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
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