Halfway Through Moves?

I'm not really sure where time goes, but it is FLYING by. I can't believe this moves is more than halfway over, I feel like it just started. And sadly, Sister Young's time is winding down....AH! I can't imagine having another companion, but I know whoever it is, it will be for the best. I am so grateful to her and everything she's taught me. I know I haven't been the easiest companion to get along with, but she's so patient. I am so grateful to her!

Last week for Preparation Day we went to Pong and Noy's house to learn how to make Thai food, I can't remember if I mentioned that or not. It was soooooooo delicious, and we basically made it all! She took us to the da-lod (not sure how to spell in English...) which is like the market, and we bought all the food for what we wanted to make. We made sweet and sour chicken, suki-hang, cashew chicken, chicken curry.....IT WAS DELICIOUS, needless to say. I attached some pictures of it, hopefully you can see her sweet outdoor kitchen! Her house is amazing, I want to just live there with her and help her cook all day. I love that woman so much. Anyway, it was a very fun day.

Happy Birthday to Randy yesterday! I hope it was a great day!!!!! And Miss Brynn, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I am so grateful to have you in my life. Every time I think of you, I just have to smile...you are so funny! Thank you for being such a sweet girl and helping your family so much. And last but not least...Elder Hardcastle, You are officially 21 this week. How does it feel?!?! You're an old geezer now...Love you, and hope you're pushing harder than ever these last weeks of your mission. Give everything.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

This week has been great....we are seeing miracles left and right! I can't believe the people we are teaching, and how prepared they are by Heavenly Father. I love seeing people change their perspectives and their lives. I haven't experienced anything much better. Here's a great story....On Saturday we taught a family that we've been teaching for a couple of weeks now (the dad is the one I contacted a couple weeks ago, and they showed up to church the next day--he has the cute wife and two little girls). The mother, Naam, told us yesterday, that she really feels she should give up Sunday to the Lord. She said, "We work 6 days, I don't think Sunday is too much to give!" And no, we haven't said anything about keeping the Sabbath day holy. So, yesterday at church, we were disappointed after Sacrament meeting because this family didn't show .We went to the investigator Sunday school class, and just 2 minutes later the whole family walked in! We hurried and ushered the little girls off to Primary, and the parents came in with us. Afterwards, the Dechaa went with the Elders, and Naam came with us to Relief Society. The question was opened in the lesson, "How has service impacted you or your family?" A few members stood and shared their testimonies, and the last was the sweetest member. She shared the most humble, genuine testimony, which brought many to tears--including our investigators! Naam started bawling....a quiet, but very intense cry. She stood and gained her composure, and said something like, "I am so grateful for these Sisters that have come to my home and shared their message with me. I remember when my husband came home one day a few weeks ago and said, 'Oh, by the way, a couple of farangs are coming to talk to us at home sometime,' I know that our family has been blessed since they've come to our home. I have seen changes! I told my husband today that I think we should permanently quit working on Sunday so we can come to church and give this day to the Lord. He said, 'Whatever you'd like to do.' I am so grateful to be here." WOW!!!!!!!!!! My investigator next to me was crying, Thum (Toom) across the isle was crying, and Naam behind me was crying. What the heck was happening?! I whipped my tissues out of my bag and handed 'em out, I didn't know what else to do. :) Haha, it was so great. At the end of the meeting, as the introduction to the closing hymn started, I leaned over to Ying (my investigator next to me) and asked, "How are you feeling right now?" She paused, and said, "Warm," pointing to her chest. I smiled, and said, "Ying, I think that's the Holy Ghost telling you that this is true." She just started to cry and couldn't sing the entire song. I know this this message changes lives. I know that I am part of a work that cannot be stopped. I know that when I rely on Heavenly Father, He makes more of my words, my actions, my everything than i ever could. I am so grateful to be a missionary!

