Dramatic Relief Effort - See Mormon Newsroom...

Hi Kids,

          When you get a moment you might like to go toe www.mormonnewsroom.org (Salt Lake headquarters)  If you scroll down on the right column under the title “Mormons Around the World Country Newsroom Websites July 1, 2017”   The picture is of a Khmer man with 2 sacks of rice on his shoulders and a BIG smile.  Dad took that picture.  If you click on the article and scroll down through the aid given to other countries you’ll see where Cambodia is inserted.  They printed some of the article I wrote along with dad’s other picture (with the little girl sitting between her grandpa and dad) waiting to take their food home….

– it was a pretty amazing sight to be on the scene and part of such a dramatic relief effort - Just thought you might like to look.

Lovin’ these humble people, lovin’ our mission, lovin’our life…

Love to all

Grammy

Quick Update from Mom! Pioneers...

Hi Honey,

                SORRY this is arriving SO late.  Senior Missionary conference on Thursday night, Friday and Saturday till noon – then went to our Ta Khmau Branch where they were both branches combined to have a Pioneer Celebration….I’m still so deeply touched by what we experienced there.  We got home late and I thought I’ll bet you’ve already got your remarks ready….so PLEASE FORGIVE ME.  I’m going to write a bit and hope you can forgive me….and that  you can salvage something from it (you always bring your thoughts together MUCH better than your mom)  It’s like Grandma Fitch used to say….”Joni, IF its NOT an improvement over the OLD STOCK you haven’t done very well.” Fortunately, YOU, my dear, are quantum leaps ahead of the “OLD stock”  with emphasis on “OLD”.  Here it is 10:00 p.m.  I hope you will look at your emails again before you go to sleep

                We are thinking of home this week and the blessings of our rich pioneer heritage, their courage, sacrifice and faith as they forged their way through the frontier on their westward trek in the early years of the Restoration. 

However; dad and I’s  experience yesterday attending our small branches in Ta Khmau  (pronounced Dak Mou) (where we attend each Sunday) and being  witness to their Pioneer Celebration brought a whole new meaning to the spirit and faith of pioneers.  We were touched deeply realizing, these Asian Saints,  in actuality ARE the true pioneers of this age…in this part of the world.  In a time and place that for centuries has embraced Buddhism. Where EVEN  THE NAME of Jesus Christ, HIS teachings  and the Restoration of HIS Gospel are as NEW and strange to these Khmer people as was Joseph Smith’s announcement to the people in the Americas…in the 1830’s….unheard of.  AND YET…

In these communities, neighborhoods, and  a country, which remains 99% Buddhist, we were reminded of prophecy fulfilled – that the church will spread throughout the world – that “every nation, kindred, tongue and people, will hear the gospel   With the church in its infancy here – we could not have expected their simple but profound celebration could evoke such powerful feelings.  They revere the stories of the Pioneers and find both strength and joy in them. They had written a script and used EVERY member in both branches to bring it together…with recorded music, actors, costumes.  It was truly touching. As we’ve told you they really have no worldly assets – when we drive into the church parking lot each week….we are the ONLY car there .  Members either have to walk, ride bicycles, motos or Tuk Tuk’s.  The costumes were  so authentic because they didn’t have to find tattered clothing as part of the pioneer dress – they’re clothes are already so worn.  But they even ripped material and tied around their heads to become the mob that stormed the jail to kill Joseph.  They had a square of wood that two young guys held up to represent the door the mob broke (and shot through.)  Now,  a Khmer mob running and shooting (cap guns) and a Khmer Joseph (with a longer coat) to portray pictures they have seen) that was a sight – after Joseph’s martyrdom, their sadness….and then the gathering to portray leaving for Zion with the same music we us but the voices raised  in Khmer.  The women and children huddled as they say “Come Come Ye Saints” They even taught the Young Men and Women a square dance (with authentic) music – it was terrific until the Branch President asked for Lok Yai and Lok Dah….to join in the dancing – I will tell you that got the BIGGEST LAUGH of the day.  Of course, we were  out of breath and out of shape – but were delighted to be part of their laughter and entertainment (there just are not many OLD people here).

                Almost 80% of the congregation are members only a few months, a year some perhaps 5 years. Most don’t even earn $150 per month and yet we see them taking the tithing envelopes as they faithfully, cheerfully tuck in the reel (the name of their currency) …that sometimes represents their food for the next day.  The two young Branch Presidents just returned last week receiving their endowments, being sealed to their wives and young children – in the Hong Kong Temple -their VERY FIRST time – to ride an airplane, to leave the country after (for many) saving for years for the opportunity.

