I don't really have much to say this morning (it's about 5:45 am here right now...I've been up for the past hour just sleepless). But, seeing as how we're getting on the plane in about 18 hours, I figured this is probably my last opportunity to send something out. If only I could really express what I feel!
My time here in Thailand has been nothing short of spectacular. Difficult, to say the least. But beyond any expectations I ever, ever, EVER could've had for a missionary experience. The Thai people have changed my life. Their example and influence have led me to make changes in my heart that I'm afraid I never would've made otherwise (or at least would have taken much longer to correct). The past week and a half, we've had opportunities to visit old friends, members, and investigators. As I've talked with and reconnected with some of these people, I cannot help but feel overcome with gratitude! They have helped set a standard of living the gospel that I'm going to strive for the rest of my life. Even this past week I've seen the adversary creeping in, tempting with little things (reading, praying, etc). It will certainly be a whole new world at home, but I at least have the memories of this experience that will motivate me to overcome those temptations. I have to no matter what. I am determined! But it is breaking my heart to leave these people.
That being said, I cannot adequately express how excited I am to see all of you. So I won't even try. In just a short amount of time, we will all be able to witness it for ourselves!
Bottom line? I'm ready. I feel ready to go. It's taken some time to get to this point, I was dragging my heels for a while. But just yesterday and today, I'm there. I'm ready to walk on that plane and take home everything that I've learned, experienced, changed, etc, and applying the livin' daylights out of my mission for the rest of my life. This is experience is a goldmine for life lessons, and I'll be searching it forever. Thank you, family. Thank you for your support. For your love. For your advice. For your example. Each and every one of your have impacted my mission experience!
I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet, chosen to restore the fullness of God's perfect plan for us to return home. I know that we have every single thing we will ever need in order to live together as eternal families. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Through it's pages, we can find the way to true happiness in this life, and the life to come. I'm grateful I have a book that can be my best friend and guide throughout my life. What a wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father! I love pouring over its pages, picking out individually packaged life lessons from Heavenly Father, according to what I need that very day. I know that we will be together forever when we choose to follow Jesus Christ. Without Jesus Christ, we never had an option in the first place! His atoning sacrifice gave us that option, and now we can choose. I plead with every single one of you--CHOOSE CHRIST! It is the only way. HE is the only way. We can go forward with faith and confidence in our step because we know who we are and why we're here. I love the gospel. I love my family. I love my life.
Until we meet again....Make it a great Sabbath!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness. --Alma 38:9
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
I'm Dreaming!
I need to apologize that I didn't get an email off yesterday, on my regular email day! It was my last day in Chiang Mai, so things got a little hectic. Long story short--here I am, finally writing this email, and I am so glad to do it.
WELL--this past week has been crazy! Last Thursday night, I met up with Dad and Mary. I initially came up to Chiang Mai to be with Sister Sorge, but just 3 days after I got there, Sister King and Sister Yinn followed me up there (Sister King is my greenie) because of the flooding in Bangkok. They evacuated the area and came to work with us! That was a blast. Who gets to serve in their greenie area with their greenie? Not too many people. :) We had fun. We separated Thursday night, and I had a couple members take me over to meet Dad and Mary at the hotel. Our reunion was so joyful--just a prepping for what's to come NEXT WEEK! I can't wait to see you all.
Since we met up, it's been a nonstop visiting, sightseeing, shopping, and on the go fun. It was a whirlwind to see my old area and all the old members and investigators. But I loved it. It was amazing to stand in front of that congregation last Sunday and see the numbers of the branch literally double since I was here last year. It's amazing! I felt grateful to be a part of that branch and be able to witness the growth. It was humbling, to say the least. The first picture I attached is of a dinner we were invited to at the District President's house that evening (Sunday). His family is one of the most humble and selfless families I've ever known...they have changed my life. Not much English (sorry Dad and Mary, they've been good sports!), but absolutely priceless to be able to talk with them. Monday we got up early and saw the sunrise, which was beautiful. I even got to go a cooking class! I've spent the past 18 months eating Thai food, but this class gave me a chance to actually make it (this is the 2nd picture I've attached)! That night we had the going away part a couple of members put together for me, that ended up just getting way out of hand. The 3rd picture I've attached is me with the sign they made--this is just to show you how much they put into it. I was blown away! It was full of singing, dancing, model walking, good food, laughs, tears, and a whole bunch more. It turned into a talent show more than anything. Ha. It was so Thai. I loved it. They finished it off with the classic, "God Be WIth You 'Til We Meet Again," (the 4th picture), and I've never heard a more beautiful version. Adorable. This morning? Got up, did a couple errands, then headed to the airport. Now we are currently in Southern Thailand (Phuket) on a beautiful beach.
This past week I've felt rather removed from everything. I was happy being in an area that I loved so much. In fact, the only time I cried the whole time I was there was when I talked to Mom--and that's because I missed her so much! The whole "going home" hadn't really sunk in. I felt like I was going to send Dad and Mary to the airport, tell them "thanks for visiting" and send them on their way, then I'd just get back to work. Until....today. We got on the airplane, and it hit a little. Then we got to Phuket, in a totally unfamiliar place, with the ocean around, lots of white people, in a new place...It sunk in a little deeper. I'm leaving Thailand. That's when I started feeling so much that I wasn't sure how to get it out, other than cry. I thought I had everything pretty under control, until today. I'm grateful for a little time to get my feet under me and try to figure out what I'm feeling. That's what the next couple of days are intended to be.
For now? I still love being a missionary. I stick my name tag on wherever I go. :) I love you all, family. I can't wait to see you. We're still waiting to see what will happen with the floods and things in Bangkok--we'll spend some time tomorrow figuring that out, and I'll let you know. But for now? Still plan on the 9th! This is the work of the Lord. I know that when I put Him first, even in the little details, things always work out. It is the beginning of trying to figure out how to apply what I've learned the past 18 months. Sheesh. Here goes! Make it a beautifully happy week--because next week WE WILL BE TOGETHER!!!!!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
WELL--this past week has been crazy! Last Thursday night, I met up with Dad and Mary. I initially came up to Chiang Mai to be with Sister Sorge, but just 3 days after I got there, Sister King and Sister Yinn followed me up there (Sister King is my greenie) because of the flooding in Bangkok. They evacuated the area and came to work with us! That was a blast. Who gets to serve in their greenie area with their greenie? Not too many people. :) We had fun. We separated Thursday night, and I had a couple members take me over to meet Dad and Mary at the hotel. Our reunion was so joyful--just a prepping for what's to come NEXT WEEK! I can't wait to see you all.
Since we met up, it's been a nonstop visiting, sightseeing, shopping, and on the go fun. It was a whirlwind to see my old area and all the old members and investigators. But I loved it. It was amazing to stand in front of that congregation last Sunday and see the numbers of the branch literally double since I was here last year. It's amazing! I felt grateful to be a part of that branch and be able to witness the growth. It was humbling, to say the least. The first picture I attached is of a dinner we were invited to at the District President's house that evening (Sunday). His family is one of the most humble and selfless families I've ever known...they have changed my life. Not much English (sorry Dad and Mary, they've been good sports!), but absolutely priceless to be able to talk with them. Monday we got up early and saw the sunrise, which was beautiful. I even got to go a cooking class! I've spent the past 18 months eating Thai food, but this class gave me a chance to actually make it (this is the 2nd picture I've attached)! That night we had the going away part a couple of members put together for me, that ended up just getting way out of hand. The 3rd picture I've attached is me with the sign they made--this is just to show you how much they put into it. I was blown away! It was full of singing, dancing, model walking, good food, laughs, tears, and a whole bunch more. It turned into a talent show more than anything. Ha. It was so Thai. I loved it. They finished it off with the classic, "God Be WIth You 'Til We Meet Again," (the 4th picture), and I've never heard a more beautiful version. Adorable. This morning? Got up, did a couple errands, then headed to the airport. Now we are currently in Southern Thailand (Phuket) on a beautiful beach.
This past week I've felt rather removed from everything. I was happy being in an area that I loved so much. In fact, the only time I cried the whole time I was there was when I talked to Mom--and that's because I missed her so much! The whole "going home" hadn't really sunk in. I felt like I was going to send Dad and Mary to the airport, tell them "thanks for visiting" and send them on their way, then I'd just get back to work. Until....today. We got on the airplane, and it hit a little. Then we got to Phuket, in a totally unfamiliar place, with the ocean around, lots of white people, in a new place...It sunk in a little deeper. I'm leaving Thailand. That's when I started feeling so much that I wasn't sure how to get it out, other than cry. I thought I had everything pretty under control, until today. I'm grateful for a little time to get my feet under me and try to figure out what I'm feeling. That's what the next couple of days are intended to be.
For now? I still love being a missionary. I stick my name tag on wherever I go. :) I love you all, family. I can't wait to see you. We're still waiting to see what will happen with the floods and things in Bangkok--we'll spend some time tomorrow figuring that out, and I'll let you know. But for now? Still plan on the 9th! This is the work of the Lord. I know that when I put Him first, even in the little details, things always work out. It is the beginning of trying to figure out how to apply what I've learned the past 18 months. Sheesh. Here goes! Make it a beautifully happy week--because next week WE WILL BE TOGETHER!!!!!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Sunday, October 23, 2011
It. Is. Finished.
Pictures 1-my going away part in Sapaan Sung! 2-Me and sister King 3-my group from the MTC....we're dead. 4-a family I taught and they got baptized after I left in Chiang Mai! 5-me and Sister Sorge 6-surprise baptism yesterday! she's a cute Chinese girl. it was fun.
