March 30, 1998

Letters from Cambodia--- Elder J. Clinton Rogers #11                                                                                                               

3/30/98

Dear Family,

                A big hello from the land of the moped! Remember the picture in the one book about Cambodia with the pig strapped to the back of the moped.  Well I saw that yesterday as I was riding my bike.  It is amazing how many people, or boxes and baskets they stack on “Coach Smith” look a like mopeds! They even build trailers that they pull behind them. 

                Today is kind of like P-day but we can’t leave the house.  You probably know more about it than me ( all the political stuff). I don’t want you to worry, I’m safe and I’m a missionary.  If we need to go, I will call home.  We will be back out on the street tomorrow. I just want to let you know.  ( this is for Mom mainly.)  (This is the day that the Prince returned from exile. There were many demonstrations in the streets.)   Like we talked before I left, there are two lives here; the people who I work with daily and the upper class stuff I know nothing about. 

                So let me tell about my week.  Yesterday at church we had 3 of the inactives in the area come to the meeting.  It was so nice after all of  Elder Heywood and I’s pedaling and sweat to see these inactive members walk through the church door.  We have been trying to get these good people to church, and it was good to see them there. 

                Also we have two men who are scheduled to hear the 2^nd discussion this week, and another men who is close to the 2^nd.  I will tell you about our two favorites. 

                Bunridh ( Boon-rit) is a very smart guy who is home from work with a broken foot after a mo-ped accident.  He has studied lots of religions and has free time on his hands.  We dropped in on him and gave him a Book of Mormon.  2 days later we returned and he had read the whole book, but says it is a history and didn’t understand how it helped us know about Christ.  ( Good question huh?  He has really been full of questions and kept us on our toes.) We talked about Christ and his sacrifice  for us, asked him to read 3 Nephi 11. We  came back 2 days later, and he read the whole book again.  ( We are always encouraging and challenging inactives and members to read and Bunridh read it two times in four days. )  We reviewed Moroni 10:3-5 and taught him how to pray, and committed him to pray and ask to know if the

Book of Mormon is true and if Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God?   We meet again tomorrow, he would be a great member if he can gain a testimony enough to get past his concerns and current beliefs.

                Luu Thom, is older and has a wife in America who was baptized by missionaries in Philly.  She mailed him a picture of her with the missionaries and a copy of her baptismal certificate.  He recognized us as the same type of guys in ties.  We have started teaching him and he is at the same point as Bunridh ( between 1^st and 2^nd ) Elder Heywood kind of likes Bunridh the most and I like Luu Thom the most.( I like Bunridh too) Luu Thom is so humble and has the best smile ( ear to ear grin with big teeth) when he laughs or gets excited about something.  I hope and pray that he can gain a testimony and join the church on his own, not because his wife joined.

                The first three days of our English Class we didn’t have any students.  I was a little frustrated because we sat at the church talking to members or stuff, just wasting time.  But finally on Friday ( Class Tue. - Fri. 2:00- 3:00) we had 6 or 7 students, so this week should be good. Everyone over here wants to learn English.  The members here try to speak English to me, but I try to answer back in Khmae.  They want to learn English, and I want to learn Khmae.  In church, I help Phanith translate for the couples. We have a little microphone and headset to allow the couples to understand the talks.  Well Phanith is Khmae and knows a good amount of English, but my job is to sit by him and help him.  Which means I had to listen good enough to help him translate it into a good understandable form of broken English.  Well it kept me paying real good attention, and was good practice, but a few times the couples looked back to see what was going on when Phanith and I were both stumped. Sorry. I understand religious stuff pretty good but an 80% is lost when they talk about other subjects. 

                Elder Heywood and Elder Clayton went to play music for a Relief Society thing this week.  Elder Heywood plays violin and Elder Clayton wants to be a professional pianist--- incredibly good! 

