10 short days‏

Well... last week when I was leaving my "three-o" in Tall Bridge, i jokingly told them I was just going to the city of monkeys to vacation for 10 days before moving again.... And, little did I know was that I literally would have a "vacation" of sorts from missionary work. Like I mentioned, last week, my sweet new comp, Sister Josephsen, was sick. I thought maybe it'd last a day or so, but.... on day 3 of sick comp watch, I wrote a bunch of letters. On day 4, I "scrapbooked" and day 5, I made of new song... and on day 6 and 7 I wrote more letters. ( I sent all 20 off today... including your Christmas present Jenny, so sorry if it's a bit late. I tried to send it off earlier, but it was the Kings birthday, so they were closed). I now know Sister Jo, from the Ho (Idaho) VERY well. We are tight like unto a dish. So as far as missionary WORK, work is.. i don't have much to report for the week... (but actually, I don't think i really write a whole lot about it ever....which doesn't make any sense... that's all i do out here... BUt i guess because it's all i do, I just assume you all know that every week is full of teaching and finding and hence use my time telling you about other ridiculous things. However, I shocked by how quickly you can fall in love with a place and the people who live there. The members here in Thailand never cease to amaze me with their kindness, charity (and humor) towards the missionaries. There is this one family (a mom and dad and two awesome kids) who I JUST LOVE already... they are hilarious. And when I found out they have only been members for 3 months, my mind blew up a little bit. I couldn't believe it. I really thought the kids were born and raised and the parents were lifelong member, too. The gospel is INCREDIBLE. To see what it did for this family in such a SHORT amount of time is just....incredible... i can't even describe it. It's a common story I've heard from my time here.. A woman would start learning about the gospel and when the missionaries taught her about eternal families she laughs and says " i don't even want to be with him now, why would I want to be with him forever?!" Then eventually the whole family would be baptized and this couple (and family) becomes inseparable! And they are alll the most humble, charitable, loving people ever. Wow... The Church is true.

So... lets see, what else? This city really does have monkeys everywhere. I haven't seen much of the city, but yesterday we went to go visit this member at her smoothie shop. I sat inside drinking a delicious shake while I watched the monkey steal my water bottle from my bike basket. I forgot my scriptures were in there too, but he didn't get away with it ( I just have monkey hand prints all over it) This city is beautiful too. Sooo mysteriously ancient and enchanting. (Oh, this is random... but today while I was printing off pictures i noticed a news report, and I thought they were talking about a dead body... but really it was just a Buddha head and feet... it was strange. I know I'm not explaining it right... but i was relieved to see it was a real decapitate head they were showing, but rather just a Buddha decapitated golden head. However, I think they would show a real head on TV or newspapers here... We've seen ALL kinds of crazy things)

In other news, I discovered the coolest man alive.. (ok.. Not discovered, I did go to his school, and he's not alive...but)... Do you all realize how COOL Brigham Young is?!? I spent this whole morning reading The Teachings of Brigham Young.. He's....wow. I''ve been thinking about that book all day. I also spent a good portion of the day just cleaning.. We're moving out.. aka... closing the area for sisters. Thailand will be going for 150 missionaries to 92 missionaries by April.. Tomorrow we lose another sister... which means were down to 19 or so... So areas will have to keep closing. Sad!

OK, well, I better go. Sounds like you're all doing great and getting ready for Christmas! yay! I love you all. Thanks for the love and support, always! I'll be writing again next Wed.

The church is TRUE.

Farewell to Manzanar,

Love, Sister โอนีล

Hellooooooooooo‏

Well, I think I'll be able to write a pretty decent letter today. I don't have a lot to read or respond to (except for Brenda...I love your random emails...Is it me?! Is it me!? lol....what the? And #3 already? Dang GINA! Please tell her congrats from me from Thilandia) I hop[e that you are all having a grand and glorious week, making preparations for (Christmas (was in thai won't copy and paste into blogger)) and such. I can't believe it's soo soon. (Did I tell you I got and advent calendar... In honor of the Sherinians/Mom) I love it, in all it's chocolate glory (with ants...sometimes)

