Family,
Well, It's the middle of September. Transfers is in 2 weeks, (no! my เเม่ 's going to leave me!) and I keep thinking how I'm running out of time. I'll be home in a year. What the? Only 13 more months. That's not enough time. Did I every tell you how I've had this reoccurring dream ever since the MTC that I get home and for some reason I can't remember my mission or how to speak Thai? I know I went on one, but i can't remember it or anything more than "Sawaddii Kha" in Thai. Horrible, Horrible dream. haha. Anyhoo.
This week has been fun and busy. It's interesting to see how each day and week are so drastically different. Things in Thailand are still intense. The smells, foods (last night I ate about 3 little squids...) people, weather... (did I forget to mention it was rainy season?--ok..well actually- we didn't have a whole of of storms this past week-- but before- -- WHOA DANG storms here are incredible), the way I'm noticing how the Lord works. Everyday, one of our goals is to get referrals. Referrals from members, non-members, other missionaries-- anyone really. Every once in a while we get referrals straight from God. Just yesterday we got a phone call from a Taxi driver that we invited one day about a month ago and he says "hey- I have a passenger who wants to go to a church...where's your church again?" He ends up just handing the phone to his passenger and this woman just tells us she wants to learn about Jesus Christ and that she is wiling to meet us at the church. So 3 hours later, we met her at the church, gave her the Book of Momron and now she's a new investigator. OK... missionary work is so fun. All I have to do everyday is go out and TALK to people. I love it. I love talking (you all know this already). Plus, it's really incredible to see how this truth changes and affects people's lives. It's amazing to see the changes in their countenance when they find out for themselves that God is real and He loves them, individually. Awesome.
We've been teaching and studying a lot about service this week. Read Mosiah 2:17 and then go do something good for someone else. It will change your life, one smile at a time.
Umm... well... On another note. I found a huge cockroach in our area book last night. haha. Yay for moving in 2 weeks! ok- actually our house isn't that bad. But we are excited to move to a new place.
OH hey- how could i forget! Thanks for the package(s)! I got the DVD last week and finally got to watch it yesterday. So fun! I felt like i was there and Like i had 47 nieces and nephews because of all the pictures of them. They are so cute. Little Cracker and Izzie !! It's fun to see how they've changed already. So thank you for that. I think I watched it like 4 times. And you know what i decided.. that's what you should send.. Don't send food and stuff because honestly-- I could buy a lot more of that stuff just with the money you'd spend on postage... but dvd's are great!! You could video yourselves and your lives and make Cody make another movie for me. :) AND yesterday I got the other little box with the gum, and bracelet and tape. I haven't listened to it yet, though. I have to find a tape player first. :) BUT i'm excited! So thank you. I love you all. It made me happy. especially to see the massive amounts of ice cream you consumed. O'Neils for sure. (plus my companion is obsessed with that "ice cream and creamy cake" song...haha)
Well, I think that's about all for now. I love you all. I don't think I'll ever still be able to say enjoy "thank yous" and "I love you"s ever.
Love, Sister โอนีล
Extras:
Happy birthday to Nicole (on the 8th..) I don't remember if I said it in my email last week or not.
Also... Happy birthday to TARLENA, and Roach, and Leah ( if I remember correctly... which I think I do?)
I love all you fine ladies.
Sep 16, 2009
Sep 9, 2009
2 months!
Well, I've been in ประเทสไทย for ๒ months now. To say it out loud makes is sounds like a while, but I really feel like I JUST got here, hmm, maybe 5 seconds ago. (oh, but wow-- to think that I was on a train only a week ago??? That seems like 5 years ago...) Hokay, anyway..
The work is progressing here in บางนา. We're seeing fine progress with some of our investigators, finding new ones and teaching. As always. However, we are always on the hunt for new people to teach and ways to make our Vision for Thailand become reality. We didn't have any new exciting service reports for this week because we had to go to the office for interviews instead. It ended up being a full day event because President Smith just got off a plan and came straight to the office. Then there were a lot of missionaries who talked for a long time with him. President Smith is so great. I really respect and love him. And his Wife. She's great. Today we just came back from Bowling in Downtown for a Zone เที่ยว. It was at this WAY "hi-so" mall in the heart of Bangkok. It was a lot of fun to bowl with everyone. yay.
They just announced the list of words that will change in the new year for the church in Thailand, including the Name of the church. It's kinda exciting. They're going to release a triple combination, too. We're all excited about that. They also made a goal for everyone to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. So, I've made that a goal for myself also. Read the Book of Mormon, In THAI, before the end of the year. It's hard, especially seeing I can only read about 15 verses in an hour right now... BUT... already I can see improvement. Reading the Book of Mormon does miracles. Honestly. Everyone should read it. Every day. It will change your life. If you read it already..do it again. and again. It will still change your life.
I hope the rest of the clan is doing well. I tip my hat to all of you. and also say "farang!" Oh yeah. Lisa, Thanks again for the picture of the family you sent to me while I was in the MTC. I use it almost everyday and it's a great door opener for me to use with people. Whenever I don't understand what they're saying, I just change the subject and say "oh hey-- look at all these white people". It's quite fun. So thanks. You are all famous in Thailand.
I got an email from Kathy. It's nice to hear how my second family is doing. :) Iowa, Leah? Wow. I didn't expect that one. David, I'm not that surprised. Laura, Tara.... Unacceptable. Daniel's going to the singles ward! wow! Way to go DAN. If you don't mind, I would really appreciate if I could get all of the new addresses.. I can't send letters because I don't know where to send them. :) Kathy: there are often times when I'm teaching English where I like "oh man...what would Kathy do.? I should have come to your class and picked up some tips. It's so fun!
To all of you other Blog stalkers: Thanks for taking time to read this. I'm glad I could help you distract yourself from work or homework and such.. or just fill your empty time with something to read. Trust me, I know how that is. You are all my dear friends and I miss you. I hope all of your life happenings (i.e., marriages, graduations, babies, movies, cooking(s), movings, schooling, or nothings/everythings) are all exciting and progressing. Remember what they taught you in Primary ( go to church, read your scriptures, pray, etc.) and you'll be just fine. Now: some of you won't understand or care about the next few things I"m going to write, but you'll know what I'm talking about, if you know what I'm talking about. Ready Go... "I don't know Hilary, he wants a Fanta" She might should. Coot on Goodge street. So did she! Hey, remember that time... Grizz. Boots with the fur. You would. "Our house" the boat. BIKE CLUB (it's even better in Thailand).. CoCo in the Morning cause it just feels so right. OK ladies, we're going for a walk. and then....temptation came. Lot's Wife. BLT. "iiieeeeee"
OK- that's all I got for right now. Email me sometime. It's free to all. You'll just have to wait for a couple weeks for a response. I LOVE you all จริง จริง.