                So Elder Harmon and I went on a split for the afternoon.  We went out to this area, that turns into a lake in the rainy season (  so I am told) All the houses are on stilts and it looks like tree houses in the jungle.  It was cool! At one house there was a monkey, a dog, 3 pigs, and chickens running around , and kind of that animal smell.  For some reason it reminded me of Wheeler Farm when I was little. 

                I carry in my pocket a picture of the family standing in the living room the day I left for the MTC.  It has been used many times in BRT.  The people usually ask or say these three things in this order:

1)      Mom and girls are very beautiful.

2)      Dad and I are exactly alike.

3)      Is that a fish?  ( The one on the wall) The fish is kind of hard to explain to them

We are very blessed.  The people have little and make it with hard work and using what the have like mo-peds.  Sometimes they talk about America where you do nothing and money is there.  It is not quite like that but what about paved roads, nice food, clean water-that won’t make you sick, nice clothes and homes.  We are extremely blessed!  I need to start taking some pictures.  I have just been kind of soaking it all in these first two weeks plus we are only supposed to take pictures on P-day.

I like rice and stir fry, and on Sunday we have curry, it is spicy and good.  Ask me how much I like rice everyday in a year or so.  I also like the fresh fruit and vegetables of Cambodia.  It is mango season!

I have been trying to get caught up on my letter writing and get my desk organized today.  I am about there. 

Thanks for everybody’s good mail.  I like all the motivational cards!  Thanks for all the pictures!

I had a great experience at the airport, thanks for the good send off and support.

                Bood I keep finding notes in my suitcase, they make me laugh—thanks!  Lisha,  how is the car situation working our for you these days?  Thanks for your card about success. 

                Thanks for the letters Dad and thanks for taking care of my two Auzie companions. They really appreciated it. 

                Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Hafen for coming up and thanks to Vern----Get ready buddy!

                Well, I’ve written all my letters, cleaned my room and desk, read 30 min in the Book of Mormon, and studied for 2 hours the language, now it is time to wrap this up and write in the journal.

                I love you all very much, and I’m glad that we can share this mission experience together.  Keep up the good work!  Thanks again for taking care of me.

                                                                                 Love Your Son, Brother, and Missionary,

                                                                                Elder J. Clinton Rogers

               

                           

March 23, 1998

3/23/98

Dear Family—

                A big hello from Cambodia! Well, I made it and I am pedaling around the dirt roads with my companion Elder Heywood spreading the gospel.

                The plane ride was cake, maybe it was because I had so much on my mind, or the good pack of letters, or because I was tired and slept a lot.  I don’t know but it went fast.  Everyone knew who we were, ( the plane people and stuff) I sat by a member on the way down to LA and from LA on the people were either Japanese or Thai and I couldn’t understand them.  We stopped in Osaka Japan and hung out in the airport from 2:45 a.m.-4:30 a.m. Then to Bangkok at 8:30 and flew to Phnom Penh at 11:something landed at about 12:15.  ( If you ever fly Asia way Thai airlines took good care of us)  I first noticed the mugginess in Bangkok.  It is kind of scary as we just find our way through the foreign airports, but we had no problems.

                When I flew into Phnom Penh I saw the Mekong ( looks like the Mississippi) and dirt roads from the plane window.  We landed and walked down stairs on to the concrete.  It was hot and a bit sweaty with my coat and long sleeves.  We were met by 2 Elders inside.  We purchased visas and got our luggage with no problems.  Outside we were met by our new companions and Pres. And Sister White.  The whole airport thing, the flight, and shaking President White’s hand, and looking at Phnom Penh is like a big dream to me.  Everything that I have thought about since Sept 18^th is now real ! The words Phnom Penh Cambodia Mission, speaking Cambodian is a reality.   I wish I had a pair of James Bond glasses that I could wear and you at home could see everything  that I have seen the last few days.  Let me try and share with you some of the major events and highlights.  Also let me say that it is Monday P-Day the 23^rd.  I promised to write ASAP the first pouch to leave since I have been here leaves tomorrow, Tues. the 24^th and goes out every Tues.  I had a nice pile of mail waiting for me and I read a good letter from someone each day.  Thanks for rallying the troops!!

