Dear Family (and various other friends and Internet blog stalkers)
Greetings from Bankgapi. I'm still here in this wonderful area (as I knew i would be and just for those of you who maybe thought I didn't like it because the house is bad.... it's not actually that bad... I like cleaning.. I love the satisfaction you get when you see the before and after... yes please...but we are looking for a new house) Anyways. Last week was "moves" meeting and my dear little Hawaiian comp, Sister Akagi moved away to the boonies (Ubon) and I got a new companion. A very new companion. Her name is Sister Jolley... and we are having a jolley grand time. I love her. She's like my best friend, but I don't know that much about her yet. She's from Utah, and my favorite part is that she once worked as DisneyWorld too.. (she was Chip and Dale and other various characters) She's from Alpine, UT and she is just so fun. We make a really good team and I'm excited about this moves and the potential we have together. She is my 10th companion and I'm on "level 10" too... (aka.. It's my 10th moves.) So that's fun. Every since we've been companions I just can't seem to keep up with time.. I felt like it was going fast before... but now it's just kicked into Hyper Drive. Go GO GO... all the time and I love it.
It's interesting being a Trainer.. Really fun too. I love to see her experience Thailand for the first time and remember what it felt like to be new in this wonderful country. It's also very humbling. I don't know how to do this, and being with her just wants me to be better than I am now...and I have to be, because I'm the one showing her life as a missionary in Thailand. Lets just say I'm spending more time on my knees, and I definitely know that I'm being blessed. I love how the Lord works. The last week has probably been some the most abnormal days of my mission.... but they've all been a good introduction to life here for Sister Jolley. We went to drop off an investigator at the Stake Relief Society Activity on Sat and so that was fun for me to see a bunch of ladies from my old wards. fun.
We've had some really good experiences with investigators and members. Oh! I went and had dinner at my "grandparents" house here in Thailand. Sister Wichittra's parents invited us over for dinner, so it was fun to go to my Trainers real home and visit with her family. I love them. I love Sister Wichittra...(cherry). My comp now knows her too because since Cherry lives in UT now, she goes to the MTC to help do mock lessons. So that was fun for everyone. Oh, I'm the only missionary that didn't move from my area. Both elders were moved out, so I've been kinda showing everyone around...or at least explaining a lot of things. Oh man... Life is just fun.
Well.... I think that's all for today. I love you all. Thank you for everything! Have fun this next week. Be safe. ANd remember who you are.
Love,
Sister O'Neil
Alma 26:37
Jul 25, 2010
Jul 19, 2010
7/19/10
Hello there dear family,
Well, sorry I didn't email yesterday...they changed things up a bit on us this week, so "p-day" is today... but nobody seemed to notice, So i don't feel bad. And today is kinda strange too because we're actually at the office because today we have to go out with the new missionaries for an hour to help them "jump right in". So... basically I don't know what today is..... (besides Tuesday, July 20.... what the..?)
So yes.. this week was great! Missionary work as normal, but this week was filled with going on switch offs to a new area (with a greenie) getting sick.... (*cough.* that's still lingering a bit... but no biggy...being sick is just part of the work too). Then on Sunday we the a baptism of Bow. She is awesome. Her boyfriend (a Thai) found the church while studying in Australia and got baptised. Then he shared the gospel with his girlfriend (Bow) and she studying and found it to be try and so this past Sunday she was baptized! Oh, and random.. I never cease to be amazed by how small this world is:... On our last teaching appointment with Bow before her baptism, Pete (the boyfriend) called and asked to speak with me... (I was a little nervous/excited because I only heard about him, but had never talked to him). So we were talking and one of the first things he said was "oh, I know your friend Elder Kim" ok... i was like "who? I don't know an Elder Kim... is he Korean?" (i still don't know why I knew that) So i was a little confused but then thought "maybe I should check...he might be from La Canada stake.." so... just now, I looked at the handy email from the La Canada ladies (thanks again!) and sure enough... There is an Elder Kim who is serving in Australia from L.A. and apparently we "know" each other... How small is our world. An Elder from my "home"stake, is teaching a recent convert in Australia, who just happens to be the boyfriend of my (now) recent convert here in Thailand... The church is true. Amen.
