Garrett's First Week in Cambodia!

Well....where to start?  Cambodia is pretty crazy.  The traffic here is crazy.  There are buses, cars, bikes, and motos sharing the road at the same time – with no apparent traffic rules or laws that I can see.  It is a little nerve racking when you have motos whizzing past you on every side and cars driving right by you.  It is fun to ride a bike in this city....pretty crazy too!  The other day I was sandwiched between a moto and a car.  Not sandwiched like being hit, but they got really close and kind of bumped me.  We were not going fast though, so it was no problem.  I know the Lord will protect me though, so I am not really worried – as long as I pray and am smart when I drive.

Garrett and some of his friends on their way to gym in the MTC.

So, my first companion is Elder Sok.  Elder Sok is a native Cambodian and is from a different area of Phnom Penh.  He speaks VERY good English. There is not much of a language barrier between us.  He is very nice and is a very hard worker.  I am very excited to work with him and learn the language, teaching skills, contacting skills, etc from him. 

We were assigned to Branch 2.  It is in Phnom Penh on the North Eastern side of Phnom Penh.  We are not really in the heart of the city – more on the outskirts.  The branch is actually one of the strongest.  It has about 500 baptized members if I remember correctly, which is awesome.  But we only have 89 people at church on Sunday.  It is okay. We will help them out.  The members seem very nice.  We have taught several lessons with members. It has been really helpful to see their support. 

I know this church is true and that it can help everyone.  I see people who need financial help, physical help, happiness, peace, etc.  I know the gospel can give it to them if they read, pray, and go to church.  I hope/pray every day that our investigators will follow through on their commitments because that is the only way that they will progress.  I know the Lord will help them just like he helps me as a missionary.  He gives me strength.  Even though the language is hard I know I have progressed so much with his help. I want everyone to feel the same happiness and joy that I do every day.  I have tried to tell our investigators and members that we have talked to that very thing. 

                               While still in the MTC, Garrett posed with a picture Emma has sent him.

As expected, the language is hard.  I can teach parts of the lesson, and I can help solidify what Elder Sok has taught, which is good.  I really wish I could speak better – especially regular talk.  I can understand a good amount of what Elder Sok is saying when he is teaching and what other members say when they are speaking about the gospel.  But when it comes to just talking to people, it is VERY difficult.  It is especially a bummer when it comes to contacting.  I don't really know what to say, and I cannot really understand what they are saying when I do throw out a question.  That is the most discouraging part – trying to understand people.  Everybody speaks a little bit different, and it is hard to understand people.  So yeah, the language is hard.  But I am studying and trying to understand what is happening. 

Funny story.  I asked Elder Sok yesterday if his food was crucified.  I was trying to say tasty.  Crucified is chkaang and tasty is chnaang.

Garrett's missionary tag in front of the temple in Provo, UT. (Garrett was really proud of the artistic nature of this photo!)

I really am enjoying myself here.  Even though it is hard, it is pretty exciting to go out each day and see where we will go and who we will teach, etc.  I have also already given four priesthood (the power and authority of God) blessings: one to a baby, one to another Elder, one to a grandmother of an investigator, and one to my companion.  I just do the anointing and I say it in English, but it is still really awesome.  I am excited to be here.