I love to learn!

I wish i could adequately describe all that I'm learning as a missionary. Particularly this transfer. I feel I'm making all these life connections every single day, and some I've been waiting forever to find the answer! One major connection I made this week is this: I'M NOT PERFECT. Of course I've never vocally professed to be perfect, nor have I ever thought in my mind that I am. However, the expectation has always silently been there. It's been this...overshadowing burden that's been particularly heavy as a missionary. But, along with my realization of the Atonement last week, I realized also that I am no perfect. I've never smiled so brilliantly, so joyously. I know that Heavenly Father does not expect me to be, but has instead provided a perfect way that I can learn to rely on Him even more. I LOVE THE GOSPEL. It's perfect.

This week we met with Phii Bun--HOORAY SHE'S HOME!! She unexpectedly went home to the Eesan (super far away) for about a month, and we lost contact with her. She was awesome, a baptismal dater and all. We'd stop by on occasion to see if she was home yet...and gratefully, she's back! She has returned even more determined and sure about her decision than ever before. Except for this time, she's waiting on the date. Wanna know why? She needs her husband to accept, as well. THe problem is, he's a pretty strong Buddhist...we're still working with him, both of them. But the miracle is BOTH came to church yesterday! And Bun's daughter! It was fantastic. They're an adorable family. Bun told me last week, "Sister, I know now. I just know it's all true. There's no other way. Heavenly Father is real. Jesus Christ is the Savior. It all makes sense." That makes a missionary smile. Just the other day, for example, she was explaining Nephi's story to her friend, who was having a hard time. We happened to knock on the door just after she finished her sentence with the word, "Nephi." At that second, she heard me call out, "Sawadii Kha, Phii Bun!" I heard laughing at that point, ha, but soon found out it was because they were have a Book of Mormon study just as I was calling out to them. :) How fitting.

I got invited to learn about the Islam religion this week. That was fun. Haha. We were inviting, and this woman was rather insistent that I go talk to her niece about learning English. I had a feeling she was Islam...but we went. After a couple minutes discussion of what the English class was, her mother asked, "Okay, now that that's over with, come on in and I'll explain about Islam." "Uh...no thank you....? We'd better get going....See you at Tuesday English class!" We had a good chuckle about that. Just so you know, teaching Islam people is off limits. We booked it outta there.

We had an awesome experience with Phii Briaw. We taught her at her apt, luckily, instead of her little shop on the street (much quieter at home...). We discussed faith, shared a scripture that she understood just perfectly, and really applied it. (Mormon 9:20-21) She then identified that she'd never asked Heavenly Father if He loved her. She simply just prayed, knew that He existed, and that was that. She'd never made the personal connection. So, we invited her to do so. We knelt together, invited her to ask the question in prayer, and wait for 20-30 seconds together. It ended up being a good minute...and when she opened her eyes, tears just rolled down her cheeks. She said, "i'm not sad--why in the world am I crying?!" She knew without a doubt. It was incredible to be part of. We simply bore testimony that we felt it too, that Heavenly Father did love her, and would prepare a way for her to be baptized. Powerful. The only way to teach is through the Spirit.

We discovered something! Sister Sorge's grandparents are Gary and Athlene Rasmussen, who used to live in Bountiful. She wrote a story last week in the email about my infamous Uncle Arlyn! Apparently he was famous for playing under the sacrament table with his cars. Hahaha. Do their names ring a bell?

Happy Birthday on Saturday to my cute nephews! And WELCOME LITTLE SAMUEL TRAVIS!! I am so happy he's made it here safe. I love this work. I love that I'm here as a servant of the Lord at this time of my lfie. I can't believe how much faster time goes with every passing day...SLOW DOWN! I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, even these amazing Thai people. I love this work! Make it a great week!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

I'm trying to be like Jesus,

I'm following in His ways.

I'm trying to love as He did,

In all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted

To make a wrong choice.

But I try to listen

As the Still Small Voice whispers

Love one another as Jesus loves you

Try to show kindness in all that you do.

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,

For these are the things Jesus taught.