CONQUERING MY FEARS IN CAMBODIA - MY MISSION OF MIRACLES: 2014

“I will go before your face, I will be on your right hand and on your left, my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” This is the Lord’s promise to those who serve him! Miracles never cease for missionaries! We feel the presence of angels round about us, protecting us from harm and they watch closely over our Elders and Sisters. When Sister Hum had an accident on her bicycle she was miraculously cushioned, and Elder Shipley was protected when the moto hit him. Angels never cease watching over missionaries!

We were shopping at the Russian market when we felt a strong impression to hurry back to our car. We were surprised to find the police in the process of chaining our car to tow it away. It was already hooked up and ready to go! They were stern looking soldiers who couldn’t speak any English! A tuk tuk driver translated for us, he told Wilf to pay the money they wanted and not argue with them. If they towed the car away it would cost us money and inconvenience to get it back. Wilf paid the $20 they asked for and they grudgingly unhooked our car and left in a huff. We were miraculously saved from a lot of problems.

Sister Yang was riding her bicycle near the church when a man on a speeding moto ran into her. Wilf was with the Elders visiting a member when he got the phone call from her frightened companion, Sister Lam. Sister Yang was thrown into the air and landed on her head and back, but her helmet and back pack, with her scriptures inside, cushioned her fall. The drunken man driving the moto, never even stopped to see if she was hurt! When Wilf arrived at the scene she was sitting on a street bench, very shaken and crying, but not badly hurt. By this time, a few members and two Elders had arrived and checked out her destroyed bike. Right there, on the side of the street, Wilf gathered all the Priesthood into a circle around her and gave her a Priesthood blessing. He felt prompted to tell her that angels surrounded her and cushioned her when she hit the ground, saving her life and protecting her from serious injury. She was bruised and her bike was destroyed, but she was miraculously protected. The next day, she and Sister Lam were back at their mission work riding together on Sister Lam’s bike, two tiny but faithful Sisters riding around the streets of Battambang for miles, on one bike! Nothing stops them!

We had a sweet experience with an angelic family as we taught the gospel in their tiny little hut, not even five feet wide. Wilf packed our blue plastic chairs in the car, it’s hard for us to sit on the wooden floors like the missionaries and Cambodians. While the Sisters were teaching a lesson, Somaly, the mother, and her twelve year old daughter, fanned away all the bugs from my legs that were drawn to the light globe. As I watched the sweet mother and daughter serving me in this way, I had one of those moments when I found myself in awe of my amazing mission. The spirit was so sweet, in that tiny wooden hut, with this beautiful family sitting on the floor, and the Sister missionaries teaching words of truth and love! How was I so blessed to be a part of this?

It was a miracle that the Sisters found this family. They were riding their bikes in the country, looking for a less active family, when Somaly stopped them and asked where she could find the church. The Elders taught them a year earlier, but they slipped through the cracks when those Elders transferred. Their six year old son missed the Elders who taught him to pray and often asked if they could have prayer in their family. Somaly had been praying to find the Church when the Sisters came down her street. She was overjoyed to see them in her neighborhood. Sister Yang and Sister Lam resumed teaching the lessons and they started coming to church every Sunday.

They were so excited about the gospel, and they loved us to come with the Sisters. One night Somaly asked Wilf to give her a Priesthood blessing for her heart condition. He blessed her that she would be healed and fulfill her mission, and raise her three children. As we drove away from their little hut, the night sky was filled with stars and fireflies in the trees. It was a wondrous night and a wonderful sight, there is something so magical about fireflies. The Sisters wanted to jump out of the car and catch them! The day this sweet family was baptized was a special day! They were the fourth family baptized in just a few months. It is a miracle when an entire family comes into the church!

We were on a grocery run to Phnom Penh and a scheduled lube and oil change at our favorite garage. As we drove out of town I heard a strange noise in the front end of the car, for a small moment I questioned if we should turn back, but I felt confident that the Lord would take care of us, so we kept going. Two thirds of the way there, just outside the city of Kampong Chanang, I was driving while Wilf was dozing when we heard a loud snap, the car bounced heavily, then came a screeching grinding noise outside. I stepped on the brakes, but they were gone. I began to shake, but I felt something take control of the car and guide us safely off the highway, as we slowly ground to a stop. The front ball joints had broken completely off and the whole wheel and brake assembly flew off, breaking the brake fluid line. The only thing that held it to the car was the steering tie rod. What a sight! Two white people standing there, looking helpless, as the crowd began to gather and chatter in their native tongue, wanting to get a glimpse of this strange looking car with its left front wheel and brake assembly dragging along the side. To make it worse, Wilf’s cell phone was dead so we couldn’t even call for help. What would we do? We stood there and looked at each other and simply said “Father, what now? What are we supposed to learn from this?”

To make a long story short, I was able to speak enough Khmer to ask if any one in the gathering crowd spoke English, but they just shook their heads at me. Then a handsome young man came out of his house and started speaking to me. We just happened to break down in front of the house of the only person within miles who could speak a little English. He just happened to know a mechanic in town that just happened to, after seven trips to his shop, be able to piece together our poor front wheel with duct tape, bailing wire, cow poop, and a little rice. This young English speaking man also just happened to have the correct charger to charge our dead cell phone battery so Wilf could call our garage in Phnom Penh. Between the mechanic on the job and our garage, they were able to order parts to fix our car the next day.

As we wallowed through this three hour ordeal the people around us were kind and caring, even though we had no idea what they were saying, we felt their love and concern for us. They brought a couple of blue plastic chairs out for us and placed them under a big shade tree. They wanted us to be comfortable, while they made our problem their problem. After a couple of hours our car was back together enough to drive slowly into Phnom Penh and we arrived about an hour after dark. We left our car at our hotel, caught a tuk tuk to the Kiwi restaurant and had a delicious meal. As we said our evening prayer, in our cool air conditioned room, we both felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to our loving Heavenly Father. He turned what could have been a fatal accident into a mere four hour delay in our trip. He had done this for us so many times in the past, we hoped we were not wearing out our guardian angels. We will stay focused on him, as our mission rapidly comes to an end. As we place our lives in his hands each day, we can be one hundred percent positive that He will take care of us, as we walk the path He has already prepared for us. As we bump along in life, there is a secure and peaceful place in this upside down world. It is ONLY with him that we will find this peaceful place!

We see the hand of God in our lives every day. “When thou passes through the waters, I will be with thee…and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flames kindle upon thee….for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, they Savior….fear not for I am with thee.” (Isaiaih 43) We have passed through the rivers and walked through the fire and he has been with us. I’ve cried rivers of tears and walked through furnace of affliction, but I am still alive! I am eternally indebted to him for all that I have and all that I am.

