July 20, 1998

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 6^th 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 6^th 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.

             

June 15, 1998

                6/15/98

Dear Family,

                I will skip the greeting and say instead—How was Lake Powell?

                Can’t wait for the report.  That week at the lake was probably the first time you really missed having me around.  Are Lisha and Bood trained boat hands yet?

                Word.  My big news is that yesterday we had district conference here with the 3 Cambodian Branches and the Vietnamese Branch.  It was at the 5 star Inter-Continental Hotel.  Quite a shock for members and missionaries alike to be in a place so nice.  The room was really nice and plenty big for all 489 members and investigators in attendance.  I know the exact number of people in attendance because that was my job.  I helped count.  The Conference was a pretty big event.  I was especially surprised and happy to see many inactivie’s out.  We made special effort to get invitations to these people.  Even old Bunrith from South Central was in attendance. 

                It is kind of a circus as there are 3 different language being used: English for the leaders, Cambodian and Vietnamese, and one for those who let their kids go for a tour of the Hotel.  They especially like the automatic flush toilets.  There are already plans for a kids room for the December Conference.

 President White gave a great talk about how important it was to spread the gospel, he also had all those who wanted to be district missionaries stand. Sister White also gave a great talk on love your neighbor and forgive others.  The Vietnamese Branch President spoke, as did Kim Chag.  He just filled out his mission papers and is getting ready to serve a mission.  Also Elder Heywood and Elder Clayton played a musical number.  Elder Heywood played the viola and Elder Clayton played the piano.  The number gave me chills and members quite liked it too.  It was neat to see the Church in Cambodia gathered all together.  The reason we rent the conference room is because it is the only place in town big enough.  However, President White announced this morning at the mission breakfast the location of the property where the first building ever in Cambodia will be built by the Church.  It will be awesome to see.  It will also be stake center size we are told. It may be built in phases.  We hope to use this as help and motivation for members to see how important it is to pay tithing and to see tithing in action.

Also I fasted this week for a young man named Sophaal who really wanted an answer to his prayers about the Book of Mormon and Church.  As I fasted for him, and thought and prayed,  I really felt

like his real struggle is just making the decision leaving the other Christian church he attends and following the feelings he already had.   Sophaal, Elder Heywood and I met fasting,  I waited as Elder Heywood shared in the scriptures about Jesus fasting for 40 days.  I pulled out the flipchart and turned to the method which God uses to show us truth.                We discussed briefly…….

                Called Prophets:  We hear or read their words.

                Feelings from the Holy Ghost:  Confirm the truth

                We are invited to pray.

                Then I went right to the concern.  “ I know that as we have met and talked we have felt the Spirit.”    I felt the Spirit strong this whole time.  Then we talked about how hard it was to leave that other church.  I then committed him to continue to pray and fast for his answer.  Then we talked about are you willing to do what Heavenly Father wants and join this church, when you receive your answer?  With the Spirit there we had this great discussion and helped him see that he needed to make his choice.  We left it at that.  He was not there at the conference.  We meet with him tomorrow. 

                We really have a full teaching schedule.  We have set the goal of committing 5 people to baptism this week.  A big goal.  I have really been trying to work on my prayers, and we are going to have to rely on Heavenly Father and the Spirit for this goal.

                Well I am out of time, 

                Love you all!

                Thanks for the Grad Nite, Graduation and Expedition photos.

                Love your Son, Brother, and Missionary,

                Clint

               

June 8th 1998

June 8, 1998

Dear Family,

                Well P-day again, I can’t believe it.  I hope the Grad party at Lake Powell is a blast!

                I wanted to get out and get some shopping done, but the day got away from us.  Sorry Bood, maybe I can get something a little nicer in the next letter.  Have a Happy 16^th Birthday!  Enjoy this one of a kind Ewotech sticker, and most especially the new Driver’s License!  Love ya Bood!

                Yesterday I stood the whole time in Sacrament meeting as the little meeting was packed.  Standing room only!  120 people at church.  There is talk of soon splitting the first branch or a bigger building.  President told me the other day that I would see a church built in Cambodia before I go home.  They are looking for property right now.  Until then we will continue to pack them in. 

                The 14^th is District Conference.  This happens twice a year and is at the conference room of the Inter Continental Hotel in Phnom Penh.  This week we have been passing out invitation to members and especially inactivies.  We have been able to contact lots of inactivies and they get excited about going to the big meeting.  All branches, the 3 Cambodian and Vietnam branch, in Phnom Penh attend and we wear suits if someone big is going to be there.  This meeting we don’t have to but in December someone big is coming. 

