Enduring to the End

This week has been a struggle. I found myself getting frustrated very easily. I think I'm just overwhelmed with the work. There are so many people to think about and very few of them are progressing in the gospel as quickly as we have hoped for. Most of them are in great need to learn English. I love them all and want them to learn so bad but, I can't help to feel like a failure... So much is expected and it seems like nothing goes the way we plan. E. Ledesma and I are grateful for the struggles we're facing though. It is a trial that we know will teach us a lesson. 

The ward is very kind and loving but sometimes I feel like they have so many different agenda. We have a lot on our plate already. I am not the one to show weakness. I have a hard time saying "no" when they ask us to do something and sometimes that kills us. 

 This holiday season is very busy. I'm thankful that it's here though, I get to take a little break. This past Sunday, I was asked to give a talk on Parents: prime gospel teachers. I thought it was a joke. I have no children yet I was able to see it from a different set of eyes. So good job mum and dad. I used you guys as my example. I guess when I reflect back, I noticed a thing or two. Thanks for being a great gospel teacher.

 

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

Rewards

President told me last night that I will be staying here until I go home which is great for me. I mean I had some issues that I need to work at but it's nothing too bad. 

I love the area and what I love about the area is the people in it. I must say that these people are marvelous. They are so humble and they are so kind. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but with these Chin/Burmese people. The things that they're going through. I can't even imagine. Well maybe I can but still it's not the easiest thing to go through. I want to do anything I can to help. 

On Saturday I felt so ill that I thought I was going to collapse. I didn't feel well. It's because I haven't really had time to eat. Our days are sometimes too busy but I'm not going to complain about it. You take what you get. But I learned something cool. All I wanted to do on Saturday was to cancel all of my appointments and just rest. Well I couldn't do that of course but after the last lesson, I decided that I want to just lie down for a few minutes. That didn't happen.. The Lord had a different plan for me. As soon as I lay my head down, the phone rang.. People called us to go give a blessing and then help set up Christmas lights.. I am not going to lie, I wasn't happy about it on the inside and I wanted to just be selfish and say "Forget you all". However, a phrase came to my mind, "Blessings will come". That's when I knew that it was Heavenly Father reminding me of why I am here. It was so sweet. I don't think I will ever forget. It was so calming. I didn't feel any better but we had a good day. 

Sunday, was our reward. We had about 30 people come to Church. That's right 30! We hope that we can keep it going but it will take time and work. One day, there will be a Chin branch here in Indiana. I know it!

 

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

 

 

Grandpa

Our investigator, Kelly Hayes came to Church this Sunday and we hope that he will continue to progress. We're cutting close to his baptismal date but with a lot of prayer and what not. He'll be alright. The work is getting rote.. Im not complaining that I have a lot to teach but teaching English can be boring.. It's so repetitive. What else can you do right? you just do what the Lord wants you to do. I haven't figured it out yet why I'm teaching English when I can barely speak it myself. 

Last night we went to a get together for xmas devo. it was fun but I didn't really get anything out of it. Don't ask why. It was fun being aroudn 40 missionaries. There are so many new faces that I don't know and I don't know if I want to get to know them either... They call me grandpa when I'm not even that old! hahah oh what a joyful sound. 

 

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

Temple Trip

The temple trip was amazing. I got to see someone getting sealed. It was pretty interesting. I got the same feeling that I got when I went to the temple for the first time. Confused and lost, but overall it was a great experience. The Louisville temple is so small but that doesn't change the spirit that was felt while I was inside of the House of the Lord. Love that place. Although, the session is super long but I really enjoy the process we take to get to the celestial room. When I have my own house, I want my living room to be as clean and peaceful as the celestial room. That's not blasphemy right? 

Work is the same. We are working hard on getting a baptism by the end of the year so please continue to pray for us and the Chin people. We really need you guys. I love this area and the people in it. They are so kind and loving. We may not understand one another too well but I know that the spirit speaks every language! 

Have a great Thanksgiving!

 

Love you all,

Elder Sam Uthaichai

 

A New Week

Funny story, the sisters in my district have my previous car as a zone leader in Eagle Creek, named  "Sophie". Well she wouldn't start so we had to do some reviving. This issue is because the weather is getting colder and colder each day.  Last week was stake conference and we talked about family history and the atonement. I have to say that I didn't really pay attention.

 

I had a lot of cancellations this past week but it's okay. We have a new week that seems exciting. I get to celebrate Elder Aiono and Elder Smith's 21st Birthday with them. I am excited for that. Also, we're going down to the temple for a session so I'm so pumped for that as well. I'll be sure to take pictures.

