Happy Halloween!

It's a late Halloween wish, because I honestly forgot it was Halloween. I simply cannot fathom that it's November!! SERIOUSLY!?!?!? AH......Time is flying over here. What about at home?

All the kids look absolutely adorable in their costumes. It seems like everyone had a really fun time. Thank you for sending them! I still want to see a picture of Yoda! :) But the dragon, fairy, minnie mouse, lions, etc were ALL adorable. I simply have the cutest nieces and nephews in the world! I dressed up as Sister Young--yes, we did the classic switch tags. :) We went to dinner at a members house and ate the deliciously delicious khaw soi......a dish that is specific to Northern Thailand. It is delcious! Try making it, or go somewhere and buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Today is the day we took Sister Young to the bus station. She is currently headed down to Bangkok--I never though this day would come! It feels a little bittersweet. I am excited to get going on my "own" mission, and become my own missionary. But at the same time, she has become one of my best friends. I am going to miss her a lot. I never thought I'd learn so much from just one person, and not just from the good conversations we had, and the lessons we taught together. But watching her example, her strength, and love for the Thai people. She has given them her heart! I am going to miss you, Sister Taryn Young--but remember I'll be seeing you in about 2 days, mission time! :) I love you! She will be speaking the 21st, I'm not sure what time yet. She will be here this Sunday at church with her parents, so I'll clarify next Monday.

WELL, while you were all with the kids trick or treating, taking pictures, and celebrating the scariest day of the year, I was gladly welcoming 19 people to church. It was an absolutely incredible day. Miracle after miracle. One of those miracles being seeing Paa Pong give his first sacrament meeting talk! I just sat in the audience with my investigator, Chee, and Sister Rin, holding their hands, my heart ready to burst out of my chest because it was ON FIRE. No one could slap the smile off my face. Just to see the look of accomplishment on his face when he finished, and share his testimony with everyone in the congregation. AH! It was an awesome, awesome day. I'm getting nervous that I'm going to be leaving in about 4 weeks...I'm not sure what is going to happen quite yet.It will either be this transfer (it just changed--we now call them transfers instead of moves!), or in another 10 weeks at the beginning of January. The next Transfer is Thanksgiving Day. Ah...who knows? For now, I'm enjoying working here in Chiang Mai with Sister Harris. We're going to continue to work hard and see miracles.

We counted out last week how many moves, I mean transfers (hard!), I have left in the mission. If we did our math right, it is about the 27th of October, 2011. Less than a year?! And this week I hit my 6 month mark. I am so grateful to be here in Thailand at this time of my life It is changing me, completely and undoubtedly. I am still same ol' Jess...but not. I love being a missionary! I love serving Heavenly Father everyday, being accountable for the way I use His time, and the way I'm teaching His children! There is nothing harder, up to this point in my life, but nothing more rewarding. I have a firm testimony of the power of obedience. I know that when i obey with exactness, no justifying, I recieve a greater power to teach. Thai comes easier, I have the Spirit more abundantly, and know more of what Heavenly Father needs me to do. It is a miracle! If you're struggling? Look to obedience! You will find happiness, I guarantee.

We have 2 baptisms coming up this Sunday--Phii Chee and Phii Nok. They are 2 of the most incredible women I know. It is amazing to see Chee's entire countenance change from the first time we taught her. She has had a rather sad life, and our first lessons she never really opened up much. Now? She is teasing and laughing with members all the time, reaching out and serving anyone she sees, and always has a smile on her face. ALWAYS. Jesus Christ has entered her life. Nok is so black and white--it's either right, or it isn't. And for her? This is truth! I am so excited for this Sunday. We're sill working with Thum to help her family progress as well...we hope in the near future they will all be baptized. She will come soon.

That's about it for this week. I've attached a picture of one of the greatest missionaries on this planet. I will miss her, but Sister Harris has so many talents and gifts that these investigators need! I love Sister Harris so much, and am anxious to see what awaits our investigators. I love being a missionary--have a told you that yet? Thank you for being so supportive. For your love and prayers. Whenever it gets discouraging, I often think of my family and friends at home--YOU KEEP ME GOING!! Keep being who you are. I love you!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

P.S. Be able to say in your prayers every night, "Heavenly Father, I gave you my all today, and I'm getting up to do it again tomorrow. Give me the strength to do it." --Jaclyn Ruth Hardcastle

What?!?!?!?!?!?!

