Well...
Last week when the mail came, I got a piece of mail that was shocking.... my "death papers". Yes... i can hardly believe that I only have 6 months left, and so just to slap it in my face, the President sent me a letter and said "hey.. time to step it up, You're dying soon" (not verbatim). So yeah. That was a weird day.
(ok... sorry... I just got distracted by the Mormon Messages on www.lds.org.... i literally got chills when I watched the one called "testimony of the Book of Mormon" with Elder Holland.. The coolest part is right at the beginning in the into page when it says "Elder Holland: Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ" oh ....chills.... i just watched it again. Go watch it... you'll see what I'm talking about)
This week was incredible. I'm trying to decided if it was the most successful week of my mission so far or not. Every week is awesome... but this is one of the ÊØ´ÂÍ´´´! weeks. I started to write a story, but then I remembered I kinda already wrote it in my presidents letter... so here's a excerpt from my weekly letter to P. Smitty:
"Hello again dear faithful leader. Greetings from the North. This week was packed with fun and teaching. I really feel like we worked hard...but i didn't notice because this "work" is just way too fun. These people are incredible. Their faith and hope amazes me sometimes. Sat night, our investigator, Mai (who got baptised on Sunday) showed up at the church and her right foot looked completely broken (umm...what's going on here in Chiang Mai...seriously). Turns out she was in a car accident as she was coming to the church to meet with us. Thankfully, a member was at the church with us and was able to take her to the hospital. So after that we, (sister Neilsen..who worries about everything WAY too much), just prayed and hoped that everything would turn out ok. And it did! When I talked to Mai later that night she said it wasn't broken, but she wanted to have a cast, but then she said, "but i didn't want it because I have to be baptised tomorrow". She's incredible. So, everything turned out just fine (as it always does with God). " (verbatim)
This girl is so funny. On Wed when we were teaching her she said "I wish I were God so I could turn you into a doll". She thinks Sister Nielsen is a tiger, and I'm a doll... like barbie...because of my eyelashes. I can't even begin to describe this girl, but she is amazing. I have seen her life change dramatically because of her faith.
Oh man... every week when i write letters home i feel like this... John 16:12. But mainly I can't bear to write them all becasue it takes too long and my writing doesn't give it justice. I feel much like the Book of Mormon writers who worry that they aren't good enough becasue of the awkwardness of their hands. Well, I'm not good enough because of the awkwardness of my...well, whole life... haha.
Today I found out if I'm going to move or not. hopefully I'll know before I end today emailing... but if not...We'll all just have to wait some more to find out where I'll be for next weeks letter. Oh mom, I haven't gotten the package yet, beacuse they don't send packages all the way up to Chiang Mai... they wait for us to come down to Bangkok...so I'll get it tomorrow! So "thank you!", in
advance.
I put some more pics up...enjoy those. I really love my life. And yes, i will actually be very sad to leave this place. I LOVE it here. It's my 2nd home. So if you do come here to Thai-land... make sure you plan a trip to the heavenly North. I will miss this members. Ugh. I love them.
Ok... Well, I think that's all for today. Thank you all for you constant love and support. the church is TRUE.
Love, Hilary
Apr 26, 2010
Apr 18, 2010
Hilary News 4/19/10
Dearest Family!
Greeeeeeettings from Chaing Mai, Thailand the BEST place in the world. Today I feel like there's so much that I want to write, that I'm having trouble knowing where to start. I want to write it all at the same time, but it would end up something like "shrimp,bluebowallgotbapstisedsonkranghelosthisglasesesinsestchinatown20portentinskaijdahlÊÇÑʴչСê." so yes. That was my week. I hope you enjoyed it.
No, but really. This week was probably one of the highlights of my mission. It was so extreme of everything... ridiculousness, hotness, spiritual(ness) ...just everything. I guess I'll just go in order...'
Monday...I wrote you that day, I don't really remember what else happened that day.
Tuesday... Songkran REALLY started.. therefore making it completely a waste of our life to go invite. Because we were try to go talk to someone, they just throw a bucket of water in our face.. (true story) ...so... we all kind of called "sanctuary" at the church and studied and tried to make appointments will members and investigators at the church. We had our usual weekly district meeting and then we planed and prepared for our English activity for that night...which basically turned into us playing songkran at the church... It was ridiculous...and so funny. So we were wet all Tuesday too..
