No, I'm not referring to the cheese pizza I had the other night (although it was quite good)...
I am talking about seeing Mike and Candace! How amazing is it that for the last 2 days of their mission trip to a village a couple hours away, they came to Siem Reap to begin their journey back home. (You can check out their team's blog here: http://therainbowsquadron.blogspot.com/... they are doing incredible things!) So, that's right... in their 'free time' yesterday afternoon, I met them at a great little coffee shop where Shirley and I had been working most of the day, and we wandered the streets of the city, talked, shopped, swapped stories, prayed, and lived out a pretty surreal moment of seeing each other in a very different part of the World.
I was so sad last night when I realized we didn't take a picture of our time together, not that we will EVER forget it, but it's almost so hard to believe we need proof for all of you back home. ;)
To Mike and Candace...
Thanks for devoting your free time to hanging with me, even though I know you were exhausted and could have used a nap! It was amazing having a connection to home and be able to share in person so many of our similar experiences. Love you both - travel safely back - and never enough ways to thank you for the big hugs and sweet prayer...they will see me through until I come home!
Today Shirley and I will do the final handoff of information before she leaves for her month long trip to Vietnam tomorrow (after another cup of coffee that is). And I'm planning to get in some reading and sunning- along with planning my class lessons- before the big week ahead!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
whoa... I'm not sure I'm cut out for this
I definitely came here thinking I was tough (and one day I could be a good contestant on Amazing Race), but I am doubting both as I am already completely & utterly exhausted in every way possible.
Ha! I have to laugh at myself a little here... after only 4 days away from home, this trip has already taught me quite a bit about myself, and given me quite a reality check.
It is all about the kids though, and they just happen to be the best, most respectful, helpful group of kids I could imagine. I am trying to learn 2 or 3 names each day, and am getting there! All the kids call me 'Teacher April', which makes my heart melt every time.
Yesterday was longer hours than most work days back home (not sure how Shirley has done it the past 2 1/2 years!). We started at ODA (which is located just inside the temple grounds) teaching the normal English morning class for the kids at the orphanage. The older boys, who all know English pretty well, cook lunch each day so it's ready after class is over. The meals consist of rice and vegetables - mostly spinach, bok choy, onions, garlic and a couple times a week they will have pork or chicken for protein.
We all eat (although I skipped this one... I have been feeling a bit under the weather), and then Shirley and I pack up a tub full of notebooks, pencils, erasers, stickers and school basics for the teachers at the Village Schools and headed their way.
Let me explain the Village Schools vs. the orphanage, cause up until yesterday, I didn't really understand it either.
Leng (the man who founded ODA) made it his primary mission to run an orphanage that not only provided all the love, care and nutrition that children need, but also taught English so they could grow up and attend University. As the orphanage started to take shape and gain momentum, he created his secondary mission to provide free English education to children throughout Cambodia, and has started by building 3 schools in the villages outside of Siem Reap. Older local children (19-23 years old) get paid a small amount to teach the younger children of their communities. Here is a photo of one of the schools, set up with enough desks for a packed in class of 40-50 students. Oh, and did I mention they are fully solar powered. Man, they've got things right.
So, we drove out to these schools, Shirley taught the teachers an English class, and then stayed around to observe one of the schools teach their 2 classes. Fascinating! They have quite a system down and it was incredible to see all of these children from the villages actually attend and be excited about these night classes! Check out this video of them doing the Hokey Pokey just before classes started, lead by Shirley.
The long day ended about 8pm, and I went straight to bed hoping to feel better today (which I am).
Today we spent the day just at ODA, and Shirley and I went through the 2 cabinets of books, learning tools, games and crafts that have been donated over the years and organized it all. I taught for the 2nd half, and I must admit, I was SO NERVOUS! I don't know why... but I think because the kids are so eager to learn, i put on myself a lot of pressure to do a great job and make it fun. And, I was probably feeling a little more anxious because Shirley leaves Monday... which means at that point I will officially be on my own. I'm not a teacher by trade as most of you know, so definitely in unchartered territory!
