Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Two pictures
We have obviously taken about a million pictures this week. However, here are two for you to enjoy. The first one is from the skit we mentioned a few posts back, and the other is our team wearing our English Camp shirts. Enjoy!
Monday, July 4, 2016
Raining Down Tears of Joy
It is with tears of joy, hearts full of love and minds filled with AWEsome memories we close the curtains on English Camp for 2016. We spent the morning in teams compeating in dances, contests, and worshipping. What a blessing to see the hearts of the Cambodian students pour out in open worship. A huge shout out the the camp worship band for doing such a great job:)
The competition was tight today and came down to a 3-way tie. After the tie breaking competition, the GREEN team came out victorious. Each team was rewarded with some sweets and snacks while we watched a video compilation of pictures from enlgish camp present and past. This was the 14th English camp here and it is with a tear in all of our eyes that this legacy draws to a close. The ministry here in Cambodia is far from over and the use of english education is one of the strongest ways to reach the people of this country. It is a way to prevent human trafficking because it provides an opportunity for Cambodians to learn and further educate. This in turn gives them more of an opportunity to learn trades and find better jobs to help provide for themselves and in turn their extended family instead of having to turn to a career in the trafficking world. Please continue to pray for the ministry here in Cambodia as the focus is directed to creating English Programs in the communities for longer term education.
After the fun and the games, each of the students was presented with a certificate for completing English Camp. The teachers were all presented with a certificate and a gift, a scarf (krama in Khmer), as a way of saying thank you. We sang "Goodbye My Friend" together while sharing hugs, taking picture, and of course shedding tears. It is amazing how bonds and friendships can be born/built in just 6 days. Many of our team members exhanged emails and facebook names in an effort to kindle some of the amazing bridges we have built with the Cambodian people.
We shared one final lunch with the students who began trickling out to head back to their homes. Many hugs and final "Leah" were said. We shared team photos and even some personal photos with those students who left an impact on us.
We are all excited to be returning home to our loved ones, friends, showers with shower curtains, and non-flooded streets, but truth be told a little piece of each of our hearts will be forever in Cambodia. Thank you all for your love, your support, your prayers, and helping to be part of the change that is taking place in Cambodia.
Team Siem Reap
The competition was tight today and came down to a 3-way tie. After the tie breaking competition, the GREEN team came out victorious. Each team was rewarded with some sweets and snacks while we watched a video compilation of pictures from enlgish camp present and past. This was the 14th English camp here and it is with a tear in all of our eyes that this legacy draws to a close. The ministry here in Cambodia is far from over and the use of english education is one of the strongest ways to reach the people of this country. It is a way to prevent human trafficking because it provides an opportunity for Cambodians to learn and further educate. This in turn gives them more of an opportunity to learn trades and find better jobs to help provide for themselves and in turn their extended family instead of having to turn to a career in the trafficking world. Please continue to pray for the ministry here in Cambodia as the focus is directed to creating English Programs in the communities for longer term education.
After the fun and the games, each of the students was presented with a certificate for completing English Camp. The teachers were all presented with a certificate and a gift, a scarf (krama in Khmer), as a way of saying thank you. We sang "Goodbye My Friend" together while sharing hugs, taking picture, and of course shedding tears. It is amazing how bonds and friendships can be born/built in just 6 days. Many of our team members exhanged emails and facebook names in an effort to kindle some of the amazing bridges we have built with the Cambodian people.
We shared one final lunch with the students who began trickling out to head back to their homes. Many hugs and final "Leah" were said. We shared team photos and even some personal photos with those students who left an impact on us.
We are all excited to be returning home to our loved ones, friends, showers with shower curtains, and non-flooded streets, but truth be told a little piece of each of our hearts will be forever in Cambodia. Thank you all for your love, your support, your prayers, and helping to be part of the change that is taking place in Cambodia.
