5/3/99
Dear Family,
Well how is it going? Sounds like we have had some auto problems. Just like we tell the Khmaes when they ask why we don’t have moto’s or cars, “bikes are better”. Although I have had a busy week of shuttle service, we had four Elder’s sick this week. The good news is no traffic accidents, and all Elders are now well. I spent quite a lot of time with Elder Burnham. Tues. and Wednesday morning as his blood had to be tested both days. They were monitoring his platelet count, worried that he had dangy fever. The second day as the nurse was trying to get some blood she struggled a bit tried both arms. While this was happening I watched as Elder Burnham, from Soda Springs, Idaho, fainted his face went totally white. I told the nurse and she got a little excited and gave me the needle and tube of blood. I then helped her but him on the bed. Elder Burnham snapped out of it kind of as I man handled him up on the bed. His blood pressure was pretty low. I was a bit worried, but then the doctor came in an nicely took care of things. He started an IV and got a vein with no problem. This was all taking place at SOS International Clinic where there is a real doctor from America and real equipment. A small clinic but they even have ER stuff. I still don’t like to see the pain caused from sticking needles and things, yet I know and see that it is necessary and beneficial. I liked the way the doctor came in and there was no questioning his skills. I had about 2 hours of nice quiet time at Elder Burnham’s bedside as he received 4 32 ouncers and slept while we waited for test results. I read in Alma about great missionaries and faith. Pres. White wants us to center May Zone Conference on building faith in Missionaries and Phnom Penh Members. I thought about this, and said some quiet prayers. I also talked with Elder Burnham lots to keep him company and I have built a good friendship with him.
We received a new office couple this week who are pretty wide-eyed at their new surroundings.
Sophan our golden family update: His wife’s father has suffered some heart troubles this past week which really scared the family and has delayed our progress. We should commit them to baptism this week. ---- The call told us that they had committed Sophan, but not the wife.
Also out of the blue we received a message to come back and visit the husband of a member who has been approached before but now all of a sudden wants to study.
I love you all. I watched conference and the family messages caused me to think of my own
Love your Son, Brother and Missionary,
Elder Rogers
5/17/99
Dear Family,
Hello, Hello, Hello
I have a good a good recommendation for a good video to watch. It is called “ Where the Twain Meet” a KSL Documentary of President Gordon B. Hinkley’s 18 day trip to Asia in 1996. ( footage of Cambodia included.)
Also June 12-15 our mission will be toured by a General Authority. He is the 2nd counselor in Asia Area Presidency H. Bryan Richards will be in Cambodia. He will speak and preside at a June 12-13 District Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel and also has scheduled time to be with the AP’s and ZL’s.
Today I had to do a major repair of the Japanese Red Rider. I had to replace the bearings and sprockets in my rear wheel. First major repair in 14 months of daily use. Monkey boy took care of me.
I’m a little short on time, so I will tell you a story from this week.
We have been meeting with Luau Thom and helped him learn more about giving a Priesthood blessing. After this training we were visiting with another member Heang who said his wife was sick. We talked about a blessing and the family requested a blessing. We scheduled a time to come back so that Luu Thom could join us. Heang and his family live right on the edge of a lake and when we went back for the blessing it was the day after a big rain storm. The Lake was much higher and there was 2-3 feet of water in their house and it was an island about 100 yards out in the lake. The family is extremely poor. The house is a one room shack and Heang, his wife, and two small cute daughters. We waited one more day to see if the water would recede. Nope , so we borrowed the neighbors little wooden boat and Luu Thom, Elder Hoare, and I headed out towards their house . There it was on 3 feet of water or so. The water was black and not healthy, so we road the wooden boat. It was quite an adventure. We were able to give the blessing and help encourage the family.
We continue to work with Sophon and his family,
Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,
Elder Rogers