Sister Spencer bought us all sparklers. Considering my luck with broom handles, mops and Khmer safety pins, I questioned the wisdom in actually putting a match to this Fourth of July tradition. Sister Spencer assured me they were safe. She demonstrated by lighting one in her apartment. Sparks flew and landed on the floor. No worries we are in Cambodia...this little sparkler is tame in comparison to the sparks that fly as we walk by the welders on the streets of Phnom Penh.
Elder and Sister James truly stepped up to the plate in red,white and blue.
Their mission is so varied. They are our public relations missionaries. Today they are in Vietnam to report on the Mercy Ship. The Mercy Ship is scheduled to come to Cambodia also. It is a floating hospital. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is working with the Navy to help the people in this area. Several of our young adults will be translators on the ship when it stops in Cambodia.
What is the Fourth of July without Kentucky Fried Chicken, baked beans, potato chips, 3 bean salad, fruit salad, veggies and dip, deviled eggs, root beer and apple crisp with vanilla ice cream?
We had it all... BURP!
Tuesday morning our Family Home Evening group from Clark Ward were having their annual Fourth of July dinner together in Vancouver, Washington. We were able to Skype with them and catch up on what is happening in their lives. It was fun to see how the younger member's children are growing and to learn of babies on the way. It was nice to see familiar faces and hear familiar voices. Happiness is knowing good things are happening in America for our family and friends.
Wednesday we had a special meeting and luncheon to meet President Moon and Sister Moon. Two of their daughters are here in Cambodia with them. The youngest is 17 and will finish high school here. The other daughter is 19 attending BYU. The latter chose to visit her family until school begins. At our meeting the girls were assigned to introduced the family. There was a slide show backdrop as the girls spoke. Their family has traveled to many places in the world including some underdeveloped areas. It appears their trips were often service oriented. Unknown to them, they have been preparing a life time for this Cambodian experience.
President Moon and Sister Moon are in the center framed by their daughters.Some people left before we took this photo. The group is also small because this meeting was one of several that will take place throughout our area and Cambodia. Only 4 districts are represented here and it was for missionaries only. The Moon's were scheduled to travel to the different district buildings throughout the week. They will also travel to the Provinces and to Vietnam.
The same day that we met President Moon Sister James' story "The Coconut Boy" was published in the paper. She was so excited. The reporter whom she worked with added his own comments which put the church in a positive light here in Cambodia. It is pretty awesome what the James' have been able to do already.
While walking home from the Church Service Center we met up with Sister Phteary Phaong and her American companion. She is one of our PEF Students and also one of our Institute Students. She has been called to serve in Australia and is waiting for government permission to leave Cambodia. She will serve here until she gets the government OK. She is so full of light. Our day was enriched because of their smiles and enthusiasm for the service they are doing.
The couple above are so sweet.( Sorry I do not have their names). He is a member of the Branch Presidency at Kean Svay. His wife who sits next to him was baptized today. He has been teaching her the gospel for 10 years. You can imagine how happy he is that this day has arrived. Kean Svay Branch is growing quickly. Today there were 5 baptisms.
Remember Cambodia in your prayers...
Many of you are aware of the "mystery sickness" here in Cambodia that is taking the lives of the little children. Please pray that scientists and doctors will find the necessary answers and solutions to help the families here. It is so sad. Life is not easy for so many here and now this. I know prayers can help.
We feel your love and prayers on our behalf. It helps. Thanks for your support. We are grateful for the opportunity we have to help the young adults here in Cambodia. We are also grateful for the United States of America. We are truly blessed.
I will end how I began. May God bless each of you and may God Bless America.
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