Clint Mission #27 July 20, 1998
Dear Family,
I want to tell you that I love all of you very much!---written in Cambodian.
My Cambodian writing is terrible. The Cambodians say that if you write English nice, Cambodian looks nice too. ( He is in trouble-Mom’s comment) I guess that means I’m out of luck.
This week Somnaang was baptized!!! (name means lucky) He was baptized by his friend Vee, a district missionary. We practiced in the back room how to hold the hands and baptize by making sure to see that he went all the way under. As Vee closed the prayer they hesitated a second to get set, and then Vee held Somnaang under for a second or two to make sure he went under all the way. Perfect!!!
It has been awesome to see Somnaang prepare. Saturday we met to finish the 6th in the morning, in the evening he was interviewed by Elder Lloyd. Saturday Elder Fernandez ( Zone leader) had to go on a split. I went on a split for the first time with Ausie and MTC buddy Elder Williams. Our major assignment was to teach Somnaang the 6th and final discussion. With a little help from Vee, who sat in with us, we taught the whole discussion. Somnaang is 18. He likes to think for a second or two before answering questions. We had a good discussion about how baptism is just the first step, membership in the church, and the things we can do to continue to learn and progress.
Looks like I am going to have lots of opportunities for splits with Elder Fernandez going on one day training visits with other senior companions. Elder Fernandez is a great Elder, I really enjoy teaching and working with him. We are language hungry, especially me, and my head is swimming with all the new words I have learned in the last few weeks.
I can’t believe how fast this past week went by. Also I have no trouble sleeping at night. Crash and then get up and go after it again. We have a full teaching schedule and are starting to maximize our efforts with splits from District Missionaries. I went out across the bridge to Chba Ampao ( said Chpam Pov) on a true split tonight with 18 year old Bromunl. He rode his moto and I cruised on the Japanese Red Rider. We went and tried to meet with a member who wasn’t home, scheduled a teaching appointment with another guy (Rothea) who wants to be a District Missionary but is not yet a member, and then tried to talk with Hout. Little bit scary, but wow we double our efforts. The District Missionaries also are set a part and wear name tags. Lots of language practice.
Hout had a baptismal date but since has really had some struggles. Again he has had a hard life like moat of these people here but just as he makes a commitment to be baptized and things he gets hit with a bunch of temptation. He has this friend or group of friends that are getting him in trouble and he is not happy. We haven’t been able to meet with him for almost 3 weeks. We have met a few times trying to meet again and encourage him and let him know we care. We talked to his Dad who was really nice and agreed to read from the Book of Mormon. We aren’t going to give up on him.
We (Elder Fernandez) have met our goal, 3 baptisms a month. We are very blessed with good people to teach and good health. Things are falling into place for August. President challenged us to baptize at least 3 people a month for the rest of our missions. I want to do just that. Elder Fernandez and I have a motto” Progress with Patience”. Means teach and push as fast as they can handle and yet take time for special concerns.
Well I had better wrap. Sounds like you had fun at the Lake. Sorry to hear about the difficulties. Hope everyone is well. Just think Mom and Dad, Fire, Vern, and I will be back in a few years and can get base camp set up and then you and Dad can come in a little later on the fishing boat.
Love all of you very much.
Your Son, Brother, and Missionary,
Elder Rogers
PS The raining season. The river is really rising nothing flooded yet. However this week no rain. The week before it rained everyday. The shacks, lots of them have tin sheeting which is very loud, but water proof. Also they have gutters which empty into 50+ gallon pots. They drink, wash, shower, etc. from this collected water. The rain mostly comes in the afternoon or night. Most people go home and the roads clear.
I eat the same thing when it rains.
Breakfast: French Toast
Lunch: Rice and stir-fry type environment.
Dinner: Salad
Also when it rains the power goes out which means no AC for sleep sometimes, and studying by candlelight.
I really like Elder Fernandez. I am learning a lot from him. I also had a good talk with Elder Heywood. We are buds too. We talked about the work in the different situations. I am still in the same house and the same area.
There is lots to learn and do each day and week. I do get a little overwhelmed, but you just got to take a bit at a time. I feel bad about Hoffleman coming home. It is hard, but man I am learning so much. What an experience to see the gospel change peoples life’s in a foreign land and language. The Book of Mormon is true and this is the Church of Jesus Christ.
Love ya,
P.S.P.S. On my belt I have my watch and camera case.
Our maid received a bad cut today pushing down the trash. A tin can lid cut her very deep between the fleshy area of her fingers. Be careful when you push down the trash.