Madeline in Cambodia: Happy Humbling Hard-working Week in Kampong Cham

Hello Everyone!

So this week was actually a little interesting. Saturday I went on an exchange with Sister Davidson. She is in the Vietnamese program here so she doesn't speak Khmer but tries and finds Vietnamese people that want to learn about the gospel. So we were biking back from Ming Sok and Theila's house (Sister Chhel's aunt and niece) and we were just biking along all happy and សប្បាយ . The road we were biking is way huge. It goes from Phnom Penh to KC so we were staying off to the side of the road. I biked through a puddle and there must have been some sort of rock so my bike jerked and I skidded down the street. BUT all is well. There’s just a deep hole with some chunk of my knee skin not there. It doesn't really hurt and Sister Davidson magically happens to be a CNA so that was great and a blessing. So we tuk tuked back and got myself cleaned up. It’s really not that big of a deal. I’m just super bummed that all of my bike accidents are super lame and all come from myself.

But besides that a pretty normal week. We had zone conference and I'm even more convinced that my parents would be best friend with President and Sister Christensen. At zone conference we talked about ordinances and covenants. It was very eye opening. It is through ordinances, like baptism and the Sacrament, that we receive the power of Christ's Atonement. As we prepare to take the Sacrament each week with a broken heart and a contrite spirit we can receive continual cleansing and renewal from Jesus Christ's Atonement. So this Sunday I tried to really focus and ponder during the Sacrament. If we are willing to change, Christ is ready to help us. He's all on board for us to come home to Him. The Sacrament doesn't have to be a life changing spiritual experience every week but those few minutes can be sacred moments with our Father in Heaven. I am thankful the ordinance of the Sacrament, the Priesthood and God's perfect commandments to help us fulfill His purpose.

I am still loving Cambodia. I love the people. The miracle about this life is feeling God's love. I really love this gospel. I also cannot believe I have only about 3 months left. That’s pretty scary and weird. I love my mission. I can't imagine being me without having these months, sacred months wearing His name along with mine. I know He is with us, if we diligently seek Him.

Some tidbits:

1. There is this legendary member here in KC, Om Chanton. I lover her so much. She says about 4 sentences:

1. "'sup Homie"
2. "Au Revoir"
3. ដើលេង រហូត ("hang out all the time," it’s funny if you know Khmer and Om Chanton)
4. ស្គាល់ Sistee Eldee ទាំងអស់ (I know all the Elders and Sisters)

2. Sister Davidson is the cutest person I've ever met.

3. Branch 2's Relief Society was convinced I dyed my hair or wasn't American haha

4. After my bike accident and my little knee hole, Sister Chin tells me, "Now you have 3 dimples Sistee!"

5. Sister Christensen snuck a can of Dr. Pepper in my backpack #blessed

6. I saw one of the most beautiful sunrises this week #Cambodia

Well have a great week! Be safe and have fun! Remember God!

Love always,

Sister Mortell