Dear Family,
This Christmas was great! I'm glad I got to talk to you all. Talking to Spencer and Crystal was a bit tricky. I asked my companion to distract the taxi driver while I talked in Thai. It was good fun. When we arrived we boarded the boat, greeted all of the missionaries, and had an enjoyable Christmas cruise/feast. After stuffing our faces full of a Thai American mix of goodness, president dodge called for the White Elephant gift exchange. I had bought a huge blanket with lions, zebras, and elephants on it's face. It was better than downy soft too. Elder Ewing brought a large classic looking harmonica, Elder Blackhurst a sturdy dart board, and Elder Miles a mini air hockey board with batteries included. Gratefully the spirit of Christmas is giving. I ended up with an annoyance making stick. It had a string and a box attached to amplify the rope scratching noise that it makes when you twist it.
The ward Christmas party was Awesome! We, once again, had a great feast followed by the singing of Christmas hymns and reading the nativity. Then Santa came. We were organized in a big circle of chairs around the sacrament room. Then the leaders on a microphone announced the coming of Santa and Started a count down. "3... 2... 1..." (nothing). There was a pause and then the overflow divider burst open as a short fat Thai Santa with, a triangle white cotton beard which had a tiny hole in it for a mouth, and sun glasses bursts in with his arms in the air and stands there glorying in his awesome Santa power. To amplify the hilarity of the moment, it was brother Gunshot who is basically the Thai version of Dwight Shrewt from The Office. He speaks English and is always conspiring in his Shrewd little way. It was funny.
Unfortunately I'm out of time already, but, the baptism this Sunday was a success and Sang and Naa are going to be confirmed this Sunday. They are great people. I've really had an opportunity to exercise faith as I've set goals on my mission so far. So many times in the scriptures the prophets tell us that with faith we can do anything that is expedient in us. I realize that with the Lord we can do anything but what exactly is it that we must do? Then I'm reminded of Lehi the son of King Noah in comparison to the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's. The People of Limhi fought to defend themselves from imminent danger. With trust in the Lord they "fought like Dragons." But the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's also put their trust in the Lord and in prayer they let themselves be killed until a miracle of God converted more than were slain. And those who were slain were surely saved in the Kingdom of God. Both people chose their path and put their Trust in the Lord. As I'm learning more about the Lord I've been able to set my path or my goals, and put my trust in the Lord. I've seen Miracles happen. A mission is sooo tough, but the Lords work is the most important. I'm slowly getting a vision of how important it is, although I doubt I'll ever be able to comprehend in this life. But I love you all and pray for you. Keep progressing, and have a Happy New Year.
Elder Lilly
Dec 31, 2008
Dec 17, 2008
Email 12-16-08
Dear Family,
Hello! How's Christmas preparations coming along? I received an awesome package from Crystal that had a CD in it with Christmas music (and some other goods). Thank you Crystal! The two new missionaries brought a CD player and our house has some speakers. The mornings are now filled with awesome music that brings in the Spirit. Things are going well in Thailand. I was so excited to bring in the two new Elders and split the area. I think that this moves is going to be the best moves yet! The names of the two new Elders are Elder Miles and Elder Blackhurst. Elder Miles has been serving in Thailand for about a year already, mostly in the east where they speak Laotian. He is way skilled with a piano. Elder Blackhurst was a part of the Thai group under me. He is skilled at speaking Thai already. Bangkae is his first area. We split the area into east and west. Elder Ewing and I are on the west side. We still are teaching Sang and Nah who are getting baptized on the 28th this month. And they are doing awesome.
Elder Ewing and I have been utilizing our gift for singing by singing hymns to Taxi drivers and at other occasions. The power of music is quite amazing. I love the Christmas season for the time to remember the name of Christ and to rejoice in His life that he sacrificed for us. The importance of his birth and mission and the example of giving he set for us is what Christmas is all about. It sort of alarms me when I see people get distracted by Santa Clause. He's kind of become the distraction of Christmas.
But frosty always comes through. :p
A dragon is not measured by his strength but by his courage and loyalty... And by the heat of your flames!
This moves, because of the split, Elder Ewing and I have had a lot more time to go inviting. It's interesting. We bring people exactly what they need, exactly what they are looking for and don't even know it yet. Some people accept it miraculously. Others reject it completely. I believe that if every one truly had their hearts open they would all accept it.
Whats important for all of us is that we are progressing everyday. I pray that we all are continuing to progress. We all have reason to rejoice in Christ. And we are all part of an awesome family with a royal heritage. That's something I think the Thai people understand a lot deeper and easier than I do. Each of them seems to grasp onto the concept that we become Sons and Daughters of God and that we are all His children. Even though some of them are children in their knowledge of the gospel I still learn from them.
Have an awesome happy Christmas! I'm looking forward to the call from Home. I love you all!
Elder Lilly
Hello! How's Christmas preparations coming along? I received an awesome package from Crystal that had a CD in it with Christmas music (and some other goods). Thank you Crystal! The two new missionaries brought a CD player and our house has some speakers. The mornings are now filled with awesome music that brings in the Spirit. Things are going well in Thailand. I was so excited to bring in the two new Elders and split the area. I think that this moves is going to be the best moves yet! The names of the two new Elders are Elder Miles and Elder Blackhurst. Elder Miles has been serving in Thailand for about a year already, mostly in the east where they speak Laotian. He is way skilled with a piano. Elder Blackhurst was a part of the Thai group under me. He is skilled at speaking Thai already. Bangkae is his first area. We split the area into east and west. Elder Ewing and I are on the west side. We still are teaching Sang and Nah who are getting baptized on the 28th this month. And they are doing awesome.
