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................
All My Love,
Sister Nay
P.S. "God is never surprised. He orchestrates." Richard L. Heaton
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