The elders from our district. They are so great and so fun to be around. We have taught many lessons with them already. (to say we teach is a stretch--we have been there and without them translating we would have not clue what is going on)
This is inside one of the many wats where they go to pray and mostly burn inscense. They have really pretty paintings on the walls and ceiling, but they are all about budda.
The elders in KC. We went to a buddist Wat today and this is a picture of them in front of Budda after he died. It reminds me of being back in the priests quorum only a miracle has happened and the priests have all grown up and have very strong testimonies. Each American has a Cambodian for a companion. They all the most humble and sincere kids to be around. They are all excellent teachers and it amazes me how well they know the language and the gospel. Their parents I know are very pleased with them. They ride these old single speed Viet Nam era bikes about 20 to 30 miles per day in the heat and don't complain at all. Sister Thalman baked 2 plates of cookies for after our trip and just like the priests they ate them all in about 2 minutes. They sure seemed happy to have some motherly attention.
A neat family we are teaching with the elders from branch 3 The father was not too interested at first, but the last 2 lessons he has listened and asked a lot of good questions. The 2 boys on the left Lucky and Retri have came to church the last 2 weeks and are really interested. I thought it would be really tough getting them to believe in Christ because they are all buddists, but they understand there is not much to buddism and all have a great reverence for Christ. The Elders feel very confident that they will be baptized. The two little kids and daughter are so cute and have such funny personalities. We sit on the floor of a bamboo hut that is on stilts when we teach them.
We hiked to the top of a hill above KC with the elders in our district. There were more than 300 steps to the top and nearly 100 degrees. It was a pretty good hike for two old duffers but we made it. We just love being around the missionaries. They have the greatest spirit about them.
The elders from our district. They are so great and so fun to be around. We have taught many lessons with them already. (to say we teach is a stretch--we have been there and without them translating we would have not clue what is going on)
This is inside one of the many wats where they go to pray and mostly burn inscense. They have really pretty paintings on the walls and ceiling, but they are all about budda.
The elders in KC. We went to a buddist Wat today and this is a picture of them in front of Budda after he died. It reminds me of being back in the priests quorum only a miracle has happened and the priests have all grown up and have very strong testimonies. Each American has a Cambodian for a companion. They all the most humble and sincere kids to be around. They are all excellent teachers and it amazes me how well they know the language and the gospel. Their parents I know are very pleased with them. They ride these old single speed Viet Nam era bikes about 20 to 30 miles per day in the heat and don't complain at all. Sister Thalman baked 2 plates of cookies for after our trip and just like the priests they ate them all in about 2 minutes. They sure seemed happy to have some motherly attention.
A neat family we are teaching with the elders from branch 3 The father was not too interested at first, but the last 2 lessons he has listened and asked a lot of good questions. The 2 boys on the left Lucky and Retri have came to church the last 2 weeks and are really interested. I thought it would be really tough getting them to believe in Christ because they are all buddists, but they understand there is not much to buddism and all have a great reverence for Christ. The Elders feel very confident that they will be baptized. The two little kids and daughter are so cute and have such funny personalities. We sit on the floor of a bamboo hut that is on stilts when we teach them.
We hiked to the top of a hill above KC with the elders in our district. There were more than 300 steps to the top and nearly 100 degrees. It was a pretty good hike for two old duffers but we made it. We just love being around the missionaries. They have the greatest spirit about them.
Great to visit the blog. I almost forgot you'd have this blog along with emails! BTW, your hat is awesome, Jeff. You were wrong about the cowboy hat. It wouldn't have worked half as well. Is sounds like you are willing to work hard even in that heat. Keep it up! We're always thinking about you two.
ReplyDeleteoh, and by the way, you are a natural blogger. Everything looks great!
ReplyDeleteYou two look so amazing. Ilene, I love your hair longer. Looks so cute. Jeff, the hat is so you. Looks like your ready to go fishing. Thanks for sharing! I love to check this everyday. Keep up the great work and know our love and prayers are with you daily!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is so rewarding to serve the Lord and it's also great to have examples to follow. Thank you for being great examples to us. I am sure the Elders just love you two. Food always bonds Elders to those that make it. Ilene, you will be loved!!! We enjoy the news and pictures. Keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteHey!! Love the pics,you two look great. We knew it wouldn't take long for the people of Cambodia to love you as much as we do! The Gentrys
ReplyDelete