I knew this day would come, but now that it's here.....I can't wrap my head around it!! MATT AND JACLYN ARE ENGAGED??!?! I cannot believe it! I am sitting at my computer completely in shock, not sure if I should cry, laugh, or jump for joy! I want to do it all, but it hasn't sunk in yet. I am so happy for you both, seriously....and can't wait to hear more details. It's a funny thing being halfway around the world, literally, and receiving such big news. It mostly just seems like a fairy tale in a distant land...not reality. :) Regardless--CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A letter will be coming soon to both of you. I love you!

This week has been good, We are officially on Sister Young's last week here, she'll be heading to Bangkok in a week. It's been interesting for me to be the "in-between" companion--trying to get used to Sister Harris' new teaching style, and still adapted to teaching with Sister Young. But it's made for some awesome lessons, and we've seen miracles this week. First and foremost, Phii Chee and Phii Nok interviewed special yesterday with one of President Smith's counselor's (because of some problems they've had in the past). And the miracle? THEY PASSED! They are both ready for baptism in just 2 weeks. AH! These are 2 women that Sister Young and I started teaching just 2 months ago, and have seen miracles with them left and right. Chee is the most humble, willing to accept person I've ever known. At first we didn't think she was understanding everything, but as time went on, we just realized she just loved it all! She was prepared and wanted to accept it all! :) And Nok? Hilarious. Sister Young says she can always tell when I'm talking with Nok on the phone, because my voice gets all excited and high and happy, haha. She's awesome. Everything is so black and white for her. She said she went to 7-11 and asked her member friend what she could and what she couldn't (after our Word of Wisdom lesson). She went through all the drinks and pointed to everything, saying "Yes" or "No." She still has a little bit of a problem wearing a skirt....she really really doesn't like skirts. But I think it will come with time. We've just gotta break the news she needs to wear a dress for her baptism! Hope that goes well! :)

It has apparently been flooding in the south a little bit...in Korat where Sister Harris used to serve, and Lopburi, and I think it's heading into Bangkok. We're not really sure because we're kind of kept in the dark as far as news, but everyone keeps talking about it. The miracle? Pres Smith usually has all the trainers in Bangkok for a training meeting, but only invited the people from Bangkok and the North to go this month. He decided last minute to do a separate meeting with the people in the Eeson, in the East. Well--since it's flooded, there is no way to get from Bangkok to the Eeson, except to fly. There are still roads to go North, so our missionaries were fine, but the Eeson missionaries would have been stranded. Pres Smith was definitely inspired. Just a fun little story.

I just have to say a big thank you to Kirsten, Liz and Mom! The Starburst, Skittles, and Big Hunks were just what the doctor ordered. I love Thai candy and all....but those take the cake! Thank you so much!

I want to say that I felt a physical change in my teaching this week. I have spent an awful lot of time trying to figure out how to be more effective in my teaching--especially getting started with Sister Harris and I. We're both very young in the mission, but I know we'll see miracles because of it. Anyway, as we were teaching Nok the other day, i realized that I have been trying to do too much on my own (the story of my life...). I immediately opened my mind to Heavenly Father above, and my heart, and began to feel the love for Nok pour into my heart. I just teared up and told her what I was experiencing. I felt like the conduit of love and power that needed to reach Nok--but until she recieved baptism, she wasn't able to feel it for herself. I realized that I need to be that conduit for her to feel the Holy Ghost. If I'm not prepared, I better repent and get prepared, because these people need me. I am there to say whatever the Savior would say to her, so I better be listening to His word. As I have done so, I have felt a power come into my teaching that wasn't there before. I have lifted the roof off my head, so to speak, and things flow through me to those we teach that haven't before. It was an amazing realization, and has completely altered the way I've been teaching this week. I'm grateful for the opportunity to change and turn to the Savior!

That's about all I have for this week. I am so grateful, every single day, to be here in Thailand. This week has been one of the very hardest of my mission so far, but I have also seen some of the greatest miracles. I become increasingly aware of Heavenly Father in each and every person's life. He knows and loves every one of us. Thank you for all your prayers, love and support! I can feel them buoy me up in moments of difficulty. Our last week with Sister Young, and then I'm off to the rest of my mission! :) And believe it or not--I am coming up on my 6 month mark. WHAT?! Time flies. Oh yes, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! It sounds like all the kids have their costumes picked out. Take pictures! :) I love you all!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

P.S. "Any excuse, no matter how valid, weakens the character." --unknown
And one of my favorites, especially since I'm in Asia....."The flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful and rarest of all." --Mulan's Father. :)

The attached picture is of our trip to Thum's house last week. This is Sister Young almost falling into the hot springs, and Thum and I laughing at her. Oh my word--I love Thum!

What. A. Week.

This week has been crazy. Let me start from last week...

