The week that I taught an English Class at Takhmau Village
Thanks God that I have the opportunity
to teach an English class at the
Takhmau
Village
since our coworkers had a one-week vocation.
I could experience God who always works in our daily lives.
I wish the following sharing could let you also understand more about the
ministry in
Cambodia
.
Weather
and Traffic
From April to October is the rainy
season in
Cambodia
. In
Hong Kong
, we could avoid wetting ourselves through covered walkways,
underground train, or even taxi. However,
motorcycles are the main traffic vehicles and raining does really mean a thing
here. I can see motorcycles slide or
crash on the street especially rainy days. Flooding
big or small and muddy streets are normal that people and vehicles will struggle
against each other to use the roads. I
once asked the motorcycle driver to stop aside that I could wear my raincoat (I
never wear one in Hong Kong) to continue my way to the village cause I could not
take an umbrella on the motorcycle. I
could even see some passengers hide under the ．wing' of the motorcycle
driver. However, I never see people
complaining, may be they already get used to the lousy traffic and environment.
What I concern the most is the safety and I usually pray to God that I
could ．peacefully' arrive at my destination (more than 20 minutes drive)
especially I will pass by the markets where accidents always happen there (half
of the streets have been occupied by the hawkers or walkers).
Nevertheless, raining on the other hand washes away the dirt of the
trees, air, cools the hot weather and is also vital for farmers in their
livelihood. A matter usually has two
sides or even more.
Communications
Owing to the fact that I could only speak little Khmer, there is a young
leader who did the interpretation for me. However,
sometimes he could not find the words to translate in Khmer especially I taught
a bible lesson on the last day. God
is gracious because I could remember those words in Khmer such as ．respect',
．hatred', ．lie',etc. that
the lessons went smooth without big problems.
On the other hand, I sometimes use Khmer to speak and they will laugh at
my incorrect accent. It's really
good lubricant to reduce the stress on learning and teaching.
Some students may not be so attentive and they talked with each other at
the last row of seating. At first, I
was not so happy because it would be treated as impolite in
Hong Kong
.
However, I found out that it's a normal reaction and it has been kind
for them to stay
there without going away.
On the other hand, most of them listened carefully and were willing to
answer my questions. I could
see their eagerness to learn in their eyes too. Whenever they came in or leave
the classroom, they were very polite and sincere to greet or say goodbye to me.
Alas, this is what we call ．culture'.
Some will make us uncomfortable but some we really admire.
A happy learning group
The
class has about 20 people ranging from age 14 to 20+.
Their level may be about year 3 or 4 students. Some of the students are
non-Christians and some are regular worship attendants.
However they can get along well with each other.
Some usually arrive at the church very early (3 hours before the lesson)
and they will play volleyball, table tennis or football.
Play and learn are important to them.
I think it is a healthy learning environment because not only can they
learn academic knowledge, but they could also enjoy a social life without
focusing competitions. The
facilities are not plentiful but the context is rich.
Sometimes, I think we are not giving instead we are learning from them
too.
Life
is flesh and blood; laughter and tears. Through
the grace of God, we could see the world in different dimensions.
Prayer points:
- The new term of my Khmer study starting from July 5
- Funding of car purchase as there is increasing needs
in transportation (going farther and longer in travel).
It may need US$2,000 more to buy a durable trunk / car.
- Meeting and discussion with the local leaders in
developmental issues
- Teaching a 3-day class for
．church administration' to local pastors and leaders from July 21-23
- Preparation of the assignment of development training
course which will be due in September
- The regular visits to the watchman of the land at
Phnom Penh
'but
he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.'
(II
Corinthians 12:9)
In Christ,
Davis Lam
July 13, 2004
|
Davis Lam
