Spiritual and Temperal Experiences

It's amazing how fast time flies. I have never felt this way before. I feel like I don't have enough time in the day to do anything. This week has been really fun, Elder Garrett and I get along pretty well. We talk about our feelings and have "companion Inventory" all day long. We have funny conversations and when we need to be serious; we can be. When we teach, we teach as one. It's amazing how quick he learns. I'm amazed. He keep giving me compliments about being able to "command" the spirit. I think he's on drugs... But really, am I really "commanding" the spirit or am I just attentive? I think I just listen well.

Anyway, Mandy and AJ are still going strong on their baptism date. I'm so excited for her and her husband. They are amazing. I feel so bless to have the opportunity to share with them this Gospel. Oh I have to share something very personal to me. I did something that is pretty bad. I tricked Elder Garrett this week. I left him hanging at the door, because I thought it was funny. We went to Connie (Non-member friend that I met my first week here in Kokomo) and I acted like I don't know what was going on and I just let him choke there. I laughed my butt off and we smiled and laugh. However, when I got home I felt like I have done something really really wrong. I felt his feelings and thoughts... as weird as it sounds I was in tears... I failed as a trainer. I really couldn't explain it I felt so small that night so we ended up talking about it for the next 2 hours. I even called my district leader prior  to our talk. I just didn't feel at peace. I feel like I have a better understanding of the Atonement ya know?

Well that was one of many instances that I have encountered spiritual experience. Well the downside of this week is that I got my bike stolen... They didn't even take the Helmet. I mean if they're going to steal it, mind as well steal the whole deal.. I thought I had to buy a new one but Mandy and AJ had 2 new bikes that they don't really use so they just gave them to us. They said that we're such a blessing to them so they want to do what they can to help us. It's brand new so we both got new bikes. We are TWINS now!

Elder Garrett is super cool, He's from Walla Walla and from what I have heard from him, his family is really cool as well. I have learned a lot from him to be honest. I'm blessed to be here. Thanks for making it possible! Take care and have a great week.

love,
Elder Uthaichai

New Companion Pic

Elder Uthaichai with first new 'greenie' Elder Garrett

Teaching With The Spirit

Well, my new companion is Elder Garrett. He's a pretty good comp. I feel like he wants to establish a really long term relationship with me...I don't mean that in a homosexual way. He's really tall though.. He's 6' 6'' and eager to learn! We get along really well so far. He can play a lot of instruments! He's from Walla Walla Washington. Funny thing is I believe I have seen him at BYUI Fall semester.. I just didn't really pay attention to him and now I'm training him. I'm truly am humbled for the opportunity that I have to train him. It's a joy and challenge at the same time. Elder Garrett knows everything about cars. He wanted to go dune buggie - fix up crappy cars and drive them around at the sand dunes for fun.

This week we have 2 investigators from our area and 2 from the sisters. However, our teaching pool is around 8-10 investigators.. So we just need them to progress. We will always strive our best to be strictly obedience and always follow the prompting of the spirit.

To be honest, I have never felt the spirit this strong. I don't know many scriptures. However, I never fear when I teach because I know Heavenly Father will help me when I need it. Believe it or not I have seen the reward already. The joy I feel at each lesson is indescribable. I will continue to work hard and always do my best.

Oh Guess What!? I'm picking my Swedish back up... It's amazing how fast you can re-learn something when you read the Gospel Of Jesus Christ (Jusu Kristus Evangeliet). I began to read Preach my Gospel in English and switch back and forth. We practice quite often since Elder Garrett is still learning. He said he wants to be able to "Command" the Spirit like me... I'm not quite sure what he means but it sure sounds bad. Well I miss you guys, and I hope that everything is going well! It's so weird that 3 months have gone by so quick...

I'm so busy mentally it's nuts.. Everything I do and think about has to be with Investigators.. Even when I sleep.. Weird huh? It's either about the investigators or Elder Garrett.. I don't know what it is but I just feel like I need to continue to improve myself so that I can help others.

We'll be planning Mandy and AJ's baptism next week so it'll be interesting because it'll be my first. I'm not sure what's going to happen because I don't really trust people. I just have faith in the Lord. So I guess Courtney really did screw me up in a way. Don't get me wrong I am excited for Mandy and AJ but just not the same excitement as Courtney. I'm cautious.

Anyway I love you guys and wish that you will always have the spirit with you; to keep y'all safe!

Love,
Elder Uthaichai

Now a Trainer

Well, you guys are probably wondering what happened this transfer and I'm here to let you know that I'm staying in Kokomo. However, I'm training someone... Can you believe it? They're trusting me with a new Greenie. I'm not sure what President is thinking but I know the Lord knows what He's doing so as long as I can keep myself thinking like Nephi I will be alright. The seasoned missionaries keep teasing me about going assistant. They said Elder Mungia did that and he has been one of the assistants for 5 transfers now. Yuck! We won't know who I'm training until Wednesday, so I'm excited to find out who this "unlucky" elder is.

I am pleased to report about this weeks effort. We had 7 non members at Church from our and  the sisters efforts. 5 investigators and 2 of their friends. I'm not sure if this is good or bad however, I have been called con-artist.. and that I'm "pushy" but Elder Brezenski said I'm bold and persistence. That's the only way to do it... If you don't follow up and keep inviting then nothing will get done right?

I have had good and bad days, however I wouldn't want to trade anything else for this. I really enjoy loving people and really teach by the spirit. Now don't get confused now. I'm still the same just a little more "spiritual" and mature you can say. I will always be  a boy though like the other day we froze the water balloon that  you gave me in the package and went out and used it as a baseball...

Anyway, I hope everything is going well! I love you all! Thanks dad for the encouragement. Hey when I get home we need to go down to Utah to see Trevor Marler and then maybe come to Indiana? Haha anyway that's a dream away. We're picking up slowly so it's moving. We'll be like Noah and Flood this entire place with baptism :). If not I'll be sure they know who we represent :) Have a wonderful week!

Love,
Elder Uthaichai

My district!

Godly Sorrow

I know that the Lord loves me and is providing a way for me to learn. Sometimes I am just so immature and so stuck up in a shallow end. I don't look ahead however, I am please to tell you that I have picked myself up and continue this journey. I really enjoy being a missionary; help all those who are in need of my God given ability.
I did develop a new type of love for others and yes I was deeply hurt however, I realized that every time I sin whether it be minor or major that Our Heavenly Father truly feel sorrow. The sadness that I can never ever comprehend. I want to let you know that my understanding of the Atonement is far beyond what I can imagine. I know that Jesus Christ suffer for ME and that through him I can be forgiven and continue to grow. I don't know where or what I would be without the Gospel. Thank you very much for bringing me into the Gospel. I want to let you know that not only have you provided a way for me but you have also provided a way for generations to come.

Now, this week we have received tons of names for less active members. So this week we'll be doing a lot of contacting and re-activation process! Gotta get these lost sheep back into the fold. We're working with Mandy and Alex right now and they have a baptism date. They are very excited for it. I'm doing the best that I can right now so I hope you can be some what proud of me. Although I'm not a perfect teacher or even good for that matter. The one thing I can promise you is that I teach with my heart and love. Mandy is 27 I believe and she was hit by a car at 11 and she is recovering slowly.. She has the warmest heart and spirit I have ever felt. She wants to encourage others. The funny thing is  that as a missionary I suppose to teach her however, she's actually teaching me. She showed me how bless I am and how much Heavenly Father loves me. I'm excited to work with her whether it'll be until her baptism or not. I'm glad I had the chance to learn and feel the spirit when teaching her.

I think it'll be a little better after this transfer because Elder Brezenski has been here for way too long so he's having a little tougher time here. Anyway I'm glad to be here!

Love,
Elder Uthaichai!

Disappearing Acts

There were a few instances that happened this week that made me miss home and got me super sick of my area. First of all the sister missionaries were to teach Rowdy and everything was great. Everyone was very excited for him and all of the sudden he just disappeared... A few days later we found out that he had raped his daughter and got sent to jail. It seems like everyone we have brought to Church or teach have the tendency to have a criminal record. It's so sad and makes my heart ache. I have really lost trust in these people. A lot of them are very enthusiastic when we invited them and they accept most of our invitations however, they don't follow through.

Now this is a major heartbreak for me; Courtney. I hate to say it but she literally broke my heart like a shattered mirror. I really love her and her family. It's strange to say but I have developed such a love that I didn't know existed for her and her family. I KNOW with every ounce of my heart that the gospel will make their lives better. Well, something really strange happened. So we set up an appointment for Friday evening to teach her FHE and we were really close. However, she texted us and re-scheduled because something popped up. So we didn't pay too much attention because she mentioned that she was going to be coming to Church so we were hoping to see her there. To be honest I was praying to see her at the Sacrament meeting. She didn't show up. We went by her house that evening to find out that all her stuff was gone and  that the house was empty. She has moved away without saying anything  to us and what kills me is that she doesn't give us any explanation. She's ignoring our calls and text. I don't know what to say or do. I mean I could careless if she refuse the Gospel but at least give us an explanation. Anyway that's my week. Sucks. Pardon my language.

We don't knock too many door anymore because President Ellis our stake president and mission leader said it's a waste of time. Also our mission coordination leader seems to be "discouraging" us to teach people up north due to criminal records. I mean North side is what we are responsible for. It's frustrating not knowing what the Lord wants from me. I'm doing the best that I can however, it doesn't seem like the ward here wants to grow. I have just realized that this area was shut down a few transfers prior to mine. Anyway I did receive your package so thank you very much. My transfer is coming up in 2 weeks I believe I'll find out on the 14th so I will keep you posted.

About President Collins. He left on Friday and President Cleveland is here now I believe. We will meet him tomorrow at Lafayette. I hope he's not too strict but whatever rules he makes I will obey without questioning it anyway. I might have an opinion but that's as far as it goes. Well I hope everything continues to go well back home. I miss you all and sure hope that this cloudiness in my mind is temporary. The members here are amazing as always.  Thank you for all your prayers and support! I will let you know if I'm getting transfer or staying. I hope I stay because I don't want to leave this area having negative thoughts/experiences about it.

Love always,

Elder Uthaichai

 

I don't have that many picture this week sorry. This is Trevor Marler. He's going to Salt Lake West Spanish Speaking. If you're down there please go find him and feed him. His family is so good to me.