The anniversary of my Mom’s death brought deep sorrow, as I pondered the losses of the past year. I have felt his arms around me, holding me up when I could no longer stand, and blocking out the fear, doubt and guilt that so easily besets me. For several weeks I’d been looking for my lost shoes and my Lavender oil and finally gave up finding them. Wilf found my oil down in the car seat and I found my shoes underneath a cupboard. I believe the Lord sent these little signs to show me that “all my losses would be returned.” I could trust him and know that he is aware of even the smallest things. All the losses I’ve suffered during my mission would be made up. He will heal my heart and retrieve every lost and broken piece!

The Lord grants unto his righteous children the desires of their hearts. “He heals those who trust him and makes their hearts as gold!” I give him my fears and my sadness and he gives me a brand new heart. The ultimate “make over” is a change of heart. “The light of faith is in the heart of every child, like a candle it’s little flame is fragile but bright. It can be blown out, becoming dimmer and dimmer until it’s gone or we can make it stronger and brighter with the power of the Holy Ghost, until it is a burning fire.” The spirit of God is like a fire burning within my heart, growing until it consumes me and makes a brand new heart full of compassion and love. “Real power is letting go of fear, allowing the free flow of love.” It changes everything!

Miracles have not ceased – I’m stronger than I used to be! I see truth more clearly and I recognize Satan’s lies because I know more of who I am. I’ve broken the chords of unhealthy relationships between my siblings, my parents, friends and children. We are healing our marriage relationship and becoming closer to each other. We’ve been in a rehabilitation program, the Lord’s rehabilitation program, and all the changes have been painful. Wilf says we’ve been in a “compression chamber” which forces us to change fast to become new people! I feel like a new person, with a brand new heart! I’ve let go of so much “baggage” in this compression chamber, and I’ve lost thirty pounds. That was a lot of extra baggage to carry around! His miracles have not ceased!

CHAPTER 25 THE FIELD IS WHITE ALREADY TO HARVEST

CHAPTER 25

THE FIELD IS WHITE ALREADY TO HARVEST

Christianity is flourishing in this Buddhist nation. The Catholics have been here for 400 years, now there are many Christian churches throughout the land. In some areas it’s not acceptable to become a Christian. Most Khmer people adhere to their Buddhist traditions, and are unkind to the people when they become Christian. We’ve witnessed over fifty baptisms since we came to Cambodia. This is only the beginning! Elder Anthony Perkins told us that Asia is only 4% Christian. There is much work to be done and many laborers needed. Most cities in Cambodia are yet to be opened to the missionaries.

The challenge for us as Latter-day Saints is to apply the principles we’re taught and do our part in helping the glorious work of the gospel fill the earth, and bear witness of Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. “The time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue and people.” (Mosiah 3:20) Our mission President said, “Serving a mission is one of the great events of your life. It will bring a greater return than any other event of your life.” We love being a part of this missionary army, taking the knowledge of the Savior to people in Cambodia.

There are many traditions in Cambodia that are strange to us. Weddings are very elaborate and expensive, a favorite Khmer tradition, everyone is excited to dress up and attend a wedding. The women have makeovers and dress in beautiful dresses. You can barely recognize them with their makeup, wigs, and jewelry. They whiten their faces like Japanese geisha girls, with white powder. All the women love the traditional Khmer style but it can be immodest for members of the Church. It’s hard for them to give up this tradition, even though we teach them how beautiful they are in more modest clothing.

There was much excitement for the wedding of two young people in the Branch - a recent convert, Mr. Khorn Pheakdey and Miss Kouer Chansou, the daughter of our first counselor. Khmer last names are first, so their given names are Pheckdey and Chansou. The bride had two children from a former marriage, before she became a member. Sister Vaury and Brother Bunno, her parents, hosted a combination Khmer - LDS wedding, the first for the branch. The LDS portion was in the morning at the church. Wilf was the speaker and President Winegar performed the marriage, then the young adults sang three beautiful songs about Christ. The Cambodian celebration started later at the bride’s house. There were three groomsmen and three bridesmaids who changed their clothes every hour, an expensive Khmer tradition. Khmer music was playing very loud while eight courses of food were served. Two very different celebrations for one marriage, but it takes time to change tradition.

Khmer weddings are very expensive for the bride and the groom, so most young people postpone their marriages until they can afford an elaborate traditional wedding. Many won’t marry or even court until they have saved enough money. We hope that simple and sweet LDS weddings will catch on so more of our young people can afford to be married. The future of the Church in Cambodia depends on these valiant young couples who marry and raise their families in the gospel.

After the wedding President and Sister Winegar stayed for a few days in Battambang for Branch and Zone Conference. They and their assistants conducted the conferences, plus hosted a branch fireside for families. The members were thrilled to have the Winegars spend extra time with them, one hundred and fifty members attended the fireside. President Winegar showed Church History slides from their family trips, and pioneer treks of LDS youth in America. Their favorite part was seeing other LDS youth trekking across the plains, enduring harsh conditions very much like their own.

Sister Winegar is a strong woman who handles all missionary health concerns. She said Elder and Sister Dickerson were in a car accident on the road to Siem Reap. A truck ran into the side of their car, and Sister Dickerson was taken to the hospital with a bad whip lash, now she was wearing a neck brace. This happened the same week that a Sister missionary came down with Dengue Fever, an Elder was bitten by a scorpion, and Sister Yang had her accident. She does all this plus keeps up with her husband’s calling. She is an amazing woman to leave her family for three years, my mission is easy in comparison!

President and Sister Winegar are valiant members who sacrifice all for the Lord and the building of his Kingdom. Our mission has taught me personally what the law of sacrifice means - the things you love the most you lay on the altar, with your broken heart and contrite spirit. “Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake, for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again. And whoso is not willing to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple.” Will I ever qualify for discipleship?

Valentines Day has become a big celebration in Cambodia. Before the year 2000 there were no foreign holidays celebrated. One year after the surrender of the last Khmer Rouge leaders and their troups, marked the beginning of a period of peace and stability. Since then the Valentines Day craze has grown, and the streets of Battambang are lined with vendors, little groups of families selling flowers, balloons and hearts. President Sda asked Wilf to teach the members about Valentines Day. A Catholic Priest in Italy, named Valentine, performed marriages in secret because the King passed a law forbidding marriage. He wanted all young men to be soldiers, but this priest believed in love and marriage and disobeyed the King’s orders, so the Catholic Church made him a Saint. Now we have St. Valentines Day.

