A New Nephew!!

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy!!! The new little one (possibly Sam...but I'll wait for further details on that...) is born! I got one picture from Mary, just of the back of his head. I can't believe I have another nephew! And what a great birthday present for Lizard. Speaking of birthdays, HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO CADEN AND BLAKE!!!! I am sad I'll miss all the festivities, but don't forget your favorite auntie will be back shortly, and we'll have all kinds of superhero parties for your 2nd birthday. Boys like superheros, right? I can't remember with all these girls around. But welcome to your family, Sam (maybe Sam)!!

This week. Not sure where to begin. I thought I learned a lot about myself before on my mission, but nothing compares to the introspection that has occurred these past 3 weeks. Sister Sorge is fantastic--she has brought out a side of me that I didn't know was there. There were so many little holes in my heart that I have not be ready or willing to accept my whole life. Things that were either missing, or chips of "that's just the way I am" that I've been too lazy to remove. Some of them I was aware of, others I am discovering for the first time. Let me illustrate a little of how we came about the issue this past week. It has been a break through of a week.

Last Friday we went to teach three women in their 50s that we met the week prior. We felt prepared and ready for the lesson. As we got things started, the Spirit was strong and we felt okay about things. Then as we talked, one of the women kept bringing up the same concern, over and over and over. It was valid, but it turned to the point she was angry. She said, "How am I supposed to sit and read the scriptures, or take the time to go to church, when I'm depending on my children for life? We don't have any kind of life care in Thailand, so I spend my time collecting trash in order to give my grandchildren rice to eat. I cannot possible read the scriptures when I'm worried about them." Valid, I agree. But it started getting out of control. We kept our whits about us as best as we could, and maintain the Spirit...but it didn't end too well. We prayed as soon as we could and got outta there.

Back at the house, after our personal study, (we're now studying in the afternoons for the summer schedule--apparently it's "too hot" in the afternoon, but in my opinion it's "too hot" all the time. Who cares when we study?) we discussed what happened. As we talked more and more, and cried more and more, we came to realize something very priceless. I read in the book Grandma sent me last year in one of her packages, "Believing Christ." I've read it before, but I've flipped through its pages again on my mission. The parable of the bicycle came to mind, and I read it aloud with Sister Sorge. We just wept as we read it. We knew that we weren't perfect in that lesson, but that there was a way to get through to all of God's children (if you're unfamiliar with this parable, look it up!). It wasn't just that lesson that brought all this up--we're just discovering a way to find joy in the work we're a part of, not just accepting to be a stress case all the time. I cannot adequately describe the emotions in my heart as I read that parable, but suffice it to say, that the power of the Atonement has never struck my heart that way.

At that moment I knew I was nothing. At that moment I knew I didn't have enough change to buy the bicycle. But, at that moment, I also knew of the source that could help me amount to something. I knew that I could not succeed in this work (or life) alone, but through the encircling power and love of the Atonement, Heavenly Father would help me succeed through Jesus Christ.

Never, ever have I recieved better news than that.

So while we may not be seeing the success I saw In Chiang Mai, I am learning priceless lessons that will benefit me throughout my life. We're still trying and determined to find the elect, but have a new perspective. I'm slowing down a bit. I'm enjoying life. I'm taking time to laugh. I never thought I was a stressed person, but all the sudden I'm trying to run faster and faster to succeed! Needless to say, I've been reviewing President Uchtdorf's talk yet again, and trying to take a step back and look at my life. This transfer is literally changing me from the inside out. I cannot describe, but I know it's real, and it's happening.

Bottom line? I LOVE THE ATONEMENT. I know the best way to understand our Savior and His love is to apply this precious gift. I love the gospel.

That's all I have for this week, not much else went on (though this was PLENTY!). We both feel we're headed in the right direction, and are going to continue moving forward. Every page, everyone line, every word of the Book of Mormon is true. Use it! As always...make it a great week.

All My Love,

Sister Naegle

P.S. A little return note from President Smith this week to me: "baptisms simply make all the pain, sweat and tears worth it." (regarding Baa Phat's baptism last week. She's officially a member!)

P.S.S. The pictures--one of me and SIster Sorge and Sister Noppamas on the lawn at the church, discussing life. I love that woman. Another of our adventure in Bangkok today! A very expensive buffet on the top of a skyscraper--the 78th floor. It was DELICIOUS but I'm so full. And another picture of our cute Valentine's day stuff from Lizard. Thanks for the socks! We love them! Oh, and Dallin--THANK YOU for the cinnamon bears. We almost cried when we ate them. Haha.