What?!?!?!?!?!?!

I knew this day would come, but now that it's here.....I can't wrap my head around it!! MATT AND JACLYN ARE ENGAGED??!?! I cannot believe it! I am sitting at my computer completely in shock, not sure if I should cry, laugh, or jump for joy! I want to do it all, but it hasn't sunk in yet. I am so happy for you both, seriously....and can't wait to hear more details. It's a funny thing being halfway around the world, literally, and receiving such big news. It mostly just seems like a fairy tale in a distant land...not reality. :) Regardless--CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A letter will be coming soon to both of you. I love you!

This week has been good, We are officially on Sister Young's last week here, she'll be heading to Bangkok in a week. It's been interesting for me to be the "in-between" companion--trying to get used to Sister Harris' new teaching style, and still adapted to teaching with Sister Young. But it's made for some awesome lessons, and we've seen miracles this week. First and foremost, Phii Chee and Phii Nok interviewed special yesterday with one of President Smith's counselor's (because of some problems they've had in the past). And the miracle? THEY PASSED! They are both ready for baptism in just 2 weeks. AH! These are 2 women that Sister Young and I started teaching just 2 months ago, and have seen miracles with them left and right. Chee is the most humble, willing to accept person I've ever known. At first we didn't think she was understanding everything, but as time went on, we just realized she just loved it all! She was prepared and wanted to accept it all! :) And Nok? Hilarious. Sister Young says she can always tell when I'm talking with Nok on the phone, because my voice gets all excited and high and happy, haha. She's awesome. Everything is so black and white for her. She said she went to 7-11 and asked her member friend what she could and what she couldn't (after our Word of Wisdom lesson). She went through all the drinks and pointed to everything, saying "Yes" or "No." She still has a little bit of a problem wearing a skirt....she really really doesn't like skirts. But I think it will come with time. We've just gotta break the news she needs to wear a dress for her baptism! Hope that goes well! :)

It has apparently been flooding in the south a little bit...in Korat where Sister Harris used to serve, and Lopburi, and I think it's heading into Bangkok. We're not really sure because we're kind of kept in the dark as far as news, but everyone keeps talking about it. The miracle? Pres Smith usually has all the trainers in Bangkok for a training meeting, but only invited the people from Bangkok and the North to go this month. He decided last minute to do a separate meeting with the people in the Eeson, in the East. Well--since it's flooded, there is no way to get from Bangkok to the Eeson, except to fly. There are still roads to go North, so our missionaries were fine, but the Eeson missionaries would have been stranded. Pres Smith was definitely inspired. Just a fun little story.

I just have to say a big thank you to Kirsten, Liz and Mom! The Starburst, Skittles, and Big Hunks were just what the doctor ordered. I love Thai candy and all....but those take the cake! Thank you so much!

I want to say that I felt a physical change in my teaching this week. I have spent an awful lot of time trying to figure out how to be more effective in my teaching--especially getting started with Sister Harris and I. We're both very young in the mission, but I know we'll see miracles because of it. Anyway, as we were teaching Nok the other day, i realized that I have been trying to do too much on my own (the story of my life...). I immediately opened my mind to Heavenly Father above, and my heart, and began to feel the love for Nok pour into my heart. I just teared up and told her what I was experiencing. I felt like the conduit of love and power that needed to reach Nok--but until she recieved baptism, she wasn't able to feel it for herself. I realized that I need to be that conduit for her to feel the Holy Ghost. If I'm not prepared, I better repent and get prepared, because these people need me. I am there to say whatever the Savior would say to her, so I better be listening to His word. As I have done so, I have felt a power come into my teaching that wasn't there before. I have lifted the roof off my head, so to speak, and things flow through me to those we teach that haven't before. It was an amazing realization, and has completely altered the way I've been teaching this week. I'm grateful for the opportunity to change and turn to the Savior!

That's about all I have for this week. I am so grateful, every single day, to be here in Thailand. This week has been one of the very hardest of my mission so far, but I have also seen some of the greatest miracles. I become increasingly aware of Heavenly Father in each and every person's life. He knows and loves every one of us. Thank you for all your prayers, love and support! I can feel them buoy me up in moments of difficulty. Our last week with Sister Young, and then I'm off to the rest of my mission! :) And believe it or not--I am coming up on my 6 month mark. WHAT?! Time flies. Oh yes, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! It sounds like all the kids have their costumes picked out. Take pictures! :) I love you all!

