A Thing of Beauty

Pagcheata & Lisa 2nd grade

With her fingers she follows along the Khmer script as she struggles to make sense of the print. Using the pictures as a guide she, at last, finishes the page. I have no idea if she read it correctly, but her sweet smirk of accomplishment makes this moment all that matters.  In this moment nothing is more beautiful than watching this little girl. Nothing is more beautiful than watching Pagcheata. As I continue listening to her and her classmates in an attempt to read a stack of children's books, that we received as a generous donation from Room to Read (one of the only book publications and literacy promotion organizations in Cambodia) a rushing of emotions come pushing forward. Immediately wanting to get out and make more of this dull colored backdrop that is everyday education in the public schools.  Wanting, so much more, to paint this school, with such a vibrant array of colors.  A beautiful rainbow that  reflects this beautiful snapshot that serves as a sweet refreshing to keep going, despite the rigors of this daily life.

Lisa, Chantrea, Sokim & Lina

The importance placed on developing strong literacy skills in the elementary years and promoting its necessity, has been in dire need for so long. Throughout the past few months, I've been researching and meeting with various organizations, which has lead to a deeper understanding of the issues that face Cambodia's children (education) today and their possible implications for the future.  While there are  organizations that have established libraries, written and published children's books and  distributed literacy resources in various provinces, there are still too many schools throughout the country without such resources or knowledge of such. Many organizations focus on the financial burden of attending school, promoting it's necessity. And while this is much needed, the quality of education is sadly, so many times, overlooked. The individual child is overlooked. Those struggling are overlooked.

Nevertheless, despite these educational struggles, there is a beauty hidden within that transforms into a joy, forever.  Challenging life, yet again, here in rural Cambodia. And this transformed joy felt within the parameters of the four walls of each classroom, at AHFW, is in measurable. Each child, unique with their own beauty, bringing with them a thirst for knowledge and to be taught in Truth. Bestowing  upon those that teach, with blessings of lessons in culture, language, and love. In return, teaching "us to number my [our] days aright, that we may gain a heart for wisdom."(Psalm 90:17)