As we returned home got to bed after watching and listening to them  brought new MEANING to FAITH in EVERY Footstep.  MOST of them are members only a year or less….and yet there they were doing their very best to portray the events accompanying the restoration of the gospel.  Their hardships are many, their smiles bright, their faith strong…as I drifted off to sleep the words ….BLESSED, HONORED, PIONEER drifted through my mind….This was a day that we will always remember.  Have come to love, and respect each of these members so very much. 

WOW! This is SO convoluted …..Hope you can make something out of it that would be inspirational…..

Change add or delete…

SORRY…you won’t believe it but when we got home from the baptism and 3 hours of church (new investigator) The Curtis came by and decided to have dinner with us WHAT????

LOVE LOVE, LOVE

MOM

Our Morning Moments in Phnom Penh!

  OUR MORNING MOMENTS IN PHNOM PENH

All Missionaries are encouraged to take time to exercise EVERY day. Something about us being healthier??  WHO KNEW the sights, sounds AND smells Elder Dowd and I would experience EARLY in the morning on the streets of Phnom Penh.  But you’ll get a feeling of a city that wakes and bustles early each day. We walk about 3 ½ miles …..We’re WAY too OLD for this….. YES 80 degrees (at least) and humid and YES this is what my hair looks like at 6:00 a.m. or noon – OR night…. what am I gonna do???   

“Oh The Places You’ll Go”   …….Dr. Seuss

                                                                             

                    

We walk along a 500+-yard Colonnade with these Monument built to honor China

Amazing sights……                                                        

Monuments built to honor China...

       

Who’s the guy on the back Row in the shocking (fluorescent) green shorts and BYU shirt?  YES he crashed the class at 6:00 a.m. w/out an invitation

       

  Wrong foot AND wrong arm….…Just needs a little MORE rehearsal😊

Monks receive their food by donation after they            “Wat’s” are where the Monks live….         Pray for the people they visit                                                                       Get  it? 

                                                             

                    

 “Wat’s” are where the Monks live….

      

They are REALLY good – accompanied by jam box music…. they are in motion EVERY morning - so fun to watch them – it’s an art – IF we had a fan I know Elder Dowd would have joined them too!

                                        “FRUIT ON THE GO”

           

                               FADING AT THE 3 MILE MARK

       

OPEN AIR BEAUTY SALON

                                                      Elder Dowd  AT THE PALACE GATES

                         

                       Sister Dowd to Palace Guards…” Just doing our morning exercise officer”

                                 

                           A mixture of the “old” and the “new” beautifully manicured Wat

                       

NO HELMET – NO SEAT BELT SWEET, darling (maybe 3yr old) dad left parked on side of  busy street

                              

So disheartening to see how the families live while fathers/husband (construction workers) work to build a structure right next to it.  They are under these tarps in heat, rain, wind.  No provisions such as furniture,

electricity, showers, just huddled.   Yes,  that is the trash around their “tarp homes” it’s their neighborhood   

camp….we see  little ones running around in the open areas.

           

           Contrast that picture to the opulence affluence  below – ONE of the Gambling Halls here

                                             I took the picture through the window😊 of course.

               

LAST BUT NOT LEAST……….There are hoses hooked to ALL toilets – they are NOT for   cleaning one’s foot.  “I mean you just can’t make this stuff up.”

                                            

Nekor Hospital Update

Hi kids,

                Thought I would forward this newsletter that Janne  Ritskes (founder of Tabitha) and the Nokor Tep Hospital project that we just finished the benefit performance for.  If you have a moment to read – it is both heartwarming and heart wrenching.  Every day we spend here we understand more fully the blessings of mortality that we have all been given – just being born in America.  Might be a good reminder of gratitude for the grandkids  - and of their wonderful blessings.

                We love you and we pray daily for you individually and collectively.  Time is really “blistering by” – literally, it was 117 degrees Saturday (heat index)  -   and we thought Texas was HOT.  The months of Monsoons have begun showers daily and when I say showers….the driving rain comes from every direction.  Unbelievably, we are coming up on a FULL year of our SENIOR SEASON OF SERVICE (July 4^th).  Thinking this morning – another month and grammy will be spending her second birthday here in Cambodia.

                Thanks for your prayers and encouragement – means so much you just can’t imagine.  We are having another Popasketti Sunday with 10 missionaries – Always a hit with the young Elders and Sisters and a treat for us too.  We cook it here and take out to the Branch we meet with each week Ta Khmau (pronounced Dak Mow) There are 4 sets of missionaries  - 2 sets  Elders – 2 sets Sisters.  They are some kind of terrific.

                I’m attaching a couple of stories (with pictures)– NOT sure IF you already read them  -  but added some more pictures for your reading enjoyment.  The kids may enjoy reading and looking at pictures. There is a picture of the fattest little baby (guessing 6-7 months) [attached] who was at the food distribution (about 4 hours drive from Phnom Penh)– He had NO CLOTHES – which is sometimes rather common in the outlying provinces (kites)….anyway when PopPop was taking his picture – YUP he peed (is that a word) all over him…Oops!  BE SURE TO SCROLL to the end to see all the pictures.