All My Love,

Sister Nay

P.S. "Any excuse, no matter how valid, weakens the character." --unknown
And one of my favorites, especially since I'm in Asia....."The flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful and rarest of all." --Mulan's Father. :)

The attached picture is of our trip to Thum's house last week. This is Sister Young almost falling into the hot springs, and Thum and I laughing at her. Oh my word--I love Thum!

What. A. Week.

This week has been crazy. Let me start from last week...

We headed down to Bangkok late Wed night on an all-nighter bus ride to pick up our new companion. Sister Young is going home in the middle of a moves, so we are going to have a threesome for a couple of weeks before she goes. Our bus ride was fun...:) haha, Thailand is just crazy. Heidi, we watched Air Bud--Strikes Again (the soccer version) in Thai on the way to Bangkok. Hahahaha...I was laughing so hard throughout it. I'm pretty sure I was the only one awake, everyone on the entire bus had fallen asleep. But I couldn't sleep, and figured Air Bud was pretty much like a church movie, haha. So ridiculous. We got to Bangkok about 6 the next morning, and straight to Moves Meeting. It was so good to see all my friends from the MTC! I have pretty much been isolated to 6 missionaries in Chiang Mai, we don't see anyone. I haven't seen another Sister Missionary besides SIster Young for 3 months, haha. But I love it. We figured we were with each other more in those 3 months than we will be with anyone else in our entire lives. Isolation of Chiang Mai... :) President told us some crazy things at Moves Meeting. We had 20 missionaries finish this past moves, and we got 18 in. As of now, 60% of the mission is younger than 5 moves. We are losing a ton of experienced missionaries in the next couple months. So I was told that my "step-mom" in the mission, or the companion right after your trainer, would be equally important as my trainer and well-experienced. My new companion is Sister Harris, from Burleigh, ID. The kicker? She's 6 weeks ahead of me. Yes, she's my "Phii" in the mission! What the heck is going to happen in Chiang Mai?! Ha, luckily Sister Young will be here for a couple weeks more to help us transition smoother, but this is going to have to be a moves with miracles. We're going to need them like crazy. She's a great missionary, and just this big teddy bear. She's also 6'2", which makes for fun conversations with Thai people. Haha. She is a big sweetheart, and willing to work. We will see great things happen here in Chiang Mai, of that I am sure. I love being a missionary, but sometimes I wonder if Heavenly Father sometimes trusts us a little too much. I am excited to see what will happen, but feel even more pressure to make sure our investigators stay strong and baptisms pull through. I really don't know what I'm doing, but I take solace in the fact that Heavenly Father does, and if I work hard, He will direct my paths. I need him to direct my paths right now! :)

Yesterday for Preparation Day we went up to the mountains with Phii Thum (our investigator) to her house. We got back later than expected because traffic was really bad, so we were able to email this morning instead. Sorry it's late! I hope you all weren't too worried. It was an incredible day in the mountains! I'll attach pictures. I honestly felt like I was living in National Geographic. We were in this small village in the mountains, exploring with little Thai kids that were 6, 9 and 11 years old through the jungle, finding butterflies as big as our faces....haha, it was so fun. I love it here. It was about a 2 hour drive from Chiang Mai to get there, we went even further north almost to Chiang Rai. It was beautiful!!

Well, sounds like Elder Hardcastle made it home safely! I hope all is going well, and everyone is enjoying their time together. I am thinking of you, and I'm praying for all of you and know that you're all so happy! I love you all, and welcome home Dal!!! What a fun time! I know your family is excited to see you (mine as well :) )

Noi and Pong recieved the Holy Ghost on Sunday, plus callings! They're going strong in the Branch already, they're going to be such a strength for the members here. I love those 2, but you already know that. :)

Other than that, we're back to the grind this week. It will be full of miracles. I am excited to see what happens. I love you all, thank you for your emails. I didn't have time to read them all, but I printed them and will read them later. Thank you for being so supportive and strong! Remember in whom we have trusted, and keep trusting, I know that through the Savior we find our greatest strength and most profound joy. I know it now, more than I ever have before. Make it a great week!

