"Bring it on roller coaster!"

Ever felt like you've had enough? Ever been told, "Don't worry, God will never give you more than you can handle?" Hmm. Sounds all too familiar to me. I've definitely felt like I'm on a roller coaster ride. However, it's just everyday life. A journey. An unexpected journey. You never know what's around the next corner.

I've been thinking recently how overwhelming it is for me to think back in my life and remember His constant faithfulness and guidance. I am overwhelmed by His Love for me. I am overjoyed at the multiple chances of life I've been given. I am grateful for the people and places He's brought into my life. Some days I feel waves of gratitude and some days I feel nauseous. Life is a roller coaster ride. It has so many ups and downs and twists. It sometimes takes you upside down and holds you there for a couple seconds. Just like this ride I went on this past summer. :) Satan hopes you'll fall or begin to doubt. God hopes you'll hang on a little tighter and trust Him. 

Life is not easy, however, Jesus never called us to a life of easy. He called us to a life with Him. A life where we can fully be in His presence and seek Him to guide and help us along the tricky turning points and unexpected detours. I have been studying the Armor of God and have enjoyed gaining new insights about how we need to be alert, active, and strategic as our enemy is powerful and on the prowl. I've definitely felt the darkness of the enemy's prowling recently. The devil can keep attacking, however, I know who stands beside me. Whom shall I fear?

I'm learning to enjoy this journey. Even through the upside down holding in place moments. Enjoy the ride! Enjoy being held upside down for a little while.While you're upside down: PRAY. Prayer is a powerful weapon. Stand firm in the Lord. He is your strength. He is enough for You. He never fails us. He never lets us down. He will never let us walk this life alone. He is in charge of that roller coaster. Trust Him.

It has taken me many years to fully believe that He knows best. Time and time again He reminds us or gives us a wake up call to help jog our memory about who is in control. When life hits you harder than words can express- Trust Him. When life hits you so hard all you have left are floods of tears...... Know that Jesus is there. Through it all. Every time - Jesus is there.

Thank you Jesus for being the Guide. Satan can try to destroy us. Satan can attempt his plan, however, I know who the battle already belongs to. It has already been WON. Praise the Lord!! Don't be anxious about the roller coaster that life brings us. Scream out in a bold voice: "Bring it on roller coaster!" 

Mangoes, Mosquitoes, and Motos in March.

Alliteration. A topic my students have really enjoyed this week. I'd love to update all who read this and encourage those I am able to. Enjoy!

Mangoes: are delicious and especially delicious if living in Cambodia. I am grateful for the amazing fruit sold year-round. Mangoes remind me to never judge a book by its cover. You can't always determine a good mango by its outer skin. This month I've been reminded to let God be God and allow Him to judge and be in control. This determining a mango analogy goes for people too. Looking at someone's outward actions doesn't always reflect their inward feelings or what they hope and try to express. I am learning to show Jesus no matter what and no matter how someone else treats me. I need to show His Love all the time. And when I mess up, which is extremely often, I need to forgive like Jesus taught us. In everything that comes out of my mouth and in every action- I need to show His perfect Love. It has been a wonderful challenge to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19). I have felt such uplifting joy each day. I am learning to place my burdens at the Cross completely. What an incredible difference this makes to my everyday attitude!

Mosquitoes: millions of miserable mosquitoes. Ugh!! My classroom is full of them too. They continually remind me of how life is not comfortable. It's not supposed to be. Having these pests as true companions everywhere I go reminds me to be grateful for the little things. I went to buy a mosquito tennis racket killing bat with my housemate this week. They are amazing bodyguards. They zap mosquitoes in seconds and I can practice my tennis stroke. :) I'm grateful for the little things in life like a mosquito killing weapon and for an AC room with screens on every window.

Motos: motos are everywhere in Phnom Penh. Everyone uses them and families pile on as it's the quickest way to get around. You can even moto-dope (moto-driver). This means I can get a moto ride by sitting on the back, as a taxi service, to take me places. Motos are convenient, useful, and quick, although dangerous. The traffic is busy and congested. I am reminded each day how different Cambodia is to other places I've lived. Even though I spent 18 years of my life living in Asia- there are so many differences. This constant reminder of culture differences makes me even more grateful for the privilege to be here. I am grateful for the beautiful people of this country and their genuine hearts. I am grateful for the chaos on the streets as I continually pray for this nation. This is home.