Right now the ward is working really hard on getting the Chin people converted. There are a lot of activities going on here but we'll see how it goes. 

 

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

 

 

MAJOR Photo Dump

Baptism

I have a lot to share and pictures for you guys. Let's start off with my interview with President Cleveland. We had a really nice talk and he told me what he expected me to do. I will be finishing off my mission here in Indy 1 which is totally fine with me. I love this place even though it reminds me of last year when I hit that little emotional hump. So I will have 1 companion left before I go home. ugh! 

On Saturday, I drove to Terre Haute and visited a few members there and it was such a great welcome. They all mentioned how it is not the same without Elder Rider and I. Even though we are kraze and energetic. It is so good to know that you made an impact. For the better I hope. Mike Stevens was baptized and it was a great privilege for me to speak on the Holy Ghost for him. I am so proud of him and the decision he has made. He truly understands the Gospel and it is so fun to watch people grow. They smile a little bigger when they understand it. The drive there was beautiful. The fall colors and the clear sky. I love it. 

Last night is something I really want to share with you guys. I don't even know where to do begin! I have a ton of pictures so maybe I should just let the pictures speak for itself. Yesterday was Albert's birthday. Him and his family are learning the Gospel and learning English. His mom can understand Thai which, I wish that I could speak more. They have such a beautiful tradition. Albert starts off by lighting the candles and of course singing the song. He, then, cut a piece and goes around the room, spoon feeding everyone a bite. It was their tradition. Oh man, the Food. Gosh! it was like heaven. She made so much food and the adults do not eat until the children and guests are all satisfied. What a humble family! I love them! They may not speak English that well, or they may not understand the Gospel yet. But the one thing that they know is love. I have never felt such a strong spirit of love and family. These people went through a lot in their homeland to be a christian. They are persecuted by the Government, and that is why they are here. It is a great blessing for me to see them and get to know them.

Love,
Elder Uthaichai

New Area

I am back in Indianapolis, working with Burmese people. Spend most of my time teaching English and helping member teach citizenship classes. Funny how The Lord worlds. The bishop is immigration attorney so maybe down the road I can ask him what I can do about my situation. My new companion barely speak English; he's from the Philippines. He has been here for approximately 14 months. He is struggling a bit but it's okay. I can handle it. President asked that I help him become a missionary so it's an opportunity to redeem myself in the city. I'm no longer a zone leader; thank goodness. But, sadly I am a district leader for now. We have an Asian district except 1. I will have the sisters email me the picture later today. It's a good place to learn new skills. Teaching English is a lot more difficult than you think! 

So, I was bumped about leaving Terre haute and campus but I know that I was meant to be here. I mean I got to speak Thai while testifying so! Hah impressive right? So there were 2 baptisms prior to me leaving the Haute but this Saturday there's another. Mike Steven; a retired marine. He is so funny. He's about 27 years old and he requested that I give a talk on the Holy Ghost which is a great privilege to me. I miss that place. He also asked if I would share my testimony in person with him and share my reason for being here. I pray and hope that president will allow me to drive down there for the day. 

 

We're carving pumpkins at the Nickolsons' for Halloween. I have known them for quite sometime now but finally get to serve in their ward. Their daughter, Hillary, is a good friend of mine. I'll take pictures and send it to you next Monday. I will send pictures from my last area to you in another email. Ohh I almost forgot, my new address is 8515 red oak ct, Indianapolis Indiana. In case you wonder. I don't need anything though. I'm trying to get rid of stuff actually... Most of the stuff I have will be useless after my mission. 

Anyway, I'm doing good and I'm excited to be here once again. I'm not sure if I will be finishing my mission here or not. I prefer not but that's ok if I do. If I had the choice, I would like to finish my mission at IU(Indiana university) but that's a wish. 

 

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

Photo Dump

Transfers

This week has been fun. We had a lot of success as far as teaching people here in Terre Haute for the last week. I have known it for quite sometime now that I will be leaving and it has been tough trying to stay focus and "care" since we'll be leaving. I was living in denial for the last 2 weeks I guess hah. But now that I am certain it'll be okay. I really like this area n the people. We had 2 baptism last Saturday. Robert Deverick and Abbi Deverick were baptized along with an 8 year-old boy;Jacob Swetlands. It went really well. 

This transfer meeting will be tough since no one wants to leave this area and the 4 of us are leaving. Double double transfer. There seems to be a lot of movement here in the mission since the next 4 transfers the mission will lose a lot of missionaries so they're getting adjusted back to the 'norm'. I'm excited to see what the next 4 transfers have in store for me. It will be a new adventure.

