Spring Update - 2013

I just finished writing a support letter to my donors and thought it is a good summary of what happened and some future adventures. So, here you go:

Dear supporting family and friends,

            It has been such a privilege and a huge blessing to be able to continue studying at Trinity Western University. As of each day there are always valuable lessons to be learned. Since spring semester, I had been in the maternity course, which is for a second year nursing program. As a male nurse, maternity presented quite a few challenges. Though I enjoy the educational piece of nursing care in maternity, there were times when the actual care for new mothers triggered a doubt whether nursing is a way for my journey. However, as I progressed through the course, God has been so faithful in reassuring and providing the right supports to allow me to focus and was able to complete this semester successfully. I find that as the journey of conception and birth is a miracle, so does my studies in maternity!

            What seemed to be a challenge within this semester was also due to the fact that I am blessed to go home for the summer. It has been four years now since I decided to step into a higher educational training. Thus, the idea of returning home was unreal to me at times. Despite the internal excitement, I was encouraged to fill in a position of leadership to a group of six other Trinity students, who will be going to Cambodia at the same time for a mission trip. What is fascinating about this opportunity was that the team will partner with one of my brothers who have established a ministry in Kompong Speu province (where my family is from). On this same vision, I am hoping to develop an educational center whether it is for healthcare, language, and/or some skills after I finished at Trinity. At this point I strongly feel that the Lord is putting every piece together, and in some ways I have a role in this community development. I am hoping and praying that through the effort and love share by the team the community will begin to experience a deeper love and in turn desire for this source of transformation.

Team Cambodia. You can visit the activities through: www.cambodiasummer2013.blogspot.com

            It is so exciting to look forward into God’s unfolding plans and to finally give back what God has graciously given to me. I am excited to work with my team who is filled with gifts and talents while they share God’s love and serve the people in the community. My hope is that both the team and the people will be transformed by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in responding to His mission, whether at home or oversea.

            After the summer I will have two more years of University in the Nursing Program. In the Fall of 2013, I will be heading into Psychiatric Nursing. My hope is that I will be enriched with the ability to meet the needs of those assigned into my care and around me. I really cherish every experience that I encounter throughout my nursing training and life in Canada. They have shaped and folded me into the person God is calling and desire me to be. In the future I do hope to multiply what I learned and establish group of trainers who will impact the community through health education and faith.

In my prayers, Lord may it be so according to Your will! Amen! 

In His goodness and grace

Sureyah Tach   

It's That Time of Year Again - A Warm Christmas Greetings!

Dear Family, Friends, and Faithful Supporters--

Have you imagined of a journey, a time, a moment when many unanswered questions, wonders, and anticipations finally find its place in the sovereignty of the Almighty God? By this time last year, my thoughts on my journey were foggy and full of regrets. Ashamed of myself while thinking about the many blessings I received and a longing heart to serve...but had to wait. 

Since receiving Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I often reflected on the impact Jesus had on His disciples. Most of them were fishermen, tax collector, and wanderers. Citizens of a low class and sometimes considered a nobody; but they became man of faith who influenced many to find truth and were set free. To me, I was satisfied with what God has given at Logos. Satisfied with so much He has done in my life. But, far beyond what I can imagine, He poured out even more. Trinity is a current “next step”, a journey, a chapter of my life. And, I am super glad that I did have this opportunity!

Last year at this time, I was overwhelmed and emotionally unstable because I was not able to progress into the next nursing course. Because of that I have to stay behind for a year. Yes, FOR A YEAR! L Just like complications I had in Bangkok to obtain the student visa, instead of having to stay there for three to four days, I was there more than a week! And now, I will have to linger at Trinity for more than 5 years...

