Remember Nhu: October 2015

"Three, Eight" she said as her eyebrows scrunched together, her eyes searching mine, hoping to confirm her answer was correct. She knew I had the answer she was looking for and instead of being discouraged that she didn't know, she looked to me to help her figure out the question of the game we were playing, How do you say this number in English? Looking into her brown eyes, the same brown color as mine, I fell in love with a child I knew nothing about. I was overwhelmed by the strength of love and compassion I felt towards someone I had just met and all I could think about was, is this how Christ feels about me?

I sat in the local Karen village's church, with its concrete foundation and wooden walls, with its fluorescent lights bolted to the tin roof and oscillating floor fans nailed to the top of support posts throughout the room, and the conversation I just had with this little girl kept repeating in my mind like a song stuck in my head, "Almost," I replied, "this number is said thirty-eight."

Watching this little girl, sitting next to me during a game of Connect Four, trying so hard to recall the English words for numbers she knew very well in Thai and Karen, almost could have discouraged her to give up on learning or it could have given her hope to continue even though it's not easy. It all depended on who her teacher was. And as I replayed the last 20 minutes of game playing, I had no idea the intensity of self reflection that would come from something so casual. I reflected on my almost moments.

I can't even begin to list how many times I was almost there, almost had it, almost made the right choice. Sometimes it feels like my life is full of almost moments. I thought back on teachers who pushed my almosts into growing experiences and teachers who turned my almosts into moments of hopelessness and inability and I pray that this little girl has more hope than she does despair.

And in thinking about my moments of despair, my relationship with Christ came to mind. I look to him, the same way this little girl looked to me, knowing that I don't know the answer, but He does, knowing that I am trying really hard to get it right and He's there sitting next to me, guiding me. Maybe this is why the compassion and love became so overwhelming, I was allowed a glimpse of what it will feel like when things are made right. I was given an opportunity to see through the eyes of Christ and feel His love towards humanity. I've prayed countless times to see things the way the Lord does, to love like he does, to be given a concious of doing something when something can be done, and he has answered my prayers countless times. Today making it countless and one times.

Written by: Remember Nhu TESOL Teacher, Thailand

https://remembernhu.org/

To support Cristina's work in the field go to:

remembernhu.org/give.html

Note Cristina R - Thailand in the notes section.

"Vetiver grass is an important plant used around the world for erosion control. For years we've been learning about it's use and we were pretty excited to think we'd have a suggestion that might be helpful for the banks around the soccer field. We mentioned it to Ploy, who then took us on a little field trip to the King's Royal Project Vetiver Research Center. He filled out the paperwork and then we all went back to learn from the employees at the center about it's uses, the many benefits, etc and they generously donated about 20,000 individual vetiver plants!

The boys got up early the next Saturday and helped plant all the way around the field. Since it did not take all 20,000 plants, the visiting World Race Team helped to plant all around the property where erosion is a problem."

Do you have any dreams? Does it seem like we dream big but then our dreams are hard to reach? I know for me, I often find myself thinking that I won't be joyful or content until these dreams are attained. Sure, there will be joy beyond compare when these dreams are fulfilled. However, I have to remember that many moments in the present bring joy and create special memories. These small moments may even play a role in shaping future dreams.
According to Google dictionary(I know; a credible source ;) joy as a noun is "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness." I have experienced this form of joy in many ways over the last eight months. Building relationships, zip lining, attending graduations, and seeing children welcomed into a safe home are a few among many. I never thought these words would come out of my mouth but, joy has come from doing homework. When girls in my home approach me with a good grade on their English homework after we've worked through language barriers, we share in a moment of great happiness. We also have joy from misunderstanding one another.
Just the other night, I was helping a girl spell a word and she got stuck on which vowel to use. So, I gave her the vowel options, "A,E,I,O,U." She didn't pick up to only select one, and she started writing all the vowels. An abrupt noise came out of her mouth as she realized she wasn't suppose to write them all. We just looked at each other and started laughing. As we kept doing homework, we continued joking about proper spelling. She'd look at me and say,"P'Megan, is that how it's really spelled?" with a grin on her face.
I didn't expect how much joy could come from simply helping with homework. Homework has provided opportunities to learn about the girls' families and hill tribes. It has given me a glimpse into their lives, their interests, and their dreams.
Homework is also an area that could use prayer. There are a few girls who lack the motivation to do homework. As a result, they do not have the skills to read and write Thai. As it comes to mind, please pray that these girls will grow a desire to learn especially since their future depends heavily on their education.
This past week, Thailand celebrated Mother's Day which coincides with the Queen's birthday. Our house mom decided to have a fun day by taking our girls swimming. It really is amazing how much pleasure can come from watching excitement in children. Their joy of going out for a day at the pool was very contagious. Even the process of getting ready was an adventure. It included packing a change of clothes, putting on sunscreen, blowing up a beach ball, and....waiting. The house only had one truck to transport people to the pool. The anticipation of swimming increased for those who were left behind. As one who was left waiting, I realized there were still happy moments during the wait. The waiting moments also quickly vanished from memory as the truck arrived at the desired destination.
Life presents many moments where we have to wait for dreams and desires to be fulfilled. I encourage you to look for joy in small moments throughout the journey. Perhaps, these small moments will build relationships that will last a lifetime or will point you in the direction where God is leading you.
On a final note, the dictionary also provided the definition of the verb form of "joy" which is "rejoice." Rejoicing can come easily in accomplishments, holidays, vacations, answered prayers, and worship. There are also times, like when we wait, that we have to be intentional about rejoicing. God has beautiful plans to fulfill our desires, and he rejoices when his children are joyful. Even if the journey takes us where we didn't expect, knowing God's love creates enough joy to last for eternity.

Written By: Remember Nhu Intern, Thailand

https://remembernhu.org/

To support Megan's work in the field go to:

remembernhu.org/give.html

Note Megan B. - Thailand in the notes section.

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