Crazy Weather

I can't believe Utah and all it's crazy weather. We sat in class yesterday staring at the branches breaking off of trees due to all the snow. I suppose Heavenly Father wanted us to see snow one last time before we head into insane heat....

I have to make a correction from last week that has been driving me insane ALL WEEK. Haha, Pres Monson's favorite show is Perry Mason, NOT Matlock! I don't want to spread rumors...haha, sorry for my lack of memory!

This week has been great. Last night at dinner I was able to sit next to Brother Robert Swenson from the Missionary Department at the MTC (he's also giving our fireside on Sunday). He asked me a lot of questions about my family, why I'm serving, etc. After we talked for a few minutes, he sat and thought for a moment, then said, "Sister, I need to tell you that the Thai language never baptized anybody. You are here to learn how to be effective in God's hands. Perfect that." That was a direct answer to my prayers! Just when I think I've been humbled enough (oxymoron, I know), Heavenly Father sees fit that I go even lower. I'm sure it will continue to happen, considering the trend of the past 3 weeks. I realize more than ever that I need God to perform this task. I need God. Not that I didn't believe it before, but these words resound in my soul with more meaning than ever before! I am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve a mission. I thank Heavenly Father every day for parents who have taught me in the ways of the gospel, so that I could be here with my wonderful companions/district learning how to best serve the people of Thailand!

Speaking of which...we've been informed of some of the happenings of Thailand lately. I don't know many details, but I do know that the people of Thailand need your prayers. Please pray for them. I believe things are getting better, but if they continue in such a way we won't be allowed to enter...we cannot have that. I know it may not be worth speculating, but perhaps this is what the Thai people need right now. The district ahead of us has 13 missionaries, we have 12, and the district coming in June has quite a few. These are huge numbers for Thailand. I know 1/4 of the missionaries that I will be serving with in Thailand right now, plus the new ones coming in June...it's crazy. The missionaries in my zone (almost all are going to Thailand) are stellar. I am surprised by them every single day. I have realized the past few days the magnitude of this calling. It doesn't scare me, but it really has humbled me. My teacher told me in my personal interview, "You've been trying to learng Thai on your own. STOP IT. You can't do it." I've heard it a lot, but that slapped me. As I've tried my best to rely on the Lord, the language has come so much easier. I'm even reading the Book of Mormon in Thai! Miracles are happening left and right, I can't begin to tell you. I know that I will learn this language in the way God intends, because I'm doing my best to trust in His guidance.

For RS Sunday we had the pleasure of hearing from Sister Ann Madsen, Truman G. Madsen's wife. What a phenomenal woman! From her talk, I understand better how my prayers should be. We are talking with our Father in Heaven. The one who knows us best. Our prayers/conversations with Him should be so intimate, so personal. We should tell Him things that we would never say aloud to any other being. And almost as important as speaking with God, is listening to Him. He has the way for us to go! Go to Him in all we do. Read Alma 37:36-37....it will answer any questions on our relationship with God. He is our everything.

Janelle! Thank you for my package! I want you to know those cookies were gone in about an hour--the Elder thank you very much (and sisters...we kept a few for ourselves).

I have a question for some Return Missionaries (I know Matt and Liz did this)...how did you color code your scriptures? We've been having some discussions about it, and I want to start now before I get to Thailand. Any ideas?

Sounds like Dad had a good time babysitting on Friday..I could hear him saying, "Shelby, listen! Zella, don't climb on Max..." etc. Hilarious! Dad and kids=hilarity. I love you! And I love all the cute little kids at home. Give them hugs and kisses for me.

That's about all...things are going well. This week is rather daunting, given our District Goals and milestones. But we're going to do it! God has already worked countless miracles, just 3 weeks in. I can't begin to describe. Just remember that God knows you. He loves you. I've never felt Him more prominently in my life than the past 3 weeks, especially this past week. I LOVE THE GOSPEL. This is the only way. Make it a great week!!!!!!!

All My Love,

Sister Naegle

P.S. Matt, I need Kimberly Atkin's address, please! She sent me a package the first day here, I haven't written her yet. She's wonderful! Thanks bro. Oh--and keep me posted on your life. Did you get the job at Key? I think you said you did...anyway, love you. Kick the U's bottom.

Week Saang

WEEK TWO! Crazy how time is flying, literally. I feel like the past 2 weeks have been 2 really, really, REALLY long days. Every day is the same around here, except for Tuesday and Sunday. Preparation days are very welcomed, as well as Sundays. Some pretty incredible things that have happened...

