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!