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