Clint Mission #45 ll/23/98
Journal entries:
I enjoyed a birthday breakfast at the LeRoyal Hotel here in Phnom Penh with Elder Harmon, Pruett, and Brooking. It was good stuff. I especially liked the juice bar. I received a package today from Melanie, inside was good looking stationary, a music tape, and a box of soft batch cookies. Between the 4 of us we ate the whole box.
We also met with two guards at the Chinese Wood factory Headquarters. They are half way through the 3rd discussion but can not commit to being baptized or coming to church. I think that they know the gospel is true. We talked with them and they like to read from the Book of Mormon and tell us that they have felt good as they have prayed and agree that they have felt the Holy Ghost. However their families are opposed to a change from Buddhism. Vee and Vanna say that they can not give up these traditions and make their families upset at them. “I will be the only one.” It is really tough. I sure wouldn’t want to go against my family. However if we know the truth we must follow. In the scripture reading I read about Amulek giving up much in order to go be a missionary with Alma. In the institute student manual it talks about the gospel does cause division and cited Matthew 10:34-36 and also showed what happened to Amulek in Alma 15:16. ---Amulek gave up everything his gold, land friends etc. for the gospel.
11/24/98---
Happy Birthday to Me!!!! 20!! I am an old man! I wore my favorite blue pants, my favorite tie, smiled as I knelled with Elder Brooking to pray as we left the house, I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from having a good day! I had a great day!
Sister White brought over a birthday cake which the Johnson’s hid from me until dinner time. They cam in the kitchen with the cake all lit up and sang Happy Birthday! I had purchased some ice cream and we Elders all had cake and ice cream.
I gave my last DL lesson tonight in DDM on the importance of presenting the message clearly. This boils down for us = memorization after that we can worry about good teaching skills. My commitment was to recommit to the language memorization goal made with President and to use good teaching skills in an appointment.
Elder Harmon just came in again back in 43733 days we arm wrestled and I beat him. He started exercising and challenged me to another dual in November. I said why not my birthday. We agreed. We quietly wrestled off again tonight. He lost again right arm and left arm.
1125/98
Today was an inactive visiting day, we were able to meet with Sovin, Somnaang, Neangsey, and Boonton. We were especially lucky to meet with Sovin as he just disappeared for about two months and we haven’t been able to catch up with him, although we have tried many times.
Tomorrow “ Moves the Game” (Clint includes a list of all the new Elder’s assignments. )
I will meet Elder Badger for the first time fresh from the MTC.
11/26/98
It was a killer waiting in the office for President and Sister White to make it back from the Airport with the newly arrived Elders. They pulled in the drive with the van and the new Elders got out and shook hands with Elders Hoare, Hadley, McCormick, and Heywood( the new AP’s) Elder Hadley is training Elder Bullard the new Viet speaking Elder. Elder Hoare is training Elder, and I am training Elder Badger. It is fun to be going through this new experience on training with my MTC comp and good bud, Elder Hoare. Elder Badger thrust out his hand and gave a real powerful handshake. Elder Heywood said, “Now that’s an MTC handshake.” This afternoon that powerful handshake has surprised a few Khmae members like Mec, Phalla and Sim Son. Usually a handshake from Khmae is a “dead fish”.
The major project of the day after a good lunch of sandwiches, chips, and fruit, was to buy a bike. We went to the home of the Japanese Red Rider but they were all out of stock. We then went up to Odersay Market and talked to a man who has promised to provide three “ California Cruisers” like Elder Daniel’s old bike and Elder Hadley’s. However he won’t have them until mid day tomorrow. A quick trip to Lucky’s for food, then home with about 15 minutes left . We went to Phet’s house and shared a scripture with Phet and Sim Son. I was impressed with Elder Badger’s language abilities, especially his prayer was very good.
The best was to be reminded of my first day as they took mission photos with President and Sister White, a photo with the trainer, and a group newcomer shot, all to send home to family. It seems like just a few minutes ago I was doing the same. Also it was funny to see the crowd of white people we made as we put the three new Elders in cyclos and us trainers leading the way on bikes.
1127/98
Great Day today!! It started out with an orientation meeting conducted by the AP’s Elder Heywood and McCormick. It was mainly for the new Elders but had good reminders for me too. Also we met as trainers for a few minutes and went over our trainer packet. We talked about example, attitude, tips and past experiences that would help. After this meeting we had maybe 20 minutes before lunch and we each shared our testimony. The spirit was strong there as we bore testimony of the fullness of the gospel and the importance of this work. Elder Bullard shared an experience about leaving his family and getting on the plane, he was nervous. He said a quiet prayer and from that moment he has been very calm. I too felt the Spirit strong and was grateful to share my testimony. A great lunch was served afterwards and it was fun to visit with the White’s. I finally figured out what President White did for a living by asking him today. He has a doctorate degree in anthropology and did research for the Federal Government for 16 years. He was researching to see if they could use radiation to change to genetic make up of a parasite worm which caused damage to apples. ( I want to know more about the specifics)
We purchased a finer-used California Beach Cruiser for Elder Badger for $40. I needs some attention from the monkey boy on Monday to be in top shape but it is a good sturdy bike.