Also--Noy showed up to church yesterday and said, "I don't have a headache!!" She's been in the process of no drinking coffee, and has had a headache the past week. We even bought her some hot chocolate to help her overcome the coffee (shoe loves hot chocolate). They will be interviewing this week, and baptized next Sunday!! We are SO excited. This couple will be an incredible strength to the Branch in Chiang Mai. They've even switched their selling schedule around so they can consistently make it to church. Pong wanted to interview on Thursday--I was confused at first, because that's their busiest day of the week! But he soon explained, "We need to make this a sacrifice, and give our best to the Lord." Man, so great. I love this couple.

That's really all I've got for this week...I am so grateful to be here in Thailand. I know that miracles come after the trial of our faith. If we want something bad enough, and prove our dedication to Heavenly Father, He will provide a way. Faith has POWER. I am so grateful! I love you all, Make it a great week--nothing less. LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All My Love,

Sister Naegle

P.S. Alma 37:33-37........Prayer works. It will help the weakest of the weak. I know, because I see it happen here every single day, and I've experienced it for myself. Give your all to the Lord!

Record Heat?

I hear it's record heat in Utah. Right now in Chiang Mai...it probably feels like the hottest day of the year in Lake Powell, plus 90% humidity. Fully clothed. Yes, I love Thailand......It just gets better and better. I realized today that there is a certain smell that lingers in the air in Thailand. I'm not sure what it is, but there is certainly a smell. I never liked it much when I first came, but I have grown to love it. Thailand is just amazing! Mom, I'm trying to take lots of pictures for you, I promise!
This week we had the amazing privilege to hear from Elder Anthony Perkins, the Area President for Asia. He did a mission tour this past week, and he came this past Saturday with President Smith. We did a mission tour meeting with the missionaries Saturday morning, and then it was District Conference this weekend, as well. So we got to hear from him during the Sunday morning session! He is incredible. I even got an interview with President yesterday. He told me that Elder Perkins never once wrote down a note for all the meetings he did last week. He had mission tours with the different areas every day last week, plus the district conference this weekend. Every meeting, he just got up and held his scriptures in his hand and spoke. How incredible! Oh--quick side note. As soon as we saw President Smith and Saturday morning, he said to Sister Young and I, "Man I wish we could clone you two!" Haha, he's such a funny man. I thought he'd be much more quite than he is, but he's very to the point with all he does. I love that about him. I wish I had time to tell you all Elder Perkins and Pres Smith talked about, but there isn't much time! I know that we have leaders that are inspired from God. They did not choose to have the callings they do. I am so grateful for inspired men from God that have the ability to teach people to their needs. I learned so many inspiring things! I know that when we have a question in our hearts prior to meetings, God will answer--no matter how specific. I am so grateful.

Manda, I got the package! I saw some beautiful pictures of Miss Ashlyn, Brynn, Corrine, and Kallie, too! You all look so gorgeous! Thanks so much for tha tape and pictures, Manda. You're the best! Shelby is an amazing singer, by the way. I hope you have all had a chance to hear her. :) She'll be professional some day.

Dad, I saw and Italian man in the restaurant the other day, and I wished so badly I could talk to him! Ya know the only 2 things that came to mind? "Lasha me stare!" and "Stizito!" I figured that probably wouldn't go over too well...so we tried to communicate in English.

We were able to visit a member this past week who lives out in the boonies. We spent an hour or two helping him cut open coconut and shed it out (I have no idea how to explain that, haha. But the coconut sheddings you buy at the grocery store? Yes, I did that for quite some time. Don't take coconut for granted!) It was fun to just sit and chat with him, shedding coconut after coconut. I even got to drink coconut milk for the first time, which honestly isn't all that it's cracked up to be, haha. It was just raw from the the coconut. Anyway, fun little side fact.

We found out some things about our investigators, Phii (pronounced "pee") Thum (toom) has to wait a while for baptism, because of some things in her history. We are hopeful they will get worked out soon, and we're still working with her. But she's so positive and coming to all the meetings and progressing wonderfully! I swear nothing will keep her down, she's so sweet. This week we are working on getting a few people "weeded out," i know that sounds terrible. But there are some that are just not prepared. I need to exercise faith that God will help them in the future, because they're not progressing right now. We're out to find the elect, which is what President reminds us of! We are certainly finding them. We're seeing miracles left and right.

