March?!

"I get the feelin' that I shoulda been home yesterday.....yesterday......Country Roads, take me home, to the place I belong....West Virginia......" Yes, that's playing right now in the internet shop in the middle of Bangkok, Thailand. I hope you all enjoyed that as much as I did. What a great song. I think I've heard it about 4-5 times since coming to Thailand. Turns out JD is a favorite of Asians/Country-folk alike!

This week......wow. I have probably said it a million times before, but never have I experienced so much opposition. We've taken some time to make some changes in our companionship/set goals. It's been awesome to see the hand of the Lord in our companionship and in our individual lives. Sister Sorge--how can I describe her? She's the most pure, honest....pure person I know. That's the only word I can think of to describe her. She's fantastic, and just what I needed at this point in my mission. We have learned to much abuot the power of prayer together this past week, and have had several unforgettable experiences that have changed my life.

For instance--I mentioned we've taken time to set some pretty major goals. We know that they are inspired, and Heavenly Father has helped us see the reality of these goals. But we soon realized in order for them to be accomplished, we need to be the purest of pure in order to assist Him in His work. I've never felt that need as much as I do now, at this point in my mission. So...this past week has been a lot of learning, experiencing, and rejoicing in the blessings of the Atonement. I cannot express how despared I feel when I think of my own ablities, and now escape route. BUT, through sincere prayer, I can stand confident before Heavenly Father. Amidst all my imperfections and inabilities, the Savior is there to make more of me than I ever could myself. How grateful I am for this knowledge!!!!! Buddhists believe that through doing good, we can recieve help somehow in our sins. But they will admittedly tell you that we cannot be freed from sin. What tragedy! I love the Savior. I love the Atonement. Study it all you want, but using it....there's no replacement.

Just as we were in the midst of all these experiences personally and together, we went inviting. We talked with 3-4 women who full on rejected us--"We're Thai! Which means we're Buddist! Which means we don't need your Jesus....no thank you, we're Thai!" Until one woman bravely stood up amongst them and said, "Do you want to go talk up in my room?" The others quickly silenced. Come to find out she's a mother of 2, married, and doesn't work. And her husband is off Sat/Sun. Family!

If you're stuck on what to study in the scriptures, try out "sincerity" in the Topical Guide. Particularly the Book of Mormon scriptures. This will enrich your perspective and understanding of prayer, and enrich your prayers, as well! Just a thought.

Baa Phat was baptized yesterday! It was such a great day, and she was beaming. I asked her how she felt afterwards, and she said, "I feel like I've finally succeeded." What a unique answer. I love that woman!

We had a miracle lesson the other day, I'll share briefly. We were feeling the Spirit particularly strong with this woman. It was a first lesson, but she'd leanred with the missionaries years ago. She'd never prayed, so that's what we discussed. Ironically, it was right after I had studied about sincerity in the scriptures, and Helaman 3:27-28 came to mind. We read it, discussed personal revelation, and her ability to recieve revelation from God. We invited her to kneel, establish a question with Heavenly Father that she really watned to know, then wait in silence for 15-20 sec. After that, she opened her eyes, and everything she explained was feelings of the Spirit. She then said, "I know you are representatives of God." What?? Many of our long time investigators, even members, don't mention this often, despite it's truth. We didn't mention any of that with this woman. I know at that moment the Holy Ghost had taught her what she needed to know. I love lessons like that, when you say your goodbyes, walk out with your companion, and about 10 steps from their house you look at each other and just start laughing.

This work is true! I I LOVE the gospel. I love what it means for me personally. I've never felt so connected to it's reality, truth, and principles as I have the past 10 months. I LOVE IT. Thank you for being amazing, family. I'm praying for you! Make it a great week.

All My Love,

Sister Nay

Helaman 3:27-28 "Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name. Yea, thus we may see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God."

New Companion, New Blessings!

Yes, Sister Alisa has moved! I am officially with.....drumroll......Sister Sorge! I believe a Mrs. Kelly Stanley is aware of her, from the Illustration Program at BYU. We're companions! She's so amazing, dedicated, patient, in tune, honest, hard worker, everything. I love her! We've hit it off, and we're already seeing miracle after miracle this transfer. I love this work! Sister Sorge has been an answer to my prayers, and to questions that I didn't know I had. She has already taught me so much in just these 4 days. I'll attach a picture. I love her!