Anyhoo...where do I begin. I guess I should tell you that I was moved. I am now in a little place called (Lapburi) (yes, I did tell you about this place last week. We came up here to play with the monkeys and sunflowers). And here's what happened: President called me on Saturday morning and was like "Sister O'Neil, I need you to do something for me." (ok...) " I need you to pack your bags and be ready to go after 2 o'clock today" ("Ok....sure thing, Pres" but in my head I'm thinking "What the?! no!!! Gift's getting baptised tomorrow!") So, I get off the phone and my comps and the Elders were both like..."What's going on" "well, I'm moving to Lapbuir in 3 hours..." "WHAT?" Yes, it was all very exciting and unexpected...However, the good news was, Pres called back 4 min later and said "oh, sorry...You'll be moving tomorrow. (*whew*) I got my dates mixed up." So Sat night was spend packing up and such. The Sunday was a very eventful day. We started it off by going to church (where the Bishop made a special announcement and told everyone I was leaving (even though 20 min after I knew, everyone started calling...it was crazy how fast news travels) and had me say goodbye/testimony. Then we had Gift's baptism. Which was amazing! In the middle of Sunday school we realized we forgot to turn on the water! So the elders rand down there and started filling it (with 3 hoses). Elder Frouriizil did the honors, and even though she was WAY under already, I guess he didn't think she was, so he pushed her down more and then we PULLED her out and she came out gasping (it was sooo cold!) It was really just a grand sight to see. YAY! I LOVE this girl. I'm sure you'll all hear all about her all the time when I get home. So after Church, we were invited to eat Lunch at one of my favorite members house.... and pretty much all of my favorite people in the ward were there too. It was such a fun lunch. Then the APs came to pick me up and then the 3 of us Road tripped it out to Lopburi. It was such a weird thing to be road tripping in THAILAND, traveling though this beautiful country side, with 2 elders, while listening to Sufjan Stevens Christmas music, and talking about random deep doctrine stuff....Probably one of my favorite moments...so simple and so fun.

So I'm in this new area, but president said I'll be moving again at moves meeting, which is a week from today...*which means P-day is next Tuesday, so If you want to write, do it before Monday around 4pm ish???)* I didn't really know my new comp since she's been out of Bangkok the whole time, and I've been in it, but I feel like I've been comps with her for a long time already. Maybe it's because we had a 13 hour chat yesterday because she was sick! She's great (Megan and my comps sister are in the same ward in Idaho...random). And I pretty much love her already. yay!

Ok....well maybe I lied about write a long letter today. I got distracted. Maybe next week. Anyhooo, I better go now. I love you all!!

The Church is true!!

Love,

Sister Hili

DECEMBER???? ALREADY?

Dearest Family,

Well, I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving (it sounds like you did!) And so did I. I can not tell you how weird and fun it was to join this American family for dinner. It was amazing, (and so was their house) I honestly felt so awkward at first because it was just sooo "high-so" but then we just ate, drank and were merry. I don't know why, but I failed to mention some of the things I'm thankful for.... so here they are (in some particular order...but not really) Family, Friends, the Gospel and the joy it brings to everyone, EVERYWHERE, The Book of Mormon, Being a missionary (thanks again to everyone's support... I couldn't be here without you all) mail, the klong, making monks smile, Thailand, Thai Language, letters e-mails, Companions, Mission Presidents, etc, etc... I really could just go on forever...But then that's just taking up too much time.

Today has already been a fabulous day... We woke up and went to Lopburi to run thought the HUGE fields of sunflowers, then we looked at a dam, then we played with MONKEYS. (Yes please!)...the tiny little ones face's look like old men. Don't you worry....good pictures are coming soon.

Well shoot...I'm already out of time again... I love you all!!! Very-Very much!! I can't wait to talk to you soon... I can NOT believe it's already December 2, 2552... WOW... (and yes, we may have purchased advent calenders....sweet)

Random box: Brenda! I love you. and love those simple messages.... Your dog is TOO cute...Justin.

RBJ-sounds like everyone's doing well there. Sorry to hear about Cheryl shoulder...Get well soon. Way to go Marie...Say NO to those cards. haha. But who will make them so professional and amazing as you? Oh RBJ....I miss you all. Merry Christmas! Have fun with that gift exchange!

Laura- I love you! I did get your letters and still laugh about it every day. I LOVE YOU. Thank you... You're too cute.

Everyone else... I wish I had time to write to you all... But alas.. I do not. Just write everything you want to talk about and in 11 months, I'll talk about it all with you.

The church and this gospel is unbelievably true. I invite you all to rediscover (or discover) the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I love you life.

.....
Farewell to Manzanar.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well,



So, lets see.... This week was amazing... as per u-sh on the mission. This past Monday we had a Zone comference, but it was a special one becasue we had a visition Asia Area Presidency with us. Elder Pratt and his wife came and talked to use as part of their Mission Tour. Man, talk about the Spirit and fire of missionary work! I sat right in front of him, and everytime he looked at your it was like he wsa reading my soul. He had those "eyes". It just made me want to work even harder. I LOVE being a missionary. And I love your investigators... Espeically this one girl named "Gib" I've always known her as "Gift" but she told me it was "gib". Anyway... she is the coolest person EVER I know the Lord DEFINITELY prepared her for the gospel. I just got to the be one of the lucky ones to get to know her. I could go on and on about her, but basically she's getting baptised in 2 weeks. AMEN! We are constantly teaching and talking to people and trying to find new people to teach. (so if you know anyone it Thailand... ;) )



Today we'er going to make pancakes and pumpking pie. Yay! for Thanksgiving. We're going to eat at a member in the tinternational ward house and have a real deal dinner. YAY! Well, Sorry it's short today. But I have 3 min left. I LOVE YOU ALL. Thanks for all the letters and love and prayers and such.



The Church is true! Read the Book of Mormon. It'll change your life.



Love,



Sister O'Neil

Thanksgiving!

