Hey everyone and Happy premature Fourth of July!
It’s hard to believe that a month of my time in Cambodia is already gone. I only have about three more weeks in the village and the days are coming and going quickly.
Since I last updated, I have started teaching english/bible classes on my own. In the bible class, we are going through a book on John the Baptist. The students love reading out loud and playing games with new words they learn from the book (I have a lot of fun watching them play the games too). They seem to be really enjoying it and I have had so much fun teaching the class as well! I must say, I think teaching has taught me more than the students are probably learning.
The church in the village is very close to Luke and Sokha’s home. I usually just walk there on Sunday mornings. Sunday school for the younger students starts around 7 am, and they usually play a few games before it starts. They are so excited about it every week and the amount of students that come is very encouraging. Persecution for being a christian comes in the form of verbal abuse. The children’s families often do not like the fact that they are going to a christian church and are involved in a christian ministry. Therefore, it is extremely encouraging and inspiring to see the children come to church and classes faithfully each week.
The Church before Sunday school
Since being in the village, I have learned many things. One of which is how to crochet. Sokha is teaching me and I have already successfully made a headband! Sokha has an outreach program in teaching some of the students how to crochet. Many of them have made Elsa hats from the movie “Frozen”. I’m thankful that she is teaching me; I’m working on crocheting a hat right now!
Hannah and I hanging out. This is the headband that I crocheted.
One of the students wearing her Elsa hat after completion! She was very happy
Probably one of my favorite things each day is singing hymns at night and praying together with Luke, Sokha, and Hannah. There is something so so sweet about singing hymns together. I can’t think of a better way to end each day. Luke and Sokha have made it feel like home for me, honestly. I am so thankful for them, and am learning from them every day. Sokha took me to the market in the village one morning this week to get a few things. It’s very cool to see how fresh all the food is!
Our trip to the market in the village. Fresh veggies everywhere!!!
God is continually teaching me how to be content in every situation, how to be patient when it is hard, and how to have acceptance of His perfect plan.
Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Matthew 6:27 “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
The sunset gave us a warm goodbye as we left the village for the city last night!
A flooded rice field adds a little beauty to an already gorgeous sunset.
Thank you for all your prayers and support!
Whitley