“Blessed in the Place I Never Chose”

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8–9

There’s something about stepping into the unknown that doesn’t just challenge you—it reshapes you.

Before coming to my mission field, I told myself, “Wherever God sends me, I will go.” I didn’t worry much about the place because I didn’t know what to expect anyway. But nothing could have prepared me for how much adjustment it would actually take—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

Panglao Christian Academy Pathfinder Activity

When I arrived, everything felt unfamiliar. The environment, the culture, the daily routines—it was all new. What challenged me the most, however, was the language barrier. I couldn’t speak Bisaya, and many of the people around me didn’t speak much English. Conversations often felt out of reach. There were moments when I stood quietly, unable to understand or respond, and I couldn’t help but feel left out.

During our first few months, we did house-to-house visits in areas where homes were far apart, surrounded by what felt like endless trees. It was physically exhausting, but even more difficult was trying to connect with people when I couldn’t fully understand them. I often felt like I wasn’t contributing. While my partner carried most of the conversations, I struggled internally, questioning my purpose in being there.

Then came another unexpected challenge—I was assigned to teach.

Panglao Christian Academy Teachers and Staffs

Teaching was never something I wanted. I’m naturally quiet and introverted, and I don’t feel comfortable in loud, high-energy environments. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by children every day—full of energy, constantly moving, and often noisy. It was overwhelming. On top of that, communication was still a struggle. Not all of them understood English, and I couldn’t express myself well in their language.

There were days I felt exhausted, frustrated, and completely out of place. Adjusting to the food, the culture, the noise, and the constant interaction stretched me beyond my limits. But in the middle of all that discomfort, something began to change.

Slowly, I started to adapt...

Panglao Christian Academy Elementary Students

I learned to be more patient—not just with others, but with myself. I found ways to connect, even without perfect words. The same energy that once overwhelmed me began to bring unexpected joy. The children who once drained me became the reason I smiled at the end of the day.

Looking back, I realize that growth often comes disguised as discomfort.

The language barrier didn’t just limit me—it stretched me. The cultural differences didn’t isolate me—they shaped me.

Sometimes, God places you in situations that feel completely beyond you, just to show you that with Him, you can become more than you ever thought possible.

Name: Sreynou Sokhom I 64^th Batch 1000 MM

Hometown: Takeo, Cambodia 

Mission field: Panglao, Bohol, Philippine