Greeting from the Heart of Bangkok...

Yes, that's right. Today we took a trip to the heart of Bangkok, or "Asoke." I never ever though I'd be in a city this humongous....it is the biggest city I've ever been in. By far. Buildings and houses and streets go on forever. It is huge! But Sister Alisa used to live in this part of the city, so she wanted to take me to her "stompin' ground." She was so thrilled to take me here! She showed one of the biggest wats (Buddhist Temple) I've ever seen. I'll attach some pictures. Anyway, just know that Bangkok is huge, tons of people from all over the world, and really really really dirty. I'm not incredibly impressed....haha, never been one to love the city. But it's great, because I have my own little tour guide. Sister Alisa is incredible.

This week! Laury Loo....Happy Birthday today! I hope it's full of love and laughter. :) I'm told you went to eat Olive Garden...i'm jealous. I do miss Italian food here. But rice is still delicious. Happy Birthday!

We received a referral from a couple missionary here--who are Thais that are from, get this, BOUNTIFUL! Small world, right? They're so adorable. They described to me where they used to live, and I was just in awe as they were talking about "5th west" and Shopko, and the neighborhoods below the Bountiful Temple...Never thought I'd meet someone from Bountiful in Thailand. But the good news is, they're willing to teach me more Thai cooking when we go home. :) You'll have a chance to meet them, I'm sure. Elder and Sister Saengsawan. They're an awesome couple missionary!

Yesterday after about 5 investigators pitted (or cancelled), we decided to go invite. I have never been one to like inviting very much, my whole mission. i don't know why! I usually don't struggle in the moments we're actually teaching, but walking up and talking to someone in Thai isn't exactly the most easy thing! Yesterday I determined I would continually pray or hum a hymn the whole time we invited in order to keep the Spirit in my heart. Just after I prayed earnestly in my heart, and was humming "Count Your Many Blessings," I noticed a really cute Thai couple. Cute=they were holding hands, laughing, and talking together. Thais aren't usually like this, so it really caught my attention (they do not show affection in public). I approached them, started speaking Thai, and they soon after interrupted me. "Uh...sorry...we do not speak Thai..." I was flabbergasted. I soon found out they were here from the Philippines, working in a white family's house as maids. They've lived here for 2 years, have a little boy, and are the most darling couple I think I've ever encountered. The woman, Michelle, said, "Are you Mormon?" "Yes, we are, you're familiar with us?" "Lots of people in the Phillipines are Mormon....I actually had a really good friend who was Mormon, but she's moved to Taiwan now and I haven't been able to get in touch with her. Where is your church?" I explained, and told her we meet at 9:00 am every Sunday. She gasped, "Oh good! Sunday is our day off! I've been wanting to go to your meetings for a long time now--here is my number. Call me and we'll talk again, and we'll certainly coming to church next Sunday." "Uh......here's a baptismal suit. This is what we call the temple. Please, come with me...." I didn't really say that, as you can imagine. I was so elated! Sister Alisa and I talked with excitement just after it happened, and after about 2 minutes, her smile faded and she said, with a concerned look, "Sister. Does this mean I'm going to have to speak Englsih???" Hahaha. She's super nervous, but I know she'll be great. Heavenly Father will prepare the way when we prepare ourselves first! I know it's true, I've seen it time and again as a missionary.

Another experience. We received a challenge that if investigators didn't keep they're commitments, no matter how small, we'd teach them repentance that lesson and walk them through the steps (from Pres Smith). Phii Briaw didn't read for the past 3 days. We discussed commandments, why we have them, and what it means if we don't keep them. We read a Mosiah 4:10 with her, and established all this through the spirit, and noticed the change in her countenance. She was hurt inside. You could literally see the pain that she hadn't kept her promise to read. We then asked her to give a closing prayer, ask for forgiveness, and then wait in silence for 20-30 seconds. She offered the most heartfelt prayer I've heard in a while, telling Heavenly Father what happened, her plans to change, and asked for forgiveness. People--I wish I could describe the light in her eyes when she opened them after pondering! I could literally see the burden lifted off her shoulders. I saw the Atonement of Jesus Christ work in her life in that instant--something I will never, ever forget. It was powerful. Bottom line? I know the Atonement is real, no matter how small the sin. Sin is sin. And the only way around it is Jesus Christ. I love teaching the Savior!