The month of March: March is looooong for all teachers. I enjoy teaching here and building strong relationships with my students and their families. I love their stories. I love my students genuine hearts and eagerness to learn about the world and about Jesus. They have taught me so much so far this year. This month will always be a long one but a fruitful one. People tell me off for 'having no life' or 'making work my life'. However, God has always placed in my heart a power button of 150%. I love giving it all I got in everything I do. I don't view it as 'work is life'. I view it as 'Alive in Christ to do His work.' Of course, I'm going to give it all I got no matter what it is before me. His Grace is always enough and His timing is always best. Yes, I need to continue to learn about making boundaries and taking care of myself. He wants that for us too! However, I am content in working hard and seeking Him first in whatever I do. We have not been created to please others. We've been created to glorify Jesus and Shine His Name. Sin is defeated. Jesus has already overcome. I want to be more like YOU Jesus. Continue to shape me and mould me to become more like you. 

Nothing is impossible with Christ. Believe that for yourself today. His faithfulness never ends. He always protects. Always helps. Always guides. Trust in His Name and His plan for YOU! He always knows best. Whatever it is you are facing- Jesus knows. He is fighting for YOU. He is moving and listening. Always.

Prayer Points:
1. For the last stretch of school (3 months!)
2. My class and each student as they seek Jesus
3. For my housemates :)
4. For Cambodia and those that are hurting and broken
5. For HOPE school and provision and wisdom 
6. For my parents as they've moved to Holland
7. For my dear cousin, Jesse, who is recovering from a coma
8. For my time management skills and full nights of sleep!
9. For protection from the heat and hot season (to stay healthy)
10. For extra grace, strength, and patience everyday.

Saturday relaxation by the pool with friends and a drink.

Had the privilege of coaching basketball to these beautiful high-schoolers. Posing after our first win!

Housemates ready for Sports Day cheering on our teams!

New grass field at school!

The neighbors mischievous cat slowing down my departure to school.

Russian Market colorful Japanese pottery.

Amazing friends over for fun, dinner, and games!!

Moto drivers holding onto bags of things

 Come visit me! Come work at HOPE! Come to Cambodia!
Visit the website and view the cool video. (I'm in it!)

Thriving Through Transition

I've been in Cambodia for almost a full four months. My last post was a few days before school began and before I met my students. Well, I've taught now for about 13 weeks. Wow! What a beautiful adventure. I'm currently on mid-term break and get one week off before the full stretch till Christmas vacation. 

I have 18 students in my Grade 4 classroom. I'm enjoying getting to know each of their characters and academic abilities. It is an extremely diverse class. I have students 'from' (their passport countries or nationalities of their parents) America, Holland, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Philippines, India, Korea, Malaysia, and Denmark. I love being able to teach students from all over the world! Serving here is amazing. Growing up with similar stories to these kids is an added bonus. We all enjoy each others stories and grow closer to Jesus together as a class. I never knew what to expect to be teaching at a Christian school. I am honored to get the opportunity to minister to students and build them up in Christ. Teaching with a Christ-centered focus is a blessing. The discussion is meaningful. Also, working at a place where I help support families to stay together as they are on the mission field is a powerful reminder of God's working hand in my life. I'm here for a reason. 

I still have days of wondering if I'm up for this challenge of teaching. Then, I remember that His grace is sufficient and He enables the weak to be strong. During orientation here a session was done on surviving and thriving in Cambodia. I absolutely love living here in Cambodia. The simplicity of life. The walk or bike ride to the market where things are so cheap. The bike ride to school where I pass smiling children yelling, "Hello!" and buffaloes and cows. There is a lot of adventure here too. You have to be flexible and spontaneous all the time. What an exciting life! For example, the mice chasing in my kitchen, the multiple days of soaked laundry due to storms or the drenched me due to storms! :) I've enjoyed living here, but have used the practical tips from that session on surviving and thriving in regard to teaching. I believe I have not just been surviving. I have already been thriving. One of the best parts of being a teacher, in my opinion, is being rewarded when a kid has a "light bulb moment" and he/she gets it! Another best part is when I have an in-depth conversation about real life or get to support a child through prayer. Having these experiences everyday is incredible.

I need to remind myself, however, of baby steps. Baby Steps. Transition takes time. No matter how many times one relocates or changes job, transition doesn't become 'easier'. Just like saying goodbye never gets easier either. I had a student ask me last week if I'd be leaving him soon. He said, "Ms. Sumi, are you leaving in a few months? Every time I get to know a teacher and really enjoy having them- they decide to leave. It's really hard." Goodbyes are never easy.
Settling into a new curriculum is a slow, gradual process. I am so eager to see what else the Lord has in store here as I continue to serve Him and teach my students, build relationships, and connect with Khmer people, staff, and families.
I've been blessed to coach the girls basketball teams. The middle school season just ended and the girls improved so much. The high school season just began and what a joy it has been to see them grow already in such a few short weeks.

