Dear family,
Yay I finally got the letters! I must say that not getting ANY mail for two weeks is no fun. I think there were two nights that week that our family crept into my dreams.
This week has been great! Our investigator Pawn set a date to get Baptised on the 6th of next month! She is excited to be clean and get the gift of the Holy Ghost. She's starting to tell all of her customers that she will be closing her Tailoring store on Sundays. She makes me laugh too because she is a women with a lot of attitude. But really she is all talk. She is a sweet lady. We also taught Id. As you might recall she was struggling with the faith of her past. I'm sure she felt like she was abandoning her ancestors by setting aside the traditions that she inherited. This week we taught her a special lesson. I felt good about this lesson in the planning process and was particularly excited to teach about it. The subject was Temples and Family History. I think that Id felt the Spirit in that lesson and she agreed to tryout obeying the Ten Commandments. AKA not worshiping images and giving offerings. If she follows through I am sure that she will get the spiritual witness that she is looking for.
So tomorrow is Moves day and surprisingly enough Elder Rovig who just came here last moves is going to be moving. That leaves me to lead the area for one more move period. I am very glad to stay. I am excited to see Pawn and hopefully many others on their Baptismal date. I hope that Pawn's conversion will help her crazy cool husband to start learning as well. One baptism should always lead to two!
Well, Happy late Birthday to Diana and Eli and Jennifer. Mikes Birthday is coming up too. Are we out of money yet? JK!! I hope Mike does something super sweet.
Thanks for all of the great letters. And happy mothers day (in Thailand).
Lots of Love!
-Elder Lilly
Aug 12, 2009
Aug 7, 2009
Yak dai Jotmai mak mak loey
Wane Gam!
It seems that my mailbox memory was full, or perhaps there was some other mischief involved, but I haven't gotten any mail in 2 weeks.
I am sad. I want to know how my family is doing.
Then I spent a lot of time trying to build a picture of how things are for us right now in Ayutthaya with only two Elders left when my computer was shutdown and my letter was lost. And now unfortunately I am out of time to explain anything other than I love you and I'm still alive. Elder Correa went back to Bangkok so now It's just Elder Rovig and I with a massive house and two proselyting areas to work with.
I can't wait to hear from you guys!
Love,
Elder Lilly
It seems that my mailbox memory was full, or perhaps there was some other mischief involved, but I haven't gotten any mail in 2 weeks.
I am sad. I want to know how my family is doing.
Then I spent a lot of time trying to build a picture of how things are for us right now in Ayutthaya with only two Elders left when my computer was shutdown and my letter was lost. And now unfortunately I am out of time to explain anything other than I love you and I'm still alive. Elder Correa went back to Bangkok so now It's just Elder Rovig and I with a massive house and two proselyting areas to work with.
I can't wait to hear from you guys!
Love,
Elder Lilly
Jul 29, 2009
hmm
Hello Family,
The Myldsmail server is down, so I went for the alternative.
I am doing well today. We spent the night in Lopburi in order to go to what we call the Monkey Temple. We had a good time playing with a temple full of monkeys. They crawled all over us. They picked stuff out of our hair. They especially liked to jump all over me.
I received a unexpected call from President Smith. He set up a special switch between Elder Correa and Elder McCoy. That very day we made the switch of and just like that Elder McCoy was gone. His progression was awesome. Now we welcome Elder Correa who was one of my pals from the MTC. I am curious how long he is going to be with us. We will have fun and use our time as effectively as possible.
I learned some interesting things about Preach my Gospel. I learned that the two parts of it's creation that took the most time and are considered extremely important are the creation of the missionary purpose and the creation of the baptismal commitment. And from this last zone conference that we enjoyed yesterday we will now use the exact words used in preach my Gospel in order to give the Baptismal commitment. The reason why I bring this up is because it is extremely important for the investigators that we have, particularly for Sister Pawn and Sister Id. They need to be committed to baptism. Then they need to figure out a goal as to when they could get baptized.
This zone conference they explained that the most important time in the entire day starts from the moment I wake up to when I get out of the house; because it is within that period of that my own testimony is strengthened and I receive strength and inspiration from the spirit. It is the time that I learn from God through the scriptures. Then as soon as I leave the house I then become the teacher and can lift other people through my testimony. Daily scripture study and personal revelation are going to be extremely important in the near future.
Here is a short summary of some of our investigators. Currently we are teaching some one named Win. He asked us when he could get Baptized. He has a lot of faith. But now he needs to find the strength and desire to quit smoking. Then there's Id who knows that she has received many blessings through faith and prayer, but, she needs faith enough to be able to go to church, to stop drinking coffee, and to no longer take part in her old faith and old traditions such as what we call GanWaiPhra. Which is to say, bowing/worshiping Idols. As she gains a witness of the truth of our message she said that she would be willing to obey.
