Cambodia Adventures 2021-2023: August 2021

Angko Wat ... Orphan to Elder ... Drunk to President!

While we were in Siem Reap, we took a sightseeing trip to visit Angko Wat; for foreigner, it cost $37.50 to go in but free for locals, We decided not to go in because of time, but we were lucky to be able to drive around, It was closed to even driving a week ago!

This is a stock picture of Angkor Wat, you can see the difference of how overgrown the trees are!

Angko Wat is the largest religious structure (temple complex) in the world by land area, measuring almost 402 acres. The temple was built in the early 12th century as the state temple for the empire as a personal mausoleum and dedicated to the Hindu god, and later converted to a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Cambodia and around the world. Angkor Wat played a major role in converting Cambodia into a Buddhist nation. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, it is the country's main tourist attraction, unfortunately, Covid has mostly shut down almost all foreigner visit to this site. We were lucky to be even able to drive around it. The trees has grown so much that it looks totally different than pictures you found on the internet.

The boy is sitting on the ground by the door

We were at dinner when we got into Battambang, one of the AP asked if he could order another meal, using his own money because he wants to share the food to this young man that was squatting by the entrance. "I know too well of his look" he said, I was once there before! He shared the story of his life; his father died when he was two years old, there was 5 children in the family, In Cambodia, you need a man to be able to farm the land, because of his father's passing, his mother had to sell the land to support the family, she moved to the city to try to find work, when that failed, he and his sister was put into an orphanage. He grew up in the orphanage, the people that ran the orphanage were very straight, if you don't listen, you were punished and sometimes starved. He said he did not like to study French because the teacher was meant. He is thankful to have met the missionary that taught him about who he is and what the purpose of life is, He is now a missionary to help shared the gospel to the people in Cambodia! I am so impressed with this young missionary who remember what it was to be poor and hungry and recognized that, there was no judging of this poor young man, just pure love! We tried to give some money but was counseled against it! As I look into this starved young man's eyes, I am reminded that God loves each of his children! Though our circumstances are not in our control, we certainly can try to make it better for ourselves and those around us. In the end, God is just, He will make all things right for us!!

Sister Rith, one of the STLT, shared with us a week ago about her testamony of the Word of Wisdom that had changed his father's life and her family. This is her testimony in her own words:

“First I would like to say thanks sister Yan for give me a chance to share my story with you.

My father really like to drink wine every day.

When he drunk he always struggled with my mom and our life become unhappiness.

Since 2012 my father began sick and his stomach was to much hurt and he almost die.

Doctor cannot help him and we brought him home because doctor doesn't have capacity to heal him.

He told us that he saw two angels came and tell him in his dream that if he stop drink wine and start to take care of our family,he will receive a new life from them.

After he saw angles in his dream two missionary came and visit him and they gave blessings to my father and invited my father to learn about the Gospel.Few day later my father can eat rice and drink water and he gain more energy and his face look so fresh.

He asked missionary to come to our house and teach us the Gospel.

We baptize in 09 December 2012.

Life with the Gospel is the life of happiness.

Our life fulfill of joy and we have much time to sit and eat rice together. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father gave us a chance to know the Gospel and the opportunity to seal together in the temple since 2019.

Because the Gospel bless my family alot that why my brother and I decided to serve the mission. I hope through my efforts can help many people received the blessing from Heavenly Father too.

Now my cousin brother is ready to serve the Lord next month. I am so excited for him. I hope he will know how much the Lord love him and bless him through his efforts.

I testify that Jesus Christ is our savior and redeemer.

He will bless us and watch over us all the time when we pray to him.

I say this thing in the secret (Sacred) name of Jesus Christ Amen.“

Before the family met the missionary and learned about Jesus Christ, he was a drunk. All he cared about was his beer, he would neglect his family and work. He had no motivation to care for his family. He almost lost his family, his wife, and his children! Since leaning about the Word of Wisdom and joining the church, his father had changed to be a better man. He worked hard to take care of the family, and now care for their little congregation in Kampong Cham. When we saw Brother Rith at church, I have to take a picture with him!

I can see how easy it is for one to be addict to alcohol in Cambodia! As we drive down the roak, there are multiple signs of beer advertizing. They are brightly colored, enticing and easily assessible. I wish people would know how alochol can ruin ones life.