The work is progressing here in บางนา. We're seeing fine progress with some of our investigators, finding new ones and teaching. As always. However, we are always on the hunt for new people to teach and ways to make our Vision for Thailand become reality. We didn't have any new exciting service reports for this week because we had to go to the office for interviews instead. It ended up being a full day event because President Smith just got off a plan and came straight to the office. Then there were a lot of missionaries who talked for a long time with him. President Smith is so great. I really respect and love him. And his Wife. She's great. Today we just came back from Bowling in Downtown for a Zone เที่ยว. It was at this WAY "hi-so" mall in the heart of Bangkok. It was a lot of fun to bowl with everyone. yay.
They just announced the list of words that will change in the new year for the church in Thailand, including the Name of the church. It's kinda exciting. They're going to release a triple combination, too. We're all excited about that. They also made a goal for everyone to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. So, I've made that a goal for myself also. Read the Book of Mormon, In THAI, before the end of the year. It's hard, especially seeing I can only read about 15 verses in an hour right now... BUT... already I can see improvement. Reading the Book of Mormon does miracles. Honestly. Everyone should read it. Every day. It will change your life. If you read it already..do it again. and again. It will still change your life.
I hope the rest of the clan is doing well. I tip my hat to all of you. and also say "farang!" Oh yeah. Lisa, Thanks again for the picture of the family you sent to me while I was in the MTC. I use it almost everyday and it's a great door opener for me to use with people. Whenever I don't understand what they're saying, I just change the subject and say "oh hey-- look at all these white people". It's quite fun. So thanks. You are all famous in Thailand.
I got an email from Kathy. It's nice to hear how my second family is doing. :) Iowa, Leah? Wow. I didn't expect that one. David, I'm not that surprised. Laura, Tara.... Unacceptable. Daniel's going to the singles ward! wow! Way to go DAN. If you don't mind, I would really appreciate if I could get all of the new addresses.. I can't send letters because I don't know where to send them. :) Kathy: there are often times when I'm teaching English where I like "oh man...what would Kathy do.? I should have come to your class and picked up some tips. It's so fun!
To all of you other Blog stalkers: Thanks for taking time to read this. I'm glad I could help you distract yourself from work or homework and such.. or just fill your empty time with something to read. Trust me, I know how that is. You are all my dear friends and I miss you. I hope all of your life happenings (i.e., marriages, graduations, babies, movies, cooking(s), movings, schooling, or nothings/everythings) are all exciting and progressing. Remember what they taught you in Primary ( go to church, read your scriptures, pray, etc.) and you'll be just fine. Now: some of you won't understand or care about the next few things I"m going to write, but you'll know what I'm talking about, if you know what I'm talking about. Ready Go... "I don't know Hilary, he wants a Fanta" She might should. Coot on Goodge street. So did she! Hey, remember that time... Grizz. Boots with the fur. You would. "Our house" the boat. BIKE CLUB (it's even better in Thailand).. CoCo in the Morning cause it just feels so right. OK ladies, we're going for a walk. and then....temptation came. Lot's Wife. BLT. "iiieeeeee"
OK- that's all I got for right now. Email me sometime. It's free to all. You'll just have to wait for a couple weeks for a response. I LOVE you all จริง จริง.
Sep 2, 2009
Wait--this is real?!
Hello from the land of smiles!
Well, today has been quite the adventure, indeed. We got up, took a cab to the train station, then hopped on a train with 2 other companionship's to go to อยุธยา (Ayuthya)! This town was incredible, but I'm not there yet...we're still on the train. So as you know, I love trains, so I was definitely loving my life. Yes, it was hot, and crowded and the our seats were right across from the bathroom (literally a hole in the train) but i loved it all. It was great to get away from the city and see whole new side of Thailand. The farther we got away, the more it look what I had first imagined Thailand to look it. (and, btw, the train is the way to travel, SOOO cheap!) So we show up to the train station, all 7 of us sisters and because 5 of us were white of course everyone's freaking out and wanting to take us in their took took to see everything. Then people were crazy for a sec, so we decided not to use them because they were freaking out because one of the sisters (a khonThai) didn't speak Thai "chat" clearly, so they didn't believe she was Thai.. Why? We still have no idea what the problem was..haha. So after trying to calm people down ("WE all speak Thai" and "this is the land of smiles, right? ) we all crammed in this little took took, going from Wat to Wat enjoying the beauty of Thailand. I would try to describe them, but i cant.. so I'll just send pics....it's more beautiful and descriptive that way. But if you can't wait, just go watch Mortal Combat (2 I'm actually not sure, I don't remember seeing the movie, but that's what everyone said...?) and you'll know where I went. K. I love Thailand. So then we hopped back on the train and came home, (more time to love my life being on a train, with the window open in Thailand with it raining on us (natural cooling agent)). Sometimes i just have to remind myself that this is all real. My life still seems surreal...
Anyhoo, so that was just today. The rest of the week was great. Time is FLYING. I feel like I just pressed "send" on last week's email like 2 1/2 min ago. We had Zone Conference, Ward Conference and everyday full of teaching, preaching and finding. Ward conference was a big deal here, so I can just imagine what stake conference was like. I sang with our ward choir for conference, too. So fun! I was thinking about our stake and how I have a totally different perspective on wards/stakes, etc as a missionary. I know that the missionaries serving in our stakes and ward in the Arcadia mission REALLY care and love everyone and really do want to help it be a stronger, more "zion" like ward/stake. They work hard to help build up and strengthen everyone spiritual. So if anyone feels like their ward or stake is struggling, they should talk with their missionaries in their ward and ask how they can help. ( i know we LOVE it when a member can come teach with us. It's fun and easy and you feel really good after you do it). Missionary work is just serving. So if you want any ideas on how to help your ward-Talk to the missionaries. Or at least feed them.. haha. :) Mom and Dad, Thanks for always being such a great example on how to fulfill and magnify callings. I've been blessed with amazingness my whole life because of people like you.
