Lots going on!

So many things to tell you and not much time......ah! Oh, and incredible keyboard again.. Looks like you'll get 2 periods again.. Oh great.. And no enter key.. Life goes on......WELL----I SANG FOR THE PROPHET THIS WEEK!!!!!!!! Not to mention every member of the 12 at one point or another, but the highlight was the sacrament meeting at 10:30 AM Sunday morning.. The Prophet and 10 of the 12 were on the stand, in the room with all the training mission presidents.. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, that's for sure.. PLUS we got to listen to him speak after (only the choir, which was a bonus!).. It was in a incredible meeting.. We sand every morning at 8 am.. Once for Pres Uchtdork, once for Pres Eyring, once for Pres Packer, and once for Pres Monson.. Plus every time we sang there were additional Apostles on the stand, along with general authorites, Relief Society Presidency, etc.. It was incredible.. I will never forget it! And Friday night we had a devotional with Elder Oaks, who talked about essentially the first 2 lessons in Preach My Gospel (explaining why we're the only true church on the face of the earth).. It was powerful.. It wasn't anything different than anything we'd ever heard, but it was powerful coming from a man who has spent his life in the service of God.. As I watched him on the stand, along with Elder Holland, Elder Nielson, Elder Scott, Elder Cook, and Elder Christofferson, I was filled with such peace.. It was powerful.. Especially when I listened to the Prophet......AH.. He is simply an ordinary man with extraordinary power! I don't mean to diminish his character in anyway--he's wonderful!! But he is just like you and I in this mortal life.. He emphasized we are God's children working TOGETHER to establish God's kingdom on earth.. His humility and normalcy really struck me on Sunday.. I love this church.. Not just because the leaders we have, but everything that it stands for.. The promises we have! I've also been humbled more this week......and I feel like my companionship is doing incredible things together.. It's so powerful! I've realized this week that I will never have a perfect companion my entire mission....but neither will they.. I have many things to fix and accomplish, why waste time pointing out things to them? Things are going suuuuper well with my companions.. I love how different we are! Something else the prophet said, sorry to be scattered, is that "show how is more important that tell how.." I really really feel that this is his way of sharing the gospel.. He has set the example for all the world, and shown us the way to return to Heavenly Father.. He also said, "You've got to be yourself, but you've got to be your wisest self.." Ah I wish I could tell you everything about it....I supposed I will someday.. Just no time right now! At the bookstore the other day, by the way, I walked in a swarm of people (it's been super crowded with all the mission presidents and their wives here....tons of people!) and recognized a familiar face.. Before I knew what I was saying, I said, "Oh well hello, Elder Scott!" Hahaha.. Yes, THE Elder Scott.. We brushed shoulders and he just kind of laughed.. "Hello, sister!" he said.. "My, you've got a lovely smile. Never stop smiling!" Haha! It was so nice.. I never knew he was so short! Haha.. Anyway, that was a fun experience.. I really loved it.. And I shook Elder Christofferson's hand (and his wife) before a devotional one night.. He came and thanked the choir for their music.. And after we sang once for the Brethren, as I was walking away Elder Nielson looked me in the eye, put his hands together up by his face and whispered, "Thank you, sister.." It was sooo powerful.. It's been quite the experience spending so much time with these men of God! There has been a different feeling here at the MTC, but even moreso because we've had the opportunity of singing for them.. I felt like an angel singing these incredibly powerful, moving songs.. It felt like madrigals but a bagillion times better.. I love to sing! Also, Hardcastles! I saw Pres and Sister Collins! They are so sweet, she gave me a big hug and I got to talk with them for a while.. They look so happy and were really enjoying the session.. I love your neighbors! And I also talked with Pres and Sister Brower for a few minutes! They left for Canada today, but they were so sweet.. I told them to tell BJ and Katie hi, so I hope you got the message! I love you botha dn hope you're happy! Well Family, my time is short.. I love you all so much.. Thank you for your prayers and concern for me, I can feel the strength from God more every day.. I can't believe I leave in less than 3 weeks!!!! AH!!!!!!!!!! I love Thailand! Anyway, I love you! MOM--THANK YOU for those pictures through email.. I can't believe how HUGE those girls are! Seriously! Shelby looks like she's 8 years old! I hope you're having fun with them this week, give them hugs and kisses from me.. I love you all! I pray for you every day..
 Love, Sister Naegle

New Mission Presidents!