Sister Naegle

"The happy life is not ushered in at any age to the sounds of drums and trumpets. It grows upon us year by year, little by little, until at last we realize that we have it. It is achieved not by flights to the moon or mars, but by a body of work done so well that we can lift our heads with assurance and look the world in the eye. Of this be sure: You do not find the happy life, you make it."
--President Monson

Moves Week!

We are headed down to Bangkok this Wednesday night for Moves meeting on Thursday morning...we're picking up our new friend! We think Sister Young will still be here for an additional 2 weeks after the moves (she's leaving in the middle of a transfer for an audition at BYU), then leave in about 3 weeks. I am anxious to see who will be here! I can't believe my Mom is leaving me.... :)

DALLIN GETS HOME IN 3 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sorry I had to throw that out there--I can't wrap my mind around it! Whoever goes to his homecoming, will you record it? I think he will on one of the little tapes, but make sure it's recorded. I have a little tape recorder I can listen. Thanks so much! Welcome home, Elder Hardcastle! Thank you for giving your heart to the Lord.

And miracle...Pong and Noi were baptized yesterday! It was so great. I just kept thinking, "Why would I ever miss home when people like this are waiting to hear the gospel?" I love you all--but right now, this is more important. Oh man they're amazing. They asked me to speak, as well--they said they understood, haha, but who knows? It was a little hectic--we only had an hour between conference sessions so we were in and out of the Sunday Morning session. I was a little sad when I came in and saw Pres Eyring finishing his talk. "Dang it...." I thought. But then I quickly remembered, "Sister Naegle! You were filling up the baptismal font!!!" And...I figured Heavenly Father understood. :) It was such a good day. Maa Noi told me after a big hug, in her British English, "I feel like...like...I could fly." They are so precious, and I am so grateful they are familiar with their loving Heavenly Father in Heaven. It was an amazing day.

Conference was amazing, wasn't it? I learned so much! I can't wait to have the Liahona printed and re-read. I would have to say, of those that was able to hear, that President Uchtdorf takes the cake for me. It was an incredible talk that answered so many personal questions and prayers. I love conference! I saw all the sessions in English, except for Relief Soceity. As I watched relief society session, President Monson got up to speak. As I listened to him in Thai, I thought to myself, "Never, ever, ever in a million years did I think I'd be watching the prophet speak in Thai, and actually understand it." Haha. Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways....

Thank you for the package, Hardcastle Family! I absolutely love it! The pictures are great, and the oatmeal is the perfect breakfast. :) Thank you so much! I wore the bracelet that Jac and Kirsten got me from Alaska for the baptism--I love it. Thank you for thinking of me! And Llloydly, Happy Birthday tomorrow! How old is it now? :) Hope it's a great day.

One last story--we had to do a bit of "digging" with Thum this past week. She's had some things go on in the past, and we were pretty nervous when Pres told us we needed more information before interviewing. So we went in prayerfully, and began with prayer. We reviewed the baptismal questions with her, and when we got to the chastity questions we were able to discuss it a little bit. We then really emphasized the Atonement, and the power of repentance. She immediately softened....then we turned on the movie, "To This End Was I Born." Powerful! Afterwards, we bore a simple yet powerful testimony, and asked her to say a kneeling prayer for us. As she began, she immediatly started sobbing. She broke down to the point she could speak. I couldn't help but weep with her. This woman has overcome some incredible challenges in her life--cancer, an abusive husband, her child being taken by her husband and not allowed to live with her, taking care of a niece because of a dead-beat brother, etc....and all the while just trying to find peace. My friends, she's found it. I can't express the love I feel for her, I know it is the love of God. I love being a missionary.

Well...time to sign off! I hope all is well with everyone at home, thank you for the love and support. It is going to be a great week!!! We're all going to make it that way, right? Love you!

All my love,

Sister Naegle

October Already?