This whole email thing is kinda weird too. I'll just email whoever I can remember every time. Direct family is totally cool to email to, but the rest you slums will have to wait... haha... OK... i really don't know why "slums" was the first thing I thought of. None of you are "slums." ........in fact...what does that even mean? I love you all. จริง.
So, on a totally unrelated note.. people are always asking me what things I miss or want if they send a package or something. Honestly, I'm good. And because it's so expensive to send stuff, I figure, just don't. BUT.... just in case someone really wanted to know... I thought of something that would be nice (because i was shopping and thought of it): Instant Oatmeal. (cinnamon :) ) Nature valley granola bars, or anything of that sort. Those are just guiltily pleasures that you can find here in some "high-so" places, but they're not worth spending our money on. If i ever move out of the city, I know those kind of things would be wondrous and glorious to receive.. So just put that in your back pocket. Fruit snacks, fruit roll ups, granola bars, instant oatmeal, etc, etc. Things like that. Basically the things that Kellie gave me in that delicious surprise attack visit goodie bag at the airport. yummm.. :) Now don't go out and send anything just because i said this. I don't really need anything. Just wanted to let you know.
Well, I gtg now. Time is always running out.
Jenny- Good luck with school this year! have fun! Work hard. Study hard! Make goals and plans and accomplish all of your wildest dreams. Chris and Nicole : "all of those things are my favorites too!" Vinton's "Booty" Riles and Jill " Dang Gina!" McCracklet's: Have fun in Cali! everyone else: "you are so cool."
Until next week!
Love,
Sister O'Neil
OH WAIT!!! How did I forget. So you know how we're doing "service" at the Hospital? Well in this week's episode: we watched a guy get screws in his arm. Aka.. SURGERY. Seriously...what the random.. Only in Thailand would they invite us into watch a guy get his arm fixed.... Oh Thailand...
LOVE!
Well, today has been quite the adventure, indeed. We got up, took a cab to the train station, then hopped on a train with 2 other companionship's to go to อยุธยา (Ayuthya)! This town was incredible, but I'm not there yet...we're still on the train. So as you know, I love trains, so I was definitely loving my life. Yes, it was hot, and crowded and the our seats were right across from the bathroom (literally a hole in the train) but i loved it all. It was great to get away from the city and see whole new side of Thailand. The farther we got away, the more it look what I had first imagined Thailand to look it. (and, btw, the train is the way to travel, SOOO cheap!) So we show up to the train station, all 7 of us sisters and because 5 of us were white of course everyone's freaking out and wanting to take us in their took took to see everything. Then people were crazy for a sec, so we decided not to use them because they were freaking out because one of the sisters (a khonThai) didn't speak Thai "chat" clearly, so they didn't believe she was Thai.. Why? We still have no idea what the problem was..haha. So after trying to calm people down ("WE all speak Thai" and "this is the land of smiles, right? ) we all crammed in this little took took, going from Wat to Wat enjoying the beauty of Thailand. I would try to describe them, but i cant.. so I'll just send pics....it's more beautiful and descriptive that way. But if you can't wait, just go watch Mortal Combat (2 I'm actually not sure, I don't remember seeing the movie, but that's what everyone said...?) and you'll know where I went. K. I love Thailand. So then we hopped back on the train and came home, (more time to love my life being on a train, with the window open in Thailand with it raining on us (natural cooling agent)). Sometimes i just have to remind myself that this is all real. My life still seems surreal...
Anyhoo, so that was just today. The rest of the week was great. Time is FLYING. I feel like I just pressed "send" on last week's email like 2 1/2 min ago. We had Zone Conference, Ward Conference and everyday full of teaching, preaching and finding. Ward conference was a big deal here, so I can just imagine what stake conference was like. I sang with our ward choir for conference, too. So fun! I was thinking about our stake and how I have a totally different perspective on wards/stakes, etc as a missionary. I know that the missionaries serving in our stakes and ward in the Arcadia mission REALLY care and love everyone and really do want to help it be a stronger, more "zion" like ward/stake. They work hard to help build up and strengthen everyone spiritual. So if anyone feels like their ward or stake is struggling, they should talk with their missionaries in their ward and ask how they can help. ( i know we LOVE it when a member can come teach with us. It's fun and easy and you feel really good after you do it). Missionary work is just serving. So if you want any ideas on how to help your ward-Talk to the missionaries. Or at least feed them.. haha. :) Mom and Dad, Thanks for always being such a great example on how to fulfill and magnify callings. I've been blessed with amazingness my whole life because of people like you.
This whole email thing is kinda weird too. I'll just email whoever I can remember every time. Direct family is totally cool to email to, but the rest you slums will have to wait... haha... OK... i really don't know why "slums" was the first thing I thought of. None of you are "slums." ........in fact...what does that even mean? I love you all. จริง.
So, on a totally unrelated note.. people are always asking me what things I miss or want if they send a package or something. Honestly, I'm good. And because it's so expensive to send stuff, I figure, just don't. BUT.... just in case someone really wanted to know... I thought of something that would be nice (because i was shopping and thought of it): Instant Oatmeal. (cinnamon :) ) Nature valley granola bars, or anything of that sort. Those are just guiltily pleasures that you can find here in some "high-so" places, but they're not worth spending our money on. If i ever move out of the city, I know those kind of things would be wondrous and glorious to receive.. So just put that in your back pocket. Fruit snacks, fruit roll ups, granola bars, instant oatmeal, etc, etc. Things like that. Basically the things that Kellie gave me in that delicious surprise attack visit goodie bag at the airport. yummm.. :) Now don't go out and send anything just because i said this. I don't really need anything. Just wanted to let you know.
Well, I gtg now. Time is always running out.
Jenny- Good luck with school this year! have fun! Work hard. Study hard! Make goals and plans and accomplish all of your wildest dreams. Chris and Nicole : "all of those things are my favorites too!" Vinton's "Booty" Riles and Jill " Dang Gina!" McCracklet's: Have fun in Cali! everyone else: "you are so cool."
Until next week!
Love,
Sister O'Neil
OH WAIT!!! How did I forget. So you know how we're doing "service" at the Hospital? Well in this week's episode: we watched a guy get screws in his arm. Aka.. SURGERY. Seriously...what the random.. Only in Thailand would they invite us into watch a guy get his arm fixed.... Oh Thailand...
LOVE!
Aug 26, 2009
Here I am.