Wed... P DAY..were we actually went out into the world and played Songkran with the locals. And let me tell you..... it was sooo FUN... I don't really think I could explain it all well enough to give you an idea of what it was like... But I'm sure if you google "songkran in Chaing Mai" you'll find some good videos of what it's like. We even had a miracle. One of the Elders lost his glasses in the mote that's around the city (which is filled with nasty water..) and since we can't swim we were just like..."oh GREAT" but... one of the Elders investigators happened to be there too, and he jumped in, and came up with a pair of glasses.... woman's sun glasses.... so.. he went back down again.. And came up with another pair (a different pair of woman's sunglasses) He swam around for a while...and finally was like.. ok.. last time.. We missionaries had all given up hope by this point, so we were all surprised when he came up the last time with Elder Newman's glasses.. It was crazy! He later told us that he was getting frustrated (and grossed out) and so he prayed and said "this is the last time...then I'm giving up" SO... not only is this kid awesome, but he showed all of us missionaries what it means to have faith. Awesome.. (and He's getting baptised this Sunday)..
Thursday... was long planing and the last real day of Songkran...aka... we were at home most of the day..
Friday... I don't remember it all... it kinda jumbles into sat.
Sat. Normal... But... we had lessons and inviting and then the Counselor in the mission presidency came up and ended up taking all of the missionaries out to a buffet. It was fun.. Muu Ga Ta is delicious.... and apparently we were rubbing shoulders with some high up government official... but since we're farang... we don't know... but he came to church withe the counselor the next day.. so that was cool..
Sunday: Pure AWESOMENESS... Gung, Blue and Bow were all baptised... they are all so cute.. Hopefully I'll put pictures up soon. Basically Gung is the "elected" I can't even begin to describe how incredible we felt to see her in her white dress. So yes.. Baptism is awesome. And then we found out that our other (eternal) investigator, Mai, can get baptised...so SHE will be baptised this coming Sunday.. And that is just the icing on the cake (because i think this Sunday is going to be my last up here in the North. :(
So, this email did not give my life justice.... but just try to imagine. The church is TRUE. I LOVE MY LIFE.
Thank you all for you love and support. It was fun "chatting" with you Chris, Lisa, and DAD (wow!! Mission first..holla! Gold star to you!) and even a note from Megan. I'll write more next week! Love you
Love, Sister O'Neil
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY To Brenda!!! (thank you for the pics.. I loved them...esp Sammy) I hope you had a great day! Sorry my card will be slow..
P.P.S.. Happy Birthday to you too, sister Lo!! thanks for the email a little while back.. I think i started a letter to you somewhere.. I'll moving soon, so I'll find it. I hope you're doing well!
P.P.P.S --Kellie.. i loved your comments... I feel the same way sometimes..
Greeeeeeettings from Chaing Mai, Thailand the BEST place in the world. Today I feel like there's so much that I want to write, that I'm having trouble knowing where to start. I want to write it all at the same time, but it would end up something like "shrimp,bluebowallgotbapstisedsonkranghelosthisglasesesinsestchinatown20portentinskaijdahlÊÇÑʴչСê." so yes. That was my week. I hope you enjoyed it.
No, but really. This week was probably one of the highlights of my mission. It was so extreme of everything... ridiculousness, hotness, spiritual(ness) ...just everything. I guess I'll just go in order...'
Monday...I wrote you that day, I don't really remember what else happened that day.
Tuesday... Songkran REALLY started.. therefore making it completely a waste of our life to go invite. Because we were try to go talk to someone, they just throw a bucket of water in our face.. (true story) ...so... we all kind of called "sanctuary" at the church and studied and tried to make appointments will members and investigators at the church. We had our usual weekly district meeting and then we planed and prepared for our English activity for that night...which basically turned into us playing songkran at the church... It was ridiculous...and so funny. So we were wet all Tuesday too..
Wed... P DAY..were we actually went out into the world and played Songkran with the locals. And let me tell you..... it was sooo FUN... I don't really think I could explain it all well enough to give you an idea of what it was like... But I'm sure if you google "songkran in Chaing Mai" you'll find some good videos of what it's like. We even had a miracle. One of the Elders lost his glasses in the mote that's around the city (which is filled with nasty water..) and since we can't swim we were just like..."oh GREAT" but... one of the Elders investigators happened to be there too, and he jumped in, and came up with a pair of glasses.... woman's sun glasses.... so.. he went back down again.. And came up with another pair (a different pair of woman's sunglasses) He swam around for a while...and finally was like.. ok.. last time.. We missionaries had all given up hope by this point, so we were all surprised when he came up the last time with Elder Newman's glasses.. It was crazy! He later told us that he was getting frustrated (and grossed out) and so he prayed and said "this is the last time...then I'm giving up" SO... not only is this kid awesome, but he showed all of us missionaries what it means to have faith. Awesome.. (and He's getting baptised this Sunday)..
