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!
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.
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| View from my rooftop! My house looks similar |
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| HOPE School |
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| Main eating area at School |
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Central Market Inside Jewelry Bazaar |
