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