Yet another week has passed...I will continue to say that mission time weirds me out. I cannot believe it's OCTOBER. Tomorrow marks 5 months in the mission, and 2 1/2 in Thailand. I love my mission! It sounds like everyone had a lovely time watching conference this week. I sadly was not able to see it this weekend, seeing as how the seesions were at 11:00 pm and 1:00 am Saturday and Sunday night, haha. I did spend a lot of time thinking about each of you, and praying for all those who spoke that they would be guided in what they needed to say. I hope each of you were uplifted and enjoyed all that was said! I AM SO EXCITED to listen this weekend. They have to wait a week for the translations, but luckily here in Chiang Mai we have some farangs so they'll have it played in English in a different room. I will get to see it this Sat/Sun. My Thai has certainly improved, but I'm afraid I wouldn't get near as much benefit from it if I watched in Thai. :) Apparently every other area you have to watch in Thai. Let's hope in 6 mos I'll be a little stronger in the language! :)

Ashy, you're in a cast?! Oh my goodness, I hope you are ok! You better take care of yourself and not play too hard. Your team needs you to score all the goals! And Miss Brynne, how was your birthday?? I hope you got everything you wished for from the Birthday Fairy. :) I love you two! Kirsten, thank you for your cute email. I loved the pictures. Katie and Josh, how is Jackson? I'm sure just as cute as his older sister!

Miracles this week with Pong and Noi......(I'm sure I spell their names different every email--I don't know how to spell in English!) They had their baptismal interview and passed!!! We are so excited. I can't adequately describe they way their lives have changed. The Light of Christ is growing brighter and brigther in their faces each time I see them. Maa Noi and Pa Pong (with the vowel "aa" like in "last"--it means "mom." And "pa" is the vowell like in "ball." It's kind of a term of endearment here in Thailand, you call people either "Phii" or "Pee" if their older than you, but if they're a close friend but not family, you can call them "maa" or "pa", or sometimes uncle or aunt. Anyway, Pong and Noi are Maa and Pa for us) have been changed by the gospel. We saw them 2 days before their interview, and taught them how to pay tithing. Noi looked up at us all the sudden and said, "I get it now!" We were a little surprised, and she went on to explain how she bought a lottery ticket about a month ago, and won the lottery (like 1,000 baht), which she has never done in her whole life. But she had lost it since then, and has not been able to find it. She says usually she finds things so quickly and can remember, but cannot find the ticket anywhere! She then said, "I get it now. This is not what we pay tithing off of, this is not something I should be doing. I'm not even mad I lost it! I understand now! Oh...I get it now. I'm not supposed to find that ticket, and I don't want to. I'm not even mad." Hahaha, I love that woman. She is very headstrong, very stubborn. She expressed to us the night of her interview how much this message has influenced her life. She is ready and willing to give everything...and so is Pong. Soon before they left, he looked at SIster Young and I and said, "We'll see you in Salt Lake in a year to go through the temple." AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Regardless of whether they go to SLC or Hong Kong, it doesn't matter. But they are determined and set on going. I LOVE THESE PEOPLE! We will be having their baptism this Sunday, in between sessions of conference. I can't wait! I will let you know how it goes next week.

I was lucky enough to eat with one of our investigators from Burma this week--it was her little boys 1st birthday (the picture is attached). We ate burmese food and it was delicious! I want to go to Burma someday...it is part of our mission, after all, but no missionaries there. I was also lucky enough to eat farang twice this week! I got a gourmet, monster cheeseburger at a farang restaurant here with a big brownie sundae (very healthy, I know)....for a total of $5. I'm serious, this was like deluxe food for in the states. I love Thailand. And Elder Hardcastle? I even had the priviledge of eating a chicken cordon bleu in honor of you and your birthday on Saturday, with an ice cream sundae. You don't have to thank me. Ha, we really don't eat farang that often...just twice this week! So good. Rand, I'll do my best to find some recipes for thos foods! I'll ask Maa Noi next time I see her. Thanks!

So, this is just a shout out to anyone who may be sending things in the mail. Passalong cards/pictures of temples in Utah (or the US) would be really nice. I really want to push temples with our investigators, but we've only got picts of Phillipines and Hong Kong temples. People particularly love the SLC temple, but any of them would be great. If you happen to be at the distribution center and see some, a few would be great. Thank you so much!