I did flip to Proverb 3 this morning and it couldn't have been more appropriate for how I am feeling.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In every way acknowledge him, and he will guide your path."
The kids are amazing, and although it is different and tougher than I anticipated, I know I am where God wants me. Here is a quick shot of me and one of the younger girls, Saan Chhai (we call her Sunshine). BIG smiles!!
Prayers for a good start to the week without Shirley teaching both at ODA and the Village Schools, and a safe, adventurous weekend exploring on my own!
Ha! I have to laugh at myself a little here... after only 4 days away from home, this trip has already taught me quite a bit about myself, and given me quite a reality check.
It is all about the kids though, and they just happen to be the best, most respectful, helpful group of kids I could imagine. I am trying to learn 2 or 3 names each day, and am getting there! All the kids call me 'Teacher April', which makes my heart melt every time.
Yesterday was longer hours than most work days back home (not sure how Shirley has done it the past 2 1/2 years!). We started at ODA (which is located just inside the temple grounds) teaching the normal English morning class for the kids at the orphanage. The older boys, who all know English pretty well, cook lunch each day so it's ready after class is over. The meals consist of rice and vegetables - mostly spinach, bok choy, onions, garlic and a couple times a week they will have pork or chicken for protein.
We all eat (although I skipped this one... I have been feeling a bit under the weather), and then Shirley and I pack up a tub full of notebooks, pencils, erasers, stickers and school basics for the teachers at the Village Schools and headed their way.
Let me explain the Village Schools vs. the orphanage, cause up until yesterday, I didn't really understand it either.
Leng (the man who founded ODA) made it his primary mission to run an orphanage that not only provided all the love, care and nutrition that children need, but also taught English so they could grow up and attend University. As the orphanage started to take shape and gain momentum, he created his secondary mission to provide free English education to children throughout Cambodia, and has started by building 3 schools in the villages outside of Siem Reap. Older local children (19-23 years old) get paid a small amount to teach the younger children of their communities. Here is a photo of one of the schools, set up with enough desks for a packed in class of 40-50 students. Oh, and did I mention they are fully solar powered. Man, they've got things right.
So, we drove out to these schools, Shirley taught the teachers an English class, and then stayed around to observe one of the schools teach their 2 classes. Fascinating! They have quite a system down and it was incredible to see all of these children from the villages actually attend and be excited about these night classes! Check out this video of them doing the Hokey Pokey just before classes started, lead by Shirley.
The long day ended about 8pm, and I went straight to bed hoping to feel better today (which I am).
Today we spent the day just at ODA, and Shirley and I went through the 2 cabinets of books, learning tools, games and crafts that have been donated over the years and organized it all. I taught for the 2nd half, and I must admit, I was SO NERVOUS! I don't know why... but I think because the kids are so eager to learn, i put on myself a lot of pressure to do a great job and make it fun. And, I was probably feeling a little more anxious because Shirley leaves Monday... which means at that point I will officially be on my own. I'm not a teacher by trade as most of you know, so definitely in unchartered territory!
I did flip to Proverb 3 this morning and it couldn't have been more appropriate for how I am feeling.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In every way acknowledge him, and he will guide your path."
The kids are amazing, and although it is different and tougher than I anticipated, I know I am where God wants me. Here is a quick shot of me and one of the younger girls, Saan Chhai (we call her Sunshine). BIG smiles!!
Prayers for a good start to the week without Shirley teaching both at ODA and the Village Schools, and a safe, adventurous weekend exploring on my own!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
the World is so BIG
Well, I sure am glad I am figuring this out so early in my trip.
Not that I really thought the World was small, but I certainly needed the reminder that there are so many people in the World, doing amazing things, making radical life changes to benefit others and fulfilling their part of a much bigger plan.