Thus, every day I am overjoyed of how blessed I am to be able to attend Trinity—One of the best universities in Canada and have such a wonderful home-stay family who love and support me no matter what. To be honest, there are so many people who could have this opportunity and would do so well and much better than me! Every time I walked into the Registration office at school, I am overwhelmed of God’s richest blessings, especially when I see many who struggled to meet their school’s payment. The question, “Why me?” often comes up. Who am I that He continues to faithfully commit to walk with me and desire to see me finish Nursing? There are so much that I do not understand. In the midst of my unfaithfulness, God is still so faithful. In the midst of my failure, Christ still leads me by His hands. Where else can I go without Christ? What a wonderful Savior!

Every blessing comes from above… and that is so true. Yet, those blessings come through God’s faithful servants. To all whom I related my "failure" last year, they were so encouraging and supportive. Without them I probably would not be able to get back up! Community of believers and supporters are necessary, and I am so thankful for their trust and commitment to invest and continual support.

This past semester has been a great learning experience. Getting back into Medical/Surgical the second time allowed me to learn so much more! Clinical experience was an enjoyment rather than a stressful atmosphere. I flew through the course and was able to appreciate the teamwork within the hospital setting. In fact, I made friends with nurses on the ward! That tells a bit of my confidence level =) More so there were so much that I inquired. God is good!

Here I am once again on the journey, stronger than ever! But… nursing is still a difficult and challenging road. It always will keep me on my toes! Just these past few days I am able to connect for a bit with some other nursing students from different years. Everyone that I talked to was feeling the same way! The anticipation and uncertainty after every nursing exam often will not allow students to rest until they know the results. I am so thankful for this term for God’s grace and goodness in helping and keeping me in the nursing loop. (And, the opportunity to have that second chance to go back into the nursing program!) =)

As for the next semester I am going into Maternity! An exciting time and also the first time to receive new lives coming into this world! What a joy to celebrate the gift of life!

More so, for this coming summer, I am so excited to inform that I have the privilege to lead a group of seven Trinity students into a rural community in Kompong Speu, Cambodia, to start planting seeds and connect with local organizations to learn and invest and to go through a life-long-changing process under this short term mission trip for the team. More so, I am so excited to be back home connecting with my family, girlfriend, and old friends! What a joy that day will be! However, in order for that to take place I will need both prayers and financial supports. Please pray for that =) This Christmas break I am doing a lot of planning, connecting (emailing), writings, and coordinating. Please continue to pray for me, my co-leader (Sarah K.), and also for this trip that God will grant the team, especially the leaders, wisdom, strength, and ability to support and train the whole team.

Thank you so much for all your support (in whatever ways possible) and faithfulness in this journey together with me.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas. May our Lord God shines forth Himself to you in new ways as you celebrate His birth and tells others about His coming both over 2000 years ago and in the coming age.

Blessed Emmanuel!

Merry Christmas!

In His richest blessings,

Sureyah

Updates - Fall 2012

To all my friends, family, and supporters!!

