Our Zone at Lafeyette. We had a BBQ/activity day.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Patience and Hope
Yesterday was Memorial Day so the library was closed :( but we get an hour to
make up that time today :)
The people we're teaching are few but the one that probably need prayers is Cortney and her family! She's so solid, she's 24 and have 4 children. I think her son is like 10 or something i'm not sure. But he's the oldest. She wants to come to church and always attentive. She kept all of our commitments however, the issue she's having is work. She works as a CNA down at the nursing home here. She works 16 hours on Saturday and Sunday so we've been praying for her schedule to change and she mentioned it yesterday that she wants to attend church and make that next step to follow Christ. Anyway that's all we have so far the rest are just here and there.
My companion/trainer name is Elder Brezenski, Scotti. He's from Misoula MT. He's going to BYUI as soon as he gets back home. I'm not really sure if he knows what he wants to major in just yet but he wants to find a wife that's for sure hah. The indy 500 is like their god here. it's insane. I didn't have a chance to really find out more about it but it's really popular here.
So far on my mission, I have learned a lot about Patience. Actually this week I have a personal goal of study more about Patience and Hope. I know that I must have faith in the Lord and that He will provide a way as long as I allow Him to work through me. However, it's so challenging when you continuously getting rejected. It's a challenge to keep faith but as the Scripture says, the only reason we face trials is to be tested of faith. Sometimes it's hard to stay on top when all you see is the day ahead or even just the hour ahead of you. But having eternal perspective does help out with the Work. just gotta do my best! Being out here definitely help me out with Patience
At this point I really enjoy the members here. Although they could use a little more missionary work motivation but they're all wonderful people. Definitely want to come back to Kokomo and visit again. Sister Marler Also Known As Mama Marler is a Saint!
In closing, Elder Drake is going home in August and I asked him to visit you guys so he might stop by on his way home. He's awesome! he's our zone leader right now and his conversion story is amazing! so just a heads-up he might stop by.
Well that's all for this week. Nothing new just slow but it's moving.
Love,
Elder Uthaichai
The people we're teaching are few but the one that probably need prayers is Cortney and her family! She's so solid, she's 24 and have 4 children. I think her son is like 10 or something i'm not sure. But he's the oldest. She wants to come to church and always attentive. She kept all of our commitments however, the issue she's having is work. She works as a CNA down at the nursing home here. She works 16 hours on Saturday and Sunday so we've been praying for her schedule to change and she mentioned it yesterday that she wants to attend church and make that next step to follow Christ. Anyway that's all we have so far the rest are just here and there.
My companion/trainer name is Elder Brezenski, Scotti. He's from Misoula MT. He's going to BYUI as soon as he gets back home. I'm not really sure if he knows what he wants to major in just yet but he wants to find a wife that's for sure hah. The indy 500 is like their god here. it's insane. I didn't have a chance to really find out more about it but it's really popular here.
So far on my mission, I have learned a lot about Patience. Actually this week I have a personal goal of study more about Patience and Hope. I know that I must have faith in the Lord and that He will provide a way as long as I allow Him to work through me. However, it's so challenging when you continuously getting rejected. It's a challenge to keep faith but as the Scripture says, the only reason we face trials is to be tested of faith. Sometimes it's hard to stay on top when all you see is the day ahead or even just the hour ahead of you. But having eternal perspective does help out with the Work. just gotta do my best! Being out here definitely help me out with Patience
At this point I really enjoy the members here. Although they could use a little more missionary work motivation but they're all wonderful people. Definitely want to come back to Kokomo and visit again. Sister Marler Also Known As Mama Marler is a Saint!
In closing, Elder Drake is going home in August and I asked him to visit you guys so he might stop by on his way home. He's awesome! he's our zone leader right now and his conversion story is amazing! so just a heads-up he might stop by.
Well that's all for this week. Nothing new just slow but it's moving.
Love,
Elder Uthaichai
Monday, May 27, 2013
Picture Dump #5
We are TOUGH missionaries
Japanese restaurant after Zone Conference
Another Elder from the Seattle area! Too bad he's going home in 3 months.
Basketball toy from Mom
Ping Pong toy from mom too.
They weren't home so we left a note. Aren't I creative??
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Dealing With Disappointment
It has been pretty tough this last couple of days. I mean things started off pretty good ya know? Like I have mentioned before, but this week took a U-turn and went down south. 2 of our investigators whom we had appointed a baptismal date for July dropped us. One of them, was investigating the church for the wrong reason, He was just trying to approach his old friend. Who's now member and the other was lesbian... Yeah it's weird. I mean I know it's not my fault, I know I did what I could and was suppose to but it just gets me sometime. I really hope that we planted the seeds in their heart at least.
Let's see, On Tuesday we had a Zone Conference so 4 of us; Elder Brezenski, Fields, Anderton and I drove down to the location but we got lost on the way so we had to call the sisters missionaries to give us direction so that was really fun. Beside wasting gas and mileage we found this huge field of Windmills! Like hundred of them. You can see the pictures on the bottom! It's pretty cool! At conference we learn tons! one thing that I picked up was to rely on the Spirit and Not to Gossip. I actually took notes mom! can you believe it?? Pretty cool huh??
Sister Collins and Pres. Collins are amazing too sad that I didn't really have the chance to get to know them more. But they're lovely! Sister Collins shared a story about a Japanese Dog statue. I can't remember the Dog's name but let's call it Dex. I mean you can Google it if you want the whole story but in summary; This Dog would go to the train station EVERY day to meet with it's owner right? and he would go there in the rain or whatever. He sits in this specific spot every day, waiting for it's master. Well years went by the master was old and sick. And left home one day and never came back. However, the dog, "Dex" would still wait there. People took him home and feed him and bathe him. Like took care of the dog after they found out that the owner has past away. but EVERY day at the same time the dog would escape and return to his place. Waiting for his master to get off the train. Now this happen every single day. Until the dog was so old and that it died on the spot. so that's why people made a statue of him. The story was suppose to represent Us and Christ and how we have to be like the dog. We have to press forward and strive to perfection! anyway bottom line is, I was touched by the spirit and I must admit, Almost got me crying! Hey I said almost!
The rest of the week, we tract and trying to find more investigators and trying new approaches but we're still messing up. I guess you learn as you go right dad? I'm still trying to smile and press forward even though it's so freaking Humid in this place. Like I have never ever sweat like this before! It's 70-90s daily and probably 50-90% humidity or something! It's not too fun knocking on doors and people give you stupid answers but what can you do. AGENCY sucks sometimes. Ohh yesterday we tracted into this couple. Older couple I would say 60's but umm we did the typical approach of "how are you?" and immediately, she said "you're mormon aren't ya?" and we replied politely of course "Yes!" and she went on rampage about how the Book of Mormon was authored by the Devil and how Mormon is a cult and so on so forth. So being a lil punk that I am. I said "Hey, I don't mean to be disrespectful but what's a cult?" and her tone quickly softens. She turns to her husband and said "Honey, what's a cult?" they couldn't explain to us what a cult was they kept giving us examples of people. It was really funny to see how they reacted to just a simple "stupid" respond from me. Let's face it every religion is a cult if you really go by a definition... We all believe in God so... We're all cult hahah.
We went grocery shopping today, and I bought nothing but healthy food and the NEEDS! I actually enjoy being broke all the time. Keeps me in shape! Anyway I gotta go now I miss you all!
Love, Elder Uthaichai
Let's see, On Tuesday we had a Zone Conference so 4 of us; Elder Brezenski, Fields, Anderton and I drove down to the location but we got lost on the way so we had to call the sisters missionaries to give us direction so that was really fun. Beside wasting gas and mileage we found this huge field of Windmills! Like hundred of them. You can see the pictures on the bottom! It's pretty cool! At conference we learn tons! one thing that I picked up was to rely on the Spirit and Not to Gossip. I actually took notes mom! can you believe it?? Pretty cool huh??