I am in Chiang Mai! I made it here Saturday afternoon, just a few hours after I emailed y'all. It was surreal, to say the least, getting all my bags packed up, in a taxi, and jumping on a plane. MORE than that, as we descended into Chiang Mai, I was just filled with such peace and excitement to get to meet the people I've grown to love so much. I was running on 5 hours of sleep in 2 days, but I was wide awake!! I got my stuff, met up with Sister Sorge, and we just got to work. As we taught at the church that night, members were coming in and out to learn institute, cleaning the church, etc. I got to see so many familiar faces, and it was just what I needed. My favorite was while we were in a lesson, Phii Jan (the lady baptized on my last Sunday here) peeked her head in the door to come clean, but saw we were in there, and so began to close it. Until it registered. The door SWUNG OPEN and she mauled me with hugs and laughs and kisses. Hahaha, luckily I was sitting on the floor teaching, or I would've been knocked off my chair for sure. Then she realized that we were in the middle of a lesson (luckily it was two younger girls that just couldn't stop laughing at the silliness of this lady--she's adorable, everyone loves her), and she left saying, "We'll talk later." Haha. It was a wonderful welcome back to my first area.
Since then, it's just been meeting lots of familiar faces, lots of hugs, lots of catching up, lots of confused faces at seeing me back here, haha. It has been like a dream........to say the least. But a really really really good dream. Now? We're expecting the sisters from Saphaansung (my old area I just left) to fly up here because their water and electricity got turned off for the floods. So we're expecting 3 more sisters (Sister Tano, Sister Yinn, and Sister King--my greenie again!) today, which is 5 in the house up here. That'll be fun for a couple days. Anyway, suffice it to say, I am loving being here.
I have had my final interview with President, and dinner, and testimony meeting, etc...that was all last Friday night at the hotel in Bangkok. Usually it's a little different, being at the house of the mission president. Instead he just interviewed us in the business area of the hotel, in an empty office. :) BUT, the power of his words and advice were just as penetrating as anywhere, I'm sure. His words will forever echo within my mind, and those feelings will remain with me throughout my entire life. I could never, ever, ever have gone without this mission. I'll leave it at that, the rest will take a lot longer to tell--and I get to tell it in person in just a few short days!
I love you, family. I love you for the support, love, and words of testimony you have expressed to me these past 18 months. You will never know how each of you have changed my life forever. It has been a sacred and spiritual experience these past couple days to ponder on the blessings I've obtained from my mission experience--some visible, most will unfold in years to come. I am overwhelmed. I love you, I'm grateful for you, and see you soon. Take care of yourselves, until that joyful event!!
All My Love,
Sister Naegle
"In whatever manner the Lord may choose to bless us during the course of a mission, blessings of missionary service are not designed to end when we are released by our stake president. Your mission is a training ground for life. The experiences, lessons, and testimony obtained through faithful service are meant to provide a gospel centered foundation that will last throughout mortality and into the eternities....President Thomas S. Monson has taught: 'missionary work is difficult. It taxes one's energies, it strains one's capacity, it demands one's best effort....No other labor requires longer hours of greater devotion or such sacrifice and fervent prayer.' As a result of that sacrifice, we return from our missions with our own gifts: The gift of faith. The gift of testimony. The gift of understanding the role of the Spirit. The gift of daily gospel study. The gift of having served our Savior. Gifts carefully packaged in worn scriptures, tattered copies of Preach My Gospel, missionary journals, and grateful hearts....There is no returned missionary for whom it is too late to consider the lessons obtained through faithful service and to apply them more diligently. As we do so, we will feel the influence of the Spirit more fully in our lives, our families will be strengthened, and we will draw closer to our Savior and Father in Heaven. In a previous general conference, Elder L. Tom Perry extended this invitation: "I call on you returned missionaries to rededicate yourselves, to become re-infused with the desire and spirit of missionary service. I call on you to look the part, to be the part, and to act the part of a servant of our Father in Heaven....I want to promise you there are great blessings in store for you if you continue to press forward with the zeal you once possessed as a full-time missionary.' "
--Elder W. Christopher Waddell
I am in Chiang Mai! I made it here Saturday afternoon, just a few hours after I emailed y'all. It was surreal, to say the least, getting all my bags packed up, in a taxi, and jumping on a plane. MORE than that, as we descended into Chiang Mai, I was just filled with such peace and excitement to get to meet the people I've grown to love so much. I was running on 5 hours of sleep in 2 days, but I was wide awake!! I got my stuff, met up with Sister Sorge, and we just got to work. As we taught at the church that night, members were coming in and out to learn institute, cleaning the church, etc. I got to see so many familiar faces, and it was just what I needed. My favorite was while we were in a lesson, Phii Jan (the lady baptized on my last Sunday here) peeked her head in the door to come clean, but saw we were in there, and so began to close it. Until it registered. The door SWUNG OPEN and she mauled me with hugs and laughs and kisses. Hahaha, luckily I was sitting on the floor teaching, or I would've been knocked off my chair for sure. Then she realized that we were in the middle of a lesson (luckily it was two younger girls that just couldn't stop laughing at the silliness of this lady--she's adorable, everyone loves her), and she left saying, "We'll talk later." Haha. It was a wonderful welcome back to my first area.
Since then, it's just been meeting lots of familiar faces, lots of hugs, lots of catching up, lots of confused faces at seeing me back here, haha. It has been like a dream........to say the least. But a really really really good dream. Now? We're expecting the sisters from Saphaansung (my old area I just left) to fly up here because their water and electricity got turned off for the floods. So we're expecting 3 more sisters (Sister Tano, Sister Yinn, and Sister King--my greenie again!) today, which is 5 in the house up here. That'll be fun for a couple days. Anyway, suffice it to say, I am loving being here.
I have had my final interview with President, and dinner, and testimony meeting, etc...that was all last Friday night at the hotel in Bangkok. Usually it's a little different, being at the house of the mission president. Instead he just interviewed us in the business area of the hotel, in an empty office. :) BUT, the power of his words and advice were just as penetrating as anywhere, I'm sure. His words will forever echo within my mind, and those feelings will remain with me throughout my entire life. I could never, ever, ever have gone without this mission. I'll leave it at that, the rest will take a lot longer to tell--and I get to tell it in person in just a few short days!
I love you, family. I love you for the support, love, and words of testimony you have expressed to me these past 18 months. You will never know how each of you have changed my life forever. It has been a sacred and spiritual experience these past couple days to ponder on the blessings I've obtained from my mission experience--some visible, most will unfold in years to come. I am overwhelmed. I love you, I'm grateful for you, and see you soon. Take care of yourselves, until that joyful event!!
All My Love,
Sister Naegle
"In whatever manner the Lord may choose to bless us during the course of a mission, blessings of missionary service are not designed to end when we are released by our stake president. Your mission is a training ground for life. The experiences, lessons, and testimony obtained through faithful service are meant to provide a gospel centered foundation that will last throughout mortality and into the eternities....President Thomas S. Monson has taught: 'missionary work is difficult. It taxes one's energies, it strains one's capacity, it demands one's best effort....No other labor requires longer hours of greater devotion or such sacrifice and fervent prayer.' As a result of that sacrifice, we return from our missions with our own gifts: The gift of faith. The gift of testimony. The gift of understanding the role of the Spirit. The gift of daily gospel study. The gift of having served our Savior. Gifts carefully packaged in worn scriptures, tattered copies of Preach My Gospel, missionary journals, and grateful hearts....There is no returned missionary for whom it is too late to consider the lessons obtained through faithful service and to apply them more diligently. As we do so, we will feel the influence of the Spirit more fully in our lives, our families will be strengthened, and we will draw closer to our Savior and Father in Heaven. In a previous general conference, Elder L. Tom Perry extended this invitation: "I call on you returned missionaries to rededicate yourselves, to become re-infused with the desire and spirit of missionary service. I call on you to look the part, to be the part, and to act the part of a servant of our Father in Heaven....I want to promise you there are great blessings in store for you if you continue to press forward with the zeal you once possessed as a full-time missionary.' "
--Elder W. Christopher Waddell
Friday, October 21, 2011
Floods!
I'm just writing to let everyone know that I am safe and sound--haha, don't worry about me. The floods are getting worse, and it's fun to see everyone preparing and hunkering down. But in many areas it's already hit! So President just wants us out of Bangkok. It's Saturday morning right now, and I'm just on my way to the airport to fly up to Chiang Mai. My group just left to America--I said goodbye to them early this morning, and now I'm on my own to get to Chiang Mai. It was pretty weird waking up alone in a hotel room in downtown Bangkok...and now I'm going to get on a taxi by myself to the airport. But while there, I'll be with Sister Sorge (old companion) in my greenie area. WEIRD. But I am really excited! :) I will be there until next Thursday when Dad and Mary come pick me up. I'm just giving you a heads up to my situation. So..........I'm gonna go eat breakfast and head out! I love you all, I am so grateful to be here. It's pretty weird that my whole group is gone now, and I'm just basically waiting....but I'm going to try to get up to Chiang Mai and work til I can't work anymore. I love you all! Can't wait to see you!!
Sister Nay
Sister Nay
Monday, October 17, 2011
Wish There Was Time...
Never enough time to say everything I want in an email. And if there were time? It's still not the same. So I'll do my best to summarize what I'm feeling today.
Where do I even begin? I feel very similar to Grandpa's email a few weeks ago, as he and Grandma finished their service as full time missionaries. I love what I've learned. I love how the power of love and unity through service is able to smooth out the differences, and we're able to work in unity. That's a priceless lesson I've learned. No matter HOW different you are, if you're united in purpose, than you can work successfully and happily together. I can't begin to name every lesson I've learned.
Right now, I'm still in Thailand. There'e been lots and lots of flooding (just 1 1/2 hours from my house, the floods were up to the 2nd story of houses....), lots of teaching, lots of raining, lots of laughing, lots of disappointments, lots of successful lessons, and lots of feeling the Spirit. I'm just...being a missionary. All this talk of going home is pretty far from me right now, because it's still not here. I guess next Thursday I'll be singing a different tune when I wake up and my planner doesn't have any appointments in it, but for now? It's still booked, and we're still working. I wish I could describe what I'm feeling better than that, but it all still feels like a dream. So? We'll just keep working!
