OH WHAT A NIGHT...

OH WHAT A NIGHT!

"Oh what a night!" This is the event we (and Public Affairs Council) have been working on for ALMOST a full year. It didn't disappoint! Gratitude for ALL who contributed to its success.  Brigham Young University International Folk Dancers!  What an amazing night!

A Sprinkling of... MOMENTOUS MAY!

A SPRINKLING OF MAY

We’ve come up with a label to describe our MOMENTOUS MAY 

The behind the scenes months of committee activities, meetings, planning, for International Folk Dancers event not included:

Invitations for and host the International Law and Religion Symposium Reunion:  This included creating invitations translated, printed, addressed and delivered to Alumni who have attended this Symposium since 2001. Government officials, dignitaries, educators from 47 countries around the world attend these included delegates from Cambodia. This was the FIRST reunion attempted and conducted for Cambodian participants

Dignitaries included (among others)  the Vice-Governor of Phnom Penh as well as Her Excellency Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s affairs for all of Cambodia,  Excellency Say Amnann, special envoy to Royal Cabinet.

Secure the venue (Sofitel) the room, the menu, the seating chart, write the program.

Host 30 guests including special guests from Hong Kong Asia Area President, Elder & Sister Funk, from our church and Annie Wong (also Hong Kong)

Slide presentation of dignitaries  experience on campus at symposium ( set to music) – as well as a 

PowerPoint honoring the passing of Excellency Min Khin, to Cancer. 

FULL DAY South Stake Zone Conference

12 days to Folk Dancers arrival in Phnom Penh

Prepare VIP Reception for pre-Folk Dancers performance at Koh Pich Theater for Ambassadors, Government, Business officials, Ministry Opinion Leaders prior to the BYU Folk Dancer’s performance. 

2 visits to theater to plan VIP Reception – met with caterers  for menu, met at theater to lay out design for serving (70 people expected) Invitations created, printed, addressed, delivered (no postal system here)

Individual Packets made and addressed and delivered for over 18 Embassies who are in operation here.

Lanyards purchased - insert labels made (translated) for Ushers (70 young missionaries will wear color coded)

Attend (cover – take pictures gather information) for Wheel Chair Assessment and training – Veterans International Cambodia where LDS Charities provides 40-50 wheelchairs each month.

Meet with multiple people to finalize donations from patrons/donors from Corporate, university and business entity  sponsors

Deliver more tickets around town to ticket sites

Joni’s TV appearance - CNC

Arrangements/including email correspondence – phone calls to get Passport numbers, and proper names/pictures submitted to U.S. Embassy prior to program Picked up and accompanied young Missionaries who appeared on the Embassy’s “Facebook Live Chat  - again an interview for the 

Women’s Benefit Event.

East District Conference – (like a Stake Conference)

Folk Dancers Arrive Friday afternoon 5-12-17 First ever visit to Cambodia. Planned visit site of Nokor Tep Cancer Hospital for women – the purpose for their travel and performance to raise money  to help with completion of the FIRST Cancer Hospital in this country to aid the suffering women of Cambodia who, when diagnosed with cancer has no alternatives (unless they have enough money to travel to Singapore or Thailand.  they have NO money).

Country-wide 350 YSA Young Single Adults members come to this Conference between ages 18-30) travel to  capital city for Spiritual/fun/activity filled weekend.  Elder & Sister Evans, Asia Area Presidency  came from Hong Kong and was special speaker.  Friday evening Folk Dancers joined for a dinner and exchanging cultures.  They taught the Khmer young people how to square dance – fun activities and games. Saturday began their workshops, to complete the conference.

Write/rehearse script for Master of Ceremonies evening performance – check sound equipment

Saturday a.m. Arrange, accompany and set up for dancer’s mini concert CENTER COURT of Aeon 

Mall (Largest Mall Phnom Penh)

Go to Theater a.m.  rehearsal , Last minute setting/seating determination for proper Government/Civic/Embassy make labels for seat.

