Baptism

How is everyone doing?   From last week’s updates and letters, it sounds like everyone is enjoying their summer vacation!!! I wrote everyone a letter this morning so I will probably send all of it together in one envelope.  Trina I'm sending you another one...I'm sorry you still haven't gotten the other one. ;/  Sometimes it takes me a few days to send out letters because everyday we’re busy but hopefully you will get this one. Okay, so I have a lot to say...

The week started out great.  I got my haircut.   The hairdresser took a lot off...eh, but it will grow back.   Last P-day, we spent a lot of time with Sister Yinn because she's leaving tonight.  So we are also spending time with her today.  I'm really sad about it but I know I'll see her again.

   

On Tuesday, English class was super.   Pretty much no stress and everything worked out with the changes.  There’s still room to improve but that's with everything in life.   Tomorrow should be interesting because we'll have six missionaries as opposed to the normal eight.   

Wednesday we had switch offs.   I had two of my favorite days all month right in a row.   Tuesday was also a blessing because during district meeting, I got a lot of interesting answers that made sense later in the week.   Our district leader shared quotes from Elder Holland’s talk at the last conference, which was actually my favorite talk so I re-read it and then re-read what I wrote in my journal at the time.   But I learned SO much from Sister Yinn on switch offs.   I admire her a lot and who she is.   I think I already said it but I’m really going to miss her.

   

During the switch off we were in the car with a member who was taking us to Mae-jo (because it's an hour car ride away) and we stopped to visit a less-active member that she knows.  After the visit, when we were leaving, her car wouldn't start so Sister Yinn leaned over and said, “Start praying” and as soon as she bowed her head, the car started.   It was one of those special moments.  I like the way she teaches too because she seriously just has it down.

I'm going to skip to Saturday...YEAH, because SISTER บอล GOT BAPTIZED!!! 

It was such an amazing day.    I loved her excitement to get baptized.   We went and taught her every day prior to her baptism and she would share her testimony and how she felt about being baptized.  Her testimony during the baptism is something I won’t forget.   It was just very sincere and you can tell that she understood the covenant she made.   She younger sister (Bam) is still learning with us, and she's just as excited to get baptized.  She keeps saying, I just want the term to end.  She's waiting because she is in school and she has to study on Sundays, which is not in harmony with the Sabbath day commandment--so you know.  I believe she'll make it too because she's already sharing the gospel with her friends.  

BTW, I have a new address for letters and packages: 

1645/6 New Petchburee Road 

Maggasan, Ratchatewee

Bangkok 10400

Thailand

I know you're probably worried now...I’m sorry but again I will be sure to let you know when I get things.   Long story short, Romanization from Thai to English is weird but on the plus side, people in the post office can figure it out so I'll still get it. 

I also sent out a box, which should get there around the squirts birthday or a little after. 

I LOVE YOU ALL

Sister Yeo 

OH YES, Next week, P-day is on Tuesday because we are meeting President Senior, so email will probably come in on Monday night for you.

Recent Pictures up to June 24th

I got a hair cut. A little too short :( but i guess it'll grow back.

Last week we went to swenson's and all of us had a lot of change we wanted to get rid of so we paid 475 baht in coins .... luckily the guy was ok with it :P 

I got a new name tag!! with my Thai name  (we were also on switch offs) 

One of the members kid .... so stinkin cute

Name tag up close

Flowers for sister บอล

Her baptism!!

!!!! :D so beautiful! 

Her family 

With everyone

Her sister and I 

I love her!!!

Red bean dessert...hehe 

After she got confirmed

เเบม (Bam) 

Improve The Shining Moments

How is everyone doing?  The keyboard I'm using is a little wonky so sometimes, I might not capitalize things. Thank you all for your letters!!! Mom, I got that book you gave me (the purple one and the one from John Bytheway).   It's funny because two weeks ago, I was thinking about that and how I saw Travis had it and then, wah-lah you sent me one!! Thank you!  I also got the cards and other letters you sent.   I think when we go to transfers; I'll get the packages you sent.  So that will be the first week of July. 

The new address is for both letters and packages.   For the next few or several months, they will keep forwarding mail from the old address to the new address.   In the mean time…I'm still getting mail!!! :D hehe THANK YOU, THANK YOU. 

Well this week has been a little odd/difficult/successful/weird/sad/happy and all the above.   

Last Monday, we went to the zoo!! I took a lot of pictures and the memory cards are actually in a different package. So it should get there sooner than the box I sent with gifts, etc.  The Zoo here is huge!!! It was fun to see all the animals and such.   

For English class, we've had a lot of people continue to come so we've been trying to change things and accommodate everyone.   It makes it a lot easier when everyone works together; which they do minus two but there's only so much you can do.   Overall, I love serving as an English leader.   I get to know a lot of people (which I love to do) and a lot of the members that help as well.   I really appreciate our district because everyone is trying to make it a success each week. 