Right now? We have AMAZING DATERS. AMAZING. 1. Miaw, who I told you about last week. Her mom who lives in the boonies asked for a Book of Mormon, so we sent it to her last week. She got it Wednesday morning, and read the entire book by Saturday morning. And she knows it's true. She's defending it with the preacher that comes to visit her, in the little town she's from. Uh huh. 2. Fang. Gets WHY she should be baptized, and WANTS it! Our lesson last week was powerful. We toured the church, sang "I am a Child of God," and talked only about the Savior and His importance. At the end of the lesson she said, "if I knew how important it was to read my scriptures everyday, I would've done it the first time you asked me to!" She left with a determination to read and pray daily, plus come to church every week. 3. Subin. A man from English, an also a previous investigator. He denied my request to meet the week before, but this past week, came asking to meet with us. We did, and HE GOT IT. He said it all just "makes sense," and he feels this is going to be the path that leads him to pure happiness. He wants it. And he's preparing for baptism. We have an appt to meet with his wife and 2 sons this week, too. Future missionaries! 4. Kib came to church yesterday. She asked to meet during the 2nd hour of church, and so I sent Sister King on switchoffs and I went with a member. We talked logistics about her getting a house/separating from her boyfriend, and it's all figured out and she's soooo excited to be baptized. Then the problem came up with stopping work on Sunday. She just started at this new job, and wasn't sure if they'd grant her request. But after reading in the scriptures together, she said, "I know that whatever God asks me to do, I will be able to do. I'll go ask for work off today." I asked, "And if they don't give it to you?" She firmly responded, "Then I'll quit and work somewhere else." I have a testimony of using SCRIPTURES. Alma, Nephi, and the Savior teach waaaaaaayyyyy better than I ever could. We got on our knees, plead for help, and she left to talk to her boss. 2 hours later she called me and said, "Sister! I get Sundays off!!!" Miracles are happening all over the place....
And there's still so mahy more I can't even begin to talk about.
Bottom line is this. I love this experience. I love what I have learned about being a true, honest, disciple of Jesus Christ. I know I've seen miracles in everyone I've worked with, but as I near the end, He is letting me see the miracle that has occurred within my own heart. I know that I've changed. I am dedicated and committed to living the gospel of Jesus Christ as long as I live, and doing all i can to help my friends and family return to our Father in Heaven. It's all so simple. The gospel is the most beautful, simple message I have ever heard in my entire life. And I cannot thank my Heavenly Father enough for this opportunity to share it with my brothers and sisters in Thailand. I am filled to the brink with gratitude.
I love you, family and friends. Thank you for your support. I'll see you all shortly....until then? Keep pushing. Soon enough we'll be talking and laughing together! I can't wait to see you. Make it a great week..........
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Where do I even begin? I feel very similar to Grandpa's email a few weeks ago, as he and Grandma finished their service as full time missionaries. I love what I've learned. I love how the power of love and unity through service is able to smooth out the differences, and we're able to work in unity. That's a priceless lesson I've learned. No matter HOW different you are, if you're united in purpose, than you can work successfully and happily together. I can't begin to name every lesson I've learned.
Right now, I'm still in Thailand. There'e been lots and lots of flooding (just 1 1/2 hours from my house, the floods were up to the 2nd story of houses....), lots of teaching, lots of raining, lots of laughing, lots of disappointments, lots of successful lessons, and lots of feeling the Spirit. I'm just...being a missionary. All this talk of going home is pretty far from me right now, because it's still not here. I guess next Thursday I'll be singing a different tune when I wake up and my planner doesn't have any appointments in it, but for now? It's still booked, and we're still working. I wish I could describe what I'm feeling better than that, but it all still feels like a dream. So? We'll just keep working!
Right now? We have AMAZING DATERS. AMAZING. 1. Miaw, who I told you about last week. Her mom who lives in the boonies asked for a Book of Mormon, so we sent it to her last week. She got it Wednesday morning, and read the entire book by Saturday morning. And she knows it's true. She's defending it with the preacher that comes to visit her, in the little town she's from. Uh huh. 2. Fang. Gets WHY she should be baptized, and WANTS it! Our lesson last week was powerful. We toured the church, sang "I am a Child of God," and talked only about the Savior and His importance. At the end of the lesson she said, "if I knew how important it was to read my scriptures everyday, I would've done it the first time you asked me to!" She left with a determination to read and pray daily, plus come to church every week. 3. Subin. A man from English, an also a previous investigator. He denied my request to meet the week before, but this past week, came asking to meet with us. We did, and HE GOT IT. He said it all just "makes sense," and he feels this is going to be the path that leads him to pure happiness. He wants it. And he's preparing for baptism. We have an appt to meet with his wife and 2 sons this week, too. Future missionaries! 4. Kib came to church yesterday. She asked to meet during the 2nd hour of church, and so I sent Sister King on switchoffs and I went with a member. We talked logistics about her getting a house/separating from her boyfriend, and it's all figured out and she's soooo excited to be baptized. Then the problem came up with stopping work on Sunday. She just started at this new job, and wasn't sure if they'd grant her request. But after reading in the scriptures together, she said, "I know that whatever God asks me to do, I will be able to do. I'll go ask for work off today." I asked, "And if they don't give it to you?" She firmly responded, "Then I'll quit and work somewhere else." I have a testimony of using SCRIPTURES. Alma, Nephi, and the Savior teach waaaaaaayyyyy better than I ever could. We got on our knees, plead for help, and she left to talk to her boss. 2 hours later she called me and said, "Sister! I get Sundays off!!!" Miracles are happening all over the place....
And there's still so mahy more I can't even begin to talk about.
Bottom line is this. I love this experience. I love what I have learned about being a true, honest, disciple of Jesus Christ. I know I've seen miracles in everyone I've worked with, but as I near the end, He is letting me see the miracle that has occurred within my own heart. I know that I've changed. I am dedicated and committed to living the gospel of Jesus Christ as long as I live, and doing all i can to help my friends and family return to our Father in Heaven. It's all so simple. The gospel is the most beautful, simple message I have ever heard in my entire life. And I cannot thank my Heavenly Father enough for this opportunity to share it with my brothers and sisters in Thailand. I am filled to the brink with gratitude.
I love you, family and friends. Thank you for your support. I'll see you all shortly....until then? Keep pushing. Soon enough we'll be talking and laughing together! I can't wait to see you. Make it a great week..........
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Monday, October 10, 2011
It's Coming...
2 more full weeks left of missionary work. Is this real?
I've attached some pictures of my recent bike crash. I don't know what the deal is lately! I made it my whole mission until NOW! Ridiculous. But the floods definitely had something to do with it, too. Ha. SO MUCH WATER! It's flooding all over the country right now. Oh, rainy season.
We did get conference this past weekend--all in Thai. Sister King was such a good sport! I can't wait to "re-listen" to it all in English. The translators are good, but certainly not the same as English. But I loved every second of it.
I want to share an experience of a woman that we just met, Sister Miaw. She is incredible. This will illustrate the fact that God is aware of His children, and is in fact preparing those He has chosen. Sister Miaw's mom is a member of some other christian sect in the boonies of Thailand, and has been trying to encourage Miaw to go to church here in Bangkok for quite some time. Over the course of the past years, she's seen how a belief in the Savior has blessed her mother, and recently, the past few months have changed her brother's live as well. She wandered into the church, looking for the truth last Sunday, but came just at the end of the meetings. We taught her 3 times this past week (before Sunday), and within those three lessons she had a date to be baptized the 6th of November, knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet, the Book of Mormon was the word of God, was committed to reading/praying daily and living the Word of Wisdom, and couldn't wait to get started on family history to take her family's names to the Hong Kong temple. She's already planning to go. When taught the Word of Wisdom, she said, "Well, I only drink coffee if I really can't go on without it...but come to think of it, drinking water is better. I know He'll provide a way. I'll do it for Him." She had to work Saturday, so she couldn't make it to the Saturday sessions of General Conference, but she was there bright eyed and bushy tailed on Sunday morning. She came in a half our before the meeting started and said, "Sister, I almost couldn't sleep last night I was so excited to come listen to the prophet's voice!" And she really, really means it. The 2nd session I got to sit with her, and it was just the pleasure of a lifetime to listen to the servants of God, while my investigor was scrambling to take notes next to me. I was all smiles. I know, I know that He has those prepared. And they aren't just in Thailand.
My biggest fear is that time will tarnish the truths I've come to treasure as a missionary. Family, I know that this is the restored gospel. I know that there are children of God waiting, knowingly and unknowingly, all over the world. Not just in Thailand. Sister Miaw could be your next door neighbor! When I'm home, I'm going to do my very very best to maintain these lessons I've learned as a missionary, and really apply them throughout my life. I'm not perfect. Far from. But I know that this gospel is the precious gem that we have been given to share. You're already doing so much--of which I am so grateful, and I know that your Father in Heaven is even more grateful. But I plead with you to do just a little more. I know that when we put our hearts on the line and do our very best (imperfections included), He will make up the difference, hearts will be opened, and lives will be changed. I will soon be leaving the ranks of full-time missionary service to come join you in the effort at home. I know we can do it together! I am sad to see this time end, but I'm ready to apply everything that I've learned these past 18 months. Grandma and Grandpa, I, like you, am sad to see it end. But I'm grateful for the time I've had here as a missionary. Nothing will ever take the place of these experiences I've had here.
Heavenly Father loves us. Jesus Christ lives, and through Him, we can be together as families forever. There is no greater truth than that. I love the simple, profound truths of the gospel. This is the TRUTH. Make it the best week yet!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Pictures--1-2) pictures of the flood...and my subsequent accident....haha. don't worry. it's on the way to healing as we speak. i'm taking care of myself! 3) Sister Miaw! I love this woman. She's going to change lives. 4) I love getting the weekly emails, just not always time to read them.....i love you all! make it a happy week.
I've attached some pictures of my recent bike crash. I don't know what the deal is lately! I made it my whole mission until NOW! Ridiculous. But the floods definitely had something to do with it, too. Ha. SO MUCH WATER! It's flooding all over the country right now. Oh, rainy season.
