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