November 2005

11/1/05 - From Mom and Dad on their mission

Dear Family and Friends,

Well here we are once again and it seems like we get slower each time.  Things are going great and we are really keeping busy.  It is still hot but cooling ever so slightly.  The other morning at 6 a.m. it was above 80 degrees but usually rains in the evening or during the night and that helps to cool things off for a few minutes.  We think of you often and you are always in our prayers.  Take care of things back home and we'll see you before you know it.  Time is going by fast.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson (Lee and Veloy)

The pictures are as follows:

100_2333 - Our Khmae Workshop with Vandeth (foreground) and Rothriza (Liza) are helping some of the students.
100_2334 - Just across the street from Lucky's Market and Burger is the Olympic area.  This must be where the flame was lite.
100_2338 - Blind musician, and another musical instrument that played for the dancers on the dinner cruise.  The little boy could sure dance.
100_2352 - Houses and house boats as seen from the dinner cruise boat.  The water is still quite high in the river.
100_2363 - Elder and Sister Hayes dancing with some of the young Khmae dancers.

11/6/05 - From Mom and Dad on their mission

Dear Family and Friends,

Hi, from warm and sunny Cambodia.  We hear Morgan has had its first snowfall and have definitely decided to wait until spring to come home.  The sights, sounds and smells still amaze us.  We are having some great experiences with these special people and enjoy being here with them.  Take good care of everything and everybody back in the states.  We think of you often and pray for you always.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson (Lee and Veloy)

The pictures are:

100_2188 - The golden shrines on the left are found in most of the Buddist homes and are used for worship.  On the right are statues.
100_2207 - Mark, how would you like to raise you loaves of bread in these trays?
100_2212 - Ovens for baking bread - pieces of charcoal wood are burned in here.
100_2218 - Chickens on their way to market

100_2251 - Re-morgue - pulled by a moto.  This is how people are transported in the suburbs or in the smaller towns, especially factory workers going to and from work and then they are really jam packed.
100_2272 - Veloy by the big plants outside the wall of the Mission Home.

Thursday, November 10, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission

Hi,

Sorry it's been so long since I've written.  It's been pretty crazy around here.  Let's see.  You might have heard by now, but the football team lost last Saturday.  We are done.  It was very disappointing.  Grantsville was stopping Mike Rose up the gut all the time, and it seemed the coaches panicked and started coaching a game we had never played before.  Instead of handing off to either Mike, Josh, Landon, Chase, or Jared like they have in the past, they continued to send Mike who ran 19 times and only gained 50 yards the entire game.  Josh saw the ball twice and Landon saw the ball once !  Chase had a broken had - so he only played defense.  Also, they had Alan Tucker passing the ball, which we are not a passing team !!  It showed, quite well, as we had 9 turnovers !!!!  Final score  Grantsville 14, Morgan 7.   They are a great bunch of kids, and we are very close to many many of the seniors, Chase, Mike, Brandon Mead, Colton Winchester, Alan Tucker, Bean Christensen, Jake Blazzard.

Wrestling has started up (practices)  First match is the day before Thanksgiving.  We are having a parents/wrestler meeting tonight, and getting ready for our Marie Callender Pie Sale Fundraiser.  There are no matches on Tuesdays !!!! for the first time in 4 years !!  So that means I won't have to worry about a Young women conflict !! YEAH !!!!!This is probably because of the new Region 10.  But we will have to travel to Roosevelt (Union) twice, and Uintah (Vernal) once. 

Our Evening of Excellence play, "The Excellence of One Man" is coming together.  We had out dress rehearsal on Tuesday night, and as they say, if the dress rehearsal is a bomb, you KNOW the play will be good................  Well the play will be VERY good we hope. It is Sunday night a 7 pm., and we are expecting quite a turnout.  It will be a very special event.

Just a note on what everyone is doing.................  

Roger is hating work as usual.  We wish the bakery would close, so he would have to find another job, it makes his life miserable.  

Zac got his garage foundation back-filled, and was supposed to have sand hauled in so the floor can be poured tomorrow?  I don't think that's going to happen, but we'll see.  I'll have to send pictures soon.  

CJ will go back to work on December 6th.  for 3 days a week.  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.  McKenzie will tend on Mondays, her friend Lindsey Wardell (Moroni's wife who is expecting a baby in February) will tend on Wednesdays, and me and Carrie (I hope) will alternate on Tuesdays.  We only have to do this until mid/end of January, when Diane can take him all the time.   

Landon is plowing on through his EDnet homework, and keeping up on everything in his life, school, friends, etc.  We need to get him registered for a baseball camp in Phoenix AZ in December.  He might need to miss a wrestling tournament for this, but that's okay.  He took the ACT a couple of weeks ago, but we haven't heard back on the score yet.  He's scheduled for another on Dec 10th.  We took wrestling pictures yesterday up at Rees Gravel Pit, this is for the poster to hang in all of the businesses around town, promoting the team.  

Manda is working, and while it is stressful, she enjoys it.  

Camryn is learning more and more every day.  You will not believe it when you see her.  She's saying a bunch of things now, and loves to have you read/look at books with her, and we love her so much. 

Well, I need to get working on some other computer stuff, so I'll close for now.

Take care, we love you and pray for you.

Love Gwen and family

11/11/05 - Letter from Mom and Dad

Hi,

Sorry to hear about the football game, we were cheering from way over here in Cambodia.  It is too bad things went the way they did.  At least the boys did a great job all season and they can be proud of that.  I still can't figure out why the higher ups decided this was a good way to pick who goes to state.  It should definitely be the best team, the team that has won the most games.  Well Landon has wrestling to look forward to now.

We were also sorry to hear about Cody Watkins.  Dad and I have said quite often that we would hate to change places with the young missionaries.  They enter a completely new world and a lot of adjustments have to be made by some.  I don't know what I would do without Dad here with me, and visa versa.  But the growth and development these young men experience is amazing.  We have just been involved with teaching the Employment Workshop to eleven American missionaries who are finishing their missions and will be released next Tuesday.  At the Zone Conference today they all bore such powerful testimonies and are all so special.  I can just picture Landon doing the same thing.

You will have to write and tell us all about your play, "The Excellence of One Man."  We enjoyed reading all the things that your family is involved with.  It sounds like you are all really busy.  I wish we could be there to help Zac with his garage, CJ with Treyson, and hear Camryn talk.

I have to go.  Brother Som is picking us up in 5 minutes.  Will write another time.

Take care, we love you very much.

Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa

11/15/05

Dear Family and Friends,

Yes, we are still alive and kicking.  Things are going well and the time is flying by sooooo fast.  It doesn't seem possible that next week will be Thanksgiving but don't feel sorry for us because we are going to be able to celebrate it with a big turkey dinner, too.  We don't envy you and the cold freezing weather but wish it was a little cooler here.  Right now at 2 p.m. is it 88 degrees outside (in the shade).  They keep saying we are past the rainy season but it keeps raining every few days.  We are presently right in the middle of celebrating the Water Festival (3 days) and will have the opportunity to watch the boat races and fireworks tonight.  Hope all is well back home.  Thanks for keeping in touch.

We love you, Elder and Sister Dickson 

100_2370 - Elder and Sister Hayes
100_2371 - Khmae teachers & secretary (L to R) Liza, Rama, Linda, Pisey and Vandeth
100_2382 - Looking over ingredients for cookies
100_2384 - Khmae Employment Workshop class - "Hooray, we're finished"
100_2421 - Elders with certificates after three days of workshop

November 21, 2005

I wrote this letter to Lori London (one of my young women who had moved on to college at USU) 

So how's it going? Now that you've gotten into the swing of things.......... are the classes harder than you expected? When are finals? What are some of your favorite classes?

Well enough of the interrogation......... Just wanted to write you a note and tell you about the "play" that the Young Women and Young Men put on for our Evening of Excellence on the 13th. It turned out really good, and you could really feel the spirit. Natalie Nicholas suggested we sing the new song from EFY called Praise the Man, and we did and it was the highlight of the evening. We sang it again in sacrament meeting yesterday too. Jared Rose played the part of Joseph, and it was alot like the play at camp this summer, as far as we had readers doing the
voice-over, and the actors on the stage just moving around. Marcie Terrell did the music between scenes and it really added to the spirit. I wish you could have seen it !! Here are a couple of pics from the play - of course all the girls were drooling over Joseph, I mean Jared !

Your mom gave another great inservice lesson last week, and in it she mentioned that you have befriended an older man who was moving into an assisted living center. I just wanted to tell you how great I think that is. I'm sure you will both benefit from this friendship ! You're the
greatest ! Keep up the hard work, and hang in there. We miss you !

