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. 

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  

A Very Interesting P-day.

Sorry for the late e-mail.   Usually by now you've received word but today we had some bad luck with the Internet.   We came here around 11am but for 15 minutes I sat and waited for the Internet to start working.   Luckily, I was able to read your e-mails and print them but when it came time for met to begin writing mine, the Internet died completely.   The Elders walked in after coming from a different Internet Cafe and said that one was out too.  So we just went with a back up plan and made sure we put time in our schedules to email home later. :-)

Real quick, I got a lot of mail this week!!! :-) I got the “Rice Krispys,” chocolates, the Ensign, the blouses you sent, the cards and pictures as well as letters.   Thank you very much mom, dad, Trina and Travis.  I know you all are very supportive and I am very happy to have all of you back home and always sending me your love and encouragement.

  

Dad - Do you know a Drew Thompson?  He work at BYU as an OIT accountant.  He's my district leaders dad. 

Trav - HAVE FUN IN GEORGIA ... you can mow the lawn at our house too ;-) bahahahha jk,jk 

Trina I wrote you a letter and I'll send it out tomorrow or Wednesday.  :-)  Good Job on the spelling bee!!!  :D I know you worked hard and studied a lot.  Have fun with summer and learn a new skill or hobby :-) 

Mom - You're the best!! I think the letter I wrote to you should arrive this week or early next...it was about 5-6 pages so maybe it’s slow because of the weight? I hope you get it...if not, I wrote you another one this morning and I’ll send it out when I send Trina's as well :-)

This week was a little harder than last week. It's almost as if things are slowing down but life is still great as a missionary!  Just to clarify real quick, I'm still in Chiang Mai and Sister Murray is still my companion.  Because I'm in training, we are together for two transfers.  And then, when I'm doing training, I'll most likely stay for one more transfer in Chiang Mai making it a total of 3 moves.   I'm totally okay with it since that’s just how it works here in our mission.  That just means in 5 week, I'll need to lead the area when a new companion comes.  -_-   It'll be good though... I'm learning a lot.   Anyways, Sister Bon and Bam are still learning with us and I'm not sure if I ever told you that their date changed but Bon will be baptized in June and Bam later in the year.   Bam is finishing her last year in college so her school schedule is difficult and she has class on Sunday.  The AP's told us that technically that's breaking the Sabbath and she will need to wait till the term ends and that will be in October.   The day we went to teach them and tell them that information, they took it so well!  Both of them! They said that it's what God wants and at first, she was thinking that learning in a month was fast but now she has more time to understand and be converted before she is baptized.   It seriously so amazing how much faith they both have.  We are working to encourage them to get their parents to sit down with us and learn because they are around when we go teach anyways, but they want to wait till their daughters learn.  Ah…patience.   I'm learning a lot of it on a mission.  I just love it. 

In other news, our numbers and lessons were few this week.  Many of our investigators dropped us and people don't answer their phones.   It's been very sad but we know that Heavenly Father just has a different time table for them, and in time when they are ready, they will learn with us again or when other missionaries are inspired to pull them out of the 'formers' pile.  

Anyways I'm going to try to send pictures from this morning.   We went up the mountains in a Roddeng... I got sick but we washed the drivers car off with my water bottle.  Heh... sorry, TMI.

Also, some random facts for the week: 

Father's day here (The king’s birthday) is my birthday December 5. 

My branch asked me to speak in Sacrament... Pray for me please!!!! The other missionaries that have been here longer haven't given one but I know it'll help me with Thai. 

Mom to answer your question, my district leader is awesome...really strong testimony and good example.  Zone leaders are quirky by also very kind. 

I LOVE YOU ALL. 

Have a great week!!! 

p.s. we went out proselyting for 3 hours before emailing and we found potentially 3 new investigators. SO GOOD!!! :) 

You're always in my prayers and I love you so much!! Thank you for all you do, I know Heavenly Father watches over you as much as He watches over me. 

Love Sister Yeo

Transfers already!!!??!

Today we had a very different schedule because we were trying to do a lot of other errands to get ready for the week. Basically, the goal is to be as efficient as possible.   I made a really big sticky note of all the things I want to share so hopefully, I'll get it all in.  

Real quick, Mom, I went through the list of letters you sent me and I checked dates and everything and I got them all.  I also got the GRANOLA BARS!  Sooo good :-) This Thursday is transfers so I'll get the other packages you sent! :-) Thank you, thank you, thank you! I also got the bookmarks and custom made cards you sent! Those are so cute!! I almost want to keep them and not send them to people. Hehe.   So I read through all your letters!  I’m excited for Trina that she got to the spelling bee finals!!! Work hard squirt!  Everyday, I learn new vocabulary too over here!   I even have a mini spelling bee of my own.   In Thai, there are 20+ vowels and so my companion will test me the way mom tests you and then she'll correct any mistakes.   It makes learning fun!   Good luck!  I know you'll do great and work hard to meet your goals!!   I'll be cheering for you from Thailand! :-) 

I'm so excited that Auntie Sheila is here in Thailand! I really wish that I would have the opportunity to see her and give her a Book of Mormon... I thought about giving our number to you so you could e-mail it to her but this week I've been thinking a lot about obedience.   And according to the white handbook, we are not supposed to give out our number.   I'll ask President Smith in my email so that maybe, in the future, that can happen but as for now, I know that if I obey with exactness and if I'm meant to see Auntie Sheila here in Thailand, then Heavenly Father will make it happen.  

