General Conference Weekend

This week has been wonderful. Conference was definitely inspired. I love Elder Ballard talk on missionary work. Perhaps it's because I'm a full-time missionary right now or something. I just love that he stressed on following up. I think as missionaries we don't do it enough because we fear that we might come off as pushy. I know that there's a fine line between pushy and persistence. Likewise as boldness. I think one thing that stood out to me is you can be as bold as you want as long as there is love.

We went to Dana's house for conference and she was so kind to have us there. I think we had about 10 - 12 people there. All of them are YSA. Oh I failed to mentioned about our Assistance Ward Mission Leader - Jason Bangeter. Dad, he is so cool. He served his mission in seattle about the same time as E. Winterhowler did.. I don't know if you remember him. Anyway, Jason has been a great help to us and he is such a great member missionary. I definitely want to be like him when I get home. I don't think he stop missionary work after his mission. He still does it daily. I guess all I'm saying is that he's a great guy. Plus he has a lot of toys back home... which makes him 2x cooler. 

Dana Rigby is another great help for us. She always try to do her best to help us in the missionary department. I don't think she has ever said "no" to us yet and I'm grateful for that. I think that when members and missionaries work together with that mutual respect. The work flows better and missionary work becomes fun. 

Honestly, I couldn't ask for a better ward to be placed in. They each have taught me something that I can really apply in my life now and for the future. Their kindness and welcoming is lovely. 

Oh during conference's break we played Apples to Apples. It was my first time so I didn't really understand what was going on at first but after a few rounds it clicked. Not bad of a game. 

We have a lot of potential in our teaching pools but we're struggling with contacting them all. It seems like all these students are always busy with school which isn't a bad thing but we just gotta keep trying.

I don't know what else to share except the fact that i'm grateful to be in the Notre Dame ward and the opportunity I have to work with all these wonderful people and families. If I have the time to write you guys about each of these people and families it might take me a whole year!

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

Quick Update

Andrea has set a baptismal date!! She is planning on getting baptized is April 19th. Funny how that worked out. I guess the Lord is in control. She had a few "doubts" and she needed to ponder and pray about it. I have to share with you that it's such a great blessing to see someone truly getting converted. Like you look into their eyes and they GET it. She's being prepared for that first ordinance. I think these little moments that we miss as we teach. The joy that Alma felt is what I'm feeling. 

The spring is coming so I'm excited for the cool air and warm sunshine. I have no complains. We're trying to find more and more people to teach. I'm actually deepening my teach pool here at St Mary's as well as around the house. So for now it's looking pretty good so far. We have a lot of great support from the ward. Sadly most of the good friends that I have developed are leaving in May for the Summer or some are leaving because they are done with school. 

I heard lots of NCAA brackets got pretty messed up because the teams that were expected to win did the opposite. I had a few hours of watching it at BW's. I promise it wasn't intentionally. Well I guess I would be lying if I didn't say that it was an add-on to the decision of going to BW's. Well it was fun for the time being. I feel like as missionaries we find the joy in the littlest thing.

Love,
Elder Uthaichai