On P-Day, we went hiking on this mountain in Battambang called Phnom Sompov. It's surreal! There are temples on top of the mountains and some sanctuary sites, as well. We went through some jungle areas and saw many monkeys. Some were a little sassy than the other. That's OK. On the way up we stopped by some ancient sites and Buddhist sanctuaries. There were many monks and Buddhist nuns there. They literally live on top of the mountains. The weather there was very cloud, but it was still humid and a little difficult to breath, but everything is breathtaking. We went in this cave. The Elders played a prank on us Sisters and made us run out of the cave. It was pitch dark, so I started to find my way back, this bug forcefully flew into my esophagus. I coughed it up , though. I guess I got to taste my protein of the day. After exploring the cave, we went to see the Killing Cave. During the Cambodian Genocide, the killing cave is where Pol Pot ( Khmer Rouge Leader) decided to perform a mass genocide in Battambang (one of the ways and places) is to push the Khmer people from this about 40 foot cliff into a cave. In the cave, they had set up sharp objects to pierce through the bodies, just in case if there were people who may still be alive. We were able to hike down and see the remains of human bones. While there, there was this complete reverence for the spirits. We could sense and smell the humid cool air while observing our surroundings. I went down further into the cave and sat there for awhile. Just to think 1,200 people have died here and a total of nearly 1.7 million people have died due to Khmer Rouge. Just to think, the souls who could have so many potentials and opportunities to make this world a better place. While sitting there and though as atrocious as the act was, I feel that a part of heaven was there with me. A part Christ's peace. A place of rest, a portion and even at the tip of an iceberg, in
Enos 1:27 " And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen.".To know that that it's a blessing to understand my ancestors and to truly know that God has blessed me with the work I am needed to do. That one day God has prepared for us a place to rest.
I have learned much about my companion and the love from the members and the people of Battambang. I am learning more to change everyday, to become a better person. I've learned to love a people from a different place, places where I've never been before. I remember sitting with my companion by the bedside. We both knew that neither of us understood perfectly (or even to the degree we had hoped) each other's pain, but we learned that it doesn't matter much. The most important thing is to love each other anyway. I realized why I am companion with Sister Sung. I know that this transfer has brought me closer to my Savior. It's been a blessing, it's been difficult, it's been tiresome, but it's been enjoyable. Many experiences have humbled me to plead for help and put me on my knees. I do believe whatever it is I am assigned to do, I know that continuous change and improvement are needed. I strive to make a record of how I have changed and improved everyday. It is such a simple thing to say. However, even with the daily meticulous changes or huge changes, can bring forth the better person in me. I am learning to deliberately become a better daughter of God through the people around me and my companions. To be a light and to be there to share my conversion according to the Lord's timing.
Leaving Battambang has given me mix of emotions. I love the area and the people. I became so close to them. They say " if you live in Battambang long enough, you will stick to the dirt." However, I am excited to serve in the new area and I look forward to meet the people God has prepared for me to share part of my conversion and testimony. The new areas are pretty cool. I am called to serve in these places called Keansvay and another one called Chbar Ampov. Most part-I think are still countrysides, rice fields areas, but they are closer to the city than Battambang. The chapel isn't established in those areas, yet. The church/worship is inside a normal looking house for both the areas. It's pretty cool! I am in a trio, with Sister Gallaghand and Chen. Well, that's all I have in the time permitted. Thank you and I pray that God will bless you all!
Love,
Sister Sok
2 of the best people in Battambang. This is when we went to this farm. You can't see them, but there giant pigs behind us.
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