So, overall this week was harder than most but it was very, very rewarding.   Bon, our investigator passed her baptism interview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  She's seriously so amazing!   She's noticed how much the gospel is changing her life that she invited her sister to come and learn too and now both of them are getting baptized on the same date!!!! IT’S AMAZING!  It's my favorite way to start the day.   We have been teaching Bon at the library and three weeks ago, she wanted us to come and teach her everyday; so for the last... actually, it's been a month now we've been going to the library every day and for this last week, we've been able to teach the two of them with Zhouli (member who introduced Bon to the gospel).   I love all three of them.   Her sister's name is Bam and she's my age.  She came to English class last week and during the class, we met with all the new people for 5 minutes and shared with them a quick spiritual thought and our purpose here as missionaries.   So she spoke with Elder Thompson and she told him, she was ready to change religions.   The Lord has prepared her.  You can just tell by the way she keeps her commitments and her willing heart.   Oh, and I found out that Zhouli had read the Book of Mormon 5 times and she's about to finish her 6th time!!! She was baptized in February of this year!! I don't think I've even read the Book of Mormon twice in one year.   But each one of them is such great example to me of faith and obedience.   The two of them will be baptized on June 23rd!! :-)   p.s. Bon's date moved back because she wanted to get baptized with her sister.   Oh and when we were teaching them one day, her mom came over and said we want to learn as well but we are going to have the girls learn first.   WHOLE FAMILY BAPTISM PARTY!! WOOT, WOOT!   So great! 

I realized that in the last few weeks I've mentioned a lot about Bon so I want to share stories of other investigators we are working with.   We have been teaching a lady named 'Fon'... (I don't know how to spell their names in English so these are my best guesses) but she is 42ish and her husband is Doon (37ish) and they have a little girl named Jup Jeep and she's about 7 year old.   We started teaching all three of them together but know we are just teaching Fon.   She is already Christian and we met here while we were out inviting so she was interested to learn more about the Church.   One of the members has been fellowshipping her the whole time we have been teaching her.   This week we have to work on her progress towards baptism because originally they had a date to be baptized on June 30th but at this point they won't make it because they have not been coming to Church.   That and because this week they said that they want to wait till they learn more then make the decision to be baptized.   It was really hard but I'm happy this is the way it worked out.   My companion and I talked about it and we want to make sure that she is learning with us because she wants to come closer to Christ and to repent and be baptized.  We think the husband would be super golden, but he doesn't have the Christian background as strong as she does.  He is SUPER nice and he leads us out at night with his bike/lights because it's usually dark by then.   We just need an opportunity for him to sit down and feel the spirit and I'm sure he'll do great! 

Lolee is the other investigator I wanted to tell you about.  She is 15 and she is half Thai and half German/American.  We teach her in English, which I really appreciate, ha.   Joke.  I love Thai because it sounds like English now.... or has become more...normal?  I'm not sure what word I'm looking for.  Speaking of English:  I've been called to be the English leader in our district; I'm excited.  I basically help organize and make sure English class runs on Tuesday nights.  So anyways, Lolee has been through a LOT!!  I'm not sure how she handles it all because she is so young but she is very smart and mature for her age.   She opened up to us the other night about something very personal and we have this rule about teaching minors; basically, we need a parent to be there.  So she needed someone to talk to because it's a matter of life and death so we didn't break rules but just sat outside of the church and talked to her... all four of us, sisters.   We shared Alma 7 with her and that the Atonement can heal her.   I wanted so badly for her to understand that she isn't going through her trials alone and the Gospel, especially the Atonement, is what's going to help her most. She been meeting with the missionaries since last September so she knows all the lessons and she comes to church every week.  For her, it's a matter of applying what she learns.   I call her everyday and share what I learned or just say, “hi” because she is really sweet and deserves to have so much more that what she has now. 

Well, I've learned a lot of little lessons this week and one thing I've been coming back to frequently, is faith and obedience.   During personal study, sometimes I wonder, “Why do we... pay tithing, read scriptures, go to the temple, kneel in prayer etc.”   It's because we are commanded to and when we do it, it's an act of faith.  I see the different levels of faith in each of our investigators and I'm starting to understand a little more why this is the first principle of the gospel.   It's just so foundational. <--- is that not a word?

