The rains have begun early this year and we have discovered that the beginning of the monsoon season is somewhat like our spring back home...We have gone from hot, dry and dusty to hot, wet and greener! It is amazing to see the number of different plants and flowers growing and blooming that we had no idea were just waiting for the rains to come. It is infinitely humbling for us to met our elders soaked and muddy with smiles on their faces, slip our shoes off, and sit down on a mat together and share the message of the gospel. We try to assist them every way we can, but it seems so little at times.
Speaking of shoes, just the other day we met with our elders in KT to teach a recently married couple. As we entered their yard that evening, we were first greeted by the ever present dog(s). I can not think of a single home we have been to that has not had animals of some kind around, and scrawny dogs are the most common of all. Elder Dickerson made the comment in passing to the elders that the dogs in Cambodia were totally different from American dogs- you would never be able to leave your shoes out without them getting chewed or dragged away. We had a great visit, stepped outside, and there in the pile was only one of my shoes...... We hunted in the dark, but it was of no avail, so off I went with one shoe on for our next appointment, fully assured that there really isn't that much difference between American and Cambodian dogs!
On the first of May we had our second combined youth activity with the Siem Reap Branch. We could not be more pleased with the success these activities have been for building unity and friendship between the youth and young single adults in the two branches. Brother Somporen, our CES coordinator, lead the first two hours in games and activities relating to Seminary, we took a break for lunch, followed by Khmer games and dance instruction. This past event was completely conducted by our youth leaders and they did a magnificent job. As Elder Dickerson said, "It would not have mattered if we had not been there- they could have done it all." We know that the future of the Church in Cambodia lies in the hands of these capable young men and women, and only pray that they will stay faithful.
To give you some idea of the challenges they face: One of our most capable and committed young woman, Seada, recently informed us that over the Khmer New Year her parents (she is the only member of her large family) had arranged a marriage for her and held the engagement party. Seada's first knowledge of their plans was when she came home to find her mother and older sister busy cleaning the house. She had no idea why they were going to such great pains until about two hours later when a young man, his father and mother came into their home and she was introduced to him as his prospective bride- she had never seen this young man or his family- and their engagement was announced....Needless to say, we were heart-broken.... Her plans were to continue her education at a university and go on a mission. We personally had such high hopes that she would marry a returned missionary and begin rearing a first generation family taught the gospel of Jesus Christ from their children's infancy. It is still the practice in the provinces for arranged marriages and for poor families who have a larger family, it is considered desirable to marry off their daughters at a younger age so that what food and money there is can be spread out among the other children. The young man is this case has not finished high school, and we understand that Seada has requested the marriage be delayed until he finished school and has found employment. We pray that good may come of this, and our first hope is that the young man may have an interest in the gospel. She is such a choice young woman that I feel the Lord must be mindful of this situation....
This month marks the half-way mark of our mission....Nine months down and nine to go. If we came home tomorrow, we would count our mission more than worth any sacrifice for the growth and blessings we and our children have received. We pray that our efforts and work this next half of our mission will be pleasing to the Lord and that we may accomplish all that He has sent us here to do. With all our love to each of you,
Elder and Sister Dickerson, (grandpa and grandma)
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