Madeline in Cambodia: Keeping on with my Khmer Kin in Kampong Cham

SO... I am staying in KC but Sister Jennings is ចោល'ing and heading to Siem Reap!! AND I am training a new Khmer Sister! Super pumped. Ah! So that’s the big news... also this week was amazing!

So last p day we explored this mountain and a bunch of monkeys followed us and it was amazing and terrifying. Everyone was like "this is so fun" and I was keeping my distance except for when there’s a chance to share a pamphlet haha AND then we went to visit Ming Sok and Tela. They live way far away so it’s quite a trek to their house but Sister Chhel's sister told us, "Sister there is someone else that wants to learn," so she led us to their house. Her name is Ming Ta and her daughter, Kuntia. Super pumped for them to learn!!

Also we found another solid new investigator this week. We did a "park party" by the river about English class. So then Wednesday we had English class and I sat by this girl. So after the spiritual thought I was talking to her and asked her if she wanted to learn and she was like "yeah!!" so we taught her and she is amazing. Her name is Eng Lay. She is 17. She came to the baptism we had on Saturday. So sabbay. She also told us, "Sister when I pray I feel so happy and I feel close to God." She is so cute.

SO...we had some great baptisms this week! And lots of hands of God. This baptism was the smoothest baptism ever. I was worried because we have 6 people. A little stressful. BUT all was well. Sister Jennings and I doped (gave them a ride on our bike) the kids (Sokcia, Soka, Camraun) to the baptism. Their mom, Bong Kom, left from work and made it to the church just in time for the baptism. Ming Sok and Tela were doped by Sister Leng and Bong Line came on time. We magically had enough baptismal clothes and all the people doing the baptisms were ready to go. It was amazing. And it made for a very sweet baptism. I love these people so much. I've seen them change, bit by bit, and I know they will continue to repent. I am so thankful for the blessings of baptism. I'm so thankful that I was baptized and that every week I can renew those sacred covenants I made with my Father and can continue to covenant with Him. The Sacrament has become something very sacred and tender to me.

Also I was reading the Book of Mormon this morning. I had prayed to Heavenly Father and asked Him what I should do these next transfers to finish strong. And I read 2 Nephi 5.This chapter is about the people of Nephi, after they left the Lamanites. They were industrious and hard working. They worked about righteousness and did many good things of their own free will. Verse 27 says: "And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness." It's so cool to realize that when we are about the work of the Lord. When we are anxiously engaged, we do not worry. We are filled with happiness. I am excited to work and to love God. To give Him these next 12 weeks. To be a deliberate disciple.

Well I wish you all a happy week!! Thank you! Be safe and have fun! Remember God and pray to Him. He will listen.

Love always,
ស៊ីស្ទើរ ម៉ូរធែល

Glossary of Terms:

sabbay means happy.

ចោល means like "throw away" but you can use it if you say they are leaving you.

Dope means to bike or ride a motto with someone on the back seat, the metal seat thing on the back of bikes. No drugs involved, don’t worry. Sorry I forget about English and Khmer and it just makes sense to say Khmer instead.

Sister Jennings is way cute and she is one of my very best friends.

because it was p day and CAMBODIA

Heading to the baptism: Soka and Sister Jennings

Bong Line. Her story: she has a way hard life. Her husband did not like her learning. Her husband would hit her a lot. Then her husband had a dream that God and Jesus Christ came and started hitting him. So he woke up and told Bong Line and she responded, "It doesn't feel good does it?" And then he let her learn and doesn't beat her anymore. She is inspiring.