I'm not sure how to descibe my feelings lately, other than....light. I feel it's been ever since my halfway mark. Ah, ever since February 5th, time has been going by wayyyy too fast! It won't slow down! I can't believe I'm on my 6th transfer in country. My perspective has just completely switch since that day, and I feel like I am free to become the missionary I've been wanting to be. Before I felt so many limitations--language, worrying about my own abilities, etc. But I feel as though a whole new light has entered my life, and I'm free to be me as a missionary. There is no greater feeling thus far (besides seeing my brothers and sisters enter the waters of baptism....)!

Speaking of baptism, we have one this Sunday! Baa Phat it incredible. She came to church on her own the first Sunday I was in Bangnaa. Her sister was baptized here in Thailand more than 30 years ago, and ever since that day she has never forgotten her feelings. She lived in a town for many years that didn't have a church, and as soon as she moved to Bangkok she looked up the website online and came to the closest one--Bangnaa! She's been golden since day one. She's the one that last week responded to my question, "Baa Phat, are you feeling read for baptism next week?" She replied, "I've been ready for 30 years." I can't wait!

The first day we were together, Sister Sorge and I, we met a darling family. We were inviting, and were just about to go to a new neighborhood when we passed a really small street we hadn't gone down yet. We looked at each other, smiled, and turned around. Just as soon as we entered the street, a little 4 year old girl started screaming, "Farang! Farang!" (white person! white person!) Our target. Haha. We passed by, saw her dad was home, and then soon discovered the mother was home. We introduced ourselves as missionaries to the father, and said we had a short message to share. He welcomed us in gladly! They're a darling family. The mother and daughter came to church yesterday, and the dad stayed home with the little 1 year old girl because he wasn't well. We'll keep working with them, I can't wait to see what happens. And just so you know, this little girl doesn't call me "Sister" like everyone else. It's simply, "farang." "I want to eat dinner with the farang"..."I want to sit by the farang"...."I'm wearing the farangs rings".....I can only imagine she's like a mini version of me at 4 years old.

The senior couple missionary, the Saengsawans, have written a book! Actually it might just be his, but it's titled, "From Monk to Missionary." READ IT! I've heard about it briefly, but it's basically about his conversion process. It's a must read when I get home.

I heard news from Sister Harris last week at transfer meeting--Pa Pong (remember my thai parents that were baptized in November?) baptized the family that I taught before I left Chiang Mai! I have a pciture hanging up in my room at home, I love it. What a miracle! I love how the Lord just prepares people to fulfill certain roles. He looks so sharp all in white.

Yesterday in Relief Society, the teacher turned to me in the middle of her lesson and asked, "Sister, is it a sacrifice to be here?" I cannot tell you the peace I felt in my heart as I honestly answered her, "No." She said, "Being so far away from your family, riding your bike in the heat, etc, it's not a sacrifice?" Once again, the reply was, "No." The Spirit bore witness to me at that moment that what I spoke was true. It's also true that I miss you all like crazy, but I am so grateful to be here. I cannot possibly explain all that I'm learning...it's become me.

We made a delicious Suki Hang last night! SO GOOD! We ventured to go to the market and get the necessary supplies, and we had a delicious Sunday dinner. I'm doing my best to prepare to make you Thai food when I get home. It's soo good...and today we went to a high-so grocery store, that has all these imported goods from Europe and America. I want you to know that I saw a box of Fruity Pebbles for almost $11.....$11!! We splurged and got some yummy snacks from home, like CHEESE. But I didn't venture to buy the fruity pebbles. Maybe another time. I can't wait to eat cheese, Thai cheese is not the same!

Well, my time is running short. I attached a picture of me and Sister Sorge, and me and a little girl eating starfruit together from the tree in her yard. Her mother was just baptized a few months ago, and this little girl has taken a liking to Sister Nay. I love her. I know that this work is the work of the Lord. I sometimes wonder how I can ever return home! Just the thought makes my heart hurt. But I am grateful to be here, serving wholeheartedly. Remember that what we have is of most worth! Choose to have a great week!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

Happy Valentine's Day!