First mission tour for Zone conference.

Breakfast with AP : Elder Barrett & Thy

Sister training leaders, Sisters Rith & Chhum

By MeiKong River that come all the way from China, in Kompong

President Neang asked us to go with him for zone conferences over the weekend, Zone conferences started on Wednesday, August 25, with the local Phnom Penh zones - North, South, and East, then we rode with the Assistant to the President (AP) and Sister Training Leader Trainer (STLT) to Kampong Cham/Kampong Thom, followed by Siem Reap and Battambang. The North, South and East zone are local in Phnom Penh so we attended two training, one on Wednesday and one on Thursday. Friday morning, we drove from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham which is a 3 hours drive, we arrived around 12 pm, we had a good visit with all the missionaries there, it is so nice to see the faces of missionaries; it is easier to put name to faces instead of just a picture.

Turtle soup

We spent the night in Kampong Cham after another 4 hours of training with missionaries serving in Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom. President took the missionaries out to have special meal; a sea turtle restaurant where they serve turtle as their delicates. It was okay for us because we grew up in Hong Kong and our parents had have those interesting meals before. Local missionaries love the food, even American Elders and Sister gave it a try. They said it tasted like chicken. At least I know the turtle is well cooked because it is cooked in boiling hot water with garlic and veges. Ted said it tasted okay; I tried the soup but I really didn't care for it. It reminded me of what my mother cooked before; I didn't like it then and I don't like it now! We spent another night in Kampong Cham. Because of Covid pandemic, the hotels are very slow; a night stay used to cost $80 US now only cost $20!

The next morning we left very early for Siem Reap which is another 3 hours or more depending on traffic.

Elder Thomas Barret is the one that is driving on this trip and President Neang as him to follow him. It was a "baptism by fire" type of training for Elder Barret. He was very cautious with his driving the day before and it took us longer to get to Kampong Cham; when he followed President Neang, he learned how to pass people on the left so that we can get to places faster ... we were told that was the Cambodian way of driving; otherwise it would take twice as long and we would be stuck behind slow moving truck the whole way! The best part about this morning is that the President stopped at a fruit stand. We were told the fruits were grown locally; we sampled some red meat Dragon fruit, pomelo, super size Avocado and best of all Durian! The dragon fruit was sweet, pomelo was tangy, Avocado was mild and creamy and the Durian was sweet and crisp, no mushiness at all. I wish I could bring some home to Phnom Penh!

Best durian we ever tasted

We had a great meeting with the missionaries in Siem Reap and afterward we went to a BBQ place for dinner. It is literally having lighted coal on the table with a wire rack on top of the coal to cook your meals. I am just thankful that the meal was not too spicy, we also has soup that is kind of like what we did back home; they called it soup, we called it "hotpot". We spend another night in Siem Reap, attended baptism of 7 people the next day on Sunday. We were so impressed by these newly baptized members. One of the lady is 67 years old. She rode her bicycle 8 Kilometers to come to church! She is so happy, and her face showed it all; the gospel of Jesus Christ does change life and bring true joy!

We did some sightseeing of Angkor Wat, a light lunch with organic chicken and beef. I mean organic because it is a skinny chicken in compared to those fatty one in the States. Ted, seeing the chicken so skinny and lean, said that he would start a business in raising "fat" chickens! However, we were told people here does not like American chicken because they taste different. The leaner chicken tastes better I guessed.

Cham

Finally Free! First two weeks ...

Wow, it might be a slow process with quarantine but it sure was quick when we were told we could leave. We go the call at a little bit after 4 pm on Wednesday, August 11, we were down stair 30 mins later and ready to be picked up, our friends the Sellers came and pick us up with their car, took us to our 'home' away from home for the next 17 plus months, we unpacked (finally) and they treated us to dinner. It was great to have a simple home cooked meal for a change.

Our apartment is on the 7th floor, has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living room and an area where two desks and chairs used as an office. It is simple and will take a little while for it to really feels like home. We got our passport picture taken so that we can have our visa extended. When we came in, we have a 3 months visa to stay in Cambodia, so we have to apply for a one year visa. Once we get our visa back, we will be able to get our driver's license.

How do you like the way powerlines are here!
You probably paying for someone else electricity bills!