Familia,
(yes, Spanish words DO still pop up in my Thai...)
Just in case you thought something happened because I didn't email yesterday, don't worry. We had to switch our P-days this week because yesterday we had Zone Conference. So here I am now.
Next week for p-day we're going to a place called Aayuttya... It was lots of cool things apparently. It'll be a fun little "T.O." with some other sisters. So Just in case we don't have enough time to email (which I'm sure we'll make time for it, but JUST in case..) don't worry. I'm fine...just on a train somewhere in Thailand. :) This moves our zone is concentrating on service. So for the past 2 weeks, and the next 5, we will be serving for 3 hours each week at a local hospital. OH man, it's so random. I think maybe I told you about it a little last week? Oh no, lies, we hadn't even gone yet. But anyways, yes. While I do love to serve, the two times we've gone, I felt more like they were serving us...The had us do things that easily could have been done by the people standing around (probable cause we were doing their job) and then they feed us too and everything. Plus it's kind funny to see how people react to white people in the hospital. I'm 98% sure they think we're doctors, esp the Elders. We go every Tuesday, which is Pregnant day at the hospital. Seriously...soo many pregnant woman. Sister Wichitrra and I served in the delivery area. No, we didn't help delivery any kids, but we did make cotton swap things (chop stick type sticks that we glued cotton too with elmer's glue). All the women in the room (around 40) had all had their babies in that last 2 days... It made me grateful for our hospitals and heath care.
We're excited about this moves. We have some great potential. Hopefully we'll get ride of this "curse" with the elders. All of their investigators end up being crazies. ( One man tells us he has no brain. Another is this communist Thai guy who dresses like an American Indian...actually he looked pretty awesome, i wish I got a picture with him) But just in the past couple days we're all meet some great people. This one girl (25 years old), Cat, just became an investigator. We meet her on Monday, and last night she came to English class and was all excited about the BOM, told me she read a couple chapters already and even shared one of her favorite scriptures with me. yay! The Lord really does prepare people. The language is getting better everyday too. Just last night I was able to lead the English class (and because it's the basic, we actually speak more Thai than English) by myself and not feel stressed. Things are just becoming FUN now. I mean, they were before, but in comparison to now, this is way better.
We signed a contract for our new house. YAY! That means the first day of next moves (Oct 1) we move. So since I'm pretty sure sister W will be moving on from Bangnaa, that means my new comp will spend her first day moving the whole house. yay! Welcome to Bangnaa.. haha. It's just in time too, our current house is just getting worse. Our air conditioning stopped working for a couple days, but I fixed it. My pencil and sister Wichittra's prayer fixed it, actually. haha. And then, the other day while cleaning dishes we were getting little shocks. Turns out the new pump wasn't put in correctly, had a leak and therefore since we were standing in the water (from the leak) and electricity was running through it, we were getting little shocks. We had them come fix it again, and we discovered the source of the smell (that was also a side affect from the faulty installation). There was so much electricity running through that a poor little frog came over into our back yard and was electrocuted. And died. ("shocking, isn't it.") But don't worry. I've never been in any real harm. Don't worry mom.
Sister Wichittra's Birthday was last Sunday. We celebrated by eating taco's that the elders made. Ok, they're so good at making food.. Does any one have any suggestions for quick, good food that we can make without an oven (aka in the microwave)? (we have a good 3 min, brownie recipe that we love to make sometimes).
Well, my time is up here. I love you all. Thank you again, and always for everything. Take care and enjoy your week!
Love,
Sister O'Neil
or Sister O'Meil... I got a letter from one of sister Wichittra's friend who is serving at Temple square and she calls me that. She wrote "P.S. When did you get your Family name"? It sounds interesting..." I'm not exactly sure what she means, but I'm writing her back " Actually it's "Oatmeal" and it's from my great great grandfather, Quaker. K. Love you. Farewell to Manzanar.
(yes, Spanish words DO still pop up in my Thai...)
Just in case you thought something happened because I didn't email yesterday, don't worry. We had to switch our P-days this week because yesterday we had Zone Conference. So here I am now.
Next week for p-day we're going to a place called Aayuttya... It was lots of cool things apparently. It'll be a fun little "T.O." with some other sisters. So Just in case we don't have enough time to email (which I'm sure we'll make time for it, but JUST in case..) don't worry. I'm fine...just on a train somewhere in Thailand. :) This moves our zone is concentrating on service. So for the past 2 weeks, and the next 5, we will be serving for 3 hours each week at a local hospital. OH man, it's so random. I think maybe I told you about it a little last week? Oh no, lies, we hadn't even gone yet. But anyways, yes. While I do love to serve, the two times we've gone, I felt more like they were serving us...The had us do things that easily could have been done by the people standing around (probable cause we were doing their job) and then they feed us too and everything. Plus it's kind funny to see how people react to white people in the hospital. I'm 98% sure they think we're doctors, esp the Elders. We go every Tuesday, which is Pregnant day at the hospital. Seriously...soo many pregnant woman. Sister Wichitrra and I served in the delivery area. No, we didn't help delivery any kids, but we did make cotton swap things (chop stick type sticks that we glued cotton too with elmer's glue). All the women in the room (around 40) had all had their babies in that last 2 days... It made me grateful for our hospitals and heath care.
We're excited about this moves. We have some great potential. Hopefully we'll get ride of this "curse" with the elders. All of their investigators end up being crazies. ( One man tells us he has no brain. Another is this communist Thai guy who dresses like an American Indian...actually he looked pretty awesome, i wish I got a picture with him) But just in the past couple days we're all meet some great people. This one girl (25 years old), Cat, just became an investigator. We meet her on Monday, and last night she came to English class and was all excited about the BOM, told me she read a couple chapters already and even shared one of her favorite scriptures with me. yay! The Lord really does prepare people. The language is getting better everyday too. Just last night I was able to lead the English class (and because it's the basic, we actually speak more Thai than English) by myself and not feel stressed. Things are just becoming FUN now. I mean, they were before, but in comparison to now, this is way better.