Wednesday...well, it was hard.   It was um...yeah, not sure what to say about it.   It wasn't as good as most days but I'll probably fill you in later. 

Thursday, we had lots of appointments at the church.  Which for us is a blessing because since it's rainy season we tend to ride home from our area (which is now 40 minutes or longer because we've been going further out) and it also rains.  We get home soaked; as if we've jumped in a pool and walked out.  BUT we are safe; we wear our raincoats, we have these super handy lights so cars know where we are at and we aren't sick.   No worries (mom ;] ) 

So while we were at the church, one of the members came to help us teach.  Partly because as missionaries, we have a rule that if we have a male investigator, we can't teach them unless another female is there too. So, we were all waiting at the church; and he didn't show up.   I would have been upset/sad but I had a really good talk with this member.   She is actually the one I sent home a picture of.  She's my age and she's been through a lot.   Basically, we talked about her struggles and her family.   She left home a few months ago because her family said that if she continues to be a member of this church, they would basically disown her.  So instead of rejecting her belief she left her home.   Which I personally feel is better but it absolutely broke my heart to listen to how much she misses them.   I felt extra bad because mail came and I got letters from home and she asked if my family missed me and if I miss them.  She said that she tries to call her parents and they don't answer her calls; they won't talk to her at all.   I wanted to cry with her but I told her that Heavenly Father knows her and he loves her and will never forget her.   I told her that the Savior knows exactly what it feels like to be forgotten and rejected.   

She understands the gospel so well.   She told me how she gained a testimony of the gospel and that all she needs in her life is God.   I honestly love this girl.  She is amazing!

Friday and Saturday went by like a blur. Friday was amazing because one of the members that we always work with took us around to meet a bunch of her friends that are either less active or are investigators.  We taught so many in those three hours.   Member missionaries with full time missionaries do wonders and miracles.   Even if they just feed us or give us a referral means so much.   I want to be like these people and so involved in the work after the mission.  

OH YEAH…I forgot to mention that last Monday, we went to Bon and Bam's house!!!! IT'S HUGE!!! They were super excited that we went.   We've been teaching them at the library for the last few months.  We are planning on going there again tonight.

Finally Saturday, we spent ALL day at the church.   It was crazy.   We want to work more closely with the leaders in both branches and for them to get to know us as well as an opportunity for us to serve them.  Saturday night, we made them dinner.   We made spaghetti--haha since we're all American.  One of the Elders, Elder Wagstaff can bake SO well.   It was actually quite impressive.   He's the one in the middle of the picture I sent home.   Anyways, I think the activity was a success and very spiritual as well from hearing everyone's conversion stories. 

Well I hope I get to all of your questions.  If I don't, I'm sorry.  I do my best to keep track in my planner.   One day I'll send home a picture of my planner... it's kinda really OCD.   hehehehe 

p.s.  Sister Yinn is finishing her mission in a week.   I'm really sad about that... I look up to her a lot. 

She always says to say “hi” to you and I think I've been forgetting so...tah dah better late than never.

LOVE YOU ALL VERY, VERY MUCH!! 

Sister Yeo 

p.s.   So typically I print out your emails here at the Internet Cafe and then, I try to respond to questions, etc. in written letters or next week’s email.   So you can send them as long as you want!!! :-) I enjoy reading them at lunch.   It cost about 2 baht to print, which is less than a penny...I guess. 

Recent Pictures Up To June 17th

Lizzards - they are everywhere!

Sister คุกา I love her! She preparing to be a missionary!

Lessons with the twins at the church! :) 

Rodee :-) 

The Elders cooking for our leadership activity

At the church

My friend Tanner!!!!! I was soooo surprised to see him. He's doing an internship here in Chiang Mai and came up to visit! 

The Furnace!

How is everyone?  It's so weird every time P-day comes around because they all come so fast.   This week was a lot of traveling. But first, it sounds like summer is fun for everyone back home! Trina and her sleeping in ;-) Maybe not so much for Travis with his lack of sleep...?  I hope you get some rest, Trav. Funny story, this morning I woke up at 5:58 am and at first, I thought it was 6:58 am so first I panicked because I thought we all forgot to set the alarms and we all slept in.  So, I went and washed my face and did the usual morning routine before saying a prayer and soon realized it wasn't even time to wake up.   At that point I was already awake so I decided to lie down and rest some more and then I wrote both of you (mom and dad) a letter.   I feel that it's always better to be wide-awake and ready to say a prayer because the first few weeks in the field I was falling asleep during prayers. -_- 

Forewarning: This email probably has no sense of connection because they are all random thought's I collected throughout the week. Sorry. Things are busier...as always.