Sister Collins and Pres. Collins are amazing too sad that I didn't really have the chance to get to know them more. But they're lovely! Sister Collins shared a story about a Japanese Dog statue. I can't remember the Dog's name but let's call it Dex. I mean you can Google it if you want the whole story but in summary; This Dog would go to the train station EVERY day to meet with it's owner right? and he would go there in the rain or whatever. He sits in this specific spot every day, waiting for it's master. Well years went by the master was old and sick. And left home one day and never came back. However, the dog, "Dex" would still wait there. People took him home and feed him and bathe him. Like took care of the dog after they found out that the owner has past away. but EVERY day at the same time the dog would escape and return to his place. Waiting for his master to get off the train. Now this happen every single day. Until the dog was so old and that it died on the spot. so that's why people made a statue of him. The story was suppose to represent Us and Christ and how we have to be like the dog. We have to press forward and strive to perfection! anyway bottom line is, I was touched by the spirit and I must admit, Almost got me crying! Hey I said almost!
The rest of the week, we tract and trying to find more investigators and trying new approaches but we're still messing up. I guess you learn as you go right dad? I'm still trying to smile and press forward even though it's so freaking Humid in this place. Like I have never ever sweat like this before! It's 70-90s daily and probably 50-90% humidity or something! It's not too fun knocking on doors and people give you stupid answers but what can you do. AGENCY sucks sometimes. Ohh yesterday we tracted into this couple. Older couple I would say 60's but umm we did the typical approach of "how are you?" and immediately, she said "you're mormon aren't ya?" and we replied politely of course "Yes!" and she went on rampage about how the Book of Mormon was authored by the Devil and how Mormon is a cult and so on so forth. So being a lil punk that I am. I said "Hey, I don't mean to be disrespectful but what's a cult?" and her tone quickly softens. She turns to her husband and said "Honey, what's a cult?" they couldn't explain to us what a cult was they kept giving us examples of people. It was really funny to see how they reacted to just a simple "stupid" respond from me. Let's face it every religion is a cult if you really go by a definition... We all believe in God so... We're all cult hahah.
We went grocery shopping today, and I bought nothing but healthy food and the NEEDS! I actually enjoy being broke all the time. Keeps me in shape! Anyway I gotta go now I miss you all!
Love, Elder Uthaichai
Monday, May 13, 2013
Hit a Brick Wall...Then SUCCESS!
It was great to talk to you (mom) yesterday, the hour went by quite fast. It's true that the month went by quickly. I'm starting to know what missionary work is all about. The days can be long and boring but as long as I find some entertainment out of it; I figured I'm doing alright. To be quite honest, it's fun to see people responses and how they react as they see us [Mormon] approach their doors... I have seen elderly people struggling to get up and run inside their house just to avoid us. I mean come on just sit down and say "we're okay" or "we're not interested" and we'll let you go for now :P
A lot had happen these past few days. Let's see where to begin. We dropped all our none progressive investigators so we had none to teach. The first few days of the week; we sort of hit that brick wall of exhaustion. I was feeling blue because I tried my best and still nothing. We didn't have any member who was available for us to "use" or the sisters missionaries on the south side would find more success than I did. It got me down pretty hard but that evening as I knelt down and prayed. I realized that it doesn't matter if I got a contact or the sisters, as long as we work diligently. We're all successful. I realized that it doesn't matter who has more investigators because bottom line "One soul less for me to worry about" That's how I thought. But frankly I was physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained that evening.
The next day we had the split where Elder Fields came to Kokomo and spend the day/evening with me. We did the usual missionary work; tracting. (BTW tracting suppose to the last thing missionaries do, we're here to teach; members are there to find). However, we had an appointment with Beth and Dezy a Hispanic catholic family well families.. Dezy has her own child. We taught her the restoration but no matter what we say, she replies "So that's what you think" so I finally had it and just said "You know what, I KNOW these things are true because I was in your seat at one point". We continued to discuss more doctrine but I'm not sure it got anywhere. We shared testimonies and was thinking of dropping them so we didn't ask for the next visit. One thing about Elder Fields is he has a teddy bear, it's pretty alike- him and the teddy bear. Elder Fields is so funny! By the end of that evening we ran into JW (Jehovah Witness) and let me tell you, He talked our ears off! He would not stop talking to us. I mean it's cool that he's so knowledgeable but like we got things to do... Anyway at this point I was sick of the cycle of "failure" so in the evening after my trainer; Elder Brezenski came back we went tracting around the neighborhood and ran into Shaila, JJ and Cortney.