Team Siem Reap
Happy Independence Day from Cambodia
First, we want to send a patriotic "Happy 4th of July" as we celebrate with you 1/2 way around the world. We were not nearly as prepared for our national holiday as our Canadian teammates who brought stickers, flags, pins, and T-shirts. Instead, we made due with what we could find in our surroundings (which ended up being the in room coffee packets at the guest house which had an American flag on it) and lots of big smiles. The Canadians joined in celebrating and singing our national anthem during breakfast. A great tribute to God's dilligence was delivered to us by one of the Canadian team memebers . We had discussed at OUR team devotions this morning the verse about running the race (Phillipians 3:12-16) and standing strong til the end. What would you know the Canadian team member Janet shared a prayer written by one of her team members wives for today that had the same exact essence. God is Great.
Our first stop today was to Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the world. We swtiched roles with our students and asked them to be the teachers today and share some of the rich history of Cambodia and the temple. It was fantastic, intricate and quite an accomplishment of the ability of man. It was also VERY HOT while visiting but the whole team did amazing with interacting with the students and enjoying the beauty it holds.
We returned to camp for a brief lunch and then headed out to our second stop for the day - Ta Prohm. It was a very different temple known for the way the jungle has taken it back. If you are wondering what it was like it is the temple that was used in the movie Tomb Raider. It began to rain in sheets as we visited which left the groups the option of exploring or heading back to the buses. Many of the students who are not use to colder rain or had no covering returned to the buses while others stayed the storm with us teachers as we explored the ruins. This was a fun adeventure for our team as we took full advantage of the small crowds, smaller group of students and explored the intricacies of the crumbling temple (and saw the efforts of restoration process).
We shared our last dinner with the students this evening. It has been such a joy to get to know them, learn about their homes, their families, and even their dreams. As we prepare to wrap up English Camp 14 by practicing some last minute dances, making crowns for the queen of the games, and squeezing in those final relational connections, we can also reflect on what has happened over the last 6 days. We have seen students go from being nervous and quiet, to jumping and cheering. We each have been blessed by the beauty in the youthfulness of students, their heartwarming smiles, and their efforts to not only learn english, but help us each feel welcome in THEIR country.
We plan on finishing the day with some group reflection, encouragement time, and some sparklers for the 4th. Thank you for your continued prayers. Lots of love from the other side of the globe.
Team Knock Our Socks Off
Our first stop today was to Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the world. We swtiched roles with our students and asked them to be the teachers today and share some of the rich history of Cambodia and the temple. It was fantastic, intricate and quite an accomplishment of the ability of man. It was also VERY HOT while visiting but the whole team did amazing with interacting with the students and enjoying the beauty it holds.
We returned to camp for a brief lunch and then headed out to our second stop for the day - Ta Prohm. It was a very different temple known for the way the jungle has taken it back. If you are wondering what it was like it is the temple that was used in the movie Tomb Raider. It began to rain in sheets as we visited which left the groups the option of exploring or heading back to the buses. Many of the students who are not use to colder rain or had no covering returned to the buses while others stayed the storm with us teachers as we explored the ruins. This was a fun adeventure for our team as we took full advantage of the small crowds, smaller group of students and explored the intricacies of the crumbling temple (and saw the efforts of restoration process).
We shared our last dinner with the students this evening. It has been such a joy to get to know them, learn about their homes, their families, and even their dreams. As we prepare to wrap up English Camp 14 by practicing some last minute dances, making crowns for the queen of the games, and squeezing in those final relational connections, we can also reflect on what has happened over the last 6 days. We have seen students go from being nervous and quiet, to jumping and cheering. We each have been blessed by the beauty in the youthfulness of students, their heartwarming smiles, and their efforts to not only learn english, but help us each feel welcome in THEIR country.
We plan on finishing the day with some group reflection, encouragement time, and some sparklers for the 4th. Thank you for your continued prayers. Lots of love from the other side of the globe.