I am so excited for this week.....as some of you know, we are having the new mission presidents come this week, which means we're having some very special speakers come as well. (ok this keyboard is really special and does 2 periods every time and the enter key doesn't work.. joyous MTC).. Anyway.....I get to sing in the choir with my compaion Sister Jolley, along with Becs! WE ARE SO EXCITED.. The try out was fun, we didn't think we made it.. But I'm so grateful we did.. We found out this morning that we'll be singing in special meetings just for the misson presidents....where we'll sing for Elder Holland, Pres Packer, Pres Eyring, Pres Uchtdorf, AND Pres Monson.. i love this opportunity! It will be incredible.. We start singing Thursday, and sing every day until Sunday.. They might record a CD for us, so if they do I'll send it home.. I love singing.....singing is when I feel most like an angel.. That sounds silly, but I cannot describe the feeling of singing in a choir, at the MTC, with an incredibly skilled director, singing things you're studying nonstop, everyday.. It's so powerfull! Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes next week.. I realized that I learned reading script in 1 and a half weeks.. Miracle?? OF COURSE.. I can't believe the things that are happening around here.. Last week we had our last week in the temple......they closed the Provo Temple until July 28th or something like that, so we'll be long gone before it opens.. Last time for 18 months! We spent a good 4 1/2 hours there, doing Initiatories, Session, and eating dinner.. We ran into our cute teacher, Sis Noppomas, in the cafeteria.. She was sneaky and paid for our meals before we could! I have a feeling she is a good representative of the Thai people..That was no small amount of money for 5 of us, even in the standards of America.. The exchange rate is something like 33 baht to $1.. I love her! Dad, you asked about my departure date.. The estimated date is July 19th, but we haven't gotten any travel plans or antying yet.. We think in the next 2 weeks we'll get them.. At least the phiithays got their plans 2 weeks prior to leaving.. Anyway, the realization of actually going to Thailand is becoming increasingly real! I've heard some rumors about ways to send stuff home for free, but I'll solidify it and let you know.. I think I send it from here to the post office in bountiful, and then you pay for it when you pick it up or something......and it's discounted? I'll let you know.. Kelly and Dave--CUTE ANNOUNCEMENT! I am so excited for you both.. Kell, I heard you look beautiful in your dress.. I'm so happy for you! I want to see more pictures soon.. And I knew you created the announcement, i could tell! They're adorable.. Matty........HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUNDAY!!!! I can't beleive it's already the end of June.. Sheesh.. I hope you have a happy birthday, and make everyone sing extra loud for you, from me.. I love you so much, big brother! Thank you for being the best example of diligence/patience/love.. I miss and love you so much! I had another interesting run-in with Thai......I was asked to invite my teacher in front of the class in Thai.. The conversation continued for a while, and I was going no where fast.. Well, in order to try to redeem myself, I wanted to ask, in Thai, "Have you ever wondered where you go when you die?" Instead, I asked, "Have you ever wondered where you go when you're killed?" His eyes got big, and he said, "You're going to kill me?" My class thought it was hilarious, and I didn't know what I said wrong! At least I provide the entertainment for the group.. Hahaha.. My District is great, the elders are behaving themselves.. Most of the time.. But we're all getting along well, and realizing the importance of the work more each day.. I am so excited to go, but still have much to learn here at the MTC.. I'm trying not to waste a second! This past week has been interesting.. It had its trials, that's for sure.. But as I tried to rely more on my Heavenly Father, and do the things I needed to do to recieve His help, I witnessed miracles.. My companions and I taught the Restoration on Saturday in Thai, again, and it went so well! As we taught, I envisioned myself in Thailand, teaching, and feeling so much LOVE.. I've never felt that magnitude of love for people I just met.. I loved the investigator, some tall lanky return missionary, and I loved my companions.. The spirit was powerful, and I said everything I wanted to.. The frustration has been that I ahven't been able to express myself in Thai the way I want to.. But I did on Saturday! It was incredible.. I love this work.. I love being here.. I love everything about everything I'm learning.. Stay strong, Family! I love you all so much, and am grateful for your support.. I LOVE YOU!! Love, Sister Naegle.. P..S.. Read 2 talks from Elder Maxwell--they've really blessed my life this week.. One is "A Precious Promise" and the other is "The Inexhaustible Gospel.." I love Elder Maxwell!

Past Halfway!

Again, it is crazy how time flies around here.

Liz, you asked about pictures being sent through email--I can see them in the email, but can't print them. Hard copies of pictures would be great! Thanks so much for thinking of me. And yes, I leave July 19th. 5 WEEKS FROM YESTERDAY!!!!!!