                My companion is Elder Randon Haywood from Salt Lake City, Utah .  He has been out 10 months. ( 2 in MTC, 2 in Thailand because of the evacuation, 6 in Srok Khmae) He went to BYU for l year and loves music.  He plays the violin, he has completed Suskiki lessons, and is very good.  Today he practiced for 1 hour at the mission office on one of President’s violins while I studied. 

                We have the big challenge of opening an area in Phnom Penh.  The area is made out of two other areas and has been neglected so far.  It is big and has lots of people. So Elder Heywood and I are in charge of the South Central area, and are pretty much starting from scratch.

                After getting off the plane I shook a bunch of hands and then took my stuff to my home.  I live with Elder Harmon, Elder Clayton, Elder Heywood, all from Wastach front Utah. They are funny and good with the language .  Elder Hoare, Elder Williams and I are all in different houses, all different areas.

                The house is nice. We have running water( sort of—you can not drink it) The maid does the laundry and cooks French toast for breakfast and for dinner a stir-fry type environment.  It is good and there is plenty.  Lunch we provide and I bought peanut butter and jelly sandwich stuff. 

                The first night I ate dinner with President and Sister White after spending the day with my companion buying my bike and food for the week. We had a nice dinner.  (Elder Hoare, Elder Williams and me.  ) We talked about our families and stuff.  We have not talked about mission rules or had interviews yet.  I am slowly learning from my companion. 

                I have a bike and there are only a handful of paved roads in my area.  The rest of the time, Jon and I would have fun cruising through the dirt and bumps.  The traffic is crazy.  Mopeds, bikes, and dump trucks and delivery trucks, a few cars.  Have you ever seen a few cars.  Have you ever seen a family of four ride a moped, or a man pedaling a full living furniture set tied down to his 3 wheeled bike?  It’s pretty crazy, today on P-day about half the mission was at the “monkey boys” for bike repairs.  Like I said, the bike takes some abuse!

                The people are poor , but nobody I have seen is starving or look like Ethiopia -type environment. 

The houses are small and some of the kids run around naked or with no shoes.  The kids are the best, they say “Hello” in English and wave as you ride by.  Also when we stop to talk to somebody, they swarm around and want to know what these two American’s are doing.  The other day we were talking to this guy and honestly there was 25+ kids around the bench that we sat on as we talked.  Also there are these alleyways that we turn down and they are about a sidewalk wide with small shakes on both sides with families sleeping, watching TV, or doing other stuff. 

                There are lots of people, lots of these alleyways just in my area, and lots of work to be done in Phnom Penh.  It is overwhelming at times.  Each discussion takes a long time because they are so patient everyone will listen to as much as we want to tell them and then tell us one of these common answers. 1) all religion is good because it tells you to do good 2) you are rich, give me some money and I will believe. 3) I’m busy 4) Buddha 5) Please come back. 

                Saturday we tracked down our inactives in the area.  We found that some had moved.  We found 3 still here, and we got one to church. 

                Church was fun.  I did not understand a whole lot, but I was called on to bear my testimony. 

                It is exciting to be here.  My language is pretty good if we teach the first discussion, anything else and I am limited to a simple testimony.  I like to tell people, that I have studied Khmae for 2 months and know just a little, but that I know that message is true and can help them if they will let it.  My second day I had a neat experience.  We were talking to Chaay Son who drives truck and was on his lunch break.  We introduced him to the JSH story pamphlet.  I felt the spirit as we talked to him.  Afterwards Elder Haywood asked me if I felt anything while we were talking to him.  Yes. We taught him half of the first discussion  and then went back tonight to finish up but he ditched out on the appointment.

                The hardest thing so far is being patient and knowing where to start as we have the big challenge of this new area. 

                It is kind of hot and sweaty!-- Like Rogers Construction Days.

                Also I hit Lucky’s Burgers today for an ice cream.  It was good!! A few times already we have stopped for a fresh coconut.  They drill into it and give you a straw.  It costs 25 cents or 900 riel.  It is cool and wet, but it is going to take a while to get used to the taste. 

