First Week of "Official" Work

We wanted to give an update on our jobs out here since they are in full swing now:
School started at Logos (the school Chris is teaching at) this past Monday. He is teaching three different HS History classes including an AP World History course. One of the things that is so different for Chris teaching here is that these students are very aware that they are very blessed to be at this school and take their studies extremely seriously. One student has even taken the opportunity to read not only the course textbook this summer but also the AP version just so he is prepared for class. Something that didn't happen for Chris is the US. However, there also are some challenges these students face, such as poor written writing skills, and lack of critical thinking. One thing that is difficult for Chris is that even though the school is probably one of the nicest buildings in Phnom Penh, it still regularly loses all power, meaning that he loses aircon (which is precious here) and the ability to type, save, print, copy, laminate, or even see. You quickly learn that if you got half way through your TO DO list that you feel very accomplished! All in all, the first week at Logos was a good one, and yet another transition that we feel like we are doing well with.

I (Leanne) am also chest deep into my work. My schedule is more scattered and we knew that would be the case when we came into this. I spend my days working and training two Logos grads who are in an internship at the guesthouse that Asian Hope opened this Spring. I take for granted the fact I was taught many lessons at my first job at Hallmark when I was 16, and this internship is set up for them to learn those lessons. Things like showing up on time (or even just showing up at all for that matter), and making sure they are dressed and prepared to come to work for the full day are things we have gone over in the first weeks. One other major battle I face in helping these kids learn about the working world, is that when they face a situation they don't know how to handle that turning and running away is not an option (again the critical thinking piece). Rather I am trying to help them learn how to take the problem one step at a time in order to find the solution. Again, small steps I am making with them, but steps that I find give me a lot of purpose in helping here.

The other side of my job is working with trafficking, and researching a women's outreach project. I have been researching and talking with a lot of NGOs here in Phnom Penh that are currently running prevention based programs. Over the last week and the weeks to come I am meeting with these people and learning what they do, how they do it, and seeing if there is a niche that Asian Hope can serve.

Please pray for patience for both of us as some of these things like learning about culture and the people we are working with can be draining and yet fulfilling all at the same time. Also pray for the relationships we are starting to build with students, interns, and other workers here in PP.