First Bike Accident

It has officially happened.

I thought I would make it home free my whole mission! But it finally caught up to me.

My first bike accident! Ha, before you start getting all worried parents, just know that nothing is broken. Only a super super sweet bruised hip, and a scraped up elbow. That's a miracle of the week! Just remember not to ride your bike on painted curbs in pouring rain in Thailand. They're just a titch slippery. We're all okay!

That happened yesterday, Sunday, and it was just after we'd experienced some "disappointments" with invesitgators coming to church. 4 of our 5 daters weren't there, and all of their phones were off. One came--he's so solid. The others...AH. So anyway, after all of that plus some other busy-body things that happened at church, we got out of there to go teach some lessons. I remember just praying in my heart for direction. I didn't know why they didn't come, let alone all the others that promised they would. I suppose that's why we have faith in GOD, not MAN. Anyway, after my full on biff alongside a busy intersection with plenty of people to see (a little embarrassing, as if they don't look at me enough for being huge and white), I was close to throwing my hands in the air. It was one of those weeks I felt like I had put my all into the work. Literally. I don't know what else I could've done, and I wasn't seeing the immediate results I wanted. Selfish, right? But I knew that if I just kept going a little longer, that I would find the miracles awaiting. So I just wiped up the blood from my elbow with a tissue from my bag, got back on my bike, and headed to some potentials houses. The 1st 2 weren't there, but the 3rd was. New investigator! She was sweet. We pulled up and she was listening to "Take Me Home Country Roads" with her little girl. That almost made me cry more. Ha.

Then we met up with a member to go see a family we had made an appt with the day before...who turned out to not be there. Bummer. Just as we were going to get on the bus to head back to the church, I felt an undeniable prompting to call a mom/daughter that came to church on their own that day. I got their number at church, but they weren't free to meet right then. I knew they lived in that area, so I figure I could call them. I did, turns out they lived 3 streets down, so we went. And, of course, the member that was with us was the member that taught Relief Society that day, about temples! And they were super interested! They're already Christian (we don't meet many of them in Bangkok), yet are very humble to learn more about Jesus Christ. It all just....worked out. And my companion had 2 Book of Mormons in her bag (which is unusual to have 2, normally just 1) to give to them. I can't really describe it, other than...it just worked out. And they really want to meet us again this week. It may seem like such an insignificant thing for all of you reading this, but for me? It was a miracle.

I cannot count the number of times that I've felt like giving up, but something keeps me going. And when I keep going? That's when the miracles come. Every single time. So how is it that I forget when I'm in the middle of the crisis, wanting to throw my hands up in the air? I feel like there's no way out. I feel trapped. I feel let down. But previous experiences just keep me pushing forward, trying to search for a way out. And it always comes. Without fail. I know that Heavenly Father heard those heartfelt pleadings yesterday, and He answered in His own time. It interesting to notice His timing take place, as it's happening. If things don't work out, I automatically think, "Okay, where does He need us to go?" I'm finding myself getting less and less discouraged, trying to find His path everywhere we are. If someone cancels, we find where we need to be. It's as easy as that. It's just harder to see when you're in the middle of it all, sometimes.

I am finding a wonderfully sustaining realization lately. Something I've searched for my whole mission is how to make those "personal pride cycles" occur less frequently. You all know what I'm talking about--one day things are great, you're happy, and you feel like you're progressing the way He needs you to. The next day, you hit a wall. Something happens that you just feel low. Sometimes we know the cause, other times it seems to just hit us out of the blue. And we're unsure of how to fix it. This is what I've learned recently. I've made the connection between honesty in prayers and repentance. I have been trying to make it a point, even when things are good, to ask Heavenly Father what it is in my life that needs changing. There is always something that is out of line with God. We're imperfect! It's just that sometimes we don't always realize it. But as I'm honest, and honestly search for asnwers, he's always shows me what I need. I recognize something I need to change, no matter how small, and sincerely repent for it. I ask for help to make it better. And I ask for forgiveness. When I do that, that sweet peace that fills my heart is indescribable. It's daily repentance! How often do we hear about the need to repent daily? I know from personal experience that repenting daily is the only way to grow closer to the Savior. It's not that the pride cycles/roller coasters are totally eliminated, but they level out. More than that, I feel like I can ask for help from Heavenly Father when I'm trying to repent. I wish this made more sense than how I just wrote it, it's not very eloquent....but I challenge you to ponder on this a little more. AND...and I'm going to ask for some feedback on the subject. How do you repent daily?

