July: Lessons, Laughter & Learning to Let Go

July arrived like a warm breeze — sunlit, spirited, and full of surprises. It was a month of stretching: into new routines, into deeper connections, and into the gentle art of forgiving ourselves. From classroom reflections to family milestones, this chapter was rich with lessons wrapped in laughter and a few humbling missteps.

Teaching Side by Side

This summer, my husband and I returned to the classroom — not as students, but as teachers. We both taught summer classes at school, side by side, navigating lesson plans, student energy, and the unique rhythm that summer learning brings. There’s something special about teaching during this season: the pace is different, the expectations are intense, and the connections feel more personal.

Between coffee sips and prep sessions, we swapped ideas, shared feedback, and reflected on our teaching styles. It became more than just work — it became a practice in partnership. We encouraged each other when the days felt long, celebrated small wins like breakthrough moments with students, and laughed through the occasional chaos of juggling home life and classroom duties. Teaching together reminded us that collaboration isn’t just about logistics — it’s about showing up for each other, even when the lesson doesn’t go as planned.

Teens, Rest, and Reconnection

Meanwhile, the teens in our home embraced their summer break with open arms. After a demanding school year, watching them unwind felt necessary and beautiful. Sleep-ins, volleyball games, and late-night laughter behind closed doors filled the house with a kind of joy that only summer can bring. Their energy shifted — from academic stress to playful freedom.

They spent a few days visiting their grandparents and uncle, returning with stories, snapshots, and hearts full of connection. I noticed how much they craved the simple joy of hanging out with peers without assignments looming overhead. Social connection bloomed again, and it was a reminder that rest isn’t just physical — it’s emotional and relational too.

When Life Throws Curveballs

Of course, life didn’t come without its bumps. My husband, ever the energetic explorer, dove into Phnom Penh’s offerings — tennis matches under the sun, basketball games that stretched past sunset, dips in the pool, and bike rides that seemed to cover every possible street. He was thriving… until he wasn’t.

Aches and pains started surfacing — his body waving red flags after so much intense activity. Seeing him push through discomfort with his signature grin tugged at my heart. It reminded me that even joy needs balance, and even rest needs to be intentional. We had to slow down, listen to the body, and recalibrate.

And then came our big “oops”: we forgot to renew his Cambodian visa.

The realization hit hard. Frustration. Regret. A hefty overstay penalty we hadn’t budgeted for. We beat ourselves up for the mistake. We ran through the “what ifs” and “how could we miss this?” more times than I care to count. And yet, once the dust settled, clarity followed. This was a first-time slip — one we won’t repeat. But more than that, it was a moment to embrace our humanity. To acknowledge that no matter how hard we try, forgetting is part of being human. And sometimes, growth comes not from doing everything perfectly, but from learning how to move forward with grace.

Finding Balance Through Movement

This month, I added Vinyasa Yoga to my weekly rhythm. What started as a curious experiment quickly became a grounding ritual. Flowing through poses, anchoring in breath — I found clarity that stretched beyond the mat. Combined with gym workouts, running, and jumping rope, I now have a wellness toolkit that empowers me with choice. Swimming is next on the list — water feels symbolic, a place for recovery and renewal after a month of emotional tides.

There’s something healing about movement. It’s not just about fitness — it’s about reclaiming space in your body, releasing tension, and reconnecting with yourself. Whether it’s a quiet yoga session or a sweaty jump rope routine, each moment of movement feels like a step toward balance.

Small Wins, Big Impact

One practical win this month: the dentist visit. Often overlooked, oral health is a quiet corner of self-care. But this time, we showed up. We made a vow — every six months, no excuses. Because wellness isn’t just yoga or gym routines; it’s accountability. It’s choosing health even when no one’s watching.

It felt good to follow through. To tick off something that often gets pushed aside. These small acts — the ones that don’t make headlines — are the foundation of a life well cared for.

Franco’s Two-Wheeled Triumph

And then there’s Franco. This month, he mastered bike riding — no support, no hesitation, just pure confidence. Watching him zip past structures with a grin stretched wide was a moment I’ll carry into August and beyond. Growth doesn’t always come from structured achievement. Sometimes, it’s found in the wind against your face and the freedom of movement.

franco_bike

His joy was contagious. It reminded me that milestones don’t need to be monumental to matter. Sometimes, they’re found in the everyday — in the wobble before balance, in the courage to try again.

July Reflections: Grateful for the People Around Me

This month, I want to honor the incredible women who’ve made my journey richer and more meaningful.

Marivel, my Asst. Principal/supervisor, has been a steady source of support in my role as a lead teacher. Even when the tide was high, we chose empathy and understanding. Her gift of a goal planner was a sweet and generous gesture that reflected her belief in my growth.
Nica, a fellow lead teacher, has quietly inspired me. Her strength during tough moments last academic year gave me courage. After her holiday in the Philippines, she brought back Filipino goodies — a thoughtful act that warmed my heart. Together, we launched Teachers Talk Fridays on YouTube, a fun project that brings joy and laughter into our week.

Jochelle, a colleague I consider my younger sister, radiates kindness and generosity. Her gifts and snacks from the Philippines were simple yet powerful reminders of the love and thoughtfulness that surround me.

Jochelle

Cheryl, one of our incredible co-lead teachers— (during her brief and stormy visit home to the Philippines,) went out of her way to bring back a few items I had requested. Despite the challenging weather and limited time, she still made space for my small asks, which weren’t part of her original plans. To me, that simple gesture speaks volumes. It’s a reflection of the kindness and thoughtfulness that surrounds me in this community.

These aren’t just colleagues—they’re generous souls who go above and beyond, even when life throws curveballs their way.
I feel deeply grateful to be in the company of such people.

A Chapter of Compassion: The Journey4Us Book Donation Drive

One of July’s most meaningful milestones was launching the Journey4Us Book Donation Drive — a heartfelt mission to nurture a love for reading among Cambodia’s youth. From July 20 to December 20, 2025, we’re collecting inspiring English-language books to redistribute to children and schools across Phnom Penh and beyond.

Why books? Because they change lives. They unlock language, spark dreams, and build empathy. For many children here, access to engaging reading material is limited. Through this drive, we aim to bridge that gap — one story at a time.

We started this initiative not just as educators, but as parents and community builders who believe literacy is foundational. If you have books to share, we’re here. If you remember the one book that changed everything for you, consider passing that light on. Together, we can build a reading culture that sticks — one bookshelf, one child, one story at a time.

So, What Did July Teach Me?

july_recap

It taught me that even in our most structured lives, unpredictability sneaks in. That rest is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. That forgetting is part of the package deal of being alive. And that joy can be found in movement, in laughter, in sharing, and in learning to let go.

This month reaffirmed the value of storytelling — of reflecting, recording, and releasing through words. Writing this blog post has been more than a task on my to-do list; it’s been a release. A chance to look back and say, “I lived through this. I learned from this. I laughed through this.” Whether it was biking wins or visa slip-ups, everything belongs.

To you reading this — yes, you — I want to say this:
Start documenting your journey. Whether through blogging, journaling, voice notes, or scribbled pages in a notebook — let your story breathe. You don’t have to be a professional writer to share your truth. You just have to be willing.

Journey4Us isn’t just a platform — it’s a space to reflect, connect, and remember. Every post here is a light in someone else’s darkness, a hand reaching out to say, “Me too.” Your story matters. Don’t wait for it to be perfect. Just begin.