Team Knock Our Socks Off
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Team Sharing, Caring, and Puddle Jumping
The last couple of days have been a whirlwind of excitement. Yesterday's activity was running through the market with our teams of 30ish people to buy 7 items on a list spending less than $20 total. The team that came in first with the most change recieved the most points towards their overall team score. The adventure was not without its challenges due to the size of our groups and the language barrier, not to mention competitive spirits running high. Did I mention that it was raining through it all? You haven't seen a rain storm until you've seen one here in Cambodia.
Our teaching time has been filled with games, songs, and practicing English. The students have opened up more since the beginning and it is heartwarming making connections. Karissa has enjoyed getting to know Dou (which is shorter for a longer name none of us can remember or pronounce). They have enjoyed talking about favorite songs, movies, and Bible verses as well as singing together and acting goofy.
Jaci's effervescent personality has attracted a group of Cambodian girls who love and enjoy being around her. Who wouldn't? :) One of the boys in her group, who was shy and quiet, was the one who, at the spur of the moment wanted to get baptised. That was a highlight for her!
Karissa was the first to share her testimony with the students. Her story was one that the students could easily relate to and she delivered it with joy and enthusiasm.
Cheryl volunteered to share a story based on a Bible character and she chose Samuel when God first called him. She recruited the acting talents of Josh and Scott to bring life to the story. As she told the story, Phearum translated, and the boys acted out their parts. The student laughed and were captivated.
Josh enjoyed the delicacies of a scorpion, tarantula, frog, silk worm, and crickets. Cheryl jumped at the chance to nibble on a taratula leg and silk worm while Jaci, with eyes closed, was fed a taratula leg all being video taped by Karissa.
Every day we kick off English camp with worship, testimonies, stories, and games. During the worship times, Cheryl loved being part of leading the students in song while Scott plays guitar with Phearum, Moch, Seiha, and Matt.
Josh throws himself into all he does, dancing the worm and being called on to do more freshie shows (crazy dancing around the room for losers) than most. He also provides daily health check ins, keeping us healthy due to his background.
One of the team competitions after the market scavenger hunt was to eat the native fruit, durian. To provide context, durian is a fruit known for its pungent aroma; so much so that many establishments in asia prohibit durian on their premesis. Daybreak was represented well by Josh, Jaci and Scott as they scarfed up the pudding-like, foul smelling fruit.
Maureen has captivated younger girls with her "round a ball" rhyme/tickling game. One of the girls, Seiha's daugher, named Marisa, laughes uncontrollably when Maureen does this with her. The game was first started with Maureen's mom and Maureen has been taking it around the world.
This morning we worshipped together with all the teachers from English camp, many of the students, as well as those that attend that church - and a family from California that were directed to the church by their travel agent. Scott had the honor of bringing the message entitled, "The Power to Live a Life of Love". Thank you to those who have been praying because Scott preached with the confidence of the Lord. Everyone enjoyed it.
Tomorrow we are looking foward to our excursion with the students to Angkor Wat and another temple where we hope to sing, "At a Time Like This" like we did 9 years ago. Thank you again for all the prayers and encouragment. Please continue to keep our health, our energy, and our display of love of Christ to the people of Cambodia in your prayers. We love and miss you all.
Our teaching time has been filled with games, songs, and practicing English. The students have opened up more since the beginning and it is heartwarming making connections. Karissa has enjoyed getting to know Dou (which is shorter for a longer name none of us can remember or pronounce). They have enjoyed talking about favorite songs, movies, and Bible verses as well as singing together and acting goofy.
Jaci's effervescent personality has attracted a group of Cambodian girls who love and enjoy being around her. Who wouldn't? :) One of the boys in her group, who was shy and quiet, was the one who, at the spur of the moment wanted to get baptised. That was a highlight for her!
Karissa was the first to share her testimony with the students. Her story was one that the students could easily relate to and she delivered it with joy and enthusiasm.