So yes.. things are still going good.. And because of the late p-day, and can tell you about moves that are happening tomorrow.. yesterday morning I got a phone call at 8:30 am from President Smith: "how's my So Cal sister doing today?" Then he basically told me that I was going to train.. So yay, that will be fun. Sister Akagi, my dear friend since the MTC will be moving to a new area, and I will be staying in mine with a new 'dear heart" (mom? i just felt like you when i wrote that). Actually, I'm the only missionary that will stay that same in my Area of Bankapi... everyone else will be new, so...that will be fun too. new and exciting things... i just hope that I can do a good job.... i still feel like a greenie (doesn't help that I'm wearing ALL green today, too... yes!)
Ok...i think that's it for now. I love my life. I love yours, FOR you. Pray, get answers to your prays by reading the good word, and go to church and be grand.
Until next time...
SHAKE it up!
Love,
Sister O'Neil
P.S. Parentals... the office got your letter...every things good. :)
P.P.S. friends... I salute you.
Hello there dear family,
Well, sorry I didn't email yesterday...they changed things up a bit on us this week, so "p-day" is today... but nobody seemed to notice, So i don't feel bad. And today is kinda strange too because we're actually at the office because today we have to go out with the new missionaries for an hour to help them "jump right in". So... basically I don't know what today is..... (besides Tuesday, July 20.... what the..?)
So yes.. this week was great! Missionary work as normal, but this week was filled with going on switch offs to a new area (with a greenie) getting sick.... (*cough.* that's still lingering a bit... but no biggy...being sick is just part of the work too). Then on Sunday we the a baptism of Bow. She is awesome. Her boyfriend (a Thai) found the church while studying in Australia and got baptised. Then he shared the gospel with his girlfriend (Bow) and she studying and found it to be try and so this past Sunday she was baptized! Oh, and random.. I never cease to be amazed by how small this world is:... On our last teaching appointment with Bow before her baptism, Pete (the boyfriend) called and asked to speak with me... (I was a little nervous/excited because I only heard about him, but had never talked to him). So we were talking and one of the first things he said was "oh, I know your friend Elder Kim" ok... i was like "who? I don't know an Elder Kim... is he Korean?" (i still don't know why I knew that) So i was a little confused but then thought "maybe I should check...he might be from La Canada stake.." so... just now, I looked at the handy email from the La Canada ladies (thanks again!) and sure enough... There is an Elder Kim who is serving in Australia from L.A. and apparently we "know" each other... How small is our world. An Elder from my "home"stake, is teaching a recent convert in Australia, who just happens to be the boyfriend of my (now) recent convert here in Thailand... The church is true. Amen.
So yes.. things are still going good.. And because of the late p-day, and can tell you about moves that are happening tomorrow.. yesterday morning I got a phone call at 8:30 am from President Smith: "how's my So Cal sister doing today?" Then he basically told me that I was going to train.. So yay, that will be fun. Sister Akagi, my dear friend since the MTC will be moving to a new area, and I will be staying in mine with a new 'dear heart" (mom? i just felt like you when i wrote that). Actually, I'm the only missionary that will stay that same in my Area of Bankapi... everyone else will be new, so...that will be fun too. new and exciting things... i just hope that I can do a good job.... i still feel like a greenie (doesn't help that I'm wearing ALL green today, too... yes!)
Ok...i think that's it for now. I love my life. I love yours, FOR you. Pray, get answers to your prays by reading the good word, and go to church and be grand.
Until next time...
SHAKE it up!
Love,
Sister O'Neil
P.S. Parentals... the office got your letter...every things good. :)
P.P.S. friends... I salute you.