                On the 5^th we had a good mission conference on “commitment.” I especially liked the talks given by the AP’s about how much they have grown and how much their mission means to them.  Elder Williams from “down under” gave the impromptu talk and used Gideon in Mosiah as an example of commitment.  It was a good talk and I too like Gideon.  The Spirit is really strong in these meetings and it is great to get recharged, reexcited, recommitted, etc. about the work. Also there was a lunch after. 

                Today I had food from the country of India for lunch.  Flat, shepherd bread ( like a tortilla) and a curry soup called Dal.  Good Stuff!

                We are teaching lots of people right now, a pretty full schedule.  Most of these appointments are in the church so we stay put and they come one right after another. 

                Caan is 15 and comes from a poor family and doesn’t know how to read.  Elder Daniel’s and Ruden are teaching her and a couple other people to read Cambodian for service.  She is a friend of 16 year old Chanteoun.  Chanteoun is a recently baptized member who has all the girls in her neighborhood interested in the church.  There are about 6 of these young girls who are in the process of studying.  They walk to church everyday about 2 miles either for church or to study.  Sokhoom is another friend we had to separate her and Caan because they would just tell secrets back and forth.  Since the separation they both are making progress. 

                Sophaul is a young man studying who is a member of another Christian church.  He really likes the Book of Mormon.  However he doesn’t understand why he needs to be baptized again.  He is on the 3^rd discussion which is the restoration but it is tough for him to accept that his other church does not have the authority. 

                Somnaang is a friend of Tal’s who is now interested in the church.  As we taught him about Joseph Smith and then showed him the picture of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the groove with Joseph, Somnaang just starred at the picture for 5 minutes after we bore testimony.  It was so awesome to sit there and watch him just stare and soak up the Joseph Smith story.  The silence was powerful. 

                I really have the goal of trying to get a better relationship with my companion this week.  We have been together longer than Elder Hoare and I but still don’t have that relationship.  We are different and it takes patience and communication.  Good practice for living with someone in the future.  It is really hard, okay impossible to truly teach the gospel if you and your companion are not on the same team. This is my area of improvement for the week.  I will also try hard to help us get a good plan and stay on top of the schedule, Elder Heywood struggles a bit when it comes to making a plan.  I want to be very careful I’m not complaining or talking bad but I am a bit frustrated.  Any similar experiences Dad? 

                Well I had better wrap it up.  I’m healthy and have been all week.  Thanks for your love and support, and good letters.  I’ll try to have a little something for everybody next week.  Mom and Dad I love you very much .  Thanks for your good examples.

                Keep up the good work.

                Love your Son, Missionary and Brother 

June 1 1998

Clint mission letter # 20—no 19                                                                                       June 1, 1998

Dear Family,

                Hi. Most of my letter comes by journal copies as I am recovering. 

Journal entries:

                Two good lessons in following the Spirit both happened on Saturday.  First it was 5:00 p.m. and Elder Heywood and I needed and wanted to be productive with our last hour.  We stopped the bikes and said a little prayer for help.  Elder Heywood felt that we should go to the little area by Ming Chuner’s house.  I have to admit I was a little leery about going there because we had been there once all ready that day and we are there lots. However I trusted him and we went. We arrived  and I said another prayer and asked to help us know what it was we could do to help in this area. A couple of minutes later Ming Chanee our maid walked around the corner. I asked about her family, who has been sick. We talked about praying for them and then about Priesthood Blessings. She asked us to come to her home and bless her family. After a brief explanation to her nonmember husband Tee we anointed and blessed Chanee, Tee, Seelaa, and Pissee, a very cute family. At first I did the anointing but Elder Heywood let me and wanted me to give a blessing. I blessed Chanee and Seelaa with help from Elder Heywood to start the blessing properly in Cambodian. I really felt tongue tied but tried to give a good blessing.

                Ming Chanee is our maid and does an awesome job of taking care of the four Elders at house 43Z33. Each morning French toast, does our laundry, and then prepares a good meal for evening. She works very hard to please us and it is very nice not to worry about or take time to do laundry or make food.

                After the blessing we talked about faith and how we must first have faith in order to receive testimony or blessings. I shared Moroni 10:7 in Cambodian and my testimony. Needless to say it was a good use of our last hour on Saturday.

