Pictures: 1) I went on switchoffs this week to a neighboring area in Bangkok with a greenie--Sister Yinn from Stockton, CA. She's amazing. Half Cambodian, half Thai, but knew no Thai before coming (she get's really funny looks, haha). She's so easygoing and fun. It was a fun couple of days with her last week.
2) On that adventure, we went and saw a newly baptized member. She gave me one of the most incredible hats I've EVER seen in my life. This picture says it all. They wear these hats to keep the sun from hitting their face. I couldn't control my laughter.
3) Brother Sakha has returned to Thailand! Matt and Jac, he talked about you when you went to see him at the restaurant. He's here forever, he says. :) It was so good to see a familiar face. He was a teacher at the MTC when I was there, for those of you who don't remember. I LOVE THIS MAN.
4) This is a picture of all the sisters in Bangkok right now, with Sister Smith. We went to a fancy 5 star hotel in downtown Bangkok for Stake Conference yesterday!
This week has been great....lots going on. I want to start by telling you about an amazing family we were undoubtedly led to. Lots of times you hear as missionaries that we're being led by the Spirit, and I've never doubted it. But many times you don't see the leading when you're actually in the experience, The understanding usually comes afterward. But that was not the case with this family. I knew I was being led throughout the experience. When we had our training with Sister Smith, I recieved inspiration about some of our formers. We had already pulled some from the old area books, but we went home that day and found what missionaries were still in the mission. We called one of the elders, and as we were talking I thought of a family Sister Rochana had talked to me about a couple days before. I handed the phone to her, and told her to ask him about the family. She found out the info and we went to see them that day. Later we found out the Elders in our area had just "shelved" this family a couple weeks before. They weren't responding to their phonecalls, they missed appts, etc. We had no idea they were teaching them. So, we went and visited them, and the mom was really open to us. After just 2 lessons, she had a date, and she expressed concern to get her husband to learn (Both of them had learned before, but since that one elder had moved, they hadn't really done much). She said she wanted to be baptized more than antying, but didn't want her family to take different paths. I cannot describe the power in both of these lessons! It was overwhleming, and all involved couldn't deny it afterwards. She was determined. At her reques made an appt to go back and visit her husband last night and watch the Restoration DVD. They've learned everything already, and gone to church a bunch of times. Before it was just a matter of getting them legally married, but they've accepted to do that now. I think it's just a matter of whether or not Joseph saw God the Father and Jesus Christ or not, so that's what we're working on.......it's really miraculous. I know we were led to this family. I cannot deny it. The elders swear we are "angels" for this family. The mom has come to church since we've visited them. Her name is A, and her husband's name is Jack. They have chubby little 8 year old boy named Boy (he's hilarious. Pray for them, please! Particularly for Jack to recieve his answer about Joseph Smith.
This past week I had a monumental experience. My "death papers" came. Meaning....they're requesting final destination info/home ward info....my group of sisters is upset! I can't believe it's here. I remember Sister Young getting those papers, and it's unfathomable that I'm in the same spot. I'm in denial. But I know this is the "best" part of my mission. I know that it's hard, but it's worth it. I know that this is the restored gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I know that Heavely Father has prepared a plan for all of His children to return home to Him. All that is required is our meek obedience to His commandments. I know that there are more blessings than we comprehend when we follow the Savior. I know that joy in this life is what Heavenly Father wants more for us, and it is attainable through obedience to His plan. I love the simplicity of the gospel.
How is little Blake doing? I love you, sweetheart! I'm praying for you and hope you're doing better. And I heard Jen's wedding was a success! I am so happy for your family and pray you're all well. Other than that, sounds like all is well at home. You're letters and emails are inspiring, thank you for writing! I love you.
Back to the grind--we're seeing miracles here. We have the baptism of P Bay and her 2 kids this weekend. I'll send pictures next week! Keep on keepin' on, everyone. I love you. This is the work of the Lord! Make it a great week!
Sister Nay
"The needs of others are ever present, and each of us can do something to help someone....Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives." --President Monson
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