Tuesday, 18 November 2008

Rachel Hurley Learns Khmer

Rachel Hurley

The Angle

Visiting Alumna works in Cambodian literacy effort

Emily Kantner
11/17/08

Rachel Hurley has a heart for people, a heart that is bigger than most.

Hurley was born to American teachers in Brazil, but grew up in the United States. Having lived in Auburndale, FL most of her life, she attended Clearwater Christian College. Hurley graduated from Clearwater in 2003 with a B.A. in Bible. She then moved on to the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics in Dallas, Texas. Hurley graduated with an M.A. in applied linguistics in December of 2004.

Hurley partnered with Wycliffe Bible Translators, and in September 2006, traveled to Thailand for a month of training. In October of that same year, she moved to Cambodia, where she continues to be ministering.

During her first year in Cambodia, Rachel began to learn one of the native languages, Khmer. She also worked several different jobs, including one as a librarian.

Hurley then began work with International Cooperation Cambodia, located in Phnom Penh, the nation's capital. She is currently ministering in Ratanakiri Province among the Krung people. She will be learning their language in order to help increase literacy and address women's issues.

Hurley works as an ICC consultant with the Bible Society, where they translate Bibles and are working on standardizing the language.

She is also working with orphans, helping them seek anger management and complete job applications.

Hurley explains that it can be difficult to minister to the people of Cambodia. They have a relational culture, and thus find it difficult to trust people. The country also has a Communist influence, and many of the people are practically destitute.

Rachel described one of the most difficult aspects of her transition to Cambodia, "being different and sticking out." She is shy, but is learning to speak the language very well.

Rachel plans to continue her ministry in Cambodia and her dedicated work to the Krung people.

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