                Sending our wishes for a HAPPY, FUN SUMMER for all of you.  Hope you’re missing us just a little bit!  Thanks for the letters, messenger messages, phone calls and especially posting pictures and news of the you and the kids - on all the amazing technology outlets.  When we see your names come to INBOX, messenger, or get a chance to hear your voices – well, it’s like an oasis for your Lok Yai and Lok Tay.  Translated  (grandmother – grandfather).

SO PROUD OF ALL OF YOU!

Mom/Grammy/Lok Yai

(Sister D) as everyone calls me here!

Hospital Update:

June 2017 Dear friends and partners, It has been awhile since I have written. It is unbelievable how fast life seems to be passing by especially since we anticipate the completion of the hospital structure by December of this year. This opens up the pathways for our new steps of outfitting the hospital with equipment; finding partners who will enable us to train and equip Cambodia medical staff reach to new heights; of talking with other partners about supplying pharmaceuticals; of deciding what colors we should use to welcome our women. We have so many visitors come and hear and see – one woman asked me last week, why Janne, why. Why all this work and worry and heartache and hope. For me it is all so simple – my Cambodian sisters are hurting – hurting so badly that it is painful to meet with them – empty handed and bereft. In one village of 260 families we have 15 women in various end stages of losing their lives to diseases for which I am helpless to change yet I myself have so many options. Sokleang is a very sad story of losing her  battle – a picture hard to see yet she is the one living with this ravaging disease – I listen to Sarouen as she talks of her horrific pain involved with uterine cancer – 15 women in one village – 15 women I walk away from – 15 women who believe that somehow, someway they must be inherently bad for this to happen to them. It does not matter what village we go to, the story is the same – I can do no else than build Nokor Tep and fill it with compassion and mercy for those who have none.     So many of you are helping to make this happen. I can only name a few but they are surrounded by others who help them – a chain of humanity from around the world reaching out to Sokleang and so many like her. Equipment lists are being formed with the help of Philips HealthCare and being filled by many people – people like International Hope and Angkor Gold, from Canada, Cathy, Moira and others from Australia, Dave, Mary and Erika from the USA just to name a few. A number of astounding medical professionals such as Anita from Australia, and Archibald from the USA – each representing so many others – professionals skilled in women’s health issues – professionals who are willing to give of themselves to bring succor and hope to so many women here.       Pharmaceuticals are being donated and collected by people such as Wilma and Chris in Canada, Dave, Mary and Erika in the USA, Jeff and Eleanor in the UK – unbelievable efforts and gifts of time and energy just so that women like Sokleang may have comfort and hope.. How do I name all of you who have raised so many funds for us – money needed to build and equip this center of light and hope. People like Sam, Bruce and Micheal and so many more for the Ride For Nokor Tep – a thousand painful miles of bike riding through Cambodia for women like Sokleang. People like  Casey, Ed, Frank and Stien, and so many others around the world painting their nails so that women here may have a chance – how do I tell of people like Margret and Russell, Clydette and Charles, Leo and Veronica who in their great mercy gave so much and made it possible to achieve so much more. How do I say thank you to my fellow Cambodians – my Tabitha staff like Joyce, Heng and Srie who are tireless in their efforts to make this happen; People like Para and Sophon for their endless hours of support; or people Like Mealy and Siphana for giving all of us the opportunity to share the news with so many Cambodians who had not yet heard. How do I thank the poorest of the poor who with their pennies who have donated more than $400,000.00 USD over the past 4 years.  How do I say thank you to another Sokleang who got up from her deathbed three years ago to go from one house to another in her impoverished village collecting a few pennies from each home – telling each donor that she herself would not live long enough to benefit from Nokor Tep but she believed that her daughters would benefit. No, Nokor Tep is not a burden for me – it is journey – a journey of touching the lives of so very many - - many who are ill and waiting. How do I tell others of my co-founders Phavi and Sieng – of our amazing journey of hope and desire – of our own changes in recognition of the grace each of you have brought to our lives. How do I explain each of you to others – your faithfulness, your faith in us – but – most importantly your compassion for our sisters here in Cambodia. I am listening to a special song as I write – it’s a song from Hillsong called Broken Vessels – the line that touches me most is the line Amazing Grace – that is what we are all about – what you are all about – I praise my God for that gift – it cannot get any better! Janne PS: we are in process of redoing our web site – it will tell of our needs and our progress as all of us together move ever closer to the reality of a center of light for our women. Keep watching – it should be up within a few weeks.