I cannot express how many times we've been asked that this week by investigators, members, strangers, and the like. From the earthquake in Japan, to the earthquake in Burma, to the earthquake in New Zealand, from rainy weather to freezing weather to suuuuuper hot weather all in one week....lots of people are on edge about this "end of the world" business. They keep saying the world is going to split in half (not the members, thankfully). I just giggle to myself because I love these people so much--then bear solemn witness that it's time for them to repent so they don't have to worry about it!! Haha, just kidding....but seriously. We're working on it.
I'm still in Bangnaa!! Yes, that's right. I didn't move. That is wonderful news, because Sister Sorge and I started a really good thing here, and I want to see that it's gets finished. I feel like last transfer was a very "cleansing" transfer for the both of us. We learned so much, and still saw miracles with our investigators everyday. But now that we've learned how to use the Atonement, we're really applying that to our lessons with investigators. I've never taught so much about the Savior and His Atonement, nor with such conviction. I know that He is my personal Savior and Redeemer. I know that His sacrifice is just as related to me as it is each person I talk to every day. And nothing moves them to action more than a solemn, pure, genuine witness. I will be forever grateful to my last transfer with Sister Sorge, because that time has given me a stronger foundation of the Atonement than I could ever imagine! Now it's continuing onward and upward with all that we learned, and adding more to the puzzle.
Both of our Elders left, so 2 farangs (white people) came and "whitewashed." One of them is our District Leader, the other is a greenie fresh from the MTC. He's been here 5 days! The first day I saw him, I immediately felt ancient. Funny how just a few short months can make you feel like a grandma. We're excited to work with them, they're really awesome elders.
A couple of people have asked about packages...May I request to limit the sweets and maybe send some little powder packages instead? Or things like it? Like....real food. Maybe Mexican food packets, or cheese sauce packets, or something like that. Pudding packages, whatever! I do love candy..but I still have tons from my birthday/Christmas, amidst giving it away, as well. If I were smart I'd think you were trying to make me a tubby! THANK YOU for the treats. But just...limit them is great. Other things are good, to aside from food. Little things for investigators/members are great! Little distribution center gifts that are cheap are great. I dunno, use your imagination. That's that for packages. Thank you for thinking of me!
CONFERENCE!!!! I ddin't get to see anything yet......but heard it was incredible, as always. We're seeing it this weekend. They have to wait a week to translate it into Thai, but I might be lucky enough to see it in English (there's a Malaysian member here that speaks no Thai...). I can't wait. I've never ever ever loved conference so much as I do now. Same with the Liahona (Ensign for you English speakers). We get so excited to get it every month!
This past week I've learned a lot about prayer. We have an incredible investigator, Phii Nang. AH. I love her. She learned about Christianity before in her teenage years. But for one reason or another, she felt it was too difficult, so she gave up both Christianity and Buddhism. She's one who's very quick to anger, isn't afraid to do sin because she figures, "If I'm brave enough to do the sin, then I'm brave enough to recieve the consequences." She's a very...direct person. However, if only you could see the change that has taken place within her heart....and now is showing through her eyes and actions and words. She's a new woman. We're still working on the Sabbath Day issue, but as far as repentance goes? This woman knows the Savior is her Redeemer. Before she lets her mouth go these days, a small thought will enter her mind about the Savior, and she calms right down. She says it's the weirdest thing, but she knows that He is changing her from the inside out. THIS is what I'm talking about when I see the miracle in my own life, then begin to see it in others. SHE'S INCREDIBLE. The attached picture is of her. She gave us a papaya the other night that was the size of a watermelon. and a bunch of about 20 bananas. Just for the 2 of us. Lots of fruit these days...
My testimony has become stronger this past week, particularly regarding prayer. I LOVE PRAYER. There is saying a prayer, and then there's praying. I've never known the power that lies within our prayers. Heavenly Father will and does grant us our righteous desires! If nothing else, begin making your prayers more meaningful. I guarantee as your heart is open, you will see the hand of God in your life. I love discussing with Heavenly Father, and receiving answers to prayers. Today I had the opportunity to read through my mission journal a bit (not usually much time to re-read what I write...), and it was amazing to read and think to myself, "Oh, that prayer was answered" and "Oh He helped me in this way to resolve that concern." If nothing else, I've learned this one truth on my mission: Take a moment to step back, look at yourself, Heavenly Father, and your relationship....and you will see His loving arm guiding you in ways you never imagined.
Time and time and time again.
I LOVE THIS WORK!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
P.S. "Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. It is the Lord's work, and when we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help. Remember that the Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it." --President Thomas S. Monson
"Conversion basically represents the transformation from the 'natural man' to becoming the 'man of Christ'....Truly converted disciples, though still imperfect, will pursue the 'life of the soul' on any day, in any decade, amid any decadence and destruction." --Elder Neil A. Maxwell
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