President Sda told the members it’s not just a day for sweethearts, but a day to express love to everyone.

He invited all parents to come to the front and receive hugs from their children. Many people had tears in their eyes when they hugged their families. Pol Pot tried to destroy all natural affection in families, but these gentle and shy members are learning that it’s good to show love and affection to their family. It’s wonderful seeing them return to their own true natures and show affection to each other!

My sweetheart bought me a little bouquet of red rose buds, surrounded with pink and white lace, for Valentines Day and Mary brought me a white rose made of candy. The members gave us cutout hearts that said, “I love you, Elder and Sister Stagg.” We took Mary, Angel and Sda to a new restaurant, a lively place where you sit at tables or on the floor. It was my last Valentines Day in Cambodia and my heart swelled with joy. How could this be when I was so far away from my family? Every day we felt the rewards for our service, “How great will be your joy if you bring one soul unto me.” I was surrounded by love in Battambang, Cambodia!

By the middle of February the days became increasingly warmer, until one day we were back in the fiery furnace. I had forgotten just how hot it gets in Cambodia. March and April are the hottest months in Cambodia. When we attended a Young Women’s activity at a members hut it was at least 110 degrees outside! The girls cooked rice flour and onion dumplings over the fire, just like a girls camp in the United States. The heat doesn’t bother the members as much as it does the missionaries. The thermometer outside our door often reached 120 degrees during the day and 90 degrees in the evenings. The heat was so oppressive, it sapped all my strength and left me feeling weak and old. The last days of our mission would be in the burning fire, hopefully our faults and weaknesses would all be burned out before we went home!

Elder Jensen and Elder Bennett invited us with them to show the new members how to have family night. We took treats and song books and the Elders taught short lessons. We taught the family how to play games together, like “Fruit Basket” or “I have a Little Doggie.” The children loved playing games with their parents and they all laughed so much the neighbors gathered around to see the fun. All children love playing games with their parents and we loved being with them. It’s really sweet bringing fun and laughter into the lives of the members. We taught families to pray together, study together, attend church together, and have family home evening. Surely our family at home receives blessings as we serve and help other families. In the eternities we will rest with these families and our own family in the kingdom of our Father!

President Gordon B. Hinckley said in a conference talk in 1998, “I hope all of you are pointed in the direction of missionary service. I cannot promise you fun, I cannot promise you ease and comfort. I cannot promise you freedom from discouragement, from fear, from downright misery at times. But I can promise you that you will grow as you have never grown in a similar period during your entire lives. I can promise you a happiness that will be unique and wonderful and lasting. I can promise you that you will re evaluate your lives, that you will establish new priorities, that you will live closer to the Lord, that prayer will become a real and wonderful experience, that you will walk with faith in the outcome of the good things you do.”

One night we were eating in our favorite romantic spot in Battambang, the River Balcony, a two story wooden building with a thatched roof overhead, and a small dining area overlooking the river. It is surrounded by swaying palms and tall coconut trees along the banks of the river. It’s the prettiest view in the city, especially when the moon is full! A friendly American couple, Jerry and Wilma Mishler, were sitting at the table across from us, most foreigners we see in Cambodia are not very friendly, especially when they see our missionary badges. We introduced ourselves and found that they are Christian missionaries living in Battambang!

The Lord placed a non-denominational Christian missionary couple, from Modesto, California, right in our path. They’ve lived in Battambang for the last seven years, teaching the good news of Jesus Christ to thousands of Cambodians, in the villages surrounding Battambang. They had been missionaries in India, where Christians were murdered by Hindus, and Jerry was beaten with a bamboo cane. When he visited Cambodia in 1999 he touched the rice as he walked through the fields. It was so ripe it fell to the ground and he heard a voice saying, “The field is ripe, ready to harvest.” He felt the call to be a missionary in Cambodia. He wondered how he would convince his wife to go with him, but Wilma was having her own spiritual experience at home as she washed the dishes. She saw a vision of brown faces, Cambodian faces, not the black faces of India. The spirit whispered to her, “Go!” When Jerry arrived home she said, “We’re going to Cambodia!”

When they told their minister they wanted to serve as missionaries in Cambodia he said they were too old! So they went to the Southern Baptists and they also said no. They were so convinced of their calling that they organized a foundation to fund their mission work. They sold all their belongings, except their home, then moved to Cambodia to start their mission. Their daughter, her husband and young child joined them a few years later to help with the mission work. They’ve trained over eighty Cambodians to work with them, teaching the poor people in the villages.

In seven years they’ve taught over eighteen thousand people about Jesus Christ, built hundreds of small churches in villages, and organized an orphanage for twenty two children whose parents died of AIDS. They pass out Bibles, teach reading to the illiterate, organize Bible schools, and teach villagers about clean water, and healthy living. Every year they go home for a few months to promote their work and find funding for their organization. They believe the second coming is very close and feel an urgency to bring the knowledge of Jesus Christ to those who’ve never heard about him. We are all in this together, bringing souls to Jesus Christ, preparing them to receive the fullness of his gospel.

Jerry and Wilma told us a story of the Buddha, a great prophet. He prophesied that one would come at the last day and he would be called Prince of Peace. He would have scars in the palms of his hands, and his side and imprints of thorns on his head. He would rid people of their sins and raise them up to live with a God named Trinity. Buddha was a prophet who lived six hundred years before Christ, and he taught the people many good things. Cambodian Buddhists have no knowledge of a personal God, but they pray to their ancestors for help through this life, and the lives after this. They have great honor and respect for their dead ancestors and leave food for them daily on shrines in their homes. But the gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest gift they can give to their dead ancestors through their temple blessings!

“Behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. O ye, that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. If ye have desire to serve God ye are called to the work; For behold the field is white already to harvest…he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul…and faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.” (D & C 4:1-5) The more we understand Christ and his gospel, the more we want to share it.

Russell Nelson said, “The Church will move forward on its course until we come to a unity of faith and a knowledge of Christ and all people hear the gospel in their own language.” We are walking in the Savior’s footsteps, among his most tender branches and he labors with us. The work is urgent and hard, at times it may seem too hard, it requires all of our might, mind and strength. It is then we realize we are not enough, we need power and strength beyond our own. As we learn to receive revelation he will guide us to the people who need us and our message.

