Tuesday Hoan went back to Vietnam! We miss her, she did an amazing job translating for me and teaching the children Vietnamese language.
Men bought a new motorcycle! His old one was giving him some troubles…I had just been thinking he needs a new bike!
I continue to teach English in the afternoons. We’re using the computers a couple days a week, they have a wonderful program that helps them learn the English language!
I am still training Lieu and Nhi in housekeeping! On Friday we decided to have a barbecue for the Vietnamese class, we wanted the girls to learn how to prepare the meal. They did a wonderful job and the rest of the children enjoyed a delicious meal. I introduced the children to s’mores! I wondered how I would make 25 s’mores? Well, I just had to show one child how to roast the marshmallows and next thing you know the s’mores were done! They loved them…’very good teacher!’
Nhi (one of the girls I’m training) told us that her parents have moved back to the lake to fish (which is their main source of income). Nhi is in Siem Reap living with her aunt and uncle, till a debt her parents owe is paid off. She will go back to the lake to help sell the fish! I was concerned that this would happen! We had hoped she would be able to help Hong and Nguyen and Kim when she comes back! FYI Nhi is only 12 years old, she sure carries a lot of responsibility on her shoulders! Our children are so blessed!
Saturday morning Men, Nhi & I spent time praying for the ministry and the children/families. We felt led to pray for the children that have not been coming to church (especially the early teen boys). On Sunday 2 of the boys came, one of them hadn’t been in 1 1/2 years! They even came to Vietnamese class! Thanking the Lord for hearing our prayers. There is such a battle for their souls!
Nhi and I met with the mom who accepted Jesus, we had a wonderful time speaking into her life and praying for her! We also went to deliver a gift basket of rice, noodles and canned fish to Viet’s mom as she is now raising 3 children on her own! (The father passed away in April). Unfortunately she is away! You should have seen Nhi and I trying to carry this delivery on our bikes- actually Nhi had no problem but I struggled carrying this load, dodging the pot holes and other vehicles! It was quite a site!
I love the unexpected moments that we have with the children! The other day a down pour of rain kept a couple of the children from going home right after Vietnamese class. We decided to take the opportunity to feed them the left over food from our barbecue and to clothe them with dry clothes! I love expressing Jesus love to them in tangible ways and spending time with them too!
We had a wonderful Sunday! Nhi taught them the story of Joseph, they were all engaged in learning the memory verse and hearing the story! Even one little guy who struggles with coming to church was reciting the verse! We praise the Lord that the rain stopped during the teaching time! We also have been giving responsibility over to the youth, picking the worship songs and helping lead the songs. They manage the activity time, make the sandwiches, run the power point and pray before the service begins! We had 21 youth come out for the youth service. We ended our night with a meal together!
Please continue to pray for me and the ministry here – for health & safety, for the children & their families, for open doors for the love of Christ to be shown to them all. Also for Kim who is now back in Canada. Lastly, please pray for Nguyen and Hong Tran who are preparing to come over to serve here in Siem Reap at the end of June.
Below are a bunch of pictures that go with my update above.
Blessings, Leah