Elder Ewing and I have been utilizing our gift for singing by singing hymns to Taxi drivers and at other occasions. The power of music is quite amazing. I love the Christmas season for the time to remember the name of Christ and to rejoice in His life that he sacrificed for us. The importance of his birth and mission and the example of giving he set for us is what Christmas is all about. It sort of alarms me when I see people get distracted by Santa Clause. He's kind of become the distraction of Christmas.
But frosty always comes through. :p
A dragon is not measured by his strength but by his courage and loyalty... And by the heat of your flames!
This moves, because of the split, Elder Ewing and I have had a lot more time to go inviting. It's interesting. We bring people exactly what they need, exactly what they are looking for and don't even know it yet. Some people accept it miraculously. Others reject it completely. I believe that if every one truly had their hearts open they would all accept it.
Whats important for all of us is that we are progressing everyday. I pray that we all are continuing to progress. We all have reason to rejoice in Christ. And we are all part of an awesome family with a royal heritage. That's something I think the Thai people understand a lot deeper and easier than I do. Each of them seems to grasp onto the concept that we become Sons and Daughters of God and that we are all His children. Even though some of them are children in their knowledge of the gospel I still learn from them.
Have an awesome happy Christmas! I'm looking forward to the call from Home. I love you all!
Elder Lilly
Dec 10, 2008
Email 12-10-08 Life in Thailand
Dear Family,
Tomorrow is the end of my first moves. We got a call from President Dodge a few days ago. At first he was just checking up on us and seeing how things were going before he gave us the real reason behind his call: he was thinking about splitting the Bangkhae area. Yesterday made it official, Elder Ewing and I are staying here in Bangkhae and we are getting another two Elders who will live in the same house as us. Today has been hectic. We rearranged the whole house, made a sleeping room and two study rooms set up a bunk bed and did a lot of cleaning to boot. Now we hardly have any time to write e-mails, go shopping and prepare to teach English class that we hold every Wednesday night. But, the house looks great. And we put up a mini Christmas tree. It looks sweeet. We've been spreading the Christmas spirit in Thailand. Most people don't really know much about Christmas so we sneakily use it as an opportunity to start a conversation and start teaching about Christ. Yes, we would love to come teach about Christmas at your home. :p Also, we've been helping the people in our ward learn some Christmas songs in English.
I will learn about when they will let us call home tomorrow. I'll let you guys know next week.
So, there is a fruit season and non-fruit season. Right now is not the fruit season. It's still hot outside during the day, and fruit does grow, it's just not the season for it. But even though the weather is still hot, many of the Thai people are freezing. Some of them are wearing scarfs and jackets. Some times it's really nice outside, other times I get a little cold. For the most part I'm comfortable. It's sabai sabai. There's some banana trees in my backyard that are just starting to turn yellow, but the mango tree in the front still doesn't have any fruit. I'd like to send some pictures but that will take a while. I haven't had any time to take pictures! This Moves isn't going to help any time soon. We are going to have to help integrate the new missionaries into the area as well as figure out the logistics of the split. Speaking of new missionaries, the fourteen of the missionaries behind me in the MTC just arrived today. Crazy.
During Switchoffs, where I switched with Elder Hunts, I was standing near a mall where we were meeting an investigator when I saw a random farang couple. I smiled and said hi and they asked me where I was from. "Gilbert--oh we have grand-kids in Gilbert!" (something like that) Then she wanted my house phone so that she could call. She and her husband were very nice. I didn't recognize them at all but I was wondering when she would call home. I'm glad she got to talk to you!
I'm looking forward to calling home. True happiness is found in service so spread the Christmas spirit!
Also if anyone has any personal stories about tithing or fasting that they would like to share, I would love to hear them.
Love,
Elder Lilly
Tomorrow is the end of my first moves. We got a call from President Dodge a few days ago. At first he was just checking up on us and seeing how things were going before he gave us the real reason behind his call: he was thinking about splitting the Bangkhae area. Yesterday made it official, Elder Ewing and I are staying here in Bangkhae and we are getting another two Elders who will live in the same house as us. Today has been hectic. We rearranged the whole house, made a sleeping room and two study rooms set up a bunk bed and did a lot of cleaning to boot. Now we hardly have any time to write e-mails, go shopping and prepare to teach English class that we hold every Wednesday night. But, the house looks great. And we put up a mini Christmas tree. It looks sweeet. We've been spreading the Christmas spirit in Thailand. Most people don't really know much about Christmas so we sneakily use it as an opportunity to start a conversation and start teaching about Christ. Yes, we would love to come teach about Christmas at your home. :p Also, we've been helping the people in our ward learn some Christmas songs in English.
I will learn about when they will let us call home tomorrow. I'll let you guys know next week.
So, there is a fruit season and non-fruit season. Right now is not the fruit season. It's still hot outside during the day, and fruit does grow, it's just not the season for it. But even though the weather is still hot, many of the Thai people are freezing. Some of them are wearing scarfs and jackets. Some times it's really nice outside, other times I get a little cold. For the most part I'm comfortable. It's sabai sabai. There's some banana trees in my backyard that are just starting to turn yellow, but the mango tree in the front still doesn't have any fruit. I'd like to send some pictures but that will take a while. I haven't had any time to take pictures! This Moves isn't going to help any time soon. We are going to have to help integrate the new missionaries into the area as well as figure out the logistics of the split. Speaking of new missionaries, the fourteen of the missionaries behind me in the MTC just arrived today. Crazy.
