Dear Family,
Wow. I am very excited for Scott and Sue! Awesome.
This Saturday and Sunday we will be able to view conference. The main screen will be prepared with the Thai translation playing while us foreigners will get to wear headphones and enjoy conference in our native language. I am very excited. Elder Olinger somehow got a copy of the last conference and we have listened to almost all eight hours as we have traveled around in Taxis to zone meetings and such.
Mother mentioned that they talked about being a member missionary in conference. I must say that my understanding and my approach to being a member missionary has changed as I have become a full time missionary. Back home I hardly knew the missionaries. I was unfamiliar with the extent of all of their tasks and responsibilities. I didn't have a very good view of their influence on our ward. And especially here in Thailand where their are mostly branches that haven't yet grown into wards, I have come to learn of a missionaries role.
One of our jobs is to help train and establish the leadership in our branch. We work closely with the Branch President, honoring his requests and encouraging him to make goals. Together we coordinate the vision of our Branch.
Member Referrals are Gold. As I look at our branch it is easy to see that the majority of our members originally were introduced to the missionaries as member referrals, and they are mostly families too.
Teaching with members is one of our "key indicators." We try to have a member with us at each of our lessons. Having a friend and some one to help fellowship and answer questions is vitally important for our investigators.
We also have the opportunity to go and fellowship members, teach "referral lessons," and visit those who are struggling or less active. In this activity, namely helping less active members, I have found a lot of success. There are a lot of reasons/concerns that these people have that prevent them from coming to church. Many of them are simple. But in each of these cases I find that these people have stopped reading scriptures and praying regularly and personally/with a family. As I teach these people, many times I don't focus on church at all. I simply help them to recognize the strength that comes from reading and praying, and remind them of the power of the atonement of God and the feeling of joy, renewal, and love that come from obeying the commandments. As they commit to these tasks of reading and praying usually they end up coming to church on their own accord.
If feel like if everyone was being nourished and strengthened from service, powerful prayer, and studying and pondering the scriptures that everyone would start to be a missionary naturally. And usually it's the little things that make the biggest difference.
I know that when I get home I don't want to stop serving and sharing the gospel. And I think that I will be much more involved in helping friends to meet the missionaries, and to be right there with them when they do it.
Then there's always the power of bringing friends to church.
Missionary work is most efficient when the missionaries are the teachers and members are the finders.
I never really understood what exactly the missionaries were looking for as they asked for referrals from me. But I wouldn't suggest giving a referral of a friend that you have never talked to about the gospel before. The missionaries are looking for the "elect." For those who are interested and prepared to receive the Gospel.
Recently I have been memorizing and translating hymns. As it turns out there are a lot of awesome words in the hymns which are organized into the simplest form of sentences. And I can sing them! It's great.
There are 150 missionaries in Thailand, but the number will steadily reduce to about 130.
As we leave the house and especially as we set time apart for "inviting," we review our goals in prayer with our Father in Heaven and then we proceed to our intended destination, talking to everyone. Yes, we talk to everyone. Some people don't want to talk, usually these people get a hello and they don't care to respond, sometimes they don't even look at us. This would be the least amount that we say to people. Those who respond and especially those who are interested get a lot more than a hello.
well, I have to leave now. Congratulations to Scott, Sue, Fawn, Kevin, Dad, Justin, and everyone who I missed.
I love you all!
Elder Lilly
Apr 1, 2009
Dear Family,
Hooray for Suzanne! She has already experienced April fools in this baby business, it would only be fitting to have the baby around this time. :p
Sorry that MY letter is off so late, or perhaps so early in the morning of the next day (for you). Today we went out tiawing (exploring) a Buddhist wat (Temple). We also explored the king's palace a bit. It is the kind of place that you read about in books and see pictures of in postcards. There was quite an assortment of languages being spoken. I felt just a little bit out of place when Elder Blackhurst and I entered the Buddhist shrine and we sat down marveling at the enormous and intricate designs all over the walls while people were bowing and worshiping the Buddhist statues around us. We didn't stay in there for too long. I would love to come back with family and view it all together. Yet, the place is very dead to the spirit.
I would like to throw out a good Amen to brother Traasdahl. Especially about the deliciousness of naam doek and Thai fruit. And the waxy un-arroyness (undeliciousness) of Thai Khanoms (candy). Some Thai candy is squishy and green, then throw in some coconut butter juice with it and you've got slimy too. mmmhhmmm I'll have to get a picture of some sometime. (also I like brother Traasdahls spelling of gueteo. I never know how to spell these Thai words with the English Alphabet.)
As far as moves is concerned I am going to move soooon. But I haven't moved yet. I will move after the Thai water holiday on April 16.
Sorry for the shortness of this letter. I have noooo time. We might come and finish writing in the morning. I'll have to ponder about a birthday wish list. :D
Love you all,
Elder Lilly
P.S. Does Michael still rock the backboard?
Do ya?
Hooray for Suzanne! She has already experienced April fools in this baby business, it would only be fitting to have the baby around this time. :p
Sorry that MY letter is off so late, or perhaps so early in the morning of the next day (for you). Today we went out tiawing (exploring) a Buddhist wat (Temple). We also explored the king's palace a bit. It is the kind of place that you read about in books and see pictures of in postcards. There was quite an assortment of languages being spoken. I felt just a little bit out of place when Elder Blackhurst and I entered the Buddhist shrine and we sat down marveling at the enormous and intricate designs all over the walls while people were bowing and worshiping the Buddhist statues around us. We didn't stay in there for too long. I would love to come back with family and view it all together. Yet, the place is very dead to the spirit.
I would like to throw out a good Amen to brother Traasdahl. Especially about the deliciousness of naam doek and Thai fruit. And the waxy un-arroyness (undeliciousness) of Thai Khanoms (candy). Some Thai candy is squishy and green, then throw in some coconut butter juice with it and you've got slimy too. mmmhhmmm I'll have to get a picture of some sometime. (also I like brother Traasdahls spelling of gueteo. I never know how to spell these Thai words with the English Alphabet.)
As far as moves is concerned I am going to move soooon. But I haven't moved yet. I will move after the Thai water holiday on April 16.