When they started talking to us, we just told them who we were and what we do. At first she didn't really have any interest so being a lil' punk that I am. I just stood my ground and keep "consistency" I wasn't going to get a No for an answer... by the end of the conversation they all agreed to an appointment. The funny thing is that Shaila who is 22 thinks that Mormon don't drive or watch TV or even Drink water... I'm like we're normal just like you. So that was highlight of that night.
Anyway after having a success we continue to work harder and harder and YEP we got another investigator Benjamin and Lil Ben or (Baby Ben) we met him on the street just right before he went to the store and he asked us to come back. I'm sure he didn't think we were serious but we went back and he invited us in and we had a brief talk on the restoration and believe it or not I was so nervous; I didn't know what to teach or what to talk about so I was all over the place. However, disregarding how bad I was, he asked us "What time is church? will you get me a ride?" he just invited himself to church... So that was way cool! and later that day we met with Rose and Sofie who saw us as we were talking to a man who was having a bad day and she contacted us through mormon.org. Rose is a member of the church but of course she's not active but when she saw us she wanted to meet with us. Sofie is her roommate who has a rough childhood. We taught her the restoration as well and things went so good. So yeah things started to pick up as we go.
A lot had happen these past few days. Let's see where to begin. We dropped all our none progressive investigators so we had none to teach. The first few days of the week; we sort of hit that brick wall of exhaustion. I was feeling blue because I tried my best and still nothing. We didn't have any member who was available for us to "use" or the sisters missionaries on the south side would find more success than I did. It got me down pretty hard but that evening as I knelt down and prayed. I realized that it doesn't matter if I got a contact or the sisters, as long as we work diligently. We're all successful. I realized that it doesn't matter who has more investigators because bottom line "One soul less for me to worry about" That's how I thought. But frankly I was physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained that evening.
The next day we had the split where Elder Fields came to Kokomo and spend the day/evening with me. We did the usual missionary work; tracting. (BTW tracting suppose to the last thing missionaries do, we're here to teach; members are there to find). However, we had an appointment with Beth and Dezy a Hispanic catholic family well families.. Dezy has her own child. We taught her the restoration but no matter what we say, she replies "So that's what you think" so I finally had it and just said "You know what, I KNOW these things are true because I was in your seat at one point". We continued to discuss more doctrine but I'm not sure it got anywhere. We shared testimonies and was thinking of dropping them so we didn't ask for the next visit. One thing about Elder Fields is he has a teddy bear, it's pretty alike- him and the teddy bear. Elder Fields is so funny! By the end of that evening we ran into JW (Jehovah Witness) and let me tell you, He talked our ears off! He would not stop talking to us. I mean it's cool that he's so knowledgeable but like we got things to do... Anyway at this point I was sick of the cycle of "failure" so in the evening after my trainer; Elder Brezenski came back we went tracting around the neighborhood and ran into Shaila, JJ and Cortney.
When they started talking to us, we just told them who we were and what we do. At first she didn't really have any interest so being a lil' punk that I am. I just stood my ground and keep "consistency" I wasn't going to get a No for an answer... by the end of the conversation they all agreed to an appointment. The funny thing is that Shaila who is 22 thinks that Mormon don't drive or watch TV or even Drink water... I'm like we're normal just like you. So that was highlight of that night.
Anyway after having a success we continue to work harder and harder and YEP we got another investigator Benjamin and Lil Ben or (Baby Ben) we met him on the street just right before he went to the store and he asked us to come back. I'm sure he didn't think we were serious but we went back and he invited us in and we had a brief talk on the restoration and believe it or not I was so nervous; I didn't know what to teach or what to talk about so I was all over the place. However, disregarding how bad I was, he asked us "What time is church? will you get me a ride?" he just invited himself to church... So that was way cool! and later that day we met with Rose and Sofie who saw us as we were talking to a man who was having a bad day and she contacted us through mormon.org. Rose is a member of the church but of course she's not active but when she saw us she wanted to meet with us. Sofie is her roommate who has a rough childhood. We taught her the restoration as well and things went so good. So yeah things started to pick up as we go.