See you later :)
Gwen

Wow a picture of Jared Rose!  It couldn't get any better than that.  Thanks so much for keeping me updated.  I miss young women's so much and I love to hear what's going on.  Finals are sneaking up on me as well as a 10 page paper so that has put a damper on things.  Of course I make lots of room for fun (perhaps too much).  I have found that I really love country swing dancing and I go every Thursday night and I'm signed up for a class next semester.  How is your new grand baby doing?  I bet your the best grandma ever.  I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and thanks again for the pictures.  You are great!

Love ya

Lori

November 21, 2005

Sorry I haven't written - busy busy......... I know, no excuse

Quick question - can I make the pumpkin pie stuff (Dickson way) today (Monday)

and leave it in the fridge and will it still be good for Thanksgiving on Thursday??

We are going to Joni's and I need to bring pumpkin pies

I'll write more on the Evening of Excellence program (last week) later

Love you both - please write back ASAP - I'm planning on making it tonight (Monday)

because I'm too busy Tuesday (YW) and Wed (wrestling) first match

Love GWEN

November 23, 2005

Dear Family and Friends,

We wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and wish we could be home with you to celebrate it.  There are so many things that each of us should be thankful for.  After seeing the conditions other people in the world live in and what they have gone through, it gives you a different outlook on life.  It was just about a year ago that we were getting packed and wondering what our mission would be like in CAMBODIA of all places.  Well, a year has passed quickly and we have really had some unique and memorable experiences.  The Lord has truly blessed us and continues to bless us each day.  As we have said before, the people here are so friendly and loving it's hard not to love each one of them in return. 

We love the gospel and the opportunity of being in Cambodia.  President Towers, our mission president, said - "Cambodia is the best kept secret in the Church" and we believe him.  Thanks for your prayers in our behalf, you are always in ours. 

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson 

                                               

100_2449 - Boats that have already raced in foreground.  Boats in background are racing.
100_2457 - Two boats racing.  The golden barges in background are the floats that will be lit after dark and displayed.
100_2459 - Some of the crowds.  The pavilions are for dignitaries, etc.
100_2478 - One of the barges with hundreds of lights.  Moon in the background.
100_2480 - Decorated barge or float.
100_2496 - Decorated barge or float.                                                                                     

November 24, 2005

Dear Brother and Sister,

What did everyone do for Thanksgiving?  We stayed home and had Thanksgiving ALL BY OURSELVES for the very first time!  It was really weird not to have grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins around.

After dinner, Brian, Lance, Aaron, and I went to the new Harry Potter movie.  Tiana and Colton did not want to go.  (I didn't enjoy the movie as much as I thought I would.)

Well,  I love you both very much!  Hopefully, all of us (including Mom and Dad) can be together next Thanksgiving, and it will seem NORMAL!

Love Always,

Erika

           

November 24, 2005

(I'm sending this to mom and dad too - I'm too lazy to write another letter.........................:)

Hi Kuk,'

It's about 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving night, and I can't sleep  - I ate too much I guess.  We went over to Joni and Kerry's and had dinner with their family and Ben and LuAnn, and Kerry's family (Lyle, Kimlyn, Kyle & Jennifer, and their kids) Also, Kelly and Michelle came with their three boys, and Zac and CJ and Treyson dropped in for a little while too.  I had to bring 2 pumpkin pies and 1 banana creme pie, and french green beans in mushroom soup with almonds.  We also painted on wood, and then put sayings on the wood (they are doing this in relief societies all over now, maybe you know about it)  I did Return with Honor, LuAnn did Live, Laugh Love, Families are Forever, etc.  It was really fun.   I don't know if you know, but Jaden Dickson and Chans Porter are both Freshmen, and they are both taking after their cousin Landon, and they are wrestling.  We had a meet at Morgan last night (23rd) and Both Jaden and Chans won their matches, and Landon won both of his also.  The one Landon had was tough, but Landon didn't wrestle very good.......... but pulled it out in the last second literally, to break a tie and win. The kid he wrestled took state last year in 1A at 145.  Jaden's match was WAY intense, neither wrestler really knew what he was doing, and it kept going back and forth and back and forth, but Jaden eventually won.  It's a way fun time, because Aunt Pam and Uncle Norris are there to watch Tyler and Jayden Carrigan (Lisa's boys) and we just love all the boys, and there was a really really big crowd out to watch them.  Wrestling is coming around in Morgan.  It seems 4 years ago when Landon was a Freshman, it was not "cool" to wrestle............... but now, we had 15!!!!! freshman come out this year !!!  It is FANTASTIC !!  When Landon did, there was only 3 !!!!

I wish you could come and see a match sometime, but I know how busy busy you all are.  Mark and Carrie don't quite know what to think of wrestling I guess............. they are so big into their boys baseball (Dev and Dal) but Jaden has never shown any interest in sports, and now he is wrestling, which is a GOOD thing, but it's kind of hard for Mark and Carrie to get into it I think.  You have to really love it I guess.   You know there are a BUNCH of Friday Saturday tournaments, and it makes for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggg day sitting in the gym if you are not really into it.  Weber Duels, Bobcat Brawls, Evanston Tournament, Delta Duels, Region, State....................   It's GREAT !!!  We love it - can you tell?????    I guess Mark and Carrie went to Smith's for dinner.  I felt the same way you did about Harry Potter Erika - it was okay, I like the books better than the movies.  I guess it's hard to put all that was in that book - in the movie.  Manda and I went and saw it last Saturday night at 10 p.m.  I was way tired before it was over.  Manda is going to Green River Wyoming tomorrow by herself to meet her friend Therese and then they will come back here Saturday night, and Manda will take Therese back to the airport on Sunday morning.  She will have fun, and I'll have fun tending Camryn.  Do you have all of your Christmas shopping done??  I don't - not any at all.  It seems my life is sooooooooooooooo crazy.  Maybe next year it will slow down (haha)  I agree with you, I’ll be glad to have mom and dad back too, and things back to normal - whatever that is.................  Take care  Love YOU!!! 

Gwen

November 27, 2005

Dear Family and Friends,

Another week has rushed by and we can't believe it will soon be the end of November.  Where in the world has August, September and October gone.  We have been really busy as you can see from our journal entries.  Two more days and we will have been on our mission for one full year.  It doesn't seem possible that that much time has passed.  Thanks for keeping us up to date on the happenings back home.  We really look forward to your Emails and then too it gives Lee something to worry about.  He hasn't changed at all.  We miss all of you very much and try not to think about home but keep ourselves busy which isn't hard to do.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

100_2514 - Lee and Elder Hayes setting up for power point presentation.
100_2520 - Taha (Bangladesh)
100_2521 - Primus (Cameroon, Africa)
100_2522 - Sara (Eritrea, Africa)
100_2523 - Mency (Phillippines
100_2530 - Elder and Sister Briggs (North Carolina) - their farewell speech

October 2005

October 2, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Dear Family and Friends,

Can you believe that September has come and gone.  You are all looking toward cooler weather and we are still cooking.  We have noticed the humidity more lately because of all the rain we have been having.  At least it cools things down just a bit for a short time, which we are thankful for.  Everything is beautiful and green and won't start drying up for a few more months.  We are still very busily engaged in the Lord's work and wish all of you could have the experiences we are having and the opportunity of serving a mission.  We love you all very much and appreciate hearing from you.  Keep up the good work back home.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

October 5, 2005

Well, here is a little news from our family. (Letter written to cousin Stephen Tonks)

Roger is still working for Wonder Bread in Ogden.  He is shipping supervisor over Ogden, Salt Lake and Twin Falls Bakery.  He doesn't enjoy his job, as it is quite stressful, but that's life I guess.  I'm still working for the county as the assessor.  I'll run for my 4th term next year, November 2006.  There is alot of growth going on in Morgan, and it's getting pretty stressful (my job).  Our oldest daughter, Amanda is living with us after living in Arizona for 7 years.  She has a little girl Camryn (17 months) who we enjoy VERY MUCH !!  Amanda is working for a plastic surgeon at Alpine Plastic Surgery in McKay Dee Hospital.  She handles all of the insurance, billing, etc.  They will probably be with us for a few more months before getting out on their own.  Zac married Christel Jo Matthews 2 years ago, and they bought a home in Morgan and just had a baby boy, Treyson Lee, that I mentioned in my email to you.  Zac works as a plumber for Durrant/Slate Plumbing (remember Dave Durrant?)  Christel is a pharmacy tech, and will go back to work part time in a few weeks.  Landon, our youngest is a senior at Morgan High this year.  He is involved in football right now, and is one of the team captains, and we are 7-0 going into our Homecoming Game this Friday.  After football he will wrestle, and then in the spring, he'll catch for the baseball team.  That is his greatest love, baseball, and he hopes to get a scholarship.  We'll have to see what happens.  He's also taking a bunch of college classes, and hopes to have his associates degree by the time he graduates, again, we'll have to see what happens along that line.  He is planning on a mission in July 2007. 