I've been blessed this past week to really see the work I'm a part of from a bird's eye view. It has been a miraculous thing to see! I know that I am representative for Jesus Christ. I know that He is the head of this work, and that He has long since been working with these people before me. I notice it with every new investigator we meet with. Heavenly Father always makes Himeself known in their lives before they meet with us, and that little experience helps prompt them to agree to meet with us. Through those experiences from Heavenly Father, they are prepared to accept and embrace this message. I love the changes that living the gospel brings to people....particularly the people of Thailand. Even just sitting here in this computer cafe, with a Thai man sitting next to me talking so loudly and playing pointless internet games....or random people I see riding motorcylces all around me...I just want to get on the tallest building in Chiang Mai and start yelling the good news! If only I could be Samuel the Lamanite! It amazes me how universal the gospel is, yet how personal it is. I know that this will bless the lives of others, because it has blessed my own life. I try my best (I am no where near perfect) to apply it in my life everyday as a missionary. There are nights that I don't think I'm going to be able to get out of bed the next morning. But each and every day a miracle occurs, and I get out of bed! I just know that Heavenly Father is aware of me, and each of you. I feel His love every day, and the way I feel it is through prayer. If you question anything I'm saying, go kneel down and pray from your heart. You'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

Jac Jac, I finally had the opportunity to listen to your homecoming talk today. (It's on a CD and doesn't play in normal players, but we were able to listen at the church today) Long story short...thank you for serving so faithfully, and being a pure and stellar example of living the gospel. I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was brought to tears throughout the whole talk, it make me realize how much I miss you! AND....Olivia is walking?!? WHAT?!?!?! Oh my heck, it doesn't feel like I've been gone long until I hear things like this. CRAZY! How are the pregnant sisters doing? I hope you're feeling well.

Ok, I hope you're all doing well! I love you all so much. Remember to live what you know--people are always watching whether you believe it or not. Oh, and real quick--whoever sees Elder Hardcastle before me (aka all of you) give him a BIG hug from me!! It'll be a while before I can myself. :) I love you all! Make it a great week.

Love,

Sister Naegle

Halfway Through Moves?

I'm not really sure where time goes, but it is FLYING by. I can't believe this moves is more than halfway over, I feel like it just started. And sadly, Sister Young's time is winding down....AH! I can't imagine having another companion, but I know whoever it is, it will be for the best. I am so grateful to her and everything she's taught me. I know I haven't been the easiest companion to get along with, but she's so patient. I am so grateful to her!

Last week for Preparation Day we went to Pong and Noy's house to learn how to make Thai food, I can't remember if I mentioned that or not. It was soooooooo delicious, and we basically made it all! She took us to the da-lod (not sure how to spell in English...) which is like the market, and we bought all the food for what we wanted to make. We made sweet and sour chicken, suki-hang, cashew chicken, chicken curry.....IT WAS DELICIOUS, needless to say. I attached some pictures of it, hopefully you can see her sweet outdoor kitchen! Her house is amazing, I want to just live there with her and help her cook all day. I love that woman so much. Anyway, it was a very fun day.

Happy Birthday to Randy yesterday! I hope it was a great day!!!!! And Miss Brynn, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I am so grateful to have you in my life. Every time I think of you, I just have to smile...you are so funny! Thank you for being such a sweet girl and helping your family so much. And last but not least...Elder Hardcastle, You are officially 21 this week. How does it feel?!?! You're an old geezer now...Love you, and hope you're pushing harder than ever these last weeks of your mission. Give everything.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

