July 29, 2009

This has been a busy month for activities- both of our branches have been involved in preparations for Pioneer Day and celebrated the day in true Khmer spirit- which includes a love of parties and food! The youth in KT, which comprise the majority of our members there, preformed square dancing and the popular modern "hip-hop". Several of the sisters got together and sewed delightful pioneerish costume dresses for the girls and with a simple twist, the traditional krama scarf became a bandanna for the young men. In addition to the dancing, we had talks on the Pioneers and a special musical number by our Mutual youth. Our members here have a great desire to be a part of the culture of the Church and it is such a choice experience letting them take the lead in planning activities and enjoying the results! We had planned to be at our Siem Reap's activity as well, but they had a last minute date change and we were unable to get there. However, they took a reader's theater I had written for them and turned it into a pioneer play- we would loved to have seen it!

One of our anticipated events of the month is our trip down to PhomPenh. It is rejuvenating to be with the other couples- all who speak fluent English!! (smiles!) We have developed such love and respect for each couple. In the next few months nearly all the couples we have worked with will be leaving and returning home. Elder and Sister Whitesides who serve with LDS Charities will be leaving in September, Elder and Sister Shumway with LDS Employment in October, Elder and Sister Caulderwood with Physical Facilities in November and then our other leadership couple in the provinces, Elder and Sister Richards leave in December. It will be hard to see them go- as of right now, the only other couple scheduled to come to Cambodia is Elder and Sister Whitesides replacement with LDS Charities. Cambodia is not an easy mission......but we know the Lord is mindful of the needs here. We always enjoy visiting the large local Khmer markets- believe us, it is not an American shopping experience! But we have fun and always have something new to see- this time it was our lady selling hats. It is very common to see large flat woven baskets with food items on top of a seller's head, but hats? That was a new one for us!

As you may be aware, cremation is most commonly used by Cambodians. The wealthy families purchase space inside the wats and build elaborate structures they use for their own family's needs. If you are poor, you can use one that belongs to the monks. On our last trip to Phnom Penh, we were out at night and one of the large wats near Independence Monument was finishing a funeral and the crematorium was all lit up- we tried to get a photo, but the result is a poor showing for how spectacular it was- even to the smoke curling up from the chamber's metal pipe. "Pomp and circumstance" is a very important part of the Khmer culture and it is especially evident in such events as weddings and funerals. Both can take days to complete and with funerals, after 100 days, another memorial service is held. At both events, monks play a vital role in the proper observance of the traditional ceremonies.

In addition to our branch activities, we have had two baptisms in our KT branch this month- both women are solid in their testimonies and have weathered the storms. We still are struggling with getting our Primary and RS presidencies in place, but it will happen. None of the presidencies I have trained in KT have stayed in place, so I have a wonderful opportunity to keep refining my skills! In our Siem Reap branch, we have much greater stability and so we have the opportunity to establish a different level of training. Elder Dickerson has truly enjoyed his opportunities to teach the Priesthood brethren and it is a joy to see them use the priesthood to bless their families and preform gospel ordinances.

August is going to be a busy month for us- we'll keep you posted!!!

We love you all, and are daily grateful for your prayers in our behalf. We know the Lord is mindful of us and we truly have been the recipients of your pleas in our behalf. What a marvelous work and a wonder this is!!

Hugs! Hugs! Love Elder and Sister Dickerson- Grandpa and Grandma