Erika and her family still live in West Valley City, and she teaches kindergarten at Monroe Elementary.  She told me the other day that she has only 9 more years until she retires !!  Then they''ll probably move to Morgan.  They have four kids, Tiana 13, Lance 11, Brian 8, and Colton 7?  At least I think that is their ages, I can't keep them straight for sure.  Erika's husband Aaron works for the State of Utah as a social worker. 

Mark and Carrie and their three boys, Jaden (14), Devin (11), and Dallin (9) are living in Morgan.  Mark commutes to SLC to his Subway store.  They are WAY into sports, mostly football (this time of year) and BASEBALL!!  Mark is really involved with the local WBBA, and is working on upgrades at the city park, etc. 

October 7, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Just a quick update.

Homecoming is tonight, and if we win we will be 8-0 !!  Keep your fingers crossed.

Treyson (this is the correct spelling) is having problems with Jaundice.  He came home with a billi-blanket (lights in blanket) but it's still not coming down.  CJ is supposed to quit nursing for 24 hours (this aggravates it) and they have ordered up a suitcase/bed with lights for him to lay in at home.  This is a worry of course, but nothing life threatening.  CJ and Zac are doing okay, just the usual new nervous, excited, worried, etc. parent stuff you go through.  Amanda is loving her job, and is doing great at it.  I stayed home with Camryn yesterday, because there was flu at her babysitter's home.  Well, better go !!  Sorry I can't write more now.  It's getting colder here  - we'll have to bundle up for the game tonight!!

LOVE GWEN and all

PS here are pics of Treyson under the billi lights at the hospital and also, Camryn out in the yard helping me get my flower bed cleaned out

October 8, 2005

We won Homecoming last night.  Score was 31 to 7.  The boys all played great, all through the game.  Probably the best game they have played as a whole.  Today Landon and all of the Senior boys got together for their Homecoming date.  They all went up to Logan to a “Fun Park” and bowled, lazer tagged, and a lot of other fun things.  They ate at McDonald’s then came home about 2:30 p.m., and now are headed back out to get their dates and bring them up to the Porterville Church house for a dutch oven dinner, supplied and cooked by the parents.  Then they will head to the Homecoming dance for pictures, etc.  There are 40 total in their group, with only 2 boys opting not to go.  20 x 2 = 40. 

It’s raining today a little bit, and is supposed to get worse tonight.   Tomorrow I get to teach the lesson in YW.  Hope all goes well.  Lynelle’s mom, Loraine Smith is very sick, hope she soon gets better.  They don’t know what it is for sure.  Manda went down and got groceries this morning and picked up Landon’s corsage for Bri.

October 9, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Dear Family and Friends,

Here we are once again.  Everything is going well and we hope they will continue that way.  We think of it getting colder back home and have decided that the hot weather isn't so bad after all.  However, we really know it is hot when the natives start complaining about the heat and they have done that a few times.  We are enjoying our time here and the experiences we are having.  The other senior couples are great and we have enjoyed getting together with them.  Lee and I hope all is well back in Zion and that you are all strong in the gospel and actively doing your part.  We send our love.  Elder and Sister Dickson

Our pictures this time are:

100_2082 -- A casino under construction here in Phnom Penh, don't know when it is scheduled for completion.
100_2085 -- Ferris wheel by a small amusement park near the river.
100_2095 -- A ferry for carrying cars, people, trucks and cargo across the river.
100-2108 -- Linda Voan and Veloy.  She is so small I make two of her.
100_2112 -- Anyone for a pair of levis?  I don't know what they do when it rains as they always seem to be there.
100_2134 -- This is how they bring urns and vases to market to sell.

 

October 12, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Well, I got a call from Ken Walden last night, and they want me to speak
in YOUR ward, Morgan 8th this Sunday @ 2:45 concerning adversity, and tell some of things concerning your mission as far as, I guess any adversity you might have faced, and any adversity you
have seen the church members over there face.  I was going to go back through your journal and pick out different things that I thought would fit in with this.  If you have anything specify your DO or Don't want me to touch on, please let me know.

Gwen:

I'm sure you'll do great...I might even be there in attendance!

Do you want to put everything away on Saturday morning like the picnic tables and planters, BBQ, etc?  Is 9 am ok?  I've asked Zac to help me with a project at the park and we're shooting for 11 am.  We're trying to get about 3 people with chain saws and 10-15 bodies together to take down a tree to a stump.  Zac's going to help with one of the saws. 

Let me know and good luck with the talk.

Mark

October 13, 2005

To Gwen from Mark:

Here is what I wrote to Dad & Mom regarding hunting this year.  I didn't write specifically to address this issue, but this was what was part of a recent letter to them:

I hate to bother you with this and I was not even going to mention it, but I figured you'd want me to be honest and let you know what happened and how I feel about the situation with Bruce up in Round Valley.  I've been out there helping on some projects and the last time out he confronted me with "So where's Richard Brown?  You know, he really should be up here working if he's planning on hunting!"  He was dead serious, a little ornery, and trying to prove a point I guess.  I bit my tongue and refrained from turning it into a confrontation, shrugged my shoulders, and just kept working even though I was pretty upset.  Well, I had already decided that I wouldn't be buying a tag this year for myself, as we're going to be in the middle of the building at the park and there's a possibility that we might be going out of town during the hunt anyways.  Jason has already bought a tag though, so we'll go out a few times in the evenings and get through with this year and be done hunting in Round Valley permanently.  I promise that I'm not acting immature and purposely doing this to prove my own point in order to cause a situation or to have you intervene, it's just not worth the crap I've gotten the past few years.  It's very evident that he has a problem with me personally, or that he is bothered with me bringing in a couple of friends to hunt.  Who knows? I've stood back and honestly evaluated my reaction, and I'm confident that this isn't a situation where I'm being thin-skinned or overly defensive.  There really is a double standard though with how guests are handled on Tonks property.  Does he ask Frank's side of the family for permission to bring a guest?  Does he make sure that all of his guests earn their keep and perform a few chores?  Are we ever allowed to trade hunting privileges for personal favors?  Oh well, I guess things in life aren't always fair.   

Gwen, I've talked to them a couple of times on the phone and have had several emails from them since, and the only thing they ever mentioned regarding it was an email that said something like "Bruce must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed that day."  Even if they were upset, they wouldn't say a word to Bruce, just like how they deal with the situations with Floyd next door.   

Here is how I think we should handle the situation.  I don't think that you (or Zac) should ask for permission, or go through Mom and Dad and then have them ask.  You or I should email Bruce and let him know that from our side of the family there will be Mark and Jason, and Zac and his friend, and that they'll be accompanied by us at all times, and that we may or may not be together as a foursome.  We simply tell him what the plan is.  Period.  He can then reply or call us with any provisions about where people where be hunting or where we should go.  He may be upset, but oh well.  Taking one friend up is no big deal, and if it is I'd enjoy discussing it with him.

Mark

October 11, 2005 (Landon's note to his college teacher)

 

Hi this is Landon Rich from Morgan High School. I am in your Chemistry 1010 class. I am loving it by the way. Today you mentioned to think of an alternative way for fuel. Well here is my idea. We could run our cars and vehicles of solar power during the day and fuel at night. That way the gas prices would go down because we are not buying gas all the time. Now I understand that there are some cloudy days and the sun isn't out all the time. This is the time to use our fuel.

Well that is  my idea and if we to write a paper on this I would go into more detail.

Thanks for a great class experience. See you tomorrow.

Landon Lee Rich

Reply

Landon,  I am very happy to see that you are thinking about the problem. 

That is creativity.  Keep it up.  You need to calculate the amount of power

the motors need.  Then calculate the amount of power that the solar cells

can product.  That will give some indication of how long the power will

last.  Also, you need to know what batteries and motors are most efficient. 

  Write again.  Prof. Maxfield

October 14, 2005

Dear Sister Tanner, Sister Beck, and Sister Dalton

I am writing to offer a "pre" invitation to our Evening of Excellence.  I am

the YW president of the Morgan 6th Ward, Morgan Utah Stake.  Our presidency

was able to attend your workshops and presentations a week or so ago, and

enjoyed them very much.  After listening to you tell about the different YW

events you had all attended, I was wondering...  How do THOSE YW

organizations get the YW general presidency to attend THEIR functions....