I know this is the work of the Lord! It's all true. I am in denial of how much time I really have left...it still feels like forever. Anytime anyway starts to talk about it, I just close my ears. I love you! I love this work! Make it a great week!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

"For those who are discouraged by their circumstances and are therefore tempted to feel they cannot serve the Lord this day, I make you two promises. Hard as things seem today, they will be better in the next day if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart....The other promise I made to you is that by choosing to serve Him this day, you will feel His love and grow to love Him more....By serving Him this day, you will come to know Him better. You will feel His love and appreciation. You would not want to delay receiving that blesings. And feeling His love will draw you back to His service, wiping away both complacency and discouragement." Elder Eyring.

Aloha from Thailand!

The two attached pictures are from today--we were studying this morning when we heard some commotion in front. We peered out the window of our bedroom and saw these to guys standing there, talking in our front yard (the 1st picture). It is the 1st counselor in the Branch Presidency and the Elder's Quorum President! And they brought their weed wacker (sp?) to cut the forest that was our front yard. We've been trying to figure out a way to take care of it for weeks now...and no solution...until they just showed up today! It was the 2 Pa's, Pa Samran and Pa Gera. They are 2 of the most hilarious old men I've ever known, that are always trying to speak English to me. Hahaha. They're retired, and always free to help us teach, usually spending their free time at the church playing golf, ping pong, etc. They love sports. (I've invited them to come to Utah and play golf with my brothers...that okay?) They are so great. Gratefully we ran to the Market this morning for a couple things, and we had some veggies/meat in the fridge. We whipped up some rice/dishes and fed them lunch. But, being a rule, we can't be in the house at the same time, so we just moved our kitchen table out in our front yard and ate outside! This is picture number 2. They were so sweet to serve us!

It was so nice. I cannot believe how much these members have opened their hearts. It's amazing to me, just seeing the change the past few months. Miracles have happened! The other day the Relief Society President invited us to eat dinner at her house, so she could teach us how to cook! And we have another dinner appt this Saturday with a member, and a Family Home Evening tonight with a few of our investigators at a member's house. Things are going well.

I love investigators getting answers.

Nat: He knows the Book of Mormon to be true! He says he loves reading it. It gets more and more fun with every chapter, and he needs to read everyday or else he isn't fully happy.

Nay: He needs to pray and read everyday, because when he doesn't, he's not happy. Plus, he says he can fill out his own job application ever since he's started learning with us--he's Laotian and hasn't been able to write in Thai himself until now! He knows God has helped him. And every commandment he hears in church/learns with us, he immediately changes his life to follow it. The other day he said, "I stopped smoking and drinking a few years ago, but when I heard the God's commandment included tea and coffee as well, I have stopped those, too. I've never felt so much energy, sisters!" We didn't even teach him that one--he heard it in a talk in church. People are prepared.

Taay: She told me last night, "Sister, I prayed and asked if God was real, like you asked me too! I don't know if I got my answer, I didn't hear anything....but I know that I felt really really warm in my heart when I asked, and felt peaceful." That made for a really easy testifying session to help her see that those feelings come from God. She's committed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon now!

Somkhid: This woman is setting the example for her 2 children and husband--who are all learning together. After our first time meeting, she found time to pray alone that night. She said that night she dreamed about Christ coming to visit her (she's never learned of Christ before, doesn't know anything about Him other than He was crucified--pretty typical). He told her that she shouldn't put down a certain political leader with her friends anymore, that all were children of God. Ever since that day, she hasn't--and has even shared prayer with her friends! People get answers in their own way, that's for sure. :)

Khwan: This cute prefnant woman, due in December. She's having a girl, and we're still working on her very Buddhist husband. She told me last Sunday, "Sister, I prayed about Joseph Smith....and I know he's a prophet. I'm ready to be baptized. This is the only church with God's power." I don't need to say any more about that.

Non: Prayed about the Book of Mormon, and he had a dream as well! I don't know what it is with Thai's and dreaming....haha. But he knows it's the word of God! He says he's more confident that is the only true church on earth. Just need to help this 17 year old receive permission from his parents.....

