And the World Keeps Turning...

Hello Family and Friends!

How happy I am to be emailing you today! Sometimes I just have to pinch myself to know this is real and that I am actually living in Thailand preaching a glorious message!! But it is! And it is true, SO true!!

OK... a LOT has happened this week so time to recap! First we had 9/9/09 which was a big day for the branch because little Noelle was born (and at 9am!!) I have a picture, but the internet cafe I am in doesn't do pics, so it will come next week! Her parents, Sister Tuu and Brother Ooh (everyone goes by their nicknames here, first names are long and hard) are the most amazing members in the branch! Brother Ooh has been a member for less than two years and has not missed a single week of church. He has read the Book of Mormon twice and is now on his third time, he loves it. He helps us so much with teaching. But on the same day, Sister Wan's mom, who has been sick for a while, died. It has been interesting to see how Thai's do funerals. (I have a picture of that too... I'll explain more next week.)

So then it was 9/10/09 Denisa's Birthday!! I thought about her and how much I miss her!!! Mom, PLEASE let her know I was thinking about her and get me her address so I can write her.

9/11- Emily's Birthday! Happy Birthday Emily!! :) I can't believe it has been 8 years since the attack. Sister Bradfield and I were singing patriotic songs on our bikes, it was fun! Birthday shout-outs to Joe and Kinzie, too! So sorry if I forget anyone!

And finally 9/15! My Parents have been married for 25 years!!! :) You were supposed to go to Hawaii, but I guess Disneyland is second best... :) But I am VERY sad you are going without me... mean.. haha. It's ok, I just won't think about it. Well, you guys are the best parents ever. You did everything right in raising me and the boys. I am so grateful mom for all those times when I was 13 and wanted to sleep instead of going to church (or seminary in high school) and you wouldn't take no for an answer. You are my best friend :) And dad, you're just the best example ever. Keep being awesome, and stay healthy because we need another 25 years out of you both AT LEAST! Love you!!!

OK last matter of business and then I'll share some amazing stories... Larissa, I have not forgotten about your umbrella, I am looking for it, but I don't think I will find the white one with the pink flowers where I am serving now. When I go to Bangkok I will find it and send it! :)

So this week has been just incredible. I have had some new challenges with the newness of the mission wearing off and coming to realize that I am working all day everyday for a long time. But it's still great. I am still very enthusiastic, it just takes a little more work now. I still love it here. I like to quote Alma alot, Yea and I desire to dwell with these people for a time, perhaps even until the day I die... (haha not really... but I do love it here!!) I write down miracles that happen everyday. My favorite this week was yesterday when we were teaching Meew and Creem, two girls who work with a member name Bambi (nickname of course ;) Bambi has a solid testimony and has been a member for awhile. So she has been sharing the gospel with Meew, who is SO cute! (I have a picture of her too... next week) and she LOVES it!! I didn't understand everything she said, but she most definitely feels the Holy Ghost and, I'm sure, will be ready for baptism soon. My first baptism!! We'll see how teaching goes.

So the amazing thing that happened is that Creem, who is Bambi's husbands mother has never been interested in learning, but decided to sit in on the lesson. Meew was bearing amazing testimony of how reading the Book of Mormon and praying brings her real happiness and then when she was done, she asked Creem to say something about what they had learned, and she just started crying!! They were all crying as they explained that Creem's parents died when she was young and how it felt good for her to know that she had a Heavenly Father who truly loved her. The spirit was so strong. Sister Bradfield and I left that lesson on cloud nine! This gospel is so true, it's amazing!!

My time is coming to a close. But I love you all very much! And can't wait to hear from you all!!

And Lyndsay! You're letter is being sent today, I started it last week, but didn't get to finish... I love you and you are amazing!! :)

Life is great, the gospel is true. Missionary work is the most important/fun thing to do!! I love you all!

Love,
Melissa