We headed down to Bangkok late Wed night on an all-nighter bus ride to pick up our new companion. Sister Young is going home in the middle of a moves, so we are going to have a threesome for a couple of weeks before she goes. Our bus ride was fun...:) haha, Thailand is just crazy. Heidi, we watched Air Bud--Strikes Again (the soccer version) in Thai on the way to Bangkok. Hahahaha...I was laughing so hard throughout it. I'm pretty sure I was the only one awake, everyone on the entire bus had fallen asleep. But I couldn't sleep, and figured Air Bud was pretty much like a church movie, haha. So ridiculous. We got to Bangkok about 6 the next morning, and straight to Moves Meeting. It was so good to see all my friends from the MTC! I have pretty much been isolated to 6 missionaries in Chiang Mai, we don't see anyone. I haven't seen another Sister Missionary besides SIster Young for 3 months, haha. But I love it. We figured we were with each other more in those 3 months than we will be with anyone else in our entire lives. Isolation of Chiang Mai... :) President told us some crazy things at Moves Meeting. We had 20 missionaries finish this past moves, and we got 18 in. As of now, 60% of the mission is younger than 5 moves. We are losing a ton of experienced missionaries in the next couple months. So I was told that my "step-mom" in the mission, or the companion right after your trainer, would be equally important as my trainer and well-experienced. My new companion is Sister Harris, from Burleigh, ID. The kicker? She's 6 weeks ahead of me. Yes, she's my "Phii" in the mission! What the heck is going to happen in Chiang Mai?! Ha, luckily Sister Young will be here for a couple weeks more to help us transition smoother, but this is going to have to be a moves with miracles. We're going to need them like crazy. She's a great missionary, and just this big teddy bear. She's also 6'2", which makes for fun conversations with Thai people. Haha. She is a big sweetheart, and willing to work. We will see great things happen here in Chiang Mai, of that I am sure. I love being a missionary, but sometimes I wonder if Heavenly Father sometimes trusts us a little too much. I am excited to see what will happen, but feel even more pressure to make sure our investigators stay strong and baptisms pull through. I really don't know what I'm doing, but I take solace in the fact that Heavenly Father does, and if I work hard, He will direct my paths. I need him to direct my paths right now! :)

Yesterday for Preparation Day we went up to the mountains with Phii Thum (our investigator) to her house. We got back later than expected because traffic was really bad, so we were able to email this morning instead. Sorry it's late! I hope you all weren't too worried. It was an incredible day in the mountains! I'll attach pictures. I honestly felt like I was living in National Geographic. We were in this small village in the mountains, exploring with little Thai kids that were 6, 9 and 11 years old through the jungle, finding butterflies as big as our faces....haha, it was so fun. I love it here. It was about a 2 hour drive from Chiang Mai to get there, we went even further north almost to Chiang Rai. It was beautiful!!

Well, sounds like Elder Hardcastle made it home safely! I hope all is going well, and everyone is enjoying their time together. I am thinking of you, and I'm praying for all of you and know that you're all so happy! I love you all, and welcome home Dal!!! What a fun time! I know your family is excited to see you (mine as well :) )

Noi and Pong recieved the Holy Ghost on Sunday, plus callings! They're going strong in the Branch already, they're going to be such a strength for the members here. I love those 2, but you already know that. :)

Other than that, we're back to the grind this week. It will be full of miracles. I am excited to see what happens. I love you all, thank you for your emails. I didn't have time to read them all, but I printed them and will read them later. Thank you for being so supportive and strong! Remember in whom we have trusted, and keep trusting, I know that through the Savior we find our greatest strength and most profound joy. I know it now, more than I ever have before. Make it a great week!

Sister Naegle

"The happy life is not ushered in at any age to the sounds of drums and trumpets. It grows upon us year by year, little by little, until at last we realize that we have it. It is achieved not by flights to the moon or mars, but by a body of work done so well that we can lift our heads with assurance and look the world in the eye. Of this be sure: You do not find the happy life, you make it."
--President Monson

Moves Week!

We are headed down to Bangkok this Wednesday night for Moves meeting on Thursday morning...we're picking up our new friend! We think Sister Young will still be here for an additional 2 weeks after the moves (she's leaving in the middle of a transfer for an audition at BYU), then leave in about 3 weeks. I am anxious to see who will be here! I can't believe my Mom is leaving me.... :)

DALLIN GETS HOME IN 3 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sorry I had to throw that out there--I can't wrap my mind around it! Whoever goes to his homecoming, will you record it? I think he will on one of the little tapes, but make sure it's recorded. I have a little tape recorder I can listen. Thanks so much! Welcome home, Elder Hardcastle! Thank you for giving your heart to the Lord.