 

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

 

 

Short & Sweet

Work is work. I know you'll be upset with me for telling so little about it but I just don't have much to say this week. Funny huh? Sam has nothing to say.. That's the first. This week has been a humbling experience. I learned a lot by the spirit and a lot from others around me.

The talks last Sunday were all about marriage.. It made me scared.. Especially when members come up to you and remind you about it hahaha. A sister even texted me during sacrament and said "PAY ATTENTION". I thought that was funny. So that's my highlight of the week.

Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts. I need it.

Love,
Elder Uthaichai

Learning by Serving Others

I have learn a lot more about the Priesthood and what the Lord expects of me these past few months. I think that the reason I came out here was to grow spiritually and personally. I have done that and continue to do so by helping others. It's an odd concept really; help others and you'll learn. 

This is my life now and I love every second of it. I miss you guys but it doesn't bother me at all. It's a bitter sweet you could say. There's so much to learn here and I don't ever think I have enough space or time to do so. However, the 6 months to sexy. I'm doing that. It's a tradition maybe the culture of the mission so I have to live up to it. I mean looking back on my mission I have no regrets. I did everything I could at the time. I mean obviously if I could go back in time there'll be a few things I know I could have done better but at the end of the day. I know I did my best. I made lemonade out of lemons!

I, now, understand and have a firm testimony of the Gospel because of the fruit.. I'm not perfect but I know I am better than I was yesterday. That's what progression is right? General Conference was lovely. I love the talk on the Atonement and the focus on future. I will have to re-read them once they come out. 

This week has been rough because we taught soo many other lessons (lesson taught without member present). Campus work is the same everyday. You meet so many people in a day that you're not really sure who is who. I love it here though. Being Elder Rider companion is probably the funnest thing ever. I pray and hope that I get to stay with him for another transfer. Right now we're teaching Brittany(her boyfriend left on his mission a week ago), Helena(I think she's just meeting b'c she thinks we're nice), and Angel (Law student that is devoted in her home church). They're learning and keeping our commitments but we'll see where it goes. 

Last MLC(mission leadership council) President Cleveland taught us the game plan of the mission and the focus that he feels the missionaries need. I am so grateful to be a part of this. He wants us to focus on the Atonement. The understanding and the application it has in our lives. We will be holding our Zone Meeting this Friday so we'll see what the spirit prompts us to say and train on. 

So Meet the Mormons. Hah I saw that in MLC too. It was very good film. I enjoyed it quite a bit. As Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders we were given the opportunity to watch it before anyone else so I'll get to see it twice :) Lucky huh? 

I love you and miss you,

Elder Sam Uthaichai

Priesthood Roles

You will laugh and be surprised by what I am about to say: I actually read a book. Don't ask me why I read it but I did it over the course of 2 days. I read "Priesthood and Woman" it opened my eyes. I mean I respect girls and women but I never knew it was an issue for women not being "ordained" to the priesthood. It was a great book. It taught me more about the Priesthood. I think that people just need to understand that we (male and female) have distinct roles in the Plan of Happiness. According to the book, my role as a priesthood holder is to provide and protect. Which in my opinion, I am perfectly fine with.

 

Anyhow, this week has been way fun. I taught way too many Other Lessons. It is disgusting! I either need to plan better or people just need to be more accountable, ha. We're excited about the "Meet the Mormons" movie. I hope we get to watch it but if we don't, oh well. Our district is doing really good in terms of the Standard of Excellent. However, it seems like everyone is struggling with their own "personal" challenges but what I admire about all of us is that we're able to set that aside and focus on the work when the time comes. I think I am able to do that because of Dad (Chuck). I look back and I always remember that when he's working he's working. When he's spending time with us, his focus is on us. Which is a trait that I hope to obtain one day. I only have 4 transfers left! It's so scary to think about that.

Oh sad news, one of the missionaries that went home in November passed away from a motorcycle accident. It was sad but I guess it was his time. Perhaps he shouldn't have bought a bike... just saying. 

I love you guys and I hope that everything is going well! 

love,

Elder Sam Uthaichai

Planting the Seed

Mosiah 27:29
My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.