So again, this week was a lot of traveling because I went on switch-offs with a Sister in Pitsanulok, which is a 6 hour bus ride.   It was so great!  I had time to read and write my talk about baptism (which I gave yesterday).   Just like Chiang Mai is nicknamed Heaven; Pitsanulok is nicknamed the furnace. It was SO hot! I was sticky and sweaty the whole time, but welcome to Thailand. haha The church down there is similar to the one ward in Singapore. It's a rented space but this one is pretty small.  The branch has about 50 members but they just opened up the area for sisters and a senior couple.   Other than the two other sisters who are serving there, I got to be the third sister to ever go in a long while.  The house for the sisters is B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L there and while we were down there, I got a chance to talk to President and Sister Smith. They came up to check on the missionary housing and since he knew we were all going to be there, he and his wife wanted to say “bye” to us.   It was so nice to see them again.  We thought the last time we would see them was a month ago at zone conference.   The switch-off was great and I learned a lot! Although I have to say, I am super grateful to be back with my companion and back in Chiang Mai.

This week because of the switch-off and travel we had limited time to do things.  It's been a very eventful week and very meaningful.   I was super nervous about giving a talk this week too, but things turned out well and our branch president told me I speak like a Thai person.   I hope that's true... :P All the time, I just feel like I have so much to learn and there's so many thing I don't know yet.   In some ways, I don't like being patient in learning things slowly but I know it's important because I can't learn it all in one sitting.  I thought about it last night and I feel like I've made a little progress from where I've started but I have a huge stretch in front of me of where I need to go and time is just continuing onward.   I'm still optimistic about it because speaking with people here is so much fun.   Sister Murray teaches me a lot of facts and good tips to learning the language and correct tones, etc.  Yesterday, we also played a musical number in the ward.  Once everyone knows you play a musical instrument, there's no getting out of it; but I'm happy to do it.  In fact, I love it! I love and appreciate that the ward involves us missionaries and we work together.

Ok, so I can't remember if I mentioned it but I'm still in Chiang Mai! Transfers did happen but I'm still in training so I'm here for two transfers and most likely, I'll be here for one more after this transfer...making it three.  Basically, I will probably be in Chiang Mai till August. 

In other news, Zhouli, our super amazing member fellow-shipper went back to China yesterday. :-(  It was the saddest thing to say bye to her.  She has been amazing and the reason sister Bon and Bam were introduced to the church.   But I realize that even we, as missionaries don't stay that long.  It's just a part of life.   The twins that we teach started coming back to church with their mom.   Their whole family is starting to be active again except for the husband, which is who we are trying to get active.   However, the Lord knows what he's doing and everyone goes at their pace.   We just continue to work with them and pray for them.   I love those girls so much and I really, really, really hope they have the opportunity to be baptized.  

Last Saturday, we had a huge activity at a member’s house.   It was basically a barbecue and a mini testimony meeting.  The purpose was to build member relationships with our investigators.  So, we had a great turn out from our branch of both, members and investigators that we are teaching and those that the Elders are teaching too. There's always a bunch of food at these activities.  I don't think we've gone to anything; including lessons without there being something to eat. It is just part of the culture here. 

Well life is so good.  I am so happy here!  I absolutely love it and being a missionary. I read this from the Ensign this morning and wrote it in my planner.  It from Elder Neil Anderson (pg. 111) "We may not be at our very best every day; but if we are trying, Jesus's bidding is full of encouragement and hope: 'Come all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.'"  I love that!  

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! 

Sister Yeo 

P.S. MOM, I HAVE A NEW MAILING ADDRESS!!! 

1645/6 

New Petchaburi Rd

Makkasan, Ratchathewi Bangkok 10400

Don't send things to the old address anymore.  Technically this will be the new mission address when the new mission president arrives at the end of the month.  June 30th. 

Sorry no pictures this week cause the computer won't upload them. I'm sending home the memory card this week. For reals this time :P Last week, I had no time cause of switch-offs. Speaking of mail, I'm also mailing out a box of stuff home, again for reals this time. It should get there in a month and a half. Maybe, (I hope) in time for Trina's birthday. There's stuff in there for everyone else too. :) 

When It Rains, It Pours!

How is everyone?!?!?!?  I’m sooo excited to tell you about my week.  First off, thank you for your prayers...I felt them this week, a lot!! I know that I have such an amazing family that supports and loves me.  You are the best!!!!!!!!! I got all your letters.   It's really funny when mail day comes around; the office elders and everyone always say, “just give it to Sister Yeo.”  :P Thank you!  I make sure to write all of your first and I'm trying to write friends back but I hope they understand when it comes a little slower.  However, their letters are definitely appreciated!! 