My one and only Valentine's Day in Thailand was unforgettable. Sister Smith had a little get together at President's house for all the sister's serving in the Bangkok area, plus senior sisters. It was so fun! It was the most like an American Relief Society activity that I've experience thus far. Sugar heart cookies, making cards, delicious salad and jello....yes. SIster Smith is quite the entertainer. It was a blast! I'll attach some pictures. Plus it's always good to see old friends in the mission. And yes...we're all wearing Jody dresses. Don't ask me why.

This week has been great, as always. Not much out of the usual happened, aside from miracles! That's all we do on the mission is see miracles, it seems like. I don't remember if I mentioned this family or not, but I'll explain a bit. The woman came to the church about 3 weeks ago, asking for a Book of Mormon for her husband. She was in a hurry, all we could do was get her number quickly. 2 weeks later, last Saturday at 7:30 pm, I decided to try "one last time," as I told Heavenly Father. She answered! Better yet, her husband was there! Even better! He asked us to come visit them! We hurried over, invited them to church the next day and discussed his past. He'd learned with the Elder's before, but because of some falling out, he turned away from the church. He was going to get baptized! Years later, they see the need of help in their life. He lives in a different city, so we'll refer him to the Elders there. But we've met with the wife and son a couple times, and now the sister and her 2 daughters. All are incredible! The sister will have to learn in the other city as well, but we set a date with the mother, son, and their niece. It was a miracle.

We talked to Phad, who has a date the 27th, about her testimony and if she feels she's ready. She responded, "I've been ready for 30 years." Ha! Her sister was baptized years ago, and Phad only went to church that single day. But she's never forgotten it. She moved to a city that didn't have a church, and recently moved back to Bangkok to teach. She immediately went online and found out where the closest church was, and showed up herself! It was a miracle.

Sadly, Tii that I talked about last week (who we were able to get a date with last Sunday) is not able to learn with us anymore. Her dad won't allow it, and has now forced her to work with him all day at his office so she can't meet with us. He even took away her Book of Mormon. Sad...but we'll keep our hopes up. She'll come in the future, for sure! She knows it's true.

Transfers are this week...who knows what will happen? There's lots of sisters that try to figure out where everyone's going, but that seems pointless to me. Ha. We'll know in another 4 days, right? Which is like a minute in mission time. Silly sisters. I am excited to see what happens! But will miss SIster Alisa if she goes. She's amazing.

Lately I am craving grilled hot dogs and pork sausage balls. Hahaha. They will either grill them or BBQ them, pretty much on every street corner. I despised them when I first came, literally loathed them. They looked and smelled awful. I swore I'd never eat them. Now? I think it's living with a Thai. Ha, I don't remember normality anymore. Get ready for a khonthai (thai person) when you next see me!

Grandma Rosie! THank you for your package! I jsut got it, and it was PERFECT--right on Valentine's Day! Thank you so much for the card and candy. And again, thank you for the birthday packages. You're all sweet to think of me!

Time to sign off...but I wanted to tell you that Sister Smith has another blog--it's called smithhere.blogspot.com. Her son downloads pictures there, if you care to check it out. I love you all so much. This mission is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, but not because it's a mission. It's because I'm sharing the single thing that is the most important to ALL OF US. I'm sharing that which will allow us to return to Heavenly Father as eternal families! You do not need to be a full-time missionary to experience the joys of missionary work. I love you, more than I'm able to express. This Valentine's Day, I challenge you all to think of the kind of love that is most important--that is, the Love of Christ. I've been studying a lot about Charity lately--if you have a Preach My Gospel nearby, I ask you to do the same! Or grab the nearest set of scriptures. I know that we're capable of attaining this love, but only through sincere prayer. I"m working on it. NOWHERE near perfect, far from. But as my dear friend Hermana PItchforth reminds me, "It's a process." I love this work! I love the gospel! Share it with those you love the MOST this Valentine's Day. I love you!

All My Love,

Sister Naegle

P.S. "What 2 days will we not think about or stress at all? Yesterday and Tomorrow." Sister Noppamas....I LOVE HER!