During Switchoffs, where I switched with Elder Hunts, I was standing near a mall where we were meeting an investigator when I saw a random farang couple. I smiled and said hi and they asked me where I was from. "Gilbert--oh we have grand-kids in Gilbert!" (something like that) Then she wanted my house phone so that she could call. She and her husband were very nice. I didn't recognize them at all but I was wondering when she would call home. I'm glad she got to talk to you!
I'm looking forward to calling home. True happiness is found in service so spread the Christmas spirit!
Also if anyone has any personal stories about tithing or fasting that they would like to share, I would love to hear them.
Love,
Elder Lilly
Dec 3, 2008
Email 12-02-08 Miracles and Thanksgiving
Dear Family,
This last week has been a very interesting experience. I haven't mentioned the names of the investigators who I have been referring to yet, mostly because It's kind of private, and because their names are unpronounceable in the English alphabet, but they all go by nicknames anyway so you'll never know!
Tawadchai (the one who had Tuberculosis) is completely healed, and he quit smoking (I think it's been about a week now since he stopped). He told us before he got the letter in the mail from the doctor that he felt great as if he were healed, and he was determined to stop smoking that day. He has been doing amazing ever since. And now he is helping us teach his 11 year old son. I got to watch his enthusiasm as he helped explain to Ode about Joseph Smith and Heavenly Father. Just yesterday we taught him the law of Tithing and he accepted that commitment after baptism gladly.
Then there's Sang and Naah, the couple who had read in the Book of Mormon everyday between the week of our first appointment and the second. When we saw them two days ago, Sang told us that since he started seeing us he decided that he should quit drinking Alcohol. He told us about the effort he made so far. It wasn't easy. We hadn't mentioned anything about the word of wisdom yet. I guess we'll do that next time. They are so great to visit each week. They committed to visiting with us three times a week to prepare them for baptism before the new year. I hope they make it!
Boy is an investigator that we have been seeing for a while now. We had no clue at all that he was a smoker. The member who we brought along for that lesson was a miracle. He is 40 years old but he looks like he is maybe 28 or 30. He actually quit smoking over several years before he was baptized. But he was a great testament of the Word of Wisdom and how it helped him be as awesome as he is now. Boy is 30 years old and he was amazed. He was set on quitting that night and seeing how long he could go before setting a goal to quit. But with the help of the Lord and his faith, and a lot of prayer, he hasn't gone back yet. Then we also taught him about the Law of Tithing and the blessings from sacrifice. He is excited as well. He asked us about our missions. We told him how the Apostles and the Prophet received revelation for where we should go and then we go and learn the language. He thought that that was the coolest thing.
All of the investigators who stay and progress are miracles.
As far as thanksgiving is concerned, I'm sure it wasn't nearly as awesome as back home. The experience was more of an eye opening perspective changing one. The house we went to was huge! It was really fancy and there was tons of extra from the 20 people who ate with us. I sat next to a man who makes a living buying Stuff for really cheap from all around the world, especially Thailand where he lives most often, and sells the stuff for 3000% on e-bay. His life is an adventure traveling from place to place all around the world, sometimes for business, mostly for vacation (he is really wealthy). He's been to all of the "best" places and sites. He's climbed mount Everest three times. He explained that he has The Life. All you have to do is find a wife who is adventurous and not mind spending time with family because you only see them maybe once or twice a year. He also said he divorced once. I just kinda listened and marveled while I stuffed my face full of good food. I would be content living in a room with only my family. It was quite a contrast from the lives of the investigators and people that I visit and live around each day. The thanksgiving meal was very good, but, it really didn't compare to the homemade cheese Burger that I sacrificed over.
To say the least it was interesting seeing what was important to him.
Well, I need to go. This week I am basically sick. I don't feel so good. But I'm getting better and I'm confident that I'll be back up and at full capacity in a day or two. Thailand has the best juice I have ever tasted before. And Elder Ewing and I made a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. The Ants here are evil. One of the missionaries who was returning home said in his last words "If you can't beat them, eat them." I tried the alternative... microwaving the ants until they go to the sides of the plate. Works like a charm.
And to answer Crystals Question about the weather. There are seasons here. Right now it's great Arizona weather but the Thai people are freezing. I'll finish talking about it later.
Love Elder Lilly
This last week has been a very interesting experience. I haven't mentioned the names of the investigators who I have been referring to yet, mostly because It's kind of private, and because their names are unpronounceable in the English alphabet, but they all go by nicknames anyway so you'll never know!
Tawadchai (the one who had Tuberculosis) is completely healed, and he quit smoking (I think it's been about a week now since he stopped). He told us before he got the letter in the mail from the doctor that he felt great as if he were healed, and he was determined to stop smoking that day. He has been doing amazing ever since. And now he is helping us teach his 11 year old son. I got to watch his enthusiasm as he helped explain to Ode about Joseph Smith and Heavenly Father. Just yesterday we taught him the law of Tithing and he accepted that commitment after baptism gladly.
Then there's Sang and Naah, the couple who had read in the Book of Mormon everyday between the week of our first appointment and the second. When we saw them two days ago, Sang told us that since he started seeing us he decided that he should quit drinking Alcohol. He told us about the effort he made so far. It wasn't easy. We hadn't mentioned anything about the word of wisdom yet. I guess we'll do that next time. They are so great to visit each week. They committed to visiting with us three times a week to prepare them for baptism before the new year. I hope they make it!
Boy is an investigator that we have been seeing for a while now. We had no clue at all that he was a smoker. The member who we brought along for that lesson was a miracle. He is 40 years old but he looks like he is maybe 28 or 30. He actually quit smoking over several years before he was baptized. But he was a great testament of the Word of Wisdom and how it helped him be as awesome as he is now. Boy is 30 years old and he was amazed. He was set on quitting that night and seeing how long he could go before setting a goal to quit. But with the help of the Lord and his faith, and a lot of prayer, he hasn't gone back yet. Then we also taught him about the Law of Tithing and the blessings from sacrifice. He is excited as well. He asked us about our missions. We told him how the Apostles and the Prophet received revelation for where we should go and then we go and learn the language. He thought that that was the coolest thing.