Several of you have asked about packages you can send--either cupcakes from "CoCoBean" here in Provo...they're so good. Or bread/rolls. Or healthy snacks. I think we're all cookie'd out...but if they're already on the way, they're welcome! My district always loves a treat. Thanks so much family! You're so sweet.

Speaking of which, an Elder told his mom about all the treats, so she sent him this humongous box of nectarines and incredible apples. IT WAS SO GOOD....the sisters took home a couple nectarines and sliced them up with my sweet pocket knife. Thanks for sending it! Fruit never tasted so good. Sometimes I think the MTC fruit is fake. Or I've just been hearing incredible things about Thailand fruit...the past few days we've been learning about food/how to say/how to ask for certain things. In the process. our teachers get a bit excited telling us about the amazing food! It's pretty easy to get them off on tangents and just learn about Thailand. Brother Everton served in the East side of Thailand, on the border of Laos. It's called the "Esan" (not sure how to spell it), and that is where Sis Noppomas and Brother Saakha are from too. Anyway, needless to say I've been a little homesick for Thailand lately. Can't wait to go.

The other day for class, Sis Noppomas took us out to the front lawn of the MTC and taught us how to meditate. It was SERENE. I've kind of done it before in different yoga classes and such, but the way she explained it and demonstrated it was heavenly. Ha, who meditates for class at the MTC? I do.

We had a lovely surprise for our devotional last week...Elder Hales! It was so incredible. He talked about the Light of Christ that lies within every person. He mentioned that God has been working with people long before I ever show up on the scene. "God is never surprised," he said. He really emphasized that because God has been preparing them to a certain degree, they will be prepared to recognize that light within me when they meet me. Isn't that crazy to think about? The light within their souls will connect with the light within mine, and they'll recognize the feeling! I will merely be a "helper" in teaching them of Christ. The real relationship is between God and the investigator. It was interesting to think of my role in that way.

Another little surprise...I applied to try out for the small choir they're putting together at the MTC. From that application (based on experience), you were invited to try out with the choir director. They pick 50-60 or so to try out, then only 36 in the choir. I was invited to try out, and as I'm waiting for it to begin, who else walks in but Hermana Pitchforth?! Haha--we'll never escape each other! We'll find out later today if we were accepted, but I will laugh out loud if we both show up to the practice tomorrow morning. Anyway, funny things happen at the MTC. Aka tender mercies. They're all over the place if you simply look around!

By the way, how is Dave's hand? I hope you're doing well, Dave! I'm sorry that happened. Take care!

The phiithays left last Tuesday, as I mentioned. It was much more sad than I thought it would be! We've really missed them. But luckily we're getting a new district tomorrow, and we will be the phiithays. Ha, it's silly, really. For me it's just more of a reality that WE are the next ones catching a flight to Thailand! There's still so much to do! We found out that this new district as 6 elders and 2 SISTERS!!! YAY! People keep saying how they can't believe how many sisters are coming through. I guess it just seems normal to me because I'm here, but I'm so grateful to be a part of it! I already know a good chunk of the missionaries that will be in Thailand, and we'll meet more tomorrow.

Funny story about Sis Noppomas--she was telling us about this fish sauce they put in some of their dishes. I can't remember what it's called, but they eat it a lot in the Esan. Anyway, it's this fish they bury in the ground, let it rot for like a month, then dig it up and use the juice from it to make some fish sauce. Sounds delightful, right? She loves it. Anyway, we were all pulling faces and laughing about it, and usually she's pretty a submissive/passive person. She simply said, "Now, now. This thing? [pointing to the word on the whiteboard].....you can nevah escape." Haha, oh if you only knew her....she is fantastic.

By the way, Brother Saakha works at the Thai House restaurant in Draper every Friday and Saturday night! If you ever get a chance to go there....you should....ask for him! He's the nccnthay's teacher, but we know him pretty well. He makes me love Thai people even more! He's hilarious and sooo sweet. He told us his conversion story on Saturday. It was powerful....at the end, I think to drive his point home more for everyone, he just looked at me and said, "Sisdah Naegle, someone is waiting for you in Thailand." After his incredible story and testimony, it hit me really hard. There are millions of moments like that when I've been humbled in this work. I pray they continue, because I need it! This work is real.I love being a missionary.

We taught in Thai for the first time Saturday! I love the simplicity of it...it was so great! I won't be teaching in English for another 18 months....:) CRAZY!

