Where Do People Come From?

I don't know how it happens. I really don't. Other than trying to do our best, and trust in the Lord, we aren't doing anything to warrant the miracles we've been seeing. Let me tell you about Coach. He's been coming to church 4-5 weeks now, and everyone thought he was a member. Even 3 weeks ago I talked with him because I wasn't familiar with him, and asked about him. I asked, "How long have you been a member?" "10 years," was his answer, and went on to explain that he hadn't come for a long time. He just got in a car accident a few months ago, and felt like it was time to find the Lord in His life again. I praised him up the wall after that, and proceeded to request a referral from him. Didn't think much of it.

Then yesterday the Branch President approached me as we were eating lunch, and said, "Sister, this man isn't a mamber!" (pointint him out to me) "Talk with him--he's learned with the missionaries before, and has come to church a bunch. He could be interviewed for baptism this week!" Totally bewildered, I approached him. He agreed to meet with us then, so we grabbed a couple of members and switched off companions. I went in with Coach. It was confirmed that he'd learned with the Elders 10 years ago--and my previous questions of "how long have you been a member?" was taken as "I learned with the missionaries 10 years ago and came to church during that time, so I'm officially a member." WOOPS. I made the mistake of not asking, "When did you get dunked in the water?" Apparently learning with the missionaries = membership. Needless to say, Sister Rochana and I repented last night. Ha. We're excited to teach this guy, he'll be a wonderful addition to this branch!

Phii Naa--I love her. She showed up to church the first week--she left before we could get her number. The next week we prayed so hard she'd come back--she did! We taught her, and it was great. She got a Book of Mormon the week before, which was good. When we met her that week, she already had the Book of Mormon 10 days or so. She said, "Ever since I've received this book 10 days ago, I've read it everyday. Even on the days I'm soooo tired, I just read at least 2 verses. Sisters, this book has helped me become familiar with the Savior in a way I didn't know I could. (she's already Christian) I know that this Book comes from God." Huh. She then proceeded to pray that God would prepare a way for her to enter to this church. She felt it was true. She was so sad she couldn't make it to church this Sunday (yesterday), she's a nanny and had to work. We were bummed, too. SURPRISE. We were waiting in the foyer for investigators and she walked in, straight to the sacrament meeting room, sat down, bowed her head, and sat quietly. Where did she come from? We'll extend baptism to her this week when we meet again. She had to rush off yesterday.

The greatest (or one of the greatest) feeling of my mission occurred this past week. I've officially stopped worrying about how I should work, and I've just started working. I'm not concerned with leaders, with pressure, with numbers, with expectations. I can't describe it completely, other than I am so happy in the work! We're just...working. I'm loving the people. I'm genuinely concerned for them, I call them constantly, haha. They're used to it by now. :) My whole being is just full of fire! I've never been so full of understanding. I almost wrote "i've never been so happy," but I've learned that happiness is understanding. It's knowing why we're here, doing what we're doing, and where we have hopes to go. I love the understanding my mission has provided me. This is the work of God!

Pictures attached--1) HAPPY ONE YEAR! I am with one of my sisters from the MTC, Sister Hirschi. I love her! We'll be finishing our missions in the same District. We're old farts in the mission! 2) The flood in front of our house. It rained for maybe 3 hours, and this is the result. Gotta love the rainy season in Thailand.... 3) THE DAY I LEFT FOR THAILAND ALMOST 1 YEAR AGO!!! Remember that? Feels like a dream. Like a lifetime ago. And like yesterday. (and i didn't plan to wear the same outfit on my one year anniversary, by the way, haha)

I know that this is the work of the Lord! I know that when we place our hand, trustingly, in His, we will be led. My Book of Mormon reading has come to life the past while. I am writing down everything, trying to soak in all I can. For such a long time I didn't take as good of notes as I should've simply because it didn't have a place! How silly is that! I need to be so organized that inspiration from God needs to have a specific place all the time? I've thrown that all our the window, and just grab my notebook and write like made. The way I am remembering verses and passages of scripture is incredible to me. That book is the work of God! Please take time to read its pages daily. I love this work! I love the Lord! Keep on keepin' on, everyone. We have so many reasons to be happy. Make it a great week!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

ONE YEAR...