Uncle Rand--thank you for that picture! It was so hilarious, I started laughing so hard as soon as it opened. That's honestly a regular occurrence here in Thailand! It's insane!

Okay, I have to run. But I love you all so much, sorry this is so short! I will write more next week. Thank you for being who you are, everyone of you has helped me in so many ways. I love you! Make it a great week.........OH--and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you so much, and will be thinking about you all day on your birthday! :) I love you, Emmer! Thank you for being the person you are. You affect me so much, thousands of miles away, every single day. I love you!

Sister Naegle

P.S. "The great distinguishing feature that differentiates God's church from all other churches is that this church is built upon the rock of Christ, upon the principle of immediate and continuous revelation." --Elder Orson F. Whitney

AKA......don't fear about things you don't know! We have everything we need because we have a living prophet that guides and leads us. I love the gospel.

Yet another week...

I'm really not sure where time goes. It is so weird. Last Monday feels like yesterday, but an eternity ago. I don't think I'll ever get used to it! Mom, you asked how my weekend was...honestly? Weekends don't quite exist in missionary work, haha. Our weekends are the busiest time of the week, though, because most people are done with studies/work. It's usually slow on Monday/Tuesday, then starts to pick up and Friday, Sat, and Sunday are nuts. I get to Preparation Day ready for a little rest! Though Preparation Day we're out doing fun things, anyway, so it's not really rest. Oh well, we can rest when we're dead, right? Keep trudgin' on!

Yesterday was an incredible day. Last week I contacted a man with a somdaam shop on the street. President said we are able to contact the opposite gender now, and I noticed that we don't very often. I thought to myself, "What the heck? He probably won't understand me anyway..." So I started talking to him, found out he had a wife and 2 kids, and they were already Christian--there are actually a lot of christian churches here in northern Thailand, especially in the hill tribes. Anyway, I was able to get his number and a return appt! We went back to teach twice, once with just them, and another time with their 2 cute little girls. They are the cutest family...it makes me think of my siblings! He is this quiet, super nice, shy guy, and she basically can't stop talking. Haha. Anyway....THEY CAME TO CHURCH yesterday! I have set some goals to find families--that is the focus of my whole mission. After working hard and trying to put myself out there, I know Heavenly Father is blessing us. It's amazing to see. The little girls loved it, and are so excited to come back next week. They even took time away from selling (which never happens) in order to come to church. It was amazing! Plus we had quite a few at church yesterday.....18 people. 18 people! Heavenly Father is really blessing Sister Young and I in our efforts.

What is interesting to me is that I am not surprised by having these people at church. From hearing from Jac and Elder Hardcastle, I have been trained to "focus on the elect." That is precisely what I'm trying to do. When there are people prepared and ready to learn, we'll take 'em. Heavenly Father truly is working with these people long before me, or anyone else, and knows who will be prepared to receive His message. We will have a temple in Thailand before too long. In the words of my favorite missionary, "Be always grateful, but never satisfied."

We went to one of our investigators houses the other day, she's this cute little 13 yr old. She got up to get something and was walking like she was in total pain....she was walking like a duck. Haha, I asked her what was wrong, and she said she was late for school the other day and had to do 50 squats in front of the whole class. Hahahahaha, oh man. Apparently they can smack their students and stuff, too. Thailand is so funny. We passed a school the other day and we saw a row of students doing it in front of their class, while the whole class was chanting something at them. That'll boost their self-esteem! Ha.

