April 2005

April 1, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

In case I don't get our journal to you this week here is a letter that we wrote to our group of friends at the temple.

Well it has been too long since we last wrote so we will take time today to catch you up on what we are doing.  We are getting a little taste of warmer weather but are told it will get a lot warmer.  The other day it was 102 degrees and very humid.  Just the thought of moving around makes you perspire. 

The Learning Center has now closed and starting Monday we are going to be trained to work with the Employment missionaries here in Phnom Penh.  Additionally we will be teaching English to the staff of a non-governmental organization (NGO) orphanage.  I  (Veloy) will also be teaching English to several girls (ages 11 to 17) at a shelter.  These girls were sold into prostitution by their families and were rescued by the police.  I have taught two classes with them and they seem anxious to learn and are very cooperative.

We have just returned from Bangkok where we saw some doctors about a persistent problem Lee has been having.  To our surprise, our taxi cab driver (Charlie) knew and had pictures of Ray and Helen Johnson, a couple we worked with at the Temple who served a mission in Thailand a couple of years ago.  What a small world we live in.  Anyway, for the past three months Lee has been tormented by a burning sensation in his groin and upper legs and we hoped that the doctors in Bangkok (a very modern hospital) could determine what the problem was and give him some relief.  We saw four different doctors on two different days and got four different opinions on what the problem was.  We did come back with some medications that will hopefully do the trick.  All the tests that were done show that he is healthy and there is nothing seriously wrong with him.

The week after our Employment training is the Khmae (Cambodian) New Year and everything here shuts down and the people travel to the country to see their relatives.  Most of the senior couples are going to get the chance to travel somewhere.  A good number are going to Vietnam, which will be a fairly extensive and expensive trip.  Since we are going to Hong Kong and have just returned from Bangkok, Thailand, we are going to do something closer to Phnom Penh.  We will travel with two other couples to Sihanoukville, a city on the ocean about four hours drive south of here, where we will lounge on the beach and take several one-day excursions to various nearby places.  One-day trips including lunch run from $10 to $15 each and our guesthouse where we will be staying is only $15 a night per couple.  Sounds like we are having a tough time doesn’t it.  Of course we will take our lessons plans along and do some studying also.

On April 25^th we are going to the Hong Kong Temple with another missionary couple to accompany nine new missionaries, Elders from Cambodia who will receive their endowments there.  It sounds like we will get to do a little bit of sightseeing but most of the time will be spent in the temple.  Of course we will have to pay our own way but it will be worth it.  We will be flying late at night to minimize the cost for the new missionaries so hopefully the whole trip won’t cost too much.

Hope everything is fine at home with all of you and that you won't get too bored when you receive our journal.

Love you all.  Elder and Sister Dickson 

{Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Sister, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law} 

April 5, 2005 -  Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

We are all well and doing fine.  The weather has been rainy rainy rainy !!

Landon's game was cancelled yesterday, and the makeup game (because of rain)

was cancelled the day before that !!

Mandy got your birthday card.  I guess Dallin's B-day is this week also.  We'll

have to celebrate both of them on Saturday when we have pizza !!  We are going

to try and clean up at the property a little bit on Saturday too.

Landon has his ACT test (the first one) on Saturday.  Tonight is Young Women's and

we are practicing for our Missionary Night which is next week.  The boys and girls

will be paired up into companions and sent to various homes in the ward to teach

as missionaries do.  They are excited for this - but I would be really nervous I think.

We need to remember to teach by the spirit, and pray that the recipients will be able

to learn by the spirit, because this is when individuals are truly reached.

Did you watch General Conference?  I really really liked the talk about being kind,

and Elder Bednar's talk about the tender mercies of Christ, and so many others.

Where did you watch it?? Stake Center??

Landon like the priesthood talk by Anderson, on how evil is disguised by friendly eyes,

or something like that.  Also he was impressed by the talk discouraging gambling, as

he has participated in poker with his friends at one time or another, but it has not been

an active pursuit of his, like it has become with some of the people he knows.

Zac has put a heat vent up the corner of his living room to service the upstairs. He has boxed around this pipe with a wall.  He was able to relocate the plug that was on the kitchen wall (by bringing it out to the new wall) and also ran a switch (two-way) so that he didn't always have to go clear across the  living room to turn off the living room light !!  He's pretty smart !! I wonder where he get  all of his mechanical, electrical, do it himself capabilities?!?!?!?!  Hahaha........ Little does he know that he is setting himself up to be just like you dad, depended upon for every little thing !!!!

Amanda has finished the HARD part of his schooling, and now just has to put in the time on the easy stuff until she finishes the course in the middle of June.  She has a weekend trip planned to Vegas then with Therese and Jody to celebrate all of her hard work. Then it's back for her externship (she doesn't know where this will be yet) and then hopefully hired somewhere that she will like.  She plans on living here for at least another year after that - if she can stand it !! Seriously, she appreciates all that we have done for her, but I told her, that is just what parents do for their kids !!  We have enjoyed having them here so much, and surprisingly, there has been very little tension.

