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!
No comments:
Post a Comment