Wow, can you believe how fast these last 6 months have flown by? It's been a wild few months. The Lord has been faithful in so many ways. There were some dark days, full of anxiety and a little stress. Being a teacher is no "cake-walk", lol. I know I've said this before, but I truly admire all you teachers out there. You work hard and exhaust yourself on behalf of your students. Teachers have such a heavy influence on students lives. May the Lord continue to guide us, as we teach our students and love them. Without the Holy Spirit, I know my love would run dry really quickly. I pray that the Lord would continue how to show me to love these students well and show them Jesus. Well, I wanted to give you a quick snapshot of what God's been doing in my life the last few months.
It is now soccer season, and I'm coaching the middle school girls soccer team. We have had two games, and we are 2-0, undefeated! They are a fun group of girls and full of energy. Please pray that these girls they would gain a greater passion for His name and for His glory.
Last weekend, Shiela and I visited a Vietnamese church for their Christmas service, which is located in what they call a resettlement area. We met in a small one bedroom house, which was packed full of about 50-60 adults and children. The government can force people out of their homes when they decide they want to build in a new area. They are forced to rebuild with nothing but an out house, which the government is required to provide. I was very encouraged by the faith of the people. They love Jesus, even in the worst of circumstances. I am reminded that the poor seem to have such an incredible devotion to the Lord, because they don't have many idols getting in the way. Those of us who have much are in grave danger of loving our stuff more than our Lord. Let us throw off the things that hinder and run hard after Jesus! I brought a packet of stickers with me, and the kids loved them. Trying putting stickers on your face! It's always more fun!
how to teach. Every day is a new challenge. I pray that the Lord will continue to give me grace with these students and help me to love them well.
These are a few pictures of the kids I work with in ESL class and on the weekends. I have a grown really love these kids. I'm thankful that the Lord has given me the opportunity to work with them.
We had a christmas party in my English class last night. We read the Christmas story in English and then in the Khmai (the Cambodian Language). I shared with the students that we give gifts because Jesus has given us the ultimate gift, which is salvation. I managed to take a picture of the presents before the night started, but I got so caught up in the excitement that I forgot to take more pictures. We played a white elephant gift exchange game. However, I brought all the presents, lol. It was a surprise for the students. The students had a great time, and each of them got something for Christmas. Please pray for those in the class who don't know Jesus. Pray that this Christmas they will understand that Jesus gives life to all who trust in Him. Pray that they God will help me to effectively share truth with them even though there is a heavy language barrier at times.
I still ride my bike to and from school everyday. There is a house near the school that sells coffee. They have opened a shop in front of their house. I like to stop there on my way home and buy a cup of coffee. A young girl, named Hing (in the photo below), who lives at the house speaks pretty good English. I began talking to her every time I would stop for coffee. I asked Hing if she would teach me a few words in Khmai. She took my request to heart and tries to teach me every time I visit. If I don't study, I get scolded, lol. Hing's family has been very friendly towards me and a blessing. I'm thankful that the Lord has allowed me to get to know them. I often will sit and visit with the family for about an hour. They are a Buddhist family. I've had a few opportunities to mention the truth about Jesus. Please pray that the Lord will give me more opportunities to share with this family.
It's the last day of school and I'm off to India for the Christmas break! Merry Christmas!
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