Thursday... was long planing and the last real day of Songkran...aka... we were at home most of the day..
Friday... I don't remember it all... it kinda jumbles into sat.
Sat. Normal... But... we had lessons and inviting and then the Counselor in the mission presidency came up and ended up taking all of the missionaries out to a buffet. It was fun.. Muu Ga Ta is delicious.... and apparently we were rubbing shoulders with some high up government official... but since we're farang... we don't know... but he came to church withe the counselor the next day.. so that was cool..
Sunday: Pure AWESOMENESS... Gung, Blue and Bow were all baptised... they are all so cute.. Hopefully I'll put pictures up soon. Basically Gung is the "elected" I can't even begin to describe how incredible we felt to see her in her white dress. So yes.. Baptism is awesome. And then we found out that our other (eternal) investigator, Mai, can get baptised...so SHE will be baptised this coming Sunday.. And that is just the icing on the cake (because i think this Sunday is going to be my last up here in the North. :(
So, this email did not give my life justice.... but just try to imagine. The church is TRUE. I LOVE MY LIFE.
Thank you all for you love and support. It was fun "chatting" with you Chris, Lisa, and DAD (wow!! Mission first..holla! Gold star to you!) and even a note from Megan. I'll write more next week! Love you
Love, Sister O'Neil
P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY To Brenda!!! (thank you for the pics.. I loved them...esp Sammy) I hope you had a great day! Sorry my card will be slow..
P.P.S.. Happy Birthday to you too, sister Lo!! thanks for the email a little while back.. I think i started a letter to you somewhere.. I'll moving soon, so I'll find it. I hope you're doing well!
P.P.P.S --Kellie.. i loved your comments... I feel the same way sometimes..
Apr 11, 2010
April news so far
4/11/10
Hello from the wettest place in the world.. (beside the ocean...or a pool...or a tsunami) Just in case you thought new years was over...IT"S NOT! Happy Thai New Year!! It's now Officially the hottest part of the year (no joke...it was 113 degrees the other day...and probably today) but luckily Thailand has a great way of dealing with the heat: They have a MASSIVE super-soaker crazy (on the verge of insane) water fight (aka my 5th grade dreams are coming true....all i need is soda coming out of the drinking fountain and I'm set). It's 9:40 am and yes, we've already been soaked. So needless to say...this is the hardest part of the year for missionary work in Thailand.. wish us luck. We, here in Chiang Mai, have truly been blessed and will be having our own water festival... with the waters of baptism.. We're just getting everything ready for Gung, Blue and Bow's baptism this coming Sunday. Speaking of Sunday... wasn't Conference AMAZING!!!!?! I think my favorite (yet again) was Elder Hollands talk. (and you shouldn't be serving tea anyway. Oh man. All of our leaders are truly called of God and I really loved how they ALL talked about Family. If that theme wasn't apparent or clear enough, I suggest you start strengthen your families... I support everything they talk about and I can't wait to read it in a month. Yes please. Utah looked glorious. I'm really glad you were able to go and have spring break up in the motherland (Mom, Fawther and Jen-babe). And I may be a little jealous of your time spent with the kiddies. they are just too cute. I love my family. I really do love you all. Even though you think I don't because I'm always out and about... you are my true family and Eternity will be so fun (and full of ice cream.....but lets try to keep the word of wisdom, please.. haha)
This week was great. We worked really hard because we knew this week would be difficult...and wet. Today's not even our P-day, but because Thailand during Songkran is like BYU during a Tuesday devotional and everything shuts down, they advised us to email today. So yes... nothing's different for you.. just telling you what's up. As far as the questions about Earthquakes and redshirt riots and all... we're totally fine. Didn't know about either of them.... but sometimes we are told to watch out for riots. This week, because it's Songkran and all morals are thrown out the window, we have to be in by 6pm every night...so that'll be ....fun?
In preparation of conference we taught everyone about Prophets. It was so cool to see people faces when they found out there were LIVING prophets today. It was pretty incredible. President Monson is a great man. It is so great (and comforting) to know that we have a man, called of God, to lead and direct us. Oh man, The church is TRUE...
In other news: next week is my 1 year mark.. what the? I don't want to talk about it.
I LOVE THAILAND. I decided I'm never coming home. I'll just be here in Chaing Mai. Come visit me.