All of the investigators who stay and progress are miracles.
As far as thanksgiving is concerned, I'm sure it wasn't nearly as awesome as back home. The experience was more of an eye opening perspective changing one. The house we went to was huge! It was really fancy and there was tons of extra from the 20 people who ate with us. I sat next to a man who makes a living buying Stuff for really cheap from all around the world, especially Thailand where he lives most often, and sells the stuff for 3000% on e-bay. His life is an adventure traveling from place to place all around the world, sometimes for business, mostly for vacation (he is really wealthy). He's been to all of the "best" places and sites. He's climbed mount Everest three times. He explained that he has The Life. All you have to do is find a wife who is adventurous and not mind spending time with family because you only see them maybe once or twice a year. He also said he divorced once. I just kinda listened and marveled while I stuffed my face full of good food. I would be content living in a room with only my family. It was quite a contrast from the lives of the investigators and people that I visit and live around each day. The thanksgiving meal was very good, but, it really didn't compare to the homemade cheese Burger that I sacrificed over.
To say the least it was interesting seeing what was important to him.
Well, I need to go. This week I am basically sick. I don't feel so good. But I'm getting better and I'm confident that I'll be back up and at full capacity in a day or two. Thailand has the best juice I have ever tasted before. And Elder Ewing and I made a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. The Ants here are evil. One of the missionaries who was returning home said in his last words "If you can't beat them, eat them." I tried the alternative... microwaving the ants until they go to the sides of the plate. Works like a charm.
And to answer Crystals Question about the weather. There are seasons here. Right now it's great Arizona weather but the Thai people are freezing. I'll finish talking about it later.
Love Elder Lilly
Nov 26, 2008
Email 11-26-08 Comings and Goings
Dear Family,
Life is going well here in Thailand. We had a Zone meeting yesterday in Petchaburi. It was a great opportunity to assess how well we were doing and think of some ways to improve. We also had interviews with President Dodge. I was actually a bit excited to interview because when you measure progress then progress increases, and when you measure progress and report it then the rate of progress increases. We had another Zone meeting today except it was more of a Zone activity/get together and we all played some games. It was a good experience. The funny thing is that right now I would rather be studying. There's a lot to absorb and learn in the Gospel and I want to teach it the best I can. The more familiar with the scriptures and Preach my Gospel I am the better. Preach My Gospel is the way. It is truly an inspired book. And speaking of learning in the Gospel, this week we taught one of our investigators who is working on quitting smoking. He also has Tuberculosis. The Doctor suggested that he quit smoking after he was fully (not just partially) healed from TB because while he adjusts to quitting his body becomes weaker until it can heal. We already have taught him almost everything he needs to know before he is ready to be baptized. After we taught him this week he was manjai or in other words, he was ready to quit then! He wanted to fight fight! It was so awesome to see his spiritual strength. When I first saw him he could hardly walk and he had to wear a mask. Now he is up and kickin'. He can jog and ride a bike, he doesn't need a mask, and he wants to quit smoking. The Gospel has blessed his life so much. The power of healing and cleansing is one of the great blessings that we can witness before our eyes. There's another man who teaches the investigator/recent convert class at church who is a great example of the blessings of the Gospel. When the missionaries first started teaching him he was a drunkard, pretty lost in life. With only four years of schooling he had only a basic knowledge of reading and writing. Through the commitments to read the scriptures and pray for the spirit, he learned. His Spiritual appetite grew and he gained a desire to learn and feast upon the Words of Christ. His life has completely turned around for the better. He is happy. He is healthy. And as a bonus he is skilled too. He has helped Elder Ewing and I teach investigators a few times already and he was super grateful when I gave him a copy of the Liahona conference talks edition.
For Thanksgiving this week I'll be going to someones house and eating a sweet dinner. That's about all I know about it right now. There's an international ward in Thailand which is basically the source of the Thanksgiving festivities.
As far as the Earthquake goes... oh yeah, it was good. Eight scoops of delicious ice cream, all of my choice, and fudge. I ate it and was full to the brim. Elder Ewing ate it and almost exploded. It was a stretch of capacity for sure... kinda made focusing while we were buying food difficult. But it was worth it. The thing about Thai food is after a while I start craving something of substance... something meaty. A Cheese burger starts to sound reeeeal friendly. I can has Cheese burger? :D *cough* Anyway, last night we decided it was about time, so we bought all of the ingredients, breaded our own chicken and all until we had an awesome construction of complete American origin. Ohh yesss. Course that was after a little smoke fiasco as my companion learned the hard way that the oil doesn't need to be boiling for it to be REALLY hot. But it was, also, worth it all; really filled the spot, if you know what I mean.
As for other business, I checked up on the E-mailing rules and it looks like every E-mail needs to go through my parents E-mail address, and they will forward it to me. Likewise I will just E-mail my parent's address and they can then forward it to everyone else. Everyone can still contact me and I everyone only it will be through my parents first (loren.lilly@gmail.com).
The Judy Clan Thanksgiving reunion sounds like it is going to be awesome, I can't wait to get some pictures of it's greatness.
As it is thanksgiving somewhere in the world it's a good opportunity to remember how blessed all of our lives are. I am grateful for you Mom and Dad. I am grateful for The Spirit. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful that I can focus everything I have to serving God for two years. There's a lot of people who focus on trying to make enough to support their families. I am grateful for great friends and family who write me, for prayers. ...cheese burgers, carpet... :p
Love you all
Have a Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Birthday Spencer!