It is not uncommon to meet people who accept all religions. There is a very common phrase that we hear a lot in Thailand which I believe is a misused quote from the King who said "all religions teach us to be good." Some people believe this and use it as an excuse to give little importance to religion. Others use this with their friends so that they will not make fun of them believing in Christ. The beliefs of the Buddhist religion and Thai culture lead people to be very lax about certain things in life. Their goal is to get away from suffering. Unfortunately so many people struggle with worldly things. Even many of the members have to make the choice to choose faith and rely on God or to choose what may seem like worldly security seeking to solve their money issues before they go to church or pay tithing. But surely we can take security in the covenants of God.
Well, I need to go already!!!
But I love you all!
Elder Lilly
missionary prep Tip #2: Study the scriptures every day, start to study Preach my Gospel and be familiar with the lessons.
The Myldsmail server is down, so I went for the alternative.
I am doing well today. We spent the night in Lopburi in order to go to what we call the Monkey Temple. We had a good time playing with a temple full of monkeys. They crawled all over us. They picked stuff out of our hair. They especially liked to jump all over me.
I received a unexpected call from President Smith. He set up a special switch between Elder Correa and Elder McCoy. That very day we made the switch of and just like that Elder McCoy was gone. His progression was awesome. Now we welcome Elder Correa who was one of my pals from the MTC. I am curious how long he is going to be with us. We will have fun and use our time as effectively as possible.
I learned some interesting things about Preach my Gospel. I learned that the two parts of it's creation that took the most time and are considered extremely important are the creation of the missionary purpose and the creation of the baptismal commitment. And from this last zone conference that we enjoyed yesterday we will now use the exact words used in preach my Gospel in order to give the Baptismal commitment. The reason why I bring this up is because it is extremely important for the investigators that we have, particularly for Sister Pawn and Sister Id. They need to be committed to baptism. Then they need to figure out a goal as to when they could get baptized.
This zone conference they explained that the most important time in the entire day starts from the moment I wake up to when I get out of the house; because it is within that period of that my own testimony is strengthened and I receive strength and inspiration from the spirit. It is the time that I learn from God through the scriptures. Then as soon as I leave the house I then become the teacher and can lift other people through my testimony. Daily scripture study and personal revelation are going to be extremely important in the near future.
Here is a short summary of some of our investigators. Currently we are teaching some one named Win. He asked us when he could get Baptized. He has a lot of faith. But now he needs to find the strength and desire to quit smoking. Then there's Id who knows that she has received many blessings through faith and prayer, but, she needs faith enough to be able to go to church, to stop drinking coffee, and to no longer take part in her old faith and old traditions such as what we call GanWaiPhra. Which is to say, bowing/worshiping Idols. As she gains a witness of the truth of our message she said that she would be willing to obey.
It is not uncommon to meet people who accept all religions. There is a very common phrase that we hear a lot in Thailand which I believe is a misused quote from the King who said "all religions teach us to be good." Some people believe this and use it as an excuse to give little importance to religion. Others use this with their friends so that they will not make fun of them believing in Christ. The beliefs of the Buddhist religion and Thai culture lead people to be very lax about certain things in life. Their goal is to get away from suffering. Unfortunately so many people struggle with worldly things. Even many of the members have to make the choice to choose faith and rely on God or to choose what may seem like worldly security seeking to solve their money issues before they go to church or pay tithing. But surely we can take security in the covenants of God.
Well, I need to go already!!!
But I love you all!
Elder Lilly
missionary prep Tip #2: Study the scriptures every day, start to study Preach my Gospel and be familiar with the lessons.
Jul 22, 2009
Awe yeah
To my beloved family,
As I viewed the pictures from Diana and Aaron's wedding and read about the adventures you have been enjoying as well as the blueberry bars (the best dessert ever) and the pizza (I hope I'm not too bias about Mom's amazing pizza) I just felt so happy that the Lord has blessed our family so much.
I feel great. Today I studied in the scriptures and learned some interesting new light on Moroni's promise found in Moroni chapter 10. One of the responsibilities that we have is to help the investigators that we have get a witness about the truthfulness of the word of god. That is a very important part of the conversion process.