I went down to Linton this last Friday and man I don't want to gossip so I will not mention the name(s). The DL there gave a training on the "law of consecration" yeah... I passed a note to Elder Rider and said "What is going on?!" So we asked him through a piece of paper if we could have 15 minutes so that the missionaries can get something out of it. Sometimes I wonder if these missionaries even know what on earth they're here for. But then I realized that everyone has their own trials and walking their own journey. It is frustrating but I know that the Lord is teaching me about patience, which I have developed some.
Lately, we have been struggling with finding people that are "solid". Right now we have a shallow pool of investigators. It is hard to commit these college students to meet when their schedule consumes their lives. I am simply planting seeds here at ISU. I don't mind though, because at the end of the day I know did my best. Most of our time is spent teaching the first lesson and then setting up a return appointment but 95% of the time is a no-show which really gets to me but I don't let it bother me too much because I know people have agency which sucks! Oh well what can you do right? Just do my best that's all the Lord ask of me correct?

One interesting thing that happen to us this week is that we are encourage to talk to everybody and if you remember college campuses.. it's impossible so we pick and choose who we talk to but when we talk to as many as we can without "rushing", I have realized that when we carry a meaningful conversation with a purpose of sharing that Light of Christ through bearing testimony. People are more receptive and are more willing to give us their time even if we might not see them again, I know that a seed was planted.

Could you pray for Tiffany Grimes? That would be lovely, we lost contact with her and not sure how to get in contact with her again. She was progressing really well and out of the blue, she was gone.
We had a stake conference this past Sunday, they were sustaining a new Stake President which was really interesting because the person that was called has only been in Indiana for 13 months. I didn't fall asleep! Hah.
For the past couple of days I have been preparing a talk on "How do commitments relate to conversion by the Power of the Holy Ghost?". So as I ponder on that I had a question that came to me even though it has nothing to do with the topic. My question was "Why does the Lord do certain things? or why is something happening now and not later?" I guess I'm just curious about the Lord's timing. It's not too serious but it just made me think about how loving He is and how patient He is with all of us.

Love,
Elder Uthaichai

New Investigator

My week has been a little bit slow. I mean we're still teaching a lot of new lessons and meeting new people. However, we did find someone well the Lord gave us someone that hit rock bottom that we're working with currently. We hope that it will get somewhere. We set her baptismal date for Oct 25. Her name is Tiffany. She has been through a lot emotionally and physically. Very humble girl. It is a pleasure for us to have the opportunity to work with her. 

I am serving the Lord with all I am and all I can. However, if there's one thing that I have learned is manage my plate. There will always be something of the world that bothers me but at the end of the day. I know who I am and where I will be. That's where I find peace within myself. I can't say that I have a perfect knowledge of everything but what I can, is that I know how to find peace within myself. That's what faith and hope is.

Love,
Elder Uthaichai

Keeping Up The Energy

This past week has been crazy. Campus is starting back up so from Tuesday - Friday is work time. Our goal is to contact and teach as many as we can during these days. You know how it is with people my age. commitment is pretty tough so we're going to keep looking for those "prepared" ones. I mean there's always something to do here.

I love this district and the people in it. I don't think I have ever been this motivated and excited about the work. I pray that they don't change it up because this Ward truly needs the energy.

I miss you and I hope that everything is going well.

Love,
Elder Sam Uthaichai

 

P.s. Please pray for Charity. She is on a baptismal date on the 20th of Sep. We met her on campus.

A Joy to be Around

Elder Uthaichai, his companion Elder Rider and the sister missionaries had dinner at a members home. Apparently they had a great time!

"Your son is an absolute joy to be around. We love him!" 
- The Dietz Family

New Area

This week has been awesome. I LOVE MY NEW AREA AND COMPANION. You seriously should start thinking about becoming best friends with the Riders. You will understand why Elder Rider and I get along. Dave and Wendy Rider are his parents and they're in Arizona. Anyway, I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to meet them someday b/c he's just like me except white.

I'm so excited for this area Terre Haute, there's a lot to do but we're ready for it. I hope to stay here for at least 6 months.


Love,
Elder Uthaichai
 
p.s.  I bore my testimony on Sunday for the first time!! on my own!
 

Recent Photos

Transferred!

So here's the thing, I'm getting transferred. Which is weird, because I just got here and I'm just getting comfortable as the zone leader and getting my "game plan" forward but I guess my work here is done. I will find out my next assignment on Wednesday so just send any letters or packages to the mission office right now.

This week has been pretty interesting. Not as "productive" as I would have hoped but I feel like we did good as far as working with members and using our time productively. Right now I'm just cleaning up referrals for other missionaries whom don't seem to care about referrals. I rather follow up with referrals than tract around anyhow, some missionaries just need to grow up; not saying that I am.

 

Sis. Merril was about to cry or something when I called her and said "I have bad news." She was like "tell me, wait no no no" She is a saint. I love her. Funny story: the bishop's wife told me that if I ever want cute kids, I need to marry some one white haha! She is the best! I will miss this ward. I hate to leave after such a short period.