-Elder Lilly
Life is going well here in Thailand. We had a Zone meeting yesterday in Petchaburi. It was a great opportunity to assess how well we were doing and think of some ways to improve. We also had interviews with President Dodge. I was actually a bit excited to interview because when you measure progress then progress increases, and when you measure progress and report it then the rate of progress increases. We had another Zone meeting today except it was more of a Zone activity/get together and we all played some games. It was a good experience. The funny thing is that right now I would rather be studying. There's a lot to absorb and learn in the Gospel and I want to teach it the best I can. The more familiar with the scriptures and Preach my Gospel I am the better. Preach My Gospel is the way. It is truly an inspired book. And speaking of learning in the Gospel, this week we taught one of our investigators who is working on quitting smoking. He also has Tuberculosis. The Doctor suggested that he quit smoking after he was fully (not just partially) healed from TB because while he adjusts to quitting his body becomes weaker until it can heal. We already have taught him almost everything he needs to know before he is ready to be baptized. After we taught him this week he was manjai or in other words, he was ready to quit then! He wanted to fight fight! It was so awesome to see his spiritual strength. When I first saw him he could hardly walk and he had to wear a mask. Now he is up and kickin'. He can jog and ride a bike, he doesn't need a mask, and he wants to quit smoking. The Gospel has blessed his life so much. The power of healing and cleansing is one of the great blessings that we can witness before our eyes. There's another man who teaches the investigator/recent convert class at church who is a great example of the blessings of the Gospel. When the missionaries first started teaching him he was a drunkard, pretty lost in life. With only four years of schooling he had only a basic knowledge of reading and writing. Through the commitments to read the scriptures and pray for the spirit, he learned. His Spiritual appetite grew and he gained a desire to learn and feast upon the Words of Christ. His life has completely turned around for the better. He is happy. He is healthy. And as a bonus he is skilled too. He has helped Elder Ewing and I teach investigators a few times already and he was super grateful when I gave him a copy of the Liahona conference talks edition.
For Thanksgiving this week I'll be going to someones house and eating a sweet dinner. That's about all I know about it right now. There's an international ward in Thailand which is basically the source of the Thanksgiving festivities.
As far as the Earthquake goes... oh yeah, it was good. Eight scoops of delicious ice cream, all of my choice, and fudge. I ate it and was full to the brim. Elder Ewing ate it and almost exploded. It was a stretch of capacity for sure... kinda made focusing while we were buying food difficult. But it was worth it. The thing about Thai food is after a while I start craving something of substance... something meaty. A Cheese burger starts to sound reeeeal friendly. I can has Cheese burger? :D *cough* Anyway, last night we decided it was about time, so we bought all of the ingredients, breaded our own chicken and all until we had an awesome construction of complete American origin. Ohh yesss. Course that was after a little smoke fiasco as my companion learned the hard way that the oil doesn't need to be boiling for it to be REALLY hot. But it was, also, worth it all; really filled the spot, if you know what I mean.
As for other business, I checked up on the E-mailing rules and it looks like every E-mail needs to go through my parents E-mail address, and they will forward it to me. Likewise I will just E-mail my parent's address and they can then forward it to everyone else. Everyone can still contact me and I everyone only it will be through my parents first (loren.lilly@gmail.com).
The Judy Clan Thanksgiving reunion sounds like it is going to be awesome, I can't wait to get some pictures of it's greatness.
As it is thanksgiving somewhere in the world it's a good opportunity to remember how blessed all of our lives are. I am grateful for you Mom and Dad. I am grateful for The Spirit. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful that I can focus everything I have to serving God for two years. There's a lot of people who focus on trying to make enough to support their families. I am grateful for great friends and family who write me, for prayers. ...cheese burgers, carpet... :p
Love you all
Have a Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Birthday Spencer!
-Elder Lilly
Nov 18, 2008
Email 11-18-2008
Hello!
Today I am going to some sort of Ice Cream store to eat an Earthquake. Supposedly it feeds 8 Thai people. We are ordering two...
I don't like posting the number of Baptismal dates very much because the road to baptism is long and Hard. We try to visit each of our investigators about twice a week to help them continue to be committed and feel the spirit. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is important to the max. (that's how you would phrase it in Thai). Plus we give the baptismal commitment very early and they slowly learn more about it until they are ready. The most obvious thing that you find out about Thai people reeeally quickly is that they don't like to reject you politely. Meaning, they don't like to reject you nicely right in front of your face, instead they typically tell you they don't have ANY time or they will accept your invitation and then avoid you at all costs. Which fact gets really bad when they set up an appointment that they avoid when they live an hour away. That has only happened twice, (the same guy). That's not very typical however, usually they will say they are busy and cancel the appointment over and over again.
But I have to say that they do it because they don't want to reject you harshly or openly. There are so many awesome people here. Last night is a great example. We had taught an investigator only once before and left him and his wife a book of Mormon and a pamphlet. They didn't have a phone so the only way we could contact them was through a less active member who actually referred them to us. Calling her wasn't working out so we decided to drop in for a short visit and hopefully set another appointment. This was a week after our first appointment, a long time especially for only meeting once. So we dropped by and the first thing I noticed was the pamphlet open laying on the floor because they were just reading it. As we explained we were just dropping by for a short visit they told us it was fine and they were open. Then the Husband explained how he was on page 37 (in the book of Mormon) and that when he read about the Prophet being rejected and the people not listening to his words he cried. Woah, that's awesome. And then he and his wife talked about what they had read about with the vision of the tree of life and the fruit. Most investigators have trouble understanding the Scriptures with it's old style of writing. Needless to say the lesson went great and they told us that they believe and are going to church this Sunday for sure. And they are going to have a child soon. Wow.