Just so you know... if I have ever known you in my life, my companions know about you too...(we're together 24/7,, ok? it's not weird) So don't be surprised if a stranger walks up to you and asks how your ( insert some part about your life) is doing? They were probably just my Comp. (Yes, TJ... my comp knows you joined the army and she knows all about "I KNOW" and how our India/Thailand trip might be awake because we're not married... haha and that you have black siblings even though you white. (and no... you can take THIS as my repentance) And now everyone knows, and some people are confused... Don't worry about it. So yes. I love you all. Thank you for your love and support (and letters/emails).
Well, i think that's all for today. I don't know what else to write. I hope you are all doing well and enjoying life and keeping the commandments (because that's TRUE happiness). I will write again next week and maybe have some pics from the madness that is my life.
Take care
The church is TRUE
Farewell to Manzanar
Love, Sister O'Neil
Apr 4, 2010
I hope you all had a great Easter Sunday filled with feasting on good food and good words from conference. I may be jealous. But that's ok because I'll get it both next week! yay! I love general conference, SO MUCH. In fact, last night it was WAY too hot, that i couldn't fall asleep until about 1:30am, so i re-read last conference edition of the Ensign. I can't wait for the new one. Yes!
Well, lets see.. I uploaded more pictures... and I'm kinda running out of time because ended up "chatting" with Chris and Jen a bit. And now we do our president's letters online.. so yes. Please enjoy the pictures!
Things here are great! I can now ride my bike around and NOT use crutches, YAH!!!! I love my life. The work is great. We're getting ready for a real "water" festival... aka baptisms. And Songkran...the biggest water fight in the world..coming up next next week or so.. I'll tell you all about it. or youtube it... I'm sure it'll be on there. But I'll be sure to tell you all about it. I rediscovered how much I love talking to people. I love inviting. It's really just the best thing ever. Espeically when you're inviting them to accept the best thing in the universe. And for free! So I hope you're all pumped from Conference and you try to look for a missionary opportunity everyday. It'll change your life. It's changed mine. Amen.
Ok. dear family. Sorry i didn't write much today. It's kinda crazy. But i love you all.. Until next week!
Love, Sister O'Neil
P.S... (umm.... i only have one suggestion for your trip to Thailand... make sure to plan a trip up to Chaingmai..preferrably on the weekend...) how is that anyways?
P.P.S. cody/tarlena. I LOVED the book So did everyone else. I'll watch the other thing today/
P.P.P.S. Brenda/ Adriana... Oh my goodness.. I loveyou two. That was so fun. I may have had to put a missionary censor on it though... haha. Thanks for the birthday wishes!! LOVE! and sorry about your lame co-worker Bean.. Su Su!!
Well, lets see.. I uploaded more pictures... and I'm kinda running out of time because ended up "chatting" with Chris and Jen a bit. And now we do our president's letters online.. so yes. Please enjoy the pictures!
Things here are great! I can now ride my bike around and NOT use crutches, YAH!!!! I love my life. The work is great. We're getting ready for a real "water" festival... aka baptisms. And Songkran...the biggest water fight in the world..coming up next next week or so.. I'll tell you all about it. or youtube it... I'm sure it'll be on there. But I'll be sure to tell you all about it. I rediscovered how much I love talking to people. I love inviting. It's really just the best thing ever. Espeically when you're inviting them to accept the best thing in the universe. And for free! So I hope you're all pumped from Conference and you try to look for a missionary opportunity everyday. It'll change your life. It's changed mine. Amen.
Ok. dear family. Sorry i didn't write much today. It's kinda crazy. But i love you all.. Until next week!
Love, Sister O'Neil
P.S... (umm.... i only have one suggestion for your trip to Thailand... make sure to plan a trip up to Chaingmai..preferrably on the weekend...) how is that anyways?
P.P.S. cody/tarlena. I LOVED the book So did everyone else. I'll watch the other thing today/
P.P.P.S. Brenda/ Adriana... Oh my goodness.. I loveyou two. That was so fun. I may have had to put a missionary censor on it though... haha. Thanks for the birthday wishes!! LOVE! and sorry about your lame co-worker Bean.. Su Su!!
Mar 21, 2010
Lucky # 7
Well..... here I am. The beginning of my 7th moves in country. Crazy. And I'm officially OLD. Yes... I never thought I'd be this old, let alone be a missionary at this age too.... But hey. Life couldn't be better.
Let me tell you about my week.... It was ridiculous and I loved every second of it.
