Week 62: The Circle of Life

I forgot to mention a couple of weeks ago that I ate dog for the first time. It was pretty mid. I didn't like it very much. I think the lady who made it didn't really marinate it or anything. Would not pay for it again. I think it's just the initial thought of eating dog that made me a little queasy.

Also forgot to mention that we had a family home evening a couple of weeks ago that made me feel like I was in America. The member, President Kimsroy, prepared the spiritual thought and even had us play charades which was so fun. For dinner his wife made us Khmer curry, which is my favorite. Then they whipped out chips and salsa AND GUAC. So insane. AND THEN Dairy Queen ice cream. They were also playing some Will Smith movie on Netflix. Peak FHE. I don't think it can be topped.

Anyway, this week was pretty interesting. We had zone conference on Saturday which was really good. Definitely had me thinking about what I can work on personally and do better to give it all to the Lord. It's always good to see all my homies there too.

The reason for the title this week is because I was able to see two children of God at opposite times of their lives and it really had me thinking a lot about the plan of salvation the past few days.

I'm not sure if you guys remember Om Uon Et, the really old man with the weird tumor thing on his hand, but his health has been gradually declining the past few weeks and his son asked us to go give him a blessing this past Saturday. I haven't seen him in a while because I'm not in his branch anymore, but he looked so much different than the last time I saw him. As I was giving him the blessing, the Spirit was so strong and all I could say was that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love him and that he would be able to find rest and peace through Them, no matter what happens. We don't know how much longer he will have but please pray for him.

A couple of hours later we were able to go to the hospital because earlier this week Bong Jarom Jones and his wife, ក្បាលធំ, had a baby! A beautiful baby boy with a ក្បាលធំ (big head)! Just like his parents and his ពូ (uncle). He's a big boy. Like twice the size of all the other babies in the room. Kind of want a kid now... I've never really been around new-born babies before though, so it was really special to see a new life that just came into the world. As I was looking around at the babies and all the beautiful families it made me so happy that we have a gospel that allows us to live with our families for eternity. Beyond the grave. Forever and ever. How amazing is that?

Serving a mission has helped me to realize how real and how true Heavenly Father's plan is for each and every one of us. Even though Om Uon Et is closer to the end of his mortal life, he will have an eternity of peace and happiness in the next life. And as a new life has come into the world, I know he will have a life filled with happiness and new experiences as well.

I'm so thankful for the plan of salvation. I know it's true. I know we can be with our families forever and our Heavenly Father is preparing the way for us all.

Love,
Elder Mendenhall
មែនទែន

📸 All the photos:
Current - Ta Khmau

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tzWgFE7cJhuxBrgf7

Battambang

https://photos.app.goo.gl/eH2QQ25DGxRj8cNH9

Phnom Penh

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Bgcnr25uJdQ1sYcY9

A sampling: