Visitors to our 6th Floor Apartment

After our typical Saturday morning routine of Institute class and FaceTime home, and of course getting a few groceries, we returned to our apartment and found that the elevator being serviced. The alternative is to hike the 6 flights of stairs to our apartment. In Cambodia, the ground level is not counted in the number count for floors or a building, so we have a pretty good hike from the garage to our apartment. After our quick evaluations we decided what items we could and could not leave in the car. There was one bag of groceries with sealed boxes of juice and our computer bag that could wait until later. The rest of the food needed refrigeration and couldn't just wait for the elevator.

So we took a gulp, gathered our packages and started the climb. We frequently walk down the stairs, no problem, but up with our loaded bags is another story (or maybe 6). By the time we reached Level 3 we were beginning to get a bit winded, shifted the bags and kept going. By Level 5 our legs were telling us we out of shape and it was a good thing we only had one flight left to go. We Made It! And because of how hot it has been in Phnom Penh the past few days, our apartment was not as cool and welcoming as we might have hoped. Fortunately after a few minutes rest, and we got things cooled down, we were just fine. Then, of course, after lunch Elder Oveson had to make another hike down to the car for the computer and, you guessed it, the elevator was still out of service.  Fortunately the elevator was fixed before our company came this evening.

This evening we had Phanna and his family come over for dinner and a very nice visit. We have met his cute family but it was wonderful to get to know them better. This was the first time that we have had them over to our apartment for dinner.  Phanna and Sokhom lived in Hawaii for a few years while they attended BYU Hawaii, so that is where Amy and Ammon were born.  They returned to Cambodia in September for Phanna to work as the Self Reliance Manager. Amy especially has had a hard time adjusting to the different foods, so for dinner we made American food: Crummy Chicken, Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli. Amy is two and called us Grama and Grandpa, and made herself right at home. Ammon is 16 months old, and was shy for a few minutes, but quickly warmed up to us. Amy said the blessing all by herself. What a smart little cutie! We guess we just claimed two more grandchildren!