The answer came, they probably ask them !!  So we wanted to let you know of

our Young Women Evening of Excellence, which is to be held on November 13,

2005 at 7 p.m. in our church located at 2700 S. Morgan Valley Drive, Morgan

Utah.  We will be sending you an actual invitation as we get closer, but I

wanted to let you know as soon as possible, so that if you can find time in

your busy schedules, and I and only imagine how busy they are, you might be

able to squeeze us in.  We will be presenting a "reader's theatre" on the

life of Joseph Smith, spotlighting people who actually knew him, and wrote

about him in their journals.  We have asked the Young Men, and other ward

members to help us out in this endeavor, and we feel it will be a wonderful

experience for all.

Thank you for your time, and for all you do for us and the young women of

the church.  May our Heavenly Father's blessings rest upon you.

Sincerely,

Gwen D. Rich

Morgan 6th Ward

Young Women's President

email:  sled4fun@juno.com

cell phone:  801-821-0669

I have to give a talk in mom and dad's ward on Sunday.  It is on adversity, and what they have experienced on their mission, and also the people they work with.  Even with all of the journals that have been sent, whenever people ask me what they are doing over there, the only thing that pops into my head is......... teaching English.  So I asked them to give me an overview of just what they have been doing on their mission.  Thought you might be interested too.

October 14, 2005

We taught English classes at the Learning Center for a few months after arriving in Cambodia.  It was operated by Latter-day Saint Charities the Humanitarian arm of the Church.  We taught mostly teenagers and young adults.  We were not allowed to do anything that could be considered as proselyting so we didn't know which of our students were members and which were non-members.  The Learning Center was shut down the end of March.

We are presently teaching English to about twenty staff members at an Orphanage four days a week.  We are still unable to proselyte but wear our names tags and they refer to us as Elder and Sister Dickson.  Once in a while they even call Dad, Brother Dickson.

We have gone with the Country Director from time to time and helped with humanitarian distributions of food, clothing, wheelchairs, toys, etc.

We were asked to manage for the Cambodia Mission what was referred to as "The Lost Sheep" project.  This was an area initiative that was to locate members of the church whose addresses were unknown.  The actual search was done by the full time missionaries.  Along with this we also helped the Branches determine the status of all members within their boundary enabling the branches to more effectively work with the members.

We are assigned to help the leadership in a Vietnamese Branch.  We have been going out visiting members of the branch with the missionaries and branch leaders.  The journal has discussed that.

When the Learning Center was shut down we were assigned to work with the Employment people half of the time.  This consisted of conducting Career Workshops for Cambodian members of the church and missionaries who are finishing their missions to better prepare them to find employment when returning home.  We also updated a guide to Vocational Schools to help those seeking more education and training.

Dad was given the assignment from the Mission President to take care of the Public Affairs for the mission.  This would include publicity for visiting authorities, ground breaking and open houses.

I have been given the assignment to work in the Family History Center.  This requires compiling family records of members going to the temple and making sure the paperwork is properly prepared and taken care of.

We personally have not encountered much adversity, but the church as a whole has a number of problems.  Because it is so new here in Cambodia the leaders don't know how to carry out the programs of the church.  Another problem, the members don't have well defined addresses making it hard to do Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching.  There is no mail delivery and everything we do is done by cell phone and e-mail.  In the case of the Vietnamese people, many of them live far from the church and have only bicycles and motos to get their families to and from church, either that or pay for a ride which they can't afford.  Generally speaking the members of the church here in Cambodia are extremely poor and are struggling with the principles of tithing and fast offerings.  The future of the church in Cambodia lies with the young adults who are serving missions and will in the future make great leaders.

Good luck, I hope this helps.  Wish we could be there.

Love, Mom and Dad

October 17, 2005

Friday night at the football game Morgan won Judge Memorial, 31 to 21.  It was pretty exciting at times.  It was Senior Night, and the seniors were honored.  The last time Judge played here was in 1962, and we lost 41 to 0.  Landon had a great game, and ran the ball quite a bit.  The coaches just love him, Kovi Christiansen and Coach Hoopes went on and on about how great of a kid he is……At one point, Landon had made a run that got us close to the goal, they gave it to him another time to try and get him the touchdown, but  they were gunning for him and they finally gave it to someone else to make the touchdown.  He told the coach later, “Hey, it’s a team thing, I don’t care who gets the job done – let’s just get it done”.  Landon had an excellent game.  Jared Olsen was hurt, and so only played defense, and they rotated Landon, Michael Rose, and Chase Kimbal in on offense, and it worked great.  Roger hopes they will keep this up.   This coming week we go to Wasatch to play on Thursday the 20th.  If we win, we will have gone 9-0 in our regular season.  We are Region 10 champs for sure, as of this last win.  We will have home field play-off on October 28^th, with either Carbon or Emory (4^th place team in their region).  Then if we win that one, we’ll play the quarter finals on our field.  Semi’s and championship games are at the U of U, but we aren’t looking that far yet !!

My talk yesterday in the 8^th ward went well.  Erika, Tiana and Brian came up to support me and it was really appreciated !!  Landon came also, in his new suit looking like a missionary !!  I was the last to speak on the program, and actually had to cut it short.  I told them when I went back through your journals to pick out things that I thought would be interesting, etc.  I came up with 16 pages of things !!  I told them the last time I spoke in their ward was 18 years ago at Mark’s mission farewell---------- and that I would mind if it was another 18 years before I was asked again.  Pete Larsen and his wife also spoke, and they gave wonderful talks. 

I wanted to write about an experience I had last week.  I need a new Laurel President, and have been thinking, and pondering, and praying about certain girls.  I asked Heavenly Father over and over, praying and studying the scriptures, etc.  if one certain girl I was praying about was the right one.  She had previously not been too active, but now consistently comes on Sunday.  On Tuesday nights she has to work sometimes.  She is kind of a loner, is very very cute, and doesn’t really relate to the other girls sometimes.  I think she puts a protective shell about her.  Anyway, on Wednesday night in a Stake YW meeting, President Bohman spoke very briefly on personal revelation (as he has done before).  He asked us if we REALLY believed that WE could receive personal revelation,  and at the moment in the meeting, the spirit bore witness to me that this girl was the one.  It was a very powerful witness to me, and I tingled all over and became very emotional.  I am so thankful that Heavenly Father “speaks” to me, revealing his will……  I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost in my life.  What would I do without him??

Oct 19, 2005

Gwen, your last e-mail was very special and made your Dad and I so very proud of you and what you are doing.  It is wonderful when your children excel and are much stronger in the gospel than you are.  We are glad you are doing such a tremendous job and magnifying your calling in the Young Women's program.  I know things haven't always been easy for you but just like Landon, the Lord knows your worth and what you are capable of becoming.  I'll bet our little Ambure is watching over her Mom too.

Tell Landon that we are so excited about his outstanding performances in sports.  We didn't stop to think of all the things we would be missing while on our mission but I'm sure this is where we are to be at this time.  Just let Landon know that we are thinking about him and are very pleased with what he is doing in his life.  Wish him good luck on the upcoming games.  I'm sure Roger is really enjoying all of this and it is probably bringing back a lot of good memories to him. 

Thanks for the pictures and photo show.  We really enjoy them.  Tell Zac and CJ their family picture was great.  Treyson is a handsome little guy. 

We are so glad that Amanda is enjoying her new job and that Diane is working out so well with Camryn.  They are both in our prayers as you all are.

Erika dropped us a line and said how good your talk was.  How about giving our report when we get home?  You do such a good job at speaking.

Well, I had better close.  I have just finished typing some songs for our English class to learn and need to prepare the lesson for tomorrow.  I also need to get thirteen letters typed inviting the missionaries that will be returning home in November to our Employment Workshop.  The new director and his wife arrive this Friday but they will have their hands full just getting settled in and these letters need to go out by Monday.

We send our love,

Mom and Dad

Mark, this is what I was going to send to Bruce - Please add anything you think would be appropriate and send it back to me and I'll forward it on to him.  Thanks  Gwen

Bruce,

Just wanted to let you know that from our side of the family (Veloy's)  there will be Mark and Jason (his brother-in-law), and Zac and his friend (Roger is unable to hike because of his knees).    Mark and Zac will be with their partners at all time, and they may or may not be together as a foursome.  If you have any instructions about where people will be hunting or where we should go, just let us know.

Mark wrote back

Gwen,

Sounds good.  Sorry I didn't call you about the kids....we will all be staying in Park City for the UEA weekend and not coming home, so we won't need you to give them a ride.  Thanks for saying "yes" though.  See you at the game.

