Ward Conference, A Confirmation & Random Khmer Pictures

It was Ward Conference in the Steung Mean Chey 3rd Ward today, so attendance was much more than usual. There were 97 in attendance today, which is more than double their normal numbers. They had a special musical number by the YSA and youth of the ward, which they also recruited youth from the 2nd ward as well. There were several newly called leaders. A new Relief Society presidency, a new Young Women president, as well as a new Elder's Quorum president (who until recently had been living by the Thai border). It was good to have him back as he also played the organ for Sacrament Meeting.

Chaktomuk Ward had their attendance up today as well, just not as high. There were between 50 and 60 there today. Lisa, who was baptized yesterday, was confirmed. It was interesting watching them explain that they would be putting their hands on her head, because culturally here you are not to touch the top of anyone's head.

As sacrament meeting was just about finished we could hear a heavy downpour as rains started to fall. Then just as the closing prayer concluded we heard a very loud clap of thunder. We are happy to see more rain which cleans the air and turns the trees and grass a vibrant green.

Sunday has many variables for us as we continue our service in Cambodia. One thing we can count on is seeing unique things in the traffic here. Last night as we went out we were amazed at the balancing capabilities of the moto passenger in front of us (bottom right). This woman seemed to be balancing one load on her right foot and another load in her left arm. At time some of the spelling we see takes a bit to understand what the word should really be, for instance the T-shirt message "ESPANYOL"!  [Thanks to one of our readers we have learned that "ESPANYOL" is the name of a soccer club in Barcelona, Spain. Now the shirt makes more sense.]  Today's traffic on the way to Steung Mean Chey had the family motos with children standing between the adults, but our favorite for the day was the bicycle riding the moto.