We did get conference this past weekend--all in Thai. Sister King was such a good sport! I can't wait to "re-listen" to it all in English. The translators are good, but certainly not the same as English. But I loved every second of it.
I want to share an experience of a woman that we just met, Sister Miaw. She is incredible. This will illustrate the fact that God is aware of His children, and is in fact preparing those He has chosen. Sister Miaw's mom is a member of some other christian sect in the boonies of Thailand, and has been trying to encourage Miaw to go to church here in Bangkok for quite some time. Over the course of the past years, she's seen how a belief in the Savior has blessed her mother, and recently, the past few months have changed her brother's live as well. She wandered into the church, looking for the truth last Sunday, but came just at the end of the meetings. We taught her 3 times this past week (before Sunday), and within those three lessons she had a date to be baptized the 6th of November, knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet, the Book of Mormon was the word of God, was committed to reading/praying daily and living the Word of Wisdom, and couldn't wait to get started on family history to take her family's names to the Hong Kong temple. She's already planning to go. When taught the Word of Wisdom, she said, "Well, I only drink coffee if I really can't go on without it...but come to think of it, drinking water is better. I know He'll provide a way. I'll do it for Him." She had to work Saturday, so she couldn't make it to the Saturday sessions of General Conference, but she was there bright eyed and bushy tailed on Sunday morning. She came in a half our before the meeting started and said, "Sister, I almost couldn't sleep last night I was so excited to come listen to the prophet's voice!" And she really, really means it. The 2nd session I got to sit with her, and it was just the pleasure of a lifetime to listen to the servants of God, while my investigor was scrambling to take notes next to me. I was all smiles. I know, I know that He has those prepared. And they aren't just in Thailand.
My biggest fear is that time will tarnish the truths I've come to treasure as a missionary. Family, I know that this is the restored gospel. I know that there are children of God waiting, knowingly and unknowingly, all over the world. Not just in Thailand. Sister Miaw could be your next door neighbor! When I'm home, I'm going to do my very very best to maintain these lessons I've learned as a missionary, and really apply them throughout my life. I'm not perfect. Far from. But I know that this gospel is the precious gem that we have been given to share. You're already doing so much--of which I am so grateful, and I know that your Father in Heaven is even more grateful. But I plead with you to do just a little more. I know that when we put our hearts on the line and do our very best (imperfections included), He will make up the difference, hearts will be opened, and lives will be changed. I will soon be leaving the ranks of full-time missionary service to come join you in the effort at home. I know we can do it together! I am sad to see this time end, but I'm ready to apply everything that I've learned these past 18 months. Grandma and Grandpa, I, like you, am sad to see it end. But I'm grateful for the time I've had here as a missionary. Nothing will ever take the place of these experiences I've had here.
Heavenly Father loves us. Jesus Christ lives, and through Him, we can be together as families forever. There is no greater truth than that. I love the simple, profound truths of the gospel. This is the TRUTH. Make it the best week yet!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Pictures--1-2) pictures of the flood...and my subsequent accident....haha. don't worry. it's on the way to healing as we speak. i'm taking care of myself! 3) Sister Miaw! I love this woman. She's going to change lives. 4) I love getting the weekly emails, just not always time to read them.....i love you all! make it a happy week.
Monday, October 3, 2011
3 WEEKS.
Another week flown by.....and we're down to 3. WHAT IS GOING ON?! It doesn't help that everyone (investigators and members) keep asking when the death day is....but it's okay. I've come to realize something this week. I anticipated the trunky feelings being way worse than this. Sister King is doing a good job at keeping me here. Have I mentioned that I love training? More than that, I just feel ready. I want to go home, I want to see all of you, and I want to take everything I've learned here as a missionary and use it throughout my life. I'm ready for that. The difference is, I'm not wishing it to come faster than it is! I'm ready to push hard, and finish my time here until the very last second. But when that time comes to go, I will be ready for it. 3 weeks. Really?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALLIN!!!!! I hope yesterday was so fun with all the family. I thought of you throughout the day and hope you had a wonderful day. 22? You're and old fart! I'm denying I'm that old. Lucky guy--you get conference on your birthday.
So, as you see the attached pictures, you will notice that last week we played Muay Thai. IT WAS SO FUN.......and way hilarious. Dad, thank you for teaching me how to talk people into things. It's served me well throughout my life, but last monday was the crowning moment. We went to the national Muay Thai stadium, because we heard by word of mouth that you could go play there for an hour or two, just to try it out. We showed up, and were disappointed to find out they didn't do what we'd heard about. A man wandered out from the building, and we got chatting. We persuaded him (Sister Johnson and I) to let us go play for 2 hours, 300 baht a person. (or 12 dollars). Soon after that, we found out he was the national Muay Thai coach--and we would be training with his trainers and the other national players. Hahahahaaha. I love sweet talking people. It was sooooooo fun. Throughout the time, he tried recruiting me several times. "Are you sure you've never played Muay Thai before? You had to have played in America." He was just this feisty jokester. As you can tell, we went all out. Full on training in the Nat'l Muay Thai gym. Well, at least we all know that if nursing doesn't work out, I have a future in Muay Thai.
This week we've seen miracles. An English student is truly prepared for a date--we extended the commitment the first lesson! I have gained a testimony of having member fellowshippers for our investigators. Kib has been an investigator for about a year, but hasn't been baptized because she lives with her African boyfriend who doesn't have the paperwork to get legally married. So she comes to church every week, and lives like a member (except for the law of chastity....). Just last week, she called us, asked to meet, and said her member friend would be there as well. We met at the church and she excitedly said, "Sister! I don't want to wait anymore! I'm going to find a room at the end of the month, and live apart from him until he can go to Africa in December. I don't want to put off baptism anymore. Talking with Leg (the member friend), I just feel it's the best choice. I feel so ready." This was all done behind our back. So? We're shooting for the 6th of November! We can't wait for her.
I still love being a missionary. Training (especially all the material that comes with it....the district videos, etc...) I feel so inadequate. If I had received this training when I was a greenie, I am convinced I would've been able to do wayyyyyyy more than I have. It has cause some feelings of wishing I had this training, but then I know that I have given my all. I know what I've done in Thailand hasn't been perfect. I know that others could've done "more" or "better," whatever those words even mean. But when I honestly talk with Heavenly Father about my time here, I know I have done my best. The greatest miracle of the mission is seeing Him use me, imperfections and all, to bring His children unto Him. There is no greater feeling. We're just trying to apply the things we learn in our district movies/studies/Preach My Gospel discussions. I love all I'm learning, and it's applicable throughout my life. I'm ready to use it all!
Make it a great week. We only have so many left.....
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Alma 42:29-31
Pictures: 1-3) Muay Thai! That was just for Daniel and Lauren...I didn't know what you were talking about before I left...but now I know. And it's awesome. 4) We got distracted by this old man playing the violin in the market today, Sister Tano plays. He was ecstatic when he figured out she played, and forced her to play for a few minutes. It was quite the attn getter. This old Thai man living in a shack in the market, making/playing the violin for life. It was cute.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALLIN!!!!! I hope yesterday was so fun with all the family. I thought of you throughout the day and hope you had a wonderful day. 22? You're and old fart! I'm denying I'm that old. Lucky guy--you get conference on your birthday.
So, as you see the attached pictures, you will notice that last week we played Muay Thai. IT WAS SO FUN.......and way hilarious. Dad, thank you for teaching me how to talk people into things. It's served me well throughout my life, but last monday was the crowning moment. We went to the national Muay Thai stadium, because we heard by word of mouth that you could go play there for an hour or two, just to try it out. We showed up, and were disappointed to find out they didn't do what we'd heard about. A man wandered out from the building, and we got chatting. We persuaded him (Sister Johnson and I) to let us go play for 2 hours, 300 baht a person. (or 12 dollars). Soon after that, we found out he was the national Muay Thai coach--and we would be training with his trainers and the other national players. Hahahahaaha. I love sweet talking people. It was sooooooo fun. Throughout the time, he tried recruiting me several times. "Are you sure you've never played Muay Thai before? You had to have played in America." He was just this feisty jokester. As you can tell, we went all out. Full on training in the Nat'l Muay Thai gym. Well, at least we all know that if nursing doesn't work out, I have a future in Muay Thai.
This week we've seen miracles. An English student is truly prepared for a date--we extended the commitment the first lesson! I have gained a testimony of having member fellowshippers for our investigators. Kib has been an investigator for about a year, but hasn't been baptized because she lives with her African boyfriend who doesn't have the paperwork to get legally married. So she comes to church every week, and lives like a member (except for the law of chastity....). Just last week, she called us, asked to meet, and said her member friend would be there as well. We met at the church and she excitedly said, "Sister! I don't want to wait anymore! I'm going to find a room at the end of the month, and live apart from him until he can go to Africa in December. I don't want to put off baptism anymore. Talking with Leg (the member friend), I just feel it's the best choice. I feel so ready." This was all done behind our back. So? We're shooting for the 6th of November! We can't wait for her.
I still love being a missionary. Training (especially all the material that comes with it....the district videos, etc...) I feel so inadequate. If I had received this training when I was a greenie, I am convinced I would've been able to do wayyyyyyy more than I have. It has cause some feelings of wishing I had this training, but then I know that I have given my all. I know what I've done in Thailand hasn't been perfect. I know that others could've done "more" or "better," whatever those words even mean. But when I honestly talk with Heavenly Father about my time here, I know I have done my best. The greatest miracle of the mission is seeing Him use me, imperfections and all, to bring His children unto Him. There is no greater feeling. We're just trying to apply the things we learn in our district movies/studies/Preach My Gospel discussions. I love all I'm learning, and it's applicable throughout my life. I'm ready to use it all!
Make it a great week. We only have so many left.....
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Alma 42:29-31
Pictures: 1-3) Muay Thai! That was just for Daniel and Lauren...I didn't know what you were talking about before I left...but now I know. And it's awesome. 4) We got distracted by this old man playing the violin in the market today, Sister Tano plays. He was ecstatic when he figured out she played, and forced her to play for a few minutes. It was quite the attn getter. This old Thai man living in a shack in the market, making/playing the violin for life. It was cute.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Muay Thai!!
