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
No comments:
Post a Comment