"Cha"

At 5:45 our alarm went off and we headed off to start our first day on the job. We don't technically start teaching until next Monday, because of a trip to Thailand for meetings that we're going to on Wednesday, but we're observing for the next few days. Within the first five minutes of arriving at CAS (Cambodia Adventist School, where we're teaching), we had two girls run up and introduce themselves as Rebecca and Rosa, while all the other kids stared and eagerly said "Good morning Teacha!" as we passed. ESL, English as a Second Language, is the main class we will be teaching. The room is filled with 24 first year students to CAS who don't speak English very well. Many of the kids will say "Teacha" instead of teacher, but even more of the kids make it simple and just call us "Cha." We wandered from room to room, standing under every fan we could to help deal with the heat, and trying to figure out how to pronounce one student's name after the next. It was a fairly overwhelming morning, to say the least.

We were told last night that we were going to have to teach ESL for 2-8 grade and high school Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2. This is what we had expected except hearing we had to teach Algebra 2 worried us a little, and the worrying only increased after we observed the class today. Realizing we didn't know how to answer any of the questions or solve any of the sample problems was a little stressful when you're supposed to be the one teaching.

After an almost 2 hour long staff meeting, we finally returned home. We thought we'd try to eat something other than toast and cereal, and almost an hour and three different attempts later, we came up with a strange baked bean and corn mixture over lettuce. Not the most appetizing meal I've ever made.

Today was not easiest of days, and we haven't started teaching yet. It gave me a much greater respect for teachers, SM teachers, and SM's who go to serve alone. Frequently I wonder what it would be like if I was hear alone. I don't think I would be able to do it. Having someone close here to share my worries, frustrations, and fears with is what's keeping my head above water. We haven't even been in Cambodia a week, and I already feel like I'm slightly in over my head. I pray that I can be this "Cha" that these kids need and want me to be.

-Alex