Naa: Reads the Book of Mormon every night before bed ever since we've given her the book, and she prays every single time that she'll be able to get baptized. She even has decided to not change work because the area she'd move to doesn't have a church/missionaries.

I know these examples are super awesome. I want you to know that each of these have several serious downers in between them........missionary work is not peachy like this all the time. But when I take time to understand and see the miracles that He is blessing us with, I cannot help but KNOW that He is directing this work. Just writing this email gives me that confirmation. These people are amazing and prepared! It's still a challenge to get them progressing the way they should for baptism, but we're working on it.

Last week at Zone Conference, Sister Tano and I were asked to do the special musical number. She plays the violin and has some books with a piano accompaniment. President said it was the best part of the conference.....which led us to get the assignment to play for a fireside next week. This is ALL the members in Bangkok, coming to hear Elder Gong (the new 2nd counselor in the Asia Area Presidency) speak with Elder Ochoa (YM presidency) and Elder Osguthorpe (Sunday School presidency). I AM SO NERVOUS.......it's going to be huge. Pray for us this week as we practice! It's next Wed, the 31st.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Dad, Randy, and Daniel! I hope you all have wonderful birthdays, and know that I love you and I am thinking of you.

This is still the work of the Lord! I know that you are all being blessed for your sacrifices. Heavenly Father has prepared the gospel for us so we can be cleansed from sin, by the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and be prepare to return home to His presence with our families. There is not greater message to all the world. Find someone to share it with this week! I know this is the work of the Lord! Time's a tickin'....but I'm still a workin'.....Make it a great week!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

"Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." --Helaman 5:13

I love Hawaiians.

Sister Tano is keeping me alive here in Saphaansung. We're having a blast. President might rethink this transfer after these next 4 weeks go down....Did I mention that this transfer is shorter? It's a 5 week transfer, so my last transfer will be 7 weeks. But, regardless, we're living it up to its fullest. And working hard. The 2 go hand in hand, I suppose.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there! It was Mother's Day this past week, on the 12th of August. It is the queen's birthday. :) Lots of investigators out of town, but we found some really really awesome new ones--2 new families! We'll work on them. After sacrament meeting yesterday, it hit me that I'm not in America. You get those little random reminders every so often on the mission--the "where am I?" question just pops into your head. This was one of those occasions. After the sacrament, all the little primary kids went up and sang, which is adorable no matter where you are. Then they invited all the mothers to go stand at the front of the room, and they gave all the little kids a little flower thing, like a little Lai from Hawaii (they use them for honoring ancestors, etc). The little kids then went before their moms, knelt down, putting their heads all the way to the floor. It's a major, major sign of respect in Thailand. Anyway, it was really touching. But just another one of those "where in the world am I?" moments. But I loved it. I love this country, I love this culture.

I just had my last zone conference this past week! I didn't really realize it until at the end of the whole thing, President got up and said, "We have 4 sisters that will not be with us when we have our next zone conference. We'd like to invite Sister Naegle......" I didn't hear the rest. I'm really at that point of my mission??!! I'm the dyng missionary that gives their farewell testimony?? I looked around the room, and I really was one of the oldest missionaries there. I still feel like I know nothing. We then had interviews with President, which is my last one before my final interview. In response to a question I had for him, he proceeded to tell me about Micheal Phelps in the 2008 Olympics. He said that in the 7th event (if this is wrong, I'm just quoting President...haha) he went against the French man who was the world class competitor in that one event, and it happened to be Micheal Phelps' weak spot. And although he was behind throughout the whole race, in the end he WON. And why? Because he didn't take thos last two breaths that the French man did. I little pushed through the finish line, he didn't just finish. That is the kind of dedication I want to have for the rest of my mission. I find that when I work that hard, it is fun. Nothing is more fun than hard, honest work in the work of the Lord.

Phii Coach will interview for baptism this week! He is in his own room! He is keeping the commandments! And most of all, he understands the Savior and His role in repentance! This guy is awesome, and will be an amazing future leader in the church. He is unsure about marrying his current girlfriend, because he feels she won't open her heart to the gospel, and therefore he can't be married in the temple. :) So at our lesson the other night, Pa Gera (a 60 year old member) said, "Hey, don't worry buddy, there's lots of single ladies in the church. Want me to help you find one?" To my surprise, Coach totally accepted. It was all in laughter, but the underlying feeling was....he was pretty serious. Haha. I died from laughing.