                The second lesson about the Spirit wasn’t so positive. Saturday I was in the process of mixing up a delicious fruit shake after dinner. I went to the fridge for my milk.  The milk had been opened for a few days and I had the thought that maybe I shouldn’t drink it.  I brushed it off with the justification that it had been in the fridge and was UHT Milk.  Well at 2:30 a.m. I woke up really sick .  Fever/ headache, body aches and diarrhea.  I didn’t know what it was at first I just knew I was hurting.  I missed all day Sunday including church, and today Monday I am slowly coming out of it.  It was food poisoning and it really knocked me flat.  I should have listened to that little voice or thought that said don’t eat that milk!

It is neat to see how much everyone cares and pulls together when an Elder “goes down” .  Splits are arranged and usually the Elder ends up at the Mission Home where Prsident and Sister White can take good care of him.  I was at the mission home most of Sunday while Elder Heywood went on splits and to church, and I have been here most of  today as Elder Heywood has gone shopping and our 2 appointments.  Also yesterday, I received a Priesthood blessing and the Sacrament from the Elders Heywood, Harmon, and Lloyd.  I hope to be up and going again tomorrow. 

                Another one of my experience that was fun this week was going on a split for a full day with Elder Hoare.  All the language practice you want and more with us out there.  I came home pretty exhausted.  We talked with one lady who told us about an experience she had with prayer.  She was worried because part of her family was still out on the town and it was getting late.  She prayed for help and the family members came home a few minutes latter.  She was excited to share this answer to prayer with us. 

                Ceevan is a young lady who came to church with her friend, and we are now teaching her.  She had a dream where she saw a man with his arms out.  She recognized the same picture on the front of the first discussion pamplet  She is excited to study  I had heard that Cambodians had lots of dreams, this is my first experience with it. 

                Well enjoy the summer.  I love all of you and thanks for your good support.  I got a good e-mail today---hot of the press as I was at the mission home. 

                Thanks!

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary,

                Clint

                  

May 18, 1998

Letters from Cambodia #18                                                             May 18, 1998

Received June 1, 1998

Dear Family,

                I really enjoyed the opportunity to talk with you on the phone this morning.  Does it feel like a missionary family?  I think so.  It was really fun to hear each of you, answer questions and tell you a little of life here.

                This is going to be short as I have got to catch up on my journal and stuff today.  My major news is Luu Thom and my area change.  

                I pedaled 20+ kilometers ( 12 miles) today and left the city limits of Phnom Penh in an approved visit to a member out in the boonnies.  He couldn’t meet with us and so we turned around and came home.  Count it as one of our fun P-day activities. 

                Again great talking to you.  I hope you felt how much I love you –yet am so grateful for the opportunity to be here as a missionary!

                Love your Son, Brother, Missionary

                Elder J. Clinton Rogers

             GO JAZZ!!

               

Dear Family,                                                                                                         May 25, 1998

                I got a great E-mail today from the office!  I really enjoyed the letter from everyone.  Even though Lisha and the crew slammed the bucket run record--- you must have had pretty good plans.  It was disappointing, you killed the record, better start planning now Bood!

                I have lots to report. First I took all my pills this week and as of Wednesday I am worm and parasite free. 

                Second, a neat thing happened this week as I was sitting at an appointment.  There was some people eating behind me but I didn’t think much of it.  As I got up to leave I turned and waved good-bye, to the people.  They offered me a snack before I hit the road, a bowl full of bugs.  Yes sir ree just like in the book from the library.  They were eating big crickets and cockroach looking beetles.  They offered us some and started laughing.  We just sat there and watched for a minute or two.  They crunched them down with a big smile and said they tasted good.  It wasn’t P-day so I didn’t have the camera, otherwise I would have shot a whole roll for Hailey Hammer.

                Third, Sunday I had the great opportunity to baptize two new converts to the church: Sophuanau Rit from my old area, and Koom Taal from my new area.   Both two great young guys!  I memorized the baptismal prayer in Cambodian and the baptismal clothes came out of the suitcase. 

                The baptism took place in the water tank seen on the Internet.  This was really exciting for me as I have never been a part of somebody totally unfamiliar with the church going through the steps and being baptized.  Also to baptize these two young men in another language, Wow!  It is just amazing how much I have been blessed and the great things that I have seen take place.  It was really neat to talk with them about their feelings, and see how excited they were.  I too was very happy and excited , and in my heart I really felt good.  I took some good pictures with them and have copies to give them to remember their baptism.  Also it was a packed house as we had 112 people at church.  Some people, like me, didn’t have seats, and in the next few months the branch will be split. 