I have increased the intensity of my work. What I've noticed is that I am the happiest when I work the hardest, especially when I want to work. But I don't think that It is just working diligently that helps me to be happy but it is also because I am starting to choose to be happy and to be the person I want to be much more. I am sure that the Lord calls us to a specific place at a specific time because He needs to utilize the talents/gifts that we have. Therefore it becomes important for us to envision the person that we are and the person that God wants us to become and to strive to enhance who we are already to become like God wants us to become. I hope that's not too confusing. I am sure that God loves who we are and wants us to be ourselves, not someone else. He also sees our potential. Although a mission is full of rules and guidelines whether we believe it or not, we can follow these rules and still be ourselves, and be on the path to fulfill our potential.
For those who are thinking about serving a mission and everyone else too: I would like to share just a few simple thoughts that I have about going on a mission. I feel like a mission is worth waiting to get married, waiting to enter a dream career, waiting to be a very very wealthy person. I feel like the Lord wants every young man to go on a mission, and nothing else is more important than what the Lord has in store for us. I feel like the blessings that come from serving a mission will effect your life greatly, now and in the eternities. And it will definitely effect the lives of our brothers too. If the Lord wants us to do it then we do it, and everything else will work out. When you are on a mission you don't even need to think about home, your future, money, school, or really anything other than missionary work. Just trust that a mission is the best thing that you could be doing with your time and the rest will fall into place. And It will. There is nothing better that we could do with our time at that time in our lives for sure (your future wife will love you for it too ;)
My mission has been a great blessing in my life already and I'm not even half way done with it!
Well, I am out of time. I would love to share some of the blessings that I have received thus far on my mission and give those who are preparing some tips. That will have to wait till next time. I'll just leave one tip for you: do something, at least one thing, to prepare for your mission each and everyday.
I love you and rejoice in your successes at home!
--Elder Lilly
P.S. Mike: When I get home we'll make some sweet shirts.
Aaron: thanks for the pictures, your advice is always appreciated from me.
Spencer: How long have you been wearing glasses?
Brandon: I saw your picture, you are huge. I can still crush you.
Mike and Spencer: You guys have always been examples to me.
Mom: Mike gave me the recipe, he's got your back
Family: Mom is happy when the house is clean. She told me. heh heh heh
Jennifer: I got your letter! thanks a ton! I hung your picture up over my desk.
Justin: You are a stud when you smile.
Kredits: Klubba
Koding: Klap Trap
Kolouring: Kink K.Rool
The end?....
As I viewed the pictures from Diana and Aaron's wedding and read about the adventures you have been enjoying as well as the blueberry bars (the best dessert ever) and the pizza (I hope I'm not too bias about Mom's amazing pizza) I just felt so happy that the Lord has blessed our family so much.
I feel great. Today I studied in the scriptures and learned some interesting new light on Moroni's promise found in Moroni chapter 10. One of the responsibilities that we have is to help the investigators that we have get a witness about the truthfulness of the word of god. That is a very important part of the conversion process.
I have increased the intensity of my work. What I've noticed is that I am the happiest when I work the hardest, especially when I want to work. But I don't think that It is just working diligently that helps me to be happy but it is also because I am starting to choose to be happy and to be the person I want to be much more. I am sure that the Lord calls us to a specific place at a specific time because He needs to utilize the talents/gifts that we have. Therefore it becomes important for us to envision the person that we are and the person that God wants us to become and to strive to enhance who we are already to become like God wants us to become. I hope that's not too confusing. I am sure that God loves who we are and wants us to be ourselves, not someone else. He also sees our potential. Although a mission is full of rules and guidelines whether we believe it or not, we can follow these rules and still be ourselves, and be on the path to fulfill our potential.
For those who are thinking about serving a mission and everyone else too: I would like to share just a few simple thoughts that I have about going on a mission. I feel like a mission is worth waiting to get married, waiting to enter a dream career, waiting to be a very very wealthy person. I feel like the Lord wants every young man to go on a mission, and nothing else is more important than what the Lord has in store for us. I feel like the blessings that come from serving a mission will effect your life greatly, now and in the eternities. And it will definitely effect the lives of our brothers too. If the Lord wants us to do it then we do it, and everything else will work out. When you are on a mission you don't even need to think about home, your future, money, school, or really anything other than missionary work. Just trust that a mission is the best thing that you could be doing with your time and the rest will fall into place. And It will. There is nothing better that we could do with our time at that time in our lives for sure (your future wife will love you for it too ;)
My mission has been a great blessing in my life already and I'm not even half way done with it!
Well, I am out of time. I would love to share some of the blessings that I have received thus far on my mission and give those who are preparing some tips. That will have to wait till next time. I'll just leave one tip for you: do something, at least one thing, to prepare for your mission each and everyday.
I love you and rejoice in your successes at home!
--Elder Lilly
P.S. Mike: When I get home we'll make some sweet shirts.
Aaron: thanks for the pictures, your advice is always appreciated from me.