Mark

 

10/21/05

Dear Family and Friends,

We are still having great experiences here in Cambodia and loving the people.  It is wonderful being involved in the Lord's work and knowing that you might be doing a little good and maybe making a difference in someone's life.  The time is going fast and before we know it or even be prepared it will all be over.  We are grateful to all of you back home and know that you are taking good care of things until we return.  We love and miss you all and remember you in our prayers.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

100_2239 -- Elder Meas and Elder Lu (native missionaries in the 6th Branch - Vietnamese)

100_2241 -- Elders Tervort, Loomis and Mumford, Sisters Vo and Frisby (all working with the Vietnamese Branches)

100_2248 -- Here I am at the Family History Center.  This is my home away from our apartment.
100_2279 -- Students in our English class - Sok Bol, Sotikun and Srey Peo
100_2280 -- Students in our English class - Chantha, Srey Mom and Channy
100_2281 -- Students in our English class - Sok An and Danith (his English name is Adore)

October 24, 2005 (almost – it’s 11:42 p.m. (23^rd) and will probably be the 24^th before I’m done.

I can’t sleep.  Too much running through my head I guess.  This YW Evening of Excellence we have planned is soooooooooooooo much work, and I sometimes wish we had not bitten off this big of a chunk………..  but I know it will be worth it when it is done. 

We lost the football game Friday night to Wasatch.  Don’t know WHAT happened.  We just couldn’t stop them in the second half, and our offense couldn’t do anything !!! Final score was 20-14.  I guess it was an eye opener, and hopefully we’ll come out this Friday against Emery and do better, because if we don’t, we are done !!!

I got to tend Treyson on Friday night and again tonight while Zac and CJ went to Ogden to dinner, and then tonight they went out in the hills to hunt.  Manda cooked us a good dinner today, dear roast and twice baked potatoes and beans.  It was really really good.  Cody Watkins farewell was today.  He looked great.  He is the first of many of Landon’s really good friends that is going on a mission.  He and his family were sealed together in the temple last week.  Collette Rich (Ivan and Dena’s daughter) is the mom, and she married Shayne Watkins (you wouldn’t know him)  They have Cody (19)  Kale (15-16) and a younger girl that is about 11-12 or so.  All of Cody’s friends sat in the front 3-4 rows of the chapel, and they had Cody’s ward’s young men come up front and sing Called to Serve, and out of the blue, all of the young men in the front few rows starting singing along with them.  It was great.   Cody ended up coming home from his mission about a week into the MTC – he was too homesick.  How sad that he will miss this growing experience in his life. 

Landon took the ACT test again on Saturday, hope he did well.  He’ s doing pretty good on his EDNET classes, and A in Business English (online) and an A in English 1010, but a “D” in Chemistry 1010, hopefully that will improve……………..  All of his other high school classes are A’s of course.  Zac’s detached garage foundation is getting poured tomorrow, along with Mark’s WBBA stand over at the park.  Bret Kendell is doing it for them.  Hopefully Zac will be able to get the floor poured before if snows. 

Zac and Roger went up Saturday morning for the hunt, and saw a couple of spikes and a little two point but didn’t shoot.  Buck (Jason) got a small spike the first night (Saturday).  Zac went back up Saturday night and met Michael Tonks, and again Sunday morning and met Michael again.  Didn’t shoot anything though.  Then he and CJ went up Sunday night and saw a few, but didn’t shoot.  He said the Troy had a chance to get a monster, and took a bunch of shots but missed and it ran down over the hill and some girl (first time out) shot it.  (She was with Bell’s).  I guess Zac will go back up at night this week.

Diane Clark is taking 3 days off this week, so we have to find other baby sitters.   LuAnn is watching Camryn on Tuesday, and hopefully Rog can take off on Wed. and me on Thurs.  I wish you were here mom, cuz I know you would like to help out too………  just wait till you get home !!!

Bruce, and Darrin and Todd and Linda have been camping out in our barnyard during the hunt.  They have been going up on Pentz’s hill in North Morgan, and then onto state ground.  It’s pretty rough terrain. 

Well, better go and get to bed  - sorry we didn’t get the phone answered the other night.  I guess we were in bed.  We went to bed early that night. 

Love Gwen and family

Oct 24, 2005

Dear Gwen and family,

So sorry that they lost the football game, I know it would have meant so much to them to have had a season with no losses.  Tell Landon we wish them well against Emery.  I'm glad he is having good experiences with his friends in the church.  Just thinking about all those guys singing gives me goosebumps.  These are things he'll remember all his life that are good and positive. 

I'm glad Roger was able to get out deer hunting with Zac and hope it didn't bother his leg too much.  Everybody seems to be just as busy as ever and I'll bet you are rally enjoying your grandchildren.  It's okay that I'm a great grandparent but it seems odd to think that you are a grandmother.  Grandmothers are suppose to be old, or anyway older than me because my grandmothers were.  I can hardly wait to get home to help tend those little ones. 

It sounds like Amanda is handy to have around, especially if she fixes meals like you described.  My mouth is just watering.

Good luck on your Young Women's Evening.  You will have too let us know all about it. 

Tell Zac we wish we were home to help him with his garage.  He is such a hard worker.  How is CJ doing now, is she completely recovered from her C-section?

Well guess I had better close.  It's not late at night but early in the morning and I have to get ready to leave for our workshop.  The new couple are really nice people and we are busy getting them settled in and up to date on everything.

October 25, 2005

Grandma and Grandpa

I am so glad you are having the time of your life over there. I can hardly wait for my turn. I need some help on my midterm paper for my English 1010 class. I need to interview people on the subject  I am writing on. This class is very opinionated and at sometimes against certain beliefs that certain religions have. This class really makes you think. Throughout this class we have written six essays that vary in topic from "Does God have a Future", "Terror in the Mind of God", and so on. All these essays are written by people with their own opinions about different religions. There are some that made me angry with what they said but its their opinion and their beliefs. I am writing my paper on the question "Does God have a Future?". I need your input, beliefs and experience in this topic. If you would explain what our religion believes and how we know the things we do. That is all I need from you guys. If you can't elaborate on it for various reasons or anything like that, it is perfectly ok. Thank you so much for the example you are to me. I miss you so much and cant wait to see you soon. Keep up your hard work and do your best in everything you do. I love you two so much.

                Sincerely, Your Grandson,  Landon Lee Rich

October 26, 2005

Dear Landon,

Does God have a future?  He certainly does!  We believe that God has created innumerable worlds and that His future lays in populating them and carrying out with His children on those worlds, the same things that He is doing for us.  Some may say that this is impossible but with God all things are possible. 

On the other hand, if we think of the future as being things that are yet to happen, we believe that all things past, present and future are continually before God.  In that sense, there is no future for God because everything is continually before Him and the future is His present.  Confusing??

It would be hard to face the things in life that happen to us, such as deaths of our loved ones if we didn’t believe or know because of our beliefs that we would one day be reunited with them again. 

Since we believe that we can eventually become as God is and that he was once as we are now, He must have passed through the same experiences we are having.  Eventually, future generations will also experiences the same concerns and problems and everything will continue on. 

God in his infinite wisdom has given us all a chance to continue in the eternities so there definitely is a future for God.

How do we know these things.  Through the scriptures and the words of our prophets.  How do we know the truthfulness of the scriptures and the teaching of the prophets?  Only by having witness born to us by the Holy Ghost of their truthfulness

Good luck on your paper.

Love Grandma and Grandpa.

A few scriptures that relate are given below.

Moses 1:33

 33 And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.

Moses 1:35

 35 But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them.

 26 But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Mark 9:23

 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Mark 10:27

 27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

D&C 130:6

 6 The angels do not reside on a planet like this earth;

D&C 130:7

 7 But they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things for their glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before the Lord.

Abraham 2:8

 8 My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the beginning; therefore my hand shall be over thee.

October 26, 2005

Woke up at 4 a.m. this morning.  Couldn’t sleep all of sudden.  I’m having a dream about my weight, which is UP 20 pounds from  where I was 8 months ago.  Depressing.  I need to get back in the exercise mode again.  I had a really fun day yesterday with Camryn, we went to Ogden, and went to Quality Quick Print, Sam’s, Walmart, Office Depot, Deseret Book, Teriyaki Stix (for lunch), Seagull Book, and Jorgensen’s.  She was a really good girl, and it really was fun, but tiring.  I bought a book, The Peacegiver, which I read in it’s entirety last night.  I was really good, and brought up points about the atonement, and forgiving others, etc. that I hadn’t considered before.  

I also bought a frame and pictures of Joseph Smith, by Liz Lemon Swindle, for a gift for Lynelle for all of the work she had put into this “The Excellence of One Man” YW Evening of Excellence production that is coming up on November 13^th.  I put it together last night, and I really think she will like it a lot !!  She had invited us and Camryn to her pumpkin carving party this Saturday after the football game.  