I've realized something this week. What I've been doing here at the MTC is incredible, because I've been set apart. But honestly? I feel the bigger part is because I've been doing the small and simple things. I've read/studied daily. I've prayed multiple times daily. I've been obedient. And I've served. That recipe has cause me to have a greater portion of the spirit than I've ever before experienced. I'm an ordinary person doing simple things to bring about extraordinary things! I love this work. I love what I'm learning.

Keep praying, family. Keep moving forward! Small and simple things make a world of difference, because they invite the spirit. I love you all...more than you'll ever know.

Happy Father's Day, Dads!!

Love,

Sister Naegle

Almost Halfway!

I can't believe time, once again. Just when I think it's going so slow, a WHOLE WEEK has passed. Absolutely Crazy.

First of all--thank you for the packages! Eric and Maere, those cupcakes were wonderful--I wish you could've seen my companion screaming and jumping up and down when I opened it. :) Haha! Thank you! They were enjoyed over our daily planning session. Grandma Rosie and Grandma Cherrie--thank you for your letters! I love hearing how things are at home, thank you for keeping me updated. I love you both very very much! Continue to work hard! Manda, thank you for the package with pictures. I LOVE THEM. So did my companions, so thank you! Mom/Matt, thanks for getting Becs' homecoming to me. The CD you sent (Matt?) didn't work with both of the talks on it, so the tape was very welcomed. I told Bec all about it later that day--haha strange. Caleb, my District enjoyed your jokes. And thanks to Liz and Em for color coding ideas! They're being implemented as we speak, thank you so much. Oh--hahaha, Manda I was crying I was laughing so hard at Shelby's tape. Oh my heck. She's the cutest 2 year old to ever walk the planet.

All I can say about the language this week...I'm SO grateful I had choir with Mr. H. Those practices with so many vowel drills....over and over until we got the perfect one...it sounds silly, but that has probably helped me the most with this language. So Mr. H, wherever you are, thank you! It's fun to see little experience that have brought me to this point. I know I have been prepared for this, though it's very easy to doubt at times. As one of the phiithay sisters told me, "Sister Naegle, if you doubt yourself, you doubt God." I've tried to take that to heart and just work my guts out! So far, I've been greatly blessed. I've also been focusing on my time being the Lord's time--because it is. When I think about that, evey second of my day is spent entirely different. Not that I wasn't diligent before, but now ever second counts for something. I know He trusts me to plan most of my day, but I've also seen His hand guide me to accomplish goals that I thought were impossible. Prayer and lots of effort work! I've proven that this week....I'm reading the Book of Mormon without my urim and thummim (not sure about spelling, but that's the card that tells me consonants/tones/vowels). Crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never thought I'd be reading all the squiggles, but turns out those squiggles make perfect sense. No offense to all you non-Thai speakers, but Thai is the prettiest language in the world. I could listen to Brother Sakkha and Sister Noppomas all day.

Last Tuesday we had a devotional with Brother Foster of the Seventy. What an answer to my prayer! He talked about the insignificance of each individual (hang on, this has a point) in the universe. We are sooooo small compared to everyone in the earth, the universe, and the billions of galaxies out there. BUT....somehow, our perfect, loving, compassionate Heavenly Father knows each one of us by name. Have you thought lately about how incredible that is? Seriously. God knows YOU. I can testify of that from several experiences this week. Please keep praying, personally/with family, and you will know His presence! Oh my goodness He's so real--I feel like I"m learning all this stuff for the first time. If only you knew how much I was changing in just these 6 weeks...I can't describe it. I love what my heart is being molded into. And because I'm working hard and praying hard, I know Heavenly Father is helping me be the best person for the people of Thailand. Speaking of which, keep praying for them! I hear things have calmed down a bit, but continue to pray.

The Phiithays left today! CRAZY! Now we are the old ones, haha. We get the new district next week. THANK YOU family for not letting me stay home another 6 weeks....I know it's not a huge difference in the long run, but I'm so glad to have started this journey already. Plus I would've been a solo sister in that district--not fun!

I officially taught my last English lesson on Friday!!! From here on out, it's Thai all the way. YES. I am so grateful.

I don't really have much else to say, other than tell you how much I love the gospel. Just as I said there's power in simple prayer, there is definitely power in simple teaching/testimony. I know that I HAVE to rely on the spirit to get my point across to who I'm teaching, because my words can't do it justice. I'll just say I've had some incredible teaching experiences already by relying on the spirit, even if they're just role plays with other companionship's. The spirit is real!

I love you all so much, thank you for the support you give me. Make it a great week, and make ever second count!!