                There is lots to be done here.  Teaching is the most important part but there is much more to be done.  All the Elders here are really good and each of them have a talent or role that makes them very needed.

                For example:

                Elder Daniels, Ruden, Madden------language masters

                Elder Walker-----computer specialist

                Elder Heywood and Clayton--------Special musical numbers

  

                I see all of this.  I am studying hard on my language but also systematically mapping the city in my head, and learning about lots of stuff by listening and being observant.  I have the “Angela Rogers” desire for knowledge and things that will help.  Trying to do my best to figure out my role and work here, and my talents and stuff.  I’m learning lots about my self, and learning from the Elders here, and learning from the variety of people and experiences each day.  Dad you can probably relate and had the same types of experiences.  Any tips?

                Thanks for all the treats.  You and the family are really taking care of me. 

                I love you all.  It sounds like May has been pretty busy, trips, grad nite etc.  Over in the industrial park are some storage sheds.  I think in B-ll there is a nice spyder boat. . . . Each day I have the opportunity to pedal over the bridge.  It is a neat view.  The other day the water was real smooth and I remembered “lucinda” and wanted to hit the glass.

                                                Love your Son, Brother, and Missionary,

                                                Elder Rogers

May 11, 1998

Clint’s Mission #17                                                     5/11/98

            Siesanbok!   Soksbaay Tee?

            How is everyone?  Not a whole lot of time to report this week, but I sent some more pictures.  This time I did a little better job showing you the house and the area I work in a bit also a little about how it is here in Phnom Penh.

            Sometimes I really feel confident with my language skills and other times people have a hard time understanding me, and , I them.

            Also it has been hotter than Toby this whole week!

            We have been watching conference.  I have seen Sat. Morn., afternoon, and Priesthood.  We will finish up the rest this week.  We have the video tapes from Salt Lake both in English and translated in Cambodian.  The branches watched the Sunday morning session for Sunday School and Priesthood.  Each house of Elders has been taking turns with the TV and VCR and watching the sessions.  We have been watching the sessions in the evening instead of study.  I have really enjoyed it.  It is neat to watch conference, especially as a missionary.  I was reminded of Pine Valley and the conference tradition at the cabin.  It was weird to feel like we were in Utah watching conference when Phnom Penh was just outside.  I really liked Elder Holland’s talk about teachers, it reminded me of some of the great MTC teachers I had.  Also Pres. Hinkley’s talk in the Priesthood session did too. 

            A hard thing happened this week as we realized that Bunrith was not progressing and we could not continue going through the discussions.  I bore my testimony again about faith and to open your heart.  This is his major concern: He has studied many religions but he picks out the pieces he likes and then builds his own philosophy or “road” for life.  The guy studies like crazy and is really good.  However we had to explain to him our purpose which is to explain the gospel and invite him to make commitments.  We told him we really liked him, liked meeting with him and stuff but that we couldn’t keep meeting him in order for him to pick out the best pieces.  So we ended with prayer, and told him that we would come and see him in a few weeks, and He promised that he would keep studying and praying.  We have planted a seed.

            At one point in our discussion  about the plan of Salvation ( 4^th Discussion) he asked about the other religions and their Gods.  He believes that there are many Gods and each religion has its own God.  After he said this I said: ( Approx. this is how I remember it) Okay, you and I have the same goal.  We want to go to heaven and we are looking at all these different choices of plans and Gods.  I’m scared because I want to choose the right one?  I set it up and personalized as I tried to get him thinking about all these choices.  Then I said this choice and this fear of which one is right was just what Joseph Smith was feeling.  We talked about his decision to pray and the vision.  “Either Joseph Smith is a prophet or we are more confused than everybody else.”  I said.  Then I bore my testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that we do not have to be confused.  Man my heart just burned in me as I said this.  Bunrith has felt the spirit.  He understands our testimony and that we are sharing our beliefs but can’t quit believe yet.  I still have two years to keep dropping in on him. 

            Sophanaarit still going for the 24^th but still hasn’t been able to get him to some to church.  Pressure from friends has scared him a bit about not having friends and stuff.  We are going to work hard with him this week.

            Luu Thom is fired up.  Bought a bike this week so he could go to church.  Baptism is on the 17^th. 

            Well I am out of time.  One message I heard lots in Conference was families.  I want you to know that I sure love my family.  Do good and love each other.  Also enjoy morning scriptures and things.  Keep up the good work.  I can’t wait to chat with you on the phone.  Big world yet small.