Jul 12, 2010
7/11/10
Well hello there,
I DO want to talk about what's been going on here this week:
Not a whole lot out of the ordinary.. I've been doing this for a year now, so it probably all sounds the same to you. This Sunday we're going to have a baptism *by water*... Yay for Bow. She is great. Her boyfriend/fiance found the church in Australia as he was studying there, and then shared with with Bow, who in turn has found the truth for herself. So that is just fantastic. [ she is yet another testament that member referrals are the BEST when it comes to missionary work.] (*hint hint...nudge nudge...*)
We've been working with the ward a lot this week, trying to help the visiting teaching programs going....(mom...thanks again for being amazing.. I now your calling is hard, but I know you're blessed with inspiration and help. Plus...you're an angel...so that helps. :) ) I remember when I used to think that the auxiliaries of the church weren't really important... especially little things like visiting and home teaching.. But in the past little while I've realized just how essential they are to our eternal progression. Think about it.. This country desperately wants a temple... All saints all over the world would love to have the blessings of the temple in their own country. We are all working very hard to try and see this vision come to pass... but sometimes when I see members neglecting the smallest of duties, passing them off as of little importance, I think "If we can't even be responsible for doing the SMALLEST work of the Lord (aka be friends) how can we be trusted with the covenants of the temple?. Sometimes we look to the big picture but we forgot to do the planning and goals and little steps that lead up to it. So next time you think about going to the temple, ask yourself, "Am I doing all the things that Lord has put in my care? Have I down my visiting/home teaching? Have I gone to church? Have I paid my tithing" Take care of the little things, and then you'll be ready to do the big things.
The gospel is amazing. And real. and true. Read the Book of Mormon... Today I was reading Jacob 4 and it was cool. They wrote that book for YOU. For us.. To help US know our Savior. So read it. And love it. And let it change your life.
Well... sorry I really dont' have much to say.. My life is amazing. Thank you for your love and support. I think I'll go eat some SomDam....
Love and peace,
Love, Sister O'Neil
Well hello there,
I DO want to talk about what's been going on here this week:
Not a whole lot out of the ordinary.. I've been doing this for a year now, so it probably all sounds the same to you. This Sunday we're going to have a baptism *by water*... Yay for Bow. She is great. Her boyfriend/fiance found the church in Australia as he was studying there, and then shared with with Bow, who in turn has found the truth for herself. So that is just fantastic. [ she is yet another testament that member referrals are the BEST when it comes to missionary work.] (*hint hint...nudge nudge...*)
We've been working with the ward a lot this week, trying to help the visiting teaching programs going....(mom...thanks again for being amazing.. I now your calling is hard, but I know you're blessed with inspiration and help. Plus...you're an angel...so that helps. :) ) I remember when I used to think that the auxiliaries of the church weren't really important... especially little things like visiting and home teaching.. But in the past little while I've realized just how essential they are to our eternal progression. Think about it.. This country desperately wants a temple... All saints all over the world would love to have the blessings of the temple in their own country. We are all working very hard to try and see this vision come to pass... but sometimes when I see members neglecting the smallest of duties, passing them off as of little importance, I think "If we can't even be responsible for doing the SMALLEST work of the Lord (aka be friends) how can we be trusted with the covenants of the temple?. Sometimes we look to the big picture but we forgot to do the planning and goals and little steps that lead up to it. So next time you think about going to the temple, ask yourself, "Am I doing all the things that Lord has put in my care? Have I down my visiting/home teaching? Have I gone to church? Have I paid my tithing" Take care of the little things, and then you'll be ready to do the big things.
The gospel is amazing. And real. and true. Read the Book of Mormon... Today I was reading Jacob 4 and it was cool. They wrote that book for YOU. For us.. To help US know our Savior. So read it. And love it. And let it change your life.
Well... sorry I really dont' have much to say.. My life is amazing. Thank you for your love and support. I think I'll go eat some SomDam....
Love and peace,
Love, Sister O'Neil
Jul 5, 2010
7/4/10
God Bless America...
It's still the 4th where you are... but here in Thailand... no one cares about the 4th of July. This morning we got up, CLEANED the house (my saga to clean this house still continues...slowly, but surely) (oh which reminds me...thanks for that book mom... ironic that it came just right after cleaning the house the first time.. I wish missionaries would take better care of the houses... I know we're not really in it... but still! Sounds like Justin's having fun times with his house too) So after deep scrubbing and killing 3 cockroaches (+) we got ready and went to the Presidents house for a sisters activity (aka enrichment) We made cards again... and it was mainly just fun to see all the sisters. I love my life. And these sisters... They really are sisters (calm down Jenny/Megan/Lisa ....they're not as "real" as you..) So yes... enjoyed chatting with the sisters in an American smelling house (it was delightful...it smelled like Christmas because of the rolls baking in the oven) Then we stopped by the office and then came back here to Bankapi.. So that was my day today...