Zac took Bruce Frost up Tonks’ last night and Bruce got a deer.  Darrin got one last weekend up there.  It’s funny, they come up and park in our barnyard (which was really fun to have them) and go and hunt over on Pentz hill, and on the state ground which is totally up and down, really rough terrain.  Zac feels so bad for them, that he invites them to come up on Tonks, and we are hoping Bruce Tonks doesn’t freak out.  Which Bruce T. didn’t see them last weekend (with Darrin) but did talk to them last night (with Bruce F.) and Bruce T. didn’t seem upset.  Today I’ll stay at home with Camryn again, and I think it’s going to be a lazy day……………  I think I might be coming down with something.  And just yesterday I was thinking (smugly to myself) that I hadn’t been sick at all………………  Leslie Hyde, from work, announced that she’s pregnant with her second child yesterday.  That is neat. 

10/28/05

I'm writing this from work, because I won't have time at home.  Treyson has had some small bumps, something like zits/boils? on his bottom, and they keep getting worse, and CJ called the doctor and he wanted to see him, and when he saw them, he popped them, and the fluid was clear, and he sent samples down to the lab, and he wants to do a spinal tap, to rule out viral infection of some kind?  It's kind of wait and see, they are keeping him overnight and putting him on IV's and antibodies.  He has been cross and not sleeping for a while......  we are concerned, and just wanted to let you

know, please pray for him.  We'll let you know

Love Gwen

10/29/05 (morning)

Treyson has had some little spots/zits/ etc. in his diaper region, and CJ took him down for the doctor to take a look and he lanced them and has taken samples of the fluid to the lab. It will take 2-3 days for the results, they also did a spinal tap (3 pokes) to check the fluid there.  They are worried about the herpes virus, which can be very very serious.  His billi-rubin count is back up to 16, so they are thinking he has a different type of jaundice (not the normal kind)  they had taken blood, and are doing checks on that also.  CJ has to stop nursing for 48 hours (because the breast milk may be aggravating this) We are in a wait and see mode, they are giving him anti-biotics (in case it is the herpes virus), but if it turns out NOT to be the virus, then it's no big deal........... just a weird diaper rash.  They don't want to tell people it's the "herpes" virus, because of all the negative connotations that go along with it........ so we are just saying virus/rash..............neither Zac or CJ have genital herpes (of course) and he was born C-section.......... so they don't have any idea how he could have contacted it (if in fact that is what it is).  I guess we all have the herpes virus inside us, and I told the doctor about how Zac has had horrible cold sores all his life, but he hasn't had any since the baby was born.  He's a month old today !! Bless his little heart.............  If it is the herpes virus, it is very very serious, and he will be in the hospital for quite awhile.  He's really not manifesting any illness, no fever, pain, etc.........  It is a worry until we know what is going on. 

On another note.  Morgan's volleyball team took state last night at UVSC, we played our arch rival Bear River !! and smacked them down in 3 games !!!  It was exciting.  Annette's, Karly is on the team, but as a freshman she didn't get any playing time - just wait until next year!!

We play Emery High today at 1 p.m. in the first round of the football playoffs...........  hopefully things go good, or we are finished for the year.  It has been a fun year.  Mike Rose's back in hurting him quite badly, and we are hoping he lasts the season. 

Take care, we love you - Don't worry........... maybe I shouldn't have told you until this was all over, but I wanted your prayers

See you later :)

Gwen 

10/29/05(night)

All of the tests so far have come back NEGATIVE for the virus !!! Thank goodness...........also, his bilirubin has come down.  As of right now, they think he will be able to come home tomorrow.

Thanks for your prayers.  We love you !!

 We just got home from the football game, where Morgan beat Emery, 40 to 7 !!.  Landon got the first touchdown of the game, and played a really good game.

We play Grantsville (whom we beat earlier in the year) next Saturday, at Morgan. 

See you later :)

Gwen  

September 2005

Saturday, September 03, 2005

Dear Journal,

Landon and an exceptional game against Evanston Friday (last) night.  He had a couple unassisted tackles, one of which was sacking the quarterback.  He ran a touchdown in. (His FIRST varsity) and had a  BUNCH of assisted tackles.  He felt good about the game!

Saturday was a good day.  First off !!  A little “tender mercy” coming our way !!  My mom and dad called from Cambodia !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   It was soooooooooooooooo good to hear their voices, and after we were assured that everything was alright, it was so good to talk to them !!  They sound just the same !! even that many miles away.  Yesterday we also worked up at Round Valley for a little while (me, Mark, Zac)  went to the Labor Day Softball Classic, where Landon played and umped.  Went to Dallin and Devin’s football games, cleaned the house, did the wash, made the yard look soooooooooo good, and really really really (me and Zac and CJ) cleaned the garage.  It is so nice to get that done !!!  We took a load to the dump.  And then last night again, another call !!!! from mom an dad.   I need to check into out Skype  then we can talk computer to computer.

Sunday, September 04, 2005

Dear mom and dad

It was sure good to hear your voices yesterday !!  It made my WHOLE day.  I was just like Christmas !!

I hope you got a hold of Mark either on his cell or at home this morning.   

Manda and Camryn are still in Phoenix, and I miss them.  I'm glad you told me stop watering the tomatoes dad, although I watered the heck out of them just before I talked to you.  I'll stop now, and see what happens.  My garage sure looks good !!

Zac is such a hard worker, and we worked and CJ sat and watched the mice try and escape our cleaning. There were about 6 in the garage.  I guess we need a cat.  CJ is feeling pretty good, just big and pregnant.  Actually she's not that big, but she feels like it you know?  Her first Shower is this coming Saturday.  Our  shower for her isn't until Oct 1st.  

I've got meeting starting at 7:30 this morning, so I better go and get ready.

Love ya !!  Keep on working hard, you are the best parents anyone could have.  We are so proud of you both!! LOVE GWEN

September 10, 2005 - Letter from MOM and Dad on their mission

Dear Family and Friends,

I can't believe we are just getting around to sending you our journal for the last part of August and here it will soon be the middle of September.  We hope this finds all of you well and excited about life.  How thankful we should all be that we are not in New Orleans and the area around there.  I only wish they would tell of some of the good things that people are doing to help one another instead of so much of the negative news.  This afternoon we are going to the District Center to watch  President Hinckley's 95th Birthday.  President Towers received the DVD a couple of weeks ago.

The pictures we have included this time are:

2017 - Socheata and Rama, our Khmae teachers for the last Employment Workshop.

2060 - Students in the workshop that received their Certificates of Completion.

004 - Elder Johnson took this picture of Lee at Spider Town (Skun) on our way back from Siem Reap.  I chickened out.

Will sign off for now.  We send our love and our prayers.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson  

Landon:

Good morning young man.  I thank you for the note last week.  Things are going good here but I sure did miss coaching this summer.  I’m glad to see that you are very proactive in your college search.  I hope that you can get a great opportunity to continue playing ball in college if this is what you choose to pursue.  I met one of the coaches at UVSC a few years ago and if I find his business card I will get that info to you.

Your football team is playing some pretty good ball right now.  Are you the stud linebacker?  I hope the winning ways continue as that would be pretty neat to have the Trojans rough a few of the bigger schools up a little bit.

I will get you a letter written up over the next week or so and I thank you for thinking of me.  Please send my best to your Mom and Dad and have a great week.

Forrest McNabb (Landon's old baseball coach from St. Joseph's)

Sunday night - or I guess EARLY 12:11 a.m. Monday morning, September 12, 2005

I'm keeping all of my notes to you in my journal, so I need to write things that have probably been spoken about in our phone conversation, but that's okay.  

Roger, Zac and Landon have reinforced our corrals so that we can put a couple of steers in there in a couple of weeks.  We traded them for our Oat Hay with Randy Sessions and Kurt Stapley.  The pipes were full of wasps, and Landon got stung 3 times.  I'm glad I wasn't out there. 

Camryn got her 16 month shots on Saturday, and she had been horribly onry every since.  I hope she gets feeling better soon.  

CJ's shower at the property turned out nice.  It was a little cold, but she got a lot of nice things.  Zac had to put them all away, and clean the house, and go grocery shopping because she isn't supposed to get up off the couch.  I have a feeling this is going to be a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggg 6 weeks remaining.  Please remember her in your prayers.  We are planning on having a shower for her on Oct 1, but HE may get here sooner than that.  Oh well.  