For all of those people, if they are doing it right, they aren't trying to save the World themselves, or be there to watch the World when it is saved, they have simply identified how they can grow the movement of giving, within their communities, or themselves.
Wow, that is going to take a while to sink in.
And again, it's not that I thought I would come all the way over here for a few weeks and make everything better for these kids, but if I was being honest, I was probably hoping that I would be remembered. How selfish! What I am here to be a part of over the next few weeks is about these children, and doing what I can, for as long as I can, in the best way I know how so the next volunteer can build off where I've left and do the same. And after hundreds of volunteers, some of these kids will have learned English fluently as a second language, be motivated to go to college, and feel so loved by their family at ODA that they start a family themselves. To be a part of that bigger movement, should be enough.
In the book 'A Cathedral Within', the author nails it for me, and why I'm here.
"Doing something that counts. It's a basic human need. We need it like we need love. It's the need we aren't sure how to talk about, the one that makes us feel....whole."
So, here I am. Not trying to save the World. Not (anymore) trying to be remembered. But being here to do something that counts and work towards feeling whole again.
And with that stream of thought, I am off for a full day at the orphanage and then night classes at the Village schools.
Not that I really thought the World was small, but I certainly needed the reminder that there are so many people in the World, doing amazing things, making radical life changes to benefit others and fulfilling their part of a much bigger plan.
For all of those people, if they are doing it right, they aren't trying to save the World themselves, or be there to watch the World when it is saved, they have simply identified how they can grow the movement of giving, within their communities, or themselves.
Wow, that is going to take a while to sink in.
And again, it's not that I thought I would come all the way over here for a few weeks and make everything better for these kids, but if I was being honest, I was probably hoping that I would be remembered. How selfish! What I am here to be a part of over the next few weeks is about these children, and doing what I can, for as long as I can, in the best way I know how so the next volunteer can build off where I've left and do the same. And after hundreds of volunteers, some of these kids will have learned English fluently as a second language, be motivated to go to college, and feel so loved by their family at ODA that they start a family themselves. To be a part of that bigger movement, should be enough.
In the book 'A Cathedral Within', the author nails it for me, and why I'm here.
"Doing something that counts. It's a basic human need. We need it like we need love. It's the need we aren't sure how to talk about, the one that makes us feel....whole."
So, here I am. Not trying to save the World. Not (anymore) trying to be remembered. But being here to do something that counts and work towards feeling whole again.
And with that stream of thought, I am off for a full day at the orphanage and then night classes at the Village schools.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
i made it!
i am getting ready to leave on my first day at the orphanage, and want to give everyone a snapshot at just how blessed this trip has been already (I might even use the word luck here)...
-I just happened to have a beer at the airport in Atlanta at the TGI Fridays on Terminal E. The bartender, Naomi, used to be a pediatric nurse, and is retired and now works a few days a week there. She is by far one of the most energetic, positive people I have ever encountered and although I am sure the hospital was sad to see her go, airport travelers like myself are glad she is there. Naomi was my last hug before getting on the plane, and I felt she channeled everyone I wasn't able to hug before leaving.
-I was in the very last row on the plane (a 2-seater row because it was so far back that the plane was slimming down) and sat next to a 20-year old guy from UT who was visiting his sister and her family in China. It was fun sitting next to him, and I thought so much about all my brothers (Sloan, he is your age!) and the adventures they are going to be taking in their lives. What a great age and fun time in life.
-I left my entire purse-type bag on the plane (I know, I know...), but the security at Siem Reap airport was so sweet to go back on and get it for me, which gave me the opportunity to observe that the Siem Reap airport is actually, pretty.
-As i was waiting for my bag, a different security guy was walking around with 2 small keys for luggage locks that had been found on the plane. Uh, yeah, those were mine too. BUT - i got them back and I can get to all my clothes. :)
-I was welcomed and kept company in my room last night by a little gecko. Seeing him when I first walked in the room reminded me of my childhood in Florida chasing them and wishing I could catch them. This time, I just wanted him to feel comfortable enough to stick around. They are good to help keep the mosquitos away.
