Missionaries, Members and Making Memories

Sundays following transfers are exciting. It is kind of like anticipating opening a gift to find what treasures are inside. This transfer brought us some pleasant surprises. At Steung Mean Chey the elders "white washed", which means a complete change in those assigned to the area. Our new elders are Elder Scheifer from Mesa Arizona who has been out just a year, and Elder Lackey from Texas who arrived three days ago from the MTC. What added to our surprise was the change for sisters. We keep Sister Winder, and welcome back Sister Clark who served in this same area several months ago. We are excited to work with this amazing group of missionaries.

Our afternoon at the Chaktomuk Ward had some changes as well. Elder Lauritzen has completed his mission and he brought his family to the ward. His release also meant a new Assistant was called as Elder Palmer's companion. We guessed correctly that Elder Denkers would fill that role. His first area was in Steung Mean Chey about 16 months ago. His smile and willing attitude have served him well and will take him far throughout his life. The sisters did not change, so happy to keep Sister Schwab and Sister Ormax.

This evening Sisters Schwab and Ormax invited us to participate in Family Home Evening with a family who are recent converts. Lisa started learning about the church first, then invited her sister who was going through some struggles. Their mother was baptized last week and confirmed today. The three of them were so excited to have us come to their home. They said the Church has made a big difference for all of them. It has been a blessing to know this little family.

As we sat on the floor of this humble home sharing a Family Home Evening message we realize there are reasons they have the young missionaries do so much. Our old bones would not allow us to do this very often, nevertheless we are thankful for the sweet memories.

Our photos include a bakery cart strapped on a moto, construction workers putting up a huge billboard close to our apartment, the Steung Mean Chey missionaries, and Family Home Evening.