How has it happened so fast? I am ONE YEAR this week! I remember last year, leaving America on July 18th, skipping Shelby's birthday, and landing in Taiwan on the 20th of July...then on to Thailand that same day. We slept at President's that night, then on to meet my trainer, Sister Young, the 21st, and then a loooong overnight bus ride to Chiang Mai, and the 22nd, Thursday, was my first official day in country as a missionary of God. Oh my word how time flies....

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MOM YESTERDAY!! I love you, Mom! I hope you had a wonderful day, I thought of you often all day. And Miss Shelby--3 years old?!? I can't believe it. Happy Birthday to Jamie and Cesar, too! I love you all, I hope you have a great day (and anyone I may be missing!)!!

This week. All week long we felt the trials, we felt the opposition. I know that when we try to remain faithful, and try to do our part, the Lord will provide the way (many times...much easier said than done). But we tried to just keep our heads down, humble, buried in the work of the Lord, talking with everyone, and we saw the blessings. More than I can possibly explain.

Last Saturday, we had 45 minutes to invite. I knew we would find someone. I prayed constantly as we rode our bikes through the neighborhood, meeting rejection after rejection. We boldly stated, "Hello! We're missionaries here to teach your family about Jesus Christ, and how He can help you find more peace and love in your life." It's easy to weed out the not-so-interested ones with so bold of an invite. Lots of grandmas responded with, "Oh no, that's ok...haha...thanks sweetie....we're Buddhist..." But we kept trekking. I didn't let it wear, however. Just 20 minutes left, and us wanting to get into a house for a 1st lesson, I prayed that we'd be led. Long story short, we found 2 women who were genuinely interested in our message and Jesus Christ. Many times we see those experiences in hindsight, and can see how Heavenly Father led us to those people. But this time? I felt His guidance as I opened my mouth to talk with them, invite them to learn, ask to sit inside their house, park my bike, and teach. It was one of the most surreal feelings. I knew I was being guided the moment He was guiding me. It was like I was watching myself do everything, and listening to myself.

From there? Sunday...........wow. 10 people at church ( 2-3 unexpected), 7 member lessons, 3 contacted referrals, 5 new investigators, and one of those a new dater in the 1st lesson. After the first 2 hours at church and just before Relief Society, she came up to me and said, "Sister! I want to be a member here. What do I need to do to be a member at this church?" Speechles, I just said, "Well....let's go to the last meeting, and we'll talk after church. I can help you with that..." Unbelievable.

I've attached a picture of her--Phii Nan. As we met with her after church, and I introduced baptism, she said, "Can I be a member without being baptized? Because...my family is Buddhist and it would be a problem." We assured her that it would be okay, and not to stress. We won't worry about baptism right now. Just study, pray, and come to church, and you will receive the peace you need. WELL, throughout the lesson she kept bringing up baptism! Finally I just whipped out one of the little pass a long cards with baptism, and said, "This is baptism. It is a sacred ordinance from God, and it's how we show our willingness to follow Jesus Christ." She paused, didn't speak for 30 seconds, just staring at the picture. Then started to cry! She said, "Sister....um....I just decided I want to be baptized. I know he will prepare a way for me to do it." The soonest she can is the 7th of August, so that's her date! We'll work hard to prepare her.

I know that there are those prepared for this message. I have determined, these last few months of my mission, to focus on the elect. Heavenly Father has prepared those ready to learn! Don't waste time with the 50-50ers....focus efforts on the elect, and they will be led to you. I know this is the work of God. Thank you for your letters of support and encouragement! i am praying for you all. Keep pushing along, Family!!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

Alma 12:10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he knows them in full."