Pictures: 1) We bought these skirts at the market last week--they are the "house robe" for all the little Thai grandmas. And classic Thai fabric. Ha. 2) SHELBY! I gave this little girl your Sleeping Beauty you sent me last week! And she LOVED it! (Despite her looks, she was tired. She just woke up). When she got it, she stared quietly at it and said, "Oh, you have very pretty shoes." Thank you, Miss Shelby. You are so sweet to share your toys! 3) A famous Thai national boxer we're going to learn Thai from today--I can't wait. I'll write more about that next week. 4) These are the 4 that live together. Sister Yinn, Tano, King, and Nay. We have a blast together.
OKAY. This week. I can't believe time is flying the way it is. But we don't need to waste time talking about that. I'm glad you all appreciated Sister King's finding techniques, she certainly is teaching me a lot! I'm mostly learning about all the things I need to change from her....I am soooo imperfect, and have a long way to go. But she's patient with me, and always keeps me laughing. I love her. All the little girls at church don't pay any attention to me anymore. Everytime she walks into the room, they look right past me and run to her, arms wide open to hug her, screaming, "Sister Suay!!!" or "Sister Beautiful!!" I'm old news.They love her blonde hair, blue eyes.
Lately she's mostly been telling me, "Good luck in America..." Apparently I have no recollection of what "normality" is in America! That will be a culture shock, I'm sure. She can hardly believe that I don't know who certain music artists are when she mentions them. I literally feel like a parent with a teenage kid sometimes: "Seriously?? You don't know who that is? Oh my word they are soooo popular--at least they were like, last year. And you don't know them? For real? You are so behind on the times!" Yup. Welcome to the life of a missionary, Sister King. Talk to me in a year.
Aside from that, this past week I'm really feeling the weight of being an example for her. I've been trying to find the balance in our time lately. The church has given a whole new training program for trainers/new missionaries, and we're the first group to put it into practice. It's intense. But we're learning a lot. There are lots of things that would get done so much faster if I just did them, because I know how, and we'd get better results if I just did it. But I'm learning that this isn't what it's about. Sure, if I did it now, then we'd have better results in the next 4 weeks. But if I can correctly teach her now how to be a missionary, then she still has the next 18 months to apply everything she's learned, and it will have a much more lasting effect. THAT is what I'm trying to focus on--training correctly, patiently, and non-hypocritically. I'm striving to be everything she's excpected to be--and we're seeing miracles.
For example. We were eating dinner when all the sudden all of my "confirmation" calls canceled on us. Fun! I just turned it into a teaching opportunity, we went inviting. We had a potential we could go see, so we headed over to her apt and, of course, she wasn't home. So I just looked at Sister King and said, "Ok, every other door! You go first." And we just took turns knocking on doors and inviting. We finally made our way to the 3rd floor, and the 3rd to last door we knocked on/called out, we heard, "Sister? How did you know I would be home?" It was Nan, a recent convert! We were shocked. We went in, visited, and found out she's been having some problems. Long story short--all present were in agreeance that we were led there that night. Sister Knight was so excited to be involved in such a story! It was fun to see how excited she was.
I was also asked to speak in sacrament meeting yesterday--last week the Branch Pres said, "Have you ever spoken here?" I understood him completely, but said, "i don't understand you, President." He was just about to explain when he understood what I was doing, shook his head, and started walking away, simply saying, "It's on the Book of Mormon. 10 minutes." Haha. SO...that was my first time! It was okay....mostly just a lesson on the Book of Mormon, without questions and talking to the investigator. It was a little intense because the Stake President was visiting that day--I was nervous! But I think it was okay. I was shocked I had enough Thai to speak for 10 minutes. Ha.
Nothing has changed in my feelings of the gospel--other than my roots have been rooted just a little deeper in gospel soil this week. I know it's true! The simple truths of the gospel are all we need in this life. Cling to them. Strive to learn them. Do all you can to live them. I love you, fam--the weeks are WINDING DOWN. Make it a great week!
All My Love,
SIster Nay
3 Nephi 5:13
OKAY. This week. I can't believe time is flying the way it is. But we don't need to waste time talking about that. I'm glad you all appreciated Sister King's finding techniques, she certainly is teaching me a lot! I'm mostly learning about all the things I need to change from her....I am soooo imperfect, and have a long way to go. But she's patient with me, and always keeps me laughing. I love her. All the little girls at church don't pay any attention to me anymore. Everytime she walks into the room, they look right past me and run to her, arms wide open to hug her, screaming, "Sister Suay!!!" or "Sister Beautiful!!" I'm old news.They love her blonde hair, blue eyes.
Lately she's mostly been telling me, "Good luck in America..." Apparently I have no recollection of what "normality" is in America! That will be a culture shock, I'm sure. She can hardly believe that I don't know who certain music artists are when she mentions them. I literally feel like a parent with a teenage kid sometimes: "Seriously?? You don't know who that is? Oh my word they are soooo popular--at least they were like, last year. And you don't know them? For real? You are so behind on the times!" Yup. Welcome to the life of a missionary, Sister King. Talk to me in a year.
Aside from that, this past week I'm really feeling the weight of being an example for her. I've been trying to find the balance in our time lately. The church has given a whole new training program for trainers/new missionaries, and we're the first group to put it into practice. It's intense. But we're learning a lot. There are lots of things that would get done so much faster if I just did them, because I know how, and we'd get better results if I just did it. But I'm learning that this isn't what it's about. Sure, if I did it now, then we'd have better results in the next 4 weeks. But if I can correctly teach her now how to be a missionary, then she still has the next 18 months to apply everything she's learned, and it will have a much more lasting effect. THAT is what I'm trying to focus on--training correctly, patiently, and non-hypocritically. I'm striving to be everything she's excpected to be--and we're seeing miracles.
For example. We were eating dinner when all the sudden all of my "confirmation" calls canceled on us. Fun! I just turned it into a teaching opportunity, we went inviting. We had a potential we could go see, so we headed over to her apt and, of course, she wasn't home. So I just looked at Sister King and said, "Ok, every other door! You go first." And we just took turns knocking on doors and inviting. We finally made our way to the 3rd floor, and the 3rd to last door we knocked on/called out, we heard, "Sister? How did you know I would be home?" It was Nan, a recent convert! We were shocked. We went in, visited, and found out she's been having some problems. Long story short--all present were in agreeance that we were led there that night. Sister Knight was so excited to be involved in such a story! It was fun to see how excited she was.
I was also asked to speak in sacrament meeting yesterday--last week the Branch Pres said, "Have you ever spoken here?" I understood him completely, but said, "i don't understand you, President." He was just about to explain when he understood what I was doing, shook his head, and started walking away, simply saying, "It's on the Book of Mormon. 10 minutes." Haha. SO...that was my first time! It was okay....mostly just a lesson on the Book of Mormon, without questions and talking to the investigator. It was a little intense because the Stake President was visiting that day--I was nervous! But I think it was okay. I was shocked I had enough Thai to speak for 10 minutes. Ha.
Nothing has changed in my feelings of the gospel--other than my roots have been rooted just a little deeper in gospel soil this week. I know it's true! The simple truths of the gospel are all we need in this life. Cling to them. Strive to learn them. Do all you can to live them. I love you, fam--the weeks are WINDING DOWN. Make it a great week!
All My Love,
SIster Nay
3 Nephi 5:13
Sunday, September 18, 2011
sister king = laughter.
Last night we could not stop laughing. I have a little book that I've kept some emails over the past 18 months. We were reading through some emails that Manda has sent me about Shelby, and we could literally not control our laughter. She has such a funny sense of humor--I suppose it's pretty similar to mine. Just imagine our mattresses (no beds), pushed side by side in our room, the lights out, with our flashlights, reading through this little book of emails laughing til our sides hurt....that's pretty much my transfer with Sister King. She is hilarious.
Exhibit A) She kept our finding exciting this week through her stellar bike riding skills. It takes some getting used to when you first come (I've forgotten) to maneuver through narrow areas/lots of people/wearing a skirt. So I made my way through a narrow passage between a car and a motorcycle, and headed on my way. Not 3 seconds later I heard some commotion behind me, and I turned around to see Sister King looking frantically at me, and a woman rushing over to her. I turned quickly around to see a motorcyle turned over on it's side, and Sister King just looking at me with no words to say. Ha. I started talking to the woman, apologizing profusely for the motorcycle, and helped her lift it up. She was less than pleased. But as we got talking, we offered her to come learn English on Tuesday nights with us, for free. She perked up. We talked a little more, and I told her we were actually missionaries, and we have a message about Jesus Christ that will be a blessing to her family--and proceeded to ask for permission to visit her at home with her family. "Sure," she said. "We're going to go eat dinner, can we come over in 45 minutes?" "Yes, that would be fine." "Ok." I got her number, and we went on our way. Haha. We just laughed, then found out her chain came off her bike somehow. So I got off my bike, on my knees, trying to fix her chain in the middle of this crowded market....and we're just laughing at the silliness of the situation. I finally get the chain on, and stand up to see a man in a shirt and tie standing right in front of me. He is a very high-so (or.....high class) looking guy, older, and strikes up a conversation about what we're doing in Thailand. He was very impressed! He gave us his fancy business card, as I gave him a pass a long card with my greasy hands, and said we could go visit his family at home. Haha. Random? Not to mention, 9 women wandering into the church as we were studying to ask about English class. We got lots of names and numbers, and hopefully will get some new investigators. Sister King said that her awkwardness with bikes is turning out to be a blessing....and excellent finding tool. Ha. Amen to that.
Other than that, we're pushing along. She has no idea how much she's helping me stay focused here as a missionary. I needed her wayyyy more than she needs me. She's so amazing. I love her sense of humor, and easygoing/hard way of working.
