February 7, 2004
New Cambodian District Center

Cambodia has a new landmark--the District Center of the Church. It is very impressive. It is beautifully lit at night as well. The open house was a great success. One of the princes of Cambodia came and representatives for all the ministries of the government but one were also there. We had coverage from the press and TV as well. Susan and I were in charge of a display about Family Home Evenings. We did it in Cambodian style. The family sat on traditional rice mat with the resources around them. It worked very well. Several of the Khmae families that helped actually did a FHE for two hours. Songs, prayers, lessons, games and refreshment. It was just wonderful to watch. Our driver who is a member of the North District Presidency provided a brief narration and offered handouts. It went very well. We did not have as many people as we had expected but the dedication of the building had been the Sunday before so most of the active members had been in the building. The districts took turns hosting the tours and did a great job. The diagonal ceremonial scarf with a pin worn by the women is used just for important events like this.

We are into the audit season again and we sent to Kampong Cham Feb 7-8 for a young women meeting and to do audit of the two branches there. These activities went very well. Got a great shot of the Sunrise over the Mekong River from our hotel room Sunday morning.
The room cost $10.00 and had AC and 12 in TV and hot water. The halls of the hotel (all three floors) were empty and big enough to play a volleyball game--very Spartan. We stopped and saw a bamboo bridge on the river. They build it each year when the river goes down. During the rainy season the area is under water. The bridge flooring is made of woven bamboo as well.
The bridge will support moto and car traffic but not Vans. Very interesting construction. We attended meetings in both branches and had dinner with the Holmes, another senior couple between meetings before heading home. Our Driver, a member of the North District Presidency, spoke in both meeting and did a fine job.

On the road to and from Kampong Cham we saw many interesting sights as well including many brick factories. They also had covered rest areas for people to stop, rent a hammock, and buy a drink. Did not get a picture of this but maybe next time. Many vegetable farms with farmers hand watering. Most of the houses were on stilts/pillars. They do this for air circulation. The big problem on the paved road was cattle wandering across the road. I know why people do not want to drive this road at night.

A few local happenings--someone stole the steel drainage grate across our drive the other day. We have a problem with black water - sewer water, backing up on the street in front of the house. Should get that fixed in a few days they say. Weather is nice. We have actually opened the window at night and let the fans keep us comfortable. Our electric bill was the lowest it has been since we got here last month. I guess we have two seasons here - wet and dry. Boy do we have dust! Still working on the language. Susan can now read slowly but does not always know what she is readying. We have the same problem with the English students. They can read but do not comprehend well. Learning a language requires that you read the word in context to get the meaning of the phrase. We, like our English students, try to translate each word independently and it just does not always work that way.

Had a fire in the city. Rumor has it that it was another fire started by a moto (motor bike) explosion or the government to get rid of people who are very poor. We have heard various reports but the conservative estimate is that 200 families huts/shelters were burnt this time. The population in this area was mostly Vietnamese. (Not sure if we had member families involved yet.) The Church has authorized some food support. The full-time Elders went in on Monday to help clean up. Even people who saved their things on the street were robbed by others. It is hard to believe, but life will go on. The area that we refer to as Goose Pit began from a group of people that the government burnt out about two years ago and relocated to an area out of the city. It is so sad but we have wonderful members there that have survived the disaster and the Church has really made a difference in their lives. Goose Pit is a story all its own. God loves His children. It is amazing to see the simple miracles that occur here everyday. It is wonderful to be on the Lord's errand.

Gordon and Susan Taylor