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