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.