Dear All,

Summer is soon coming to a close, and everyone is trying to gather together school supplies and started to adjust their alarm clocks…once again. Yup, this is another chapter of a student's life, when a routine and a need of punctuality invoke the coffee machines from one house to the next to broil at the appointed time.
It is so wonderful for me to start writing and updating my life once again. My summer break had been wonderful, despite that I was mostly working and trying hard to catch up and refreshed on some of medical/surgical course. Monica W., my summer teacher, had worked hard and prepared me for this coming year. I am both excited and nervous at the same time when coming back to school.
As some of you may recall, these past four months I was working with the conferences at Trinity Western University. Although there were not a lot of students around, I am thankful that there were at least a few friends and mostly staff on campus.
Having soccer as a favorite hobby, I enjoyed staff’s soccer during lunch time and friends getting together every Wednesday’s evening to dash around chasing the ball. I don’t know… I think soccer is still the best sport on earth. I’m really bias. When I get back to Cambodia, I seriously consider putting a team or doing a soccer camp with Bible study for youth or some young children. Won’t that be so much fun?
This year’s summer job had taught me many valuable lessons. It does make a different when working with different people with dissimilar personality, more so from a different background and culture. For the first few months I often questioned myself. I tried to check whether I displayed what I believe. Have I honored God through my whole being? Often times, I was afraid that I might offend my co-workers or hurt their feeling in any way. Yet, I am so thankful that I am serving a God whose Spirit is so alive and active in me. I do understand that at times I felt empty due to situations that I was facing. However, I am taking everything as a lesson: something that is worthwhile and contributed to my life’s experience. And, thus, I am learning from them.
Yes, life is not always about work. I did take sometimes to have fun and spend time hanging out with my friends as well. All in all it had been a good summer… a life far from home that is.
School-year is upon my shoulders once again, and I am so glad to be able to absorb all these wonderful knowledge. This fall semester I am retaking one of my nursing courses (Medical/Surgical), Statistic, and Principle of Biblical interpretation. Yes, and a lot of prayers is needed. This year I am re-accessing and re-evaluating what I need to work on and probably develop a different learning style. At the same time, I am committing this year to the Lord. I will dedicate a life of prayers and a year of giving God my first. This year is my last chance to be in the nursing program within Trinity Western University. I will need to do well and do my utmost on it.
As far as the near future plans, I am looking forward to go to Cambodia for a visit, if the Lord is willing. More so, if it works out fine, I may have a team who will be going with me to help out at the province and a few other places. Yes, I am really excited for this!! Plus, I will be able to refuel my deep yearning for Cambodia and to see the people I love!
All in all, may you keep me in your prayers, as I am trying to accomplish the journey and giving God’s glory with all that I am this year and afterwards.
Many thanks to all your prayers and faithfulness in keeping me in your thoughts and continue to support my stay here. May you be blessed abundantly. May His peace and love go with you as you continue to serve and bless others in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Sincerely,
Sureyah

A Greeting Letter

Greeting to all my lovely family, friends, and supporters,

It is, indeed, such a shame that I lack my responsibility as a friend and a receiver of good things in sharing how life has treated me thus far. A journey that is full of many ups and downs. Yet, I do praise the Lord in all circumstances, knowing that in all things He does bring about good. Thank you so much for the journey and the support that you have been so faithful in my life in prayers, encouragement, and finance. I am now done for another year!! Three years ago, I was not sure what to do, no plan, no goal, only one thing in mind… the Lord will provide and that all things are in His hands. Yes, all things are still in His wonderful plan. It is out of such an amazing love that has brought me into this wonderful journey! 

Many of you have already heard or may not hear it yet that during last year, Fall Semester, I did not meet the requirement for one of my nursing courses. This put me behind the schedule. I have to wait for one whole semester, feels like a whole year! Yet, until today I am still waiting to hear the result from the committee for my re-entry to be able to repeat the same course once again. In the moment, I gave thanks to the Lord and to all who have supported and gave hopeful encouragement to me in that such hard time. Even though I completed another year, I still feel that this year has been of little accomplishment. Such reflections of the past, of the past failure, and an inability to achieve what many put their trust in me. But, anyways, life still continues. Again and again, I gave thanks to the Lord for all that you have done in my life. I always be grateful.

For the past months during spring semester, I took three religious studies courses and a psychology (Lifespan) course—a requirement for nursing program. As I have mentioned a few posts earlier that my hope was to desire to bring the gospel through Health Education. Though I am falling behind, there are definitely new wonderful discoveries about living and accepting the Word of God. I do enjoy much of this past spring courses. It has a different feel, but the Lord still continue to speak to me a life of thanksgiving and obedience: to do things that is far beyond my contemporary situation. Despite my feelings, I know that as long as I continue to trust and obey his calling his power will shines through me. Amen!

Once again, the summer is here and the academic life slows down for a bit. This summer I got a job on campus as a conference staff helping and hosting different groups that are coming in. My job varies from making beds, to cleaning up, to moving furniture, to office work, etc. For the first weeks into May, it is quite hard work because of a quick turnover and renovation of certain buildings. Yet, the job is enjoyable and always keeping me on my feet. Besides working, I am planning to work on a self-study with the help from my Canadian Mom, Michele, on Medical/Surgical course as I am going to take it once again this coming Fall Semester.