Okay. I'm addicted to Soymilk and Papaya. It is sooooooo delicious. I never cared for soy milk before the mission....but it's a regular occurrence these days. I love Thailand.

We have a baptism scheduled this Sunday! :) Phii Koi, who is adorable. I don't have pictures of her, but I'll send them next week after the baptism. She's incredible, as most all Thai people are (Mary--a khonthai is a Thai person, sorry sometimes the Thai-glish just comes out!).

The work is still moving forward. I love being a missionary more than I can describe. It's the hardest thing, still....Sometime the pain from non-progressing investigators or missing family seems unbearable. But I do know that it's realy. This work is guided by our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Why should I fear?

All My Love,

Sister Nay

P.S. "Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind." D&C 64:34
P.S.S. And still not packages...I'm hoping to get them at Zone Conference this Thursday. I'll pray for them! :) Thank you!

I love birthdays in Thailand.

Yes, it's true. Birthdays in Thailand are a blast! We did have fun that day. Sister Alisa was sweet enough to let me satisfy my American taste buds and eat pizza and ice cream. It has been a little while since I've eaten something like that--it's usually veggies, rice or noodles, and some pork or chicken. Pizza has never tasted so good. We went to the humogous mall that has, believe it or not, a Cold Stone! We didn't go, it was too expensive. But we're saving up to go. Can't wait. After that, we got to work. And, to my pleasure, we saw at the end of the night that we had a new investigator and a new baptismal dater! It was definitely an unforgettable birthday. Yes, thank you so much for the birthday wishes! It was so nice to recieve so many nice emails from everyone. I love you all! I can't believe I'm so old. 22....

I am learning that it's pretty rough in Bangkok. They people are wonderful, don't get me wrong. There are certainly those prepared and waiting for the gospel. But sometimes the people that aren't ready....they are just city people. They're here to make the big bucks, and always in a hurry. After inviting the other day, I just started walking fast with tears burning in my eyes, I was feeling like Elder Holland once said, "I did not give my life of service for a fairytale!!" Sometimes those that reject this message of peace so forcefully gets to me...but I am also learning that it's a very good thing that I can't get mad in Thai. I don't have the vocabulary for it. If I were in the states, I'm afraid my tongue would get away from me too easily! Yet another reason why Thailand is the place for me. And honestly, it's making more and more firm in bearing my testimony. I can't yell at people in Thai, but I can bear my testimony. And I do so firmly, with more passion than I ever thought possible. Yes, they still have their agency, but I'm doing my best to make sure they see the extreme importance of this message. My testimony is becoming more unshaken everyday!

Yesterday we met with Phii Jan's daughter (Phii Jan is the woman that was baptized in Chiang Mai, just before I was transferred). She is wonderful! It was so fun to talk with her, tell her of her mother's experiences with prayer, etc. I am excited to continue to teach her. Another reason why I'm supposed to be in Bangnaa right now!

We also had an interesting experience with another investigator. We went to visit this past week, and she did not look the same. She was...unhappy. As soon as we prayed, she started to pour out her feelings to us. She said, roughly, "Sister, I decided I would test Heavenly Father for a couple of days and not pray or read. I wanted to see what would happen. I'm in this in between stage of deciding if this is something I want...so I figured if I stopped, it would tell me if this had really changed anything in my life. I want to tell you that I can't afford not to read and pray! I woke up this morning and realized that I do no have the happiness that I do when I read and pray. It's such a simple thing, but I know it's real. I cannot go back to the life I had before. I've come too far." This told me something about the basics of the gospel. They are such simple commandments--read and pray--yet this woman realized a profound lesson that President Uchtdorf taught us this past conference. The basics are the core of the gospel! She's committed to reading and praying every day, from now on.