This week has been great....we are seeing miracles left and right! I can't believe the people we are teaching, and how prepared they are by Heavenly Father. I love seeing people change their perspectives and their lives. I haven't experienced anything much better. Here's a great story....On Saturday we taught a family that we've been teaching for a couple of weeks now (the dad is the one I contacted a couple weeks ago, and they showed up to church the next day--he has the cute wife and two little girls). The mother, Naam, told us yesterday, that she really feels she should give up Sunday to the Lord. She said, "We work 6 days, I don't think Sunday is too much to give!" And no, we haven't said anything about keeping the Sabbath day holy. So, yesterday at church, we were disappointed after Sacrament meeting because this family didn't show .We went to the investigator Sunday school class, and just 2 minutes later the whole family walked in! We hurried and ushered the little girls off to Primary, and the parents came in with us. Afterwards, the Dechaa went with the Elders, and Naam came with us to Relief Society. The question was opened in the lesson, "How has service impacted you or your family?" A few members stood and shared their testimonies, and the last was the sweetest member. She shared the most humble, genuine testimony, which brought many to tears--including our investigators! Naam started bawling....a quiet, but very intense cry. She stood and gained her composure, and said something like, "I am so grateful for these Sisters that have come to my home and shared their message with me. I remember when my husband came home one day a few weeks ago and said, 'Oh, by the way, a couple of farangs are coming to talk to us at home sometime,' I know that our family has been blessed since they've come to our home. I have seen changes! I told my husband today that I think we should permanently quit working on Sunday so we can come to church and give this day to the Lord. He said, 'Whatever you'd like to do.' I am so grateful to be here." WOW!!!!!!!!!! My investigator next to me was crying, Thum (Toom) across the isle was crying, and Naam behind me was crying. What the heck was happening?! I whipped my tissues out of my bag and handed 'em out, I didn't know what else to do. :) Haha, it was so great. At the end of the meeting, as the introduction to the closing hymn started, I leaned over to Ying (my investigator next to me) and asked, "How are you feeling right now?" She paused, and said, "Warm," pointing to her chest. I smiled, and said, "Ying, I think that's the Holy Ghost telling you that this is true." She just started to cry and couldn't sing the entire song. I know this this message changes lives. I know that I am part of a work that cannot be stopped. I know that when I rely on Heavenly Father, He makes more of my words, my actions, my everything than i ever could. I am so grateful to be a missionary!

Also--Noy showed up to church yesterday and said, "I don't have a headache!!" She's been in the process of no drinking coffee, and has had a headache the past week. We even bought her some hot chocolate to help her overcome the coffee (shoe loves hot chocolate). They will be interviewing this week, and baptized next Sunday!! We are SO excited. This couple will be an incredible strength to the Branch in Chiang Mai. They've even switched their selling schedule around so they can consistently make it to church. Pong wanted to interview on Thursday--I was confused at first, because that's their busiest day of the week! But he soon explained, "We need to make this a sacrifice, and give our best to the Lord." Man, so great. I love this couple.

That's really all I've got for this week...I am so grateful to be here in Thailand. I know that miracles come after the trial of our faith. If we want something bad enough, and prove our dedication to Heavenly Father, He will provide a way. Faith has POWER. I am so grateful! I love you all, Make it a great week--nothing less. LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All My Love,

Sister Naegle

P.S. Alma 37:33-37........Prayer works. It will help the weakest of the weak. I know, because I see it happen here every single day, and I've experienced it for myself. Give your all to the Lord!

Record Heat?

I hear it's record heat in Utah. Right now in Chiang Mai...it probably feels like the hottest day of the year in Lake Powell, plus 90% humidity. Fully clothed. Yes, I love Thailand......It just gets better and better. I realized today that there is a certain smell that lingers in the air in Thailand. I'm not sure what it is, but there is certainly a smell. I never liked it much when I first came, but I have grown to love it. Thailand is just amazing! Mom, I'm trying to take lots of pictures for you, I promise!
This week we had the amazing privilege to hear from Elder Anthony Perkins, the Area President for Asia. He did a mission tour this past week, and he came this past Saturday with President Smith. We did a mission tour meeting with the missionaries Saturday morning, and then it was District Conference this weekend, as well. So we got to hear from him during the Sunday morning session! He is incredible. I even got an interview with President yesterday. He told me that Elder Perkins never once wrote down a note for all the meetings he did last week. He had mission tours with the different areas every day last week, plus the district conference this weekend. Every meeting, he just got up and held his scriptures in his hand and spoke. How incredible! Oh--quick side note. As soon as we saw President Smith and Saturday morning, he said to Sister Young and I, "Man I wish we could clone you two!" Haha, he's such a funny man. I thought he'd be much more quite than he is, but he's very to the point with all he does. I love that about him. I wish I had time to tell you all Elder Perkins and Pres Smith talked about, but there isn't much time! I know that we have leaders that are inspired from God. They did not choose to have the callings they do. I am so grateful for inspired men from God that have the ability to teach people to their needs. I learned so many inspiring things! I know that when we have a question in our hearts prior to meetings, God will answer--no matter how specific. I am so grateful.