Tuesday: We spent the day teaching (our awesome investigators who will be baptized next month!) and then preparing for our English "showcase" night. This time we did Army, and it was sooo fun! Not to mention i got to drive around a tank... (just imagine a wheelchair transformed into a tank....yes....we're that good. Pictures to come sometime soon) Tuesday night was great and fun and we just loved showcase English nights.
Wed: Taught at the Church. Then hopped on a train around 4 pm to go to Bangkok for "moves" meeting. We were all kinda excited to take this train because we were going 1st class.... because of our brokenness.... (Normally we go 2nd... which is honestly just fine and I highly recommend it) However, when we got on the train, they said. "oh sorry...this train doesn't have 1st class car..." (even though they said it did) so we were just in a really nice 2nd class car....(which was find) UNTIL.... 20 min into the ride, the electricity on our car WENT OUT....taking the air conditioning and fans with it. It was the HOTTEST Train ride I've ever been on. And it was such a tease, too. Every station they would restart the engine and the air would come back on (Hallelujah!) but then 20-30 min later, it would die again. So at 10 we tried to go to sleep...but because of the no air issues, and the curtains that transform your bed into a HOT POCKET OF DEATH.... there was little sleeping. I read a lot of the good book. And then around 1 am... one of the Elders and I both simultaneously threw our curtains open and we've both just covered in sweat. It was sooo hot. And so we couldn't sleep so we just ended up talking the whole night about random things (like Hollow Earth, Admiral Byrd, etc, and how it fits into the gospel and such.... hahhah.. RAY! Oh....Actually we talked about that astronaut who said there was aliens behind the moon...it was on CNN a year ago..... who was that again?) It was ridiculous.
Thur: Got off the train at 6 am.... and hoped on the song taws to go to moves meeting. ... Had the meeting (My "mom" died .... Sister Wichittra is done! and so did one of my other comps, Sister Bradfield. SAD!) then we went to the renew my visa. Ate lunch at the local missionary favy...Que Pasa... then waited at the church until we got back on the song taws to go wait some more at the train station, it get on the train again (at 9pm...cause it came late) This time, they did have the 1st class car and it was quite lovely. :) We are definitely spoiled. This train ride was much better, except for the fact that it ended up being a little engine that COULDN'T so we spent a total of 18 hours on the train (3 or more hours spent just sitting on the tracks in various places...) It was fun though. Especially because of all the candy and treats from the packages. Thank you Family!!! Lisa and mom (and clan) you're packages were successful and my whole district thanks you. Packages with candy from the America are the BEST packages ever... So thank you. when we finally made it back to Chung Mai, we had to go to a wedding. It was so cute too. .. Mame, our recent convert got married, and then another couple (Bro. Uan and Sister Pin) got married and it was fun. They're so cute. Thai Mormon weddings are strange....They gave us ear cleaning sets as a party favor....yes.
Sat: Recovered. We taught and did the normal missionary things... but also has a stop at the dentist for my comp.
Sunday: Church.
Now today. And we're going to make brunch with the elders at the church to celebrate a new moves.
So.... I think that's about it. Thank you to everyone for everything. I just really love you all. My birthday was fabulous..... esp. the Party at the park.... ;) (can't wait to see pics)
Umm....ok....
Farewell to Manzanar...
Love, Sister O'Neil
P.S. .... my new e-mail address is hilary (dot) oneil (at) myldsmail (dot) net.... it's fancy and new and looks just like gmail....please use that from now on. :)
Happy birthday to everyone too: Amy, Quasi, Jelly Bean, Bagel.... Aunt Brenda, etc. etc. .. !!
Let me tell you about my week.... It was ridiculous and I loved every second of it.
Tuesday: We spent the day teaching (our awesome investigators who will be baptized next month!) and then preparing for our English "showcase" night. This time we did Army, and it was sooo fun! Not to mention i got to drive around a tank... (just imagine a wheelchair transformed into a tank....yes....we're that good. Pictures to come sometime soon) Tuesday night was great and fun and we just loved showcase English nights.
