It has officially been 3 years since I was first in Siem Reap, Cambodia on the World Race. THREE YEARS. What?!
Three years since I stepped foot into Overflow Guesthouse. Three years since I met Vith. Three years since we said our heart-wrenching "see-ya-laters."
Three years since Alysse and I sat down with Vith and a translator to tell him about this school that we hoped he could attend, and he eagerly said yes. "I want you to understand. It is a Christian school where you learn to speak English by reading through the Bible" I explained. Jumping at the opportunity to return to school, without hesitation, Vith explained he didn't care. He just wanted to return to school.
It has been two and a half years since I received a joyful update from Vith. Not only had he began studying at the Bible College, but he had been baptized and invited the Lord into his heart. "Jesus is my savior" he joyfully exclaimed--a surprise not only for this incredible news, but also at his leap ahead in English skills!
When I was in Cambodia (2016), working up to some of the hardest goodbyes of my "race" I remember wondering how I would ever speak with Vith again, considering he didn't use email, WhatsApp, or any social media. One day I sat down with Vith and a translator. "This is my email address. This is my WhatsApp phone number. When you get to school, and get connected online, please, please find me. Search my email on Facebook, and find me there as well" I pleaded.
I cried when I received the first message, not realizing how I had pretty much accepted it would be against the odds to speak again unless the Lord provided a way back to Siem Reap for a visit.
"Hello sister Hilary! HAPPY NEW YEAR, how are you and where are you now? I'm vith and I am very glad when I saw you in my Facebook. I hope that one day see you again. and hope that your job going well this new year. May God bless you." Receiving that in January of 2018 absolutely blew my mind.
Where is the teenager who once argued with me that the word "cow" was in fact spelled "kao." Where is the boy who drew a picture of a cross and a picture of Buddha side-by-side, and asked which I loved, and then following it up by stating, "I love Buddha." Where was the kid who would ask to get off work early, or come in late, so he could go to the temple to be blessed by the monks? Where was the Vith I had met only two years prior?!
Vith and I have continued this conversation, connecting about every week or so over this past year. It amazes me just how quickly he has grasped the English language. It's hard enough to learn to speak another language, but he is WRITING these message. Incredible. He is so driven and intelligent.
Looking over the past year, I count over 20 times that he has said "I miss you" and/or "I hope to see you again." Want to know what's even cooler? I count over 50 times that he has said "May God bless you."
More recently I received another message that brought me to tears yet again. "Hello teacher! Do you want to join my graduation? I will graduate on May this year. I am doing good by God's grace. God bless you and your family."
He's graduating. He's GRADUATING! VITH IS GRADUATING! I am so proud of him. This has been a long journey for him, and, really, it's only just beginning.
Thank you so much for following along with this journey. I knew you would be as excited as I am about this wonderful news and just couldn't wait to tell you! I have a few prayer requests to share with you.
*As Vith's family are Buddhist, they do not understand his decision to follow Christ. They originally were angry and refused to see or even speak with him. They have started slowly being okay with Vith coming around again, but their relationships are still filled with tension. Please pray for God's intervention in this family.
*Vith will transition from being a student to teaching/translating at the school. Please pray that he is able to continue to build on his English skills and confidence in speaking.
*God willing, I will be in Siem Reap on May 14th to celebrate this achievement with Vith. Please pray for safe travels (and that the flight costs go on "sale" again SOON :D), as well as understanding managers at work.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments! Also, if you have a message for Vith, I'd be happy to pass it along! ...maybe I'll get a card and include messages from "around the world" to him...hmm.