Spencer: How long have you been wearing glasses?
Brandon: I saw your picture, you are huge. I can still crush you.
Mike and Spencer: You guys have always been examples to me.
Mom: Mike gave me the recipe, he's got your back
Family: Mom is happy when the house is clean. She told me. heh heh heh
Jennifer: I got your letter! thanks a ton! I hung your picture up over my desk.
Justin: You are a stud when you smile.
Kredits: Klubba
Koding: Klap Trap
Kolouring: Kink K.Rool
The end?....
Jul 15, 2009
Greetings again
Dear Family,
Well, the craziness of another move has come and gone and I'm not thinking about it anymore. But I suppose I should keep you all up to date. :P Elder Rowley is safely home. He called one of our investigators and sent her a few pictures. I haven't seen them yet but I'm sure his family is thrilled to have him back. Elder Willey moved to Phitsanulok ภิษนุโลก. And now Elder McCoy and I are companions in a Triplet along with Elder Rovig who just moved from Donmoeng. We have three generations indeed. Having two companions has been fun so far. It certainly made for an interesting planning session as we combined our two areas into one.
So, the responsibility of being a district leader is very interesting. I've had to make many decisions and quickly as well. I've been overcoming my inherited indecisiveness as well as my lack of concern for things that aren't really important (such as which broom to buy or when we should share the spiritual thought, before or after.) And although it's difficult for me, because I love to consider all of my options, I've been trying to make these decisions happily and smoothly. Probably one of my most important jobs as a district leader is to stay positive and happy. And amidst the flood of things coming, I'm working on it. I just know that If I stay humble and worthy that the lord is going to help me. I'm so sure of this that I can't help but to remember it!
I'm still waiting for the rice pudding recipe.
Elder and Sister Peterson are now going to the Ayutthaya Branch for church every Sunday. Last Sunday Sister Peterson gave a written testimony in Thai during church and Elder Peterson gave a full talk about tithing in English while I stood next to him and translated. That was my first time of doing translating for someone else. Elder and Sister Peterson are so great. They can't really understand Thai but their smiles and love makes them a great addition to our little branch.
It sounds like you guys had a great fourth of July, even though that was a while back. Summer seems like it has flown by, in truth, being summer hasn't made much of a difference for me anyway. Heh heh heh
Although something interesting has been going on here in Thailand. They are starting to close the schools down in fear of the Swine Flu. That's getting to be a big deal around here. There's a lot more kids hanging around the internet shops. I taught one of my investigators a good word in English, since she owns an internet shop--couch potato. She liked that.
Anyway, I got to go again. I send my Love to you all. And to you Diana, who is now alienized. The best of luck to you
Love,
Elder Lilly
Well, the craziness of another move has come and gone and I'm not thinking about it anymore. But I suppose I should keep you all up to date. :P Elder Rowley is safely home. He called one of our investigators and sent her a few pictures. I haven't seen them yet but I'm sure his family is thrilled to have him back. Elder Willey moved to Phitsanulok ภิษนุโลก. And now Elder McCoy and I are companions in a Triplet along with Elder Rovig who just moved from Donmoeng. We have three generations indeed. Having two companions has been fun so far. It certainly made for an interesting planning session as we combined our two areas into one.
So, the responsibility of being a district leader is very interesting. I've had to make many decisions and quickly as well. I've been overcoming my inherited indecisiveness as well as my lack of concern for things that aren't really important (such as which broom to buy or when we should share the spiritual thought, before or after.) And although it's difficult for me, because I love to consider all of my options, I've been trying to make these decisions happily and smoothly. Probably one of my most important jobs as a district leader is to stay positive and happy. And amidst the flood of things coming, I'm working on it. I just know that If I stay humble and worthy that the lord is going to help me. I'm so sure of this that I can't help but to remember it!
I'm still waiting for the rice pudding recipe.
Elder and Sister Peterson are now going to the Ayutthaya Branch for church every Sunday. Last Sunday Sister Peterson gave a written testimony in Thai during church and Elder Peterson gave a full talk about tithing in English while I stood next to him and translated. That was my first time of doing translating for someone else. Elder and Sister Peterson are so great. They can't really understand Thai but their smiles and love makes them a great addition to our little branch.
It sounds like you guys had a great fourth of July, even though that was a while back. Summer seems like it has flown by, in truth, being summer hasn't made much of a difference for me anyway. Heh heh heh
Although something interesting has been going on here in Thailand. They are starting to close the schools down in fear of the Swine Flu. That's getting to be a big deal around here. There's a lot more kids hanging around the internet shops. I taught one of my investigators a good word in English, since she owns an internet shop--couch potato. She liked that.
