Settling In

It's Friday afternoon and I have some time to update.  I can't believe it has almost been a week.  My feelings from the first night have changed drastically. Teaching this week has been really fun!  I'm amazed at how well they speak English. I have been teaching them things I would teach my Kindergarteners...even things that I don't.  I have some students that know very little English, so there is a large gap in levels that make planning lessons a little difficult.  I think I actually have their names down now.  That was one of my main worries.  Thank the Lord I have a two TA's(Teacher's Assistants) that speak Khmer and English.  They have been a big help! 

Yesterday, we took a trip to the dusty market. You may be wondering why they call it that.  I think a better name would be the Nasty Market.  LOL! The place smells like garbage and their is muddy with who knows what kinds of bacteria in it!  There is raw meat hung outside in the hot humid weather, dried fish heads, and flies everywhere.  It was definitely an experience, but not one I want to relive.  

I have tried some interesting foods while here.  When we arrived to our apartment, we had a plate of fruit in our room to welcome us.  There were leeches, mangosteens, and bananas.  These are all very good!  I also had dragon fruit (yum!), rumbaton, even durian!  Durian is a fruit that smells incredibly horrid and absolutely tastes that way, too!  You can see the video on Facebook of me trying it for the first time.  YUCK!  

Everyone here is extremely kind!  They are so hospitable and want you to be happy.  Those who we have met, who are Christians, are so passionate about God.  They are so thankful for what they have, even though it isn't much.  It really makes me see how spoiled we Americans are.  I already knew that, but being here really confirms it!  I think of the beginning of the week, how cockroaches, the heat, and lack of resources made it hard to adapt.  It was so much for me to take in that I wanted to go home almost the instant that I arrived.  I wanted God to challenge me and to push me out of my comfort zone.  Even though I wanted it, it doesn't make it easy when the push comes.  I know God has more "pushing" to do and I am praying for the His strength to handle each challenge as they come.  

Tonight, we are going to a church that has been hosting talent shows all year.  All the winners from each month are having a big talent show, so I'm really excited to see it!  I am going to take a cat nap before I go.  Unfortunately, I still have some jet lag and am waking up at 4 AM and falling asleep at 5 & 6 in the evenings!  

In Christ,
Britt