A Look At Our Missionary Life

Both sets of our parents served as Senior Missionary Couples while our families was growing up. Back then there was no internet and we had to wait for what is now called snail mail. They served in the U.S., one in Nevada and another in Alaska, and drove (and ferried) their family car to their field of service. Each faced their own challenges but made it through all eighteen months that they were called to serve.

Fast forward almost forty years and it is still hard to comprehend the missions that they served. With that in mind, tonight we want to share some of the things that we do on our mission.

We live in a ten story apartment building that is fairly new and comfortable. Since we are in Asia we have to get use to their idea of comfortable. For generations the people of Cambodia have slept on woven mats on the floor, so even their mattresses now are extremely hard. That likewise translates into their sofas and chairs and even their benches at Church, no padding at all.

There are five or six grocery stores in Phnom Penh that cater to Westerners, so we can find a lot of different foods that we like. The main problem is that when you see something that you like you have to buy several because there is a good chance it will not be there next time.

Our normal working day is from about 7:30 a.m. until about 5:00 p.m. and most of that time is spent at the Church Service Center office. We are the support staff for the Cambodian employees that need to take the lead. Our goal is to have them so competent that as we go home they will be fine without us. On Sunday we are assigned to attend the full three hour blocks of two wards, which does not include commute time. Saturdays are also full with teaching Institute and various meeting.

It is easy to say that our mission has been extremely busy and very rewarding. We feel like we have, and still are, making a difference. There are challenges, but the rewards are fantastic.

Our collage tonight includes Elder Oveson's and Phanna's visit to a local banking school. Another picture of someone asleep in a position that cannot be comfortable. And riding on the back of a cart keeping ahold of a pane of glass.