The scripture we chose for our missionary plaque is from Jacob 5:71 -“And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him…and brought other servants and they were few…And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them, go to, and labor in the vineyard with your might…for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh….And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their might and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them. And they did obey the commandments of the Lord in all things.” Obedience brings the blessings of heaven. Obedience is why we are out here serving in the first place. “And blessed are thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me….behold ye shall have joy with me.”

Many souls are thirsty and hungry for the truth and are ready to hear the gospel, but they know not where to find it. “The field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor, and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted…..they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds, but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them….neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersover the enemy listeth to carry them…they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his, and he will raise them up at the last day.”

“Behold, the field is white already to harvest….and behold, thou art called to assist….which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward.” We have been blessed both spiritually and temporally. Heavenly Father has poured down blessings upon us and our family as we’ve faithfully served him in this mission!

CHAPTER 26 HURRAH FOR ISRAEL

CHAPTER 26

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL

The first Sunday in March was an historic day in Battambang, Cambodia! Our one branch was divided into Branch One and Branch Two. Branch One would attend in the morning and Branch Two in the afternoon. The entire mission Presidency came to Battambang and released President Sda Yin, the first Branch President since the branch was created. The Branch was organized five years ago with fifty five members, now there were two thriving branches with enough strong members to staff both branches.

We feel greatly blessed to be part of the growth of the Church in Battambang, Cambodia and to assist in the gathering of Israel in the last days. These beautiful Khmer people are an unique treasure of our Heavenly Father. The Church is in the pioneering phase in Cambodia. It wasn’t until 1993 that religious freedom was announced, then in 1994 the Church was recognized by the government. In 1998 the first missionaries were called to Cambodia. The first chapel was dedicated in 2004, the second and third in 2008, and the ground breaking was held for the fourth chapel in 2009. Now the land has been purchased for the fifth chapel, to be built in Battambang Cambodia, on a beautiful piece of property on the main highway, not far from the big black Buddha statue when you enter the city. As soon as the title is in the hands of the Church there will be a ground breaking for the first Latter Day Saint chapel in Northern Cambodia. It will be a glorious day for the members when they have a beautiful new chapel of their own.

Baptisms occur on a regular basis throughout the country where the missionaries are teaching, but the rest of the country is still waiting for the gospel to come to their city or village. In the past most members of the Church have been women and children, but more families and young men are being baptized. The future of the Church lies in the youth who are very strong. The young men and women returning from missions are the strength of the church. They will be the future leaders in Cambodia.

It’s discouraging when we see once strong and faithful members fall away. There are many “lost sheep” in Cambodia. Someday they will be found again and many will return when the Church becomes stronger and larger. The missionaries have lots of baptisms and establish good foundations but the members have many obstacles in their lives. It’s extremely difficult for most members to come to church. Many of them work seven days a week, and have no transportation. Many of the less active still read their scriptures and pray in their families, they just have a hard time getting to church. We all learn line upon line, grace upon grace what being members of the Church involves. It is a process! God will bless them in his own time. He is carefully guarding his “natural fruit” that it will not be corrupted. Perhaps the reason we cannot speak their language is that we’d give them too much too soon! Too much of the things of the world corrupt as does education and praise. President Winegar always told his missionaries, “Praise is poison!” It’s a challenge to find a good balance as we nurture their fragile new testimonies and help them grow in the gospel. The best thing we do is love them and be good examples of devoted Latter Day Saints!

Sister Lam and Sister Yang asked us to accompany them to the home of Chandee, Naurie, and Chandra to give comfort at the death of their sister. They asked Wilf to give her a blessing but she died before we got there. These three young women, all new members, wanted a Christian funeral for their sister, but Christian funerals are new to Cambodians and there are no burial grounds for Christians. Instead of giving her body to the Monks for a traditional Buddhist funeral they cremated her body outside their little hut. They were very grateful that we came and prayed with them and offered our love and sympathy. They showed us her few remaining bones wrapped in a small white cloth. Death is so harsh and primitive in this country. The prayer of my heart is that the members in Battambang will someday have a Christian burial ground and transportation to come to church.

We lost four missionaries in transfers leaving only the four new ones who arrived a few months earlier. We said goodbye to Elder Horton who was with us for eight months and Sister Lam who was with us almost that long. It was a sad goodbye for everyone! Sister Lam was transferred to Phnom Penh and Elder Horton to Siem Reap. Elder Christensen and Elder Jensen also left us after months of serving with them. We knew it was the last transfer we’d see and I was happy to be done with them. Five new missionaries arrived to take their place, Sister Atkins, Sister Itotani, Elder Hawkins, Elder Black and Elder Mummert, all from America! We missed our humble Khmer missionaries, but we loved serving with missionaries from our own country. They have such courage to come to Cambodia. It’s a good thing their mothers don’t see what goes on.

We served with these missionaries until the end of our mission! We considered it one of our greatest blessings to serve with all the exceptional young missionaries. They always treated us with love and respect and being around these amazing young people was very energizing. We would miss them and their marvelous energy when we finish our mission!

We drove to Phnom Penh and enjoyed our last Senior Conference. It was very good being with the other Senior couples, hearing about their many assignments. Even though we were short several couples we were all doing wonderful things in Cambodia. We were driving back from dinner with the Fairchilds and Richards when the driver’s seat in our car started reclining. The lever wasn’t working and Wilf couldn’t stop it from going backward. I was sitting behind him and it came down on my legs. Everyone helped me get out before my legs were crushed. We watched the seat go all the way down. It was bizarre, only in Cambodia! We piled back in and Wilf drove the car with no back support. We all had a good laugh as Wilf drove the car with no seat back, his legs tucked up close to the steering wheel. It was good for us to laugh, if laughter is a vacation, we all had a good vacation!

The next morning we took the car to get it fixed and they replaced all the switches for only $17.00. We counted seven times we had car trouble in Phnom Penh, where we could get it repaired. Nothing ever happened in Battambang, truly one of the miracles of our mission! As we checked out of our hotel in Phnom Penh, Sopheak called and asked for a ride back with us to Battambang. She had been attending seminars in another city when she felt impressed to go home immediately. Then she received a call that her mother was very ill and taken to a hospital. As she lay sleeping in the back seat of our car I had a strong feeling she needed to get home as quickly as possible.

The next morning she called from the hospital, sobbing. Her mother passed away so quickly, soon after she arrived. She was only forty nine years of age. When we arrived at the hospital all four of her daughters were in the room with her body. They cried so loud it could be heard all over the building. I put my arms around each girl while she cried. The youngest was only twelve years old. When Mary covered the body with a sheet they started screaming and crying harder, so I removed the sheet and they calmed down. I looked at the beautiful woman lying there, who was alive just a few minutes earlier and I held the girls while they cried. It was heart wrenching for me to watch them. I went out into the hall and cried about my mother’s death while I was in Cambodia. How I would have loved being with her when she died!

