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
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