Our apartment is about 10-12 mins walk to the office. The first day, the Sellers took us to the office where we get to meet the staffs, the Jensen, (Karen and Randall), who have been filling in for us since the last nurse and finance secretary left in June, started showing us all the things that needed to be done. I think it was a little bit overwhelming for Ted because he learned a different system of finance during his MTC training, but here, everything is cash based and it is more labor intensive to keep the accounting straight. We hope Ted can work on streamlining it so it will be easier for those that follow him.

Here in Cambodia, both US dollars and Cambodian Kriels are used in business transaction, one US dollars worth 4000 to 4100 Kriels. Almost everything is paid by cash.. Business will take Kriels in any form or shape, but would only take crisp US bills. They will refuse to take any US bills that are marked, folded with crease or just a small tears!

Sister Jensen has been doubling as both the nurse and public affairs, adding being a secretary to the mission; I was able to quickly relieve her as the nurse! I felt like I am more of a PA here then a nurse; Cambodian likes meds; the most frequently asked question is “what can I take”! I have given out pills to relieve coughs, sore throat, stomach pain, and diarrhea! Some missionaries come in and want medication to treat their acne! One can buy Doxycycline here without a prescription and costs only $7 US for a 3 months supplies. Anyway, there are so many meds in the medicine cupboard here that I have spend fair amount of time looking them up online, translating them into what they are in US, dosage and side effect, etc. and deciding what medication to use to treat the varies complains! It is a crush course of pharmacology for me! One of my goal to try to teach missionaries that their body has the ability to heal and treat most illnesses if they would drink plenty of fluid, eat right and exercise. I hope by the end of my mission, we can do away with most of the meds, except ibuprofen, tylenol, and benadryl!

I am forever grateful for our previous mission experience;; I never thought I am great with technology but these assignments have propel me to be not afraid of it; I have had to do a lot of searching to figure out how to log into the mission email, mission nurse Facebook and messenger! Now I can use my own phone to communicate with missionaries in the mission, call them thru messenger if needed and the nurses phone is the one to call using local SIM cards!

In the evening, we enjoyed our walk back to the apartment, whether you are driving or walking, you don’t come to a complete stop before preceding into the road or intersection; you literally just walk or drive out and the oncoming traffic will slow down enough for you to cross the road or street safely. It is surprising that we don't see more accidents here at all! We did saw one accident where a car hit (bumped) a motorcycle, the car just drive on and the person just get up, right his bike and drive on!

The Sellers took us shopping in Saturday, we got food so we can start making meals! I also bought an oven - A big toaster oven like the one we have in Hong Kong; I hesitated to get the oven but was glad that I did! The oven in our apartment is propane gas with no temperature gauge, and took forever to heat to desire temperature! I made cookies the very next day!

I am grateful that most missionaries can communicate in English; if not, either their companion or their district leader or zone leader could, so far, I could say good morning and count to 15 - you only need to learn 1-5, then 6 is 5+1, 7 is 5+2, until 10, then the same process: 11 is 10+1, I was able to point and tell the street vender that I want 10 eggs, 2 potatoes and 2 onions! Everything is in kilograms here, they thought I want two kilos of potatoes and onions!!

The beginning to the end ... of quarantine!

As much as we enjoyed staying in the hotel, we are looking forward to being done with quarantine! We were so happy when the door bell rang at 9:30 pm on Sunday, the porter with mask in all, informing us that we will have second covid test in the morning beginning at 8 am; that we are to stay in our room (where do you think we can go?!) and wait for a phone call , then we will proceed to the first floor where we will get our tests.

We waited the next day, we didn't get our call until after 9:30 a.m,, we got dressed up with "shoes" on - I haven't have to wear them for almost two week, haha, it felt good! Then it took forever to get the elevators to come up to the 18th floor where our room is. After 10 mins, the three elevators were not coming, we took the 18 flights of stairs down to the first floor. They set up the testing in the restaurant which is not opened because of covid and wait our turn to get the test. We saw all the people that had came in from our flight. You should our faces, smiling beneath our masks, happy to be in "human" contact other then the ones who have been with you for the pass 12 days!

Now we wait for the result, which we were told because of the upsurge of the virus, might take 24-48 hours to come back, once they receive the result, we will get a call about check out process!

