We had the privilege of meeting a couple of families Phil taught on his mission here in Cambodia. They are the sweetest people and very hospitable. It was fun to see how excited they were to see Phil again, interact in their native language, and to hear their stories.

Phil was great to translate for the rest of us so we could be included in understanding their conversations. One of the ladies mentioned to Phil that she still had the image of the Salt Lake City Temple he gave her before he left. Tough none of them are still active members of the church anymore. He’s hopeful that the opening of their own Cambodian Temple later this year will help spark some interest again. He knows how important family is to them and what better way to help their ancestors than to do their family ordinances through the Temple.

The Cambodian Temple, currently still under construction.

His friends were great hosts, serving us various fruits as we engaged in conversation, then surprised us with dinner as they ordered in Cambodian style pizzas. They were shrimp and crab on one and crab with a hot dog stuffed crust on the other. We’ve never had a seafood pizza before, and I worried how my kids would respond. They didn’t say anything but quietly picked off most of the toppings until it was only cheese left and ate that. We also didn’t realize it was one of their birthdays either as they brought out an ice cream cake. We’re grateful there weren’t any unusual flavor surprises there. By the time we were getting ready to leave, our kids had all connected well and were enjoying each other’s company. Most kids here learn English in school, making it easier for our kids to get to know each other better.

Another family Phil was able to reunite with also served us dinner. The kids joined Phil for this one as I stayed home with a stomach bug. I was sad to miss out on meeting another family and to experience an authentic Cambodian family dish. Most of what they served I’ve never heard of before and I’m glad to hear that my kids tried most everything that was served and enjoyed it. I’m proud of them for being more open to trying new foods. including Hallie. Not all foods we try are to their liking, but at least they’re trying them.

The kids also really enjoyed that this family had several baby chickens they got to hold and play with. And I got to hear all about it when they came back home!

It was a week for dinner invites because we were also invited to have dinner at the branch counselors house with him and his wife. They have been living in Cambodia for five years and expect to be here for another two for his work. They are originally from Tennessee and their kids are all grown up and moved out. They fed us street tacos from a local restaurant, as we enjoyed a great view and conversation on their apartment balcony, overlooking the city. They were a great resource of information of what to look for, what to see, and the best places to shop. Because he’s in the branch presidency, it didn’t take them long to give us the assignment to speak. So now Phil, myself, Gavin, and Claire will be giving talks in church this coming Sunday. It will be Claire’s first time as she just entered YW’s at the beginning of the year.

We are currently attending an English-speaking branch as we thought it would be easier for our family to participate and understand, and Phil wouldn’t have to try to translate for us with what little he remembers. We are very small in numbers as Hallie helped double their Primary and Gavin doubled the YM, and there is a total of four YW, three new and one older. While the branch is excited to have us for the numbers, we do miss the aspect of connecting and serving with those of the area. We’re currently looking for ways we can still participate in any service opportunity nearby.

Here’s Claire and Hallie in their new dresses they selected while we were in Dubai.