Today we spent our Preparation Day helping one of our investigators with a school presentation. Haha, it was one of the most bizarre things I've ever been a part of, and never thought in a million years I'd be doing it. I felt like some famous motivational speaker. We spoke to a big group of high school students about Chastity, the Internet, and Word of Wisdom...essentially an hour and half gospel lesson. We sat at this fancy table with glasses of apple juice in fancy cups, and talked with microphones about the importance of chastity. Ha, it was fun...afterwards, they wanted to play a game. Of course, the trust "Down by the Banks" never fails me! Thais love it! Except I was the only farang in the whole building, so naturally I was the only one singing it. After about 80 times singing that song, it wears...but they loved it. I think it was the world's biggest "Down by the Banks" tournament ever. See the attached pictures!

Well, the work is moving forward here in Bangnaa. This is where I need to be! Not a day goes by that I don't think about home, and miss you all. BUT as soon as those feelings come, a prayer of faith turns everything around 180 degrees, and I recieve another confirmation that this is where I need to be. I love this work. I know this city is humongous, sometimes it's overwhelming. But that just means there's opportunity! I love you all, and I'm praying or you every, single day.

All My Love,

Sister Nay

P.S. "God called you to find His elect. Not teach 62 million people." Brother Sakha, MTC teacher.

Bangnaa Miracles.

It's taking some time, but I'm getting used to it here! I come home pretty much every night with a head ache, haha. Just when I feel I can't take another step, or say another word, or talk with another person, Heavenly Father sends a little tender mercy. It may not always end up in some fascinating miracle, but it's enough to keep me going for the time being. It's enough to make me take another step, talk to another person. The other night? It was uncontrollable laughter over nothing, with Sister Alisa and a member helping us teach. We were walking down the street, eating some gauva, and I don't even remember when was said, but we all lost it. I haven't laughed like that in a loooong time. I am grateful there are no language barriers in laughter! It felt so good!

Sister Harris called this week--she said that 5 of our investigators are being baptized on the 23rd, this Sunday! I AM SO HAPPY!!! Phii Ying, Phii N>>ng, her 2 daughters, and Phii T>>y. Ah, it was such good news. We had dates with them, but sometimes the dates have to change, or something gets in the way (Satan...). Gratefully, all 5 of these incredible women made it through. Sad I'm not there...but I love them so much! They're going to be stellar members. She called, also, to give me the number of Phii Jan's daughter--who lives here in Bangnaa! I know I'm supposed to be here for a reason. Jan, if you remember, is the woman that was baptized just before I left Chiang Mai. She's wonderful. Apparently was very excited to find out I went to Bangnaa! I called her daughter, and set up an appt with her this week. I can't wait to meet her.

PLUS, I saw Sister Noppamas yesterday! She helped us teach, too! I can't really describe how it felt teaching with my teacher from the MTC, haha. It was strange. But so good. She drove us in her car, showed us where her house was, etc. I felt like I was living in a dream driving around Thailand with Sister Noppamas. Haha. SHe's so wonderful. I attached a picture of us together! I also attached a picture of the delicious gingerbread house Grandma and Mom sent. She loved making it, thank you mom and grandma!

There are so many opportunities here. This city is HUGE....17-18 million people, I believe, not counting illegals. It's huge! There are plenty of people to talk with all the time. I see miracles all the time in talking with people. Sister Alisa told me last night, "When you talk in normal conversation, it's obvious you're a farang. You talk like a farang. You're 100% farang. But when you get in a lesson? You are 100% khonthai!" She doesn't understand how I speak so well in lessons, and then I struggle talking with her about day to day stuff. Haha. It's true the I can only speak when the spirit is there.

I talked with a lady the other day...and understood her whole life story. She's been married for 22 years to this guy that has basically had other women come in an out since the day they were married. Thai people do not divorce, they just live with it. So she's just been with this guy her whole life, who is extremely abusive and alway wondering where she is and who she's with. She sells fruit at this little shop, day in, day out. We've visited her several times now, and she's so...pure. She accepts everything we're teaching, she is so prepared. I know we were led to her! I leave her stand everytime, thinking, "Yeah...my life is hard?" She's awesome. I'm grateful I can actually understand and try to help her through the Spirit!

Happy Birthday to me...22...I'm so old! Thank you for the birthday wishes. Who knows what we'll be doing that day? Probably teaching. Suprise! :)

MAYA IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Thank you for all the pictures! I haven't read the emails yet, I've printed them off. Thank you so much for keeping me updated. I love you all, you're my inspirations. Make it the greatest week of the year!

