WEEK 11 Hurray Hurray he's finally on his way!

I'm not really sure where to start it has been an overwhelming couple of days.  I have some pictures, letters, emails and a phone call to share.  At this moment my boy is flying to Hong Kong.  He has a 15 hour flight from LAX to Hong Kong then a 3 hour flight to CAMBODIA.  He will arrive Thursday in the states but Friday in Cambodia (they are a day ahead). Spend one night in the mission home, he'll meet his companion and then IT BEGINS :)  It was awesome to watch Bun and Penny speak Khmer to each other I don't really think I will ever forget that moment.  Bun's look of astonishment and Penny telling him to talk slower.  WOW just WOW. Not only can he speak but he can read and write.  The gospel is an amazing thing.  It has been 39 years since his father left and now his son is taking the gospel back to their people.  There is an amazing new web page for the new chapel built in Siem Riep.  Talks and stories.  The growth there is amazing.

http://lds.org.kh/

If you scroll down 9 pictures after Elder Uchtdorf there is an amazing video of the new building dedication please watch.

When Elder Nhem arrived in LAX he was able to meet Mykhala's dad for the first time.  Her dad works for the bomb squad at LAX and escorted the missionaries from American airlines to Cafe Pacific airlines.  Penny said it was very helpful.  Awesome to feel like a missionary and be out of the MTC.  He was able to share his testimony today.

Mykhala's dad and Penny

Before leaving SLC Penny was met by big brother/little brother HAHAHA before passing thru security.  I miss both my boys so much and seeing them together today was so special.  I can not thank Jacob and Alyssa enough for taking the day off work to go wait at the airport for several hours only to spend a couple last moments with Penny.  THANKS guys ;)

 

Will they ever grow up??  Nope I hope not.

GOOD BYE ELDER PHNOM PENNY

Monday was P Day this week and we were able to email back and forth and try to get the flight info figured out.  You don't realize how much you miss being able to communicate until you can't.  

Email from Monday 1/26/2014

Dear Dad,
I know this isn't going to be easy but I also know the Lord is on my side every step of the way. He will sustain me and guide me. Something I've learned here very well is how to listen to the Spirit and let it guide me. In speaking, in studying, and thinking things. And I know it will lead me to those that are prepared by the Lord. I promise you I'll serve the people with all my heart. I have a video for you I want you to watch. The church just opened a website about the Cambodian work so go to lds.org.kh and watch the video of the Siem Riep building dedication. It really touched my heart. The Cambodian people are such a happy people and I love them already (: They are God's children and deserve Christ in their lives just as much as any of us do. I'm so excited to do this. Know I'm doing great! I love you.

Elder Spencer Nhem

He sent more pictures from the MTC

 

His Branch at the MTC

 The DREAM TEAM all heading to South East Asia.  Four elders and one sister heading to Cambodia,  two elders Hmong speaking heading to Laos, and one sister heading to Vietnam.  She is only the third sister ever to serve in Vietnam.  There are only seven total missionaries in Vietnam.  It is part of Penny's mission. 

The two elders heading to Laos.

Over the last weekend I also received a letter via mail.  I really love hearing the mailman come up the hill :)

Letter Home 1/24/2014:

Dear Mom,

Hey! Life is so good! So I finally got my travel itinerary yesterday and I leave on the 28th.  It is going to be the LONGEST flight ever!   I'm so excited :)  I'm so ready!  I've been here WAY TOO LONG!  My language is getting there and I know it is only thru my faith in our Savior and the gift of tongues that I feel ready.  I can't wait to serve the Khmer people and help them realize the impact God has in their lives.  I love the people already and I haven't even left yet.  I really have learned so much here but the greatest that I will apply is this,  "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak;  therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things"  Alma 26:12.  Without God on my side I cannot do this work.  However with the Lord I can do all things.  I can learn the hardest language,  I can heal the sick and afflicted, I can change lives, and mend souls.  All this I can do thru help from the Lord.  My faith has grown exponentially, but I have so far to go.  So much to learn.  But this is all I have to say, "God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid" 2 Nephi 22:2.  I trust God to watch over all of you back home.  I trust God to keep me safe.  I trust He will fill my mouth with words.  I trust He will grant me the power of the Holy Ghost to convert people.  I trust that He has trust in me in sending me to Cambodia.  I know this is His work and I'm doing everything I can and pouring out my soul the I might fulfill my purpose.  I love you Mom.  Stay strong.  Trust the Lord! 

Love,  Spencer Penny Paul Nhem :)

Soooo, this is the past couple days.  I feel extremely blessed.  I do have trust in my Heavenly Father that all will be well.  The sacrifices made to serve a mission by both the families and the missionaries is an amazing thing to experience and I'm grateful everyday for this gospel and the joy and blessings it brings me and my family.  

Love to you all,  Julene