Sorry for the shortness of this letter. I have noooo time. We might come and finish writing in the morning. I'll have to ponder about a birthday wish list. :D
Love you all,
Elder Lilly
P.S. Does Michael still rock the backboard?
Do ya?
Mar 25, 2009
I want to eat some American cake.
Dear Families,
I get packages only on 2 times per moves which 2 times are one week apart. Therefore you can calculate the exact two dates that those two times will be. The first time is always on the Thursday of moves meeting and the second time is the week after which is zone conference. Moves meeting is always on Thursday. Moves are about one and a half months long. This moves meeting is on April 16. (Next moves is May 28 then July 9 then August 20 etc.)
So I will get the package in another three weeks. But don't let this 2 times per 2 1/2 months discourage you from sending packages my way. I get them... eventually.
Last week I was disappointed as we went to a different internet shop which blocked us from viewing any pictures that were sent. I'm never going there again. But I can see them now. I have to agree that Justin's Batman cake looks
beautiful.
Also Spencer flying in the air is awesome. My companion said that his feet showing in the air might not be very good to show Thai people. My response was "He's flying!"
I have another challenge to bring to mind. This challenge is founded on the principal of sacrifice. Since the beginning of man, God has asked us to sacrifice to become more like the Savior. In our time we are asked to sacrifice a broken heart and a contrite spirit. But as sacrifice brings blessings and shows faith, we also have the opportunity to make special sacrifices. Just like the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's buried their swords as a testimony and a promise of their sacrifice, even their lives, so that they could be forgiven and become closer to Christ, we can also make special sacrifices (so long as they are congruent with the will of God) to receive special blessings. So the challenge is to prayerfully consider something that you will sacrifice (something that is holding you back from being more Christlike, obedience, maybe something that you like but would be better off to give up, maybe your time) and pick a blessing or a need in your life that will bring you closer to our savior and take this sacrifice in prayer and make a covenant with the Lord that you are willing to make this sacrifice and ask for these special blessings. As we make special sacrifices we will be blessed, even with what we ask for. Just don't ask astray :)
I was reading in my patriarchal blessing and considering some of the blessings that the lord has promised me according to my obedience and my faithful service. I think that sometimes it seems like we make such great sacrifices, yet really in the end we always get more than we give. I can promise that.
Anyway, that's me challenge.
Sounds like I'm going to come home to a whole new generation in the family. yaaay I'm excited!
As far as Thailand's economy/government is concerned there are two major rebellious groups the Red shirts and the yellow shirts. Setthakit yeh (The economy is terrible).
There's tons of Thai people who do nothing but work all day and hardly sleep at all. One of my investigators got really sick because he drives a Taxi all night with out any breaks and then he wakes up early and drives some more( but he's awesome and he's read in the Book of Mormon up to Alma 47 since I met him). There's not too many people who sell "things" because not very many people buy "things". Selling food is much more lucrative.
President Typ told me about being a true Thai person. He was explaining how about 70% of the people are satisfied with a sabbay life, a care free problem free life. These people aren't very willing to change. They are not looking to change and they take a long time to accept the Gospel. Then there the people who actually choose to do bad, to steal, who made the wrong choices in life. There are only a few from these people who are ready to accept the Gospel. But a true Thai person is the kind of person who will spend hours to carve a master peace just to share. The kind of person that chooses good and seeks good things, who knows all of their neighbors, the kind of people that are easy to love. These are the true Thai people. They are also the people who are seeking the Gospel.
I love the Thai people.
I also like how everybody has a motorcycle. I don't know why but it's fun.
I am so thankful for everybody's prayers on my behalf. This moves has been a real challenge and opportunity to grow and learn. It's been a huge test of patience as well. But I am really happy as I feel the spirit in the work.
I love you guys,
Elder Lilly
I get packages only on 2 times per moves which 2 times are one week apart. Therefore you can calculate the exact two dates that those two times will be. The first time is always on the Thursday of moves meeting and the second time is the week after which is zone conference. Moves meeting is always on Thursday. Moves are about one and a half months long. This moves meeting is on April 16. (Next moves is May 28 then July 9 then August 20 etc.)
So I will get the package in another three weeks. But don't let this 2 times per 2 1/2 months discourage you from sending packages my way. I get them... eventually.
Last week I was disappointed as we went to a different internet shop which blocked us from viewing any pictures that were sent. I'm never going there again. But I can see them now. I have to agree that Justin's Batman cake looks
beautiful.
Also Spencer flying in the air is awesome. My companion said that his feet showing in the air might not be very good to show Thai people. My response was "He's flying!"
I have another challenge to bring to mind. This challenge is founded on the principal of sacrifice. Since the beginning of man, God has asked us to sacrifice to become more like the Savior. In our time we are asked to sacrifice a broken heart and a contrite spirit. But as sacrifice brings blessings and shows faith, we also have the opportunity to make special sacrifices. Just like the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's buried their swords as a testimony and a promise of their sacrifice, even their lives, so that they could be forgiven and become closer to Christ, we can also make special sacrifices (so long as they are congruent with the will of God) to receive special blessings. So the challenge is to prayerfully consider something that you will sacrifice (something that is holding you back from being more Christlike, obedience, maybe something that you like but would be better off to give up, maybe your time) and pick a blessing or a need in your life that will bring you closer to our savior and take this sacrifice in prayer and make a covenant with the Lord that you are willing to make this sacrifice and ask for these special blessings. As we make special sacrifices we will be blessed, even with what we ask for. Just don't ask astray :)
I was reading in my patriarchal blessing and considering some of the blessings that the lord has promised me according to my obedience and my faithful service. I think that sometimes it seems like we make such great sacrifices, yet really in the end we always get more than we give. I can promise that.
Anyway, that's me challenge.
Sounds like I'm going to come home to a whole new generation in the family. yaaay I'm excited!
As far as Thailand's economy/government is concerned there are two major rebellious groups the Red shirts and the yellow shirts. Setthakit yeh (The economy is terrible).
There's tons of Thai people who do nothing but work all day and hardly sleep at all. One of my investigators got really sick because he drives a Taxi all night with out any breaks and then he wakes up early and drives some more( but he's awesome and he's read in the Book of Mormon up to Alma 47 since I met him). There's not too many people who sell "things" because not very many people buy "things". Selling food is much more lucrative.