2:00 p.m. Theater meeting with ushers – color coding theater

Ticket tables, Will call signs, cloths, money boxes set up in front of theater

2:30 p.m. meet with Khmer Dancers for their rehearsal

3:00  p.m.  BYU Dancers rehearsal, set lights, cameras, staging, costumes in and arranged

4:00 p.m. Dinner for performers pre-show

6:00 p.m. Greeting dignitaries at VIP Reception – (over 70 attended)

7:00 – 9:00 –“Journey” Showcased dazzling dances from all parts of the world – home 11:00 p.m.

Mother’s Day - South Stake Conference – 9:00 a.m. Elder & Sister David F. Evans Asian Area Seventy Presidency Visit

Sunday p.m. BYU Student’s Fireside – accompany dancers dinner – back to hotel – farewell 10:00 p.m.

Perusing through VIP Reception pictures (placing roper names with correct titles and faces for each dignitary for my report)

Prepared remarks for East Zone Missionary Conference - Lance and I were asked to Speak on HOPE

Attended 3 hour inter-faith gathering of over  3000  as Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Sen (a devout Buddhist)  arrived (and for the FIRST time in the country’s history) formal recognition of Christianity (the followers of Jesus Christ) to have the freedom to teach in this country.  A momentous day in May.

So far this month….

FIRST Granddaughter’s (Aly)WEDDING  - married Provo Temple

Grandson (Sam) receives Mission call – Lubbock, Texas

Same Grandson (Sam) High School Graduation

1 grandson (Jordan) graduates college

5 grandchildren’s birthdays –

3 Sister’s birthdays

1 great granddaughter’s birthday

Evicted –

Moving this weekend...

AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE!

Well, other than that….it’s been a pretty uneventful month…. And it’s not even over yet!

It’s just a hunch but it may take the rest of our mission to dig out of just “how” far we’ve fallen behind   BUT HEY….WHAT A RIDE…

Love you all!  

Elder and Sister Dowd (Grammy & Pop Pop)

Summary Report for April, 2017

Short Summary Report for Month of April 2017

Phnom Penh Cambodia Mission

Elder & Sister Dowd

April 18, 2017

Audience with Her Excellency Phoeurng Sackona Minister of Culture & Fine Arts

Purpose of our meeting was to introduce ourselves and also to make the Minister aware of the cultural event of BYU International Folk Dancers (first ever visit) to Cambodia.  We ask if she would be interested in distributing information to those who might have an interest in attending.  We indicated we wanted to honor their cultural tradition of a “blessing dance” that proceeds every program here. She enthusiastically agreed and instructed her aides to arrange for it. The minister, herself, being out of the country, was unable to attend on the date of the performance but did arrange for the blessing dance.  As it turned out – the ministry later made a decision to perform a traditional folk dance of their own country “Kantae Rae” which was done prior to the “Journey” program held at the beautiful Koh Pich on Diamond Island in Phnom Penh.  It was a nice cultural exchange.

              Introduction and audience with H.E. Phoeurng Sackona (center)

     May 13, 2017    Outcome of  meeting with Minister Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Cultural and Fine Arts - this Cultural Exchange took place as Khmer dancers perform the traditional  “Kantae Rae”Folk Dance prior to the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble’s evening program commenced.

April 21, 2017Appointment and introduction to Rector Manirul Islam, (Muslim)  of Limkokwing University of Technology. (pictured far right) Purpose was to make the acquaintance and encourage an awareness to college students of the cultural experience the BYU International Folk Dancers would bring and also solicit sales of tickets for the purpose of the Charity Nokor-Tep Women’s Cancer Hospital.  It was our first exposure to this administrator, who is Muslim – he was enthusiastic instructing Professors/teachers to encourage students to attend. It was a pleasant (first) exposure for us and this young administrator from Malaysia.

April 24, 2017

Appointment at U.S. Embassy with Brian Koren (Communications ) & Jay Ramon (Public Relations)  in conjunction with their decision to “partner” with us in the BYU International Folk Dancers –providing information, fliers, posters, banners to advertise to the employees of the embassy the upcoming Nokor Tep Charity Benefit.