Last Sunday (my first Sunday) Sheri Dew taught our Relief Society. Incredible. The following Tuesday, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave the devotional (I wonder who will come tonight...?). This past Sunday, Mary N. Cook and Sister Ann Dibb from the Young Women General Presidency taught our Relief Society (Sister Dibb was unannounced). AWESOME things are happening here. Personally, in the lives of my companions, and in the lives of every member of my district. Elder Holland's talk was my favorite, I'll be honest. If I was ever unsure about being out here before, know that I'm positive about my decision to serve NOW. He said, "You have no right to be less than what your families expect of you, what the church expects of you, and what my little grandchildren expect of missionaries. MY GRANDCHILDREN DESERVE TO SEE CAPTAIN (or sister) MORONI STANDING AT THE PULPIT WHEN YOU RETURN, because that is what is expected of missionaries today! You better live up to those epectations." It was powerful. I loved every second. Also, Sister Dibb did a little question answer about the Prophet. Fun to know that he still is a real person! His favorite show is Matlock...he watches it ever night. Ha, just FYI.

Sounds like Bec/Jac did incredible! I'm sad I missed it, but I look forward to hearing it on CD/tape. I love you girls! Bec--GET DOWN HERE!!!!!!!!

Some of you asked what my schedule is like...well, studying, studying, some more studying. Haha. If it's not gospel, it's language. If it's not language, is lesson plans. If it's not lesson plans, it's personal/companionship study. Etc, etc, etc. I'm realizing there is a TON to learn. I can't waste a second here. As far as food...well, cafeteria food has it's ups and downs. I'm a huge fan of the granola! Bec, Lauren was right! I'm trying to limit my intake...I don't want to be a rolly-poly for
the people of Thailand. :)

I love gym time. It has never felt so good to run, play sand volleyball with the elders, etc. They also have 6 am classes for the sisters every morning (like kick boxing, yoga, toning, step, etc). I've definitely been getting my companions up to go. They keep a sister sane, here! Sooooo much sitting......and time here is really structured, but it's incredible. We don't really have free-time, and if we have a spare second it's spent trying to catch up/get organized. I know now what time feels like on a mission, to an extent. It seriously messes with your mind! The other day I thought it was the 12th, when it was really the 14th. I'm a bit disoriented.

Apparently I had a conversation with a BYU player on the way to class, and I didn't know he was so good. The Elders were all jealous. We were talking on the way to dinner, and when we got there they bombarded me with questions. Uh, Laws? Haws? Haha, oh well. Shows how much I care.

THANK YOU for the packages! They are great! Know the my district loves you. The snacks are much needed during long study sessions. :) (and yes Dad, that is a smiley face. You're so hip now, what happened?!)

Sounds like Shelb grew up over night--counting to 10?!?! Crazy! Em, that crayon you gave me in the letters is taped on the wall next to my bed, along with the phrase you gave me. Thank you, sis.

Hmoney and Cballa--apparently you're livin' the dream! I'm happy for you! Thank you everyone for the letters, they provide SO much support in times of stress. Mail is usually delivered at dinner, when you've been hittin' the books all day and you have to go back again that night...so a little pick-me-up is always welcome. Thank you!

OKAY--the miracle of the week (thank you, Hermana Hardcastle for the idea, though I'll probably forget sometimes!).....remember how I thought I wasn't capable of learning Thai? Let alone reading/writing in Thai? Thank you to Heavenly Father, I am actually praying/bearing testimony, along with carrying on small talk (if they speak slowly enough i can understand), as well as READING SCRIPT! Yes, those lines that look like a bunch of worms? Well, I can read it. It takes me a while, haha, but I can do it. I can't believe the ways Heavenly Father is blessing me. Sometimes at the MTC I forget how incredible the spirit is here. It's everywhere, all the time (if you're worthy of it). Training to be missionaries with people from all over the world, with the same purpose as me is incredible. We are God's Army! We are on the front lines of this fight, and I've never been more ready. I just want to be careful of getting used to the spirit of the MTC, and not recognizing how blessed I really am. I don't even want to think about where I would be if I wasn't at the MTC learning the language. Probably still learning greetings.