President Typ told me about being a true Thai person. He was explaining how about 70% of the people are satisfied with a sabbay life, a care free problem free life. These people aren't very willing to change. They are not looking to change and they take a long time to accept the Gospel. Then there the people who actually choose to do bad, to steal, who made the wrong choices in life. There are only a few from these people who are ready to accept the Gospel. But a true Thai person is the kind of person who will spend hours to carve a master peace just to share. The kind of person that chooses good and seeks good things, who knows all of their neighbors, the kind of people that are easy to love. These are the true Thai people. They are also the people who are seeking the Gospel.
I love the Thai people.
I also like how everybody has a motorcycle. I don't know why but it's fun.
I am so thankful for everybody's prayers on my behalf. This moves has been a real challenge and opportunity to grow and learn. It's been a huge test of patience as well. But I am really happy as I feel the spirit in the work.
I love you guys,
Elder Lilly
Mar 17, 2009
Dear Family,
This past week was interesting. One day we had every single one of our appointments cancel at various points throughout the day so we ended up staying out in the fiery steam of Thailand's classic weather... Hot and Humid, and in an area that has very few reasons to go outside, so as you might imagine it wasn't a very conducive environment for missionary work. At the end of the day we visited a Burmese family in an apartment full of illegal residence. We seem to be running into a lot of Burmese people lately.
Right now I am trying to help my companion to have more confidence. He's a very smart and capable person, and he does well when he is comfortable. But he lacks confidence. And he struggles with the language. This week has been an interesting lesson for me as I try to find ways to help him and to progress forward in the work. I think that as long as we are working towards progression and repenting quickly of our mistakes that we will find success in the process. I've learned a lot about faith, charity and the Spirit.
I love in Chapter 4 of Preach My Gospel the activity that explains the feelings of the Spirit. I think there are times that we feel the Spirit strongly and we hold onto those times that we recognize that feeling, while perhaps other times we are impressed by the spirit without knowing the source of our impressions. As I learned, the feelings of comfort and joy also come from the spirit. I have felt a lot of joy and happiness in my life time. There has been plenty of times when I have been impressed by a scripture or I have felt encourage to repent or keep the commandments better. There have been lots of times where I have felt the need to humble myself and be more patient and submissive. These feelings all come from the Spirit too. After learning about this I feel like I have felt the promptings of the Spirit much more in my life than I ever realized before.
So I would like to ask which of Brother Trazdahl's dishes were his favorite? And are there any other meals he suggests? If you guys download the program that lets you type Thai script then I could type the actual names/spellings of these words. My key board is lovely equipped with script letters. Although in my experience with Thai food, there's a general flavor to the dish but no two cooks make one meal exactly the same. There's phadthay that is way sweet with some peanut sauce and shrimp and then theres the phadthay that is not sweet and it's loaded with sprouts.
Oh man I love gangmatsuman. I just recently tried khawbugapi. Mhhhmmm
Love you gtg
Elder Lilly
This past week was interesting. One day we had every single one of our appointments cancel at various points throughout the day so we ended up staying out in the fiery steam of Thailand's classic weather... Hot and Humid, and in an area that has very few reasons to go outside, so as you might imagine it wasn't a very conducive environment for missionary work. At the end of the day we visited a Burmese family in an apartment full of illegal residence. We seem to be running into a lot of Burmese people lately.
Right now I am trying to help my companion to have more confidence. He's a very smart and capable person, and he does well when he is comfortable. But he lacks confidence. And he struggles with the language. This week has been an interesting lesson for me as I try to find ways to help him and to progress forward in the work. I think that as long as we are working towards progression and repenting quickly of our mistakes that we will find success in the process. I've learned a lot about faith, charity and the Spirit.
I love in Chapter 4 of Preach My Gospel the activity that explains the feelings of the Spirit. I think there are times that we feel the Spirit strongly and we hold onto those times that we recognize that feeling, while perhaps other times we are impressed by the spirit without knowing the source of our impressions. As I learned, the feelings of comfort and joy also come from the spirit. I have felt a lot of joy and happiness in my life time. There has been plenty of times when I have been impressed by a scripture or I have felt encourage to repent or keep the commandments better. There have been lots of times where I have felt the need to humble myself and be more patient and submissive. These feelings all come from the Spirit too. After learning about this I feel like I have felt the promptings of the Spirit much more in my life than I ever realized before.
So I would like to ask which of Brother Trazdahl's dishes were his favorite? And are there any other meals he suggests? If you guys download the program that lets you type Thai script then I could type the actual names/spellings of these words. My key board is lovely equipped with script letters. Although in my experience with Thai food, there's a general flavor to the dish but no two cooks make one meal exactly the same. There's phadthay that is way sweet with some peanut sauce and shrimp and then theres the phadthay that is not sweet and it's loaded with sprouts.
Oh man I love gangmatsuman. I just recently tried khawbugapi. Mhhhmmm
Love you gtg
Elder Lilly
Mar 10, 2009
For your viewing pleasure... yes Crystal, it's here!
Dear Family,
Today I don't have a lot to say. Mostly because these pictures took so long to upload and manage and what not.
Today I want to talk about our vision of the future. Because, this week we were inspired by President Dodge to consider creating one. He asked us to prayerfully consider our vision for 25 years in the future, 5 years in the future, and the last day of our missions. This has been quite a productive activity for me. Where do I want to be, what do I want to become? I considered my potential. After careful consideration I then thought about what I can do now to fulfill my vision. I'm way excited!
God's plan for us and our purpose in life is to become like Him. God is the source of happiness. Happiness is a gift from God. Happiness is also a choice. The commandments are the way that we earn that gift and the way that we become more like God. Why then do we sometimes resist his commandments? The more we submit ourselves to His will the more access to his strength we have. Man's extremity is God's opportunity. If we are keeping the commandments then we can always choose to be happy.
So there's just a few thoughts.
I challenge everyone at home to consider their vision of the future. What do you want to become? How do you want to be? What do you want to be doing? Don't be weak in your vision. Be hopeful! Are we obeying enough to be blessed with more commandments and personal revelation?
We are Children of God! We have so much potential. Thailand has so much potential. So, remember, 25 years, 5 years and then 1 year or at the end of the school year. What are you going to do now to accomplish your vision? Stay on the path and review weekly.
