Before arriving to Cambodia, I was excited but did not know what to expect. Now that I have been in Cambodia for awhile, I realize how blessed I am. I have fallen in love with the country of Cambodia and its people and now it feels like home for me!

I am teaching English to grades 1-6. I love the responsibility that comes with being a teacher and the relationships I get to build with my students. I enjoy the love that all of the students and staff have shown me. It is a true reflection of the love of Jesus. I hope that through me, the people of Cambodia would see Jesus and that they would be encouraged to give every part of their life to the Lord our God.  

When they told me I was going to Cambodia, I almost cried. I had no clue what it was going to be like but I was so excited. The more I learned, the more my heart grew to love it. When I got here, the heat scared me a bit, but my body adapted. I teach kindergarten English. Some days are harder than others but I love it. The children have taught me so much. It is really amazing to see the children grow. It is even cooler to see them want to learn. I really enjoy the kids and the respect they give. I also really enjoy all the teachers and how loving they are and always willing to help. When I leave here, I would just like to leave the love of Jesus behind. If I could teach or show the children anything, it would be that Jesus loves them. 

I was so nervous at first when our overseer told us we were going to be teaching! However, it has been exceedingly and abundantly more than I could ask for. I love teaching my classes and getting to know them more. I cherish the lessons God has taught me through being a teacher and how He has used this season of my life to stretch and grow me. Along with that, I cherish the staff. My team and I have been able to pray with them during this last month in the mornings and it has truly blessed me. The staff truly has treated me and my team like family.

The part that moves me the most about having the opportunity to volunteer at New Life School is that I get to build relationships with many amazing young people. They have taught me just as much, if not more, than I have taught them. 

I would absolutely recommend it, even if it scares you to death at the beginning, to pour everything that you are into children and see the Lord bring fruit from their lives is the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced. To watch children learn and grow, not only academically but also morally and in their faith as well, is an incredible blessing.