Time is almost up and I would just encourage our family to go to the temple once a month together.   I thought about the temple this past week and I miss it a lot.   There is no temple here in Thailand and the members are so eager and save so much so that several years later, they can just go at least once.   In Provo, there will soon be two and I know I didn't always go when I had the chance and need to repent because we draw so much power from heaven by going to the Lord's house.   That and it's just a special place to be away from the cares of the world and look to the eternity.  That's one of the reasons I love Sundays here, I was reading a talk about the Sacrament by President Packer and he talked about a time for self-inspection.   I like the way he described it because here in the field we are always talking about BIQ's (baptismal interview questions) so we can check the progress of investigators towards baptism.  So as members, sacrament is our form of checking our progress towards eternal life.  

I studied this a little more this morning and maybe I'm stretching it, but I know that we are renewed each week through the sacrament and through the Atonement of Christ. 

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!  

Sister Yeo 

p.s. mom I sent you a letter and one to Grandma .. did you get mine and did they?  If not I've written you one that I will send out this week. 

Oh, and I'm still reading with the family ..  I'm in Alma 2 ... Where are you all"?! :) 

Ah, really cool experience with Sister Bon I'll have to share next week 

More Pictures From Chaing Mai

This was Family Home Evening a few weeks ago.  Basically FHE = eat together.   Steamboat style. 

We teach English every Tuesday.

The sister in the middle is now a missionary in Thailand!  She is awesome!   There were 11 Khon Thai's (Thailand Young Adults) that are now serving here.

:-)

Sitting in a Roddeng.

I rode an elephant... hehe.

Teaching English again.... I taught by myself for the first time and got 3 new investigators ...woo! 

The two girls sitting by me are our investigators.  SO CUTE!  It reminds me of teaching primary.  I love it!!

Sister Yinn and I at a super American restaurant.

I color coded my scriptures ... just thought I"d share. haha.

hehe .. sorry :P 

Thailand is Smileland

It's already another P-day! And I've already been in country for a month! What?! 

This might be short because sending pictures took an eternity and my computer froze 4 times and then once it gave me an error screen when I was half way through.

THANK YOU for sending me the family history record.   We had a specialized training about it and I'm super excited to be able to use it in missionary work!  I translated it into Thai and later today, I'm going to shrink it to keep a copy in my scriptures.   

So, it's been raining a lot lately, which is a month or so early for the rainy season, but I LOVE IT!  So much fun riding in the rain and then, people are more inclined to invite you into their homes out of the rain and then, what do you know... “Can we share a quick message about the gospel so on and so forth?”   But we are in good health, always safe always wearing my stylish helmet.... haha.

I did make a note to thank Travis for letting me use his mission bag.  This think is amazing.  It's like it's built for missionaries!  It has all the right pockets AND it's waterproof.  Usually all my stuff is in Ziplock bags anyways but again this bag is awesome!  

[Sidenote] Tomorrow we have zone conference with the mission president so it's a big deal.  Partly because it will be his last one before he returns to the states.   They asked us to play a special musical number.  Luckily, one of the members has a flute so I've got to play for a baptism this last Saturday and practice for this song.  It's so pretty and I love the way music just helps invite the spirit.   

Yesterday was so awesome!  It was fast Sunday, plus we had different opportunities to serve in the ward.  It was so cute because now that I'm more comfortable talking to people, there's this one sister who I was talking to yesterday and she asked me, "what do you think your purpose is in life?"  A very valid question so I gave her my answer and then she said, “I think your purpose is to smile.  Because, God gave you a very nice smile and through that you will get a lot of investigators.”   They say that Thailand is “Smileland.”   She is so cute and she helps me with my Thai because her English is very good.  She wants to be a missionary too so we talk about that and about life, etc.

OH YEAH.  Mother's day!  We are going to go to the Internet cafe at 8 a.m. so I think that's about 9 p.m. your time on Sunday night... Sorry, I don't know exactly what time it would be in Utah but we will be here Monday morning 8 a.m. :-) 

Our investigator Sister บอล is progressing sooo much.  Last week she told us an experience she had with an answer to her prayer.  She was absolutely beaming.   He friend got in an accident because of the rain and was probably going to die so she prayed that he would be better and recover.  She called him the next day and he was ok!   God hears us and the desires of our hearts.   She shared her excitement and we shared our testimonies.   A few days later, after we were done teaching, she asked if we could come teach her everyday.  She said that her days are better and it's easier to make good choices when we come visit her.  So we teach her just about everyday.   You can just see her testimony grow right along with her desire.  A few lessons ago, it was so simple but she took out some notes and instead of sitting at the usual table (which tends to cause distractions because it's where she works and she has to help customers), she moved us to a different room where it was quiet and we can just feel the spirit. 

There's only 3 minutes and I’m sure I could tell you about another hour or 2 worth of things but just to be sure that this e-mail get sent... 

Things are so great!!! I love being a missionary!!! Everyday and every hour ... even in the heat or rain.  IT'S FANTASTIC! 

This work is God’s work and we only know that through prayer and scriptures and the spirit! 

LOVE YOU ALL!  I hope you have a wonderful day/week! 

Love Sister Yeo 

P.s.  When the General Conference ensign comes out, can you maybe send me a copy please?