Enjoy the Pictures,
Love,
Elder Lilly
P.S. Sorry I haven't sent more than E-mails for a while.
P.S.S I hope you are all reading and praying in personal time each day. I ask that a lot from my investigators. It has a powerful influence.
Today I don't have a lot to say. Mostly because these pictures took so long to upload and manage and what not.
Today I want to talk about our vision of the future. Because, this week we were inspired by President Dodge to consider creating one. He asked us to prayerfully consider our vision for 25 years in the future, 5 years in the future, and the last day of our missions. This has been quite a productive activity for me. Where do I want to be, what do I want to become? I considered my potential. After careful consideration I then thought about what I can do now to fulfill my vision. I'm way excited!
God's plan for us and our purpose in life is to become like Him. God is the source of happiness. Happiness is a gift from God. Happiness is also a choice. The commandments are the way that we earn that gift and the way that we become more like God. Why then do we sometimes resist his commandments? The more we submit ourselves to His will the more access to his strength we have. Man's extremity is God's opportunity. If we are keeping the commandments then we can always choose to be happy.
So there's just a few thoughts.
I challenge everyone at home to consider their vision of the future. What do you want to become? How do you want to be? What do you want to be doing? Don't be weak in your vision. Be hopeful! Are we obeying enough to be blessed with more commandments and personal revelation?
We are Children of God! We have so much potential. Thailand has so much potential. So, remember, 25 years, 5 years and then 1 year or at the end of the school year. What are you going to do now to accomplish your vision? Stay on the path and review weekly.
Enjoy the Pictures,
Love,
Elder Lilly
P.S. Sorry I haven't sent more than E-mails for a while.
P.S.S I hope you are all reading and praying in personal time each day. I ask that a lot from my investigators. It has a powerful influence.
Mar 4, 2009
The Road goes Ever On and On
Dear Mom and Dad,
I've had the opportunity to do a lot of studying about the gospel and other things. Mostly I try to prepare the lessons I am going to teach for the day but then after that I have some to read in the Scriptures and ponder about the many things that God has revealed to us. I love reading the articles from Elder Joseph F. Smith. Something I am really working on right now is making my prayers more simple and meaningful, asking for things that I need, and giving thanks throughout the day for the blessings that I received. I have seen the difference in the power and strength of prayers when they are expressed with deep thought and feelings and ended with trust and confidence in receiving an answer. And if we are innocent and pure and ask for that which is good then we do receive.
I want to express just a very small portion of the gratitude that I feel for you, Mom and Dad. I learned well from your examples. I've seen and felt how much you've sacrificed and how much more you are willing to sacrifice on my behalf. Thank you so much. I can't wait to raise my own family in a home of strength, security and prayer. Similar to the Sons of Helaman, I can not doubt that my parents knew it. I can't sufficiently express the slightest bit of what I feel. I will always cherish the time I have spent learning from you. In the here and now you can rest assured that you're influence on your Son has helped him to be happy and has led him to trust in God like you have trusted and to share these things with others. Happiness cannot be found without sacrifice. Oh then how great is the happiness that is found in the home.
This moves ends tomorrow and I will be moving onto my fourth moves here in Bangkhae. Elder Olinger and Elder Blackhurst will stay as well and we get to bid Elder Miles farewell as he moves on to be the Zone leader in another part of Thailand--we won't know where until tomorrow.
Therefore we also get to greet a new district leader and welcome him to the awesomeness of Bangkhae. I love this area. I still have work to do here.
Elder Olinger and I are doing well. I am told that Elder Olinger has changed a lot from the beginning of his mission. He struggles with communicating with people, specifically in the social aspect. It takes a lot of courage for him to open up and speak to strangers. He is a very intelligent person. He speaks Thai, french, English and Spanish. And he is very very good at using the scriptures in teaching. I am his first junior companion. Elder Miles was explaining how when he first became the senior companion he felt like he had just come in to Thailand for the first time again. Ouch.
I would like to mention that I have seen so many miracles happen on my mission so far. Not too long ago we dropped a lot of our investigators who weren't progressing and we felt weren't ready. The missionaries can only carry investigators so far. We are looking for those people who are willing to change and put trust in God, those people who have followed the promptings of the spirit and are prepared to receive his gospel. Anyone who can be persuaded into the Gospel can be persuaded out of it. They need a witness by the Spirit. We set out one week with a goal to find 15 new investigators. Then we prayed and worked and by the end of the week, and on the last day of the week we met that goal. Right now we have 14 investigators who have a goal to be baptized. I think as we prepare more and focus on every single one of these people with the same special attention that the Lord will give us more than this. And hopefully all of these people will make it up the rough step to baptism and onwards to the end.
Well, I'm out of time. This is an occurrence that is a little to familiar. ;)
Love,
Elder Lilly
I've had the opportunity to do a lot of studying about the gospel and other things. Mostly I try to prepare the lessons I am going to teach for the day but then after that I have some to read in the Scriptures and ponder about the many things that God has revealed to us. I love reading the articles from Elder Joseph F. Smith. Something I am really working on right now is making my prayers more simple and meaningful, asking for things that I need, and giving thanks throughout the day for the blessings that I received. I have seen the difference in the power and strength of prayers when they are expressed with deep thought and feelings and ended with trust and confidence in receiving an answer. And if we are innocent and pure and ask for that which is good then we do receive.
I want to express just a very small portion of the gratitude that I feel for you, Mom and Dad. I learned well from your examples. I've seen and felt how much you've sacrificed and how much more you are willing to sacrifice on my behalf. Thank you so much. I can't wait to raise my own family in a home of strength, security and prayer. Similar to the Sons of Helaman, I can not doubt that my parents knew it. I can't sufficiently express the slightest bit of what I feel. I will always cherish the time I have spent learning from you. In the here and now you can rest assured that you're influence on your Son has helped him to be happy and has led him to trust in God like you have trusted and to share these things with others. Happiness cannot be found without sacrifice. Oh then how great is the happiness that is found in the home.
This moves ends tomorrow and I will be moving onto my fourth moves here in Bangkhae. Elder Olinger and Elder Blackhurst will stay as well and we get to bid Elder Miles farewell as he moves on to be the Zone leader in another part of Thailand--we won't know where until tomorrow.