Landon went to Joe Reyna (Shelly Lofgreen's son's) homecoming today.  It is so nice to have someone in my family care about going to church besides myself.  He is pretty whooped on Brigette Mellott, and I wish he wasn't, not that she's not a nice girl, but I don't want him to get serious, and she's so young (even though she is really mature for her age) She's not even 16 yet, and yet her mom doesn't seem to mind if she dates.........  I guess I should put my foot down and tell Landon he can't date her, but we are getting along so well, I don't want to rock the boat, and he's such a good kid........... excuses excuses..... I know......................  I guess they are going to the Homecoming Dance which is coming up in a few weeks.  Landon says he needs a suit - not a tux.  I guess we'll be buying him his FIRST SUIT - I wonder if he could wear it on his mission too?  I bought him some white dockers the other day $9.99 at Meier and Frank, and told him they were for his mission.  He's trying to talk me into letting him wear them to church !!  Also, he says he needs a WHITE tie for this Homecoming Dance, so I guess we can save that for his mission too.  We are working on getting things (paperwork, video, etc.) out there to different colleges so that he can hopefully get a baseball scholarship.............  Have to see how it works out........  Rog is soooooooooooooooo hyped about this, and him playing college ball.  He will have a year to go to school before his mission, and me and Rog haven't even talked about how THAT will fit into plans.............. you know me, don't want to ROCK THE BOAT !!!   Landon keep assuring me his EDNET Chemistry and Writing classes are doing fine........  hope he's not feeding me a line.  

I have Board of Equalization on Tuesday morning, then Volleyball in the afternoon (Karly Prescott is a Freshman, and gets some playing time on Varsity!!) Then pick up Camryn from Diane's then go to YW and we are doing a service project at Barclay and Denise Earl's home.  Wednesday I am cancelling a doctor's appointment so we can have a YW meeting to plan the Evening of Excellence night that will be in November.  Landon is on the Scholarship Board (1 of 3 students chosen) and has a meeting Tuesday morning.  He won't be able to go to his National Honor Society meeting on Thursday night because of Baseball practice.  We leave for Grand Junction Colorado on Friday night after his football practice.  Zac is trying to sell the little Toyota Camry.  It is just a money pit.  He's driving your white car now.  I think his hole is supposed to be dug this week for the detached garage.  Bret Kendell is going to do his foundation for him.  I am going to miss seeing your picture at Stake Conference this week, along with all of the meetings..............  I wish it was a different weekend (Grand Junction)  because I REALLY like Stake Conference.  

I picked 6 more tomatoes today (2 are pretty ripe, and 4 are kinda ripe)  I covered them last night, but didn't need to.  I didn't cover them tonight, an watch - they'll freeze !!!  Not really, it is a lot warmer tonight that it was yesterday/night.  Still you can feel the chill in the air and know the seasons are changing.  Manda is liking her job really well, and will probably be thrilled to get to work and away from an onry baby tomorrow.  Hopefully she is feeling better so Diane can take her, if not, I'll be taking the day off work - I can, but Manda can't, it being a new job, etc.  

Zac has started back up at DATC for plumbing school.  It's his third year this time.  Can't think of anything else to tell you, haven't I rambled on enough???  Love you both, and I like hearing your voices !!!  It will be nice to have you home in 8 1/2 months, and then you can do a nice temple square mission or something, huh?? 

Take care, love GWEN and family

September 15, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission

Dear Family and Friends,

Once again we are behind schedule but we are still here and doing fine.  We thought the days and weeks were flying by, but now it seems to be the months.  We thought we would send you some pictures of the things we see everyday.

2025 - a cute little bright colored van - it reminds us of the miniture outfits we saw in Japan when we picked Mark up from his mission.

2026 - these are the typical water tanks used on buildings for water storage.  Norris, we wish we could bring one home for you in the Uintahs.

2035 - don't know what they are going to use these plants for but we don't think it is a salad.

2038 - a little shop or vendor on the side of the street.  Does anyone need a cap?  All the moto taxi drivers wear them.

Hope the frost hasn't done too much damage to the gardens back home.  It is still quite warm here but has cooled a little so we don't have to use our air conditioning as much, just the fans.  Right now (11:30 a.m.) it is 86 degrees outside. 

We wish all of you the very best.  Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

September 18, 2005  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, here we are again and a little more caught up with things.  Each day comes and goes quickly and seems to always be filled to the brim.  It would be great to see the leaves changing back home, but will have to settle for green leaves and flowering trees.  We are losing another senior couple tomorrow.  It doesn't seem possible that only two more couples will leave before it will be our turn.  As usual, we are really enjoying our mission and would encourage everyone who possibly can to seriously think about going on a mission.  It's a great experience and one you will never regret. 

We send our love and prayers, Elder and Sister Dickson

The pictures we are sending this time are as follows:

2061 - Elder Garry and Sister Sharron Davis at the airport just before leaving Cambodia.  They are the ones we have been working closely with in Employment.

2075 - Sister Joyce Larsen (left) and Sister Phyllis Gunderson (right) also leaving, pictured with Edwin Loh and some of his family.

0023 - The foyer as you enter the District Center.  Classrooms, District offices, Family History Center, and baptismal font on this floor. 

0038 -  District Center - taken from back of cultural hall looking into the chapel.  The kitchen and CES classrooms and offices are behind cultural hall.  This is the second floor of the District Center.

0048 - Taken during the District Center's open house of some missionaries, young women and leaders.  Typical clothing (dark skirts and light blouses) when they dress up but not as fancy as at weddings.  They seldom dress like this for church as they usually wear slacks or pants.

September 20, 2005 Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission

Well we are back from Grand Junction.  It was okay, there are four catchers on the team and so Landon only got to catch one full game, and then part of another.  Got to bat only another game.  We are just used to seeing him play all the time, and so it was kind of disappointing.  He sure has his plate full with all of the studying he's "supposed" to be doing.  He keeps telling me that everything is okay, and I've quit harping on him, because he is under alot of pressure.  Mark came over last night and we worked on a brochure for his WBBA for the Buy-A-Brick program.  He was impressed with my "computer" skills on Microsoft Publisher.   Me and Manda also went over to Zac and CJ's last night a saw all of the stuff they have gotten from the baby showers so far.  They are getting excited !!  CJ is still not working, and just supposed to be laying down.  That gets old fast.  Roland Haslam of course, didn't start on digging Zac's hole last week, and then we heard he went to Hawaii from Friday to yesterday.................  It seems like these contractors are really good about putting you off, and you KNOW how patient Zac is...............  Roger took this week off work.  He got the south side of the little white garage painted yesterday - it looks good.  Also Dee Waldron got our third crop alfalfa cut and off the field.  He does not want the second cutting of oats and young hay so I guess we'll have to do something with that.  Well I hope all if going okay with you two.  We love reading your journals.  Take care.

LOVE GWEN and family.

September 21, 2004  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission

Dear Gwen, Roger, Landon and Family,

Sorry we missed talking to you Tuesday evening, Gwen.  We just happened to be at the Family History Center Wednesday morning, since I didn't have anything else pressing  to do, and decided to call.  It was good to talk to Roger and Landon.  They both sounded great and filled us in on a few things.

Last night I went through some of the e-mails you have sent, re-reading them and looking at the pictures.  I love the pictures of our good-looking Landon and the one of he and Camryn is darling.  The picture of your Laurels all dressed in their beautiful formals was nice and they were all very modest.  Tell them for me how lovely they looked.  The members have a challenge here as all the fancy formals usually worn to weddings and receptions are strapless, unless they have one specially made and then that is expensive.  It is surprising because in their everyday clothing they are very modest and usually have even their arms covered.  You very seldom see even young children (girls) not fully dressed.  The boys are different, and the little ones most often wear only a shirt or nothing at all.

What ever happened to the Church project on East Canyon creek?  Was anything done this summer on it? 

Never heard anything more about it.  Dee planted, where it WOULD NOT be in corn, and left where it WOULD BE in something else, grain I think.  But nothing has happened.

Have you heard how Stephen and Jean Dickson are doing in Bangalore, India? 

Paul Dickson said they get there fresh milk from a Big White Cow, straight from the teats !!  that walks around town and stops at houses.  I don't know if he was pulling my leg or not.  There has been some problems with the Richville Cemetery concerning Dee Waldron and some land he took down underneath the hill for a building site.  Paul and others are upset.  You might want to ask Aunt Barbara what she knows about it.....

 I'm glad we are here in Cambodia and not there.  In fact, talking to other senior missionaries and the reports they get from some of their friends in other parts of the world, we are in the very best place.

Are you covering your tomatoes or are they far enough gone that it doesn't matter if they freeze? 

I haven't been covering them.  I need to be more dutiful on this.  There are still quite a few tomatoes, but I'm lazy, and the porch warms up during the day with the sun, and I think this helps as they are right against it. 

 We're anxious to see your yard now that you have redone it, especially the berm.  Did the grass come up good? 

So- So.  It will look alot better next spring I suppose. 

Another question for you.  How did Zac's watering go this summer?  Did he do his watering or did his neighbors do it for him most of the time?