                All of the Elders here ( there are 22) are good and know how to work and speak Cambodian well and they know how to get around Phnom Penh.  It is difficult the roads all look the same.  I almost have the area mapped out in my head.  There are many parts and alleys that I have not seen yet. 

                There is lots to look at and new smells to smell.  There are lots of opportunities to speak and hear Khmae daily.  I have only wrecked on my bike once.  I fell on my back on the mount up--- I wasn’t hurt.  It was a very busy street and it felt like everyone was watching or at least it felt like it. 

                Well, I need to wrap this up.  Thanks for the good letters and the send off.  I really enjoy your letters.  Thanks Bood, Lisha, Ang, Annie, Word Jon, Hammers, North’s ( the cookies were great! ) Grandma and Grandpa Hafen, Grandma Talbot, for your letters and support!! 

                Be thankful , for your clean food, water and cars and nice clothes and homes!  Mangos and Pineapple are great over here---best I ever tasted!!  They are especially good after a hard day of proselyting .  

                I’m safe,  well, and settling in, and excited about the work here in Cambodia.  I think you would be good here Mitch!!  Why don’t you come over in a year?  

                NEWSFLASH – Elders are receiving packages through the normal mail system.

                My Cambodian Address

                Elder J. Clinton Rogers

                P.O Box 165

                Phnom Penh, Cambodia

                CTR and do good.  I love you all very much and grateful for the opportunity to serve and struggle in Cambodia.

                                Love Elder J. Clinton Rogers 

March 7th 1998

3/7/98

Dear Family,

                How is everybody?  I can’t wait to see you and give you a big hug!  I keep very busy but every now and then I wonder what life is like in St. George. 

                Let me tell you about my week.  Elder Hoare and I taught the lst discussion in Cambodian in the TRC this week.  In 40 min. We talked about the plan of Heavenly Father , Jesus Christ, and kind of combined Prophets and the B. of Mormon.  As the bell rang we were asking if they would or should I say “will you” read the Book of Mormon?  We only took our scriptures and English test discussions in with us.  We read the discussion from English ( more like remind ourselves of the ideas ) then translate as best we can to Khmae.  Next week we will do feedback, which means we just listen and won’t teach .  So I am done with TRC.  The TRC is great practice and helps me want to know the language better.  Also the TRC  helps  to make the discussions real. It also helps to practice answering questions from investigators, and the whole experience keeps me on my toes. 

                Tuesday night Elder Woodbury came around and offered Elder Hoare and I a back massage.  He wants to be a doctor and has taken a few physical therapy classes.  He says he has perfected the back message.  And so we took him up on it and it was great!!!

                We are always talking about our families and the gospel.  What life was like during pre-mission and how our families could do better.  Elder Reimschussel has two older sisters , who still life at home with their parents. ( Back ground inf. ) He told me earlier in the week that he wished his family would just have family prayer.  He prayed that they would have family prayer.  About 2 or 3 days latter he received a letter from the family and it was reported that they were having family prayer.  Elder Reimschussel was very happy.  I though it was a neat story and glad he shared it with me. 

                How are you doing with morning scripture study and family prayer?  I hope really good!  I know it is important and that we will be blessed for our effort to get up on time and meet together. 

                I also just read 1 Nephi 22:30

                “Wherefore, my brethern, I would that ye should consider that the things which have been written upon the plates of brass are true; and they testify that a man must be obedient to the commandments of God.”

                where Nephi testifies that the plates help you to be obedient.  I add my testimony to Nephi’s that if daily we read the Book of Mormon and think about the plan, we will be obedient. I think that this is the power that comes from the Book of Mormon.  I read it, I feel good and I want to do good.  Everyday before my mission since graduating from high school I have made an effort to read the scriptures.  I finished it here in the MTC and have started over.  I know that it is true, and I know this because the Book has encouraged me to do good and feel good when I read it.  I know that these good feelings comes from the Holy Ghost and from Heavenly Father, ( Moroni 7:12-13 )

                “vrs. 12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is the enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. 