Therefore we also get to greet a new district leader and welcome him to the awesomeness of Bangkhae. I love this area. I still have work to do here.
Elder Olinger and I are doing well. I am told that Elder Olinger has changed a lot from the beginning of his mission. He struggles with communicating with people, specifically in the social aspect. It takes a lot of courage for him to open up and speak to strangers. He is a very intelligent person. He speaks Thai, french, English and Spanish. And he is very very good at using the scriptures in teaching. I am his first junior companion. Elder Miles was explaining how when he first became the senior companion he felt like he had just come in to Thailand for the first time again. Ouch.
I would like to mention that I have seen so many miracles happen on my mission so far. Not too long ago we dropped a lot of our investigators who weren't progressing and we felt weren't ready. The missionaries can only carry investigators so far. We are looking for those people who are willing to change and put trust in God, those people who have followed the promptings of the spirit and are prepared to receive his gospel. Anyone who can be persuaded into the Gospel can be persuaded out of it. They need a witness by the Spirit. We set out one week with a goal to find 15 new investigators. Then we prayed and worked and by the end of the week, and on the last day of the week we met that goal. Right now we have 14 investigators who have a goal to be baptized. I think as we prepare more and focus on every single one of these people with the same special attention that the Lord will give us more than this. And hopefully all of these people will make it up the rough step to baptism and onwards to the end.
Well, I'm out of time. This is an occurrence that is a little to familiar. ;)
Love,
Elder Lilly
Feb 26, 2009
Banburu
Dear Family,
Well this week has been a wee-bit stressful. I haven't had any time to write letters, or get a hair cut, or even e-mail. But I did get some pictures which I can send home. Yay! Unfortunately, it will be another week before I can even send it. But at least there's hope now.
Yesterday was the zone activity. We gathered at the edge of a massive jungle park. The variety of trees and vast greenery was astonishing. In the center and also further around the edges was a pool of water wherewith guests could come paddle-boat or fish. In actuality the field consisted of two parks. We took a Sky train in about half way down the first park and it still took a 10 minute journey to get to the field on the second half. The entirety of the Bangkok elders came in, both the East zone and the West. In the planning of this activity the Zone leaders asked us to give them the number we wanted for the soccer jerseys they were ordering. Therefore upon our arrival we had our Bangkok West zone jerseys waiting for us with our proper size and selected number. As the East zone jerseys were red and our West zone jerseys were white and black, we easily split the teams based on color. All in all the soccer, Frisbee, football activity at the park near Asoke met our good expectations. And, to make it better, the jerseys were designed based off of the Band of Brothers shirts that Elder Miles and I designed. :)
Then this last Saturday, the Bangkhae branch prepared a service project at one of the member's farms. We were well equipped with various machetes and harvesting blades. I personally chose a tool with a large shaft and a curved scythe-like blade at the end, the shape of which I had never seen before. We used these tools to slice down banana trees and various other trees and plants to clear a berm for the safe burning of the vast excess foliage. I particularly enjoyed cutting down the banana trees which were large and provided little resistance. My blade cut through it much like a light saber. Every once and a while I'd cut it down it to smaller pieces before abandoning it, just for fun. Then Brother Thanachode came in with an abnormally large chain saw which was about as big as he was and began clearing trees that had been there for over ten years. The activity was very tiring. Then as we were about to make our return home the young men went ahead and started the fire, which went a little bit out of control. After President Nopadone was finished yelling for us to go grab buckets of water and our mini forest fire was extinguished we found President Nopadone restarting the burning as if nothing happened and the last fire went smoothly. He's a very funny guy.
I'm glad to hear that the Family is doing well. I'm still alive. These last few weeks have been especially hard as I've been working with Elder Olinger and going through some ups and downs. Then Sister Naa had a miscarriage and her and brother Sang don't have any money. But right now they are doing okay. They came to church with just enough money to take a bus which just happens to go right by their house to the church and they had not enough money to return. They didn't tell anybody but they weren't sure how they were going to get home. Then Sang found 20 Baht on the ground and they made it home safely. The Lord provides a way.
Next week is moves meeting but I don't think that Elder Olinger or myself are moving. I'm glad that my Branch is so awesome. I Love the people sooooo much. It makes me think about how much I Love everybody back home!
I love you this much [-------------------------] (actual size)
Just kidding.
Much much more than you think I love you.
And much much more after that.
Love,
Elder Lilly
And to Braden and Jade: They grow weird plants that aren't in America and some that are such as carrots and corn, but mostly rice. And it's way hot out here. Way hot.
Well this week has been a wee-bit stressful. I haven't had any time to write letters, or get a hair cut, or even e-mail. But I did get some pictures which I can send home. Yay! Unfortunately, it will be another week before I can even send it. But at least there's hope now.
Yesterday was the zone activity. We gathered at the edge of a massive jungle park. The variety of trees and vast greenery was astonishing. In the center and also further around the edges was a pool of water wherewith guests could come paddle-boat or fish. In actuality the field consisted of two parks. We took a Sky train in about half way down the first park and it still took a 10 minute journey to get to the field on the second half. The entirety of the Bangkok elders came in, both the East zone and the West. In the planning of this activity the Zone leaders asked us to give them the number we wanted for the soccer jerseys they were ordering. Therefore upon our arrival we had our Bangkok West zone jerseys waiting for us with our proper size and selected number. As the East zone jerseys were red and our West zone jerseys were white and black, we easily split the teams based on color. All in all the soccer, Frisbee, football activity at the park near Asoke met our good expectations. And, to make it better, the jerseys were designed based off of the Band of Brothers shirts that Elder Miles and I designed. :)
Then this last Saturday, the Bangkhae branch prepared a service project at one of the member's farms. We were well equipped with various machetes and harvesting blades. I personally chose a tool with a large shaft and a curved scythe-like blade at the end, the shape of which I had never seen before. We used these tools to slice down banana trees and various other trees and plants to clear a berm for the safe burning of the vast excess foliage. I particularly enjoyed cutting down the banana trees which were large and provided little resistance. My blade cut through it much like a light saber. Every once and a while I'd cut it down it to smaller pieces before abandoning it, just for fun. Then Brother Thanachode came in with an abnormally large chain saw which was about as big as he was and began clearing trees that had been there for over ten years. The activity was very tiring. Then as we were about to make our return home the young men went ahead and started the fire, which went a little bit out of control. After President Nopadone was finished yelling for us to go grab buckets of water and our mini forest fire was extinguished we found President Nopadone restarting the burning as if nothing happened and the last fire went smoothly. He's a very funny guy.