Manda, I got the package! I saw some beautiful pictures of Miss Ashlyn, Brynn, Corrine, and Kallie, too! You all look so gorgeous! Thanks so much for tha tape and pictures, Manda. You're the best! Shelby is an amazing singer, by the way. I hope you have all had a chance to hear her. :) She'll be professional some day.

Dad, I saw and Italian man in the restaurant the other day, and I wished so badly I could talk to him! Ya know the only 2 things that came to mind? "Lasha me stare!" and "Stizito!" I figured that probably wouldn't go over too well...so we tried to communicate in English.

We were able to visit a member this past week who lives out in the boonies. We spent an hour or two helping him cut open coconut and shed it out (I have no idea how to explain that, haha. But the coconut sheddings you buy at the grocery store? Yes, I did that for quite some time. Don't take coconut for granted!) It was fun to just sit and chat with him, shedding coconut after coconut. I even got to drink coconut milk for the first time, which honestly isn't all that it's cracked up to be, haha. It was just raw from the the coconut. Anyway, fun little side fact.

We found out some things about our investigators, Phii (pronounced "pee") Thum (toom) has to wait a while for baptism, because of some things in her history. We are hopeful they will get worked out soon, and we're still working with her. But she's so positive and coming to all the meetings and progressing wonderfully! I swear nothing will keep her down, she's so sweet. This week we are working on getting a few people "weeded out," i know that sounds terrible. But there are some that are just not prepared. I need to exercise faith that God will help them in the future, because they're not progressing right now. We're out to find the elect, which is what President reminds us of! We are certainly finding them. We're seeing miracles left and right.

Uncle Rand--thank you for that picture! It was so hilarious, I started laughing so hard as soon as it opened. That's honestly a regular occurrence here in Thailand! It's insane!

Okay, I have to run. But I love you all so much, sorry this is so short! I will write more next week. Thank you for being who you are, everyone of you has helped me in so many ways. I love you! Make it a great week.........OH--and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you so much, and will be thinking about you all day on your birthday! :) I love you, Emmer! Thank you for being the person you are. You affect me so much, thousands of miles away, every single day. I love you!

Sister Naegle

P.S. "The great distinguishing feature that differentiates God's church from all other churches is that this church is built upon the rock of Christ, upon the principle of immediate and continuous revelation." --Elder Orson F. Whitney

AKA......don't fear about things you don't know! We have everything we need because we have a living prophet that guides and leads us. I love the gospel.

Yet another week...

I'm really not sure where time goes. It is so weird. Last Monday feels like yesterday, but an eternity ago. I don't think I'll ever get used to it! Mom, you asked how my weekend was...honestly? Weekends don't quite exist in missionary work, haha. Our weekends are the busiest time of the week, though, because most people are done with studies/work. It's usually slow on Monday/Tuesday, then starts to pick up and Friday, Sat, and Sunday are nuts. I get to Preparation Day ready for a little rest! Though Preparation Day we're out doing fun things, anyway, so it's not really rest. Oh well, we can rest when we're dead, right? Keep trudgin' on!

Yesterday was an incredible day. Last week I contacted a man with a somdaam shop on the street. President said we are able to contact the opposite gender now, and I noticed that we don't very often. I thought to myself, "What the heck? He probably won't understand me anyway..." So I started talking to him, found out he had a wife and 2 kids, and they were already Christian--there are actually a lot of christian churches here in northern Thailand, especially in the hill tribes. Anyway, I was able to get his number and a return appt! We went back to teach twice, once with just them, and another time with their 2 cute little girls. They are the cutest family...it makes me think of my siblings! He is this quiet, super nice, shy guy, and she basically can't stop talking. Haha. Anyway....THEY CAME TO CHURCH yesterday! I have set some goals to find families--that is the focus of my whole mission. After working hard and trying to put myself out there, I know Heavenly Father is blessing us. It's amazing to see. The little girls loved it, and are so excited to come back next week. They even took time away from selling (which never happens) in order to come to church. It was amazing! Plus we had quite a few at church yesterday.....18 people. 18 people! Heavenly Father is really blessing Sister Young and I in our efforts.