Thank you all for your concerns and supports. Life in Canada is beautiful and amazing, too good to think that it is still happening! My one main prayer as I am heading into the summer, I ask that my perspective on who I am and what I cherish (the love for others) will not fade or switch into self-interest.

This is my third year now, and I do miss home a lot. As far as life here in Canada, it is a lot different from Cambodia. I began to adapt to the easy life. It is okay, in a sense, but I believe that my life is not about being practical. It is about a journey which God’s hands and blessings are upon it. Sometimes, I need to understand that God is at work and He is still faithful in all the things that He has in store for me and each one of us. I am fortunate to experience life outside of my country; thus, it is important for me to still contain the perspective about life and what I once was without all these blessings. I want to continue to live a life of trust and seeking God’s miracles and full of faith.

I cannot say enough how grateful I am to you who have walked this journey with me since the beginning. I know that with your faithfulness, the Lord will result and accomplish what He has set in place in this journey of mine. May God’s abundant blessings and His goodness be with you and fill you with His Holy Spirit.

In His grace,

Sureyah  

Some Pictures Over the Break!!

They say a picture describe a thousand words ... Well, I have a few thousand words for you all to see =)


Some pictures from Hemlock Ski ResortNo one to take a photo... so I took it myself.
An overview of some skiing areas according to its difficulty.

Ski lift to the top of the mountain... I went on there a couple times -- pretty proud of myself.
Here I am on top of the mountain felt good... but a bit hesitant when going down when thinking about the steepness at certain parts of the mountain. But, all in all a fun ride down the hill.
The yellow poles are for the ski lift -- it stops half way. I did well on this level. Smooth ride and enjoyable feeling.

Christmas Village from Calgary ...

It is incredible to see the scenery of the life-like village. Some of the buildings are painted by Grandpa Regehr and family. Such intricate and beautiful details, something I love to share =)

One of the buildings here is named after Grandpa Regehr
Can you spot the nativity scene?
Love the moon...
The ice-skaters are moving in circle using the magnet...
Isn't that something??

On the way back to Abbotsford from Calgary ...
Driving through the snow and seeing the magical winter atmosphere is awesome. The majestic whiteness that make one wonders and surrender to God's mighty handiwork. I tried to capture with the camera though it is not the same.
Though the road condition was not predictable, the scenery was worth the drive =)

Starting off with some wind and nice clear sunny afternoon ...
Just have to capture this particular scenery ...My drivers =) Tim Regehr (Dad) and Jason Ho

The over-pass -- guess for whom?? For animals passing =O

The gap -- cut through the mountain -- to open up for the road!!
An attempt to capture icicles... frozen waterfall =D
Snowing and snowy road ... just along the road there too, there are trains but could not capture--too dark when it started to appear.
Snow plough -- clearing the road for travelers' safety.

And, that is all =)

Happy New Year!

A Reflective Updates

Dear Family, Friends, and Sponsors

First of all, I am asking for your forgiveness for not updating how my life has been for the past semester. Lots have happened and lots have changed for this past semester. I receive some notice of how the blog has not been a good way of communication for various reasons. However, I will be trying to send both the updates through email and blogging.

I pray that you all are doing well and are wrapping up for the Christmas celebration and the New Year. It sure is an appropriate thing to do to take a rest. Many events can happen in our lives, but rest is a necessity. It is a time for a break to reflect what has happened and what has gone wrong, and especially, to enjoy God’s goodness and everything that He has given to us.

This semester has been a stressful and full of learning. Nursing is such an incredible profession, but the process of going through it is tremendous. Lots of hard work and lot of time needed to invest in the learning. This semester I had three courses: Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Medical/Surgical Nursing, which are the main component of my nursing courses. With it there are lab and practicum. This semester was my first time going into the hospital – “working” in the medical floor.