Cheryl volunteered to share a story based on a Bible character and she chose Samuel when God first called him. She recruited the acting talents of Josh and Scott to bring life to the story. As she told the story, Phearum translated, and the boys acted out their parts. The student laughed and were captivated.
Josh enjoyed the delicacies of a scorpion, tarantula, frog, silk worm, and crickets. Cheryl jumped at the chance to nibble on a taratula leg and silk worm while Jaci, with eyes closed, was fed a taratula leg all being video taped by Karissa.
Every day we kick off English camp with worship, testimonies, stories, and games. During the worship times, Cheryl loved being part of leading the students in song while Scott plays guitar with Phearum, Moch, Seiha, and Matt.
Josh throws himself into all he does, dancing the worm and being called on to do more freshie shows (crazy dancing around the room for losers) than most. He also provides daily health check ins, keeping us healthy due to his background.
One of the team competitions after the market scavenger hunt was to eat the native fruit, durian. To provide context, durian is a fruit known for its pungent aroma; so much so that many establishments in asia prohibit durian on their premesis. Daybreak was represented well by Josh, Jaci and Scott as they scarfed up the pudding-like, foul smelling fruit.
Maureen has captivated younger girls with her "round a ball" rhyme/tickling game. One of the girls, Seiha's daugher, named Marisa, laughes uncontrollably when Maureen does this with her. The game was first started with Maureen's mom and Maureen has been taking it around the world.
This morning we worshipped together with all the teachers from English camp, many of the students, as well as those that attend that church - and a family from California that were directed to the church by their travel agent. Scott had the honor of bringing the message entitled, "The Power to Live a Life of Love". Thank you to those who have been praying because Scott preached with the confidence of the Lord. Everyone enjoyed it.
Tomorrow we are looking foward to our excursion with the students to Angkor Wat and another temple where we hope to sing, "At a Time Like This" like we did 9 years ago. Thank you again for all the prayers and encouragment. Please continue to keep our health, our energy, and our display of love of Christ to the people of Cambodia in your prayers. We love and miss you all.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Baptisms, a lake & a silk farm
Camp is great so far! There are 41 English teachers here from North America (we even celebrated Canada Day today with our Canadian teammates), and 128 Cambodian students who all have English-speaking skills at different levels. We spend our mornings in smaller groups practicing our English skills using fun learning tools, games, etc., and then we spend our afternoons on field trips. It's all about building friendships with the students and being a positive and consistent investment of love into their lives.
Yesterday we went to the silk farm, and today we spent some time swimming at the lake. Maybe one of the coolest things we got to experience with everyone was a baptism at the lake. A Cambodian pastor (who also helps to lead English Camp), had planned on baptizing 2, and then a third individual decided to get baptized at the last minute. Witnessing baptisms is already an amazing experience - but witnessing them in another culture? Suffice it to say we were honored to be there today.
We feel like a broken record saying this, but THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR US!!! We miss you all but we're doing great. We even had the chance to go to the night market last night and bargain our way through some good deals and fun purchases. :)
Miss you, family & friends!
P.S. If you're friends with Mel on Facebook, she reposted some photos from a few of the IW's who are taking pictures at Camp. Check them out!
Yesterday we went to the silk farm, and today we spent some time swimming at the lake. Maybe one of the coolest things we got to experience with everyone was a baptism at the lake. A Cambodian pastor (who also helps to lead English Camp), had planned on baptizing 2, and then a third individual decided to get baptized at the last minute. Witnessing baptisms is already an amazing experience - but witnessing them in another culture? Suffice it to say we were honored to be there today.
We feel like a broken record saying this, but THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR US!!! We miss you all but we're doing great. We even had the chance to go to the night market last night and bargain our way through some good deals and fun purchases. :)
Miss you, family & friends!
P.S. If you're friends with Mel on Facebook, she reposted some photos from a few of the IW's who are taking pictures at Camp. Check them out!
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