I'm glad to hear that the Family is doing well. I'm still alive. These last few weeks have been especially hard as I've been working with Elder Olinger and going through some ups and downs. Then Sister Naa had a miscarriage and her and brother Sang don't have any money. But right now they are doing okay. They came to church with just enough money to take a bus which just happens to go right by their house to the church and they had not enough money to return. They didn't tell anybody but they weren't sure how they were going to get home. Then Sang found 20 Baht on the ground and they made it home safely. The Lord provides a way.
Next week is moves meeting but I don't think that Elder Olinger or myself are moving. I'm glad that my Branch is so awesome. I Love the people sooooo much. It makes me think about how much I Love everybody back home!
I love you this much [-------------------------] (actual size)
Just kidding.
Much much more than you think I love you.
And much much more after that.
Love,
Elder Lilly
And to Braden and Jade: They grow weird plants that aren't in America and some that are such as carrots and corn, but mostly rice. And it's way hot out here. Way hot.
Feb 18, 2009
D.C.D. A. That's a fun card game.
Dear Family,
Thank you for the awesome letters this week. I got a good kick out of Mom's description of the "Grand Debates" that occur when playing The Card Game. And thank you Crystal for the Pictures too! I still haven't sent any pictures. I'm working on it!
All four of us Elders here in Bangkhae made especially sure to celebrate Presidents day. For some unknown reason we all felt the special need to celebrate a holiday that none of us really celebrated before. We went to Swensens again (the American Ice Cream Company) and brought some ice Cream home. We also asked if we could get some American toothpick flags and to our surprise they agreed. So we went home that night eating American Ice Cream with American Flags in it. It's just too bad that we don't have enough time or money or resources to have a barbecue. mmmmmm
Something funny about Thai people is that they love corn. Corn is a dessert here. It almost reminds me of Nacho Libre except nothing else here is anything like Mexico. And I can't just make myself a quesadilla.
For Valentine's day they sold specially cooked corn next to their Buffet of roses. They also have Corn flavored Ice Cream, Corn and sea food Pizza, Corn flavored yogurt, and the Corn flakes boxes here take special care to advertise the made-from-real-corn-ness.
Dad could make a lot of Corny Jokes here.
In other news. Elder Olinger and I are teaching a Burmese family. Thailand is rich compared to Burma. They are a very humble and awesome family to teach. The dad's name is Soe-tint, the mother's name is Day and the daughter is called Alisa. Alisa is 8 years old (pah dii), understands Burmese and speaks/reads Thai. The dad Speaks Thai alright, English okay, and is fluent in Burmese. Therefore Soe-Tint talks to Alisa in Burmese and Alisa talks to him in Thai. Having Alisa there is great because She allows us to explain very clearly and in simple terms to the family without speaking down to anyone. She has already read up to 1 Nephi 15 in two weeks on her own and understood it all. Which is an example of how even a child can understand the Scriptures and The Gospel. We all can as long as our hearts are open. I get Adult teachers and other highly educated people who complain that they don't understand or that the translation is too direct from the English version. That is a very powerful testimony of the simple truths of the Gospel.
I don't remember if I had mentioned about the Zone shirts or not. Our zone leaders asked Elder Miles and I to come up with Ideas for Zone Shirts. I jumped on the opportunity and sketched out some designs. The theme was the Band of Brothers talk from Elder Wirthlin. Elder Miles and I combined Ideas and the Zone Leaders took the design to a shirt company and got the shirts made. The shirts cost about 3.00$ per person. They look pretty awesome. If you want a custom designed shirt Thailand is the place to do it. The most expensive part would be to ship shirts home.
Speaking of shipping, the next time you consider sending a package my way, it would be great if you could throw in a bundle of my hospital pens at home. American pens are much much higher quality than ones that are available here. I've been using my 2 UHS pens for the whole time so far. It's bound to run out soon!
It's time to go now. I'm still working hard and trying my best to study ways to improve my work and be more in tune to the Spirit. I hope you all are doing the same at home!
Love and Pray for you all,
Elder Lilly
Thank you for the awesome letters this week. I got a good kick out of Mom's description of the "Grand Debates" that occur when playing The Card Game. And thank you Crystal for the Pictures too! I still haven't sent any pictures. I'm working on it!
All four of us Elders here in Bangkhae made especially sure to celebrate Presidents day. For some unknown reason we all felt the special need to celebrate a holiday that none of us really celebrated before. We went to Swensens again (the American Ice Cream Company) and brought some ice Cream home. We also asked if we could get some American toothpick flags and to our surprise they agreed. So we went home that night eating American Ice Cream with American Flags in it. It's just too bad that we don't have enough time or money or resources to have a barbecue. mmmmmm
Something funny about Thai people is that they love corn. Corn is a dessert here. It almost reminds me of Nacho Libre except nothing else here is anything like Mexico. And I can't just make myself a quesadilla.
For Valentine's day they sold specially cooked corn next to their Buffet of roses. They also have Corn flavored Ice Cream, Corn and sea food Pizza, Corn flavored yogurt, and the Corn flakes boxes here take special care to advertise the made-from-real-corn-ness.
Dad could make a lot of Corny Jokes here.
In other news. Elder Olinger and I are teaching a Burmese family. Thailand is rich compared to Burma. They are a very humble and awesome family to teach. The dad's name is Soe-tint, the mother's name is Day and the daughter is called Alisa. Alisa is 8 years old (pah dii), understands Burmese and speaks/reads Thai. The dad Speaks Thai alright, English okay, and is fluent in Burmese. Therefore Soe-Tint talks to Alisa in Burmese and Alisa talks to him in Thai. Having Alisa there is great because She allows us to explain very clearly and in simple terms to the family without speaking down to anyone. She has already read up to 1 Nephi 15 in two weeks on her own and understood it all. Which is an example of how even a child can understand the Scriptures and The Gospel. We all can as long as our hearts are open. I get Adult teachers and other highly educated people who complain that they don't understand or that the translation is too direct from the English version. That is a very powerful testimony of the simple truths of the Gospel.