"But what about the rest of the week?" you ask......
well... let me tell you:
It was pretty much like every other week.. We taught...we got some "phid nads" (appointments that fell through) got some unexpected people to teach, ran into some members at the grocery store right after church ( don't worry WE were just locking our bikes up so we could walk around) Some investigators progressing...some we dropped....
We continue our search to find families.
My comp cut her hair last week and it's so cute... I'm jealous... I miss my bangs... haha..... that was random... but i just looked at her again (we're the only people in the whole Internet cafe who are NOT a 13 or younger boy playing games and yelling at each other... joy)
Is it really July?...... last year I was having a "MTC rave 4th of July" and then hoping on a plane to come to my home, Bangkok Dangerous. That felt like 5 seconds ago...
So...nothing too exciting or crazy......We're in a drought apparently... so we're praying for rain (as we bike through floods..... but for Thailand it's a drought)
The church is true.. I try to live my life like this: 2 Nephi 5:27. I invite you to do the same.
I love you all..
Love, Sister O'Neil
God Bless America...
It's still the 4th where you are... but here in Thailand... no one cares about the 4th of July. This morning we got up, CLEANED the house (my saga to clean this house still continues...slowly, but surely) (oh which reminds me...thanks for that book mom... ironic that it came just right after cleaning the house the first time.. I wish missionaries would take better care of the houses... I know we're not really in it... but still! Sounds like Justin's having fun times with his house too) So after deep scrubbing and killing 3 cockroaches (+) we got ready and went to the Presidents house for a sisters activity (aka enrichment) We made cards again... and it was mainly just fun to see all the sisters. I love my life. And these sisters... They really are sisters (calm down Jenny/Megan/Lisa ....they're not as "real" as you..) So yes... enjoyed chatting with the sisters in an American smelling house (it was delightful...it smelled like Christmas because of the rolls baking in the oven) Then we stopped by the office and then came back here to Bankapi.. So that was my day today...
"But what about the rest of the week?" you ask......
well... let me tell you:
It was pretty much like every other week.. We taught...we got some "phid nads" (appointments that fell through) got some unexpected people to teach, ran into some members at the grocery store right after church ( don't worry WE were just locking our bikes up so we could walk around) Some investigators progressing...some we dropped....
We continue our search to find families.
My comp cut her hair last week and it's so cute... I'm jealous... I miss my bangs... haha..... that was random... but i just looked at her again (we're the only people in the whole Internet cafe who are NOT a 13 or younger boy playing games and yelling at each other... joy)
Is it really July?...... last year I was having a "MTC rave 4th of July" and then hoping on a plane to come to my home, Bangkok Dangerous. That felt like 5 seconds ago...
So...nothing too exciting or crazy......We're in a drought apparently... so we're praying for rain (as we bike through floods..... but for Thailand it's a drought)
The church is true.. I try to live my life like this: 2 Nephi 5:27. I invite you to do the same.
I love you all..
Love, Sister O'Neil
Jul 2, 2010
Hello Hello dearest famile,
Well... another one bites the dust. (meaning weeks) I am really astonished beyond all measure (much like Alma and his brethren after hearing the prayers of the Zoramites) by how fast the time is flying. Can it just slow down a little bit? Thanks. This week was full of adventures (as per usual). I think one of my favorite moments was my phone call with Pres smith... he calls and this is all I hear "Hi Sister O'neil.. Normally when I hear "tranny" i think of transmissions....but your from California...so let me tell you what the church hand book of instructions says about this.." Or my favorite moment could be the day that I did switch offs with my dear Little Lifferth... My "pii" thai from the MTC who I really haven't talked to for a year.... so that 24 hours together was pure bliss and enjoyment. Or it could be the baptism we had yesterday. Or the new family that actually came to church! Or it could be that I'm in Thailand... Or that I'm a missionary... so yes... all of them above is the correct answer. (+2 for me)
This week I've noticed something very interesting. It is: I had to come be a MISSIONARY to learn how to be a MEMBER... We (as a mission) very truly feel like this is a turning point in Thailand... It's the general feeling (from GA down) that it's time for Thailand to Grow up... as a church.. They depend on the missionaries too much for everything, and so now it's our job to help them grow on their own. The members here are great... but we're trying to help them learn how to be dependent on their own members and not on the missionaries. (we teach investigators... not do visiting teaching FOR the members). So... I pretty much could go on an on for hours about this, but basically I just want to say...If you're not doing your home or visiting teaching...DO IT. Please... It's like tithing... sometimes it feels like a really hard sacrifice...but in the end you can receive the blessings the Lord wants to give you. If you are helping the missionaries... help them for real by finding people for them to teach... they arent' the ones that you can just say. "oh, this person's inactive...send the missionaries..." We as missionaries are blessed enough...you need to get blessings too... This is not like supererogation where I can do good things and pass the blessings along to you. ( See The Great Apostasy by Elder Talmage for more details... i may have spelled it wrong too...but such is my life in Thailand) Spread the love, help yourself, help the world... help the church grow. You'll find it's the best thing in the world... (universe...everything).