In the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 1:20, it says "But behold, I, Nephi (Ted and Audrey), will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." We want to share the many tender mercies that our Heavenly Father has given us these last couple of weeks:

1. Hotel: we were told there was no choice on what hotel we get to stay in and that we will get whatever the government assigned us. That was true for the groups that came before us. Three days before our departure, we receive an email from Elder Jensen, informing us that the government had added two hotel to their list and that we had the option to choose one of them. One of them on the list is Marriott Courtyard. We have traveled for the church before and know Marriott very well, plus we also owned a couple time share with Marriott, I jumped on the chance and were lucky that we were able to book Marriott right a way. We had to booked at least two days before departure and if we received the email a day later, we would not have the chance to choose Marriott. Right after I booked it with confirmation email received, I noticed there was only one person listed for the room, which mean Ted is not listed as having a confirmation, in my rush, I thought I could cancel and rebook, which I did, but for some reason, there was no vacancy available! I tried 30 mins later, thinking may be there is a time hold on my previous reservation/cancellation, but I could not re-book! Then a thought came to me to call the local Marriott representation, I told her the situation (but I didn't tell her I cancelled), she was able to use my reservation number and add Ted's name to the reservation, however, she was not able to give a paper confirmation with names on it. We were told it is important that we has printed paper confirmation in order to be admitted to Cambodia. Long story short, I emailed Marriott Cambodia and was able to get that resolved before leaving the US. My cancellation NEVER reached Marriott in the first place!

2. Our room: Some missionary that came in a week before us were put in hotels with rooms that had small window, or window that look out to a brick wall, some had smoke tinted room where their neighbor disregard the no smoking rule and that they had to move a couple time during their stay. We were lucky to have a large window looking out and we are on the 18th floor, beautiful sunrise greets us every morning and wonderful sunset each night, this morning as I look out to the window with light coming thru the cloud, a peaceful feeling comes over me, that we are truly blessed to be in this land and soon, we will be able to be among the people!

3. Technology: We were able to receive training via zoom to meet with other missionaries, participate in church meeting and listen to sermon given by young missionary, family home evening to be taught by other missionaries and share in their success of teaching and learn a funny song taught by Sister Seller! We are in quarantine, but we are blessed to be associated with so many!

4. Netflex, Plex, Disney plus, X-finity, Hulu: We are thankful for all these entertainment media; during quarantine, we are able to stream Xfinity on demand to watch the Olympic (our TV only show them in Cambodia), I am also able to watch the new "Jungle Cruises" movie on Disney plus (thanks Alicia), watched many of the Jane Austin movies and others to pass time, especially at night when we tried to stay up so we won't wait up at 2 in the morning!

5. Adjustment: these two weeks in quarantine helped us to adjust to the local time, gives us time to study and read, we learned about the history of Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge, the difficulty of the country. We study the scriptures to help us spiritually prepared not only to serve but to feel closer to God and to know of His will! One thing I know for sure is that God loves his children and He want us to know Him and that His son, Jesus Christ, provided the Atonement that all can return to live with Him!

We are thankful to have this opportunity to serve; we are grateful for the many tender mercies God had provided us and will provide for us as we move forward!

We love you, our family and friends! Thank you for your prayers and support!

Quarantine - 20

This post is going to be a lot of pictures; there are not much to do inside our room, on the recommendation of other missionary, we requested a room with two double side bed which give use more space to spread out. We try to do indoor walking of jogging by walking around the room from front to back in circle which gives us 20 steps around the room each time; I am able to walk about 80 plus laps to get a miles, besides looking for beautiful sunset and sun rise, meal time is the most expected schedule each day. I am posting these pictures so you understand that instead of "Freshman 20" we are gaining the "Quarantine 20"!!! We feel lucky that the food Marriott provided were decent; there were a few meals that was spicy (for me) but most have been good!

We are have a daily Peach my Gospel this week that runs from 6 am to 9 am Tuesday to Friday. It was fun to interact with 3 other couples who are serving in Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand! One of the couple, the Hills, will be the Area Medical Advisor so I will have Health Counsel meeting with him monthly. The Hills are in quarantine also currently. It is nice to have some adult interaction face to face via zoom; although it is still not the same as in person!