I've been reading the book of Joshua and am reminded of how faithful the Lord is to us. His promises never fail. He promises to be with us wherever we go and asks us to be bold, strong, and courageous people. The Lord promises to do amazing things with us and His plans for us. We just need to keep waiting and seeking His face.

Life is never what I expect it to be like. I've never seriously dealt with people placing me in boxes or categories they think they have figured out. Yes, I'm a TCK, an MK, a Pastor's Kid, an international, a multicultural, a single, a teacher, a supposed introvert......... the list goes on. These are all labels. We all have our own and we all use them for ourselves at times. I hope to shine Jesus beyond what others label me as. Beyond what I have labelled myself as. I hope to shine through the walls that I put up for myself. I hope to shine HIM at all times. No matter the circumstance or my emotions or what others think of me. He is the reason I sing, the reason I get up each morning, the reason I do what I do with all of my heart. Thank you Jesus for saving me. For choosing me as Your very own. I'm so in awe of how He placed me into this family. My own family and His greater Family. His Love and Grace enables me to thrive through any transition. He is a faithful Father and a Best Friend. 

Focusing on Jesus allows us to thrive through any obstacle or transition we are faced with. Our burden becomes light as we put Him first and allow Him to carry us through it all. 

PRAISE and PRAYER points:
1. Praise Jesus for His ever-present help as I teach
2. Praises for a wonderful housing situation with great housemates!
3. Pray for a restful and productive mid-term break for students and staff
4. Pray for my students as they continue to learn and seek Jesus
5. Pray for strength and grace as work gets busy and can be overwhelming
6. Pray I can learn to ask for help and support when I need it
7. Prayers for school funding, management decisions, and atmosphere

I leave you with this verse:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9 

One of my friends and colleagues, Ashley!

The local Market where I buy all this yummy fruit! 

My bike ride to school everyday. The road school is off of. Rainy season flooding 

                             

Sesame Noodle Restaurant! Yummy noodle salad :)

City view from a rooftop swimming pool

Jesus Calls

This picture, taken by a best friend back in Rochester, perfectly describes how I feel about moving to Cambodia.
My personality may sometimes scream quiet and introverted, but my heart is passionate and ......... (look at picture!)

Jesus Calls. He calls us to listen and follow His path for our lives. It's so difficult to know what that can be though. I've found the joy in stepping out and seeing which doors open through prayer. The unknown is a risky place though. But the best stuff happens in those places. Saying goodbye to friends and family was difficult. I'm used to goodbyes. They are part of my life, but this one was hard. It was hard because my heart was so full of comfort and I was comfortable. I loved my staff family at the inner city school I was working at. I loved the community I was a part of there. I loved Rochester, New York and finally called it another home. I loved my comfortable apartment and roommate. I loved having a car and driving to Wegmans. 😉 I loved comfortable. That was when I realized God has a better plan ahead for this season in my life. I never really had comfortable before. Although, I loved it, I was ready for change. I was beginning to get incredibly restless. Just like any Third Culture Kid, I was ready to move and pack up my bags. I was ready for new. Yes, I loved comfortable and was hoping to settle down for a while. But Jesus Calls. He calls us all at different seasons in our lives. I still hope to settle down one day, but this season (I don't know how long it'll be) He is calling me here and for this I am grateful!

Jesus Calls. I have an Asian heart and I knew He'd pull me to come back. Where? How? When? WHAT??? :) God works in amazing ways and following Him has been the best journey ever. Getting off the last plane of the long trip over at Phnom Penh airport, I already felt a sense of peace. I knew this new nation would soon be called home. Walking towards the exit door I took a deep breath and tried to look for people I had never met before (quite easy when you're looking for the only foreigners around!)

It didn't take long to feel at home! I've been here two weeks and the picture above describes how I feel. Thank you Jesus for calling us away from comfortable. Away from easy. Jesus Calls us to follow Him. I don't know the future, but what I do know and fully believe in is His faithfulness and Love for us. He never ceases to amaze me. He never ceases to fulfill His promises. I am never alone on this journey called life. Cambodia is beautiful! I haven't even seen much of it yet, but the few places I have- WOW! The people are hospitable, respectful, loving and full of smiles. And yes, there will be ups and downs along the way, but I know I'm supposed to be here for such a time as this. Jesus Calls.