Today for Preparation Day we are going to Pong and N>>ys to learn how to cook Thai food (these are my Thai parents, remember? They are so excited to meet my family). They speak English pretty well, and she teaches farangs all the time how to make different Thai dishes. We are super excited! Then tonight we'll take them, along with a few other investigators, to a member's house for FHE. It should be a fun night! We're excited,

I've been learning a lot about faith this week. At the beginning of the moves, I set some pretty lofty goals. Now that I had some things figured out on how missionary work goes, I wanted to really push myself/our companionship to see results. After I set those goals, I was studying on day in the book that Matt sent me....Liz got on her mission, and sent to Emmer in Italy, who sent it to Matt in Ecuador, and Matt just sent it to me last week. In that book it talks about goals, and the way we set goals/what we look for. I have learned this week that when we have goals, it is easier to endure trying situations because you know what you're looking for! In a way, we need to "prove ourselves" to Heavenly Father, showing Him that we're serious about what we want to achieve. We show we are willing to endure hard things to see miracles come to pass. SO--last Thursday was quite the day. Haha, I won't go into details due to time, but let's just say we were running all over, exhausted, nothing was working out...it was a hard day in the life of a missionary. But the miracle? All day I was praying in my heart, and thinking about my goals. I knew I needed to prove myself to Heavenly Father, and it was easier for me to get through that hard day. I was able to laugh my way through the day, because I knew Heavenly Father would hold His end of the bargain. I didn't stress! I pointed out funny things to Sister Young, and we were able to make it a funny day despite all it's ridiculousness.

I encourage everyone, everyone, to read a talk by Elder Scott, from the 2003 conference (I think it's spring, but I'm not sure) about faith. It has completely changed my perspective on faith. I used to think faith was this ambiguous, intangible energy that we all need to have in order to be saved. Ha, sounds silly, but that's really how I felt about it. I wanted it, and knew it was important, but didn't spend too much time trying to develop my faith in the Savior. This simple one liner from that talk has changed my entire outlook: "Faith is not illusion or magic, but a power rooted in eternal principles." Isn't that so profound? Faith is power! I have definitely witnessed that this past week, and hopefully will continue to do so. Faith is knowing that Heavenly Father has a plan worked out for each of His children. It is trusting in His plan for these people in Thailand, and knowing that He is behind this great work. It is welcoming any and all into the gospel of Jesus Christ, because we know how it has affected and changed ourselves. Faith is more vibrant, powerful, and tangible in my life than it has ever been....and I still have a looooong way to go. Haha, I'm nowhere near perfect, but I'm so grateful for the things I'm learning about myself and Heavenly Father. I know that I need to use my faith to prove myself to Heavenly Father. Faith is much more logical than I've ever given it credit for--it is expecting miracles from Heavenly Father, and working hard to achieve them. I love my mission.

I love you all so much! I know that this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that the gospel was restored through a prophet Joseph Smith, and we have the power to be sealed as families for time and all eternity. I am so grateful for temples, and for the opportunity to tell people that they can be with their families FOREVER! This thought is so foreign to these people, and it has been knowledge for me since I was a kid. If you have a chance to go to the temple this week, GO. Just think of me for a split second while you're in there, and I'll be satisfied. :) It will almost be like I went through myself! :) Haha. I lvoe you all! I love what I'm learning, though I miss you ever single day. Keep praying and remembering who you are. Make it a GREAT week......

All My Love,

ชิสเตอร์ เนย์

I love Thailand.

Hi fam and friends!

Another week down...I don't know where time is going. It flies too quickly! This past week has been unusually hot for Chiang Mai (or so people say), and hasn't been raining as much. Actually...hasn't rained at all. I didn't like being wet all the time, but now I'm starting to miss the cooler weather! Either way I'm wet--I'd rather be wet with water than sweat. :) Haha. Good ol' Thailand.

We visited Noy, she's so cute. She is the 56 year old lady that speaks English pretty well, and wants my family to come visit. She got hot chocolate from a friend in Taiwan, and she wanted to try it with us! So we opened our little Swiss Miss hot cocoa packets and drank it together--her first time!! She said it was better than coffee, haha. I will say that is the first time I've had hot cocoa in 90 degree weather. She is great. Sadly...she and Pong didn't come to church yesterday, again....so we may need to drop them for a little while. We're pretty sad about it, because they're so great. We'll see them less often, try to keep working with them, and see what happens.

