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
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