HOPE international school is breathtaking. The campus is beautiful and I get the honor of teaching Year 4. School begins on Wednesday, August 10th. I have been preparing lessons, organizing folders, and making bulletin boards. I'm so excited to meet the kids and their families so soon. The most beautiful thing about working at a place like HOPE are the people. I've only been here two weeks and can truly say I've found family. My housemates are wonderful ladies! Being invited everywhere for dinner and gatherings to play games or watch movies has been fun. Once again, Jesus calls. And where He calls He goes before and with. I have powerfully felt that during this move here.

I've moved many times in my life. This time was different. God is faithful and He answers prayers. I prayed for a place I could minister to others and grow in Christ myself. I prayed for Asia. I prayed for getting involved with kids and young adults. God just amazes me. He answered all the prayers all at once! I never really knew where I wanted to go or what I wanted to be. Even though I was uncertain, I listened to His still small voice calling me here to Cambodia and to HOPE. When Jesus Calls- Go!

The past two weeks have been cultural training, get to know you gatherings (otherwise known as bonding times), ice-breaker games, and teacher-curriculum training. I've met a lot of people, I've learned a lot of things, and I've soaked in all the advice I can possibly hold in as a new teacher. I am ready for this school year and all that it brings. Having to play games where I needed to pick which culture I called home was entertaining for me. I would stand up and say I'm originally Indian with Dutch and American parents, but from Rochester, NY. Then, an hour later I'd go sit with the Indian group during the "sit with the culture you call most home" activity feeling slightly confused. Haha. God has a sense of humor!! This all made me realize how lucky and blessed I am. What a LIFE! Thank you Jesus. Life isn't comfortable. It's not supposed to be. Jesus Calls us to step out. Wherever and however that may be for you.

Those of you reading this that support me prayerfully and/or financially- Bless you and THANK YOU for making this all happen! If you would like to know more about how to support me and in what areas, I would be happy to get in touch. Email me at sumita.leonard@gmail.com or private message me on Fb. Blessings to all who have invested in my life. What a beautiful journey I get to call my own. Jesus is still Calling. He's not finished with any of us yet. I can't wait to see all that's in store!

Prayer Points:

1. First week of school! :) AH!
2. For this nation of Cambodia and its beautiful hardworking people.
3. For my relationships here between students, staff, families, and my housemates (Fiona and Kath!)
4. For SAFETY and protection. (The streets are crazy here. I bike to school and back everyday)
5. The boldness to ask for help when and if I need it- if that may be for teaching purposes or spiritual
6. Prayer for health! (The change from cold Up State NY to extreme heat and mosquitoes is a lot.)
7. A continued sense of peace and belonging here as the academic school year begins.
8. A support buddy/prayer partner/church fellowship I can find/ be a part of consistently.

Thank you for reading! With love from Cambodia <3
P.S. Come visit me :)

Below are some pictures of home, school, and the city.

View from my rooftop! My house looks similar

HOPE School 

Main eating area at School

Central Market Inside Jewelry Bazaar

Beautiful Khmer Architecture  

Uprooted

I haven't posted since January. Well, that proves I've been teaching this year. Never a spare moment to blog. I officially have 4 more days left. Time flies. The last post I wrote was about how God isn't finished yet. He certainly is not.

Uprooted. Pull up. Displace. To move. Uprooted was one of the words of the week last week in my classroom. It made me think. Think about all the times I've been pulled up and moved. God is never finished with His perfect story for us. I am always eager to see His next page in my book, yet so restless and exhausted from change. As I prepare to move to Cambodia, I wrestle with thoughts of pure joy and nervousness. Shouldn't this be easy for you? Haven't you moved so many times before? I mean, you're going back to Asia? People ask me. The questions ring in my ears like bees. Why isn't it easy then, Lord?

Change is never easy. If we wished upon it ourselves or made the decision for ourselves. It's still challenging. Uprooted. Yes, I'm being uprooted again. I have to start again. I have to make new friends. I have to learn to fall in love with a new city. I have to learn a new language. Everything will change. And to think I finally feel at 'home' in ROC. I finally know my way around and have the best church family, coworkers, friends, and roommate. I could not ask for anything more or better. Uprooted. Why now? Being uprooted will never be easy. But it will always be fulfilling. Change happens, to all of us, but His love is constant and He is always the same yesterday, today and forever.