Anyway, I got to go again. I send my Love to you all. And to you Diana, who is now alienized. The best of luck to you
Love,
Elder Lilly
Jul 7, 2009
Ooohh (groan) I could use an Ibprofensmoofie
Hey Family....
Things have been pretty crazy out here. My companion Elder Rowley is officially gone and he will be flying home on Thursday. These last few days have been filled with going home preparation activities such as shopping, writing in journals, taking pictures, and packing. Which gave me some time to think, organize, and prepare.
Yesterday our stake had a massive sports day activity. We played various group games as well as soccer (of course), and Basketball. We played for more than half of the day in the open sun and heat. Naturally, we got roasted by the sun. My legs are on fire right now.
Then as we were amongst the fun and games I got a call from President Smith. He asked me to be the District leader in Ayuthaya. So, I'm going from junior companion to district leader. President Smith also asked me to pray about the great responsibility of being a district leader. So, this moves will be a lot of fun and full of new work and responsibility. I'm excited to become fit to the task.
Between sports and the phone call I also met a special friend from Bangkhae, brother Ban! He informed me that he turned his mission papers in about a month ago and he is likely to get his call rrrrrrrreeeeaallly soon. Like me, he wanted to go out of country. But if he does stay in country then I will see him here for sure. Also, he is crazy good at soccerball. Yeah, he was on my team. :D
With all the opportunities to go shopping I've been spotting out some things that would be great to send home that I have only resisted buying. I would love to give everyone something sweet but, well, I personally don't have any money. Sooo, I was wondering who would like me to buy them some gifts and if anyone was willing to donate to their own cause. Just about every time I go to a market I think, oh man, Spencer would love this, or, I wish Michael were here to see this, and even, I wonder what size would fit the girls the best. There are some Thai traditional style clothes (ones that you actually see people wearing) that are pretty much my favorite. We call them Sabaay pants because they are so sabaay. heh heh heh. There's also Mui Thai fighter get up and about any other thing that you can think of they have. The Sabaay pants that I was looking at were about 5$ each. The Mui Thai getup is more like 9$ each for the real stuff. Most watches and things of that nature are about 3$ The more expensive ones are 6$ to 9$. I was looking at a guitar for 60$, it was a beauty too. But you know, that's all the worldly un important stuff. :)
For my last thoughts I want to share a little experience I had while I was kneeling down and saying my nightly prayers. I started out asking for blessings for our family but I felt like I needed to pray for everybody by name. As I did so, I asked for specific blessings for everyone and even though I don't know exactly what is going on at home I felt like what I asked for is what you guys needed. I know that the Lord is in the details of our lives and he Loves us.
I'll talk to you all later, and we'll get to see who our new companions are.
I love you all!
-Elder Lilly
Things have been pretty crazy out here. My companion Elder Rowley is officially gone and he will be flying home on Thursday. These last few days have been filled with going home preparation activities such as shopping, writing in journals, taking pictures, and packing. Which gave me some time to think, organize, and prepare.
Yesterday our stake had a massive sports day activity. We played various group games as well as soccer (of course), and Basketball. We played for more than half of the day in the open sun and heat. Naturally, we got roasted by the sun. My legs are on fire right now.
Then as we were amongst the fun and games I got a call from President Smith. He asked me to be the District leader in Ayuthaya. So, I'm going from junior companion to district leader. President Smith also asked me to pray about the great responsibility of being a district leader. So, this moves will be a lot of fun and full of new work and responsibility. I'm excited to become fit to the task.
Between sports and the phone call I also met a special friend from Bangkhae, brother Ban! He informed me that he turned his mission papers in about a month ago and he is likely to get his call rrrrrrrreeeeaallly soon. Like me, he wanted to go out of country. But if he does stay in country then I will see him here for sure. Also, he is crazy good at soccerball. Yeah, he was on my team. :D
With all the opportunities to go shopping I've been spotting out some things that would be great to send home that I have only resisted buying. I would love to give everyone something sweet but, well, I personally don't have any money. Sooo, I was wondering who would like me to buy them some gifts and if anyone was willing to donate to their own cause. Just about every time I go to a market I think, oh man, Spencer would love this, or, I wish Michael were here to see this, and even, I wonder what size would fit the girls the best. There are some Thai traditional style clothes (ones that you actually see people wearing) that are pretty much my favorite. We call them Sabaay pants because they are so sabaay. heh heh heh. There's also Mui Thai fighter get up and about any other thing that you can think of they have. The Sabaay pants that I was looking at were about 5$ each. The Mui Thai getup is more like 9$ each for the real stuff. Most watches and things of that nature are about 3$ The more expensive ones are 6$ to 9$. I was looking at a guitar for 60$, it was a beauty too. But you know, that's all the worldly un important stuff. :)
For my last thoughts I want to share a little experience I had while I was kneeling down and saying my nightly prayers. I started out asking for blessings for our family but I felt like I needed to pray for everybody by name. As I did so, I asked for specific blessings for everyone and even though I don't know exactly what is going on at home I felt like what I asked for is what you guys needed. I know that the Lord is in the details of our lives and he Loves us.
