WELL--this past week has been crazy! Last Thursday night, I met up with Dad and Mary. I initially came up to Chiang Mai to be with Sister Sorge, but just 3 days after I got there, Sister King and Sister Yinn followed me up there (Sister King is my greenie) because of the flooding in Bangkok. They evacuated the area and came to work with us! That was a blast. Who gets to serve in their greenie area with their greenie? Not too many people. :) We had fun. We separated Thursday night, and I had a couple members take me over to meet Dad and Mary at the hotel. Our reunion was so joyful--just a prepping for what's to come NEXT WEEK! I can't wait to see you all.
Since we met up, it's been a nonstop visiting, sightseeing, shopping, and on the go fun. It was a whirlwind to see my old area and all the old members and investigators. But I loved it. It was amazing to stand in front of that congregation last Sunday and see the numbers of the branch literally double since I was here last year. It's amazing! I felt grateful to be a part of that branch and be able to witness the growth. It was humbling, to say the least. The first picture I attached is of a dinner we were invited to at the District President's house that evening (Sunday). His family is one of the most humble and selfless families I've ever known...they have changed my life. Not much English (sorry Dad and Mary, they've been good sports!), but absolutely priceless to be able to talk with them. Monday we got up early and saw the sunrise, which was beautiful. I even got to go a cooking class! I've spent the past 18 months eating Thai food, but this class gave me a chance to actually make it (this is the 2nd picture I've attached)! That night we had the going away part a couple of members put together for me, that ended up just getting way out of hand. The 3rd picture I've attached is me with the sign they made--this is just to show you how much they put into it. I was blown away! It was full of singing, dancing, model walking, good food, laughs, tears, and a whole bunch more. It turned into a talent show more than anything. Ha. It was so Thai. I loved it. They finished it off with the classic, "God Be WIth You 'Til We Meet Again," (the 4th picture), and I've never heard a more beautiful version. Adorable. This morning? Got up, did a couple errands, then headed to the airport. Now we are currently in Southern Thailand (Phuket) on a beautiful beach.
This past week I've felt rather removed from everything. I was happy being in an area that I loved so much. In fact, the only time I cried the whole time I was there was when I talked to Mom--and that's because I missed her so much! The whole "going home" hadn't really sunk in. I felt like I was going to send Dad and Mary to the airport, tell them "thanks for visiting" and send them on their way, then I'd just get back to work. Until....today. We got on the airplane, and it hit a little. Then we got to Phuket, in a totally unfamiliar place, with the ocean around, lots of white people, in a new place...It sunk in a little deeper. I'm leaving Thailand. That's when I started feeling so much that I wasn't sure how to get it out, other than cry. I thought I had everything pretty under control, until today. I'm grateful for a little time to get my feet under me and try to figure out what I'm feeling. That's what the next couple of days are intended to be.
For now? I still love being a missionary. I stick my name tag on wherever I go. :) I love you all, family. I can't wait to see you. We're still waiting to see what will happen with the floods and things in Bangkok--we'll spend some time tomorrow figuring that out, and I'll let you know. But for now? Still plan on the 9th! This is the work of the Lord. I know that when I put Him first, even in the little details, things always work out. It is the beginning of trying to figure out how to apply what I've learned the past 18 months. Sheesh. Here goes! Make it a beautifully happy week--because next week WE WILL BE TOGETHER!!!!!
All My Love,
Sister Nay
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