Yes, last week was crazy, haha. It was one of the craziest I've ever had, as far as life experiences go. But all that I learned greatly surpasses everything that I struggle with. It was so great! I'll tell you what, though, as soon as SIster Young walked through the door I ran for a hug. Haha, we both felt grateful for the week, but we are excited to get back to work. She was in Bangkok learning about the new MTC curriculum, and got lots of ideas and such for teaching. She feels rejuvinated coming up on her last moves. Yikes! As for me...? I can't count all that I learned, I'll tell you the most important.
1) I learned that Heavenly Father doesn't have a standard on what the "best" is. He is aware that everyone is different! He knows each individual person, and loves each of us equally. Stop and think about tha magnitude of that thought. Not just a fleeting thought--really think about it. Heavenly Father, the Father of all the earth and creator of worlds, knows you. He knows your heart, desires, fears, everything. I became more aware of that myself last week then ever before in my entire life. I've never felt His presence so near. I spent so many moments last week thinking, "Heavenly Father, any other missionary would be doing a better job here than me. Why am I here?" I didn't recieve my answer until the end of the week. I learned that no matter what any other person does, all Heavenly Father requires is your best. Your absolute best, and He will allow His grace to step into your life. Sheesh, I know next to nothing about the way the missionary stuff works, I feel like I just got here! I'm sure there were lots of things I could've done better last week. But I can tell you that I did the vest best I could, and through the grace of Jesus Christ, He made the difference. We were still able to have a successful week (24 lessons) and figure some things out about our investigators that we've needed to know. I know that because of Jesus Christ, I was able to make it through last week successfully. Sure, I could've merely existed last week and made it to Friday by the skin of my teeth, but I really put forth effort. I am so grateful for that experience. What you've been hearing all your life is true! Do your best, and He will make up the rest. Never a more true statement.
2) This is pretty similar to what I said above, but I also know that God helps those who help themselves (Dad...). This is SO true. No matter what is going on in your life, if you act, He'll help you. I can't talk until I'm blue in the face, but the fact of the matter is, this needs to be experienced. I would invite anyone who has questions about what I'm saying to ACT! You will see miracles occure in your life.
I could say a lot more about last week, but this summary will suffice. Just know it was hard, but it was sooo worth it. I am growing to love this experience more and more every day. There are days it still hits me when I'm riding my bike and see something strange on the streets of Thailand (a 90+ yr old man cruising on a bike, elephants in the street, etc)....I am in THAILAND. Isn't that weird? It's still weird. Haha. I'm loving it so much...
Ok--Sar, I got your DearElder last week, but I honestly think normal mail is better. Thank you for the update on everything! I am praying for you every day. BECCA--HOW ARE YOU??!! I loved hearing from you in your email! I don't know if you get these or not, I just sent you a letter in the mail. I love you, dear! Mary/Matt, thank you for that missionary book. It has been so neat to go through and know that my other siblings that have served missions used the same book. It is so precious to me! Thank you so much for sending it. And of course, my "Best Friend Sister Twin".....Janelly Bean! Ha! Thank you so much for your cute email, I loved it! How are you?! I can't believe Jane left, I am sooo sorry. Tell everyone hello, and that I miss them all. I hope Nursing is still the best time of your life. :) You're an LPN, too! Congrats! Love you. Jamie--I got your letter this week! I love you so much. Thanks for thinking of me! I'll write soon. You are the best! Cuz Amy...thanks so much for your cute letter! I loved the advice you gave me, and I'm really trying to apply it in my life. I hope all is going well with you and Greg--I love you!
Ok, yesterday at church it was so amazing. We met this woman, Phii Thoom, at the house of one of our investigators. We were able to get her contact info and return to teach her. She has literally grasped to everything we have taught her! She is one of the most amazingly spiritual people...I know that Heavenly Father prepares/works with these people long before we ever show up on the scene. She is so prepared for this gospel. Yesterday she showed up at church with her little niece in the pouring rain (if it's raining, count on seeing no one outside. Thais won't chance getting their head wet or else they'll get sick, haha) wearing a skirt she just bought! Nothing we'd ever really taught her, she just noticed other people doing it, and bought a skirt with the little money she has. This is the same woman that tried to pay tithing her second sunday at church, ha. I love her so much, she will be baptized here in a couple weeks, if all goes well. I love these people more every day.
We've also been teaching Phii Laa--Heidi, I'm sorry I keep mentioning you, but these people would be just the people for you! Ha, Most of them are so quirky, they are precisely the people we'd find humor in together. Oh my heck...you would die if you saw this lady, all of you would! She's so cute! She is the most humble woman, has had so many questions since the first day we taught her, laughs all the time, eagerly reads everything we give her, is really shy, and wears the funniest things. She always wears a humongous polo shirt with bright colored Thai-pattern shorts, with stretch pants underneath that, then bold colored socks pulled up over the stretch pants, with some berkenstock-like sandals. Heid, I know you're laughing so hard right now. Oh man she is so cute. She has also been consistently coming to church and soaking it all up! She has quite a difficult situation--she 40, lives with her brother and mom who are both unable to work, so she sells lemonade to support all 3 people. This woman is constantly tired. She has been talking with members to try to find better work, I hope she does. She will hopefully be baptized this month, as well.
The work is moving forward, that's for sure. I'm loving every second I'm here! I just want to make a shout-out to all my parents this week....yes, all of you. :) I cannot imagine my life without any of you in it! I know I certainly haven't been the easiest child to deal with over the years--let's be honest. But I have learned from every single one of your examples. There is a boy who comes to the ward all the time, we aren't sure if he even has a home. He's about 13 or 14, always wanders into sacrament meeting on Sundays, stays to scrounge up whatever food he can. All the members are familiar with him and invite him to everything. Just the other night we were eating pizza at the church (the 6 missionaries), and he came in. We all gave him a piece and he scarfed it down like I've never seen anyone scarf pizza. We soon found out it was his first time ever eating pizza (that's actually strange, Pizza Hut is all over in Thailand). He's the cutest boy, homeless, but feels safe at the church. Sunday I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for my parents. Thank you for taking an interest in me and my siblings lives, helping us become the best we can be, and loving us enough to correct us. I love you all so much! You each have a special place in my heart.
Well...I better run! Dad, Randy, Daniel, and others...I hope you had a wonderful birthday week last week! I thought of you a lot and love you so much! And I 've attached some pictures of last week with Yim and some other random pictures. Enjoy! Make it a great week, family. I love you all so much! Don't forget to laugh--It'll get you through anything.
All My Love,
Sister Naegle
This week the quote is from our sweet President Henry B. Eyring:
"I must go 'til He comes, give 'til I drop, preach 'til all I know, and work 'til He stops me."
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