The doctors removed the body to a van to drive to Siem Reap for funeral. Sopheak asked us to come with her because she is the only Christian in her family. The road to Siem Reap was almost finished after all these months so it took us only three hours to get there. Mary and Sda drove with us and we all stayed in a guest house. It was a traditional Buddhist funeral. The Monks take over all the arrangements while the family makes and serves food to everyone. I’ve never seen so much crying and chanting. The family wore their clothes inside out, which means “we are not all right,” and some shaved their heads to show they were in mourning. When we arrived for the cremation ceremony Sopheak’s twelve year old sister had shaved her head, also a Buddhist tradition. We followed the funeral procession to the Watt where the Monks finished their ceremonial chantings. When they opened the casket for one last look at the body everyone cried again. It was very heart wrenching observing so much grief, unlike any funeral I’ve ever attended. They lifted the body into the large oven, closed the doors and started the fire. We watched the smoke coming out of the chimney as the body was cremated so quickly, only twenty four hours after she died. It was all over so quickly! It was so hot outside we almost fainted waiting for the cremation to be finished. It was a very quick trip to Siem Reap and back in 120 degree heat. I was tired and sick when we got home so stayed in my air conditioned bedroom all day.

Sunday was a long day attending both branches, but they were amazingly organized and functioning in spite of the big change. Eighty five people attended Branch One and one hundred came in the afternoon for Branch Two. The Saints in Battambang were moving forward with strength and faith in the Lord as our time with them was coming to an end! Mary was called to be the Relief Society President of Branch One and immediately started organizing visiting teaching, the first real visiting teaching in Battambang. We took her to visit some of the original members who had fallen through the cracks as the membership grew. The “lost sheep” were happy to see Mary and she invited them back to church. She will continue her “mission” long after we’re gone!

The missionaries rented a twelve passenger van and we all went to Siem Reap for Zone Conference to be taught by Elder Anthony Perkins of the Seventy. Wilf and I were invited to dinner with Elder & Sister Perkins, President and Sister Winegar and Elder and Sister Dickerson. It was a very intimate dinner in the beautiful Sokha Hotel, a Five Star Hotel in Siem Reap. As I looked around at the stunning beauty of the dining room and the hotel it was hard to believe I was in Cambodia. The extremes of the modern and the primitive always amazes me.

It was a great experience being in the presence of Elder and Sister Perkins. It was another magical moment as I sat there in awe that I was actually in that place at that time? Even though the world seems to be falling apart, the glorious work of the Lord moves quietly forward every day throughout the world. The next day we sat with the Elders and Sisters at the feet of Elder Perkins and President Winegar as they taught us beautiful gospel principles. It was one of the treasured experiences of my life! We felt privileged and blessed to be in attendance. Elder Perkins said the seed of Abraham is scattered throughout Asia, but only 4% of Asia is Christian! He and his wife have lived in Asia for a long time and they love the Asian people, who are the pure blood of Israel!

We visited Angkor Watt again, this time with our new group of missionaries who had never been there before! It was so hot we sat in the shade and waited while our missionaries visited the temples. The elephants were put away for the day because of the scorching heat. We felt bad that the missionaries missed the elephant ride, especially after a tourist couple from American Fork stopped them and gave them one hundred dollars for the elephant ride!

When we returned to Battambang we met Elder and Sister Reynolds, our replacement couple. They were excited to be missionaries in Cambodia. Years earlier Elder Reynolds lived in Vietnam constructing roads into Saigon, so he was familiar with the climate and the living conditions. The gracious members brought beautiful bouquets of flowers and coconuts to welcome them. Many members received callings as the branches organized, they were finally getting the opportunity to serve and grow. We spent six hours attending both branches our last few Sundays, sitting on the blue plastic chairs, but at least we were in an air conditioned building! There were two more baptisms our last few days in Battambang. Paneth, a newly baptized eighteen year old boy, baptized his sixteen year old brother. Paneth was just about the same size as his younger brother, and almost couldn’t bring him out of the water. It was very sweet seeing two handsome brothers in the baptismal font together. Paneth and his sisters were baptized a few months earlier, their parents were confused about all their children joining the church but they gave their permission!

The sisters held a combined Relief Society birthday party for both branches and Mary conducted it beautifully. She bought hand outs for all the sisters, kromas wrapped with gold ribbon and tiny flowers. A kroma is a Cambodian scarf they wrap around the head to block the hot sun. There were several speakers and musical numbers. I spoke on the history of Relief Society and Sister Reynolds spoke about manifestations of the spirit. Sister Reynolds is a hard worker and a strong woman, unlike me when I arrived in Cambodia. She spent the entire morning at the church with her sleeves rolled up, working right along side the Cambodian sisters washing dishes and preparing food, even though they couldn’t speak to each other. She wished she could speak their language but she loved it and said it was the funnest day she ever had! I wish I could have started out like that!

The work of the Lord will continue to move forward in Battambang Cambodia after we’re gone. The Lord’s covenant with the house of Israel will be fulfilled in his own due time, unto restoring all the house of Israel unto the knowledge of that covenant. Then they shall know their Redeemer, who is Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God. They shall be brought out of obscurity and darkness and know that Jesus Christ is their Savior!

“As surely as the Lord liveth, will He gather in from the four quarters of the earth all the remnant of the seed of Jacob, who are scattered abroad upon all the face of the earth! They shall be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth unto their own lands, from whence they have been dispersed… as the Lord liveth so shall it be.” Israel, Israel, God is calling, hear your great deliverer’s voice, now a glorious morn is breaking, for the people of his choice! Like a mighty army moves the Church of God.- Jesus is the living Christ, the Church is the living church and the Prophet is the living prophet!

HURRAH! HURRAH! HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!

CHAPTER 27 A NEW DAY IN CAMBODIA

CHAPTER 27

A NEW DAY IN CAMBODIA

A new light is shining in Cambodia, the light of the gospel, and it’s a glorious new day for the Khmer people. The members of the Church are rejoicing in the gospel light that is now shining in their country, after the long night of darkness, depression and tyranny! When President Hinckley dedicated the land for the preaching of the gospel in 1996, it was the beginning of a new day in Cambodia. The light is bursting forth as families reconnect with their lost loved ones through temple ordinances. It’s a time for healing and reuniting families torn apart by years of oppressive governments and cruel tyrants.

