Visiting The Kaits (Kites) - Kampong Thom

The Kaits (pronounced "Kites") are the Provinces, kind of like Counties in the states. Cambodia's area is about the same size as the state of Oklahoma. As part of our mission assignment, we had the opportunity to travel, along with Phanna and Sameth, to Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham for Self Reliance and PEF meetings. This our first time venturing out of Phnom Penh with Elder Oveson as the driver. At least we had two navigators who know the area.

Phanna explained that "Kampong" means a higher place, and these are the highest elevation areas of Cambodia. "Thom" means big. As we drove through the country on our way the area is definite big, and the road had some slight climb. As we traveled the rains began to fall, washing the foliage clean and bringing out the brilliant green colors around us. My little camera really does not do justice to the beauty of the scene before us.

The drive to Kampong Thom took us about four hours, so we were ready for a break, but didn't get very long to stretch before we went to find a restaurant Sameth knew of that serves Western food. After a couple of wrong roads we found the Sambor Village, and again the scenery was wonderful. This place was along a river, with green forested paths. The food was good enough that after our Self Reliance and PEF meetings at the Kampong Thom Branch, we made another visit there for dinner. Sameth talked us into trying the ice cream for dessert, and we were not disappointed.

Kampong Thom has a beautiful chapel. There were 10 participants who came for the class, and several of them were new so instead of holding "Starting and Growing My Business," Phanna facilitated "My Path."  Sameth also held a PEF fireside, giving information to the members about PEF loans.