On another subject - is Hong Kong in China??  I thought the church did not have a presence in China??  Or is it like Vietnam used to be (or maybe still is) where there is Communist and Free China??  Please explain.

Have fun this next week in Shanoukville.  Relax a little for all of us !!  You deserve it !!

Take care, and don't worry about us here at home, things are going well.

Love Gwen and family

April 8, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Dear Family,

Well you can see by reading our journal that we have had a very busy week.  Hopefully we can get all rested up next week and be ready to start working hard again.  We hope you are all doing well.  Have fun with your get together and don't work too hard cleaning the property.  We love you all and miss you.  Will write again in about ten days.  Don't worry about us. 

 Love Elder and Sister Dickson (Mom an Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, etc., etc., etc.)

April 18, 2005 -  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Dear Kids,  we're back from a very relaxing and nice trip to Sihanoukville.  The weather was beautiful and the ocean was warm and wonderful.  Wish you could have been with us.  We got a taste of a Cambodian rain storm last Saturday.  It rained cats and dogs or in other words, it poured down good and hard for about two hours.  The streets were flooded and water was running everywhere.  We spent about an hour in a hilltop restaurant waiting for the rain to stop long enough for us to take an open cable car down the hill to where our car was.  It didn't stop so we left anyway.  The cable car was pulled up and down by an old International Harvester tractor.   Will write more later.  We are well and everything is fine.  We get back into the swing of things tomorrow.   

Take care!!!  We love you, Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa)

April 21, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

I just wanted to tell you about a play that Landon made at catch last night in the JV game against Ben Lomond. A kid was on third, and a kid was up to bat and struck out on a third strike and the ball was in the dirt, and Landon dropped it so Landon had to scoop it up and throw the kid out at first.  And here was the kid on third wanting to come home.  Landon scooped up the ball, pointed at the kid at third, and bulleted it down to first - kid out.  Jake Blomquist bulleted it back to Landon at home, and it was on the money and Landon was able to block the plate, and the kid was out coming from third base!!  Game ends, Morgan wins 10-3.  I wasn't there to see it, but Rog said it was pretty awesome.  When I ask Landon about it, he just "ah shucks" it, with a BIG SMILE !!

Tomorrow  - Landon is going to be in THREE skits for his friends that are running for SBO's.  He is going to be performing an original New Zealand war dance that Jason Bush taught him, Chase Kimbal (running for SBO president), Tyler Carrigan, and someone else - I can't remember who.  Then he's in Katie Rhodes skit, about some kids that go to a movie (he get's kissed on the cheek, and has to kiss someone else on the cheek in this one!) and then he's in Jake Blazzard's skit, which is something about Blue's Clue's cartoon.  I'm going over to watch and FILM it.  It should be pretty good !!

Gwen and Family

April 23, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia 

Thanks for all you do for us.  We really appreciate it and the e-mails you send to keep us informed.  Now that we are back from the beach and Dad is feeling better it looks like we are going to start getting busy and involved.  You will notice in our next journal (I will send before we leave for Hong Kong of Monday night) some of the things we are going to be doing.

Thanks for the pictures especially the one of Camryn, Dallin and Devin.  You are right that picture was too cute to not send.  We sure do wish we could have been with you on Amanda's birthday.  How did the cleaning up of the property turn out or did it storm? 

Landon seems to be really involved with a good bunch of friends.  We wish we could have been there to see his spectacular play in getting those two players out.  How did his ACT test go?  Are the elections over for student body officers?  Who got in and how did the skits work out? 

We went to a Zone Conference today and we were really impressed with the young missionaries.  They are awesome.  I can just picture Landon doing all of these things that they do when he gets on his mission.  He is a great kid besides being a special grandson.  But then all of our grandkids and great-granddaughter are extra special.  We are glad Amanda is doing so well in school.  How is Zac coming with fixing his upstairs and how is CJ feeling?  I hope she isn't too sick.

How did the YM/YW do on their missionary night?  Could they pick the homes they wanted to go to or did the leaders send them to certain homes?

I haven't heard from Pam and Norris so I don't know if they are receiving any of our e-mails or if their computer or whatever is still not working.  Also, would you please make a copy of stuff and give it to Aunt Maisie and Uncle Ray.  By the time we get things to the Mission Home and hit the mail pick up just right, things could be a week or two late. 

Thanks again for everything you do.  Dad mentioned the other day that no one tells us about the weather.  Is there any high water yet or hasn't it started to melt.  We are having really warm weather now.  Yesterday afternoon it was 95 degrees.  In fact, it starts warming up early in the morning.  We try to open our windows to get a little circulation and fresh air when we get up in the mornings, but have to close them before 8 a.m.

