Thanksgiving in Cambodia

There are so many holidays on the calendar in Cambodia, but no Thanksgiving.  Our day started with a walk just after the overnight rain had stopped.  Back home we would have been making preparations for family gathering for a feast and family visit. But in Cambodia, this was just another day.

Today we did something we have never done on Thanksgiving before; take the car to the dealership for an oil change.  We commented on the lack of color in the lineup of cars being serviced. There are far more white cars in Cambodia than any other color, but it was still surprising to see 80% of the cars in the service bay were white.

Today was also a regular day for the young missionaries. They went about their normal schedule teaching and serving. However, there was a special Family Home Evening for this evening with senior couples each hosting a zone. We were assigned the Phnom Penh South Zone. In working with the zone leaders each district was assigned a part. Our assignment was the refreshments and a brief lesson. We found a deal for Pumpkin Pies at a little bakery and restaurant, Jars of Clay, where we also ate a wonderful lunch.

The zone gathered for Family Home Evening at about 4:00, and we really got started about 4:20.  There were 4 short Thanksgiving video messages mixed in with games such as water balloon fight (for which the group went out to the parking lot), a thankful web, charades, human battleship with a large exercise ball, and finally the spiritual lesson about giving thanks by "Thanks Living" every day. Pumpkin pies and fresh fruit were a great hit at the end. It was so good to hear them tell of things they were so grateful for.

At the end of the day we realize there are so many things we are grateful for, such as friends, family, and serving in Cambodia. We are especially thankful for our Savior and a loving Heavenly Father.