YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY

CONGRADULATIONS NANNA POOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!1111
I am so excited! Kee hee he hehe he I am smiling really big right now!

And... Happy Birthday to Brandon!! you're old....


Dear Family,
I must say that I am very happy to hear that you are receiving blessings at home. It's relieving to hear about some if these blessings. This work is not easy. And sometimes the effects of the work are hard to see, or slow in coming.

Right now is the hot season. Sometimes the air is so humid that sweat seems to protrude from my skin without any control. My arm sweats where I didn't even know it could. Sometimes It feels like I just came out of a steamy pool of stinky water and without drying off I put my church clothes on. That sounds pretty bad. But no worries, I make sure to shower twice a day. And a handkerchief helps a lot.

The branch here in Ayutthaya is tiny compared to Bangkhae. And though there are four missionaries here, our progress has been steady. Right now I am focusing the most on the ward members. Elder Manop doesn't like inviting at all, and will plan several other activities in order to avoid inviting. Because of this we have had the opportunity to work very closely with our branch members. I feel like if the Branch members are strong then they will spiritually and instinctively fellowship and find investigators. And, so very importantly, they will be happier. There's a hope that is brought from the gospel that is firm and true. If I could pick a song to be my banner so far in my mission, and probably for the rest of my mission, I would choose hymn number 135 My Redeemer Lives, written by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

I hope to carry this banner with humility and with a happy smile. Sometimes humility may seem like an attribute that can't be worn with a smile. But when we recognize our reliance on our savior and have him as our banner, forgetting ourselves then his love will shine in us and we can properly give him our gratitude, our service, and credit Him for our happiness. Then just like the Angel said to Nephi of old "Rejoice!" we can be happy.

There's two virtues that we talked about in zone conference that I would like to mention. The first is Integrity and the second is Patience. All I have to say is that Integrity is most important and patience is learned with hope and an eternal perspective.

I don't have a lot of time. I want to express my love for you all. You make me happy and excited to work harder. I pray for you as well as my investigators and I know that the Lord will bless you.

Love,
Elder Lilly