On sunday we had 2 investigators at church, Mathew Sheline and Benjamin and Lil Ben. They seemed to enjoy the meetings so I hope they did enjoyed it. After the meetings we met with Matt and I felt the impression of inviting him to be baptized on July 13 and guess what he said. He said "Yes" so we'll be working closely with him. I feel like he can be ready before that date if things go the way it went.
Well that was pretty much my week. Oh I got to give Elder Brezenski a blessing!!! So cool! He didn't feel well emotionally so I had to opportunity to serve!! woohoo!
Anyway that was that!
Elder Uthaichai
Picture Dump #4
Elder Brezenski cleaning
That's the Spencer's family! Lovely people! 7 children!!
And the rides around here - you don't see that out west!!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Mother's Day Phone Call
Missionaries can call home twice a year: Mother's Day and Christmas. Since it's Mother's Day, mom got a special treat today. Here are some things he shared with us:
- He puts towels in his bike helmet to absorb the sweat. Mom gave him a hard time about wearing a helmet for his Mission President and not for her. Sam said he follows the mission rules to receive more blessings in his mission.
- LOTS of dogs running around, chasing him on his bike. He expressed a desire to punch a Chihuahua in the face once.
- The people of Kokomo are humble but really unreliable, and don't like the missionaries to help them with service projects.
- Working really hard to reactivate lots of members.
- Reading the Old Testament as well as the Book of Mormon
- Suggests looking up the album The Work by the Nashville Tribute Band. Especially the song "The Hardest Thing I've Ever Loved To Do"
- Wants everyone to write him letters!!!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Picture Dump #3
The Grand Canyon as Elder Uthaichai flew over on his way to the mission field.
Missionary slumber party at the Mission President's house?? Maybe the night he first arrived late in the Mission.
The hot weather that Elder Uthaichai is biking and walking in...whew!
Ripped pant leg from biking...see story below.
Areas in Kokomo North
Part of Elder Uthaichai's apartment.
Near Misses, Slammed Doors...All in a Day's Work!
This week was really tough for Elder Brezenski and I we taught 2 lessons this week and the rest were chasing people and trying to confirm the appointments... It's so tough when people just say "yes" and don't commit and follow through! We did a lot of tracting last couple of day and I think on Tuesday I almost got hit by a car on my bike... People just don't seem to pay attention.. Luckily I was able to slam my hand on the hood of the car and smile and biked away hah! So that was exciting. We have a lot of dinner appointments here in Kokomo, the members are amazing! I"m still learning their names so let's hope I get that down before next transfer!! Anyway studying this week has been pretty cool, Definitely learned by the spirit as we broke down the "restoration of the Gospel" we made sure that as we teach, a 4 year old child can understand us. It was tough as first but I came up with the idea that if we use school settings to deliver the message that anyone would understand because we're all familiar with school... so we taught it that way. My door approaches are getting better and those "umm, kind of, like" words are eliminated not completely but hey I'm trying!! :). I'm getting more and more comfortable to share a quick message of the gospel at the door while talking so that "the seed" is planted ya know? anyway I would say that this week has been pretty slow but spiritual growth is far beyond what I have expected. It's amazing how the gospel works... I read the same thing almost everything but every time I read it; i get new things out of it. I have started a personal goal, I'm reading 4 pages of Book Of Mormon people my personal study time and so far it has been going really well so I would like to extend that commitment to you and as you do this; I promise you that the Holy Ghost will always be with you as you study the scripture daily. You will be able to apply it to your daily life and you will see the blessings that the Lord has prepared for you! I have seen it in my life thus far and I can't imagine what's ahead. Anyhow, I figure i need to send out a few funny stories right?? Well here's a couple, I knocked on this red door and the gentlemen opens and right before i get a chance to say anything, he shuts the door right in my face.... So I didn't know what to do but said "Have a LOVELY day" so that was my highlight of that day and another is I ripped my pants biking... I was attempting to talk to this lady on the bike while i'm trying to avoid traffic and you guessed it, I didn't pay attention to my pant's leg... so Ops! Anyway that was it for this week, I hope everything is going well with you!! and Hopefully I'll have more interesting fact next week!!! Take care
Elder Uthaichai
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