We had a great lesson with Phii Thum...it is amazing to see a person come to know their Savior. At the end of the lesson, she held the Book of Mormon close to her chest (even though she doesn't know how to read), kneel in prayer, and say the sweetest prayer to Heavenly Father and cry all throughout. This gospel changes lives! She comes every single week to church, does her best without being about to read, and just tries to feel the spirit. Oh man, does she feel it! Ha, she's incredible. I can't imagine anything better.

Ok, something hilarious about Thai people. They think braces are the coolest things ever. Some people will just pay money to get braces on, even if they don't need them! They get them just for looks! Isn't that ridiculous?! Hahaha, We passed this huge billboard the other day for a bridal shop, and I thought to myself, "Oh, that dress is so pretty..." All the sudden I saw her teeth and busted up laughing. She had metal mouth galore! I loved my braces and all...but come on.

The other night I was playing with this little girl, who was teaching me some Thai and drawing me pictures. All the sudden, when we were leaving, she came right close to my cheek and sniffed me! Haha, I was taken aback, just kind of laughed, and we left. She's the cutest little girl. I asked Sister Young about it, and she said that's the way they give kisses in Thailand. They sniff! I mean, I think they kiss normal, too. But their little pecks are sniffs. So funny. Thailand is great.

I don't really know what else to say about this week...it has honestly just felt like one really long day. I can't get past the weird time on a mission.

OH-----Elder Hardcastle, you are moving into your last moves! Oh my word!!!! I am so excited for you, and I absolutely know you are sprinting to the finish line. Thank you for being such a stellar missionary, and setting a great example for me. I love you so much!

Katie had a boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, little Jackson looks so perfect. Thank you so much for emailing me, I'm sorry I've been terrible about writing too. Time goes too quickly! He is soooo cute Katie and Josh, congratulations! I love you both! Give him (and Kals) a kiss from me!

I saw a lady riding her scooter the other day, with her helmet on the handle bar, a bunch of bags stacked around her feet, a drink in her hand, and her dog balancing on the seat behind her. Haha, we took a picture, i'll try to attach it next week. Thai people are so funny.

So sorry about the confusion of the mixed up Preparation Days. I think that mixed up days may happen more often, I'm not sure. It depends on if we have to go to Bangkok for meetings or not. Sister Young had to go down for a Trainer/Leadership meeting. Anyway, bottom line is that I will write every week, but it may not be on Monday. Just so you know! I will always write.

Okay....I really don't have much else to write about, sorry! We went to a cool cave wat for preparation day, today. Wats....are all starting to look the same. They're pretty and all...but the temple is way prettier. I cannot wait for the day when Thailand has a temple! That is the focus of the mission, so we're trying to focus on priesthood holders and families. Pres. Smith is looking for 3 years to have a temple, we're trying to work hard now to make it happen!

I love you all so much! I know this work is true. I know that this is the hardest thing I've ever done, but I would never ever trade it for anything. It is an amazing experience, no matter how hard! We are really trying to push hard this last transfer, because it's Sister Young's LAST!! We've set some good goals, and are working for miracles. We are excited to see what happens. As you may have guessed, NO, i was not transferred last week. Haha. Chiang Mai will be my home for the next 2 moves, at least...of which I'm very grateful. I'll probably move right before Christmas time. Weird! Well, I love you all so much. I hope all is well with school and work, and know that I am thinking about you every single day! I have the best family and friends. Just when I see people here who are so alone...and worshiping a statue. I am grateful to know that we have purpose and direction, not only in this life, but the life to come! I am trying to share this message with everyone. I had a great experience yesterday--I talked with a member while we were driving to an appt, and it was actually a legitimate conversation! I understood her, was able to add to the conversation, and it went pretty smoothly! And it wasn't gospel related!! Haha, yeah, yeah...I'm ridiculous. But it was nothing short of a miracle. Heavenly Father is helping so much. Okay, I'm really going this time. I love you all so much! Make it a great week.

Love,

Sister Nay

P.S. Happy Birthday to Willie D this week---I know you're owning law school right now. :) Haha, and take care of those 2 women (I guess you could call Livvy a woman...haha)!! Love you all!
P.S.S. I love mail!