The leaders of the Church tell us we are still in the foundation phases, laying the groundwork and getting ready for the Church to explode with new membership. The success of the Church in Cambodia is miraculous, it is independent of all other churches which is a miracle in the world of religion. President Henry B. Eyring said, “The keys are on the earth in their fullness. As long as the people exercise faith the keys will remain on the earth. The Church will become better, it is being prepared for the Savior’s return.”

Sister Vaury, the ex Relief Society president, is an elegant and beautiful woman who loves the sisters very much. She always tried to conduct Relief Society like the rest of the Church throughout the world. The sisters are spread out over great distances, so it was very hard for her and her counselors to visit them. She made a few visits each month on her moto. She has a sadness in her eyes, as do most of the sisters, because of the horrors they endured during Pol Pot times. Most everyone lost family members, not only were they killed but families were separated. Many don’t even know where or when their family members died. She and her husband were married in a labor camp with many others so they could get food. We told her what a good man her husband is and she said no, he was not! She said he used to drink and beat her, but since he has become a member of the Church he is a good man! The gospel changes lives and hearts and is changing Cambodia.

One Sunday I counted twenty seven sisters in Relief Society and eight of those were sisters baptized in the last eight months. The longest a sister had been a member is four years, most less than two years. They teach wonderful lessons even though they’re brand new members. They use the basic manual for Latter-Day Saint Women, A and B. The other manuals are not yet translated into Khmer. The sisters in the Church are changing their families!

Last week a young mother gave birth to a tiny baby girl in her hut on top of the bamboo slat floor. She lay in a hammock with her two day old baby in heat well over 110 degrees. The baby couldn’t thrive because of the heat. She lay still and listless and wouldn’t take her mother’s milk during the heat of the day, only at night when the temperatures were more tolerable. She had a fever when we visited. The living conditions are so harsh, it’s a wonder babies survive! It’s hard for me to see these sad conditions but I’m learning to trust the Lord in all things. He has a plan for all of us, I know he has a plan for this sweet mother and baby. This baby will be raised in the Church, she will have a better chance for a good life!

The gospel light is shining brightly and it shows in the faces of our beautiful members, especially those who have been to the temple. What joy they feel when they complete the temple work for their families, especially those that died in the Khmer Rouge genocide. There are several families in the Branch who’ve been to the Hong Kong temple, escorted by Senior Couples and translators. All the missionaries take out their endowments when they go to the MTC in the Philippines. It’s very expensive to fly to Hong Kong and stay for one week. When the members are worthy and save all they can, the Church pays the rest.

It was our great privilege and one of the miracles of our mission to escort three families to the Hong Kong Temple to receive their temple blessings. They completed their family history sheets and ordered their garments weeks ahead. They were so excited they could hardly sleep at night! They gathered all their family names to do their temple work, which is no easy thing in Cambodia. Most of the records were destroyed during Pol Pot times so it’s difficult to find names of ancestors.

On a Sunday morning we rode the bus to Phnom Penh with fifteen excited members from Battambang. They were very nervous but happy! The mission vans picked us up from the bus station and took us to a Sacrament meeting, then to the mission home for a last minute instruction and temple preparation class. Under the direction of President and Sister Winegar, everything was organized for our temple excursion by Elder and Sister Fairchild. Every detail was planned and prepared for! We slept in the mission home that night and the members were taken to guest houses, very small air conditioned rooms with bathrooms, a wonderful treat for the members who live in humble huts with no power, running water or bathrooms.

The next morning the mission vans arrived to take everyone to the airport. Everyone was up early and excited. At the airport we were introduced to our eighteen Phnom Penh traveling companions, all excited to go to the temple with their families! Elder and Sister Richards were the escorts for these members, making it thirty seven of us traveling to Hong Kong, the largest group to go to the temple from Cambodia! President Winegar also traveled along with us for his Mission President Training in Hong Kong.

Getting all of us through the airports, with passports, visas, luggage and children was a chore but Elder and Sister Fairchild organized every detail. We felt help from above and everything opened up for us as we walked into the unknown. Our members had never been on escalators let alone cars, boats and airplanes. It was fun watching them figure out how to get on and off the escalators! It was even more fun seeing their eyes get big as our plane started up the engines and rolled down the runway! My peppermint essential oil became everyone’s best friend when they started feeling car sick and air sick. I put a few drops in the palms of their hands and they took big breaths of peppermint oil whenever they felt sick. It truly was an “essential oil,” much better for the Khmer people than medication which made them light headed. After taking the medication one young lady said, Sister, I feel like a drunkard, I cannot walk.” We decided to forget the medication and stick with the peppermint oil! Even though the entire plane smelled like peppermint the members felt good and were happy! Most everyone loved flying above the clouds especially the children.

It was a big challenge finding everyone’s luggage in the huge Hong Kong airport, but all thirty seven of us finally made it to the bus. Hong Kong is a beautiful city, with many tall buildings, mostly apartment buildings, unlike anything in Cambodia! The people live in high rise apartment buildings and we saw laundry hanging from the rails many stories up. Most people use the public transit systems, trains, buses, and taxi’s. The cars on the modern and clean freeways were new and expensive.

We drove over beautiful bridges spanning the amazing harbor, winding and speeding along on a two story bus. The views were magnificent! After thirty minutes we arrived at our temple patron housing where each family was given their own room. We shared a tiny bedroom with Elder and Sister Richards. It was humid and crowded with four of us, and Wilf and I slept on a bunk bed. We were just a small step up from camping, but our members were giant steps up from their living conditions in Cambodia. The fully equipped kitchens were wonderful for our members who do their cooking on the ground in Cambodia. They loved the bathrooms with showers, toilets and basins and running hot and cold water. They especially loved the refrigerator and had fun making ice, something they’d never done before!

We took everyone shopping for food! Each family was given their own food money for the week so we let them choose and plan their meals. Most had never shopped in a supermarket before and they loved buying food all packaged and wrapped. We couldn’t all get on the same bus so we sent them on without a senior couple and we grabbed a taxi to follow. They were all nervous on the bus without any escorts but we told them where to get off. They were very happy to see us when our taxi drove up soon after.

The next four and a half days were filled with temple work. The first day they did sealings and endowments for themselves and their own children, the following days they did work for their ancestors. We were privileged to witness their sealings to their children when they came out of the beautiful celestial room. We felt inexpressible joy watching these beautiful Cambodian Saints receive their temple blessings.