Nursing theory and assessments came in handy when I started caring for real patients that have all sorts of health issues; yet caring also became a great challenge. Working with the patient was one thing and having a clinical instructor by the side was another. Each clinical day had been really stressful for me because of the interaction of the human body. Nothing is like this piece of work, it is incredible. The details, the connection, and how each part of the body’s function progress and work is overwhelming. In the same way, caring for a patient was not easy. There were many aspects to a patient that lie beneath their disease, and when caring for one I needed to understand the pathology and how it wholistically affects a person.

Though really stressful because of all the learning, everything I learned in first-year nursing began to make sense. Everything seems to converge in this second year! Everything seems to come together and explain why learning all the assessments, why all studying the microbiology, and why a person may need medications, as well as how they affect the system. To me this semester is tremendous! I felt like my brain can no longer retain much more information making it really hard to concentrate. There were just so much to know! However, I do wish and desire to know and understand them as well.

Apart from studying, my student leadership position in the Globe (part of International Student Program—ISP) went real well. Each event we hosted was successful. I hope to do much better in the coming New Year (Spring semester) concentrating on relationship building with the International students.

Well, this semester has been ups and downs for me. More disappointing news I am about to inform you is that I did not do so well on one of my nursing courses. For medical/surgical nursing course, I did not meet the requirement; therefore, I will not be able to continue into the next spring semester as part of the Nursing Program. This semester I worked really hard, but the result did not show effectiveness. I am really disappointed that this happened. I will have another chance to take the course again, but I will need to wait for the another year and to submit a formal letter to the Nursing Committee to allow me to re-enter into the program. This is terrible news, and I feel really bad because I know there are so much trust, hope, and faith were place into my journey. Moreover, I know that all that I can attain today is only through the help of generous donors like you and faithful supports of all my friends and family all over the world. It took me a lot of courage to face what I denied. It has been a really hard year for me. And, much of this stumbling block is probably due to my understanding when I took the exams. What I understand to be the right answer is not what it is! Much of nursing questions this year is base on anatomy and critical thinking. There are those with specific answers (requires lot of memorization), and there are those with applied critical thinking.

Going through this calamity, I really thank the Lord for providing the Regehrs (my home-stay family) while I am here in Canada. They were the source of my encouragement, and they help me to think through what has gone wrong. All these help me to reflect and to get back up. I fail but I cannot keep on falling. Earlier before I knew about my result for the semester, I was seriously considering taking a minor in Biblical Studies. Now, since I am not able to progress to the next semester in the Nursing program, I will fill my schedule with Religious Studies (RELS) courses instead. And, as far as I am allowed to continue studying at Trinity Wester University, I will try my hardest to complete and to achieve what I am here for (of course with all the supports and help I can find).

Once again, I am grateful for all your goodness and loving supports. I had a hard time writing this report and try to put it off, but I know I cannot go further if I do not face the reality. God is still in control and His goodness and faithfulness is unending. I cannot imagine how my life have been if I did not know Him. After all, I would not have the courage to step back up.

That is probably enough for the sad news. Thank you so much once again for your understanding. I did not send it out right away because I did not want it to be a Christmas spoiler. However, I wish you all a lovely Christmas. It is wonderful to enjoy being with the family and to celebrate and remembering the Love of the Father who gave us all the Emmanuel. Best wishes and many blessings for the New Year! Thinking of you and remembering some of the memories we may share or acquaintance. May your Christmas be filled with joy and goodness as you reflect and look forward into the wonderful New Year.

In His goodness,

Sureyah Tach

A Wild, Horizontally Plain Summer

Greetings to all my family and friends around the world!

Wow! Can we control the flowing of the water or the speed of wind by ourselves? I cannot believe how fast the journey has been. It's another year already! First year of Nursing... whoosh! gone by! Do I want to repeat, No! Well, It would be really bad if I do ;-) I think I rather move on. I am still impatient to get done and be in Cambodia, however. But, I will wait obediently.