Independence Day in Thailand

Sounds like the 4th of July was fun! Park City, Lake Powell, the cabin--I'm glad you all had a wonderful time. Things have been great this week. Lots of ups and downs....but that's typical for missionaries, right? Turns out Gib, the wonderful, amazing investigator that found us last week after having some questions....has decided not to learn again. Ha. Wowzer. He sent us a text an hour before our appt on Friday, asking to stop learning, and feeling like he got his answer. Oh well, we're doing our part, and know he'll be back again in the future. Ah.

That being said--I have some wonderful, wonderful, incredible news. Remember Phii Nang and Phii Bun from Bangnaa? WELL, yesterday, the 10th of July, 2011, they entered the waters of baptism! Phii Nang called me just 2 hours after, just floating on cloud 9.. We laughed and cried together on the phone, reviewing her ridiculous journey to baptism. She is one of the greatest miracles and memories of my mission. She said that when I am leaving the country in 4 months, she's going to come to Bangkok with her daughter from her home out in the boonies of Thailand and send me off. Then she made me promise I'd be back next year to visit her at home. Haha. As I've mentioned before about her, I have never seen someone change their life so much. And as I mentioned before, her husband has noticed that change, and is now learning as well! He still has some obstacles to overcome, but baptism is his end goal. Soon their little 9 year old girl will be baptized, and in a few years, their little 3 year old boy. And a few years after that? Both of their kids will be missionaries! Ha, her little 9 year old always told me how much she wanted to be a missionary like me. Oh family, if I only had words to describe the love I have for this family...particularly this woman, Phii Nang. She said yesterday how she felt so light, she could do anything!

Of all the miracles we see as missionaries, the greatest is the miracle of conversion. It is something that they will carry with them throughout their whole lives, as they nourish their testimony and follow the Savior faithfully. I know that this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ! And I am beyond happy that Phii Nang and Phii Bun have been baptized together. These 2 women are best friends, baptized on the same day. Phii Bun's husband even came to church in a SUIT! Ha!

As for Saphaansung, things are moving along. I want to ask you to pray for our investigators preparing for baptism. Noi, Nan, A, and Jom. They are really working for it, but it's going to take some miracles from above to make it happen. Thank you! Noi is doing wonderful, haha. She called us this morning from home to tell us she missed us. :) I've never, ever had an investigator do that. Haha.

It was amazing on Friday morning after Gid texted us--we went straight to another appt where we watched the Restoration DVD together. As I reflected on the questions and concerns from Gib, and watched the story of Joseph unfold, it was confirmed in my heart yet again that this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith did see Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and truth was restored in its fullness through a living prophet. I love the purity and simplicity of the gospel. No matter how much people try to complicate things, the eternal, simple truth of heaven always remain the same! Take some time to ponder those truths. They are full of POWER.

Simply put, I know this is the true gospel. You hear it from me every week, but it only gets stronger with every passing week. The mission is not getting any easier--it's probably getting harder. But I know that it's the hard things that make life worth it, so I'm going to finish strong. Every second, every minute, every day is worth it. Choose the Savior in all you do--it IS the easier way! I love you!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

"Let us love at all times....As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happer, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit." --Pres. Uchtdorf

Happy 4th of July!!

First of all--CONGRATS JAMIE AND JORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you! I am undoubtedly sad that I won't be there September 21st, as you can imagine, but I am beyong excited you will be there for my wedding, like you said. :) I love you so much, Jame.

It's officially 4th of July. WHAT?! Time is still cruising away. Let me just say thank you thank you thank you for the emails and letters you all sent this past week. I will not lie--it was a rough week last week. But we were given plenty of opportunities to laugh and just enjoy our time, too. But...it was rough.

I will follow that up quickly by saying after the trials come the blessings. WHAT A WEEK! Just as unbelievable as last week was, this week was equally spectacular. Except in a good way.