The temple presidency and their wives were kind and generous, helping us arrange our sessions in the Cambodian language and assisting our members with everything. President Goo is Hawaiian and his wife is Chinese. Sister Goo baked four beautiful braided loaves of sweet bread for our members. Some of the Chinese members gave us money for our Cambodian Saints and boxes of clothing and other items for them to choose from. We witnessed the love of the Chinese Saints as they loved and cared for their Cambodian brothers and sisters!

It was wonderful being in the temple again. It was especially sweet attending a sessions with President Winegar and Mary and Sda. I attended nine endowment sessions in those four and one half days. Our members were baptized for many of their own ancestors and others, mostly Chinese. Tung Chun Ting Fu Yan, was one of the nine sisters I did work for. The prayers were often in Chinese, it was an international experience! Elder Stagg and Elder Richards performed and witnessed many baptisms, along with our members who loved working in the baptistry. The temple is beautiful and the workers are angels. Our members cried the last day when their temple work was completed. They worked night and day and they were exhausted, but each one hated to say goodbye to the temple, knowing they would probably never return.

Our last day we toured Hong Kong, with Brother Chan as our guide. We hired a bus and driver to take us around Hong Kong and we rode a ferry across the beautiful Hong Kong harbor. The harbor ride was a highlight, even though it was very foggy it was still a marvelous experience. The bus took us all to Victoria Peak, the highest peak in Hong Kong, but the fog was too thick to see the city and harbor. We still had a great time eating at McDonalds and Burger King, the members loved hamburgers and french fries. We toured around the city and visited the Church office building in Hong Kong, then back to the harbor for a laser light show at night.

Our last day in Hong Kong, we attended Sacrament meeting in the chapel beneath the temple. It was, of course, in the Chinese language, but our members were given head sets for their language. Mary was kind enough to translate for us, from Chinese to English to Khmer then back to English. We had a bit of a delay but at least we understood what was being said! The Chinese saints are very faithful and beautiful!

We made it to the airport and through customs, immigration and security gates without any problems. We bought everyone chicken and more french fries at the airport, and we were served a good meal on our Dragon Air flight even though it was only two hours and fifteen minutes long. Flying back to Cambodia and making our way through the tiny Phnom Penh airport was easy after Hong Kong. Everyone was happy to be home and a sweet welcoming committee from the mission home was there to greet us, even President and Sister Winegar. Everyone felt joy and gratitude for the wonderful week at the Hong Kong temple, the most cherished experience of a life time!

With every newly endowed member the Church increases in beauty and strength and the light grows brighter. It is a new day in the Kingdom of Cambodia! The light of the gospel is breaking through the darkness of the past. Dark clouds are parting as the light shines brighter and brighter every day until the perfect day when the gospel fills all of Cambodia and temples dot the land. The kingdom of the Lamb will be received by the Lamb!

Even though things are getting worse in the world we are untouched by it all, it’s hard to fathom the wickedness and corruption in our own country as we carry on the Lord’s work in Cambodia. The great work of the Lord moves forward throughout the world, bringing precious souls into the protection of the Kingdom of God so they can be safe in the coming storms. “They shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day…neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds…when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place….the storm cannot penetrate to them…neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them… they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest….they are his…and he will raise them up at the last day.” Shall we not go on in so great a cause!

CHAPTER 28 TEARS OF JOY

CHAPTER 28

TEARS OF JOY

As April arrived my heart turned to my father who died one year earlier on April 6th. I thought about my parents a lot as I prepared to return home to a world without them, yet my knowledge that we’ll be together again was truly comforting and I’m grateful for Jesus Christ who made it all possible. Someday we’ll be together again at our Savior’s feet!

Our last District Meeting was a very spiritual Easter lesson. We read chapters from “Jesus the Christ” about his death, burial and resurrection, then each one of us shared our witness and testimony. How grateful I am for his life, his resurrection and his atoning sacrifice!

We cherished every last minute of our mission, as the end drew near. We moved out of our echo-chamber house into the Khmera hotel, so Elder and Sister Reynolds could get settled in their new life. They were very weary of living out of suitcases and eating in restaurants. Sister Reynolds immediately began cooking up a storm with the food in the house. She invited us over for dinner, and we helped them get started teaching English.

SISTER REYNOLDS COOKING AGAIN

Every day we felt more displaced, living in the hotel. We’d been replaced and felt we were no longer needed. Our home in America seemed far away and unfamiliar, we weren’t sure where home was anymore! Our amazing adventure was coming to an end, soon we would get reacquainted with our family. We’d missed so many things, perhaps they’d moved on without us!

AT THE HOTEL

We took the entire Sorn family, all thirteen of them, to lunch for a farewell party. It was fun for us and a grand experience for them, with all the rice they could eat, seafood, fish, vegetables, and drinks of their choice. The servers treated them so well, I’m sure they’ve never been served like that before. It was a feast for all us! I’ll never forget how much they ate and how happy they were that day. How could we leave these beautiful people we love so much?

SORN FAMILY AT DINNER

Elder Bennett had a huge boil on the back of his neck, so we drove him to see Dr. Souvannah. The doctor cut it open and squeezed out the infection. Elder Bennett was very brave and hardly flinched, even with no pain medication. Elder Stagg and Elder Reynolds gave him a blessing when we dropped him at his house. They advised him to rest for a few days, but he was out teaching later that evening, faithful and working hard as usual. Missionaries hate staying in their houses when there’s work to be done!

Our hotel was beautiful with stunning landscaping and a beautiful pool. We felt like tourists rather than missionaries, but we appreciated the time alone together while we prepared to leave the country. There was much to process as we faced the big transition ahead of us! During the last few days in our hotel, Mary, Sda and Angel came to visit and swim in the pool.

We celebrated our last Easter in our mission with all the missionaries in Battambang. Sister Reynolds invited all of us to an Easter breakfast of french toast and ham and we decorated Easter eggs.

EASTER PARTY AT OUR HOUSE

The members in both branches gave us a fantastic farewell party. Our favorite choir of young people sang to us, “O Battambang” replacing with their own words, “Oh Elder Stagg, Oh Sister Stagg.” It was very clever and touched our hearts and brought tears to our eyes. Phaury, my sweet little piano student, performed a minuet on the piano for us and everyone gave us long stem red roses. Wilf and I gave farewell talks and we sang “God Be With You” in Khmer and in English to the members. After the program everyone danced Khmer dancing and the American dances we’d taught them. It was a wonderful evening!