We signed a contract for our new house. YAY! That means the first day of next moves (Oct 1) we move. So since I'm pretty sure sister W will be moving on from Bangnaa, that means my new comp will spend her first day moving the whole house. yay! Welcome to Bangnaa.. haha. It's just in time too, our current house is just getting worse. Our air conditioning stopped working for a couple days, but I fixed it. My pencil and sister Wichittra's prayer fixed it, actually. haha. And then, the other day while cleaning dishes we were getting little shocks. Turns out the new pump wasn't put in correctly, had a leak and therefore since we were standing in the water (from the leak) and electricity was running through it, we were getting little shocks. We had them come fix it again, and we discovered the source of the smell (that was also a side affect from the faulty installation). There was so much electricity running through that a poor little frog came over into our back yard and was electrocuted. And died. ("shocking, isn't it.") But don't worry. I've never been in any real harm. Don't worry mom.
Sister Wichittra's Birthday was last Sunday. We celebrated by eating taco's that the elders made. Ok, they're so good at making food.. Does any one have any suggestions for quick, good food that we can make without an oven (aka in the microwave)? (we have a good 3 min, brownie recipe that we love to make sometimes).
Well, my time is up here. I love you all. Thank you again, and always for everything. Take care and enjoy your week!
Love,
Sister O'Neil
or Sister O'Meil... I got a letter from one of sister Wichittra's friend who is serving at Temple square and she calls me that. She wrote "P.S. When did you get your Family name"? It sounds interesting..." I'm not exactly sure what she means, but I'm writing her back " Actually it's "Oatmeal" and it's from my great great grandfather, Quaker. K. Love you. Farewell to Manzanar.
Aug 21, 2009
Yarrgh!!
Hello again my dearly beloved peps,
Well, another adventurous week done! Last week was filled with joy and randomness. Last week was Moves meeting, and since I wasn't moving Sister W and I got to go and enjoy the game show that was the life of everyone else. The rest of the group from the MTC came and it was soooooo good to see them, Especially the sisters. YAY. we're all togeher again...sort of. Moves meeting day is always long, but this one was fun becasue we all went to a resturant called "Que pasa". It's owned by this american (less active member man, apparently) and it was simply delicious. (I forgot how much I love fresh salsa.. mmmm...yes please!) Going there after Moves is a tradition for the missionaries and now I can see why. Then this past weekend was full of sleepovers, sickness (not me, whew) and traveling. We had 3 other sisters stay with us fo a night, and it was just like a regular old sleepover.. haha. The cobbing ( finishing) sisters needed a place to crash, so we spent the weekend playing host /companions/ travel partners. It was a great experience to learn different technics and phrases from the other sisters. Siser Wichittra's been dealing with some headaches/ throwing up... I think it might be heat exhaustion or something, but we're not sure.. So that gave me some extra study/ organizing time.
Last week after I emailed you, we went back to the church for English class and caught the tail end of the ward activity. It was pretty much my favorite thing to watch ever. They were doing areobics. Everyone out side, music blasting. This one guy "instructing" was just going crazy to his OWN beat (good thing he's a thai boxer and not a dancer.)The people who were not doing areobics (i.e, pregnant women, old man(yes, only one) old women (a few) and people who just showed up) were playing the correct part of peanut gallery. and it was hilarious. I'm pretty sure the whole experience is engrained in my head forever.. especiall Bother A who yelled "sudyaad" at the end... (meaning awesome). Oh it was a good time. This really is a great family ward.
I feel like every week we end up having a theme throughout all our lessons. This week has definitely been Family week. We're read the proclamation to the world with many of our investigators and I'm just excited to see what comes in the next few weeks. Family really is
important. Thank you, Mom and Fawther for being amazing people and strong in the gospel. Your example continual blessings the lives of all your kids, as well as everyone else. I also enjoyed studying about prayer in the scriptures, as well as in True to the Faith (which is awesome, everyone should take a gander at that some time).
Well, Mom- I hope you have a good time with Dad on your little working getaway. Dad= I love you. Jenny, I hope you had fun at camp! (ironic that you had to look for pirate hats, becasue that is also a question I asked this week, as we're doing a pirate themed English Showcase tonight- hence the title of "yarrgh"... just in case you thought i was upset or something... i'm not)). Everyone else- I love you, too! thank you for the letters (Tammie, kellie, etc) (Oh Kellie! I finally DID get those letters you gave to mini-me sister. Yay! thank you. )
Love, Sister O'Neil
Well, another adventurous week done! Last week was filled with joy and randomness. Last week was Moves meeting, and since I wasn't moving Sister W and I got to go and enjoy the game show that was the life of everyone else. The rest of the group from the MTC came and it was soooooo good to see them, Especially the sisters. YAY. we're all togeher again...sort of. Moves meeting day is always long, but this one was fun becasue we all went to a resturant called "Que pasa". It's owned by this american (less active member man, apparently) and it was simply delicious. (I forgot how much I love fresh salsa.. mmmm...yes please!) Going there after Moves is a tradition for the missionaries and now I can see why. Then this past weekend was full of sleepovers, sickness (not me, whew) and traveling. We had 3 other sisters stay with us fo a night, and it was just like a regular old sleepover.. haha. The cobbing ( finishing) sisters needed a place to crash, so we spent the weekend playing host /companions/ travel partners. It was a great experience to learn different technics and phrases from the other sisters. Siser Wichittra's been dealing with some headaches/ throwing up... I think it might be heat exhaustion or something, but we're not sure.. So that gave me some extra study/ organizing time.
Last week after I emailed you, we went back to the church for English class and caught the tail end of the ward activity. It was pretty much my favorite thing to watch ever. They were doing areobics. Everyone out side, music blasting. This one guy "instructing" was just going crazy to his OWN beat (good thing he's a thai boxer and not a dancer.)The people who were not doing areobics (i.e, pregnant women, old man(yes, only one) old women (a few) and people who just showed up) were playing the correct part of peanut gallery. and it was hilarious. I'm pretty sure the whole experience is engrained in my head forever.. especiall Bother A who yelled "sudyaad" at the end... (meaning awesome). Oh it was a good time. This really is a great family ward.
I feel like every week we end up having a theme throughout all our lessons. This week has definitely been Family week. We're read the proclamation to the world with many of our investigators and I'm just excited to see what comes in the next few weeks. Family really is
important. Thank you, Mom and Fawther for being amazing people and strong in the gospel. Your example continual blessings the lives of all your kids, as well as everyone else. I also enjoyed studying about prayer in the scriptures, as well as in True to the Faith (which is awesome, everyone should take a gander at that some time).