I don't remember if I had mentioned about the Zone shirts or not. Our zone leaders asked Elder Miles and I to come up with Ideas for Zone Shirts. I jumped on the opportunity and sketched out some designs. The theme was the Band of Brothers talk from Elder Wirthlin. Elder Miles and I combined Ideas and the Zone Leaders took the design to a shirt company and got the shirts made. The shirts cost about 3.00$ per person. They look pretty awesome. If you want a custom designed shirt Thailand is the place to do it. The most expensive part would be to ship shirts home.
Speaking of shipping, the next time you consider sending a package my way, it would be great if you could throw in a bundle of my hospital pens at home. American pens are much much higher quality than ones that are available here. I've been using my 2 UHS pens for the whole time so far. It's bound to run out soon!
It's time to go now. I'm still working hard and trying my best to study ways to improve my work and be more in tune to the Spirit. I hope you all are doing the same at home!
Love and Pray for you all,
Elder Lilly
Feb 11, 2009
Q And A Session
Dear Family,
Hello,
Some of my favorite Thai recipes include: Gaeng Madsuman (not sure if it's actually Thai or not), Phad gra phaw, Phad Thai, Khaw nio maa muang!
khaw man guy (that's pretty close to how you pronounce it), Gui diaw is good, Khaw moo daeng, then there's Naam doek, and soem tham...
The weather here is about like it normally is in Arizona. It's 90 degrees outside. Just throw in a lot of humidity and you've got the weather here right now. Right now is past the rainy season and before the fruit season and the hot season.
My shoes are holding up just fine.
I feel like what I know in the Thai language I know pretty well but I'm lacking a jungle load of vocabulary words. And I can always improve in everything else too, reading, writing, pronunciation... spelling. Spelling is particularly fun when you've got 40+ characters to choose from and a lot of them for the same consonant sounds too.
Yesterday was switch offs again. Elder Blackhurst and I switched off together again while President Dodge's assistance went with Elder Olinger and Elder Miles. On the particular occasion Elder Blackhurst and I went out inviting in a new area we hadn't gone to before and found a Golf Driving Range. There were some people sitting around the area so we went to check it out. We found a Thai guy who comes from Singapore and speaks English almost like a native. So we started talking to him in English while we were still in Thai speaking mode. It was really tough to express myself. It felt like I had been playing a violin for several hours and then suddenly switched to playing a guitar.
Weird.
As of now Sang and Naa are going through some really tough times. Sang started working on Sunday instead of going to church. And because He's out working Naa is stuck at home with no money or way to get to church. And because of this situation and because of several other temptations their financial and family relationship declined and they were forced to move. President Nopadone found there house and is taking care of them. The church can help provide for their temporal and spiritual needs. But before ye seek for riches seek ye for the Kingdom of God.
A lot of my old investigators we are discontinuing our efforts to meet them. I firmly believe that the Lord puts people that he has prepared into our path. I'm sure Satan puts people in our path as well. It's tempting to spend a lot of time helping those people that aren't progressing, really tempting. This is especially true because I know personally that what it is that I have to give them is exactly what they need. It takes a different kind of faith to stop teaching someone and to look for those who need the Gospel more because they are more prepared to receive it. That's about what our situation came down to.
So we went out looking for more. Right now we have a lot of interested people who we are going to go visit a second time and see if they are willing to learn further.
Also, my health is good.
Last week I had family home evening at President Nopadone's house again. It was such a good time, and the food was soooo gooood. President Nopadone has the best laugh ever. Then his wife Baa Bua, is such the plump cheerful mother who is always happy and you can just tell by looking at her that her cooking is good.
So, all in all things are going well right now. I think that I have progressed a lot in the work. I'm really just trying to invite people by loving them and explaining how I want to increase the truth that they already have and help them to be happy through what's made me happy in my life. I tell them how I feel about The Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it's been a blessing for my family. It's tempting to persuade people, especially now that I can speak and understand better than I could before. But that's not the way, and I can't really convert anyone anyway. I just carry the Mantle, and do my best.
Go forth with Faith!
Love,
Elder Lilly
Hello,
Some of my favorite Thai recipes include: Gaeng Madsuman (not sure if it's actually Thai or not), Phad gra phaw, Phad Thai, Khaw nio maa muang!
khaw man guy (that's pretty close to how you pronounce it), Gui diaw is good, Khaw moo daeng, then there's Naam doek, and soem tham...
The weather here is about like it normally is in Arizona. It's 90 degrees outside. Just throw in a lot of humidity and you've got the weather here right now. Right now is past the rainy season and before the fruit season and the hot season.
My shoes are holding up just fine.
I feel like what I know in the Thai language I know pretty well but I'm lacking a jungle load of vocabulary words. And I can always improve in everything else too, reading, writing, pronunciation... spelling. Spelling is particularly fun when you've got 40+ characters to choose from and a lot of them for the same consonant sounds too.
Yesterday was switch offs again. Elder Blackhurst and I switched off together again while President Dodge's assistance went with Elder Olinger and Elder Miles. On the particular occasion Elder Blackhurst and I went out inviting in a new area we hadn't gone to before and found a Golf Driving Range. There were some people sitting around the area so we went to check it out. We found a Thai guy who comes from Singapore and speaks English almost like a native. So we started talking to him in English while we were still in Thai speaking mode. It was really tough to express myself. It felt like I had been playing a violin for several hours and then suddenly switched to playing a guitar.
Weird.
As of now Sang and Naa are going through some really tough times. Sang started working on Sunday instead of going to church. And because He's out working Naa is stuck at home with no money or way to get to church. And because of this situation and because of several other temptations their financial and family relationship declined and they were forced to move. President Nopadone found there house and is taking care of them. The church can help provide for their temporal and spiritual needs. But before ye seek for riches seek ye for the Kingdom of God.
A lot of my old investigators we are discontinuing our efforts to meet them. I firmly believe that the Lord puts people that he has prepared into our path. I'm sure Satan puts people in our path as well. It's tempting to spend a lot of time helping those people that aren't progressing, really tempting. This is especially true because I know personally that what it is that I have to give them is exactly what they need. It takes a different kind of faith to stop teaching someone and to look for those who need the Gospel more because they are more prepared to receive it. That's about what our situation came down to.