Our last two days in Battambang, we watched General Conference in English with the missionaries while the members watched it in their language. Rain came down in sheets during the second session, causing a power outage for the rest of the day. I thought the heavens were weeping with us as we faced our sad goodbyes. At the end of the sessions, we walked outside the church where the members were waiting to say goodbye. They all shouted in English, “We love you!” several times.

After many tears and hugs we got in our car, waved goodbye and drove to the hotel! We thought our hearts would break as we looked back at our beautiful members weeping and waving. Saying goodbye to these precious people was as painful as saying goodbye to our family eighteen months earlier.

TENDER GOODBYES

We spent our last night packing our suitcases. We had given away clothes, shoes and other items to many members, making our luggage much lighter! The next morning we said a tearful goodbye to Mary, Sda and Angel and drove out of Battambang for the last time. As we drove to Phnom Penh, we cherished every unique Cambodian sight we had become so accustomed to, and would likely never see again.

READY TO GO HOME!

Sister Winegar arranged a farewell dinner for us at the Kiwi restaurant, but it was so hot and noisy we could barely hear one another talk. It was our last day and the last chance to shop for our family, but it was also Khmer New Year, the biggest holiday in Cambodia. Most every shop was closed and the city was quiet! It felt weird and lonely as we drove back to the mission home and waited to go to the airport. We’d waited so long for this day to come that it was hard to believe it was really happening. Could it be possible we were really going home?

“Going home, going home, I am going home!” How sweet the words....we really were going home! The first half of our mission I thought my tears would never end. I prayed night and day for emotional and physical strength, for answers, and comfort to accept the losses I endured. It seemed like the pain would never go away, then one day it wasn’t there anymore and I was happy. My tears of sorrow had turned to tears of joy.

Now I understood why I needed this painful process. When fear is gone, only love remains, and we become God's instruments - his miracle workers. Perfect love casteth out fear! I have felt perfect love on this mission. I was fear bound, now love has replaced all fear. With the help of my husband and the Savior, I have faced all my fears. Finding faith in God has taken me out of fear and into love. Everyday I have a choice to walk into fear or to walk into love. I choose to love and trust in God. The world is a safe place and Heavenly Father is there for me! His angels have encircled me, and He has supported me with his everlasting kindness.

I lovingly forgive myself for all the past. I'm grateful to be free from the bondage of fear. Godly confidence has replaced my fears, and I can do all things with faith in Jesus Christ. I know that He is mindful of my needs and knows what is best for me. My cup"runneth over" with joy as I contemplate my life and my incredible mission. Waves of sadness have turned into waves of gratitude as I ponder the Savior's amazing grace! It is a miracle and beyond my wildest imagination that I actually lived in this far away land among these beautiful and loving people!

How did the end of our mission come so fast? It took me so long to get past the death of my parents and my homesickness. Now I wish I could do it differently. I used to say,"only in Cambodia, we see these crazy things," now I say, "only in Cambodia, we see these amazing things."

FAREWELL TO SENIOR SISTERS

I thank the Lord for all things, even my trials. If I hadn't known such exquisite pain, I could never have known such exquisite joy. The easy path may seem sweet, but it's our trials that make us strong and in the end, make life sweeter.

"And inasmuch as you are humble and faithful and call upon my name, behold, I will give you the victory." Doctrine and Covenants 104:82

He has given me the victory. I have known such joy in Cambodia! It truly was the most incredible adventure of my life. If I had known I would lose my parents so soon after I arrived in Cambodia, I would have stayed home and missed the greatest experience of my life, never having met the most tender people on this planet! How wise and good our Heavenly Father is, not showing us what's down the road. Sweet is his work - the sweetest work I've ever done.

I'm so grateful for the legacy of love and hard work my parents gave me, but most of all I'm grateful to be their daughter. I will miss their loving presence, but I'm happy their suffering is over! Brigham Young said,

“We have more friends behind the veil, than on this side, and they will hail us more joyfully than you were ever welcomed by your parents and friends in this world; and you will rejoice more when you meet them than you ever rejoiced to see a friend in this life; and then we shall go on from one intelligence to another, our happiness becoming more and more exquisite."

I can imagine the joyful reunion I'll have with my parents. All my tears of sorrow will become tears of joy. Tears of sadness are blessings in disguise for they bring joy in the morning after the darkest night! There are still tears, always tears, and they come more often than ever before, but they are tears of gratitude for all the blessings that have come from our mission of miracles. I can imagine my beautiful parents dancing together in the heavens. I see my father, young and handsome, staring at my young and beautiful mother as though he’s seeing her for the first time as she really is. He’s too happy to even look my way, but she tenderly turns toward me and blows me a kiss and tells me to go on with my life. There is still much for me to do!

In Cambodia, I learned how much I love my husband and how good he is. He took care of me through all my tears and heartache, even though he suffered also. His heart is pure and totally unselfish! He is the best companion and everyone loves him. I will always be grateful for the time we shared in Cambodia, where I finally realized how blessed I am to be his wife!

President Winegar gave us a copy of this poem when we left our mission:

“THE SUMMIT”

You cannot stay on the summit forever,

You have to come down again.

So why bother in the first place?

Just this – What is above knows what is below

But what is below does not know what is above.

One climbs, One sees, One descends.

One sees no longer, but one has seen.

There is an ART of conducting oneself

In the lower regions

By the memory of what one saw higher up.

What one can no longer see,

One can at least still know.

Reaching the summit may seem like our finest hour, but it’s knowing we reached the summit, that gives us confidence to climb other mountains that seem too hard to conquer, and walk any path the Lord asks us to walk.

AT THE AIRPORT

WITH PRESIDENT AND SISTER WINEGAR

Heavenly Father gives us weaknesses that through faith we may become strong. As we allow Him to shape our character, we become strong and able to accomplish the things He wants us to do. President Ezra Taft Benson said,

“The Lord made it very clear….that even though times become perilous, even though we are surrounded by temptation and sin, even though men’s hearts may fail them and anxiety fill their souls, if we only trust in God and keep his commandments we need have no fear.”

Before I made the decision to serve this mission in Cambodia, I felt fear about everything. My fears didn’t recede all at once! Little by little, step by step, Heavenly Father walked with me and held my hand until I learned to trust Him. We must learn to walk by faith, not by sight. We want to see the end from the beginning, but we must learn to walk to the edge of the light and a few steps into the darkness, until the light appears and shows us the way.

I am still learning to walk by faith, not by sight, but the things I learned in Cambodia will always be with me. In the end it is my faith that conquers my fear!

SISTER REYNOLDS HAPPY TO BE COOKING AGAIN!

TENDER GOODBYES WITH THE SORN SISTERS

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