1) Baa Yod, a 69 year old investigator we've been teaching for the past while, is really growing in her testimony. At first, it was her son and daughter and law that were mostly interested, and she'd just sit in because she's nice. She's this little grandma from the east of Thailand, who takes care of a garden here and sells vegetables. You could say they're country folk of Thailand. At first, she told us she couldn't read at all. As we've taught more and more, this past week I asked her again if she'd be willing to read a verse. She didn't say anything, just went and got her glasses in the cupboard, came back, and read the verse for us. Ever since that day, she's read nearly every day in the scriptures (sometimes just a verse a day....she reads really slow), and prayed every night. We taught repentance this past week, and committed her to think of one thing she's done in her life that she feels guilty for, and repent for it. 2 days later we went back, and one of the first things she said was, "Sister! I talked to Heavenly Father about my sin and I feel good!!" She doesn't have a very good concept of what the gospel terms are ("repentance, faith, baptism, etc), but she understands the feelings associated with it. This woman is changing, and her family is seeing it. I've attached a picture of this adorable family. Baa Yod has come to church twice, and loves it. We asked if she has friends at church, and she immediately responded, "Oh, tons!!" Haha. She is....ah. She's setting an example for her 30 yr old son who hasn't done much since we've started teaching. We're looking for a date for her this week.

2) Saturday night, we got caught in the rain. But gratefully, we've been spending most of our time in one neighborhood to be more efficient with time/teaching. We are scouring this neighborhood, pretty much going to every house to talk to them, haha. So we had a few options of people to see. We went to one house, and figured we'd stop by another woman's house (Noi, I don't know if you remember her) that lives close by. We didn't think she'd be there, but she had just come home from out of town,We went inside, and started to talk. She said she was too busy, so we didn't need to "talk religion" today. What could we say? We hadn't set up an appt or anything, but I was naturally disappointed. 20 min later, she had questions about baptism. She accepted our invititation to pray together, so we entered the realm of teaching. She felt she had to know the Book of Mormon cover to cover in order to be baptized. When we showed her the 6 questions for baptism, she was surprised that was all she needed to know! We read in the scriptures, testified, and extended the date of the 31st of July. "Oh, a month? Totally. I can do that." Dater!

3) The dater that stopped learning with us last week? Called us a couple times to further talk about his questions. We just prayed for him, gave him time, and hoped missionaries in the future would take care of him. He called us Sunday after church and asked to meet. We rearranged our schedule, and after a 3 HOUR LESSON with a really awesome member, he has a date again!!!!! He is preparing to be baptized the 23rd of July. He has lots of questions, and we're working on helping him understand the Book of Mormon and it's source. For now....he's back. And he's trying to give it an honest effort. I told him straight up yesterday, "Kib, I get nervous to teach you! You know so much about the Bible--way more than me. But I'll tell you what I do know. The Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith is a prophet, and this is the true church of God. You are making the right decision by following the Savior here!" He pokes fun at my saying "I don't know anything," but it's true. Ha. He'll be ready for the 23rd.

4) A little 13 year old boy comes and plays ping pong at the church often with members. We asked to go see him at his house with his mom, and long story short? He's preparing for baptism the 30th of July! He's adorable, more to come about him later. The most proper kid. He's got such a pure heart.

Needless to say, the miracles come after the trial of our faith. My companion and I are really trying to rely on each other, and our revelation we receive for our investigators. We are being led by a source much, much, much greater than our own understanding. This is the work of the Lord! THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT IS THE CASE. I love the gospel! Keep pushing along, fam. I hope you had a very happy 4th of July! :) God Bless America!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

P.S. "We are all busy. It's easy to find excuses for not reaching out to others, but I imagine they will sound as hollow to our Heavenly Father as the elementary school boy who gave his teacher a note asking that he be excused from school March 30th through the 34th." --President Faust

"The Lord loves each of us too much to merely let us go on being what we now are, for he knows what we have the possibilty to become!" --Neil A. Maxwell

Pictures: 1: Our makeshift ponchos in the rainy season! It pours daily. 2: Family of Baa Yod! 3: Our 4th of July celebration today at Sizzler.