On the Blue Ridge

For an explanation of where we are, please see the post after this one.  I got them reversed. At 5:30 p.m.,The Assistants dropped us off and it was their job to walk around town and see if any members came out of the woodwork.  Only a former investigator or two did. Meanwhile, we made the launch after checking in at the above shelter.  I was very proud of myself for not falling down these steep stairs and then you had to jump in the launch.

A beautiful sunset.

We made it after 30 minutes to the ship.

We were grateful to have the opportunity to mingle with the crew and Cambodians. Government and naval officials from Cambodia were invited to see this special ship and some of us US citizens also. We haven't been able to accept all the invitations from the Embassy, so we were glad to make this one and talk to many people where they could see our name tag and all wanted to know why we are here in Cambodia.  I loved seeing the Eagle and I really loved seeing all those beautiful shrimp and veggie and dip with REAL seafood cocktail sauce. I very much enjoyed that. Because of the heat, the ice just dripped off the eagle, but it made it to the end of the evening.

They symbol of the Blue Ridge, and both country flags on this special cake.

The Blue Ridge logo.

This was a great Naval band. They travel all over creating good will for the USA. They are very versatile and very good. They had a great drummer and pianist, but it was hard to get a good enough picture to post.

This man is in charge of much that happens on the ship.  He was warm and friendly to us. He has some LDS friends as I think the Admiral does too.

The Admiral and us. He is a very kind, but disciplined man.

After everyone gave their talks, both Admirals cut the cake with this long and very sharp sword. Were those cookies good?  Yes and yes.  All the food was good.  It was a nice change of pace.

This young man is one of the Marines who guards the Admiral. There are maybe 10 of them, but not sure if that is an accurate number.  I told him to tell his wife that she had a very good husband.  He said, Oh, she wouldn't believe you.  I said, well, tell her anyway.  Then he said Okay, and I want a picture of you and your husband.  I guess as proof to his wife that he actually talked to us. Since the ship is a command ship they have more access to internet and computers than most ships, so he is able to stay in good contact with his wife.

The Minister of Defense, I think? gave a rather lengthy talk after the Admiral. The US Navy Admiral talked about 3 minutes, but the minister maybe 15.  The whole time the Admiral stayed at Attention and didnt' move once.  I thought that was good discipline and a good example to his men.  All in all, it was a great evening. We met a member, Cambodian, who wanted us to meet her Father who is not a member. So that was great and I hope we did some good!