April 27, 2017

International Law and Religion Reunion

The reunion reception was for the purpose of bringing together opinion leaders who have traveled to attend the symposium held in Provo since 2001. We received both the assignment and the roster from Hong Kong. This being the first gathering of its type in Cambodia it required locating and finding the status of former participants to extend an invitation.  During this process, we found there were two deceased, two who moved to Canada, one in Thailand for medical treatment.  One of the distinct honors of the evening was to have Elder and Sister Randy Funk the Asia Area President in Phnom Penh to be our special guest for the evening.  He addressed the group. All were delighted to have him attend.  It also allowed him personally to become better acquainted with these Cambodian dignitaries.  Annie Wong, Assistant Director PA, Hong Kong, also traveled to attend the event.

          

 To begin the evening Asia Area President Elder Randy Funk extends a warm welcome to  honored guests and alumni attending the first ever reunion for Cambodian dignitaries

To begin the evening Asia Area President Elder Randy Funk extends a warm welcome to  honored guests and alumni attending the first ever reunion for Cambodian dignitaries

The following alumni are those who accepted and attended:

Most recent dignitaries to attend in 2016,  Her Excellency, Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs and Co-Founder Nokor Tep Cancer Hospital.   His Excellency, Vice Governor Phnom Penh Trac Thai Sieng.  Also pictured Elder Funk President Asia Area Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Her Excellency, Nguon Thuonm wife of former Minister Min Khin (recently deceased) of Cults and Religions. She is an advisor to the Royal Government of Cambodia.

Her Excellency Min Chandyneth, daughter of former Senior Minister Min Khin of Cults and Religions. She is currently working as one of the Under-Secretary of State for Ministry of Cults and Religions.

His Excellency Say Amnann, Deputy Director General for Religious Affairs of Ministry of Cults and Religions and also serves as an advisor to the President of National Assembly (Congress).

Mr. Chhath Choeum, Department Chair, for Administration of Ministry of Cults and Religions. Mr. Chhath Choeum was the very FIRST delegate from Cambodia to attend the symposium back in 2001
The venue and food were outstanding the atmosphere/interaction pleasant and comfortable. The seating, by design (or inspiration) placed certain opinion leaders and church members at the same table who, interestingly had a previous relationship, and renewed old acquaintances. The evening culminated in a short program/slide show depicting their campus and symposium participation and experience.  Comments from the most recent 2016 dignitaries, H.E. Ing Kantha Phavi, Trac Thai Sieng, remarks were glowing, complimentary concerning their voluntary, positive impressions of the church, its values, principles, and its members saying they had great respect for our beliefs and teachings. A short PowerPoint was presented in tribute to His Excellency Min Khin, Senior Minister of Cult & Religion, a good friend and liaison to the church, who recently succumbed to cancer. Both his widow and daughter were touched and very pleased. Anni Wong was able to purchase a beautiful memento (pens) from Hong Kong and brought to each one who attended.

The beautiful engraved pens were presented to each Opinion Leader/dignitary making the evening more memorable with the expectation that this event (reception) can be held annually for the benefit of strengthening relationships between the church and the Opinion leaders of Cambodia.

 Annie Wong, Asst. PA Director from Hong Kong brings gift for six alumni

From (l) Mr. Chhath Choeum, H.E. Amnann Say, H.E. Min Chandeyneth, H. E. Nguon Thuonm

                   H. E. Ing Kantha Phavi   and  Vice Governor  H.E. Trac Thai Sieng

Before opening special gift

After opening gift each recipient was visibly pleased and grateful

 Elder Funk  chats with Trac Thai Sieng at dinner

   Elder Funk greets Mr. Chhath Choeum 2001 attendee 

Elder Funk  greets Vice Governor Trac Thai Sieng  

  H.E. Ing Kantha Phavi speaking with Elder Funk

 H. E. Amnann Say meets Elder & Sister Funk

 H.E. Min Chandyneth & H. E. Nguon Thuonm arrive     

                    

Of importance to note:    We received this email the very night of the event following her return home at 10:00 p.m. from Her Excellency Min Chandeneth:

Dear Elder & Sister Dowd

Much appreciated for your showing the memory of my beloved father today. 

I look forward to continuing working and supporting your LDSC in Cambodia. 

Thanks and regards,

Min Chandyneth