I am sorry to those who were wondering about my disappearance from blogging for two months. I am still alive, by the way. No Canadian bear dare to snatch me yet. For the first two months of summer break, there wasn't much going on in my life, so I decided not to post anything. For those months, I stayed at home in Abbotsford most of the time and helping out here and there. I also got a part time job at Trinity (TWU) and Mennonite Edu. Institute (MEI)—a total amount of two weeks of work. So yeah. Yet, I slowly tried to gather the documents for my passport extension. (And that is already done). So I can stay legal again ;)

Being a student in another country definitely is a challenge. Also, the system of finance and work are different. But, I'm glad to have my Canadian family to help me through the troubles and figuring out ways to deal with them.

Sometimes in June there was an engagement party for Sara Regehr (my Canadian sister) and Jason Ho. It was actually something because Jason's Dad had a whole pig barbeque. Such novelty it was. Many who came gathered around the table to watch as we sliced the meat! To me, it was quite interesting. I guess it's not Western style.

Although there weren't much happening, I am very grateful for God's grace. I definitely live by it, and I do mean it literally.

Now, the amazing July: Things are great. I was blessed with a full time job as a conference staff at TWU. Definitely, an answer to prayers. And, because of work hour’s flexibility, I got to stay on campus with another staff who is already working. Working here gives me a great pleasure just to see the different group coming to enjoy, to study, and to grow more through their various activities. It helps me to re-notice the beauty of the campus and the dormitory and places I now got so familiar with. Those groups helped me see once again the beauty and to appreciate the many things I have on this campus, because the sameness blinds/make me forget.

The tasks can also be related to some of nursing application as well. When coming into a shift, there are to do lists. I have to know what is the priority and trying to fit them in between demands. So far it's been good, and I do enjoy giving hospitality to conference groups. More so, I start being more independent because of my stay on campus. I actually can navigate to a nearby store in Langley, BC for grocery through the bus. Furthermore, my Canadian family also provided me a bike so I can manage my way and explore the areas. Life has been good, indeed.

Early July during the 50th Anniversary of Grandpa and Grandma Regehr, I got to go on a road trip to Calgary, Alberta.

Along the way, we did some sight-seeing. Again, the majesty of creation reveals God’s wonders and greatness. Such creation. The wonders of His mighty work. Such awesome views. The rocky mountains, the valley, the river, the plateau... such splendid engineering.

Then, there’s Lake Louise: you have to see it yourself. It’s that beautiful… picture cannot capture its true spectacle.

More so, there are the works of Canadians who first build this country by their bare hands. The railroads, especially the Spiral Tunnels, show the knowledge and man's ability to accomplish great things, even without much tools or technology.

As for the anniversary celebration, I really have a great time enjoying being part of my Canadian's family gathering. Affectionately, I got to see the wonderful love of Grandpa and Grandma Regehr. Their legacy bears much fruits and their obedience in the Lord is evident among their children.

I am blessed to see and be apart of the celebration/family, because there are so many broken families in Cambodia who needs such love under God's umbrella. What more can I say? The Lord bless those who are obedient. And, obedient isn't easy sometimes.

Summer break is still a month away. Next year will be interesting for me since I will be in a Student Leadership Position for International Student Program, plus the academic works… I am definitely relying on your prayers. And, yes, I almost forget. Another Cambodian is coming in late August, her name is Sopari. She is also from Logos International School. I am very excited to see her!! She will be a piece of home for me and a great encouragement and inspiration for my next year journey =)

Well, that’s all that I have. I know I always do this, but thank you so much for all you are to me. The prayers, the supports, the encouragement, and everything! You are a part of my journey, and with you I can go the distant and run the race.

May Lord graciously bless you and keep you; His face shines upon you, and give you peace.

He is our Lord and in His name we serve Him. Praise the Lord God Almighty Forever and Ever.

Amen.

Sureyah