Well, Mom- I hope you have a good time with Dad on your little working getaway. Dad= I love you. Jenny, I hope you had fun at camp! (ironic that you had to look for pirate hats, becasue that is also a question I asked this week, as we're doing a pirate themed English Showcase tonight- hence the title of "yarrgh"... just in case you thought i was upset or something... i'm not)). Everyone else- I love you, too! thank you for the letters (Tammie, kellie, etc) (Oh Kellie! I finally DID get those letters you gave to mini-me sister. Yay! thank you. )
Love, Sister O'Neil
Aug 13, 2009
Happy Mothers day 2552!
Hello there Family!
Well, it's Mother's day here in Thailand. So, Happy Mothers day mom. Sorry it's the "second"one in a row I won't be able to call you for. :)
This week was a good week! So random, but every day on a mission is. But first some orders of business: Kellie's email address is kellrocks@gmail.com. Thank you. that was a very good idea. I don't know why didn't think of it earlier. Do you forward it to the bences (laura/tara/leah) and Owens too? Tammie mentioned that she reads them on line, so that's cool. But thank you for doing that. Please tell Jake and Spencer Congrats! I'll be excited to meet their children when I get home. ;) Congrats to Jen for getting your license! You can finally be my driver. Come on over to Thai-town- we've got a couple thousand took tooks you can drive too. Finish your homework! :) I don't know why my clothes are falling off... I don't think i've lost any weight. The food is too good here for that nonsense. But yes, I'm always flushed...it's hot here and we ride our bikes everwhere and I love my life. Oh yeah mom...Ryan's girlfriend's name is Gina. It always takes me a min to figure out who you're talkng about... :) Please tell them I said "hello!!" I don't need anything really. I don't really need any money either. Things are cheap here in Thailand, and I'm a missionary, so we don't really use a lot of money. :) But thank you...you seriously are amazing! We didn't move, or haven't moved yet. Our house is just fine, it just has a lot of character (i.e. plumbing that likes to electrocute me a litte bit, every toilet leaks from the most random places, bugs..I currently have 23 bites (yes!) etc, etc). The sisters have apparently trying to move for a while (the church has lived there for 9 years now) so I get to be the lucky one to try and move us. It's kinda of a hassel, but kinda fun. Moves meeting is tomorrow and no one in our district is moving, which means I'll probably stay where I am for a least 3 more months (2 moves). I love Bangnaa, so that's exciting. This ward is great. Just today we spent all morning making food for the mothers day activity. IT was really fun, especially becasue it just gave me another opportunity to be so awkward. (yay! I love the awkward game!). I just want to tell these people "look. I promise I have a personality and am I'm not retarted at everything I do... It just can't do it in Thai yet." But everyday gets better. Random "firsts" for the week (besides making Thai good, and by good,i mean food..) Switch offs! that means I had a different company for 24 hours. However, that Thursday/Friday ended up being the day of misadventures. On our way to meet the other sisters we left our phone in the taxi. Awesome- add that too the list (Lose phone: check!) But it was quick, easy and fairly cheap to replace it. So then when my new companion (Sister Nielsen - also a junior comp who has been here for 6 months maybe?) got back to our area, we got a phone call from the other sisters who said that we had their keys to their house in the pther area. (awesome) So for a min we thought we had to go all the way back to give them the keys. but we didn't becasue then they called and said the landlord hand them too. So then about an hour later, they called from the elders phone and said "just kidding, they didn't work, and then our phone died. We're coming there." So another hour later we ended up having a slumber party! yay! Good thing we had an extra huge matress. So that acutally was kinda of fun. The whole switch off experience was good too. I had to step up a little bit and lead the area. Plus I learned that I need to work even harder. But you can only eat an elephant one piece at\ a time, right? Another first... I had to be the accomanpist for a musical number in church. they asked me right before they sang in sacrament meeting. Good thing it happened to be my favorite song. (they love If you could Hie to Kolob. It's not even in their hymnal). I still did a very bad job though.. you know the level of my musical ablilty. But i'm just glad i could help. And now I want to practice more so I can help again some other time and acutally play well.
Well, the work is going. Everyday. The start of a new moves is a fresh start, even if it is with the same companion and area and all. So I'm excited. New goals to reach (oh yes.. yay for finishing the BOM in one moves! Check!) and more work to do. It will be fun to see everyone tomorrow. This moves EVERYONE will be there. All the missionaries in Thailand, together in one place.. rare! And I'm excited to see my noong thai's again (they just came from the MTC).
I love you all. Thanks for everything. Always and forever. The church is true!
Love, Sister O'Neil.
Well, it's Mother's day here in Thailand. So, Happy Mothers day mom. Sorry it's the "second"one in a row I won't be able to call you for. :)
This week was a good week! So random, but every day on a mission is. But first some orders of business: Kellie's email address is kellrocks@gmail.com. Thank you. that was a very good idea. I don't know why didn't think of it earlier. Do you forward it to the bences (laura/tara/leah) and Owens too? Tammie mentioned that she reads them on line, so that's cool. But thank you for doing that. Please tell Jake and Spencer Congrats! I'll be excited to meet their children when I get home. ;) Congrats to Jen for getting your license! You can finally be my driver. Come on over to Thai-town- we've got a couple thousand took tooks you can drive too. Finish your homework! :) I don't know why my clothes are falling off... I don't think i've lost any weight. The food is too good here for that nonsense. But yes, I'm always flushed...it's hot here and we ride our bikes everwhere and I love my life. Oh yeah mom...Ryan's girlfriend's name is Gina. It always takes me a min to figure out who you're talkng about... :) Please tell them I said "hello!!" I don't need anything really. I don't really need any money either. Things are cheap here in Thailand, and I'm a missionary, so we don't really use a lot of money. :) But thank you...you seriously are amazing! We didn't move, or haven't moved yet. Our house is just fine, it just has a lot of character (i.e. plumbing that likes to electrocute me a litte bit, every toilet leaks from the most random places, bugs..I currently have 23 bites (yes!) etc, etc). The sisters have apparently trying to move for a while (the church has lived there for 9 years now) so I get to be the lucky one to try and move us. It's kinda of a hassel, but kinda fun. Moves meeting is tomorrow and no one in our district is moving, which means I'll probably stay where I am for a least 3 more months (2 moves). I love Bangnaa, so that's exciting. This ward is great. Just today we spent all morning making food for the mothers day activity. IT was really fun, especially becasue it just gave me another opportunity to be so awkward. (yay! I love the awkward game!). I just want to tell these people "look. I promise I have a personality and am I'm not retarted at everything I do... It just can't do it in Thai yet." But everyday gets better. Random "firsts" for the week (besides making Thai good, and by good,i mean food..) Switch offs! that means I had a different company for 24 hours. However, that Thursday/Friday ended up being the day of misadventures. On our way to meet the other sisters we left our phone in the taxi. Awesome- add that too the list (Lose phone: check!) But it was quick, easy and fairly cheap to replace it. So then when my new companion (Sister Nielsen - also a junior comp who has been here for 6 months maybe?) got back to our area, we got a phone call from the other sisters who said that we had their keys to their house in the pther area. (awesome) So for a min we thought we had to go all the way back to give them the keys. but we didn't becasue then they called and said the landlord hand them too. So then about an hour later, they called from the elders phone and said "just kidding, they didn't work, and then our phone died. We're coming there." So another hour later we ended up having a slumber party! yay! Good thing we had an extra huge matress. So that acutally was kinda of fun. The whole switch off experience was good too. I had to step up a little bit and lead the area. Plus I learned that I need to work even harder. But you can only eat an elephant one piece at\ a time, right? Another first... I had to be the accomanpist for a musical number in church. they asked me right before they sang in sacrament meeting. Good thing it happened to be my favorite song. (they love If you could Hie to Kolob. It's not even in their hymnal). I still did a very bad job though.. you know the level of my musical ablilty. But i'm just glad i could help. And now I want to practice more so I can help again some other time and acutally play well.