Mom - I didn't do as good of a job checking which letters I received but I'll let you know.  I'm very sure I get all of them because mail has been consistent here.   Sometimes, it's slow because we have appointments and go out to work; so by the time we make it to the post office, it's already Thursday.   I sent one last Wednesday so hopefully it will get to you by the end of the week or sometime soon. 

Dad - mom said you asked if I could get a subscription for the church magazines sent to me locally; turns out...we do have a subscription.  We just got the Ensign...a month later though but better than never.  So I guess for future reference, I'll exercise more patience. :-) I'm curious how the new building on campus is turning out..I hope work and church aren't stressful for you.

Trav - Please tell 'Illikea “thank you” for all her letters!! She's been writing me consistently since the MTC! and I'm excited to see where she gets called on her mission!!! :D  I'm glad you had a blast in Georgia!! I'll be sending you a letter home this week.  P.S. I was going to ask if you wanted the really fine tip pens but I'm already sending them home so...tah dah.

Squirt! - How's seven peaks? hehe... you're going to be one dark cookie by the end of the summer.  I'm sure mom will remind you but wear sunscreen! hahahhahahahaha

Mom, I'm sending home a package and it should get home around the 2^nd week of July.  It has stuff for everyone and birthday things for certain people ;-) 

I'm not sure where to start because I LOVED this week.   This is my favorite and most meaningful week of my mission so far.   Last week, I hope I didn't sound like a complainer last week because we didn't have people to teach.   That's just missionary work, when there's no one, then, it's just an opportunity to go find someone who does want it and is ready to change.   So with that in mind, we went inviting...A LOT.   Something that our branch is really in need of is strong priesthood holders and lots of them.  Our branch is about half the size of the second branch here in Chiang Mai but the members are so missionary minded. So, we pray for families and strong men who are worthy of holding the power from God…priesthood holders. Heavenly Father is so loving that he puts in our path lots and lots of families and priesthood holders.   It's interesting how the Spirit works, because when led to neighborhoods by the Spirit, we found exactly what we were looking for.  Super blessed this week.   

Real quick- English classes are amazing!  I'm trying to make sure that our missionary purpose is fulfilled through English.  Last week, we had 120+ people come.  It was great!  Previous weeks were about 30-40 so hopefully it continues to grow.  I have a little trouble motivating some of the Elders to have the same enthusiasm about it but to also not be bossy.   English is one of the best finding tools.   Zhouli and one of the missionaries here in our district are “products” (for lack of a better word) of the program.  So I hope everyone can catch that vision. 

Oh yeah, apparently this doesn't happen often but we got a referral from Church Headquarters!  Which was another huge blessing this week, we keep getting referrals, we have 6 new investigators and we have a plethora of potentials and the cherry on top; the members are helping us teach in almost every lesson!! It’s been fantastic.  So the way church HQ referrals work is you just need to contact them within 24 hours.  So we were stressed... so stressed because Thailand isn't on a grid or anything close like America.   So to be efficient with our time because it was also out in Mae-Jo (which is about an hour and 20 min bike ride or a 45 min Roddeng ride), we asked the zone leaders if we can just Google map it.   So, it was semi helpful but we used our faith and just headed out following the Spirit. The day prior to our scavenger hunt, we asked members and our branch president if they knew where it was ... we even asked our investigators, Bon and Bam (who are still amazing by the way - love them sooo much!) NO ONE KNEW!  So yes, faith and the Spirit led us there and guess what...the guy lives in a mansion!! It was huge!! Never thought I'd teach in one of those in Thailand!  This was a win-win all around because he had sons, who are again…potential priesthood bearers.   So long story short, this week has been a lot of trials followed with even more blessings.  I honestly believe that we get out, exactly what we put in.  So last night when I was talking with Heavenly Father, I told Him “sorry” that some days I lack the patience but I'm trying my best and I know He's answering my prayers because this is THE most meaningful fast Sunday I've ever had in my life.  

I couldn't fall asleep last night for a while because I got an answer to every single question I had.  I changed my perspective about many things and it made me more grateful for the simple things I had.  I was talking with our district leader and in the discussion, I told him that when we were on our way back from San Sai, I was so thirsty because it was hot and we were riding fast to an appointment and all I wanted was a cup of water.  It was so simple but something that I take it for granted every other day.  So in the end, all I would want in this life is to have a testimony and to be converted.

I'm running short on time and I want to be sure to send this so, 

I LOVE YOU ALL

Love 

Sister Yeo  

Recent Pictures Up To June 4th

Zhouli (member) me, Bon and Bam (Investigators)

A member gave us ponchos so we decided to sport them with our copies of the Book of Mormon

Sister Murray and I at Doi Sutep (not sure how to spell it in English so that's as close as it gets)

The view from Doi Sutep (it's REALLY high in the mountains)

Some random Khon Thai wanted a picture with us so we said why not and share the gospel with her ...

:-) 

Dinner Time :-)