What is interesting to me is that I am not surprised by having these people at church. From hearing from Jac and Elder Hardcastle, I have been trained to "focus on the elect." That is precisely what I'm trying to do. When there are people prepared and ready to learn, we'll take 'em. Heavenly Father truly is working with these people long before me, or anyone else, and knows who will be prepared to receive His message. We will have a temple in Thailand before too long. In the words of my favorite missionary, "Be always grateful, but never satisfied."

We went to one of our investigators houses the other day, she's this cute little 13 yr old. She got up to get something and was walking like she was in total pain....she was walking like a duck. Haha, I asked her what was wrong, and she said she was late for school the other day and had to do 50 squats in front of the whole class. Hahahahaha, oh man. Apparently they can smack their students and stuff, too. Thailand is so funny. We passed a school the other day and we saw a row of students doing it in front of their class, while the whole class was chanting something at them. That'll boost their self-esteem! Ha.

Today for Preparation Day we are going to Pong and N>>ys to learn how to cook Thai food (these are my Thai parents, remember? They are so excited to meet my family). They speak English pretty well, and she teaches farangs all the time how to make different Thai dishes. We are super excited! Then tonight we'll take them, along with a few other investigators, to a member's house for FHE. It should be a fun night! We're excited,

I've been learning a lot about faith this week. At the beginning of the moves, I set some pretty lofty goals. Now that I had some things figured out on how missionary work goes, I wanted to really push myself/our companionship to see results. After I set those goals, I was studying on day in the book that Matt sent me....Liz got on her mission, and sent to Emmer in Italy, who sent it to Matt in Ecuador, and Matt just sent it to me last week. In that book it talks about goals, and the way we set goals/what we look for. I have learned this week that when we have goals, it is easier to endure trying situations because you know what you're looking for! In a way, we need to "prove ourselves" to Heavenly Father, showing Him that we're serious about what we want to achieve. We show we are willing to endure hard things to see miracles come to pass. SO--last Thursday was quite the day. Haha, I won't go into details due to time, but let's just say we were running all over, exhausted, nothing was working out...it was a hard day in the life of a missionary. But the miracle? All day I was praying in my heart, and thinking about my goals. I knew I needed to prove myself to Heavenly Father, and it was easier for me to get through that hard day. I was able to laugh my way through the day, because I knew Heavenly Father would hold His end of the bargain. I didn't stress! I pointed out funny things to Sister Young, and we were able to make it a funny day despite all it's ridiculousness.

I encourage everyone, everyone, to read a talk by Elder Scott, from the 2003 conference (I think it's spring, but I'm not sure) about faith. It has completely changed my perspective on faith. I used to think faith was this ambiguous, intangible energy that we all need to have in order to be saved. Ha, sounds silly, but that's really how I felt about it. I wanted it, and knew it was important, but didn't spend too much time trying to develop my faith in the Savior. This simple one liner from that talk has changed my entire outlook: "Faith is not illusion or magic, but a power rooted in eternal principles." Isn't that so profound? Faith is power! I have definitely witnessed that this past week, and hopefully will continue to do so. Faith is knowing that Heavenly Father has a plan worked out for each of His children. It is trusting in His plan for these people in Thailand, and knowing that He is behind this great work. It is welcoming any and all into the gospel of Jesus Christ, because we know how it has affected and changed ourselves. Faith is more vibrant, powerful, and tangible in my life than it has ever been....and I still have a looooong way to go. Haha, I'm nowhere near perfect, but I'm so grateful for the things I'm learning about myself and Heavenly Father. I know that I need to use my faith to prove myself to Heavenly Father. Faith is much more logical than I've ever given it credit for--it is expecting miracles from Heavenly Father, and working hard to achieve them. I love my mission.

I love you all so much! I know that this is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that the gospel was restored through a prophet Joseph Smith, and we have the power to be sealed as families for time and all eternity. I am so grateful for temples, and for the opportunity to tell people that they can be with their families FOREVER! This thought is so foreign to these people, and it has been knowledge for me since I was a kid. If you have a chance to go to the temple this week, GO. Just think of me for a split second while you're in there, and I'll be satisfied. :) It will almost be like I went through myself! :) Haha. I lvoe you all! I love what I'm learning, though I miss you ever single day. Keep praying and remembering who you are. Make it a GREAT week......

All My Love,

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