Zac has done both watering this summer, more of the sprinkling I think.  After getting all that nice back yard in, he then sprayed in with round-up where the garage is going to be.  His plan is to fill in the back ditch, and do total sprinkling out there.  He HATES mowing around the ditch. 

Dad and I are doing fine.  Our ASPECA English class was cancelled today because of a holiday and the students are celebrating or doing something at a pagoda.  I do have an appointment with President Sophon (South District President) about some Family History questions.  I sure hope he gives me the answers I want.  If he does, I will be able to have the temple work done for about eighteen people.  I am really enjoying this part of our mission even though it is very difficult at times trying to figure out just who is who and what to do.

We hope things work out with the baseball scholarships Landon is applying for.  We are excited for Zac and CJ and are looking forward to their little one getting here safe and sound.  Tell Amanda we are glad she likes her job and to give Camryn a big hug and kiss for us.  You and Roger need to slow down a little or you'll end up all worn out like Dad and I.  He keeps telling me that he is falling apart and won't be able to do a thing when he gets home.  He is anxious for these next eight months to go by so he can be home and nearer good medical help.  I sure hope something can be done to give him some relief.  Maybe he just needs Morgan air and some outside activity.

Well guess I had better close and get ready for my appointment.  We love you and think about you often.  Take care of things.

Love,

Mom and Dad

PS  There, will be a fairly large check coming in the mail ($30000.00 +).  Deposit it in our checking account.  Tithing needs to be paid so I will arrange for a donation slip when we find out just what the amount is.  Thanks for your help.  Love Dad

September 22, 2005

 Gwen,  thanks for the PhotoShow.  We really enjoyed watching it again and again and again.  It looks like you all had a great time.  Keep making those memories for you family.  You are the greatest daughter and mother (and grandmother).

Love, Mom

September 25, 2005

Dear Family and Friends,

Just a quick note to let you know we are fine and keeping busy.  The pictures are of different places, people and things that Elder Johnson took and has labeled all of them Siem Reap even though none of them are from that area.  Hope you enjoy them. 

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

005 - Can you believe this!  They put everything they can on and in these vans to travel to other cities or places.

006 - These are live chickens going to market to be sold.

010 - These huts or community homes are in the mountains in Mondulkiri where the quilt distribution took place.  They are different than the average hut or home you find in the country and out by the rice fields.

011 - Inside a hut in Mondulkiri.  Elder Johnson said they were dark and dingy (no windows) and smoky from the little fire (no chimney or hole for the smoke).

012 - Some of the little children in Mondulkiri.

085 - Two senior missionaries (guess who?).  The floating village we went through is in the background.  We are on the Tonle Sap Lake.

Sept 27, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission

Well I'm up figuring out my check book on the computer. And going over YW stuff.  Quickly, here are some things to ask you.

Do you want me to pay your $20 DUP dues mom?  or just let them go since you won't be there for a year and half.  Let me know.

Also - Robert and Pauline Capener had a 50th anniversary celebration at Maddox and you were invited.  I'm so sorry I didn't let you know earlier.  I don't know if you correspond by email or not with them. 

Landon had another great game against Park City Last Friday - they won 27 to 0.  We travel to Uintah (Vernal) this Friday........yuck.

CJ's shower is on Saturday, and we hope she is still around.  She went to the doctor yesterday and her blood pressure is up again, and they almost kept her !!  She goes back on Wednesday (Zac's birthday) so we'll see what happens.  If she lasts over the weekend, they'll probably start her on Monday when her doctor gets back in town from Germany.

Zac got his hole dug for the detached garage.  I've attached a picture

Manda and Camryn are doing great.  Camryn is a little busy body, running around everywhere.  She keeps everyone on their toes.

Take care - love Gwen and all

September 28, 2005

Our son Zac is 24 years old today !!  I can remember when he was born, he was a blonde ball of fur……….  I wonder what he little boy will look like?  I wonder if he’ll be born today?  Probably not, but that would be a nice birthday present.

Last night, I went down to SLC to listen to the Young Women General Presidency speak.  I went with Penny Smith and Gayla Durrant. The meetings were in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. It is such a wonderful peaceful place down there.  Their messages filled me we hope and inspiration, and wanting to do my best and more in my calling as YW president.  I need to become more spiritually in tune with my Heavenly Father, seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost at all times.   Every night I pray to my Heavenly Father that a miracle will occur, and that Manda will somehow, someway experience a change in heart and come to love the gospel once more, like she did when she was a little girl.  Zac is going to church (CJ can’t because she’s supposed to stay down) so that he can stand in the circle when the baby is blessed.  I wish he could bless his little one.  He would have to be an Elder for that, and I think he could be made one, but they would have to pay their tithing and I don’t think they are doing that right now.  I don’t know for sure.  I hate to pry and seem overbearing to them.  I wish Landon was old enough to bless the baby (having been ordained an Elder).  Dad is in Cambodia, Roger can’t, Ben can’t, so I guess either Jim Wilkerson or my brother Mark Dickson will do it. 

9/28/05 evening

Well, when CJ went to the doctor today, her blood pressure was still too high, and so they said - over to the hospital you go !!  Any way, they are there and they broke her water and started her on Pitocin at about 7 p.m. September 28th.  Zac probably won't get a baby boy on his birthday though, because it will probably go into tomorrow.  It is about 9:15 p.m. and we are headed down to check on them.

I'll let you know what happens !

LOVE GWEN 

It's 5:30 a.m. Sept 29th - No baby yet !  Zac just called, and after being in Labor for almost 10 hours, CJ is only to a 2 !  She's feeling sick (pukey) and they've got her on oxygen, I guess because her oxygen is low.  (I remember that from Landon in the hospital, they get breathing so shallow, that they don't pull enough oxygen into their blood.  Zac didn't get any sleep last night on the uncomfortable coach.  Shirlee and McKenzie went home during the night also, I hope McKenzie gets back over there, because she's a labor and delivery tech, and knows what is what. I suppose I'll head down when I hear more- they will keep me updated and I'll keep you updated !!

LOVE GWEN

Well she's been in labor 18 hours now, and still no bambino !!  Zac just called (1:30 p.m. Sept 29) , and she is about a 4-5 dilation, and they are going to increase the Pitocin, and hopefully in a few more hours we'll get the new little one.  She is pretty miserable, throwing up, headache, etc.  It seems nothing ever goes easy with her, darn it !!

LOVE GWEN

Little Treyson  Lee Rich was born at 8:04 p.m., September 29, 2005.  He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long.  He is not blonde like his daddy was.  He has brown hair, not as dark or long as Camryn's was.  He has tiny petite features.  After 27 hours of labor, and no progress, he was taken Cesarean section.  Mom is worn out and in a lot of pain.  Dad is tired but so happy with his baby.  The grandma's left the hospital at 11:25 p.m. (It's now 11:55 p.m.)  I'll write more later.   Love Gwen

September 30, 2005  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission

Congratulations Dad Zac, and Grandma Gwen and Grandpa Roger,

Sorry we haven't responded to what was happening more closely the past 24 hours, but we were out of town for a day and didn't have access to the e-mail.  Thank heaven we live in a day when the doctors can help when there is difficulty with a delivery.  We are glad the little guy is here and feel confident that CJ will be feeling better soon.  It's hard to keep our minds on what we are doing when these kinds of things are happening at home and we want so much to be there.  You were all in our prayers (especially CJ and the baby) and we knew things would work out well.  We're so happy our little

great-grandson has come into a family where he will be loved very much by everyone.  Grandpa Dickson was tickled to think that he has the middle name of Lee.

It sounds like he was a good size baby but sorry CJ had to go through 27 hours of labor.  Thank goodness mothers soon forget about the pain and are able to just enjoy their little new babies.  Thanks for keeping us posted and up to date.

Love, Grandma and Grandpa Dickson

Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission

Friday, September 30, we traveled to Uintah High School in Vernal to watch Landon play football.  They won 27 to 21.  Landon got an interception on the 15-20 yard line and ran it back for a touch down !!!  Also, he was instrumental in two other of the touchdowns, throwing key blocks to allow the runners to score!!    Saturday Night (October 1) or should I say early morning Sunday I was sick with the flu or food poisoning I don’t know what and was throwing up all night, I laid around sick all day Sunday (General Conf.) except when I went and helped Zac clean his house, then had a pretty good night Sunday night, but have been sitting on the pot all day today October 3^rd  with diarrhea.  

Note – Zipper our dog of about 10 years was hit and killed by a car sometime early Sunday morning.   It has been one year since Manda called us to come and get her from Arizona.  It has been a good year, busy and hectic, but good to have her and little Camryn home.