Members are really opening their hearts. It's been so fun to see the changes that have taken place the past 3 months, and that are continuing to take place. We have several dinner appts this week to meet neighbors/children/spouses to introduce the gospel with these awesome members. I am so excited! I know that little acts of service, kindness, and most of all, LOVE, are what have opened their hearts. It was really really sketchy here when I first came. But I am grateful for my sweet companions, and direction from Heavenly Father in helping these members really trust us. I love this branch.

I know this is the work of the Lord. I know it's all true. I'm pushing my hardest to the end. We'll keep fighting for the souls of men! Sometimes the weight of the importance of this work is super taxing...but I am being strenghtened in my day to day efforts, and know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. I have seen it time and time again throughout my life, and throughout my mission. My heart wants to burst with so much love.

All My Love,

Sister Nay

New Companion!

That's right! I have a new companion! She is shown in the attached picture, on the right, with one of the NEWEST members of the church (Nan just got confirmed yesterday! Miracle!!)!! Welcome to Sister Tano, from Oahu, Hawaii, on her 4th transfer. She's incredible. She was just the change and fire thatI needed right now. Heavenly Father always knows when we need a little change, and this was just what I needed. I feel like we're already closer in 3 days than most companionships in 2 transfers. She's joining me in my P90X efforts, as well! She's a relaxed/hard worker, loves the Lord, loves the work, and loves not stressing. AND her Mom just sent some Hawaiian Host" macademia chocolate straight from Hawaii. We'll get along just fine.

A couple of weeks ago I may have mentioned taking pictures of the members for records at home. WELL, if I knew that it was going to be as successful as that, I would've done it in every single area I've served. Thai's LOVE getting their picture taken, especially by a farang (white person). Ha. They just instantly put on their biggest smile, and fix their hair, etc. They ham it up, but it's fun. Anyway, that day I took pictures. one of the members that isn't very active came. It is the wife of a member that helps us teach often, he's always at the church playing sports. Pa Gera (this member, yes we call him "dad", that's just how Thai works) is one of the greatest men I've evern known. We've really clicked since I've come. That day I asked to take a picture of her and her husband together, and she was soooo flattered. I then proceeded to compliment her on her green curry she sent with Pa to the church the day before, telling her it was so delicious. She just blossomed with every word. In the end, she ended up inviting us to dinner! Pa told me later that he has never seen his wife invite anyone, especially at the church, to dinner. He was shocked. I didn't think much of it, so we went last night. Of course, she made green curry, but it was just a blast to be with his family. They're sealed in the temple, and the son is a member in the bishopric. But the daughter and mom are very much not active. I loved going in there with SIster Tano, singing hymns, eating good food, and laughing. She even invited us to come back in a couple weeks--"Come once a month, and I'll make more delicious food for you." Ha. This woman...but we'll work on getting her back. I want Pa to have a complete family!

This was just the change that I needed in my mission right now. Yes, we're still working, and fighting, and sweating, etc. It's all the same. But instead of it being a "dooms day" feeling, everything has just taken a 180 this past week. I know my time is winding down (and everyone is doing a really great job at reminding me of it, too...), but I am looking to the end of my time in Thailand with faith. I know what's going to be happening for the rest of my mission---Sister Tano will be here for a 5 week transfer (President shortened this one because he'll be out of town), and then I'M GETTING A CHILD IN THE MISSION. That's right. i'm training my last transfer here! I thought I'd just finish with SIster Tano, and that would've been great. But President came and found me after transfer meeting last week and said, "Don't get too comfortable here--You'll be training for me in 5 weeks." Smile, shook my hand, and walked away. Shock. He told me a couple months ago I wouldn't have the opporutnity, etc, we didn't have any sisters coming in. But suprise. This will be the push to the end that I needed. It's strange that the rest of my mission is "planned out." Here goes nothin....

Have I mentioned that I'm happy in this work? I've never ever been so tired in my life. But I know that it's worth it. Every single effort is worth it.

