This week we were able to make contact with several of our PEF students. Friday was Women's Rights Day. Many people do not go to work on that day. We were pleased that one of our PEF students we had never met took advantage of his free day and came to our office to introduce himself. I have spoken with him on the phone several times. He is a really nice man. His work schedule is changing so he can return to church. He said that although he and his family have not attended church in years he has continued to study his scriptures and read the Conference talks. His family has prayer together. He has a 10 year old son and 3 year old daughter. He said he loves his family and hopes to be sealed to them in the Temple. We hope this will happen for him too.
We attended a Young Single Adult activity on Friday. It was scheduled from 2:00 in the afternoon until 8:00 in the evening. We took advantage of this activity to speak with several of our PEF students. Several students we had hoped to meet up with were not at the activity. A few of the church branches had activities at the beach. The missing PEF students we wanted to speak with chose to go to the beach. I understand perfectly why they did. I would have jumped at the chance to get away from Phnom Penh air and city heat.
Elder and Sister James were in charge of the games for Friday's activity. Elder James had access to some official dodge balls so he attempted to teach the young people how to play. This game was new to them. It took awhile for everyone to catch on to the rules. In the process of learning several girls got knocked in the head. Balls were flying high and crazy. I don't think these people are used to rough play.When the game was over they were not anxious to start another one.
In this photo the game is almost over. These are the few left standing.
Elder and Sister James also introduced three legged racing. It was interesting getting people paired up. No one wanted to get close to each other. This is surprising since they are used to piling onto motos, into tuk tuks, cars, buses, elevators etc. They also huddle together for cell phone photo shots. Many became timid when they had to be tied to each other for the three legged race. Go figure!
Here Elder James is explaining the three legged race rules. Den Chansokum in the plaid shirt is translating.
That too is interesting. Many times the translation is a bit off.
Since it was Women Rights Day Sister James was cheering the girls on to victory. These two crashed at the end.
As a grand finale Dale and I and Elder James and Sister James raced. Dale and I failed miserably. I know I shouldn't make excuses but I don't think we would have done as poorly if we had tied our ankles together tighter. The tie around out ankles was super loose.We were maybe four or five steps into the race as the James' crossed the finish line. Sister James wants us to race again in April at the next Young Single Adult activity. We can only hope she forgets. Unfortunately she is not a forgetful person.
After dodge ball and the three legged race we joined the spectators for the district volley ball tournament. Four districts competed.
The South District (in yellow) were in it to win it. Guess who won?
Yep, Yellow is #1!
The best part of this whole game was where the
referee sat. Cambodia should receive an award for their lashing skills. Note where the referee is sitting. Just like on TV.
While the tournament was in progress we observed this bloody battle of the kangaroo boxing pens. I had to cover my eyes during part of it. The match was ruthless.
Meet the kangaroo boxing pen competitors. Do you think you could take them on? Warning: Looks are deceiving.
These little boys found a little ditch to play in. The little boy in the brown shirt was having a great time jumping over the ditch. He was so proud that he could do it. Kids are kids no matter where you go. No need for toys when you mix kids, rocks,dirt, water and a youthful imagination.
We left the activity at about 6:30. We did not stay to eat the noodle dish that was served. Instead we went home and had an omelet.
Last week I gave incorrect information concerning the road crew campsite near our office building. This week looking closer at their campsite I realized that they are not using the Church fence to hang things from. Dale took better pictures this week.
Off to the left of the grassy area is the church fence. As you can see their camp is not using the fence. They have constructed their own fencing to enclose their camp.
The big blue tank and the white tank are their water source.
The cooking and sleeping area of the camp.
Monday morning in the alley outside our office window. A breakfast fire is burning brightly. This lady is doing her laundry.
Play time in the alley.
Restaurant cooking on the streets.
Getting ready for the dinner crowds.
We walk by these ovens every day. With the road construction in progress we literally walk around these ovens.
These ovens and photo directly above are part of same restaurant. Cooking is done outside. Eating is done at tables set up inside. At the end of the day the sidewalk in front of the restaurant and the floors inside are scrubbed down. Chopping blocks are set directly on the ground where cooks sit and chop meat and veggies. Dishes are washed in plastic or metal tubs placed on the ground. After the dishes are washed they they are placed in plastic baskets on the ground to be dried.
Construction in front of above restaurant. This huge generator is being lifted. Notice that the crane is dangling over the wires. We did not stick around to see the outcome.
This is the first we have seen this barber shop on our route to the office. Notice how clever the Khmer are. To the left is a mirror hanging from the tree so customers can see the back of their hair. A mirror is set up in front so customers can watch the barber cut their hair. Add a comfy adjustable chair, a tarp roof for shade, hair products, razors, scissors, combs, brushes and a talented barber and you have yourself a business.
A few fruits and vegetables to transport to the market on a moto.
Look closely at the truck beyond the moto driver in the pink jacket. You are looking at stacked bicycles. Notice the guys sitting on the top.
In our last blog I told you about our Zone Conference. We just received our group photo.
Sleep comfort bed!
Wonder what his number is?
We are looking forward to another great week of fun in the sun. Love to all.
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