HOME!

Elder Uthaichai returned home Tuesday, April 7th. 

Here Dad, and Sam's niece and nephew (Evelyn and Douglas) keep a lookout for his arrival off the airport tram. 

 Waiting for Sam to arrive. The sign was made by Mom, sister Rachel Burt and her kids Evelyn and Douglas. 

Here he is!!

Hugs all around!

The Family together again!

After the Stake President released him we returned home for a bitter sweet moment - removing the name tag

Pictures

Meghan Hayes' Baptism

Sister Missionaries pranked us!

Last Minute Struggles

Church was cancelled this past Sunday due to weather. We had about 6-8 inches of snow combined. Instead of going to Church we went to LA's homes and shovel their driveway. It was a good workout. On Sunday morning before we found out that the ward was going out and shoveling, I went outside around the apartment complex and clean off people's vehicles and shovel the side walks. It was a good use of time in my opinion. This week hasn't been too great, our car needed to go in for a repair twice. People are canceling, Satan is working overtime on our investigator; Meghan. This week is her baptism so please keep her in your prayers.

It is disappointing to get the rejection letter from BYU. At first, I thought to myself "have I not done good enough?", "what more could I have done". But then I realized that maybe it wasn't the right time or place. Going to school in Utah might be fun and all but I guess it won't be happening. If we happen to move to Utah and I have my immigration figured out, I might not go to BYU. Sometimes, I wonder dad, if it was even worth it to keep trying. It seems like no matter what I do, how hard I try. The future just doesn't seem to get brighter. Oh well, maybe there is a lesson to be learned here. Something that I find hilarious is that as we're teaching English to these Chin people. I became familiar with citizenship papers and the citizenship tests. 

Well, I'll just stay here in Indiana physically, and mentally for the next 5 weeks. Getting a calling once home would ensure that I stay on the right track. I would need that especially when not many around me are Mormon.

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

Time Flies

This week has been fun not much happened except the winter snow that's pretty much it but I have to say that I love being here this area. This area is one of my favorites.The members are always nice they always feed us what we want. In the first ward is really good at taking care of the missionaries.  I am actually sad that Elder Rider is leaving. But I know that it will be good for him. 

I think it's funny how fast time flies. I never thought the day would come but I guess it came quicker than I thought. As I have said before I love this area, I love the work, I just loving it out here. It will be a tear fest when it's time for me to leave but we'll see, I have six weeks to go. I personally cannot say why I like this so much I just know that I will miss everything about the missionary work. I will miss the people, I will miss the missionaries, I will miss tracting(meeting random people), and I will always always miss having a companion. I think it will be super strange to walk around by myself. I'm not going to dwell on it right now, but I can't help but to think.

Anyway, let's talk about the area. Meghan Hayes is doing really well. Her babies are so cute, I love working with her, I love teaching her, her family has been a blessing in my life. Many of our Chin families treat us like one of their family member. We love it. You can feel so much from them and from the savior. I know that our Savior loves everyone equally regardless of what we have done. 

Elder Ledesma and I really enjoyed being with each other even though he refused to admit to the fact that he loves me. He is a crazy little Asian boy, who cannot live without rice. Maybe I'll keep in contact with him I mean after all I will take his watch and his clothes and everything else. The sisters are so much fun, I admire them for the diligence and the desire to have to serve the Lord. I call sis. Anderson; Twix, because that's how she is. She's tiny yet complicated, but at the same time simple. Anyway, Megan baptism is pushed to March 7. The snow we had last week was terrible. If you look on Facebook, you can see the pictures of my face being shoved in the snow. Ask me how much I enjoy that.

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

A Wonderful District

Another great week in Indy 1st ward. Our WML had his baby this previous week. Please pray for him and his family. I can't express how grateful I am to be in this place at the this time. The people are always wonderful and kind. It makes me sad to read my release paper. I never thought it would come, I have been waiting for awhile but once it got to my door, it made me sad and uncertain. I wish it didn't have to come to an end. The miracles that I have seen and been part of is more than I can describe. I love the companionship of the spirit. This past week, I was able to focus on my spiritual needs so after the day was done, I had the time to read the scriptures and the ensign based on my needs. It is a great practice to be getting into I believe. 

My district is wonderful, I guess having 4 sisters isn't too bad especially when they're fun, faithful, dedicated servants of the Lord. It is privilege to serve with them. We went to a gymnastics gym and did a few flips and what not. I realized that I'm not as agile and flexible as I used to. It was a fun experience least to say. I still can do a few flips. 

Please pray for Meghan Hayes, her baptism is coming up this Saturday! They are great. We hope to teach her sister next so we'll see how things goes. Anyway, thanks for everything.

Love,

Elder Sam Uthaichai

Ps I am not ready to go home, I actually don't want to go home.

The Mission Field Spirit

Things are definitely going well here. We are finding success with the area. Elder Ledesma is doing really well. Him and I get along great, we are trying to work on our physical health and keep a balance diet. As you know, eating healthy can be time consuming and expensive. However, we have decided that it was best for both of us. After all, eating healthy is a healthier life-style. 

The mission is doing good. As far as I'm concerned President and my district are happy. That's good enough for me. I will keep you posted on the journey here. I am now considered a "grandpa". With time comes wisdom right? Another exciting news is that Albert is thinking about going on a mission. I promised him that I would come back and spend a few days with him prior to him going to the MTC. Last night we had a fireside, "Why I Believe". I will truly miss this, I love the spirit there and the smiling faces.

Our weather is lovely, it's not cold at all. It has been quite enjoyable winter. It was/is mild, warm and sunny. We love it. Our next baptism is on the 21st. I am so excited for her. We feel like she is ready and prepared, spiritually. We are working closely with Albert. We try to visit him with the sisters as much as we can. Time doesn't always permit. 

I, personally, am in love with the area and with the Chin people. I love them so much that I decided to learn their language. I'm being taught Haka Chin which is one of the top dialect spoken in Burma. It is quite entertaining to learn and see them laughing at me, while I'm trying to speak it. Ohh last night, I met E. Wimmer. He studied in Sweden for 2 years so he could speak Swedish. Oh man, my Swedish is rusty as well. I feel like everything I know, and knew is fading away! 

Love,
Elder Uthaichai

Pictures & Video