1 YEAR!!!!

This Thursday officially marks my one year mark--can you believe it? I can't! It amazes me how much I've learned in just this one year of my life. Particularly these past 2 transfers have been life changing. And guess what this Sunday is? MOTHER'S DAY!! Happy Mother's Day to all my favorite mother's out there--of course, my very own mother (I love you mom!), but all the many other women in my life that have influenced me for good. I love you all, and am grateful for your wonderful examples. What a special day to think of thos women in our lives who have helped us become better people. I love mothers!

Happy Birthday to Heidi, Kelly, Eric and Rosie this week/past week. I love you all, and wish you the happiest birthdays of all! You're amazing.

We had an interesting meeting this past week at the ward in Asoke (which is essentially at the heart of Bangkok). Two of the church history assistants (?) came to Asia for a tour of the churches in this area. I guess they're working on writing a huge history for the church at this point, but they're currently traveling to every continent to see the church first hand. They came and had a special fireside with us this past week, and a neat question and answer session as well. But what impressed me the most, in fact had nothing to do with Church History. Haha. One of them (their names were Brothers Nielson and Turley) spoke of his mission in Japan. His last night there, he knelt in the middle of a rice patty field and offered up his heart to God, honestly telling Him he had laid all he had out on the table. "Ever since that night," he said, "I've never spent a second of regret over my mission." At that moment, there was nothing I wanted more. I didn't want to regret a single second of my time here! It gave me energy to push harder, stronger, and more consistently to the very end.

I know that Satan's efforts are very real. This past Saturday Boon didn't interview for baptism because of one thing or another, and was actually packing her bags 2 hours before the interview to go home (home is 8 hours away in Eastern Thailand). She got in some big fight with her husband, and we hustled over on our bikes to see what was up. Nang is her neighbor, and we went into her room to talk about what happened. After a couple minutes, we knelt in prayer and I prayed the most sincere prayer I think I've ever prayed in my life. Boon was just 2 doors down packing her bags, and she was to be baptized on the 8th of May. AH! Just 10 minutes after my prayer, she walked by with her kids, a slight smile on her face, headed to the market. She wasn't going home! And what's more than that? She showed up at church the next day! MIRACLE! She'll still interview this week and be baptized this Sunday, just in time for Mother's Day (along with another investigator who shouldn't have too many problems getting there...)--so Happy Mother's Day with 2 investigator's being baptized! I love you mothers!

This experience further engrained within me the reality of blessing amidst trials. At first, the fact that she wasn't interviewing, was like a blow in the stomach. "HAT?! You're being baptized next week! You can't go home!" But just seeing her walk out to the market with her kids, and not going home, was one of the sweetest miracles of my life. And then the miracle of her going to church the next day, despite the pouring rain. So yes--she didn't interview for baptism, she did experience some intense opposition, but there were also tender miracles witnessed amidst all the trials. I love how Heavenly Father works. I know He's with us even when we feel like He's totally abandoned us. Look for Him!

I love this work. I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon, that shows me the way in every aspect of my life. This is only becoming more and more a part of me every single day I'm here. Thailand has changed my life!!!!! I can't wait to see you/talk to you this Mother's Day! You're wonderful family!!

All My Love,

Sister Nay