I'm being uprooted. But I'm ROOTED in Christ. We will never be shaken. I remember lying in bed as a 12 year old, on my first night of boarding school in India, and tears running down my face crying out to Him about how I was supposed to do this. His presence is so real. I was urged to open my Bible to Psalm 16:8 which says:

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

Those words have stuck with me throughout the ups and downs. He made me get out of my comfort zone. He made me learn to speak up. He gave me courage and faith to believe in myself. I struggle with believing I'm good enough. Maybe you do too. I've found such joy in knowing that He calls us His children. He sent His Son to die for us. We are more than good enough in His eyes. Who cares what this world tells you. This world will fade. He stands firm and constant. His dream for YOU is so much bigger than anything you have dreamed up for yourself. Trust in Him and know YOU are safe in His arms and we will not be shaken. Yes, there will be many days we feel uprooted. Displaced. Petrified. Alone. 
But He is greater than it all. He is a Good Father and He takes care of His children. Never once has He let me down. 

Dwelling on the next month and its chaos I am at peace, because I know I will not be shaken. Does it mean it's easy? No. Does it mean I have it all together? No. Does it mean I'm good at saying goodbye? No. It means I know where my roots are. I know I am ROOTED in a firm Rock and Foundation. Jesus Christ. I will not fear. I will just follow Him. Every time I've decided to follow Him, I'm grateful for all He gives me and blesses me with. This month won't be easy, but His mercies are new every morning. And I'm ROOTED in Christ.

God isn't finished yet

Have you ever thought to yourself: Is this it?

Well, I have. The ache of loneliness is so real. But why? I mean, I have the world's best friends, I have a family that loves me, I have a bed, a roof over my head, a full fridge, a job others wished they had...... and the list could go on. Yet I feel alone. It's moments like these I realize how easy it is to stray off onto the wrong path. I realize how much of a sinner I am, but that no matter what He loves. I don't deserve anything He willingly blesses me with. He'll continually pour the blesses into my life. I am so overwhelmed by His grace and compassion.

If you know what I'm talking about- you know. There are times in life that come so unexpected. I never thought I would be where I am today or doing what I am today. God sees the big picture. We see only the moment we are in. Nothing is impossible for Him. Our Savior is fighting for us, holding this world in His hands, yet we fear and we doubt. Yes, there are times my heart aches, until I realize what He has done for me. Then, I am filled with unspeakable joy and overwhelming gratitude.

We are never alone. And yes, this may feel like it's it, but He's got more in store each day and He always knows best. Keep leaning on Him. He is our Rock and Savior. I have grown closer to my Savior through the darkest moments and the lonely times. I believe in fellowship and the power of the Body and the Church, however, I also believe the importance in a relationship with Christ that does not depend on others or depend on circumstances of life. When we are weak, He is strong in us.

I have learned that HE truly is enough for me. Asking the "Is this it?" question proves how weak I am. He is more than enough. Life throws us curve balls and my hope for more than this may remain, but my love for my Savior will never be faint. We can count on Him. Always. 

If you are hoping for more- trust Him. He knows much better than any of our wildest dreams.

Have patience, God isn't finished yet. 

Overwhelmed by GRACE

I've been a college graduate for over a week now. WOW! I can't begin to describe what a miracle it has been to get this far. I don't even know how to express it. I don't deserve anything, yet the Lord restores me time and time again and blesses my life. I remember days in high school where I thought, "How can I keep going? How is this possible? What am I doing?" In those moments, He sometimes powerfully reminded me He was right beside me being my Helper, and sometimes He kept silent, and I chose to trust Him anyway. He blessed me triple, because He is always faithful even when I am not. Today, I ask those same questions. "How can I keep going? How is this possible? What am I doing?" He once again fills me with overwhelming grace. His grace is enough. Always.

During the rush of each day, the routine of life, and the chaos in my heart and thoughts- One thing remains: His love. Everything changes so rapidly and I could be overwhelmed by a lot, but He calls us to rest in Him. He calls us to relax! He's got it all under control and all He wants us to do is trust Him and keep moving forward. He is true even when we wander and stray off the path. He is constant, forever. What a promise and joy. His grace overwhelms my soul and He satisfies my thirst. The lyrics to the song Thrive by Casting Crowns made me pause to think today:

"Joy unspeakable
Faith unsinkable
Love unstoppable
Anything is possible"

With Him, everything is possible. In Him my future is perfect. In Him, I am complete. Why do I worry? Why am I afraid? Why am I hurting? He makes me new and He holds my heart. How can it be that He loves me so much? How beautiful. We are FREE in Him. Anything is possible through Him.
I have a lot I could be worried about and be fearful about, but with a Savior like ours- nothing needs to be feared. He calls us to himself. "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" - Psalm 46:10


Be still and know Him. Let your heart relax and be refreshed in who you are in Him because of the promise in Jesus Christ. He is more than we can ever imagine. So why don't we just simply trust Him........

Try it. Trust Him. His grace will overwhelm you!