Well, the work is going. Everyday. The start of a new moves is a fresh start, even if it is with the same companion and area and all. So I'm excited. New goals to reach (oh yes.. yay for finishing the BOM in one moves! Check!) and more work to do. It will be fun to see everyone tomorrow. This moves EVERYONE will be there. All the missionaries in Thailand, together in one place.. rare! And I'm excited to see my noong thai's again (they just came from the MTC).
I love you all. Thanks for everything. Always and forever. The church is true!
Love, Sister O'Neil.
Aug 11, 2009
Woo!!
Well, I'm hoping this week works just perfectly. It should becasue I'm acutally at completely different location. A Tesco Lotus, to be exact (yes, it's a grocery store- I think we have one in the states...but i'm not really sure).We went to the Zone's Tiaw (vacation/trip) at our neighboring zone's church building. We just played games and talked. I wrote some letters and such. (we were the only sisters there). Sorry about last week's emails and such. Lisa said that you were all able to read my letter together and It made me wish it was more. But I do what I can, right?
Lets, see.... This week was interesting. I still feel like everyday is so long (but short weeks) and each day is so different and difficult in it's own way, but so fun and easy at the same time. And while I feel like so much happens every day, I also feel like I don't have much to report on. So here are some things from this week. I think Sunday was one of my favorite days. We went to church- My first Fast Sunday in Thailand. And just like every ward, it was open mic night. We had a lot of other Farangs there (a cute family of 3 from the States, but who have been living in China for 2 years and came to Thailand to renew their visas. And an old missionary who cobed (ended) a year ago and came back to visit) So sister Wichittra was translating for the family and so I was actually able to understand all the little details of the testimonies. My favorite was probably from a Brother who is basically the Asian version of Adrian. He's even a teacher. However, in his "testimony" he was sharing about how he used to beat this one bad student who never did his homework with a metal rod until he realized it probably wasn't the Christlike thing to do. Yay for him trying to be more Christlike. I acutally really like him, I just thought it was funny that he was sharing that story. After church, we ate with the ward, and then had correlation meeting, which basically means I sit there and get a headache becasue After 8 hours of translating in my head, I'm mentally tired. It's getting better though! Then we decided to go and preach the good word to some people and hand out a couple copies of the Book of Mormon. We went to this one market place area, almost got killed by an elephant who suddenly appeared from around the corner, and then ended up on a dock on a random river that I had no idea was even there (Thailand is so cool). It was fun to notice the random blessings you get from doing what you're supposed to be. We were walking around this market, and smelling all this delcious food and thinking how hot it was and how much we wanted to buy food or a drink, (but it's sunday, and we're good missionaries, so we can't) and then periodically over the next couple hours, random people came up to us and handed us food. "here, these are for you"....uhhhh thanks! I think my favorite part of the day was talking to people on the dock enjoying the beauty of Thailand. Simple things are the best. We ended up getting 2 new investigators that day, too. Wahoo!
So one experience that really affected me this week was going to visit this one old lady. I think I wrote about her before, how she is half paralyzed and her son doesn't care about her at all and there is no one else to take care of her, but I'm not sure if that was in one of the letters that didn't make it to you or not. But anyways.. we went to go visit her again. Last time we were there, we cleaned her house and sang to her and such and we noticed that she hurt her foot and it was pretty gross. So this week when we went back, we talked to her neighbor who was outside hanging up laundry and the neighbor said this lady's foot was worse. So we went in, and sure enough it was. It was sooo sad. I probably have never felt so completely useless in my life. As missionaries we can only do so much, plus we have no car, so we couldn't take her to the hopsital. So we called the Bishop and did the best we could to get some help for her. But really.. just looking at this woman and the state that she lives in, and then NOT being able to help her, or even talk to her really just made me so sad. Then my companion felt so helpless too, she started crying.. which made ME want to cry... and by the end of it, we all were. We joked and said we were crying because of all the water we drank, but the lady said it was naamcay ( heart water). It was really an emotional moment. Im just so thankful for the gospel and that this old lady knows the gospel too and that's she's basically just enduring to the end. oh man.. God bless that little woman. So yes, mom, dad, and everyone who has ever done anything to help someone in need: Thank you, and please keep it up. You are literally angels of the Lord when you help your fellow man.
Hmm...what else. We're trying to move houses...which is just another hassel. There's another situation where I feel usless.. There is this annoying third party lady that we "have to use" which I know we don't, but I can't really help the situation go faster becasue I can't explain it in Thai. I know could totally make this not as difficult if I could speak more fluently. BUt at least I'm doing what I can (talking to the officer Elders and President about it- which is easier for me to do, than for my comp) So basically we make a good team.