We have some investigators that need some extra blessings--can you pray for Nat, Non and Gib? They are practically begging for baptism, but have some personal issues that need to be resolved first. We'd appreciate it!
Happy Birthday to Emmer this week, and anyone else I may be forgetting (I'm sorry!)!! I love you so much, Emmer, make the boys sing you Happy Birthday for your big day. And Jamie and Jord--Congrats on Wednesday! I will be thinking of you all day Thursday (here) and praying that all goes well. You're an adorable couple!
I love this work, I love being a missionary, and I love that Heavenly Father knew how much I needed this opportunity to train. This is the truth, and we are so blessed to have received it. Take time to ponder and share it this week! Make it a great week..........
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Exhibit A) She kept our finding exciting this week through her stellar bike riding skills. It takes some getting used to when you first come (I've forgotten) to maneuver through narrow areas/lots of people/wearing a skirt. So I made my way through a narrow passage between a car and a motorcycle, and headed on my way. Not 3 seconds later I heard some commotion behind me, and I turned around to see Sister King looking frantically at me, and a woman rushing over to her. I turned quickly around to see a motorcyle turned over on it's side, and Sister King just looking at me with no words to say. Ha. I started talking to the woman, apologizing profusely for the motorcycle, and helped her lift it up. She was less than pleased. But as we got talking, we offered her to come learn English on Tuesday nights with us, for free. She perked up. We talked a little more, and I told her we were actually missionaries, and we have a message about Jesus Christ that will be a blessing to her family--and proceeded to ask for permission to visit her at home with her family. "Sure," she said. "We're going to go eat dinner, can we come over in 45 minutes?" "Yes, that would be fine." "Ok." I got her number, and we went on our way. Haha. We just laughed, then found out her chain came off her bike somehow. So I got off my bike, on my knees, trying to fix her chain in the middle of this crowded market....and we're just laughing at the silliness of the situation. I finally get the chain on, and stand up to see a man in a shirt and tie standing right in front of me. He is a very high-so (or.....high class) looking guy, older, and strikes up a conversation about what we're doing in Thailand. He was very impressed! He gave us his fancy business card, as I gave him a pass a long card with my greasy hands, and said we could go visit his family at home. Haha. Random? Not to mention, 9 women wandering into the church as we were studying to ask about English class. We got lots of names and numbers, and hopefully will get some new investigators. Sister King said that her awkwardness with bikes is turning out to be a blessing....and excellent finding tool. Ha. Amen to that.
Other than that, we're pushing along. She has no idea how much she's helping me stay focused here as a missionary. I needed her wayyyy more than she needs me. She's so amazing. I love her sense of humor, and easygoing/hard way of working.
We have some investigators that need some extra blessings--can you pray for Nat, Non and Gib? They are practically begging for baptism, but have some personal issues that need to be resolved first. We'd appreciate it!
Happy Birthday to Emmer this week, and anyone else I may be forgetting (I'm sorry!)!! I love you so much, Emmer, make the boys sing you Happy Birthday for your big day. And Jamie and Jord--Congrats on Wednesday! I will be thinking of you all day Thursday (here) and praying that all goes well. You're an adorable couple!
I love this work, I love being a missionary, and I love that Heavenly Father knew how much I needed this opportunity to train. This is the truth, and we are so blessed to have received it. Take time to ponder and share it this week! Make it a great week..........
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Monday, September 12, 2011
I'm a Maa!!!
I can't believe she's here! My little greenie from SLC, UT. Sister King is such a great missionary already! Miracle? Our first day together, we came home and got right into planning and studying. She practiced the invitation to baptism with me a bunch of times, and then we got out to teach. Her first lesson in Thailand, she extended the baptismal commitment to Phii Neng, who accepted, and gave her a date for the 9th of October! SWEET. And so our journey begins.
This past week has been NUTS. We switched houses with the Elders (their's was better for 4 sisters, and in our area), it was transfer week, I got a greenie, we had to renew visas, and we played in that open house for the Chaengwatana building. I remember looking at the church news right after I got my call, and seeing President Smith and several other church leaders standing on the grounds where that building would be built, and thinking, "Am I really going there?" And last Saturday? I got to play the musical number for the VIP open house of the most beautiful building in Thailand (until we get a temple)!!! It was so powerful. It was a very fancy event, and I think it went ok...but I'm glad it's over. Amidst everything else, my cute greenie was trying to get used to all the Thai ways of living. I thought I felt Thai before? I can't even begin to express how ridiculous I've felt the past few days. Haha. It's so funny. Things I didn't even notice I did...or things about Thailand that are "normal" now. Haha. It's so fun.
I am learning how to be positive and optomistic, even when others may not be. It's really interesting. I think I've gotten good at making things okay with my attitude. Certainly, things are rocky and rough at times, but when you are confident that things will just work out, others seem to follow that same opinion. She seems to just think everything is just peachy, when sometimes things get a little frantic. My biggest goal is to help her see how EQUAL we are in the work. I don't care about the language. That has nothing to do with it. She's already brought so much to the table.
I've just learned the past 4 days that I don't have to be perfect. In Moroni 10:32-33, we learn that he only requires us to love Him with our whole hearts! If that's all i focus on, then I can do this training thing. No problem.
I love this work. I love hte gospel! We're pushing to the end together!!
Sister Nay
Pictures--Me and sister Harris--she's home!!!!! The next one is our house in shambles, she was a good sport for putting up with that. Haha. And the last one is me and my cute greenie--Sister King! I'm ready for a transfer of miracles!!!
Monday, September 5, 2011
One Long Switchoffs.
This transfer basically has felt like an extended switchoffs. Does it not feel like I just started it with Sister Tano? Well this week, it ends! It was a shorter transfer because next week President has to go to Hong Kong for a meeting--which means my last transfer will be a whopping 7 weeks! That just means that it will feel like a week and half instead of just a week. Ha. Holy smokes. My last transfer. Still hasn't sunk in. I don't think I'm ever going home.
Last week we had the opportunity to play a musical number for a special fireside we had with Elder Gong (of the 70), who is the new 2nd counselor in the Asia Area Presidency. Brother Oshoa (sp?) was there, as well, who is in the General Young Men Presidency. It was a really, really great meeting. But we were really, really nervous for our musical number. We played "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief," and gratefully Sister Tano is really talented at the violin, so it covered up for the less than mediocre piano accompaniment. We were so grateful it was over. Practicing takes time! And I was sick of it! But we spoke too soon after that, because the next day we got a call from Elder Saengsawan, one of the Senior missionaries in the office, asking us to prepare to play for the Open House of the Chaengwattana building this Saturday, the 10th. WHAT?! I said yes, but we thought we were nervous before??? This is the VIP meeting, as well, which apparently means the ambassador and all these other government officials/big shots from Bangkok will be there. I've never done anything like this in my life--preparing musical numbers for church was nerve racking enough! But it will be a good experience. If we play at this, I'm afraid they'll just ask us to play in something bigger in a couple weeks. Sheesh.
ANYWAY, aside from that, the meeting was really good. Elder Oshoa was my particular favorite--he talked about the gift of repentance. An idea he presented really struck me (or maybe it was my interpretation through the spirit). But he taught in that meeting that repentance is not an event, it is a process. We've all heard this before. But it struck me differently. Sometimes we get frustrated with ourselves when we make mistakes, particularly mistakes we've tried repenting for in the past, and they just keep popping up in our lives. He said that we need not be distressed when those things happen again--they Lord understands! But how we can accurately gauge ourselves and the progress we're making, is looking at the distance between those mistakes. Are they happening less and less frequently? Then you are in the process of repentance! It was a novel and brilliant idea that I needed a reminder of.
I thought a lot of Grandpa Lamond this past week. Happy Birthday to him on September 2nd! I have had these flashbacks of walking into Grandma and Grandpa's house, and him standing at the doorway to the kitchen. He stretches his arms out to give a hug, gets a surprised look on his face, leans down a little bit, then walks over asking, "Who's dat boo-tiful girl?" That thought gave me a lot of help this past week as we've had some struggle with investigators. I know that he was on the other side helping me this week. I love him so much. And I love you, Grandma Rosie! I hope you are doing well, and are so happy with all your summer adventures. You're a traveler, from what I hear!
I got to go on switchoffs with Sister Johnson this week--remember my companion from the MTC, from Colorado? She was so fun!!!!! It amazed me to see how far we've come, yet how much the same I really am. I don't feel like I have very many outward changes, but everything in my heart has changed. Changed isn't the right word. i'm just....grounded deeper in the things I believed before. Now I know of a surety! This is the true gospel! I love being a missionary. On to my final transfer...............
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Pictures 1) Me and Sister Johnson! 2) Eating yummy Moogata! 3)We got to do a fun service project in Bangkok with the stake! SO FUN! They loved my tallness! 4) Group photo of the project 5) Sister Bun, a cute member that fed us dinner 6) I love her Hawaiian chocolate that her family sends! DELICIOUS.
Monday, August 29, 2011
First Bike Accident
It has officially happened.
I thought I would make it home free my whole mission! But it finally caught up to me.
My first bike accident! Ha, before you start getting all worried parents, just know that nothing is broken. Only a super super sweet bruised hip, and a scraped up elbow. That's a miracle of the week! Just remember not to ride your bike on painted curbs in pouring rain in Thailand. They're just a titch slippery. We're all okay!
That happened yesterday, Sunday, and it was just after we'd experienced some "disappointments" with invesitgators coming to church. 4 of our 5 daters weren't there, and all of their phones were off. One came--he's so solid. The others...AH. So anyway, after all of that plus some other busy-body things that happened at church, we got out of there to go teach some lessons. I remember just praying in my heart for direction. I didn't know why they didn't come, let alone all the others that promised they would. I suppose that's why we have faith in GOD, not MAN. Anyway, after my full on biff alongside a busy intersection with plenty of people to see (a little embarrassing, as if they don't look at me enough for being huge and white), I was close to throwing my hands in the air. It was one of those weeks I felt like I had put my all into the work. Literally. I don't know what else I could've done, and I wasn't seeing the immediate results I wanted. Selfish, right? But I knew that if I just kept going a little longer, that I would find the miracles awaiting. So I just wiped up the blood from my elbow with a tissue from my bag, got back on my bike, and headed to some potentials houses. The 1st 2 weren't there, but the 3rd was. New investigator! She was sweet. We pulled up and she was listening to "Take Me Home Country Roads" with her little girl. That almost made me cry more. Ha.
