Self-Reliance

So much of what happens in Cambodia is different than in the Western world. Taking our morning walk is often a time to point out some of those differences. We have mentioned before that the streets around the park are swept daily, however it is a rare sight to find an entire broom brigade of street sweepers walking through the park. No need for the big street-sweeper trucks in this city.

Fresh fish, anyone? These large fish being sold on the edge of the park were still moving. They couldn't get much fresher than that!

This week the people are preparing for Pchum Ben, or Ancestor's day. The celebration is about as important to these people as Thanksgiving to us, thus we see the vendors with something extra. By the end of the week we expect the city will be very quiet with many having gone to the provinces for the celebrations.

The cargo on the moto is a cage wrapped with a scarf to calm the birds inside. During some of the major holidays (especially Pchum Ben) people buy little birds (probably sparrows) and release them at the Wat. We figure that is where this cage of birds was headed.

The banner is welcoming leaders from Vietnam to Phnom Penh. There are usually barricades around the Independence Monument, but they were all gone today, probably due to this visit.

 As General Conference is broadcast this week we plan to listen for messages on Self-Reliance. There are many indications that this is becoming a key focus for the leaders. We are excited to be on the front lines in this initiative. The Self-Reliance  materials are not just for the developing nations. There is so much available to help no matter where you are.  We highly recommend My Foundation and all the Self-Reliance videos and Manuals. We invite all who read our blog to click on these links to view these inspired materials to help in our individual lives.