day we found out that we would be teaching English to primary grades.
MY LIFE LONG DREAM OF TEACHING IN A VILLAGE WAS COMING TRUE.
Sarah and I taught the most precious children, with such eagerness and passion to learn a new language.
“Teacher, teacher, pick me.”
“Teacher, teacher, I know the answer.”
We played games, drew pictures, laughed at mispronunciations, and talked in-depth about the importance of education.
Daily, the hours would come and go, and daily, my passion for education increased greatly.
Daily, my students would squeeze me tight, give high-fives, and scream “Goodbye, teacher! See you tomorrow!!” Along with their goodbyes, my heart would melt and I would say,
“This is the LOVE of the FATHER, my HEART is EXPLODING!”
After three weeks, our last Friday came; I woke up that morning with such heaviness. “Abba, give me strength as I tell my precious students goodbye today.” I wrote in my journal as I swung in a hammock. With tears in my eyes I said goodbye to all three classes. “Goodbye teacher, see you Monday…” Oh how I wish I was going to see you Monday, I thought. I pray they continue to learn not only English but about the extravagant love of their Creator.
I am not sure why God had me teach English in a small village that has captured my heart. I do know my love for education and teaching elementary school has increased exponentially . Who knows what He’s going to do in the future, BUT I’m not opposed to teaching and then going back to the place I left my heart.
Teaching English in Kampot was such a perfectly timed gift from the BEST giver of gifts. I will be forever grateful for last month and the joy that came from teaching such precious ones!
Loving you all from Vietnam where I have the privilege of teaching English to University students! Ha, two months in a row, thanks Jesus!
-Savannah