Sister Noppomas and Brother Everton are my teachers, and I LOVE THEM. Sis Noppomas is Chinese, but grew up in Thailand. Also, Brother Sakkha is Thai (I mentioned him last week, I think), and they both grew up Buddhist. After they were baptized, they both served missions. Anyway, it's been awesome to get the culture of the Thai-Buddhists, as well as the Thai-Mormons.

This is random, but I wanted to request a favor. Not that you are going to...but if anyone sends more packages will you please include gluten-free treats? My companion is allergic, and I hate breaking out treats in front of her. She has a great attitude, but she doesn't get many packages/letters. It would be much appreciated! Thank you very much!

I love you, everyone. Thank you so much for the prayers/support. I can feel them! Please know that I'm praying for you IN THAI every morning and night. I love my family/friends, and know I would not be here wihtout you. There's something powerful about praying in a different language....it's very
simple, but I've never put so much effort/feeling into praying. I need it in order to get my point across, because I don't have the words to say it! My prayers are very simple, but I know God hears them just the same, and answers them. Thank heavens! I love prayer.

OK---time for the temple! HOORAY!! I can't wait. I will miss it in Thailand. I love you!!! Make it a great week, BECAUSE IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sistah Naegle

P.S. Kels and Cov--adorable invitation! My roomates are in love with your
invitation. :) I'm so happy for you two.

First week!

It's been a crazy week here at the MTC...I wasn't sure quite what to expect. But now that I'm here, I'm loving it. Really. I'm sure some of the brothers are shaking their heads, "She's lying..." Haha, but it's sooooo wonderful, and exactly what I've been waiting for!

My companions (I'm in a trio) are Sis Jolley from Alpine, and Sis Johnson from Colorado Springs. They're wonderful! There are also 2 other sisters in our district, which is a "sister record number" for the Thailand mission in one district. Pretty SWEET! They are all focused, good studiers, and very positive. I'm sure there will be our hard times, but I know I can learn so much from them.

Thai language...........Haha, it's CRAZY, but sooooo incredible. I'm already praying/bearing my testimony in Thai, and am introducing/talking about myself a little bit. I'm realizing that while 12 weeks may seem like a long time, I'm going to need EVERY SECOND to prepare as much as I can. Although I will get the "real" preparation while I'm out in the field. That is quite a while away, but I look forward to it with great anticipation. We've already caught ourselves struggling to find words in English, haha. I just feel like I'm in this in-between stage of the languages--I don't hardly anything in Thai, but my English is going to pot. Oh well, hopefully I can move closer to Thai with every single day.

THANK YOU for the running shoes! My roommates/companions are very grateful too...we can actually do things for gym time now! Haha, it's pretty much been sand volleyball every day since you don't need shoes for that. Thank you for the water bottle/blessing as well.

Thanks for the letters I've received already! They really do brigthen up a long day of studying. Really long day. Haha. It feels good to be in some sort of a schedule already. From what I hear the days just start flying. The is a district that is 6 weeks ahead of us (the piithai's--Pii means "older"), and one of the elders in there was in my mission prep class from St. George! Crazy! They're wonderful and really helping us with the language. I don't have anything to compare my first week to, but I know that Heavenly Father has been blessing us with the language. My roommate speaks mandarin, and she said it took her months to get to the level we are at currently. Pretty crazy! That certainly has been a miracle.

I want to thank you all for your love and support! I know this is where I need to be. Last night, we discussed our individual purposes at the MTC. Mine is just to remember why I came on a mission. I know it's right, but sometimes I need little reminders. Surprisingly the only time I've cried was Saturday night--I read one of Liz's week long letters and she had traced Olivia's hand on the bottom. Lizard, that got me! Ha, but other than that, it's been a humongous relief to be here, and really BE HERE. I love being a missionary.

ALSO--don't be afraid to use DearElder! Jamie, Jaclyn, Katie (for helping Elder Hardcastle), THANK YOU!!!!!!! They really do brighten up my day and keep me moving, especially since they're delivered in the afternoon and that's my sluggish time of day. Even if it's just a quick note. Go to DearElder.com and my mailbox # is 135 and my departure date is July 19th....WHAA?!?!?!? Apparently it's only 10 1/2 weeks! I guess I really need to kick it into high gear!

Well, family, I love you all. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you. I've thought of every, single one of you this past week and what an influence you've had on me. I WOULDN'T BE HERE WITHOUT MY FAMILY, and because of you i'm going to take this happy message of FAMILY to the people of Thailand. There are some waiting and ready! I love you, make it a great week!

Sistah Naegle (what I will be called in Thailand...)