A Slight Delay in my Blog Update

Well, to all my friends and family I want you to know I am still alive and well. We have just been extremely busy here and have been traveling and also doing trainings, interviews, and working with the missionaries. We have had District conference in Vietnam, President Smedley's sisters and our sister in law here last month. And our daughter Varci, is getting married Friday, July 29th and I am leaving tonight to attend the wedding. So, I will be in Utah until August 2nd. I don't forsee that I can update for another 2 weeks. Sorry to the parents looking for the Red Carpet for their recently returned missionaries. If I have any time at home, I will do what I can!

Greeting the Aunts (sisters and sister-in-law)

June 14th, Melanie and Lori greet their Big Brother after 2 years of not being with him.

Our sister-in-law Sue was able to come and we were also very happy to see her.


A group pic because I was happy to see them too!

The first afternoon, we went for a walk down one of my favorite shopping areas across from the mission home. They knew they were definitely in the rainy season, because it poured quite violently for a few minutes. When it calmed down to a little lighter fall, we ventured forth to finish our shopping.

A special Visit to KahtKau

We were invited for Family Home Evening by the brother and sister sitting on the mats June 12th, Sunday evening. This was Elder Hurwitz's last FHE with them before his departure. There were investigators present also. This community is about 20 minutes by car from Tak Mao. That is where they go to church. The Elders ride their bikes out here to this community 2 times a week. It takes about 45 minutes. They all come to church. For some it takes them the 45 minutes on bike to get to church. But they don't miss.

The Brother took charge and then asked us to share something. We each were able to get up and teach a little all in Cambodian. This was shocking since we neither one had planned or written out anything. It was a wonderful experience to teach them in their language. I had to have a little translation for a little story. Other than that it was all in Cambodian. There must have been about 5-6 families represented. Elder Haws translated when we needed translation.



Saying good bye. They wanted to know when we would come back.

They wanted their picture taken really really bad. I took the picture and then showed it to them on my camera. They were thrilled to see themselves that fast. Fun little children. I think they are brother and sister. When we first got there, they and a bunch of other little boys, were throwing something up in the air and then playing with it. I wouldnt' get out of the car until I knew what they had. I was very wise. It was a snake. Poor snake, but poor me too. I do NOT enjoy snakes. So, I told them no FHE until they put the snake up. The missionaries told them for me. They were very accomodating and gave it one last big throw in the air. I don't know if it lived or not. I didn't look. I got out of the car and walked the opposite way. It was a fun night. (after they got rid of the snake, that is.)

June 11th Old Lake Bed And Other Visits.

In conjuction with the North District Conference on June 11-12, we made member/investigator visits. Right in the middle of Phnom Penh WAS a lake. It is now all being filled in with sand. We had to walk back toward the houses and cross a little creek, I guess the remains of the lake, in order to make some member visits. We had to walk down towards more remains fo the lake I'm guessing! Anyway, it was pretty steep to visit homes that are literally built on the hillside. Scott was able to present a tie t0 this brother and challenge him to work to receive the Melchezidek Priesthood. We had the District President, a counselor in a branch presidency and the District executive Secretary, Long Seret, who is now Scott's new Administrative Assistant!

We went from one house on the former lake to another of a sister whose husband is not a member. He actually wasnt' too interested in being a member right now, but you never know! We had a nice group visiting with us. We also had a young man who is waiting for his mission call. There was a most interesting piece of equipment in the second home, so I took a picture of it. I found out it is a grain grinder to make flour. It must take a lot of energy to grind wheat/rice on this. They have the most amazing women here!

The brother is active in the church. His family are receiving the lessons and I believe his wife has a baptismal date. In each home we were able to share a testimony or encouragement.

The final visit for this round is another investigator. He is a little discouraged looking for work. He also received one of Scott's ties. Hopefully we were able to leave his home with some hope and encouragement also. All the families but the man in pink came to one of both sessions of the District Conference.

The young adults have a terrific Choir and usually sing every conference. I guess they are kind of the Conference choir. We always enjoy hearing them. They are wonderful and do some interesting arrangements of Primary hymns or others that are in the New Era and translate them for their use. It all is wonderful. The members are very proud of them and always touched in their hearts by their music.

An Ancient Ruin?

Nope, the blocks are part of a bridge being built on the intersection leading to the North District Center. It is a 5 point road and will be wonderful when the incoming traffic doesn't interfere with the through traffic. We will be able to get to the airport much faster.


The cement blocks just sit there. I always hope none will fall on the cars below! The bridge is coming along nicely. Maybe another 6 month.

June 5-6 Sister Pen Goes to MTC Provo

Sister Pen went to the Provo MTC June 6th. She was set apart by President Smedley June 6th with family members and friends present. She has two sisters who have already served and are married. One is currently serving here in Cambodia, and Sister Pen will go to Temple Square.

Our Sister Pen gives her older Sister some instructions.

And a final hug for a little over 18 months before they meet again.

The amazing thing about this family is that Sister Pen's Mom and Dad are not members, yet they have raised wonderful daughters who are all active in the Church. President Eng is her brother-in-law and he is Scott's counselor in the mission presidency.

A final hug from us. We might get to see her in Temple Square next year!

Hauling Merchandise via Moto

Cambodians are very creative in how they manage to secure items on their moto! We thoroughly love it!