I'll talk to you all later, and we'll get to see who our new companions are.
I love you all!
-Elder Lilly
Jul 1, 2009
Badikiria
Dear Family,
I just got back from another trip to Bangkok. As I was reading your letter about traveling to Colorado it wasn't very difficult to imagine the feeling of car sickness. We just got back from Pradu nam which has the giant indoor and street market. Elder Rowley just got a new suit fitted and it looks great. I'm excited for him. I found out that he is going to be designing and selling shirts and pants when he gets home. His Friend's dad is going to be supporting him and now he can get shirts and other things shipped from Thailand. If ever there were a "cool" missionary Elder Rowley would be him. He's got a good eye for that sort of thing.
Last Sunday was a bit strange. A lot of people are getting sick this season. We had about 17 people who usually come to church who didn't and about 4 less-active members who haven't come to church in a long time come back. Also, Elder Willey and I gave talks that Sunday and because of the lack of Priesthood holders us four missionaries blessed and passed the sacrament. Even though that Sunday was a bit abnormal I felt the Spirit strongly as I partook of the Sacrament.
Something interesting is going on in Utah at Elder Willey's house. One of the members from Thailand went and visited his parents and then after that I found out that Elder Hansen who just returned home last moves went and visited his family and now Elder McCoy's family is going to visit them and in a few more days Elder Rowley will be going home and he will go say hi as well. So that leaves you guys, when are you going to say hi?
Anyway, I'm still doing well and working hard. In a few days I'll get to meet President Smith for the first time. Yay!
I don't have much to say this week. I love you guys and I hope you are all working hard and staying happy. You are the best.
Love,
Elder Lilly
I just got back from another trip to Bangkok. As I was reading your letter about traveling to Colorado it wasn't very difficult to imagine the feeling of car sickness. We just got back from Pradu nam which has the giant indoor and street market. Elder Rowley just got a new suit fitted and it looks great. I'm excited for him. I found out that he is going to be designing and selling shirts and pants when he gets home. His Friend's dad is going to be supporting him and now he can get shirts and other things shipped from Thailand. If ever there were a "cool" missionary Elder Rowley would be him. He's got a good eye for that sort of thing.
Last Sunday was a bit strange. A lot of people are getting sick this season. We had about 17 people who usually come to church who didn't and about 4 less-active members who haven't come to church in a long time come back. Also, Elder Willey and I gave talks that Sunday and because of the lack of Priesthood holders us four missionaries blessed and passed the sacrament. Even though that Sunday was a bit abnormal I felt the Spirit strongly as I partook of the Sacrament.
Something interesting is going on in Utah at Elder Willey's house. One of the members from Thailand went and visited his parents and then after that I found out that Elder Hansen who just returned home last moves went and visited his family and now Elder McCoy's family is going to visit them and in a few more days Elder Rowley will be going home and he will go say hi as well. So that leaves you guys, when are you going to say hi?
Anyway, I'm still doing well and working hard. In a few days I'll get to meet President Smith for the first time. Yay!
I don't have much to say this week. I love you guys and I hope you are all working hard and staying happy. You are the best.
Love,
Elder Lilly
Jun 25, 2009
woot
Dear Family....
I am way excited for Diana and Aaron. The pictures turned out well (To Nanna: Props on the dress). All of the change that is occurring this season is very interesting to watch, I think. As missionaries we have a few "key-indicators" that we monitor to review and analyze our progress. Our motto for our mission goes something like this: Faith is the power, Obedience is the price, love is the motivation, the Spirit is the key, Preach my Gospel is the way, Christ is the reason. That motto holds true for missionaries. But as President Dodge was talking about members in God's church he considered what sort of Key-indicators God might have for members and what the motto for members might look like. So he changed the motto to be something like this: Faith is the power, obedience is the price, progression is the key, the spirit is the guide, exaltation is the reward. I like that. Progression is the key. And the general definition of progression is change right? Therefore change is something that we need to work with all of the time. And the keyest of key-indicators for us members is whether or not we are progressing.
