Saturday, June 22, 2013

Riding on a moto through monsoon rains

I taught English for the first time this past Thursday. I wasn’t sure what to expect because they didn’t tell me much before I arrived. Over twenty students came, between the ages of 7 and 22. It has been difficult memorizing all of their names. I wasn’t sure how much they had learned beforehand, so the lesson plan was pretty basic, a bit too easy for them. Working on something more engaging and on their level over the weekend. The real problem they have is with pronunciation. Be praying that God gifts me with the ability to teach them well.
 
I met a man named Lai downtown on Thursday as well who invited me to his house for lunch. He spoke a little bit of English and used to be a Buddhist monk at Angkor Wat when he was younger. Not entirely sure why he stopped living at the wat but I’m hoping to meet up with him again soon and continue building that relationship. 

Yesterday I visited another village with Chin Da. One of the things with Cambodia in monsoon season is that you don’t wonder if it’s going to rain but when. Minutes after leaving the house on the moto the sky began to darken and the wind picked up and within seconds I was drenched. I was more worried about the camera breaking because of the water but it didn’t break! 

When Father Mark has ends and pieces of meat that he can’t use for making bacon or sausage he gives them to families that can use them for food in the area. They did a “cell group” at one of the houses which is basically prayer and a Bible study out of a Khmer Bible. It was encouraging for me to be a part of it, and they let me pray to close. Picked up some watermelon from a seller in the village afterwards for 1000 riel (or 25 cents) and had that with some sea salt like they do, I think I might keep eating them plain though. :p

Working on a tract for Mark today to put in with the meat that tells why he’s doing what he is and includes some Scripture references for people to read when they buy his product. Please continue to pray for this ministry and the impact its having on the people in Kampong Chhnang. Pray that God would give Father Mark and I hearts that want what He wants and love what He loves as well. -Brother Mark

 Chin Da giving family some meat

Cell Group time
ala! (watermelon)

5 comments:

  1. Hello Brother Mark!
    Dad and I think of you every day and continue to pray that your mission is blessed.

    My Dad used to eat watermelon with salt. It's supposed to bring the water out of the melon. I never adopted that myself though.

    Still hoping to connect through Skype this Sunday night - your Monday morning. What time would work for you? I have to check out my Skype account. It may be best for us to try to ring you. We are looking forward to "seeing" you and talking with you.

    Good luck with your new lesson plan for English. So are you in charge of the teaching or are you an assistant? I'm proud of you for jumping in and doing this really without any professional training. You are an amazing person my Dear.

    Love you lots.
    Mums

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  2. Thanks Mums!

    I should still be able to skype with you guys tomorrow morning (Cambodia time). We could try for 9 AM so 9 PM tonight for you guys.

    I will be in charge of teaching as well, looking at picking up an English book downtown today to help with the lesson plans. Mark (FM) has taught English in the past before himself and has offered some helpful suggestions that I'm going to try out. Love and miss you both very much as well!

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  4. Mark!! So good to hear about what is going on! This blog is great! I will be sure to pray for these things!!
    ~Shohna

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  5. Thanks for all the encouragement and prayer Shohna! I'ma try to keep this blog fresh! See you back in Spokane in bout six weeks!

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