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...)
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