All My Love,

Sister Naegle

P.S. "Without the Spirit, you will never succeed. Regardless of your talent and ability." --President Ezra Taft Benson

Where in Thailand is Sister Nay...

I've officially been transferred. :) I am currently serving in Bangnaa, a district (?) I guess you call it, of Bangkok. I'm in the big city now! It's really weird, humongous (I said that word for Shelby), and there are tons of people. What a crazy week! I'll start from the begnning....

It was easier than I thought to leave Chiang Mai. It was bittersweet. 6 mos is a long time, and I think I was ready for the change. But at the same time, those people are Thailand to me! But my heart was prepared to go, and I can't wait to see the miracles here. They've already begun! I attached a picture of me and Brother Suphakit seeing me off at the bus station. My investigator that was just baptized came as well, and the district president and his wife and daughter (the one I stayed with for a week by myself my 1st transfer in Thailand). So cute! They have my heart...we got to transfer meeting at about 6:30 Thursday morning, and lugged all my stuff there (I have tons...lots of gifts from members!). We found out at transfers that SIster Harris is TRAINING in Chiang Mai, and I was on my way to Bangnaa, in Bangkok....with Sister Alisa. Don't be fooled by her name, she's a khonthai! THAT'S RIGHT!! My dreams have come true! I am officially companions with a khonthai, and she's the cutest thing in the world. Doesn't speak a lick of English, haha. This is her 1st area, she's on her 3rd transfer. She's this teeny little fireball that doesn't take crap from anyone. I love it. Oh man...we've seen miracles already. I've attached a picture with her and I opening Christmas packages (WHICH WE LOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot thank you enough! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for everyone that sent packages. Dad and Mary, Mom and Grandma, Emmer, Liz, Dallin, Manda,...You are the BEST! Sister Alisa was completely and utterly thrilled with it all. We shared her first hot chocolate together in the darling mugs Mom and Grandma sent, and she loved it. I felt like a mom on Christmas morning watching my child open her presents. I invited her to open the packages with me, and she was shocked...she sat down, and started out slow and timid at first, then just went crazy. Haha. She opened the candy and loved it all, particularly the chocolate everything. She says thank you to ALL you sent it! We also took it with us throughout the day, and shared with investigators/kids we saw. They were ecstatic. I attached a picture of some kids that loved the candy canes and Swedish Fish! They were in the process of saying, "Thank you!" when I took the picture. :) Not much time to thank individually...but know that it was loved! Dad and Mary, we're in the process of opening the "12 Days of January," and today was the Nike sweatbands. You said we could use them to exercise?: Well...this was my companions interpretations of "exercise"--see the attached picture. Khonthais aren't huge fans of exercise, haha. Anyway, THANK YOU!!!!! I love you!) Yes, that was all in parenthesis. Anyway, just know that I love her and we're seeing miracles every day.

For example...last night we were in a lesson, and everything was just getting out of control with explaining, and talking, and no spirit....i was praying so hard to know what to do and how to help. I was in a room with 5 khonthais and myself. I felt the Spirit work within me, literally, and a scripture came to mind. From that one scripture, Sister Alisa and I were able to tie a lesson together that helped him resolve his concern. In the end, he said, "How is it that the farang is the one that helped me the most? You teach the most clear, you understood me, I got what you said..." I instantly stopped him and told him it was not me. I told him to remember the feelings he had while we taught, and that those feelings come from God. I am not tellin you this experience to boast in my teaching or my Thai, but to tell you that Heavenly Father is using me to reach others. I have never, ever felt so much joy in my life. It's hard. This is the hardest thing I've ever done. But it's real. It's real. I love teaching something so foolproof, saturated with truth. There's no way I can lie to these people when I bare testimony of the gospel, and that knowledge helps me bare testimony even stronger and more direct.