As far as the language is concerned, it's been pretty tough trying to converse with people like I wanted too. My companion wasn't very good about letting me start a conversation. (I guess he forgets I'm still new sometimes) But I made a goal to always testify or at least contribute to every conversation. When we are sitting down talking about the gospel I do great. When they start talking about random other things it gets more difficult. Also we made a goal for me to invite at least five people a day. So, I'm doing it. The thing about language is it's mostly about faith. If I don't open my mouth, then I don't exercise my faith and I don't help very much. If I do and I screw up then the Spirit will either testify or the person will be hard hearted and not accept anyway. Either way I have to have the desire and the spirit or nothing will work out. Sometimes I can speak so well during a lesson I forget I'm new. Other times I feel really weak in speaking. The spirit is the real teacher whether It helps me speak or not.
It's tough tough tough tough tough. Sometimes I wait for the right time to speak, I think of what I'll, say but that feeling never comes. I can't just not speak! So I have to just use my best judgment and testify.
Anyway,
Thank you all for your support and prayers. I'm excited for the awesome Thanksgiving that is going on back home without me. I can just imagine all the pie and the rolls riiiiight now. Oh yeahhh ...I need to go eat my earthquake.
Today I am going to some sort of Ice Cream store to eat an Earthquake. Supposedly it feeds 8 Thai people. We are ordering two...
I don't like posting the number of Baptismal dates very much because the road to baptism is long and Hard. We try to visit each of our investigators about twice a week to help them continue to be committed and feel the spirit. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is important to the max. (that's how you would phrase it in Thai). Plus we give the baptismal commitment very early and they slowly learn more about it until they are ready. The most obvious thing that you find out about Thai people reeeally quickly is that they don't like to reject you politely. Meaning, they don't like to reject you nicely right in front of your face, instead they typically tell you they don't have ANY time or they will accept your invitation and then avoid you at all costs. Which fact gets really bad when they set up an appointment that they avoid when they live an hour away. That has only happened twice, (the same guy). That's not very typical however, usually they will say they are busy and cancel the appointment over and over again.
But I have to say that they do it because they don't want to reject you harshly or openly. There are so many awesome people here. Last night is a great example. We had taught an investigator only once before and left him and his wife a book of Mormon and a pamphlet. They didn't have a phone so the only way we could contact them was through a less active member who actually referred them to us. Calling her wasn't working out so we decided to drop in for a short visit and hopefully set another appointment. This was a week after our first appointment, a long time especially for only meeting once. So we dropped by and the first thing I noticed was the pamphlet open laying on the floor because they were just reading it. As we explained we were just dropping by for a short visit they told us it was fine and they were open. Then the Husband explained how he was on page 37 (in the book of Mormon) and that when he read about the Prophet being rejected and the people not listening to his words he cried. Woah, that's awesome. And then he and his wife talked about what they had read about with the vision of the tree of life and the fruit. Most investigators have trouble understanding the Scriptures with it's old style of writing. Needless to say the lesson went great and they told us that they believe and are going to church this Sunday for sure. And they are going to have a child soon. Wow.
As far as the language is concerned, it's been pretty tough trying to converse with people like I wanted too. My companion wasn't very good about letting me start a conversation. (I guess he forgets I'm still new sometimes) But I made a goal to always testify or at least contribute to every conversation. When we are sitting down talking about the gospel I do great. When they start talking about random other things it gets more difficult. Also we made a goal for me to invite at least five people a day. So, I'm doing it. The thing about language is it's mostly about faith. If I don't open my mouth, then I don't exercise my faith and I don't help very much. If I do and I screw up then the Spirit will either testify or the person will be hard hearted and not accept anyway. Either way I have to have the desire and the spirit or nothing will work out. Sometimes I can speak so well during a lesson I forget I'm new. Other times I feel really weak in speaking. The spirit is the real teacher whether It helps me speak or not.
It's tough tough tough tough tough. Sometimes I wait for the right time to speak, I think of what I'll, say but that feeling never comes. I can't just not speak! So I have to just use my best judgment and testify.
Anyway,
Thank you all for your support and prayers. I'm excited for the awesome Thanksgiving that is going on back home without me. I can just imagine all the pie and the rolls riiiiight now. Oh yeahhh ...I need to go eat my earthquake.
Nov 12, 2008
Email 11-12-08
Today is a Buddhist Holiday. Stores everywhere are selling these spherical dish things made out of banana trees with a variety of candles. Tonight there's going to be a huge gathering of people and at some point during the night they are going to cast the spherical objects that are tight like unto a dish off into the rivers. I have no idea what the significance is yet... I haven't asked, but It's interesting none the less. But the difficulty that arises from this crazy holiday is that all of the Church members want to participate in it. Despite the fact that it's fun to watch and participate in, and it's partly a cultural event in Thailand, it is a Buddhist Holiday. We aren't asking them not to go. It is indeed getting harder and harder to be a Saint. We ask so much of our investigators, changing their lives. We hope so much for them. And though being on the path to Salvation is hard, it is more rewarding than we can realize in our own lives. Being clean is one of the best gifts we can qualify for. And through the Gospel and the struggling there is Happiness and Peace. Elder Ewing and I have visited tons of members hoping to support them, and investigators hopping to teach them. Yesterday was the second time we have visited a member who was really struggling with his Mom who doesn't want him to go to church or be a member and He is stuck living at home trying to support her. He wants to go back to his home in Chaeng Mai. But after our visit and encouraging him he really did exercise his faith and read the scriptures, on our second visit he is the happiest I have ever seen him. Awesome. Last week I had a great Family home evening with President Tip and president Nope-adone, their families, and an investigators family who had 3 kids and 2 grand kids. We sat on the family room floor and had an awesome dinner with som thahm Thai style and Laotian style and gaeng mahtsamaahn and all kinds of amazing food. By the way carpet doesn't exist over here. Near the end of the night the investigator, sister Myoori, who is diabetic, fainted. She was out cold just before we were about to go home. We had just before taught a difficult lesson on Tithing and Fasting and this was an interesting opportunity to show faith and the blessings of God. So, Elder Ewing and I gave her a Priesthood blessing. Just a few moments later and she awoke and arose.
