เป็นคนไทยหรือเปล่า

Phikun's Family

สวัสดีค่ะ

Hello, everyone! The last time we had a pday, it was the start of the month. And now, we're almost halfway through July! Woah! Where did time go? Honestly, it went by so fast. Met a lot of amazing people too!

Well, last week, we finally met with our new Mission President... President Hammond! (Together with his wife, and 2 kids) They are amazing! They brought with them a different energy and vibe to the work and that makes us all excited to work with them too! We're going to be with them today for Zone Pday and Zone Conference (in Ubon). Sooo that's exciting.

Last Monday, we had a Family Home Evening at พิกุล's house. I looooooove their family! She has two super chubby and cute daughters. It's just a simple FHE but one of the bests that I've had. We had a fun activity and had a wonderful lesson about following the examples of Jesus Christ. We talked about the importance of a Christ-centered home. Everyone got a chance to share too. We just started to teach the kids last week. And I'm so excited for them to see their mom get baptized next Sunday! It was หลิว's first time to pray last Monday so that's really special.

The past few days have been so rainy here. Actually, it changes a lot. Sometimes, it'll rain hard in the morning then it'll be super hot in the afternoon. I should probably check the weather app on my phone too sometimes. I just realized that as I type this haha I'm pretty sure it's rainy too in the Philippines at this time of the year so take care, everyone!

Seasons have changed! Weirdly, I've met some people who had asked me if I'm Indian! Hahaha I get that a lot since I was a kid. :) Also, usually, people here automatically think I'm Thai but this past week... I've been getting a lot of "เป็นคนไทยหรือเปล่า (Are you Thai or not) questions! Hahaha I love Thai people! They always tell me to wear a cardigan or sunscreen and ask if I'm not scared of getting dark skin. (Coz I've gotten really darker hehehe)

But that's just like the physical thing that changes on your mission. You don't bike miles under the sun thinking how dark your skin would be after. You bike and think if the investigator is even home. You bike and pray for safety. You bike and FIND people along the way. This past week has been a learning experience and a time to refocus myself too on my purpose. Because sometimes, you just get too tired. But then again missionaries are always tired. I guess we can call it Tired with a Purpose hahahaha I'm just making things up. Anyway, President David O. McKay said "The greatest Battles you will ever fight will be within the silent chambers of your heart." I love that! I love my mission! To see people change through the Gospel of Christ makes it all worth it. Also, it gives me/us a motivation to put our heart on the work. Because the only way to win is to lose, right? Lose yourself in the Lord's work. :)

And for that I just want to say I'm grateful and happy that my lil brother(not so little), soon-to-be ELDER GAGARIN, has signed up and embarked in the work! So proud of You! He's been called to serve in the Philippines Butuan Mission and will be leaving in September! :)

Alright, so for this week's challenge, I want to share this verse from Alma 26

2 And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed upon us? Can ye tell?

Whether you are a member or not of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ponder about how you have been blessed by God's love for all of us. He loves us more than we can comprehend. By that we'll be able to feel His love even more!