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.