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