The Gospel truly blesses families. Salvation isn't easy, it can't be easy. It wasn't easy for Him. But there is so much joy in the Gospel. I've only been here for a couple weeks but I've seen a lot of miracles already. And I've also seen some of the craziest things that you never see back home. ..Random rat in the street that got ran over and is crusting day-by-day right by my house, the craziest houses, houses in swamps, there's these skeletal dogs that lie around the streets all day (at least they're not being eaten), tons and tons of plants that I never even seen in books before, a random guard house, and tons and tons more, I can't list them all. Spencer knows what I'm talking about. And I've eaten some weird things too. I'm one for trying them all.. mostly. The fish gut dog biscuit smelling ones I avoid if I can. They only have two kinds of cereal here: frosted flakes and corn flakes. Can't find any good cereal anywhere else in Thailand, or so my companion tells me. There's also a certain lack of chocolate. I think I have some coconut gelatin in the fridge right now...
Buuut I'm still doing well and working hard. We are up to 20 investigators with a baptismal date but we might lose a few who are having trouble with finding time to see us and getting through their struggles. We came up with a great method of getting the members more prepared to teach with us and we are also working on Preach my Gospel outlines that we can design lessons from with scriptures and impression included. It should help with preparing for our days a lot.
Well, I'm out of time again. Stay true!
-Elder Lilly-
-P.S. I need recipes from home pretty badly. Especially banana bread... I have some plans for that one. (getting that one soon would be helpful.)
-p.p.s I think Thai people think that cough drops are candy and candy is medicine.
The Gospel truly blesses families. Salvation isn't easy, it can't be easy. It wasn't easy for Him. But there is so much joy in the Gospel. I've only been here for a couple weeks but I've seen a lot of miracles already. And I've also seen some of the craziest things that you never see back home. ..Random rat in the street that got ran over and is crusting day-by-day right by my house, the craziest houses, houses in swamps, there's these skeletal dogs that lie around the streets all day (at least they're not being eaten), tons and tons of plants that I never even seen in books before, a random guard house, and tons and tons more, I can't list them all. Spencer knows what I'm talking about. And I've eaten some weird things too. I'm one for trying them all.. mostly. The fish gut dog biscuit smelling ones I avoid if I can. They only have two kinds of cereal here: frosted flakes and corn flakes. Can't find any good cereal anywhere else in Thailand, or so my companion tells me. There's also a certain lack of chocolate. I think I have some coconut gelatin in the fridge right now...
Buuut I'm still doing well and working hard. We are up to 20 investigators with a baptismal date but we might lose a few who are having trouble with finding time to see us and getting through their struggles. We came up with a great method of getting the members more prepared to teach with us and we are also working on Preach my Gospel outlines that we can design lessons from with scriptures and impression included. It should help with preparing for our days a lot.
Well, I'm out of time again. Stay true!
-Elder Lilly-
-P.S. I need recipes from home pretty badly. Especially banana bread... I have some plans for that one. (getting that one soon would be helpful.)
-p.p.s I think Thai people think that cough drops are candy and candy is medicine.
Nov 5, 2008
Email 11-05-08 - NOOOOOOOOooooo
I wrote this huge heartfelt letter for the last hour and a half and it all got lost! I'm soooooo sad. Oh well...
Dear Family (we're all family),
Hello,
I'm so grateful for all of your prayers and stories. It's always good to get a boost from home.
Basically (since I used all of my time already) My flight was Long and had crazy neat Chinese ladies wearing green Uniforms who served us Chinese Dog food or tuna fish or something and reminded me of Diana for some reason (we would have had so much fun on that flight). Then I sat in front of two Thai ladies on the way to Taipei and being a MTC certified missionary, I took full advantage of the situation. We talked about fruit and Thai food and I bore my testimony and I was very grateful that they spoke English too (except one of them was harder to understand in English than in Thai).
By the way Spencer, I couldn't understand anything the announcers in the plane were saying but I could tell that it was Thai!
I can view the pictures you sent. I can get packages from united postal services and have no extra fees but most other regular companies will charge a ton. And I can listen to most church music that is uplifting and that's about it.
President Dodge is very great and loving. The missionaries who greeted us were all way overdressed with custom pin striped suits and different colored interiors. Apparently all of the missionaries take advantage of the cheap suits so it's kind of an eventuality... Any suggestions? :p
My companions name is Elder Ewing and we are serving here in BangKhae. My companion is awesome. We make a great team. The Traffic here is great. Everyone pushes their way through the white and yellow lines and the speed limit are "more like guidelines than actual rules." It's super humid and rainy here so sometimes we will be riding in the rain (we try to avoid that) and we will be riding in between cars and weaving around traffic. Then the jam lessens and the cars fly around us. I'm grateful that I am doing the Lords work and am in His Trust. The Taxi drivers are the worst. Then there are the Song thaos which are mini trucks that load tons of people in them and drive them around. And more motorcycles than you've ever see in your life.