            Mom I especially want you to know I love you.  Your such a great example of love and service for others.  Thanks for preparing me so well for this mission since a young age.  I really enjoyed coming home from Dixie College and having some time with you before everyone got home.  I love you Mom !

Thanks for the letters of support and the distribution!

            Love your Son, Brother, Missionary

            Elder J. Clinton Rogers. 

May 4, 1998

Letters from Cambodia #16                                                                                             May 4^th, 1998

Dear Family,

                Well, let me tell you a little about my week.  The highlight was a great mission conference on May 1^st.  Once a month all 20 missionaries go to the President’s house from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 for a good meeting.  We sing, talk about how to better present discussions, the 2 AP’s give a message and the 2 ZL’s give a message.  There are musical numbers, mission policy review, Sister White presents the theme, President White gives a talk, and last but certainly not least a lunch!.

                This conference was really good as the theme was Endure to the End.  However it focused mainly on the attitude we have.  Often endure brings a bad taste to the mouth, but the theme is to have a good attitude and a change of heart while we are about this missionary work. 

                I especially liked President’s talk about how it is important to obey the rules and go through the daily schedule of a mission, but what are you feeling in your heart?  And what are your motivations?

                Obviously the goal is to always be in the service of Heavenly Father and the Cambodian people, and to be working hard out of Christ like love.  It is difficult.  On my goals in my blue planner this week I have my memorization and study goals and then two questions:  What am I thinking?  What is my heart?  I want to be able to ask myself these questions during the day to make sure I’m on track. 

                Also I really liked President White’s 3 signs of a changed heart:

                                                Signs of a Changed Heart

                1)Emotional Honesty-(I was sorry for the way I felt)

                2)Right Conduct---( Respond to Conscience, Listen to the Spirit)

3)      Always see others careingly and compassionately—

                Abandonment of accusing attitudes unselfishness, love, charity

                  How can I help you?

Also at church this week there was 2 baptisms.  Luu Thom was there at church and stayed with

us for the baptism.  It was a 16 year old girl and her little sister that were taught by Elder Daniels and Ruden.  Luu Thom is excited and fun to teach.  He is 39 and has 3 kids.  His wife lives in Philadelphia works and sends a little money for help.  She has already been baptized.  Sophanarit will start the 5^th discussion this week, but has not made it to church.  ( He keeps going out of town. )

                Bunrith is struggling to gain his testimony.  We are halfway through the 4^th but he won’t come to church either until his foot heals. 

                Sophanarit and Bunrith were scheduled for baptism on the 10^th but it will probably be on the 17^th.  I worry about Bunrith the most.  He will study like crazy and wants to ask all the deep questions but has a hard time with faith. 

                We have taught the first and half of the second discussion to another man named Bo.  This week he had several loads of scrap wood dumped in front of his house.  He has been sorting it and trying to get all the good wood under his house before it rains again.  Saturday for l hour Elder Heywood and I took the ties off and helped carry wood.  It was funny because the neighbors ( and the women especially) were laughing and came over to watch.  They said that we were going to get all dirty and that it was too hot. 

Bo and Tee ( a man hired to help) were reluctant to let us help, they didn’t think we were serious and because of the neighbors and women gathered around.  After a few loads they saw that we were serious, and that we were not afraid of sweat and dirt.  We had an appointment cancel and only an hour to give.  Tee sorted and loaded us up, Elder Heywood and I carried loads to Bo who stacked it under his house.

Yes, we did get pretty dirty and sweaty.  I took a picture.  We then ran home changed shirts, brushed off the pants, and made the 4:30p.m. appointment. 

                Elder Hoare and I had the opportunity to go on splits this week again.  It was fun and we are best buds.  We taught two new member discussions to two young men our age.  Also the Mom game in and had some questions about the church, she is a member.  Elder Hoare and I had the exciting yet very important job of resolving the concerns she had about Buddhism and church attendance all in Khmae.  It was a fun language challenge and hopefully, she felt better and her questions were answered.  I think she felt better. 

                Well that is all the time I have left.  We are having family home evening again tonight. ( That is what I named it ) We bake a cake or cobbler in the rice malar while we write letters and then the last hour of the day we have cake and ice cream and spend some time together.  It is really fun and good eats. 

                I love you all.  Especially Mom as it is almost Mother’s Day and you have done so much to get me ready for this mission!

                Love your Son, Brother, and Missionary,

                Elder J. Clinton Rogers