On the Downhill!

I cannot believe I'm actually on the downhill Yes, you guessed it. Last Saturday, February 5th, I hit my halfway mark!! I can't believe I'm actually to that point! I don't feel nearly old enough in the mission. Last Saturday, January 29th, was also my year mark from opening the best letter anyone has ever recieved--A CALL TO THAILAND!! I know many of you were there, and witnessed the tears flow...I just want to comfort your hearts and let you know I couldn't be more grateful for that call to serve one year ago. It's changed my life!

Phii Koi was baptized yesterday! I have attached pictures--she's incredible. She comes from a difficult background, but her life has changed completely. She has a little 11 month old daughter, who is also one of the cutest things I've ever seen. She bore the more pure testimony of the love of the Savior and Heavenly Father that I think I've ever heard. It was a fabulous day!

We had zone conference this week, my first one in Bangkok. And afterwards? President took us to the Crocodile Farm! Ha, I never thought I'd be doing that with President. But it was fun. There's some attached pictures with another elephant, and a cute baby tiger. :)

OK, this week we were inviting. Not my most favorite thing, but I've committed to do a little more, and be a little better. We were going to head out of this neighborhood, when I noticed one last street we hadn't gone down. I made my way over after thinking twice, and talked to the first person I saw. She let us in, more than willingly. She was on her toes with everything we had to say, saying things like, "Really?! Sister, seriously? You really did get an answer???" She was so intrigued, haha. Well, after 2 appointments we have a baptismal date with her for the 6th of March. Her dad is a very devout Buddhist, and has forbidden any contact with Christians...so we're trying to work around that. But she's determined. I have a testimony of doing a little more, and trying to be just a little better! We can always, always do a little more than we think we're capable of. Always.

Happy Birthday to Manda and Mary today, Trav last week, and Janelle yesterday! I hope your days were filled with so much love and laughter. I love you and am grateful you're in my life!

I have to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the birthday packages. Seriously. You know the way into a sister missionary's heart! Adorable new clothes, American candy, and gifts for investigators. I don't have time to thank you for specifics, but know that it was all appreciated! And grandparents, thank you for the cards and money, you're wonderful.

I learned something in Ether 12 this week. Moroni is being an "open book," as Emily calls it, with Heavenly Father. He tells Heavenly Father all his weakness, what he feels about them, etc. I've been trying to do this more in my prayers! I want Heavenly Father to hear from me, all the good, bad and the ugly. However, something different caught my attention in Ether 12, and it's something I'm trying to apply. He admits his weaknesses to Heavenly Father, but then gives the reason why. He's concerned that his weaknesses will keep the Gentiles from understanding the importance of the scriptures! He's afraid that because of his weaknesses, he will be a roadblock in helping others understand the Savior! Interesting. I am trying to be an open book with Heavenly Father and tell Him my weaknesses, but then explain why I think they're weaknesses. Moroni's reason isn't prideful, he's just concerned he won't be as effective of a servant due to weakness in writing! Then we make it to the famous verse 27, which everyone knows. But when I think of it in this light, verse 27 also changes meaning. Essentially the mission is just a big testing ground for missionaries and investigators alike, to apply the principles of the gospel. I love it!

The stress has hit this transfer. I was waiting for the stressful moments to occur that everyone talked about...well? Becoming Phii (or senior) has done it for me. Haha. We're doing great though, still pushing along. My Thai companion is the cutest thing that's ever walked the earth. She has this zest and love of the gospel that radiates with all around her, she's teaching me so much.

I love you all! Thank you for the prayers, support, and love. I am grateful to hear from you, and to know that everyone is doing well. Sister Smith told me of a blog her family does for her, smithfamilythais.blogspot.com. There may be a link another blog she does specifically for missonaries, too. I can't remember what it is. Just so you know! Keep doing what's right, smiling, and bringing others to the greatest knowledge they'll ever have. It's all worth it!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

P.S. "Are you going to choose peace....? Or pride...? Let go of contention. Let go of pride." Sister Noppamas
"I don't know everything about gardening, but I know enough to make flowers grow." Sister Calder, branch president's wife in MTC