How the heck are you!!! I am doing well over here in Cambodia. Currently it is hot season which is not particularly enjoyable, but it is kind of fun to have such an extreme change of pace from usual life!!! So, I realize that I post a lot about my thoughts and feelings, which is good, but I would also like for you all to know about the work that I get to do here in Cambodia!!! So, it has been over two months of being on the ground here and it has been such a whirlwind!!! From hosting guests from America, to teaching four hours of English per day, my life has not been boring in the last two months to say the least!!! So, you may be thinking what is it exactly that you do???
Well, for those of you that don't know, I am currently working with a group of guys who are currently working at male massage parlors as male prostitutes, but who desire to have a different life. I have been teaching them four days a week, two hours of English and one hour of computer training, and it has been really awesome to see their abilities growing. They have gone from not really being able to even introduce themselves, to being able to ask for introductions, introduce themselves and talk about their families. They have been really dedicated and it gives me hope for where their lives are going, and the future that I believe that God has for these guys. Some might think, why now, why did they ever get into these situations? And that isn't a terrible question, but I think in any case, working with any group of people the question is not, how did they let this happen, but, do they know that there is something more and it is within reach. Now, it's not always easy, but I wouldn't trade anything for the opportunity that I have to work with these guys. They have all become so much more than just my students, they are my friends and I hope that one day I will have the privilege to call them brothers. I am excited to see where the near future takes us as we prepare to launch a new project with these guys to help provide them with a sustainable employment opportunity... But let's not get ahead of ourselves, we still have a lot of English to learn...
I have also been helping one of our other teachers at the center with his English class which is comprised of young adults from the community around our center and it has been a blast. Here in Cambodia, they are not really used to learning through games and so it has been hilarious to see them fight the games that we use to now asking when we are going to play the games... IT'S AWESOME!!! I love being goofy with them and just letting them feel free to be ridiculous!!! I got a chance to try and explain Easter to them because I was really excited about it and I am not sure they really understood, but it was great trying to communicate that to them.
I have really loved working with our staff at the boys center also, we have, in my opinion eleven of the most wonderful Khmer staff that you could find!!! They continue to amaze me with their ability to love the kids that come to our center and their ability to find ways to help the kids in the situations that they are in. I am not sure if I am leaving anything out. If you have any questions, let me know and I will get in touch with you somehow!!! I love you all and I pray that God blesses you today and forevermore!!!