Umm... what else... We got locked in at the church yesterday...that was fun... They don't give us keys to the church at this ward because the sisters a few months ago lost them --twice... and their special keys from the America.... so it was funny when the sister who lives down the street came to rescue us... "I'm your hero." yes you are... sister Nok... thanks.
OK.. well.. I think that's all for now. I'm alive and well and loving my life. I hope you are all doing the same. Thanks for all your support and stuff.
Love, Sister O'Neen.
PS.. katie-k-shaw lady... I love you.. thank you for you emails.. I love them always...I just can't wait.
Brenda... Girl!! she has 3 kids now? what the? crazy.... Congrats on your new job too!
Kell dawg... Happy b-day again... was it fun?
Well... another one bites the dust. (meaning weeks) I am really astonished beyond all measure (much like Alma and his brethren after hearing the prayers of the Zoramites) by how fast the time is flying. Can it just slow down a little bit? Thanks. This week was full of adventures (as per usual). I think one of my favorite moments was my phone call with Pres smith... he calls and this is all I hear "Hi Sister O'neil.. Normally when I hear "tranny" i think of transmissions....but your from California...so let me tell you what the church hand book of instructions says about this.." Or my favorite moment could be the day that I did switch offs with my dear Little Lifferth... My "pii" thai from the MTC who I really haven't talked to for a year.... so that 24 hours together was pure bliss and enjoyment. Or it could be the baptism we had yesterday. Or the new family that actually came to church! Or it could be that I'm in Thailand... Or that I'm a missionary... so yes... all of them above is the correct answer. (+2 for me)
This week I've noticed something very interesting. It is: I had to come be a MISSIONARY to learn how to be a MEMBER... We (as a mission) very truly feel like this is a turning point in Thailand... It's the general feeling (from GA down) that it's time for Thailand to Grow up... as a church.. They depend on the missionaries too much for everything, and so now it's our job to help them grow on their own. The members here are great... but we're trying to help them learn how to be dependent on their own members and not on the missionaries. (we teach investigators... not do visiting teaching FOR the members). So... I pretty much could go on an on for hours about this, but basically I just want to say...If you're not doing your home or visiting teaching...DO IT. Please... It's like tithing... sometimes it feels like a really hard sacrifice...but in the end you can receive the blessings the Lord wants to give you. If you are helping the missionaries... help them for real by finding people for them to teach... they arent' the ones that you can just say. "oh, this person's inactive...send the missionaries..." We as missionaries are blessed enough...you need to get blessings too... This is not like supererogation where I can do good things and pass the blessings along to you. ( See The Great Apostasy by Elder Talmage for more details... i may have spelled it wrong too...but such is my life in Thailand) Spread the love, help yourself, help the world... help the church grow. You'll find it's the best thing in the world... (universe...everything).
Umm... what else... We got locked in at the church yesterday...that was fun... They don't give us keys to the church at this ward because the sisters a few months ago lost them --twice... and their special keys from the America.... so it was funny when the sister who lives down the street came to rescue us... "I'm your hero." yes you are... sister Nok... thanks.
OK.. well.. I think that's all for now. I'm alive and well and loving my life. I hope you are all doing the same. Thanks for all your support and stuff.
Love, Sister O'Neen.
PS.. katie-k-shaw lady... I love you.. thank you for you emails.. I love them always...I just can't wait.
Brenda... Girl!! she has 3 kids now? what the? crazy.... Congrats on your new job too!
Kell dawg... Happy b-day again... was it fun?
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