Right now we have 17 investigators with a baptismal date. That is a ton. I want SOOO much for all of them to progress and make their baptismal dates and move along the plan of salvation! And I still want to get more.
The work is HARD.
I'm surprised by how much I'm able to understand and pick out words that I know. The problem is that I don't know enough words. I can teach the gospel and testify but I can't small talk at all. Which is actually very important to open the hearts of the people who are talking to us strange farangs (foreigners, also means guava).
Since I'm a greeny and I have a great excuse to fail at Thai I've asked my companion to let me do all of the talking. If he starts talking (and he's way good) then they will either think that I'm good too or I can't speak at all. Then I start talking and they assume I know exactly whats going
on and I probably don't. But If I start talking then they lower their standard more to my level and then I can get experience and my companion can save me. :) That's my plan at least, we'll see how well I do!
I got really lucky with my house, I think I have the biggest house in the mission.
Another blessing is that the Thai tastes so good and I haven't gotten sick yet. Yet. Dad's Chili has indeed prepared me well.
I need to go I used a lot of time but I am SOOO grateful for you guys and your prayers. The scriptures say that If we keep the commandments and believe we will receive and ask in faith then we will receive. This is what we ask of our investigators and It's how they are able to change their hearts. There are 70 members in my ward and they sacrifice soooo much to make it work. I can honestly say I already Love the Thai people (I think I said that before but It's true!). So Keep up your prayers of faith!
Love you guys,
Elder Lilly
Side Note: Whats better a black suit or a grayish one...
Dear Family (we're all family),
Hello,
I'm so grateful for all of your prayers and stories. It's always good to get a boost from home.
Basically (since I used all of my time already) My flight was Long and had crazy neat Chinese ladies wearing green Uniforms who served us Chinese Dog food or tuna fish or something and reminded me of Diana for some reason (we would have had so much fun on that flight). Then I sat in front of two Thai ladies on the way to Taipei and being a MTC certified missionary, I took full advantage of the situation. We talked about fruit and Thai food and I bore my testimony and I was very grateful that they spoke English too (except one of them was harder to understand in English than in Thai).
By the way Spencer, I couldn't understand anything the announcers in the plane were saying but I could tell that it was Thai!
I can view the pictures you sent. I can get packages from united postal services and have no extra fees but most other regular companies will charge a ton. And I can listen to most church music that is uplifting and that's about it.
President Dodge is very great and loving. The missionaries who greeted us were all way overdressed with custom pin striped suits and different colored interiors. Apparently all of the missionaries take advantage of the cheap suits so it's kind of an eventuality... Any suggestions? :p
My companions name is Elder Ewing and we are serving here in BangKhae. My companion is awesome. We make a great team. The Traffic here is great. Everyone pushes their way through the white and yellow lines and the speed limit are "more like guidelines than actual rules." It's super humid and rainy here so sometimes we will be riding in the rain (we try to avoid that) and we will be riding in between cars and weaving around traffic. Then the jam lessens and the cars fly around us. I'm grateful that I am doing the Lords work and am in His Trust. The Taxi drivers are the worst. Then there are the Song thaos which are mini trucks that load tons of people in them and drive them around. And more motorcycles than you've ever see in your life.
Right now we have 17 investigators with a baptismal date. That is a ton. I want SOOO much for all of them to progress and make their baptismal dates and move along the plan of salvation! And I still want to get more.
The work is HARD.
I'm surprised by how much I'm able to understand and pick out words that I know. The problem is that I don't know enough words. I can teach the gospel and testify but I can't small talk at all. Which is actually very important to open the hearts of the people who are talking to us strange farangs (foreigners, also means guava).
Since I'm a greeny and I have a great excuse to fail at Thai I've asked my companion to let me do all of the talking. If he starts talking (and he's way good) then they will either think that I'm good too or I can't speak at all. Then I start talking and they assume I know exactly whats going
on and I probably don't. But If I start talking then they lower their standard more to my level and then I can get experience and my companion can save me. :) That's my plan at least, we'll see how well I do!
I got really lucky with my house, I think I have the biggest house in the mission.
Another blessing is that the Thai tastes so good and I haven't gotten sick yet. Yet. Dad's Chili has indeed prepared me well.
I need to go I used a lot of time but I am SOOO grateful for you guys and your prayers. The scriptures say that If we keep the commandments and believe we will receive and ask in faith then we will receive. This is what we ask of our investigators and It's how they are able to change their hearts. There are 70 members in my ward and they sacrifice soooo much to make it work. I can honestly say I already Love the Thai people (I think I said that before but It's true!). So Keep up your prayers of faith!
Love you guys,
Elder Lilly
Side Note: Whats better a black suit or a grayish one...
Oct 29, 2008
Letter of Safe Arrival 10-29-08
Dear Elder Lilly's Family,
I am happy to report that your son has arrived safely in Bangkok and he is in good spirits. He is being oriented by President Dodge and the office staff and will receive his first assignment tomorrow morning.
His Preparation Day will be on Wednesdays and his email address is lillymissionary2@myldsmail.net. You should send him an email this week so that he will have a letter when he checks his email next Wednesday.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions during his missionary service.
Sincerely yours, Sister Laing
His Preparation Day will be on Wednesdays and his email address is lillymissionary2@myldsmail.net
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions during his missionary service.
Sincerely yours, Sister Laing
Thailand Bangkok Mission Secretary
Oct 27, 2008
Photos: MTC Sept & Oct 2008
Thai Elders of District 29A MTC September 2008
After a Successful TRC with the New Thai Elders September 2008
In Cameron's words, "The mini-Mohawk was unintentional" October 2008
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