So we went out looking for more. Right now we have a lot of interested people who we are going to go visit a second time and see if they are willing to learn further.
Also, my health is good.
Last week I had family home evening at President Nopadone's house again. It was such a good time, and the food was soooo gooood. President Nopadone has the best laugh ever. Then his wife Baa Bua, is such the plump cheerful mother who is always happy and you can just tell by looking at her that her cooking is good.
So, all in all things are going well right now. I think that I have progressed a lot in the work. I'm really just trying to invite people by loving them and explaining how I want to increase the truth that they already have and help them to be happy through what's made me happy in my life. I tell them how I feel about The Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it's been a blessing for my family. It's tempting to persuade people, especially now that I can speak and understand better than I could before. But that's not the way, and I can't really convert anyone anyway. I just carry the Mantle, and do my best.
Go forth with Faith!
Love,
Elder Lilly
Feb 4, 2009
Dear Familyyyyy,
It appears that nobody has any questions.
Now I can proceed.
Last week was Elder Olinger's Birthday. We are going to celebrate by going to McDonalds? Well, It's his birthday, and he wants to go. After that we'll have to get some ice cream, after all I never did celebrate my 6 month (out of my total mission) mark.
I need to give an appropriate shout out to our ward for sending a great Christmas package my way. THANKS!
This week I need to repent by reading over all of the rules again and seeing if there is anything I'm doing wrong or not doing. If I make sure that I'm being 100% obedient to all of the rules then I don't need to worry, I think. This week I had two days where almost every single appointment canceled. Specifically two days ago I had all of my appointments in the morning cancel and then I waited 45 minutes for one guy to return to his house and it turns out that this guy's heart was not open to the spirit at all. He told us that maybe one day when he was suffering more would he go read the Book of Mormon. Until, that day he's satisfied with his current situation. I think one thing I learned from that situation is that If they aren't open up to the message about God our Father then they don't move on. No amount of truth can open someones heart, but If their heart is already open then truth will pierce them to the soul and affect them profoundly. We truly are the gate keepers of our hearts.
I've had a lot of opportunities to be directed by the Spirit while being on the Lords errand. Yesterday I was out inviting on a street called Petgassim 114. We were going to leave the street to go teach a member family. In this situation I could have walked down to the main road and picked up a taxi, rode on a mini transporter truck to the main road and then used a bus, or kept inviting until a taxi came from the side street that I was on. So I stopped and thought about it. My companion was confused because he didn't understand the dilemma. For some reason I just felt like we needed to keep walking and inviting, even though we needed to leave. As I thought about walking back (the street wasn't that far away) I knew that I would regret my decision if I did. So we kept walking past another house where we saw a random guy and said hello (in Thai of course). He said that he was investigating the Christian religion and that he had a friend who was Christian. He didn't make an appointment with us, but he took our number and after that a Taxi came buy and we took off. I felt relieved as if I had done my part.
I've felt the promptings of the spirit on many occasions, as well as the presence of the spirit. Similar to when we testify of truth and we feel inside that what we are saying is true, many times when testifying in a lesson I will get that feeling. When the person who is hearing doesn't listen or open up then the feeling is different and it's easy to tell if they are opening up or not. And then If I am teaching and I don't feel how I know I should then I'm doing something wrong.
Time to go. I'm trying really heard to keep myself open and humble and submissive and motivated. So, I'm doing alright. If I wasn't trying really hard then, well, I wouldn't be so happy. For sure.
Love you all,
Especially you Mom and Dad.
Elder Lilly
It appears that nobody has any questions.
Now I can proceed.
Last week was Elder Olinger's Birthday. We are going to celebrate by going to McDonalds? Well, It's his birthday, and he wants to go. After that we'll have to get some ice cream, after all I never did celebrate my 6 month (out of my total mission) mark.
I need to give an appropriate shout out to our ward for sending a great Christmas package my way. THANKS!
This week I need to repent by reading over all of the rules again and seeing if there is anything I'm doing wrong or not doing. If I make sure that I'm being 100% obedient to all of the rules then I don't need to worry, I think. This week I had two days where almost every single appointment canceled. Specifically two days ago I had all of my appointments in the morning cancel and then I waited 45 minutes for one guy to return to his house and it turns out that this guy's heart was not open to the spirit at all. He told us that maybe one day when he was suffering more would he go read the Book of Mormon. Until, that day he's satisfied with his current situation. I think one thing I learned from that situation is that If they aren't open up to the message about God our Father then they don't move on. No amount of truth can open someones heart, but If their heart is already open then truth will pierce them to the soul and affect them profoundly. We truly are the gate keepers of our hearts.
I've had a lot of opportunities to be directed by the Spirit while being on the Lords errand. Yesterday I was out inviting on a street called Petgassim 114. We were going to leave the street to go teach a member family. In this situation I could have walked down to the main road and picked up a taxi, rode on a mini transporter truck to the main road and then used a bus, or kept inviting until a taxi came from the side street that I was on. So I stopped and thought about it. My companion was confused because he didn't understand the dilemma. For some reason I just felt like we needed to keep walking and inviting, even though we needed to leave. As I thought about walking back (the street wasn't that far away) I knew that I would regret my decision if I did. So we kept walking past another house where we saw a random guy and said hello (in Thai of course). He said that he was investigating the Christian religion and that he had a friend who was Christian. He didn't make an appointment with us, but he took our number and after that a Taxi came buy and we took off. I felt relieved as if I had done my part.
I've felt the promptings of the spirit on many occasions, as well as the presence of the spirit. Similar to when we testify of truth and we feel inside that what we are saying is true, many times when testifying in a lesson I will get that feeling. When the person who is hearing doesn't listen or open up then the feeling is different and it's easy to tell if they are opening up or not. And then If I am teaching and I don't feel how I know I should then I'm doing something wrong.
Time to go. I'm trying really heard to keep myself open and humble and submissive and motivated. So, I'm doing alright. If I wasn't trying really hard then, well, I wouldn't be so happy. For sure.
Love you all,
Especially you Mom and Dad.
Elder Lilly
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