Well, here in the year 2552, the earth's axis has changed just .0008 degrees and therefore made Thanksgiving come 1 week and 1 day early... and in Thailand..? AKA... today we eat at this really great buffet at the Tallest building in Thailand. Paiyoke Tower is a wonderful place and I'm sure you'll love it when you come. We feasted on Pasta and pizza, and sushi, and ice cream and such. YUM. IT was definitely our Thanksgiving. Plus, I love cities and it was great to see just how huge Bangkok actually is! It kinda felt like I was in New York again from that high up. I love my life.

Well, dear family. This week was yet another incredible week. SOOOO many things happened that I couldn't possibly have enough time to write about, so I will share a few things.

We got a new companion. We are still in a Three-o...(I accidentally say that all the time, because I try to say Trio...but I have a pwawblem with my "arrs") and lisp? ... ANYWAYS... Sister Hulme is now in the country and Sister Brandfield came to Bangkok. (To see my new comp, check out the updated pixs) I love her. It's still so fun and easy to be in a trio. YAY.

A lot of crazy other things happened that made me just realize, again, how wonderful the Gospel is. To see how it really changed lives in just incredible. Plus....the power of prayer and Faith.. WOW. Prayer, combined with faith to follow the promptings of the spirit = success in EVERYTHING.

Tomorrow starts a mission tour with Elder Pratt. (Shout out to General Authorities) We're all excited to meet with him next week.

I hope you are all doing great. Thanks for the e-mails. I enjoyed the variety of sources today (Brenda, Leah, Tre, Meme, Lisa, Mom.... Thank you all! Good to hear from you! Bean...cute puppy!)

Well, I have to go get on a klong monster now.

Take care!

Love,

Sister O'Neil!

Holla!

Ok. Hello Family.

Today's e-mail will probably be shorter than normal, but only because I'm uploading pictures for you to take a gander at. (yay!) I was hoping that the videos would work, too. However, I don't think they will. Sorry. (they're pretty cool, too. So, just wait a year).

This week was good. SOOOOO HOT... Seriously. HOT. I know last week I said it was cold.. because it was for a day. But it's been so hot lately. Good thing "winter" is coming. Or maybe that day of cold was it...I don't know.

We found out yesterday that our dear comp, Sister Hulme will be moving. SAD! I lover her. It's definitely been a really fun moves with her. That just means we get to wait and see who our new companion will be. I love moves meeting. Yes.

So--the pictures are up. Have fun with that...

Thank you everyone for the fun emails.

Laura --- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you. Thanks for the pics and stuff, I LOVE THEM. Ellie is sooo cute. I especially love that pic of Logan and her hunting....ridiculous.

Katie...Happy BIRTHDAY.. I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU also. e-mail me your new address some time.

K... I better go. Love you all!!!

Weekly Journal update # 277

Well

Hello there.

It's November 4, 2009. 11:01 am in Thailand. We had to go to the office today to renew Sister Young's visa, so I'm currently emailing in Pakkret, sandwiched in the middle of 6 other sister missionaries. After this we're going to go eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Yay!

Wow- What an interesting week. And since I already used a chunk of my time trying to upload more pictures (failed...maybe next week) I'll just give you the "key indicator" version of everything that happened this week.

# of cows hit by Taxi's we were in: 1
# of broken rear view mirrors: 1
# of cows that just looked like they had a hangover: 1
# of dead frogs (not just this week...it's an on going count): 46 .. (if you're a frog in Thailand...don't try to cross the street at night...you will die)
# of cows slapped by me: 1 .. There are just here...in the way...all the time. I love it.
Delicious Chinese style meat ball/dumpling style treats that later betrayed missionaries: 4 (2/person)

Cold days in Thailand: 1 1/2. Yesterday was cold and rainy.. no joke. (Ok...so it was probably only 74 degrees, BUT it was cloudy and rainy...that mixed with riding a bike=cold)

# of saws brought to church: 1
# of trees sacrificed to celebrate Loygrathong: 153092....ok...I don't really know..but it was ridiculous. Especially because at church we looked outside and this woman was just cutting down a banana tree like it was no problem...and I guess it wasn't because nobody thought anything of it. (and hence the last key indicator)

[Loygrathong is a really cool Thai holiday. You make these floating candle/flower things and then send them into the river. It's kinda like valentines day...Sort of...only because you can "loy" with your significant other. But Basically you send these floating things into the river to thank the water for everything and ask forgiveness. We went to a Wat to see what it was like. It's way cool. I'll have to explain it more later when I'm off the mish....There's never enough time to write everything.]

Thanks for all the emails and letters and such. (Con, Jr....I am DEFINITELY having fun on my mission.) I love you all and appreciate your constant love and support.

Now for some shout outs:

Jesse, I doubt you read this...but Happy Birthday. Ammon- Same to you! There are lots of b-day's this month....Laura, Katie, Mom, etc. So just in case the future happens and I forget... Happy Birthday to you all!!

Until next week!!

Fare well to Manzanar!

The church is true!!

I love my life!

Love,
Sister O'Neil