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.
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.
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| Saturday relaxation by the pool with friends and a drink. |
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| Had the privilege of coaching basketball to these beautiful high-schoolers. Posing after our first win! |
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| Housemates ready for Sports Day cheering on our teams! |
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| New grass field at school! |
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| The neighbors mischievous cat slowing down my departure to school. |
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| Russian Market colorful Japanese pottery. |
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| Amazing friends over for fun, dinner, and games!! |
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| Moto drivers holding onto bags of things |
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| Come visit me! Come work at HOPE! Come to Cambodia! Visit the website and view the cool video. (I'm in it!) |
