Wednesday the 23rd we had an appointment with the 3rd Branch President of one of the Vietnam Branches. The Central District President went with us because this was one of his BP's and he also speaks Viet and English so he could interpret for us. We were to meet at the Branch President's home and then he would take us to two other homes to visit. This Branch President lives out on the water on the river Tonlee Sap (I think that''s the name). We walked down a 
narrow alley and then out onto the water on these manmade bridges. You just had to walk carefully! You don't want to fall in, mainly because I can't swim so good, and secondly there is just a bit of junk in the river that I didn't want to meet up with! He lived at the end of this bridge. Then you step up to his home to a landing, and from there up three steps made of limbs into his wonderful home. I was so pleased at their home. Pictures on the wall of the prophet, Christ and a Family Home Evening Board. The floors were made very solid. They had 3 rooms, the main room and two bedrooms, maybe one was a kitchen. But he had a TV and a small hutch for dishes. Church books were there also. All in all a wonderful, but very humble home. They truly love the Savior in this home. I was honored when they asked me to pray. We then went to another similar home on another part of the river where Scott was asked to pray. He also gave a gift of his tie to this former Branch President. We didn't get a picture of that! I'm sad about that. We then followed the BP on his Moto to another member's home, down one alley then another. We went to the end of the housing area after greeting a little store owner with her three kids. Twin boys and a girl. We new they were boys because they weren't dressed and so there was no doubt that they were males! Cute kids and she wanted to practice her English. This family the mother isn't a member, but ended up being friendly to us. The wanted Scott also to pray. He gave this man a tie and later the BP All were pleased with their gifts. He even tied them for them. This home was one room, no furniture, but a mat for a bed. They had porridge cooking on a one burner stove that sat on the floor. Again, what an honor to be in homes of such humble people. He accepted to come back to the Church, especially after he got a tie. He had no tie, and not too many clothes. Neither he nor his wife. They followed us out and waited until they couldn't see us anymore.
narrow alley and then out onto the water on these manmade bridges. You just had to walk carefully! You don't want to fall in, mainly because I can't swim so good, and secondly there is just a bit of junk in the river that I didn't want to meet up with! He lived at the end of this bridge. Then you step up to his home to a landing, and from there up three steps made of limbs into his wonderful home. I was so pleased at their home. Pictures on the wall of the prophet, Christ and a Family Home Evening Board. The floors were made very solid. They had 3 rooms, the main room and two bedrooms, maybe one was a kitchen. But he had a TV and a small hutch for dishes. Church books were there also. All in all a wonderful, but very humble home. They truly love the Savior in this home. I was honored when they asked me to pray. We then went to another similar home on another part of the river where Scott was asked to pray. He also gave a gift of his tie to this former Branch President. We didn't get a picture of that! I'm sad about that. We then followed the BP on his Moto to another member's home, down one alley then another. We went to the end of the housing area after greeting a little store owner with her three kids. Twin boys and a girl. We new they were boys because they weren't dressed and so there was no doubt that they were males! Cute kids and she wanted to practice her English. This family the mother isn't a member, but ended up being friendly to us. The wanted Scott also to pray. He gave this man a tie and later the BP All were pleased with their gifts. He even tied them for them. This home was one room, no furniture, but a mat for a bed. They had porridge cooking on a one burner stove that sat on the floor. Again, what an honor to be in homes of such humble people. He accepted to come back to the Church, especially after he got a tie. He had no tie, and not too many clothes. Neither he nor his wife. They followed us out and waited until they couldn't see us anymore.
Here are the bridges we had to walk over. We saw children swimming (one), and a little girl pretending that the lily leaves she had gathered from the river were her supper she was cooking.
These next two are pictures of the last couple we visited. It is just so rewarding to have these people accept the invitation to come back to church and help strengthen the branch where they live. They all believe, they just get caught up in trying to make a living, and forgetting that the Gospel can continue to give them hope and ideas on how to improve their lives. The former BP is not totally less active. He still prays and tries to listen to the Holy Ghost and has started a new business that he felt prompted to start. We sure hope it works for him.
I'm so glad you didn't fall into the water. Those boards look pretty narrow. Your stories and photos make me appreciate my blessings.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like we need to send your hubby some new ties! Thanks for posting. Christine