                Vrs. 13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good , and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. 

               Try it you will like it!

                I promise that things will go better for you if you read from the Book of Mormon and try to do good like the people in the book.

                I really feel good about my experiences here at the MTC.  It has been great to work hard, struggle, learn Cambodian, strengthen my testimony, learn more about the gospel, meet new people and friends, ( I just met another bunch of Elders that I know from Boy’s State, I saw J.D. Carter this week, and I also saw some other St. George Elders and Sisters. ) and prepare to go to Cambodia.  My comfort zone was shattered coming here to the MTC, but now I have settled into the MTC life and enjoy it here.  It is time to shake things up a big again with a trip to the wilds of Cambodia.  I am scared and know that it is going to be tough but I am also excited and I can hear the streets of Phnom Penh calling to me. 

                 I think that I told you about the welfare meetings that we have been attending.  We concluded those this week with a video.  Always we talked about how the Savior is the best example of a missionary and taking care of others needs.  The video is the same that I saw twice in institute during pre-mission, we also saw a part of it at the San Diego visitors center , on the streets of old town.  It’s powerful!  Every time I see it reminds me of the great love Jesus Christ has for all of us.  Thursday night was a powerful night for me.  Just before we went to see the movie about Christ we were talking about examples of how important work is.  The examples set by parents and grandparents, who had taught us about hard work and then finishing what we have started.  Then talked about the example of Jesus Christ.  I instantly thought of a scripture that I had to share.  This happens a lot to me as all of a sudden I remember a scripture that goes perfectly with a situation.  D & C 19: 18 and 19

                “ Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink----

                “ Nevertheless, glory be to the Father , and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.”

                I am thankful that Christ finished the toughest job there ever was.  He did it perfectly and out of love for us.  I was feeling good after sharing this and then went and watched the movie about Christ.  I am grateful for Jesus Christ, and I know that he lives and provided a way for us to repent and be like him. 

                I just played the piano in Priesthood. 

                I just came from a great gospel study meeting taught by President Pinegar.  Wow what a great talk.  He talked about the Fall and the Atonement. 

                “When you truly understand about the atonement your attitude and behavior will change”—President Pinegar.

                He also talked about choices, we can choose good and be happy or choose wrong and be miserable.  This is so true.

                Also today we met in the bathroom with hymn books and sang hymns.  It was great!  The sound echoes off the tile and we have some Elders good with choir that got us organized into parts.  The hymns are powerful, I got chills several times and all the Elders on the floor came and poked their heads into see the district 39 D men’s choir . 

                Thanks for all the letters and treats. 

                Be sure to tell the Wintch’s thanks for the letters and pictures. 

                Well I really must wrap this epistle up.  I want to do some more study today.  Grandma Hafen thanks very much for your pictures and the pictures to give away.  Also Grandma Talbot I enjoy hearing from you.  Thanks for all your efforts.  North and Hammer family thanks, keep up the good work! 

                Here are some things I have enjoyed this week:

                Last 4 verses of Hymn # 85

                1 Nephi 17:15

                1 Nephi 17:3

                1 Nephi 17:40 - He loveth those who will have him be their God.

                1 Nephi 17:21 - Many times we wish for other things instead of enjoying the now. 

                1 Nephi 8:12- I partook of the fruit then desired that my whole family could partake of the fruit. 

               

                Love Elder J. Clinton Rogers

               

                PS I read through this and my language skills are going not to good. Hopefully you can tell what I’m trying to say. 

              The foreign language stuff is making him though his adjectives around.  I tried to correct some.

Also :  Clint wants some stories of his family - pioneer and faith promoting of his ancestors.  I will send him some, but if you have a good one please send it along. 

PS-PS:  This is for the Snow bunch that this letter goes to.  I am wondering if we should establish a family mission fund.  There might be some upcoming missionaries that could use some help from the family.  The $375.00 a month could be a real burden for some families. What do you think?