LAST WEEK!!!

I cannot believe how time is flying here. I am down to my last week. Some of you know already, but I have my flight plans for SUNDAY NIGHT!! That's right, I fly to LAX at 9:30 Sunday night, then to Taipe, Taiwan, then off to Bangkok. Oh my goodness I can't believe it's here. But I'm so ready....mentally. Haha. I'm expecting to be terrible with the language for the first while. I won't understand most of what's going on, and it will be difficult, I'm sure. But I expect myself to still be the best misisonary I can. I can still smile, I can still serve, I can still love. You don't need language to feel the spirit! That will be my focus for the first while, as I try to get the language down. Anyway, needless to say I'm ECSTATIC.

How was the wedding?! Kell and Dave I'm so excited for you. By the way---I met Ph>>n and Sanyaa in the TRC on Saturday--they were my investigators!!!! They are wonderful! We started off the lesson in Thai, finding out a little about each other. I said I was from Bountiful, they asked if I knew a Kelly Week. I was shocked, and told them, "She's my sister!" They got so excited and proceeded to tell me the connection. I just started crying on the spot, it was sooo special. They described the wedding, the tent, everything (though they weren't there, their daughter was and told them about it?). Anyway, It was a little taste of home, and I loved it. They are such sweet people. I even understood them a little bit! :)

Happy Birthday to Shelby, Mom and Lauren Ashley this week!! :) Sorry if I'm forgetting anyone, this is off the top of my head. I hope you're all doing well, and have great birthdays. I love you so much. Shelb, I can't believe you can count to 10 AND sing the ABCs! You're so big! Happy Birthday Lauren, you're a sweetheart and I love you! Mom...you are the best. I hope you realize the impact you've had on my life--you've helped me prepare for this mission and I love you for it. You are so wonderful, and an angel in my life!

I wanted to use this email to tell you about my experience at the MTC, overall. As I've pondered over it the past few days, I've realized some incredible things. Before I came to the MTC, I was so sure this was going to be the greatest experience of my life. I wasn't quite sure how, yet. I had just heard that a lot, and expected it. Within the first 2 weeks, I was humbled a lot. I thought I was ready and prepared to do this. And I was, but not by myself. I needed God's help more than I ever have in my entire life. I needed Him. If this was His work, then He needed to help this helpless human being accomplish it! I know that God knows my weaknesses. All of you know that I tend to be rather analytical about everything. Especially myself. I've wondered countless times if I really have what it takes to be here. The beauty of the past 2 weeks have been life changing for me. I know that God know my weaknesses! He knows more than I do, in everything about me. BUT--He's okay with those weaknesses. I was still called by Him to perform this work. When I compare myself to others (which is easy to do in our District, they're all incredible!), it is not for my benefit. I am essentially telling God that my gifts and talents are not good enough (see Moroni 10:8)!! God knows what He blessed me with. He knows that I need His help. He knows that I also have the gifts and talents to do what He's asked me to do. It's like a symphony. We each have our own harmony! We each have a role. When played alone, any instrument sounds sad, lonely. But, when the whole orchestra is combined, it's incredible! I've realized that this is precisely how it is with our talents. We need each other. WE NEED the talents and gifts of all those around us. Who cares if they're better at you then something! Shape up and realize that you have talents from God too, that are just as precious and profound as so-and-so down the street. This work on earth is so much bigger than us. I've never been closer to the veil than here at the MTC. I need to realize that we need each other, God, and hard work to make this come to pass. I am one of the sons of Mosiah, going to preach to the Lamanites in a distant land. BUT, you are the Alma's of the world, staying to strengthen people right in the middle of the church! There are so many people that need you. You need them. I can't adequately express the changes I've expereinced at the MTC. If I were to return home now I'd be a different person. I can't wait to see what awaits me in Thailand! As for each of you, do your best to hold down the fort at home. You are needed, no matter your talents and ablities. I love this gospel. I love my Savior Jesus Christ, and His perfect and infinite Atonement. I've never felt His power so much in my life! It is REAL! I testify that as you experiment the things that are asked of us in the Book of Mormon, you will feel His power. I have felt it time and again here at the MTC. I love this work, and I love the people of Thailand. I have been praying for them every single prayer I've prayed for this past week....I can't believe I'm finally going! Please pray for me, the missionaries and Thailand, the Mission President, but most importanly, the people. They need it. They need this gospel. I love this work, and I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!! I love you family. Have a great week. The next time I email, I'll be in THAILAND. Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Sisdah Naegle