Wed: Taught at the Church. Then hopped on a train around 4 pm to go to Bangkok for "moves" meeting. We were all kinda excited to take this train because we were going 1st class.... because of our brokenness.... (Normally we go 2nd... which is honestly just fine and I highly recommend it) However, when we got on the train, they said. "oh sorry...this train doesn't have 1st class car..." (even though they said it did) so we were just in a really nice 2nd class car....(which was find) UNTIL.... 20 min into the ride, the electricity on our car WENT OUT....taking the air conditioning and fans with it. It was the HOTTEST Train ride I've ever been on. And it was such a tease, too. Every station they would restart the engine and the air would come back on (Hallelujah!) but then 20-30 min later, it would die again. So at 10 we tried to go to sleep...but because of the no air issues, and the curtains that transform your bed into a HOT POCKET OF DEATH.... there was little sleeping. I read a lot of the good book. And then around 1 am... one of the Elders and I both simultaneously threw our curtains open and we've both just covered in sweat. It was sooo hot. And so we couldn't sleep so we just ended up talking the whole night about random things (like Hollow Earth, Admiral Byrd, etc, and how it fits into the gospel and such.... hahhah.. RAY! Oh....Actually we talked about that astronaut who said there was aliens behind the moon...it was on CNN a year ago..... who was that again?) It was ridiculous.
Thur: Got off the train at 6 am.... and hoped on the song taws to go to moves meeting. ... Had the meeting (My "mom" died .... Sister Wichittra is done! and so did one of my other comps, Sister Bradfield. SAD!) then we went to the renew my visa. Ate lunch at the local missionary favy...Que Pasa... then waited at the church until we got back on the song taws to go wait some more at the train station, it get on the train again (at 9pm...cause it came late) This time, they did have the 1st class car and it was quite lovely. :) We are definitely spoiled. This train ride was much better, except for the fact that it ended up being a little engine that COULDN'T so we spent a total of 18 hours on the train (3 or more hours spent just sitting on the tracks in various places...) It was fun though. Especially because of all the candy and treats from the packages. Thank you Family!!! Lisa and mom (and clan) you're packages were successful and my whole district thanks you. Packages with candy from the America are the BEST packages ever... So thank you. when we finally made it back to Chung Mai, we had to go to a wedding. It was so cute too. .. Mame, our recent convert got married, and then another couple (Bro. Uan and Sister Pin) got married and it was fun. They're so cute. Thai Mormon weddings are strange....They gave us ear cleaning sets as a party favor....yes.
Sat: Recovered. We taught and did the normal missionary things... but also has a stop at the dentist for my comp.
Sunday: Church.
Now today. And we're going to make brunch with the elders at the church to celebrate a new moves.
So.... I think that's about it. Thank you to everyone for everything. I just really love you all. My birthday was fabulous..... esp. the Party at the park.... ;) (can't wait to see pics)
Umm....ok....
Farewell to Manzanar...
Love, Sister O'Neil
P.S. .... my new e-mail address is hilary (dot) oneil (at) myldsmail (dot) net.... it's fancy and new and looks just like gmail....please use that from now on. :)
Happy birthday to everyone too: Amy, Quasi, Jelly Bean, Bagel.... Aunt Brenda, etc. etc. .. !!
Mar 14, 2010
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Yeah! ! ! ! Greetings from Thailand! ! ! !
Oh man.... I can't tell you how fun that is to day. I love that I'm STILL in Thailand. I know I'm so very lucky. So thanks to everyone for all of your prayers and greetings (and packages....even for the ones I have yet to receive, but you said were on their way. We go down to Moves meeting this wed, so on Thursday, we'll see if they made it to this country yet) and everything else. I love you all.
Umm... lets see. I can't even remember what happened this week because I CAN'T believe it's Monday again. ALREADY. Time is flying. . . (Which we are thankful for sometimes because let's be honest... we'd probably hate our broken lives if it was going slow... haha) We're just one week closer to normal-ness. YAY!!!
We had some pretty cool miracles this week.
Dang it.... I just accidentally deleted the last paragraph I wrote....but here it is again... the Readers Digest version:
So we've been teaching this mom and daughter and had invited them to be baptised about 2 weeks ago, but they said they weren't ready. So this past Thursday we were meeting with them again and Sister Nielsen and I decided we were going to invite her again, but we didn't even get the chance! She came right into our appointment and started telling us about how she got her answer and that they wanted to be baptised ASAP. And better yet, she already asked the district president to baptise her... Soo.... it's all set... April 18th. SO that's a miracle. We're pretty excited. Then yesterday night, I was home alone and the phone rang. It was the mom (a newish member) of an investigator of ours and all she said when I answered the phone was
"**(sorry can't type the Thai symbols)**"" (She's good)
I was so confused. But basically just went on to say "Oh, she's ready... she wants to be baptised. Can we do it before the end of the month? Here, want to talk to her. Oh, she doesn't want to talk. Ok... thanks sister.. Bye"
and then she hung up...