Then we met up with a member to go see a family we had made an appt with the day before...who turned out to not be there. Bummer. Just as we were going to get on the bus to head back to the church, I felt an undeniable prompting to call a mom/daughter that came to church on their own that day. I got their number at church, but they weren't free to meet right then. I knew they lived in that area, so I figure I could call them. I did, turns out they lived 3 streets down, so we went. And, of course, the member that was with us was the member that taught Relief Society that day, about temples! And they were super interested! They're already Christian (we don't meet many of them in Bangkok), yet are very humble to learn more about Jesus Christ. It all just....worked out. And my companion had 2 Book of Mormons in her bag (which is unusual to have 2, normally just 1) to give to them. I can't really describe it, other than...it just worked out. And they really want to meet us again this week. It may seem like such an insignificant thing for all of you reading this, but for me? It was a miracle.
I cannot count the number of times that I've felt like giving up, but something keeps me going. And when I keep going? That's when the miracles come. Every single time. So how is it that I forget when I'm in the middle of the crisis, wanting to throw my hands up in the air? I feel like there's no way out. I feel trapped. I feel let down. But previous experiences just keep me pushing forward, trying to search for a way out. And it always comes. Without fail. I know that Heavenly Father heard those heartfelt pleadings yesterday, and He answered in His own time. It interesting to notice His timing take place, as it's happening. If things don't work out, I automatically think, "Okay, where does He need us to go?" I'm finding myself getting less and less discouraged, trying to find His path everywhere we are. If someone cancels, we find where we need to be. It's as easy as that. It's just harder to see when you're in the middle of it all, sometimes.
I am finding a wonderfully sustaining realization lately. Something I've searched for my whole mission is how to make those "personal pride cycles" occur less frequently. You all know what I'm talking about--one day things are great, you're happy, and you feel like you're progressing the way He needs you to. The next day, you hit a wall. Something happens that you just feel low. Sometimes we know the cause, other times it seems to just hit us out of the blue. And we're unsure of how to fix it. This is what I've learned recently. I've made the connection between honesty in prayers and repentance. I have been trying to make it a point, even when things are good, to ask Heavenly Father what it is in my life that needs changing. There is always something that is out of line with God. We're imperfect! It's just that sometimes we don't always realize it. But as I'm honest, and honestly search for asnwers, he's always shows me what I need. I recognize something I need to change, no matter how small, and sincerely repent for it. I ask for help to make it better. And I ask for forgiveness. When I do that, that sweet peace that fills my heart is indescribable. It's daily repentance! How often do we hear about the need to repent daily? I know from personal experience that repenting daily is the only way to grow closer to the Savior. It's not that the pride cycles/roller coasters are totally eliminated, but they level out. More than that, I feel like I can ask for help from Heavenly Father when I'm trying to repent. I wish this made more sense than how I just wrote it, it's not very eloquent....but I challenge you to ponder on this a little more. AND...and I'm going to ask for some feedback on the subject. How do you repent daily?
I know this is the work of the Lord! It's all true. I am in denial of how much time I really have left...it still feels like forever. Anytime anyway starts to talk about it, I just close my ears. I love you! I love this work! Make it a great week!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
"For those who are discouraged by their circumstances and are therefore tempted to feel they cannot serve the Lord this day, I make you two promises. Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart....The other promise I made to you is that by choosing to serve Him this day, you will feel His love and grow to love Him more....By serving Him this day, you will come to know Him better. You will feel His love and appreciation. You would not want to delay receiving that blesings. And feeling His love will draw you back to His service, wiping away both complacency and discouragement." Elder Eyring.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Aloha from Thailand!
The two attached pictures are from today--we were studying this morning when we heard some commotion in front. We peered out the window of our bedroom and saw these to guys standing there, talking in our front yard (the 1st picture). It is the 1st counselor in the Branch Presidency and the Elder's Quorum President! And they brought their weed wacker (sp?) to cut the forest that was our front yard. We've been trying to figure out a way to take care of it for weeks now...and no solution...until they just showed up today! It was the 2 Pa's, Pa Samran and Pa Gera. They are 2 of the most hilarious old men I've ever known, that are always trying to speak English to me. Hahaha. They're retired, and always free to help us teach, usually spending their free time at the church playing golf, ping pong, etc. They love sports. (I've invited them to come to Utah and play golf with my brothers...that okay?) They are so great. Gratefully we ran to the Market this morning for a couple things, and we had some veggies/meat in the fridge. We whipped up some rice/dishes and fed them lunch. But, being a rule, we can't be in the house at the same time, so we just moved our kitchen table out in our front yard and ate outside! This is picture number 2. They were so sweet to serve us!
It was so nice. I cannot believe how much these members have opened their hearts. It's amazing to me, just seeing the change the past few months. Miracles have happened! The other day the Relief Society President invited us to eat dinner at her house, so she could teach us how to cook! And we have another dinner appt this Saturday with a member, and a Family Home Evening tonight with a few of our investigators at a member's house. Things are going well.
I love investigators getting answers.
Nat: He knows the Book of Mormon to be true! He says he loves reading it. It gets more and more fun with every chapter, and he needs to read everyday or else he isn't fully happy.
Nay: He needs to pray and read everyday, because when he doesn't, he's not happy. Plus, he says he can fill out his own job application ever since he's started learning with us--he's Laotian and hasn't been able to write in Thai himself until now! He knows God has helped him. And every commandment he hears in church/learns with us, he immediately changes his life to follow it. The other day he said, "I stopped smoking and drinking a few years ago, but when I heard the God's commandment included tea and coffee as well, I have stopped those, too. I've never felt so much energy, sisters!" We didn't even teach him that one--he heard it in a talk in church. People are prepared.
Taay: She told me last night, "Sister, I prayed and asked if God was real, like you asked me too! I don't know if I got my answer, I didn't hear anything....but I know that I felt really really warm in my heart when I asked, and felt peaceful." That made for a really easy testifying session to help her see that those feelings come from God. She's committed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon now!
Somkhid: This woman is setting the example for her 2 children and husband--who are all learning together. After our first time meeting, she found time to pray alone that night. She said that night she dreamed about Christ coming to visit her (she's never learned of Christ before, doesn't know anything about Him other than He was crucified--pretty typical). He told her that she shouldn't put down a certain political leader with her friends anymore, that all were children of God. Ever since that day, she hasn't--and has even shared prayer with her friends! People get answers in their own way, that's for sure. :)
Khwan: This cute prefnant woman, due in December. She's having a girl, and we're still working on her very Buddhist husband. She told me last Sunday, "Sister, I prayed about Joseph Smith....and I know he's a prophet. I'm ready to be baptized. This is the only church with God's power." I don't need to say any more about that.
Non: Prayed about the Book of Mormon, and he had a dream as well! I don't know what it is with Thai's and dreaming....haha. But he knows it's the word of God! He says he's more confident that is the only true church on earth. Just need to help this 17 year old receive permission from his parents.....
Naa: Reads the Book of Mormon every night before bed ever since we've given her the book, and she prays every single time that she'll be able to get baptized. She even has decided to not change work because the area she'd move to doesn't have a church/missionaries.
I know these examples are super awesome. I want you to know that each of these have several serious downers in between them........missionary work is not peachy like this all the time. But when I take time to understand and see the miracles that He is blessing us with, I cannot help but KNOW that He is directing this work. Just writing this email gives me that confirmation. These people are amazing and prepared! It's still a challenge to get them progressing the way they should for baptism, but we're working on it.
Last week at Zone Conference, Sister Tano and I were asked to do the special musical number. She plays the violin and has some books with a piano accompaniment. President said it was the best part of the conference.....which led us to get the assignment to play for a fireside next week. This is ALL the members in Bangkok, coming to hear Elder Gong (the new 2nd counselor in the Asia Area Presidency) speak with Elder Ochoa (YM presidency) and Elder Osguthorpe (Sunday School presidency). I AM SO NERVOUS.......it's going to be huge. Pray for us this week as we practice! It's next Wed, the 31st.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Dad, Randy, and Daniel! I hope you all have wonderful birthdays, and know that I love you and I am thinking of you.
This is still the work of the Lord! I know that you are all being blessed for your sacrifices. Heavenly Father has prepared the gospel for us so we can be cleansed from sin, by the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and be prepare to return home to His presence with our families. There is not greater message to all the world. Find someone to share it with this week! I know this is the work of the Lord! Time's a tickin'....but I'm still a workin'.....Make it a great week!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." --Helaman 5:13
Monday, August 15, 2011
I love Hawaiians.
Sister Tano is keeping me alive here in Saphaansung. We're having a blast. President might rethink this transfer after these next 4 weeks go down....Did I mention that this transfer is shorter? It's a 5 week transfer, so my last transfer will be 7 weeks. But, regardless, we're living it up to its fullest. And working hard. The 2 go hand in hand, I suppose.
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there! It was Mother's Day this past week, on the 12th of August. It is the queen's birthday. :) Lots of investigators out of town, but we found some really really awesome new ones--2 new families! We'll work on them. After sacrament meeting yesterday, it hit me that I'm not in America. You get those little random reminders every so often on the mission--the "where am I?" question just pops into your head. This was one of those occasions. After the sacrament, all the little primary kids went up and sang, which is adorable no matter where you are. Then they invited all the mothers to go stand at the front of the room, and they gave all the little kids a little flower thing, like a little Lai from Hawaii (they use them for honoring ancestors, etc). The little kids then went before their moms, knelt down, putting their heads all the way to the floor. It's a major, major sign of respect in Thailand. Anyway, it was really touching. But just another one of those "where in the world am I?" moments. But I loved it. I love this country, I love this culture.