I love the gospel. I love the work. Thailand is wonderful, the people are wonderful. And it's all true. Back to the grind!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

Dreams in Bangnaa

I never would have thought I'd be back in an old area with an old companion. But this past week it happened!! We went on switchoffs, and I got to go back to Bangnaa with Sister Sorge. That was surreal. And it came at just the perfect time. Last week we had 2 daters quit learning with us...they were so "solid"!! And another one of our daters took looots and lots of effort last week. After some intense personal problems, we managed to work together with a couple of members and get her into her own apartment! Miracle! Nan has been learning with the missionaries for about 8 months now. She asked and begged her husband to marry her legally, and after things didn't work out the way we all hoped (lots goes into it), they ended up separating. Anyway, the day we went apartment shopping, etc was the day of switchoffs. I showed up at switchoffs just totally burnt out.

Those 2 days in Bangnaa were fantastic....I don't have words to describe how wonderful it was. I met with Phii Koi (the one with the cute little 1 year old that loves me), Phii Boon (who was one of the 2 women that was baptized 3 weeks ago, that I taught. They were my miracle women), and some members. It was all medicine for my soul. I was worried little Ning (Koi's daughter) wouldn't remember me, but as soon as she saw me, she wouldn't let me out of her sight. She grabbed my finger and walked everywhere with me. It was like reuniting with one of my own little nieces! She wouldn't accept going to anyone else, even her mom. Ha. And Phii Boon...so solid. She has taught me so much about what it means to be a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ. She told me how infinitely better her life has been since she was baptized. She loves sacrament meeting, specifically for the sacramental ordinance. She reads out loud from the Book of Mormon every night for her super strict Buddhist husband to listen--haha! He's great, just very Buddhist. It was such a good weekend. It made me realize what I learned while I was there, and ways that I've also changed in the past 3 months. It was just what I needed! I know that Heavenly Father knows our limitations, even if we don't. I sound wussy when I say that I really needed that break from Saphaansung, but I really did. And Heavenly Father knew just what I needed. Bangnaa last week was a tender mercy.

I came back from switchoffs, and Sister Rochana was all smiles. She wouldn't tell me what was up, however, until we were in the taxi. She said she had some bad news, and some good news. The bad? One of our daters quit learning (Phii Nan, that showed up to church a couple of weeks ago? She came fast, and went fast). The good news? NAN (another dater) WAS GETTING BAPTIZED THE NEXT DAY!!!!!!!!!!! What?!? We had just changed her date to the first week of September to make sure that she'd be ready. But turns out she got her room, she now has her steady job, and it's all underway. She interviewed Saturday morning, I came back Saturday afternoon, we got the program and baptismal dress ready, and she entered the waters of baptism on Sunday at noon. Miracle.

The amazing thing about this point of my mission is that everything is so much more stark. The amazing things are more amazing than ever, and the difficult things are harder than they've ever been. It's all amplified in almost every way. My feelings have always been roller coaster my whole mission, but never like this. I'm just trying to buckle up for the ride the next 3 months. What is in store???

I know this is the work of the Lord. I got my "sprint" papers from President this week, to set goals, dedicate myself to the work the next 3 months, etc. It's been therapeutic for me to ponder and reflect on my mission, and what I want to accomplish in my remaining time here. No words express how grateful I am for this experience. It's hard. It get's harder almost every day. But I strongly feel the harder it gets, the more rewarding it will get. I love Thailand. I love my mission. Take some time to reflect on the blessings you've received lately, and the miracles you've seen in your life lately. We all will see the hand of God in our lives if we just take time to look. For me? I'm seeing His hand through LOVE. Everyone always says, "Love is the key to missionary work." I don't feel I've understood what that really means until this point of my mission. And hopefully that understanding just grows! My heart is with these people. This country. It is my home! I love you all, I'm praying for you daily. Make it a great week!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

Pictures: 1) Me and Phii Boon 2) Me and her and her cute husband 3) Me and a cute member--she's hilarious 4) Nan and her fresh out of the waters of BAPTISM!! 5) Phii Koi and her cute family, and one of my favorite Thai meals...

"God the Eternal Father did not give that first great commandment because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny, or even defile His name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration. No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God! For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are--and who we will become....The divine love of God turns ordinary acts into extraordinary service. Divine love is the motive that transports simple words into sacred scripture. Divine love is the factor that transforms reluctant compliance with God's commandments into blessed dedication and consecration. Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple's path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning, and wonder. Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship. Love is the way of the disciple." --President Uchtdorf