-Shirley, who is the volunteer I have been talking with most, was supposed to leave today (Wednesday), but has decided to stay until Monday. Not only did she meet me downstairs to help me get checked in, but she brought me this amazing assortment of fresh fruit and yogurt this morning and has made me feel so incredibly looked after and taken care of.
Off to the orphanage now. I am feeling more at peace every minute knowing that I am here for a reason, and I am going to do all I can the next few weeks to find out what that reason is.
-I just happened to have a beer at the airport in Atlanta at the TGI Fridays on Terminal E. The bartender, Naomi, used to be a pediatric nurse, and is retired and now works a few days a week there. She is by far one of the most energetic, positive people I have ever encountered and although I am sure the hospital was sad to see her go, airport travelers like myself are glad she is there. Naomi was my last hug before getting on the plane, and I felt she channeled everyone I wasn't able to hug before leaving.
-I was in the very last row on the plane (a 2-seater row because it was so far back that the plane was slimming down) and sat next to a 20-year old guy from UT who was visiting his sister and her family in China. It was fun sitting next to him, and I thought so much about all my brothers (Sloan, he is your age!) and the adventures they are going to be taking in their lives. What a great age and fun time in life.
-I left my entire purse-type bag on the plane (I know, I know...), but the security at Siem Reap airport was so sweet to go back on and get it for me, which gave me the opportunity to observe that the Siem Reap airport is actually, pretty.
-As i was waiting for my bag, a different security guy was walking around with 2 small keys for luggage locks that had been found on the plane. Uh, yeah, those were mine too. BUT - i got them back and I can get to all my clothes. :)
-I was welcomed and kept company in my room last night by a little gecko. Seeing him when I first walked in the room reminded me of my childhood in Florida chasing them and wishing I could catch them. This time, I just wanted him to feel comfortable enough to stick around. They are good to help keep the mosquitos away.
-Shirley, who is the volunteer I have been talking with most, was supposed to leave today (Wednesday), but has decided to stay until Monday. Not only did she meet me downstairs to help me get checked in, but she brought me this amazing assortment of fresh fruit and yogurt this morning and has made me feel so incredibly looked after and taken care of.
Off to the orphanage now. I am feeling more at peace every minute knowing that I am here for a reason, and I am going to do all I can the next few weeks to find out what that reason is.
Monday, July 25, 2011
departing this morning!
In less than 48 hours, I will be saying hello to my new surroundings across the world and beginning my journey of becoming a more centered and faithful person by giving my love and energy to children in Cambodia through ODA.
Although the spirit behind this trip at first was to simply take a break from my job and refocus, it has now taken on a much bigger meaning, and one that I plan to share with all those listening throughout my time away.
The first step is to get there! I have a few small things still to get done this morning before heading off to the airport, and am enjoying having coffee in my home for the last time in while. I am already completely packed (with lots of room to spare!), but there are a few work things I want to wrap up before leaving. Ironically, I am not worried at all about being away from work, and am actually really excited to see how things unfold while I'm gone. Not to say that it won't be hard for me to completely shut it off, but I have a hunch that once I get over there and have my first day at the orphanage, my trust in the team at Sixthman will completely take over and I will be ALL IN with my heart, soul and energy with those kids.
My journey begins with an awesome ride to the airport from Sarah (thanks girl!) - a 14 hour flight direct to Seoul, South Korea - a 2 hour layover - 4 hour flight to Cambodia - a then 10 minute car ride to my new 'home'. Whew!
I will be in a different world, literally, when I write again, having just spent my 1st day trying to get one step closer to why I was lead there. I am feeling just about every emotion possible, but know God will be by my side the whole time, as he is always.
Praying for safe travels, clarity in my journey and persistence to discover.
More on Wednesday!
XO
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