So.... I'm thinking we'll have another baptism this month....
What the random. I love my life.
OK... what else. Oh, District conference was this week. President and Sister Smith came up for it, so it was fun to see them again. Elder Perry and I (the cripples) were the butt of EVERY single speakers jokes on Sat night (except pres and sister smith...they didn't mention us...thank goodness) IT was kinda ridiculous.... I'll tell you more stories from this later. I don't feel like typing it all now. But here;s a teaser... it involves me on the ground, yelling "hellelijah!" (or however you spell it)... That will be fun to tell you later. :)
I think that's all for today. Last night I laughed harder than I have for a long time because my comp was sleep talking. She really loves Disneyland and "fish food" ice cream.... and it was in Thai-glish too.... which just made it better. Oh man.... I love my comp! Yay!
Well....
I love you all!
Love, Sister O'Neil
P.S. A big shout out to my birthday buddies... AMY! Bagel, Jelly Belly, Aunt Brenda... And everyone else I may have temporarily forgotten. I still love you though!! I hope you all had/have a great day filled with cake and ice-cream. I will be spending my birthday....1st class - cross country Thai-Hogwarts train Style.... can't wait. It'll be a party for sure.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Oh.... p.p.s. myldsmail is changing soon... so.... i should be able to give you a new e-mail address by next week... if not... last week of march until I tell you the new one, make sure to send it to both myldsmail AND gmail....ok... grood.
Oh man.... I can't tell you how fun that is to day. I love that I'm STILL in Thailand. I know I'm so very lucky. So thanks to everyone for all of your prayers and greetings (and packages....even for the ones I have yet to receive, but you said were on their way. We go down to Moves meeting this wed, so on Thursday, we'll see if they made it to this country yet) and everything else. I love you all.
Umm... lets see. I can't even remember what happened this week because I CAN'T believe it's Monday again. ALREADY. Time is flying. . . (Which we are thankful for sometimes because let's be honest... we'd probably hate our broken lives if it was going slow... haha) We're just one week closer to normal-ness. YAY!!!
We had some pretty cool miracles this week.
Dang it.... I just accidentally deleted the last paragraph I wrote....but here it is again... the Readers Digest version:
So we've been teaching this mom and daughter and had invited them to be baptised about 2 weeks ago, but they said they weren't ready. So this past Thursday we were meeting with them again and Sister Nielsen and I decided we were going to invite her again, but we didn't even get the chance! She came right into our appointment and started telling us about how she got her answer and that they wanted to be baptised ASAP. And better yet, she already asked the district president to baptise her... Soo.... it's all set... April 18th. SO that's a miracle. We're pretty excited. Then yesterday night, I was home alone and the phone rang. It was the mom (a newish member) of an investigator of ours and all she said when I answered the phone was
"**(sorry can't type the Thai symbols)**"" (She's good)
I was so confused. But basically just went on to say "Oh, she's ready... she wants to be baptised. Can we do it before the end of the month? Here, want to talk to her. Oh, she doesn't want to talk. Ok... thanks sister.. Bye"
and then she hung up...
So.... I'm thinking we'll have another baptism this month....
What the random. I love my life.
OK... what else. Oh, District conference was this week. President and Sister Smith came up for it, so it was fun to see them again. Elder Perry and I (the cripples) were the butt of EVERY single speakers jokes on Sat night (except pres and sister smith...they didn't mention us...thank goodness) IT was kinda ridiculous.... I'll tell you more stories from this later. I don't feel like typing it all now. But here;s a teaser... it involves me on the ground, yelling "hellelijah!" (or however you spell it)... That will be fun to tell you later. :)
I think that's all for today. Last night I laughed harder than I have for a long time because my comp was sleep talking. She really loves Disneyland and "fish food" ice cream.... and it was in Thai-glish too.... which just made it better. Oh man.... I love my comp! Yay!
Well....
I love you all!
Love, Sister O'Neil
P.S. A big shout out to my birthday buddies... AMY! Bagel, Jelly Belly, Aunt Brenda... And everyone else I may have temporarily forgotten. I still love you though!! I hope you all had/have a great day filled with cake and ice-cream. I will be spending my birthday....1st class - cross country Thai-Hogwarts train Style.... can't wait. It'll be a party for sure.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Oh.... p.p.s. myldsmail is changing soon... so.... i should be able to give you a new e-mail address by next week... if not... last week of march until I tell you the new one, make sure to send it to both myldsmail AND gmail....ok... grood.