Will close for now.  We love all of you.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson (Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa)

April 23, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

I've worked from 7:30 this morning till 7:30 tonight at my work.  I took a 1/2 hour lunch at the Chicken Inn with Zac and CJ and Manda and Camryn.  I am swamped, and my May 22 deadline is looming, and I have SO MUCH left - I hope I make it !

Roger and Landon went to Ogden to see Northridge play at Lindquist field.

Now to answer your questions !!

But first - one of my own.  You say dad is feeling better now?  I'm so glad. Do you think it's the medicine working?

We did get down to the property on a Monday night a week or so ago, and got it all raked.  Mark said he would mow today, and our family is going to keep it trimmed.  We'll see how it goes ??!?!

Landon does have a bunch of good friends.  He got his ACT test results today, an 18 - a little lower that we thought he'd get.  He'll be taking it 2-3 more times, so hopefully he can get it up in the 20's.

The student body elections were yesterday.

President - Chase Kimbal against Landon Peterson (Darrin Peterson's son, who is Jerry Peterson's son) - Landon won  Landon's skit was a spoof off the Incredibles, and was pretty "incredible"!  Chase's New Zealand war chant went well also, with Landon, Tyler Carrigan, Mike Rose, and Colton Winchester helping him out.

Secretary Josh Wilson against Whitney Weaver - Josh wonVP -  -Jake Blazzard against Bryce Smalley - Jake one.  He did a skit on "Blue's Clue's"  It was great !!

VP - business Jake "Beaner" Christensen against Katie Rhodes (one of my YOUNG WOMEN) - Katie won, and I'm so happy for her !!!

VP - advertising Tim Poll against Ren Blake - Tim won

VP - historian Cami Mayhew against Stefanie Clemens - Cami won

The YM and YW did great on their missionary night.  We had the homes picked out, and they did a good job.

I don't know if Aunt Pam's email is working or not - I'll have to ask them.

I'll get Aunt Maisie a copy of things for you.

The weather has been warm, and then rainy.  The river and East Canyon creek is pretty high.  The Weber is higher that I have seen in in MANY years. 

Zac has got his grates in all of his head gates.  They look beautiful.  Dad would be so proud.  They are perfect.  I would put them up against any in Morgan.  They look awesome.  He has taken such care to make sure they fit with exactness, leaving nice slots for the head gates to be pulled out, without having to lift the grates.  He even made the two little ones in the middle come down in front, and not just on the top.  I'll have to take a picture and send to you. 

He got your car licensed - because his pooped out on him.  CJ feels good some days and some days not.  They haven't worked on the upstairs too much, only ripping out carpet and pad of the back room and the little room. 

Amanda got  90 on that test I was telling you about.  She's at the top of her class !!  I hope she can get a job in Ogden and not Salt Lake when her externship starts, which is in June.

Tomorrow is YW, and I have a lot of meetings to go to - one at 8:30  9:00 10:00  11:00 - 2:00 is church, and then one at 3:15.  Does that sound familiar??

I have a challenge for you !!  Have you heard of the Living Christ??  It's a statement that the Prophet, and the apostles put out in 2000.  Well guess what??  I memorized the WHOLE thing !!  It's a doozy.  I cannot believe I did it !!  We (Lynelle Rich and I) have done it, and challenged our young women to do it also.   I am so proud of myself. I challenge you to do the same !!  I know you can.  Here I go - I'll type it for you from my memory:

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millenia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life, and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.  None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, and(remove) the Messiah of the New.  Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of  the earth.  "All things were made by him; and without him, was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3).  Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.  He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it.  His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill.  He entreated all to follow His example.  He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.  He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

In instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice.  He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross.  He gave His life, to atone for the sins of all mankind.  His was a great and(remove) vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify, that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary.  He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the World.

He rose from the grave to "become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20).  As Risen Lord, he visited among those He had loved in life.  He also ministered among His "other sheep" (John 10:16)  in ancient America.  In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long promised "dispensation of the fullness of times" (Ephesians 1:10).

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: "I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father" (D&C 110:3-4).

Of Him the Prophet also declared: "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That He lives! "For we saw Him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father -

"That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (D&C 76:22-24).

We declare in words of solemnity, that His priesthood and His Church have been restored on the earth -  today(remove).  "built upon the foundation of ........ apostles and prophets,  Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth.  "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: (Isaiah 40:5).  He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to  be judged of Him according to our works, and the desires of our hearts.

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles -  that Jesus in the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God.  He is the great King Emmanuel, who stands today even(remove) on the right hand of His Father.  He is the light, the life,  and the hope of the world.  His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life, and eternal life in the world to come.  God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

The words in red - are where I made a mistake, either by leaving something out, or using the wrong word. I also thought you might like the scripture references - I didn't memorize them. - pretty good don't you think??

Well I better go for now, it's 9:34, and I'm beat.  Take care, we love you and pray for you daily.

Love Gwen