Teacher Training Workshop in Phnom Penh

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1 Teacher Training Workshop in Phnom Penh September 29, 2013 To work! Thursday and Friday we were able to participate in a training for teachers from several different schools, on the use of instructional games to increase engagement. Although the workshop had been planned for some time--the presenters came from Australia--Kirsten and I were able to jump in and contribute. It was great to be able to be involved so soon! We have a meeting on Monday (tomorrow) with Ann, who heads up the training for the AG schools. We will add some more detail to the picture of what Kirsten and I will be doing. Our heart is for the K'mai, both the teachers and the students. That's why learning the language is also so important. We've gotten a lot of practice trying to give directions to tuk tuk drivers--i'm sure you would think it comical if you could see it. But we also have a tutor lined up through Asian Hope-- Vuti is her name--and we will start working with her in a week. This coming week is a national holiday--a time of prayers for the dead. There will be no school and many of the businesses will close down. Cambodia is largely a Buddhist nation. There are spirit houses in front

2 of most homes and establishments. Even in our "modern" apartment building there is a shrine in the front lobby. Is. 60:2 says: "For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." We are all called to be light, wherever we are. We pray that God's light shine through us in all we do here. --- September 23, 2013 We've been in Cambodia for 4 days now, and are actually settling-in quickly. We have local phones, a bank account and, most importantly, a nice place to stay. We have found a furnished apartment in Tuol Kork, very near the Asian Hope offices. It has everything, furniture, appliances, plates and silverware, even sheets and blankets, which will make our settling-in so easy and allow us to turn our attention to

3 integrating into the work here. We feel very blessed. Concerning the work, yesterday Lynette introduced us to the faculty at Logos International School, which is one of the schools run by Asian Hope. They have an expanding network of educational projects and we will be joining Lynette in providing professional development to their staff. We have also connected with Ann, who has been heading-up professional development for the AG schools. The two organizations often work together, and Kirsten and I will be splitting time between them. The Asian Hope schools are here mostly in Phnom Penh, but working with the AG schools will also take us north to Battambang and south to Sihanoukville. Life here is such a study in contrasts, with shacks standing right next to mansions and roosters crowing in the shadows of sky risers. The political tensions have settled down, as both sides continue to talk and look forward to reforms for future elections. We can focus without distraction on following God in His work and living in the Spirit. So much has happened in so short a time, we look forward to seeing what God has in store

4 September 17, 2013 Our bags are packed and we leave in the morning--finally! Considering we're packing for almost a year, and considering the fact that there are many things we're used to here that you can't get in Cambodia, we've actually done a good job of pairing it all down. We drive to Atlanta then board a Korean Air jet for the 21-hour journey. We're excited and open to whatever God has in store. I've been posting about the political situation in Phnom Penh. After the election results were ratified on Sunday there have been small clashes between protesters and government forces, unfortunately resulting even in one death. The conflict is not widespread and will likely not spill over to us in our work in the schools, but we pray for a peaceful resolution. ----

5 Can we go, already? September 10, 2013 One more week! We've been out of our house in Alaska for two months now, having set our departure date for September 18 (my birthday) to line up with the start of the school year in Cambodia. Now a week away and we're working on packing (what's the least we can actually get by with), paperwork (NGO visas through our support organization--asian Hope), cash (Cambodia is a cash society and Cambodians are picky about the condition of the bills they will accept), final immunizations, and wrapping up final loose ends from the life we are now leaving behind. We are eager, very eager, to jump into the work that God has called us to. This last Sunday we spoke to the congregation at our home church here in the south. It was encouraging for us to have so many talk to us, give us their blessing, and commit to pray. We cannot see how we could make this huge transition without having our family in Christ

6 supporting us. To follow up on the last post, the protests by the CNRP held last Saturday were peaceful. The election results were certified the next day. And though the opposition promises to continue it's protests, there is no sign of looming violence. Our work is strictly non-political, and so we give thanks for the opportunity to relate to people on a personal level, as Christians, showing God's love as we can--through teaching.