SISTER NOPPAMAS LIVES HERE!!!!!! She is my teacher from the MTC, who is taking the semester off from BYU and moved back home for 4 months. Interestingly enough, the time that I am serving here, as well! She called us last night on the sister's cell phone, and I answered. She said, "I had a feeling it was you!" It was the strangest feeling to talk with her in Thai, the whole conversation, and understand every single thing. Hahaha. I left the MTC not knowing a word she said, practically. Dal, don't bother looking for her at the MTC anymore--she's here with me! :) She said, "if you need food, love, help teaching, want to go shopping, just call me! I will help with anything!" I feel like I have an older sister here with me in Thailand. I love it, can't wait to see her. Miracle!

SARAH, good luck this week!! I can't wait to see Miss Maya Jessica! I love you and am thinking of you, and praying for you. You're almost there!

I thought of all of you last Tuesday, as the wedding was going on. Know that I was missing you all like crazy, it was a rough day. But I know that I am where I need to be. I am grateful to serve as a missionary of the Lord in Thailand. I love these people, I love this experience. I know that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior and Redeemer, and He's constantly looking over us always. Never forget it. If you doubt, who better to ask than Heavenly Father Himself! The gospel is truth. I LOVE YOU and make it a great week!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

Welcome 2011!!

I cannot believe it's here! 2011! I hope you had a Happy New Year, I was testifying of Joseph Smith and the 1st Vision at the time you were all counting down. Fitting, isn't it? I know I'm where I need to be!

This week Jan was baptized!! She is the woman I sent a picture of a couple weeks ago, with no teeth. She is the sweetest woman I have ever met in my entire life. She is the epitome of humble. All went well, and it was a pleasure to see her enter the waters of baptism, as always. I LOVE THIS WORK.

Happy Birthday to Becs, today! She's 22!!! I love you, my fellow missionary, and know you're tearin' it up in Virginia. I LOVE YOU!!

Something that has changed recently...we received the new translation of the Book of Mormon in Thai!! It has been a long time coming, we are SO grateful it's here. The old version didn't have the title page, along with some confusing words throughout the book. This book is much easier to understand, and the title page is powerful. SO powerful. I love testifying of this book, as the keystone and foundation of all we believe. It's pages are filled with power, no matter what language it's in! I receive just as much, if not more, spiritual strength from the Thai Book of Mormon as the English. It is incredible to see these people begin to understand what's written on these pages. The older book was a lot more difficult to understand, and we ran into problems in lessons with understanding and such. But this new book...AH. Perfect timing for Christmas and New Years. I feel rejuvenated to share it's pages with everyone I meet!

Last night we sat in a lesson with a couple in their 50s, from Bhurma. We sat in this dimly lit shack of a house, on a straw mat on the floor, speaking Thai, sharing a message about our Savior. As we biked away from the experience, I thought to myself, "They were born in a country halfway across the world years before I was born, speaking a completely different language. Then I was born, speaking English. And years later? We meet in Thailand, in a shack, speaking our 2nd language talking of the Savior." How do things like this happen?! I just cannot fathom how involved Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives. He is aware of us and is continually guiding us, no matter where we are. Always remember that Heavenly Father loves you!

This past week, haha, Sister Harris had a little bike accident. :) All is well! No one is dead! But it was a bit of a scare! That same day, we lost our phone. It was a trial of a day....but we saw blessings. That same day we met a family that was prepared for this message from the beginning! A mother and her 3 daughters, all willingly and completely accepted the Restoration. We got baptismal dates with them for 3 weeks from now! I am so grateful that after the trial of our faith, come the blessings. I've seen this time and time again on my mission.

A year ago I wondered where I'd be. I had my papers ready to turn in, and was just awaiting the day when they'd go....I never thought in a million years that I'd be in Thailand! I am beyond grateful for this experience. I love what I've learned. I know that this work is real. I know that I am here for a purpose, and I'm learning things that will benefit me, my future family, and others for the rest of my existence. I love this mission! I am grateful for all of you. I will be praying and missing you all Tuesday................TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for you both! I love you and hope all goes well. Matt and Jac are getting married in the Temple!! WHAT AN EXCITING DAY!!!!!!!!! :) I love you so much. I miss you, but I know that Heavenly Father is aware of you and helping you. Thank you for being such great examples, all of you! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

P.S. "God is never surprised. He orchestrates." Richard L. Heaton