Love,

Sister Naegle

"Let go of what isn't you, and take back all that is." --Elder Foster

What do you do in your spare time? What does it say about you? Are you a kingdom builder or do you just watch? Go out and do something today. I love you, fam. Be who God intended you to be!

Time flies...

I can't believe the way time flies around here. It's absolutely insane. Grandma, it was SO good to hear from you! I hope all is well, and please know that you're letter was very appreciated. I wished I was there to have breakfast with you, Shelby, Mom and Manda, but...MTC breakfasts will suffice for now, I suppose. :)

Sounds like my car has made it to the Hardcastle's! Corinne and Laury Lou...You better take care of that beauty! She's treated me well these past 3 years. Ol' black still has some more adventures to begin. :) Have fun! And be SAFE.

So just when I think I'm getting a grasp of one concept, another is quickly introduced. Things never slow down here at the MTC, but that is for a reason. I really am loving it. There is so much to learn, and obviously Heavenly Father has me here to learn what I need to prior to Thailand. I'm trying to do my best in applying gospel concepts to make it through some difficult times! But all in all, it's a great experience. Last Tuesday we were able to hear from Elder Christofferson from the Twelve, along with his wife. I don't know how we're so blessed! I guess come July we'll be hearing from quite a few more, since the new mission presidents will be here. I wonder who will come tonight? Doesn't matter, they're always good. I love firesides.

MIRACLE OF THE MTC............I went to dinner Wednesday night, burnt out from a rather long study session, only to see Hermana Pitchforth sitting at the table next to mine!!!! It was such a tender mercy! I instantly starting crying and bombarding her with questions. She is the best friend anyone could ever ask for. She's also in a trio, which is fun. She is really enjoying it so far! As I brushed my teeth that night I thought, "I'll probably only see her ever few days, there are so many people here..." Just then, I walked past the sink to see the little 4'11'' fireball missionary washing her face! HAHAHA! Not only does she live in my building....SHE LIVES ACROSS THE HALL!!!! It is such a tender mercy! So now I see her every morning and evening, and throughout the day during meals. I can't believe how wonderful it is. I love having a sister here!

We also had the privilege of talking to a Thai missionary going to serve in Texas. He has many great things to say about the country, and bore a solemn witness that his people needed this gospel. It was so wonderful to hear a Thai person bear their testimony of the truthfulness, and that he knew we were needed there. He encouraged us not to waste a second. He was only 19, but acted like a General Authority. I can't wait to go to Thailand!!!

Heidi, I have to tell you that I think of you almost every time I interact with my Thai teacher, Sister Noppomas. She is exactly the kind of person you would LOVE. Haha. Ah...if only I could have you meet her. Someday! She also makes me love the Thai people even more.

Emmer, thank you for the chips and salsa! This past Saturday we had our weekly planning meeting, which can get rather....intense, shall we say. Sisters and Elders don't agree on quite a few goals, haha. Anyway, it was a wonderful stress reliever and the Elders were very grateful! Thank you!

Speaking of Elders, just when I think they're mature, they whip out ridiculous contests out of nowhere. Like....eating 7 bowls of All-Bran cereal in a day and seeing who can wait the longest...? SERIOUSLY?! Haha, I just have to laugh, though. They certainly keep things interesting.

Funny story--last night we had class with Sister Noppomas, and I asked her about a grammar principle, "Naa vs Khii." I was trying to explain it to her, and she wasn't understanding. I was confused, because she normally catches on pretty quick with English. Finally it clicked in her head! She said, "Sistah, no no no! You do nevah say da 'khii' alone! It mean....." And she got embarrassed. Haha. Then she just kind of slightly smiled and said really quietly, "Poop." The entire district when silent, then busted up laughing. Ah...it was soo funny. I said it alone (it precedes a verb), and with the wrong tone. Anyway, Sis. Noppomas was confused as to why I was asking her about poop. I guess you learn through mistakes....

The language is coming, slowly but surely! Just as my favorite elder said, "I'm forgetting english faster then I'm learning Thai. My brain is mush." That's certainly how I feel some days, the English words are hard to find sometimes. But we're speaking our language more and more every day. I love it! I'm loving everything so far, the good and the bad. Some times it's difficult to see in hard situations, but after the fact, I'm always grateful. I know this is where I need to be! I love praying so much. If you haven't said a prayer from the heart in a while, do it TONIGHT. It will change your life. I love you all! Thank you for being such great supports! I have the best family ever.

Love,

Sister Naegle