We cannot compare ourselves to anyone else because how many talents we have is not important, only that we use the talents that we have and we are progressing. After we die, we will all have the opportunity to continue our path of progression until we become like Christ, but if we are not on the path then we cannot progress. I would challenge everyone to conscientiously seek to improve everyday and study the scriptures. Improving yourself is always an awesome use of time. I've talked to a lot of missionaries who wished that they didn't waste so much of their time playing computer/video games because they realize that they could have used that time doing something awesome to be a better person. I suppose when you know that playing games is against the rules and you understand how important obedience is to success then you start to desire greater things. I've seen a lot of missionaries who have made that change. But anyway, make sure you are progressing!!
These past few days have been crazy. I feel like a huge transition is occurring. I had my last interview with President Dodge before he goes home. He told me that the second half of your mission goes twice as fast as the first. He said that I have all of the tools and resources that I need to continue to be a great missionary thereafter. And then he asked me how I felt like I have changed so far. And he explained how he feels and has seen me change. I am grateful for his words. I learned a lot from the example of the Dodges. They took very good care of all of the missionaries, they could compare to our parents in the mission field. With mission Presidents like the Dodges missionary moms have no need to worry! I'm sure that the Smiths who are replacing the Dodges will be just as good. The mission is sure to take another big transition. President Dodge said that his first moves in the country was the easiest because he had to rely completely on the Lord for everything. But then after that his own thinking sometimes got in the way.
When I first got into Ayuthaya I taught a member who was struggling with some problems. We continued to talk to her and teach her whenever she had questions or concerns. Just recently that same member sat down and talked to one of our investigators and told her to pray and trust the lord. That investigator changed completely and now she has a lot of desire to learn and is excited to prove the promises and blesses of the Lord. Awesome.
So, I haven't the opportunity to make any of my style of cookies yet but I have made sure to spread brownies to all of the members. I gave some of my birthday cake to that investigator that I just mentioned. Also, when we had a big activity with the lopburi branch I suggested the Sock game to them. They really enjoyed it. Instead of putting all of the candy in the middle of the circle of people they made a place for rolling the dice and a place for eating the candy. Whenever they rolled doubles they would have to run over to the candy, put the socks on, and then go for it. And if adding the running wasn't hard enough, for the last bunch of candy they split into two groups. With two groups they were rolling doubles like crazy and switching people every few seconds. That was good fun. Then, each Tuesday we are doing activities at the church such as ping pong. I taught the people who came how to play Hiya. heh heh heh
I love you all!
Elder Lilly
I am way excited for Diana and Aaron. The pictures turned out well (To Nanna: Props on the dress). All of the change that is occurring this season is very interesting to watch, I think. As missionaries we have a few "key-indicators" that we monitor to review and analyze our progress. Our motto for our mission goes something like this: Faith is the power, Obedience is the price, love is the motivation, the Spirit is the key, Preach my Gospel is the way, Christ is the reason. That motto holds true for missionaries. But as President Dodge was talking about members in God's church he considered what sort of Key-indicators God might have for members and what the motto for members might look like. So he changed the motto to be something like this: Faith is the power, obedience is the price, progression is the key, the spirit is the guide, exaltation is the reward. I like that. Progression is the key. And the general definition of progression is change right? Therefore change is something that we need to work with all of the time. And the keyest of key-indicators for us members is whether or not we are progressing.
We cannot compare ourselves to anyone else because how many talents we have is not important, only that we use the talents that we have and we are progressing. After we die, we will all have the opportunity to continue our path of progression until we become like Christ, but if we are not on the path then we cannot progress. I would challenge everyone to conscientiously seek to improve everyday and study the scriptures. Improving yourself is always an awesome use of time. I've talked to a lot of missionaries who wished that they didn't waste so much of their time playing computer/video games because they realize that they could have used that time doing something awesome to be a better person. I suppose when you know that playing games is against the rules and you understand how important obedience is to success then you start to desire greater things. I've seen a lot of missionaries who have made that change. But anyway, make sure you are progressing!!
These past few days have been crazy. I feel like a huge transition is occurring. I had my last interview with President Dodge before he goes home. He told me that the second half of your mission goes twice as fast as the first. He said that I have all of the tools and resources that I need to continue to be a great missionary thereafter. And then he asked me how I felt like I have changed so far. And he explained how he feels and has seen me change. I am grateful for his words. I learned a lot from the example of the Dodges. They took very good care of all of the missionaries, they could compare to our parents in the mission field. With mission Presidents like the Dodges missionary moms have no need to worry! I'm sure that the Smiths who are replacing the Dodges will be just as good. The mission is sure to take another big transition. President Dodge said that his first moves in the country was the easiest because he had to rely completely on the Lord for everything. But then after that his own thinking sometimes got in the way.
