October 16, 2008

Dear family and friends,

It is another "bueatiful day in Cambodia" as one of the senior couples was fond of saying. The raining season is passing and although the rains still come, most rainfall happens at night and the sun rises hot and bright in the morning. We have a fairly regular schedule established now between the two branches and our days are beginning to take on more meaning and purpose as we settle in to the work.

We would like to share with you one of the experiences we have had with the people of Cambodia. I enjoy taking our small camera with us as we walk in the morning. Seldom a day goes by that I do not use it- the children especially love to have their photograph taken, for many, it is their first experience with a camera. We could not possibly afford to develop all the pictures, but they love just to see themselves in the camera screen. On occasion, we develop some and try to find the children to return the photos back to. We have taken pictures of grandparents with their grandchildren, families, babies- all of which are particuarly rewarding to return with a photograph of. In this small way, we hope to plant seeds of kindness that when the opportunity arrises, these people will remember the black tag we wear, and open the door to the missionaries.

Several weeks ago I took a picture of a young boy in a rusty old wheelchair. He was watching by the side of the road as the others washed and fished in the river's edge. I was able to get it developed last week and when we took our walk Monday morning, we walked along the river road to find him. When we got to the home near where I had taken his picture, we were informed (by guestures of course!) that he didn't live there, but the other side of the road. As we turned up the road and walked to the home opposite, we were greeted with smiles and pointed fingers "next house" so on to the next home where again, a smile and pointing to "next house". Three tries later we had a small parade of interested individuals as well as a few dogs all very intersted in getting us to the right place. As we approached his home, we could hear the calls of the neighbors to him and he literally shot out from under the house (all true Khmer homes are built up on tall timbers) in his wheelcahir to get his photograph. His family gathered around, and with big smiles called "äkoun!", "äkoun!" "thank you" "thank you". I asked if I could take a family picture which I did.

As we walked home, I thought of the message of the Resurrection- what hope and joy that knowledge would bring to this family to know that all afflictions, losses will be taken away and our bodies made whole. We have an appointment with the elders to take the photograph of the family back and hopefully be able to share the gospel with them.

Such is the priceless moment of our mission. To each of you we share our testimony of the the Gospel of Jesus Christ...that this plan, the plan of Redemption and Happiness is truly the greatest message of hope and promise that can be offered to the world.

We love you, we pray for you, and our hearts are filled with the deepest gratitude for the blessing of being an eternal family. Hugs, hugs and love, Elder and Sister Dickerson.ie: Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma