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!
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