Dear Summit,
It has a been a week since Sandra left and I moved into Kim’s home. I have been sick with stomach issues caused from food, water and the air. Hopefully soon my body will adjust to the environment.
I have been busy teaching English to the Future Bright Students (Ha, Thi, Nhung, Pha and Nhi) everyday at 2:00. I really enjoy teaching them…hopefully they’re learning something. We’re having fun! On Sunday May 1 I taught the children and youth services. I taught the children about the healing of the Ten Lepers and how only one of them came back to thank Jesus. The youth service I taught the story of the demon possessed man healed by Jesus and the reaction of the towns people was to ask Jesus. The Vietnamese fear the evil spirits more than they believe in the power that Jesus has over them. So sad!
I had a wonderful opportunity to meet a group of women from the International Church at a potluck event. Many of them are doing such great work here in Cambodia. I have also discerned that it is not an easy life and many face lots of struggles. One of the women was leaving for Ireland in two days because her ministry in Cambodia didn’t go as she had expected.
Kim has given me approval to help some of the Children with dental work (I’m writing this update in the dental office, waiting for Tuan as he is having a root canal). I’m starting with the most urgent. Nothing is ever straight forward and easy here, lots of time and energy go into helping even just one child. (The Vietnamese believe that if you have a tooth removed you lose brain memory!!) The next patients will be Men and then the FBI students and they will all have a cleaning, which they have never had before.
I had Lieu, one of youth who doesn’t attend school and picks recycle, come and learn how to wash clothes and clean Kim’s house. We are paying her for her work and hope that this training will help her get a job with an NGO.
I started giving baby formula to the young mom who’s baby has a cleft lip, although he is growing he is still very small and his neck isn’t strong yet.
My transportation is a bicycle, my first trip was to the dental office (which is on the way to the airport) I was praying the entire way as I adjust to Cambodian drivers.
Some of my responsibilities will be teaching the children and youth services, English class (4 times a week), ladies Bible study (we will start meeting with the women on Saturday), mentoring Men, working with Lieu and Nhi (new girl from the lake) twice a week for three hours, teaching them the basics of house cleaning, shopping at the market and cooking. I will do a thorough cleaning and organizing of Kim’s house. Please pray for my lesson preps, as you see I have many teaching responsibilities during the week.
I miss you Summit, thank you for your love and support.
Leah