I just had my last zone conference this past week! I didn't really realize it until at the end of the whole thing, President got up and said, "We have 4 sisters that will not be with us when we have our next zone conference. We'd like to invite Sister Naegle......" I didn't hear the rest. I'm really at that point of my mission??!! I'm the dyng missionary that gives their farewell testimony?? I looked around the room, and I really was one of the oldest missionaries there. I still feel like I know nothing. We then had interviews with President, which is my last one before my final interview. In response to a question I had for him, he proceeded to tell me about Micheal Phelps in the 2008 Olympics. He said that in the 7th event (if this is wrong, I'm just quoting President...haha) he went against the French man who was the world class competitor in that one event, and it happened to be Micheal Phelps' weak spot. And although he was behind throughout the whole race, in the end he WON. And why? Because he didn't take thos last two breaths that the French man did. I little pushed through the finish line, he didn't just finish. That is the kind of dedication I want to have for the rest of my mission. I find that when I work that hard, it is fun. Nothing is more fun than hard, honest work in the work of the Lord.
Phii Coach will interview for baptism this week! He is in his own room! He is keeping the commandments! And most of all, he understands the Savior and His role in repentance! This guy is awesome, and will be an amazing future leader in the church. He is unsure about marrying his current girlfriend, because he feels she won't open her heart to the gospel, and therefore he can't be married in the temple. :) So at our lesson the other night, Pa Gera (a 60 year old member) said, "Hey, don't worry buddy, there's lots of single ladies in the church. Want me to help you find one?" To my surprise, Coach totally accepted. It was all in laughter, but the underlying feeling was....he was pretty serious. Haha. I died from laughing.
Members are really opening their hearts. It's been so fun to see the changes that have taken place the past 3 months, and that are continuing to take place. We have several dinner appts this week to meet neighbors/children/spouses to introduce the gospel with these awesome members. I am so excited! I know that little acts of service, kindness, and most of all, LOVE, are what have opened their hearts. It was really really sketchy here when I first came. But I am grateful for my sweet companions, and direction from Heavenly Father in helping these members really trust us. I love this branch.
I know this is the work of the Lord. I know it's all true. I'm pushing my hardest to the end. We'll keep fighting for the souls of men! Sometimes the weight of the importance of this work is super taxing...but I am being strenghtened in my day to day efforts, and know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. I have seen it time and time again throughout my life, and throughout my mission. My heart wants to burst with so much love.
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Monday, August 8, 2011
New Companion!
That's right! I have a new companion! She is shown in the attached picture, on the right, with one of the NEWEST members of the church (Nan just got confirmed yesterday! Miracle!!)!! Welcome to Sister Tano, from Oahu, Hawaii, on her 4th transfer. She's incredible. She was just the change and fire thatI needed right now. Heavenly Father always knows when we need a little change, and this was just what I needed. I feel like we're already closer in 3 days than most companionships in 2 transfers. She's joining me in my P90X efforts, as well! She's a relaxed/hard worker, loves the Lord, loves the work, and loves not stressing. AND her Mom just sent some Hawaiian Host" macademia chocolate straight from Hawaii. We'll get along just fine.
A couple of weeks ago I may have mentioned taking pictures of the members for records at home. WELL, if I knew that it was going to be as successful as that, I would've done it in every single area I've served. Thai's LOVE getting their picture taken, especially by a farang (white person). Ha. They just instantly put on their biggest smile, and fix their hair, etc. They ham it up, but it's fun. Anyway, that day I took pictures. one of the members that isn't very active came. It is the wife of a member that helps us teach often, he's always at the church playing sports. Pa Gera (this member, yes we call him "dad", that's just how Thai works) is one of the greatest men I've evern known. We've really clicked since I've come. That day I asked to take a picture of her and her husband together, and she was soooo flattered. I then proceeded to compliment her on her green curry she sent with Pa to the church the day before, telling her it was so delicious. She just blossomed with every word. In the end, she ended up inviting us to dinner! Pa told me later that he has never seen his wife invite anyone, especially at the church, to dinner. He was shocked. I didn't think much of it, so we went last night. Of course, she made green curry, but it was just a blast to be with his family. They're sealed in the temple, and the son is a member in the bishopric. But the daughter and mom are very much not active. I loved going in there with SIster Tano, singing hymns, eating good food, and laughing. She even invited us to come back in a couple weeks--"Come once a month, and I'll make more delicious food for you." Ha. This woman...but we'll work on getting her back. I want Pa to have a complete family!
This was just the change that I needed in my mission right now. Yes, we're still working, and fighting, and sweating, etc. It's all the same. But instead of it being a "dooms day" feeling, everything has just taken a 180 this past week. I know my time is winding down (and everyone is doing a really great job at reminding me of it, too...), but I am looking to the end of my time in Thailand with faith. I know what's going to be happening for the rest of my mission---Sister Tano will be here for a 5 week transfer (President shortened this one because he'll be out of town), and then I'M GETTING A CHILD IN THE MISSION. That's right. i'm training my last transfer here! I thought I'd just finish with SIster Tano, and that would've been great. But President came and found me after transfer meeting last week and said, "Don't get too comfortable here--You'll be training for me in 5 weeks." Smile, shook my hand, and walked away. Shock. He told me a couple months ago I wouldn't have the opporutnity, etc, we didn't have any sisters coming in. But suprise. This will be the push to the end that I needed. It's strange that the rest of my mission is "planned out." Here goes nothin....
Have I mentioned that I'm happy in this work? I've never ever been so tired in my life. But I know that it's worth it. Every single effort is worth it.
I love the gospel. I love the work. Thailand is wonderful, the people are wonderful. And it's all true. Back to the grind!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Monday, August 1, 2011
Dreams in Bangnaa
I never would have thought I'd be back in an old area with an old companion. But this past week it happened!! We went on switchoffs, and I got to go back to Bangnaa with Sister Sorge. That was surreal. And it came at just the perfect time. Last week we had 2 daters quit learning with us...they were so "solid"!! And another one of our daters took looots and lots of effort last week. After some intense personal problems, we managed to work together with a couple of members and get her into her own apartment! Miracle! Nan has been learning with the missionaries for about 8 months now. She asked and begged her husband to marry her legally, and after things didn't work out the way we all hoped (lots goes into it), they ended up separating. Anyway, the day we went apartment shopping, etc was the day of switchoffs. I showed up at switchoffs just totally burnt out.
Those 2 days in Bangnaa were fantastic....I don't have words to describe how wonderful it was. I met with Phii Koi (the one with the cute little 1 year old that loves me), Phii Boon (who was one of the 2 women that was baptized 3 weeks ago, that I taught. They were my miracle women), and some members. It was all medicine for my soul. I was worried little Ning (Koi's daughter) wouldn't remember me, but as soon as she saw me, she wouldn't let me out of her sight. She grabbed my finger and walked everywhere with me. It was like reuniting with one of my own little nieces! She wouldn't accept going to anyone else, even her mom. Ha. And Phii Boon...so solid. She has taught me so much about what it means to be a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ. She told me how infinitely better her life has been since she was baptized. She loves sacrament meeting, specifically for the sacramental ordinance. She reads out loud from the Book of Mormon every night for her super strict Buddhist husband to listen--haha! He's great, just very Buddhist. It was such a good weekend. It made me realize what I learned while I was there, and ways that I've also changed in the past 3 months. It was just what I needed! I know that Heavenly Father knows our limitations, even if we don't. I sound wussy when I say that I really needed that break from Saphaansung, but I really did. And Heavenly Father knew just what I needed. Bangnaa last week was a tender mercy.
I came back from switchoffs, and Sister Rochana was all smiles. She wouldn't tell me what was up, however, until we were in the taxi. She said she had some bad news, and some good news. The bad? One of our daters quit learning (Phii Nan, that showed up to church a couple of weeks ago? She came fast, and went fast). The good news? NAN (another dater) WAS GETTING BAPTIZED THE NEXT DAY!!!!!!!!!!! What?!? We had just changed her date to the first week of September to make sure that she'd be ready. But turns out she got her room, she now has her steady job, and it's all underway. She interviewed Saturday morning, I came back Saturday afternoon, we got the program and baptismal dress ready, and she entered the waters of baptism on Sunday at noon. Miracle.
The amazing thing about this point of my mission is that everything is so much more stark. The amazing things are more amazing than ever, and the difficult things are harder than they've ever been. It's all amplified in almost every way. My feelings have always been roller coaster my whole mission, but never like this. I'm just trying to buckle up for the ride the next 3 months. What is in store???
I know this is the work of the Lord. I got my "sprint" papers from President this week, to set goals, dedicate myself to the work the next 3 months, etc. It's been therapeutic for me to ponder and reflect on my mission, and what I want to accomplish in my remaining time here. No words express how grateful I am for this experience. It's hard. It get's harder almost every day. But I strongly feel the harder it gets, the more rewarding it will get. I love Thailand. I love my mission. Take some time to reflect on the blessings you've received lately, and the miracles you've seen in your life lately. We all will see the hand of God in our lives if we just take time to look. For me? I'm seeing His hand through LOVE. Everyone always says, "Love is the key to missionary work." I don't feel I've understood what that really means until this point of my mission. And hopefully that understanding just grows! My heart is with these people. This country. It is my home! I love you all, I'm praying for you daily. Make it a great week!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
Pictures: 1) Me and Phii Boon 2) Me and her and her cute husband 3) Me and a cute member--she's hilarious 4) Nan and her fresh out of the waters of BAPTISM!! 5) Phii Koi and her cute family, and one of my favorite Thai meals...
"God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny, or even defile His name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration. No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God! For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are--and who we will become....The divine love of God turns ordinary acts into extraordinary service. Divine love is the motive that transports simple words into sacred scripture. Divine love is the factor that transforms reluctant compliance with God's commandments into blessed dedication and consecration. Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple's path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning, and wonder. Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship. Love is the way of the disciple." --President Uchtdorf
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