How Do You Refuel with Joy?

The university semester is ending soon, and we have had lots of activities in and out of our campus. Few weeks ago, we brought our students on our university’s annual study trip to Siem Reap. Every year, this trip feels like both a mountain climb and a mountain top. It is exhausting, exhilarating, and always filled with surprises. It is also one of those moments that stretches not just the students, but us lecturers as well.

This year’s program was different from the past. We designed it with more intention, adding activities that went beyond the tourist attractions. Of course, we still visited the famous Angkor Wat, but we wanted the trip to be more than sightseeing. We wanted it to be an opportunity for students to see life with fresh eyes, to witness realities outside the walls of their classrooms, and to experience moments that would open their hearts to the needs of others. 

Siemreap 2025 - Photos credit to Limkokwing University

Discovering Life Beyond the City

One of the highlights was bringing the students into the countryside. We walked on muddy roads, far from the paved streets of Phnom Penh. The quietness of the fields, the beauty of the open sky, and the rhythm of rural life stood in sharp contrast to the noise and pace of the city. I watched my students take it all in. Some struggled with the mud on their shoes. Others marveled at the simplicity of life. For many of them, it was their first time truly experiencing what daily life looks like for rural families in Cambodia.

There was something humbling about it. It reminded me of how often we take for granted the conveniences of city life. But it also reminded me that God reveals His presence in both the busy city and the quiet countryside.

Giving Back: Learning the Joy of Service

We also included two CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities. These were some of the most memorable parts of the trip, and I could see how they deeply touched the students.

First, we visited a provincial school. The joy on the children’s faces when our students played games, sang songs, and spent time with them was priceless. For many of my students, this was their first time engaging with children from such different backgrounds. I could see their hesitation at first, unsure of what to say or do. But slowly, as the laughter and songs filled the air, the barriers fell away. What remained was pure joy.

Second, we visited our long-time partner, Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital. This place has always held a special meaning for us. We toured their gallery and listened to the doctors who welcomed us warmly. Hearing their stories and seeing their commitment reminded us of the importance of serving the most vulnerable, especially children who cannot afford medical care.

There’s a certain joy that comes when you realize your small acts of giving can ripple out into something bigger. It reminded me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40:

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Service, when done with love, doesn’t just bless others. It fills our hearts too. 

Photos credit to Limkokwing University

Learning Through Industry Exposure

Of course, part of the trip was also about learning in a more formal sense. We took the students to a bottling factory where they got to see operations up close. For many of them, it was their first time inside a production facility, and it gave them insights into what they learn in class.

But what I appreciated most was the workshop hosted by the five-star hotel where we stayed. The management team spoke to our business and marketing students about the challenges and opportunities of hotel operations. They shared about teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. I saw my students intently taking notes, aware that these lessons were valuable not only for their final projects but also for their future careers.

As a lecturer, that gave me joy. It was one of those reminders that what we do goes beyond teaching theories. We are helping shape lives.

A Night of Sparkle and Creativity

The last night was unforgettable. Our fashion design students had their project presentation, and the hotel’s conference hall was transformed into a runway for their fashion show. With a 60’s theme, it became a night of sparkle. Everyone, students and lecturers alike dressed up and celebrated together.

For the students, it was the fruit of weeks of hard work. For us lecturers, it was a chance to cheer them on, to celebrate their creativity, and to step away from the seriousness of everyday routines.

It was one of those moments that reminded me of the joy of community, of shared experiences that bond us together. 

Photos credit to Limkokwing University

The Lecturer’s Exhaustion

But let me be honest. By the end of each day, I was exhausted. Completely drained. I sighed and thought, gone are the days when I could keep up with the energy of youth. This 45ish lecturer’s body has its limits.

And yet, even in that exhaustion, there was something deeper. A question that lingered: How do I refuel my joy?

Because the truth is, joy can run dry. Our strength can fade. Our energy can deplete. And when that happens, fear, worry, and discouragement can easily creep in.

Fighting Fear and Trusting God

The devotion that stayed with me during this trip was from John 14:1:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples at a time when fear was everywhere. They knew danger was near. They knew their Master was about to leave them. They knew suffering and persecution awaited them.

And yet, Jesus told them not to let their hearts be troubled. Not because life would suddenly become easy, but because He Himself would be their peace.

That struck me. As a lecturer, as a mother, as a wife, as someone serving in ministry there are endless reasons to fear. We can worry about health, finances, job security, relationships, politics, wars, natural disasters, and the future of our children. The list is endless.

But Jesus calls us to trust. To shift our focus from the waves to the One who calms the storm.

Where Real Joy Comes From

I realized again during this trip that my true joy does not come from circumstances. It does not come from a five-star hotel, from the success of a student project, or even from the laughter of children though all these are beautiful blessings.

Real joy comes from knowing Christ. From walking with Him. From trusting that He holds the future, even when I don’t.

Isaiah 26:3 says:

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

This is the peace I want to live in.

Further Readings (from my previous posts):
👉 My Journey as a University Lecturer 
👉 How to Find Joy in serving? 
👉My MBA completion
👉End of Semester 
👉Graduation Speeches & Coaching

Practical Steps to Refuel Joy

So how do we refuel our joy? How do we guard against fear and worry? Here are some ways that have helped me, and maybe they can help you too:

1. Take thoughts captive – When fear starts to rise, I remind myself to surrender those thoughts to Christ. Not every thought deserves space in my heart.

2. Stay in God’s Word – Reading the Bible and praying daily gives me perspective. It reminds me of God’s promises.

3. Be honest with friends – Sharing my struggles with trusted brothers and sisters in Christ helps lift the burden.

4. Worship daily – Music has a way of turning our hearts toward God. Even on busy days, a worship song can re-center my focus.

5. Remember past faithfulness – Looking back at how God has provided and protected in the past strengthens me to trust Him again today.

A Word for Students and the Faith Community

To my students, I hope you carry more than memories of Siem Reap. I hope you remember the children’s smiles, the lessons from industry leaders, the laughter of your classmates, and the beauty of rural Cambodia. But more than anything, I hope you learn that life is not just about success, wealth, or recognition. It is about giving, serving, and trusting in God who gives true peace.

To the faith community, whether you are in Cambodia or elsewhere, I hope you are reminded that joy and peace are possible even in the middle of fear. Jesus said it, and He meant it: Do not let your hearts be troubled.

A Challenge for All of Us

So let me ask: What is elevating fear in your life today? And how will you replace it with trust in God?

Maybe it is uncertainty about the future. Maybe it is financial pressure. Maybe it is health worries. Whatever it is, God invites us to bring it to Him.

Let us be people who don’t just talk about trusting God but live it out daily.

Closing Prayer

Lord, You know our fears. You know our exhaustion. You know the moments when our joy runs low. Today we choose to trust You. Keep our minds steadfast, and fill us with Your peace. Teach us to serve others with joy and to walk in faith even when life feels overwhelming. Thank You for being the source of our true joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Exploring Cambodia,
Lecturer Tess 💪😅😍