Mar 7, 2010
SWEET LADY FREEDOM.....!
Hello..... So.... Here's the update on my life:
- I'm exactly the same.
The end.
Just kidding!
But I am kinda the same. I still have a broken ankle. (which cracks me up because everyone here will come up to me and ask "oh, are you better yet" and then I say "nope! Not' yet" I mean... come on people... isn't it OBVIOUS that I'm not "better yet?" but thanks for asking. It brings me joy. Everyday gets better though. I can do more and more. I even went out inviting again this week. and yes... the big farang on crutches does attract attention... so it's great... especially when we go anywhere and the elders are there too.. 2 big farangs on crutches attracts even more attention! The work still progress on here though. Did i tell you how my comp goes out on Member switch-offs while I stay home alone and party? Yeah... it's grand fun. She's off doing the work and I'm at home spending time with Paul (The apostle from the N.T.....calm down people) I still highly suggest reading the New Testament.... Think of me when you read 2 Corinthians 11:1 ....thanks).
I think the highlight of the week was Thursday. Elder Day (our district leader) came back from Bangkok and he brought all our mail too. I don't think I've EVER had a mail day like that. It was like Christmas, even. 3 packages and about 7 letters. YOAH DANG. So before anything else.
TTTTTHHHHHHHHAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNKKKKKKKKKK YOU! so much. Everyone.
Megan.... those packages were delicious. I and my whole district thank you from the bottom of our chocolate/jelly belly filled stomachs. Seriously though....I'm pretty sure the chocolates all gone already...
This part is dedicated to everyone else who wrote me: First, Jesse...YAY!!! Loved the package. Thanks! I'm loving putting that on Pineapple... :) Cami---YAY!! CONGRATS!!!! but I was not even surprised by that news.
Tara - I Love you.
So thank you thank you thank you for all the mail. You all know I love mail, (even before I was a missionary) but I really just extrally love it now.
So.... the work it good. We had a baptism (the elders did... but we've taught him a couple times too because his new wife is a member) and a wedding. Actually- this ward is have 3 this month (including Mame, our recent convert) so the next party will be on my birthday! holla! (the 2 other couples are having a combined reception on the 19th)
Ummm.... well. I think that's about it for the week..
read, comment and ask away.
I love you all!!!
Love,
Sister O'Neil
- I'm exactly the same.
The end.
Just kidding!
But I am kinda the same. I still have a broken ankle. (which cracks me up because everyone here will come up to me and ask "oh, are you better yet" and then I say "nope! Not' yet" I mean... come on people... isn't it OBVIOUS that I'm not "better yet?" but thanks for asking. It brings me joy. Everyday gets better though. I can do more and more. I even went out inviting again this week. and yes... the big farang on crutches does attract attention... so it's great... especially when we go anywhere and the elders are there too.. 2 big farangs on crutches attracts even more attention! The work still progress on here though. Did i tell you how my comp goes out on Member switch-offs while I stay home alone and party? Yeah... it's grand fun. She's off doing the work and I'm at home spending time with Paul (The apostle from the N.T.....calm down people) I still highly suggest reading the New Testament.... Think of me when you read 2 Corinthians 11:1 ....thanks).
I think the highlight of the week was Thursday. Elder Day (our district leader) came back from Bangkok and he brought all our mail too. I don't think I've EVER had a mail day like that. It was like Christmas, even. 3 packages and about 7 letters. YOAH DANG. So before anything else.
TTTTTHHHHHHHHAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNKKKKKKKKKK YOU! so much. Everyone.
Megan.... those packages were delicious. I and my whole district thank you from the bottom of our chocolate/jelly belly filled stomachs. Seriously though....I'm pretty sure the chocolates all gone already...
This part is dedicated to everyone else who wrote me: First, Jesse...YAY!!! Loved the package. Thanks! I'm loving putting that on Pineapple... :) Cami---YAY!! CONGRATS!!!! but I was not even surprised by that news.
Tara - I Love you.
So thank you thank you thank you for all the mail. You all know I love mail, (even before I was a missionary) but I really just extrally love it now.
So.... the work it good. We had a baptism (the elders did... but we've taught him a couple times too because his new wife is a member) and a wedding. Actually- this ward is have 3 this month (including Mame, our recent convert) so the next party will be on my birthday! holla! (the 2 other couples are having a combined reception on the 19th)
Ummm.... well. I think that's about it for the week..
read, comment and ask away.
I love you all!!!
Love,
Sister O'Neil
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