And miracle...Pong and Noi were baptized yesterday! It was so great. I just kept thinking, "Why would I ever miss home when people like this are waiting to hear the gospel?" I love you all--but right now, this is more important. Oh man they're amazing. They asked me to speak, as well--they said they understood, haha, but who knows? It was a little hectic--we only had an hour between conference sessions so we were in and out of the Sunday Morning session. I was a little sad when I came in and saw Pres Eyring finishing his talk. "Dang it...." I thought. But then I quickly remembered, "Sister Naegle! You were filling up the baptismal font!!!" And...I figured Heavenly Father understood. :) It was such a good day. Maa Noi told me after a big hug, in her British English, "I feel like...like...I could fly." They are so precious, and I am so grateful they are familiar with their loving Heavenly Father in Heaven. It was an amazing day.

Conference was amazing, wasn't it? I learned so much! I can't wait to have the Liahona printed and re-read. I would have to say, of those that was able to hear, that President Uchtdorf takes the cake for me. It was an incredible talk that answered so many personal questions and prayers. I love conference! I saw all the sessions in English, except for Relief Soceity. As I watched relief society session, President Monson got up to speak. As I listened to him in Thai, I thought to myself, "Never, ever, ever in a million years did I think I'd be watching the prophet speak in Thai, and actually understand it." Haha. Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways....

Thank you for the package, Hardcastle Family! I absolutely love it! The pictures are great, and the oatmeal is the perfect breakfast. :) Thank you so much! I wore the bracelet that Jac and Kirsten got me from Alaska for the baptism--I love it. Thank you for thinking of me! And Llloydly, Happy Birthday tomorrow! How old is it now? :) Hope it's a great day.

One last story--we had to do a bit of "digging" with Thum this past week. She's had some things go on in the past, and we were pretty nervous when Pres told us we needed more information before interviewing. So we went in prayerfully, and began with prayer. We reviewed the baptismal questions with her, and when we got to the chastity questions we were able to discuss it a little bit. We then really emphasized the Atonement, and the power of repentance. She immediately softened....then we turned on the movie, "To This End Was I Born." Powerful! Afterwards, we bore a simple yet powerful testimony, and asked her to say a kneeling prayer for us. As she began, she immediatly started sobbing. She broke down to the point she could speak. I couldn't help but weep with her. This woman has overcome some incredible challenges in her life--cancer, an abusive husband, her child being taken by her husband and not allowed to live with her, taking care of a niece because of a dead-beat brother, etc....and all the while just trying to find peace. My friends, she's found it. I can't express the love I feel for her, I know it is the love of God. I love being a missionary.

Well...time to sign off! I hope all is well with everyone at home, thank you for the love and support. It is going to be a great week!!! We're all going to make it that way, right? Love you!

All my love,

Sister Naegle

October Already?

Yet another week has passed...I will continue to say that mission time weirds me out. I cannot believe it's OCTOBER. Tomorrow marks 5 months in the mission, and 2 1/2 in Thailand. I love my mission! It sounds like everyone had a lovely time watching conference this week. I sadly was not able to see it this weekend, seeing as how the seesions were at 11:00 pm and 1:00 am Saturday and Sunday night, haha. I did spend a lot of time thinking about each of you, and praying for all those who spoke that they would be guided in what they needed to say. I hope each of you were uplifted and enjoyed all that was said! I AM SO EXCITED to listen this weekend. They have to wait a week for the translations, but luckily here in Chiang Mai we have some farangs so they'll have it played in English in a different room. I will get to see it this Sat/Sun. My Thai has certainly improved, but I'm afraid I wouldn't get near as much benefit from it if I watched in Thai. :) Apparently every other area you have to watch in Thai. Let's hope in 6 mos I'll be a little stronger in the language! :)

Ashy, you're in a cast?! Oh my goodness, I hope you are ok! You better take care of yourself and not play too hard. Your team needs you to score all the goals! And Miss Brynne, how was your birthday?? I hope you got everything you wished for from the Birthday Fairy. :) I love you two! Kirsten, thank you for your cute email. I loved the pictures. Katie and Josh, how is Jackson? I'm sure just as cute as his older sister!