 

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

 

 

 

High Hopes

Last Monday wasn't fun. I spent entire day sitting/sleeping. I think it's because of how sensitive my eyes are to light. I'm pretty sure it's migraine. It happens every now and then especially when it's bright out and hot. However, I have gotten better since.

This week has been a little better than last I should say. We are getting the ward excited for missionary work. Our teaching pool is very shallow but I have a feeling that as we work closely with the leaders and the members. The work will take off soon. Elder Nokes and I have a high hope for the work here. We hope and pray that our zone will do well because it seems like the entire zone is suffering from the same issue; finding. It seems like we can't find people whom are willing to make the effort of changing themselves. I think that we need to find a new way of finding rather than the old-fashioned way. 

Anyhow, almost every evening I go and play soccer with the Hispanic community near the apartment complex. I actually enjoy it quite a bit. I just love making new friends and miraculously we were able to refer a few people to the Spanish Elders. Currently, I have been studying random stuff to just increase my range of gospel knowledge. I have spent a few days in Matthew and John which was very intriguing to me. It helps me think deeper about the 5 basic principle of the Gospel.

 

Lastly, Have you heard about iPads? I hear that we have to purchase it on our own once the authorize it. What are some of your thoughts and feelings on iPad and social media proselyting? I'm just interested in hearing from different perspective. I personally am excited for it because I have a lot of non-member friends however, I can see it being a distraction as well but being a missionary in the state; you're prone to that anyway.

 

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

Getting to Know the 'Zone'

Our first zone meeting is actually this upcoming Friday, as far as theme we can do whatever we want but we have certain thing that we need to train on. One of our greatest struggles is Member Present. We also notice that we have a lot of new investigators but they don't seem to be progressing so perhaps we will train on that as well. 

So far I have gotten to know a majority of them. I think I have made a fool out of myself enough to be "known". Anyhow, the Bishop's wife here is from Indonesia and she went to Ohio and got me some Thai food ingredients. What a lovely lady! I made food for the district and it wasn't bad at all but that was the high light of my week. Next week is going to be busy, a lot of driving around and meetings.

Love,
Elder Uthaichai

Quick Letter

Unfortunately I'll have to keep it short and sweet. It seems like I never have enough time to do anything anymore. Sad huh? I know. Well let's see, there are about 12 companionship in the zone. Majority of them are really quiet but now they are more upbeat and alive. I guess there is a reason why I'm sent here right? The area has a good potential but the commitment isn't quite there but that doesn't mean we will give up. I think we have about 6 sisters.. I know majority of them but we have 2 new sisters so hopefully I don't scare them off. Anyway, I am having a good time.

Love,
Elder Uthaichai

First Week as Zone Leader

This calling is definitely more tasks to do but I think there are a few perks that come with it. We have a full-time car. A Subaru Legacy which is pretty nice. We named her Sophie.She's is a heavy though. I'm not sure how big our zone is yet but i'm still learning, trying to get to know the people in this zone. I have to say that I don't feel connected to anyone here because their personality is like really shy and not my kind of crowd but I think I'll learn to love them. It might not be my first choice but I'm sure the Lord knows what is needed to be done. I just hope I don't mess up too bad. 

I feel sad that I have to rebuke people every now and then but I guess it has to be done. I have a companion that is a Zone Leader as well and we're trying to get our zone going and be a good example to them. It's hard because they want to be "buddy-buddy" but it's hard to do that when you're trying to help them and establish a distinction between leaders and missionaries. I think earning that respect is a challenge.

My new companion is Elder Nokes. He is quiet but he's a good guy.

Miss you all and love you.

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

New Calling - Zone Leader!

This week was okay we spent a lot of our time walking. It's not too hot  but it's pretty humid. Nothing to complain though. I have a few pictures that I took this week because I'm getting transferred out of here. They are calling me to become a Zone Leader. I asked President Cleveland if he was sure and he replied "I'm not but the Lord is" So I think it'll be a fun adventure. I don't know if that was a mistake or what but I guess it's time to shape up.

Love,
Elder Uthaichai

Memorial Day

We had a fun activity the 4 of us. We BBQ out side and had a conversation that was quite friendly and got to know each other even more. I think you can say it's "District Unity". The elders think that I should just forget Engineering and go cook food for a living haha. I declined their invitation.

It wasn't too hot but my allergies are acting up yet again. So it's bothering me pretty bad but that's okay only few more months before I'm done with it. 

Miss you guys!

Love,

Elder Uthaichai