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."