2 random ridiculous things. The other day I walked back outside to leave when my skrit fell off. I really don't kno what the heck is wrong with me. at the Mtc, my slip fell off, and now my SKIRT feel off. I'm pretty sure at least 2 of the 8 construction workers nextdoor saw it, but I don't really know. I just laughed, pulled it back up, and went inside. (if you're wondering, it was the brown skirt we made. I guess i'll have to get it adjusted to prevent futher fallage.) Then just right now, (like 40 min ago) i was in the bathroom and the drawstring on my shorts broke...making me scared that next my shorts will fall off....at the mall. Awesome.. Seriously...I wish I weren't so ridiculous.
Well, I think I pretty get going now. Only a couple more hours to buy groceries and prepare for English class. Next week is moves! I'm pretty sure I'll stay in the same place. I'm excited for the 15 Missionaries from the MTC to come! yay!
Please tell the Bences and Owens and such hello for me. Thanks Tammie and Kathy for the letters/emails. It's fun to hear from people. Kell-dawg, thanks too! You continue your streak of amazing letter writer. Laura, and Tara and other people I havent' written too yet, calm down. I can't becasue i don't really have your addresses becasue I know you're moving soon. So email your new address or something. Thank you! Thanks for taking care of the random mail and such from the MTC.. I don't really know why my letter to Trevor came there, but ok.
I love you all! Keep up the good work at home. Enjoy church and the temple and random vacations and such. oh, girls camp toO! Have fun with that, Jen! Love love love from Thailand!
Love, Sister O'Neil
Lets, see.... This week was interesting. I still feel like everyday is so long (but short weeks) and each day is so different and difficult in it's own way, but so fun and easy at the same time. And while I feel like so much happens every day, I also feel like I don't have much to report on. So here are some things from this week. I think Sunday was one of my favorite days. We went to church- My first Fast Sunday in Thailand. And just like every ward, it was open mic night. We had a lot of other Farangs there (a cute family of 3 from the States, but who have been living in China for 2 years and came to Thailand to renew their visas. And an old missionary who cobed (ended) a year ago and came back to visit) So sister Wichittra was translating for the family and so I was actually able to understand all the little details of the testimonies. My favorite was probably from a Brother who is basically the Asian version of Adrian. He's even a teacher. However, in his "testimony" he was sharing about how he used to beat this one bad student who never did his homework with a metal rod until he realized it probably wasn't the Christlike thing to do. Yay for him trying to be more Christlike. I acutally really like him, I just thought it was funny that he was sharing that story. After church, we ate with the ward, and then had correlation meeting, which basically means I sit there and get a headache becasue After 8 hours of translating in my head, I'm mentally tired. It's getting better though! Then we decided to go and preach the good word to some people and hand out a couple copies of the Book of Mormon. We went to this one market place area, almost got killed by an elephant who suddenly appeared from around the corner, and then ended up on a dock on a random river that I had no idea was even there (Thailand is so cool). It was fun to notice the random blessings you get from doing what you're supposed to be. We were walking around this market, and smelling all this delcious food and thinking how hot it was and how much we wanted to buy food or a drink, (but it's sunday, and we're good missionaries, so we can't) and then periodically over the next couple hours, random people came up to us and handed us food. "here, these are for you"....uhhhh thanks! I think my favorite part of the day was talking to people on the dock enjoying the beauty of Thailand. Simple things are the best. We ended up getting 2 new investigators that day, too. Wahoo!
So one experience that really affected me this week was going to visit this one old lady. I think I wrote about her before, how she is half paralyzed and her son doesn't care about her at all and there is no one else to take care of her, but I'm not sure if that was in one of the letters that didn't make it to you or not. But anyways.. we went to go visit her again. Last time we were there, we cleaned her house and sang to her and such and we noticed that she hurt her foot and it was pretty gross. So this week when we went back, we talked to her neighbor who was outside hanging up laundry and the neighbor said this lady's foot was worse. So we went in, and sure enough it was. It was sooo sad. I probably have never felt so completely useless in my life. As missionaries we can only do so much, plus we have no car, so we couldn't take her to the hopsital. So we called the Bishop and did the best we could to get some help for her. But really.. just looking at this woman and the state that she lives in, and then NOT being able to help her, or even talk to her really just made me so sad. Then my companion felt so helpless too, she started crying.. which made ME want to cry... and by the end of it, we all were. We joked and said we were crying because of all the water we drank, but the lady said it was naamcay ( heart water). It was really an emotional moment. Im just so thankful for the gospel and that this old lady knows the gospel too and that's she's basically just enduring to the end. oh man.. God bless that little woman. So yes, mom, dad, and everyone who has ever done anything to help someone in need: Thank you, and please keep it up. You are literally angels of the Lord when you help your fellow man.
Hmm...what else. We're trying to move houses...which is just another hassel. There's another situation where I feel usless.. There is this annoying third party lady that we "have to use" which I know we don't, but I can't really help the situation go faster becasue I can't explain it in Thai. I know could totally make this not as difficult if I could speak more fluently. BUt at least I'm doing what I can (talking to the officer Elders and President about it- which is easier for me to do, than for my comp) So basically we make a good team.
2 random ridiculous things. The other day I walked back outside to leave when my skrit fell off. I really don't kno what the heck is wrong with me. at the Mtc, my slip fell off, and now my SKIRT feel off. I'm pretty sure at least 2 of the 8 construction workers nextdoor saw it, but I don't really know. I just laughed, pulled it back up, and went inside. (if you're wondering, it was the brown skirt we made. I guess i'll have to get it adjusted to prevent futher fallage.) Then just right now, (like 40 min ago) i was in the bathroom and the drawstring on my shorts broke...making me scared that next my shorts will fall off....at the mall. Awesome.. Seriously...I wish I weren't so ridiculous.
Well, I think I pretty get going now. Only a couple more hours to buy groceries and prepare for English class. Next week is moves! I'm pretty sure I'll stay in the same place. I'm excited for the 15 Missionaries from the MTC to come! yay!
Please tell the Bences and Owens and such hello for me. Thanks Tammie and Kathy for the letters/emails. It's fun to hear from people. Kell-dawg, thanks too! You continue your streak of amazing letter writer. Laura, and Tara and other people I havent' written too yet, calm down. I can't becasue i don't really have your addresses becasue I know you're moving soon. So email your new address or something. Thank you! Thanks for taking care of the random mail and such from the MTC.. I don't really know why my letter to Trevor came there, but ok.
I love you all! Keep up the good work at home. Enjoy church and the temple and random vacations and such. oh, girls camp toO! Have fun with that, Jen! Love love love from Thailand!
Love, Sister O'Neil
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)