When I first got into Ayuthaya I taught a member who was struggling with some problems. We continued to talk to her and teach her whenever she had questions or concerns. Just recently that same member sat down and talked to one of our investigators and told her to pray and trust the lord. That investigator changed completely and now she has a lot of desire to learn and is excited to prove the promises and blesses of the Lord. Awesome.
So, I haven't the opportunity to make any of my style of cookies yet but I have made sure to spread brownies to all of the members. I gave some of my birthday cake to that investigator that I just mentioned. Also, when we had a big activity with the lopburi branch I suggested the Sock game to them. They really enjoyed it. Instead of putting all of the candy in the middle of the circle of people they made a place for rolling the dice and a place for eating the candy. Whenever they rolled doubles they would have to run over to the candy, put the socks on, and then go for it. And if adding the running wasn't hard enough, for the last bunch of candy they split into two groups. With two groups they were rolling doubles like crazy and switching people every few seconds. That was good fun. Then, each Tuesday we are doing activities at the church such as ping pong. I taught the people who came how to play Hiya. heh heh heh
I love you all!
Elder Lilly
Jun 17, 2009
Happy Father's Day Dad!!!
Dear Family,
Sounds like you guys are going through some awesome experiences right now. I remember when I first went through the Temple. I love the feeling and spirit that is present so strongly there. I had the opportunity to take part in sealings at the MTC in Utah. I can imagine how special and perfect that is going to be for Diana and Aaron.
I thought Prom was probably the most stressful time of my entire life, I don't know why I got so stressed but I can only imagine how that would be preparing for a wedding. It's definitely way more stressful of an experience than it needs to be.
So I am doing well. Another week has passed by rather quickly. There are only twenty-somethin' more days until my companion goes home and I hit my One year mark of my mission. I am almost halfway done. There is a great likelihood that this next moves I will be the senior companion or something of that nature. That would throw just a little more craziness and need for blessings into my life.
Yesterday was a blast. There were two less-active members in our branch who came to church last week. We talked to them and asked them if there was anything that we could do for them and as it turns out there was. So we planned for this activity and yesterday we executed the plan. There were two massive dump truck loads of dirt poured onto the concrete in front of their wooden house. There is a certain lack of shovels and wheel barrels in our branch, or even in Thailand. Instead we had plastic shovel spade shaped baskets that we would load with dirt and then lift by the handles and carry over to the side of the house where we dumped the dirt. The point was to fill the area underneath the house full of dirt to get rid of the pool of filthy water that laid there which water was a nasty breeding pool for mosquitoes. About six branch members and us four Elders spent almost the entire day shoveling the dirt with these baskets. This morning after the alarm went off and my companion got out of bed the first thing that I heard was "Ouch!" Yup, we are pretty sore today.
I was wonder how Charles, Heather and their new baby was doing. Say hi to them for me will ya?
I love you guys and hope you all are doing well back home and having a blast.
-Love Elder Lilly
Sounds like you guys are going through some awesome experiences right now. I remember when I first went through the Temple. I love the feeling and spirit that is present so strongly there. I had the opportunity to take part in sealings at the MTC in Utah. I can imagine how special and perfect that is going to be for Diana and Aaron.
I thought Prom was probably the most stressful time of my entire life, I don't know why I got so stressed but I can only imagine how that would be preparing for a wedding. It's definitely way more stressful of an experience than it needs to be.
So I am doing well. Another week has passed by rather quickly. There are only twenty-somethin' more days until my companion goes home and I hit my One year mark of my mission. I am almost halfway done. There is a great likelihood that this next moves I will be the senior companion or something of that nature. That would throw just a little more craziness and need for blessings into my life.
Yesterday was a blast. There were two less-active members in our branch who came to church last week. We talked to them and asked them if there was anything that we could do for them and as it turns out there was. So we planned for this activity and yesterday we executed the plan. There were two massive dump truck loads of dirt poured onto the concrete in front of their wooden house. There is a certain lack of shovels and wheel barrels in our branch, or even in Thailand. Instead we had plastic shovel spade shaped baskets that we would load with dirt and then lift by the handles and carry over to the side of the house where we dumped the dirt. The point was to fill the area underneath the house full of dirt to get rid of the pool of filthy water that laid there which water was a nasty breeding pool for mosquitoes. About six branch members and us four Elders spent almost the entire day shoveling the dirt with these baskets. This morning after the alarm went off and my companion got out of bed the first thing that I heard was "Ouch!" Yup, we are pretty sore today.
I was wonder how Charles, Heather and their new baby was doing. Say hi to them for me will ya?
I love you guys and hope you all are doing well back home and having a blast.
-Love Elder Lilly
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