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

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Chin Baptism!!

We had our first Chin baptism ever!! We had a great, great turn out at the baptism. If my math is correct, we had over 70 people attending it. People are so happy for Albert Mang. He is a great kid. We love him and his family. We saw the missionaries that have helped us worked with him in the past come support him. President Cleveland and his wife even came down to see. I have to "gossip" a little about President! Although he's a giant but he has a huge heart. We may or may not have caught him crying when the Chin people were bearing their testimonies in their language and having their daughter translate it into English. Although Esther (the translator)'s English isn't perfect we could feel the spirit. I mean who speaks perfect, proper English nowadays anyway. I love this area and my investigators. They are more than investigators. They're family. 

Likewise with the Hayes. Mehgan and Kelly are recovering slowly from their surgery. Please pray for them. They are great people. I don't think I can remember NOT laughing when I'm a lesson with Mehgan. I will send a large amount of pictures today so be on a look out for that. Great things are happening here in Indy 1st. Perhaps it'll be a great finish off. I will forever remember these lovely people. 

I love my companion, and the district. We got things rolling. I think one thing that helps us stay united is our Christ-like attribute. Humility in particularly. We're able to tease one another and help one another when it's needed. I know that the Lord is in this work. There is no way President could be so good at picking companionship without the help of our Heavenly Father. I hope and pray that the district will remain as it is until my mission is over. I'm so grateful to be here and thank you for all that you guys do to make it happen. 

 

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

Zoo Visit and Another Baptism

Yesterday we didn't email because nothing was open (holiday) so we went to the Zoo instead. It was alright, nothing too exciting. I took a few photos and it was a lot of fun hanging out with the missionaries and old friends. 

Last Saturday, we had a baptism of Kelly Hayes it was so awesome. Funny thing is I worked on my legs that day and when I assisted him down to the water my legs were so tired that I almost fail to pull him up. However, it was good. We had a great, spiritual experiences. 

Last Sunday we went to dinner with our chin investigators. It was really except they kept feeding us even if I was full. They had at least 6 dishes just for us. And yet again, they didn't eat. They made massive amount of food just to feed us. Bawi said that she was our server for the evening. It was delightful. Along with that I saw last 2 mins of 4th quarter. What a play! Boy I miss watching football! Well that's pretty much it. Mehgan Hayes had her baby so we'll be pushing her baptism back. 

The weather here is pretty good. It was low 50's a couple days ago and now it's just above freezing! Not bad at all! Haven't had the need to wear big jackets yet. Knock on wood!

 

Love you all! 

Elder Uthaichai

 

 

Another Transfer Down, 2 Left

We have a baptism coming up this Saturday. Kelly Hayes is his name. Really nice guy. He is married to a member but since they got married they have been attending his church. They have 2 daughters. The oldest is 23 with a 1 year old boy and one on the way. We're teaching her as well. Her date is on the 31st. It will happen unless she give birth... Babes always get in the way :P 

Now our Chin friends are somewhat moving forward. Most of them are getting better in English and we're waiting for the opportunity to share the gospel. Perhaps within the next few months they will learn about the Church. I have a few families that I will miss them dearly. On the bright side is that I'll be here until I go home. Elder Ledesma is staying with me for another 6 weeks. I am pleased about that. Hopefully this transfer will be fun.

 

Love,

Elder Uthaichai

Recent Update

Here's the update about our area. Albert, the 15 year old boy is off a date. Not to be rude or anything but I expected it, because of the experiences that I have had so far in the mission field. However, the sisters seem to be thinking that it's okay to get him on a date. I feel like I am able to connect with them more than they could because of many reasons. But one main thing is I'm Asian too.. I can see how they act or react even though I don't understand their language. But you don't have to understand what they say exactly. You can pick up bits and pieces to get what they're saying. Another blessing of learning English as a 2 language. The ability to understand foreigners. 
What strange is that I am the oldest in the mission field in this zone. It is quite strange. Everyone who I look up to is now gone and "prophecies" has been fulfilled. I remember in Kokomo, an elder that has been out for quite sometimes told me that one day I'll look back and ask myself what on earth happened. Those I look up to will be me mc the role will switch. Well that time has come.

Anyway, Elder Ledesma and I are working with the Chin people still. We're going to be using a lot of video to teach because it is always easier to remember and understand something that is presented visually. We will give that a try to see how it goes. We have about 6 or 7 chin families but they're progressing very berry slow. So I will not mention them just yet. However, we are teaching the Hayes family. Kelly and Shelly Hayes see us as their adopted children hahah funny how brown kids always get more parents than others. Anyway we love them and are pushing to get them baptized is month. Please pray that they will be able to over come the addiction. We're planing on getting them baptized in the 17th but we'll see.  Megan, a mother that is currently going through a divorce is being taught by us as well. She is wonderful and seems like she has been preprared by the Lord. Although the challenges that she has gone through or going through seem unbearable. I know that the Lord is setting her up for something better.

Love,
Elder Uthaichai