Zone Conference One-Kampong Thom

For this round of Zone Conferences, I took pictures of all the missionaries in just two of the Conferences because I didn't remember until the conference was over in the first and the last. So, I apologize ahead of time, if someone doesn't see a missionary that they are looking for. I will do better the next round!

President Ohm Ly is the Branch President of the Kampong Thom branch. He lives 45 minutes out of town in a village called Rhom Long, and catches a type of bus ride to church every Sunday. We have been to this town, but not on a Sunday. So we decided to go two days early to Zone Conference and have President Om Ly(say Omlie, as in telling an untruth lie) take us around to a couple of the members that live in this village.

In this family the daughter in the purple skirt and her father with the white hair are the members. The children are her four and a niece. The very graciously invited us up to their home in the background where we sat on mats on the floor and talked a little about coming back to church. Scott gave a little scripture and then a closing prayer, which the brother of the home asked me to give. I'm always so surprised when they want me to pray. They don't know if I'll do it in their language when they ask me. I always do pray in their language and I hope they understand what I say. The next day, Sunday, we were pleasantly surprised when this man and his daughter both came to church and stayed the block. It made us feel like we had made a bit of difference for good in their lives.

Coming out of the lane to their home, the children followed us and wanted another picture taken. They like to look at the digital picture right after I take it, and then they always giggle and laugh.

This is the second family the branch president took us too. The only member is the brother sitting down. He has been quite ill with his heart. When we got there, he was laying down and could not move very well. His wife, in the middle of the picture, took such good care of him. He wanted Scott to give him a blessing. After the blessing, Scott asked him something, he hopped off his chair, climbed onto his outdoor bed, reached under his pillow and brought out his scriptures. We were shocked that moments before he could hardly move and after the blessing, he had so much energy. He said he couldn't read his scriptures, but that he slept with them under his pillow because they gave him good dreams. His whole family is interested in the Church but they live quite far out of town and have no way to come to church.

Our assistants: Elders Cox and Miles

The daughter is very interested in the church and I feel that one day when circumstances are right, she will be able to join and attend. This is her two year old son. Many children at this age are let to wander around with not too much on. In this case, sorry, but nothing on! She is very proud of him.

I remembered to get a picture at the very end. This was a combination of Kampong Cham and the Siem Reap Zone which includes Kampong Thom. These Elders are L-R Elders Fisher, Merrill, Miles Try. After Zone Conferences, everyone always takes off their suitcoats because it is so hot. We are just getting into the really, really hot season. You can just sit and break out in a sweat!

It was our 36th Wedding Anniversary on the day of this conference. The missionaries and the Senior Couple, the Housers had a special cake made and Fanta pop that tastes like Creme Soda and brought it out with candles all lit. We were so surprised and please that they would think of us!

The cake even had our name on it.