Miracles this week with Pong and Noi......(I'm sure I spell their names different every email--I don't know how to spell in English!) They had their baptismal interview and passed!!! We are so excited. I can't adequately describe they way their lives have changed. The Light of Christ is growing brighter and brigther in their faces each time I see them. Maa Noi and Pa Pong (with the vowel "aa" like in "last"--it means "mom." And "pa" is the vowell like in "ball." It's kind of a term of endearment here in Thailand, you call people either "Phii" or "Pee" if their older than you, but if they're a close friend but not family, you can call them "maa" or "pa", or sometimes uncle or aunt. Anyway, Pong and Noi are Maa and Pa for us) have been changed by the gospel. We saw them 2 days before their interview, and taught them how to pay tithing. Noi looked up at us all the sudden and said, "I get it now!" We were a little surprised, and she went on to explain how she bought a lottery ticket about a month ago, and won the lottery (like 1,000 baht), which she has never done in her whole life. But she had lost it since then, and has not been able to find it. She says usually she finds things so quickly and can remember, but cannot find the ticket anywhere! She then said, "I get it now. This is not what we pay tithing off of, this is not something I should be doing. I'm not even mad I lost it! I understand now! Oh...I get it now. I'm not supposed to find that ticket, and I don't want to. I'm not even mad." Hahaha, I love that woman. She is very headstrong, very stubborn. She expressed to us the night of her interview how much this message has influenced her life. She is ready and willing to give everything...and so is Pong. Soon before they left, he looked at SIster Young and I and said, "We'll see you in Salt Lake in a year to go through the temple." AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Regardless of whether they go to SLC or Hong Kong, it doesn't matter. But they are determined and set on going. I LOVE THESE PEOPLE! We will be having their baptism this Sunday, in between sessions of conference. I can't wait! I will let you know how it goes next week.

I was lucky enough to eat with one of our investigators from Burma this week--it was her little boys 1st birthday (the picture is attached). We ate burmese food and it was delicious! I want to go to Burma someday...it is part of our mission, after all, but no missionaries there. I was also lucky enough to eat farang twice this week! I got a gourmet, monster cheeseburger at a farang restaurant here with a big brownie sundae (very healthy, I know)....for a total of $5. I'm serious, this was like deluxe food for in the states. I love Thailand. And Elder Hardcastle? I even had the priviledge of eating a chicken cordon bleu in honor of you and your birthday on Saturday, with an ice cream sundae. You don't have to thank me. Ha, we really don't eat farang that often...just twice this week! So good. Rand, I'll do my best to find some recipes for thos foods! I'll ask Maa Noi next time I see her. Thanks!

So, this is just a shout out to anyone who may be sending things in the mail. Passalong cards/pictures of temples in Utah (or the US) would be really nice. I really want to push temples with our investigators, but we've only got picts of Phillipines and Hong Kong temples. People particularly love the SLC temple, but any of them would be great. If you happen to be at the distribution center and see some, a few would be great. Thank you so much!

I've been blessed this past week to really see the work I'm a part of from a bird's eye view. It has been a miraculous thing to see! I know that I am representative for Jesus Christ. I know that He is the head of this work, and that He has long since been working with these people before me. I notice it with every new investigator we meet with. Heavenly Father always makes Himeself known in their lives before they meet with us, and that little experience helps prompt them to agree to meet with us. Through those experiences from Heavenly Father, they are prepared to accept and embrace this message. I love the changes that living the gospel brings to people....particularly the people of Thailand. Even just sitting here in this computer cafe, with a Thai man sitting next to me talking so loudly and playing pointless internet games....or random people I see riding motorcylces all around me...I just want to get on the tallest building in Chiang Mai and start yelling the good news! If only I could be Samuel the Lamanite! It amazes me how universal the gospel is, yet how personal it is. I know that this will bless the lives of others, because it has blessed my own life. I try my best (I am no where near perfect) to apply it in my life everyday as a missionary. There are nights that I don't think I'm going to be able to get out of bed the next morning. But each and every day a miracle occurs, and I get out of bed! I just know that Heavenly Father is aware of me, and each of you. I feel His love every day, and the way I feel it is through prayer. If you question anything I'm saying, go kneel down and pray from your heart. You'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

Jac Jac, I finally had the opportunity to listen to your homecoming talk today. (It's on a CD and doesn't play in normal players, but we were able to listen at the church today) Long story short...thank you for serving so faithfully, and being a pure and stellar example of living the gospel. I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was brought to tears throughout the whole talk, it make me realize how much I miss you! AND....Olivia is walking?!? WHAT?!?!?! Oh my heck, it doesn't feel like I've been gone long until I hear things like this. CRAZY! How are the pregnant sisters doing? I hope you're feeling well.

Ok, I hope you're all doing well! I love you all so much. Remember to live what you know--people are always watching whether you believe it or not. Oh, and real quick--whoever sees Elder Hardcastle before me (aka all of you) give him a BIG hug from me!! It'll be a while before I can myself. :) I love you all! Make it a great week.

Love,

Sister Naegle