When is Spring? What are seasons? All I know is Thailand is hot 24/7

​"Sample Text Here"

Oh the things you see in Thailand. Mmmmhmmmm. Nothing like some good "Sample Text Here"

So Thailand. It's actually a pleasant temperature right now. But it is coming. The hot season. It is on its way.

When the highlight of your week was going to McDonald's 2 times...

Also side note: There is a very large difference between Thai ketchup and American ketchup. The taste. Oh how I have missed American ketchup. I literally could've just sat at the table and drank the ketchup. Yes that was how good it was.

Oh wow. Hey. So massive swells coming into Hawaii huh? Wow wait. What do you mean the held the Eddie Aikau contest. Woah congrats to John John Florence. yup. (s/o to the mother for the update) ok back to stuff happening in Thailand Haha nevermind. 

Ok so Thailand.
Teach Repentance, Baptize Converts
After implementing this teaching strategy, we are starting to see the fruits of our labors. What a blessing it is to see when people from all walks of life begin to develop faith. From that foundation of faith and trust in God, literally all things become a cake walk. Can't drink coffee anymore? No problem in quitting. All cause of faith.
We've have got a really really solid teaching pool of investigators that are truly repenting and building faith in God. These are people that are converted or on their way to conversion well before they even get in the baptismal font.

And then there's English class.
You know how we do it. It's the usual. But, like. Why. Why are there no MALES interested in learning English. Literally the class ratio is like 1:10 right now....Where are the men of Thailand? English class is just so perfect. It's a great service opportunity to be here helping people. The students that truly applied themselves really really do succeed! English opens doors to the future. And the future is where we are headed. พอดี

From the Personal Study of Elder Ellis:
D&C 88:78-80
 78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
 79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
 80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling where unto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.

Just for all the other missionaries. Or even like everyone. Everything we do need to know, everything that is expedient for us to know. We will. In the Lord's time. In the Lord's will
​

We did some service and helped a family move houses. Oh Thailand. How I love you so much.

Misc. images...

Me and the new Elder, Elder Ingleton

Cockroaches when we were cleaning cabinets

New custom suit for about $50USD

Boom Kanani.

Aloha,
Elder แอลลิส
Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

Did someone say "Free English"?

We went from around 4 students on average to english class to 25. Aww yeah. Free English.

So on the happenings of this week...

It's the usual grind now. Pushing hard. It's been rather rewarding to see whats happened here in Buriram. Such a huge momentum change. It's always such a blessing to be working here in Thailand. Especially during this specific time!

Because it feels like my emails are getting boring-er....gotta change it up. So yeah.

Not too much. We're doing good, things are pretty solid. Pushing on. Yup. Hopefully I get back into the habit of writing stuff down on a sticky not to email about....yeah.

Free English!

Some wonderful ideas we have to promote our English Class here in Thailand

1-Bring two friends and you get to take a picture with a 6' 5" white guy!!!!!!! For free!

ฟรี ฟรี ฟรี

2-Bring 3 friends and you get....COOKIES!!!!!

So yeah. if anyone else has got some sick ideas for how we can continue to promote our English class. Let me know. We'll probably try them out.

www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-01-012-dangerous-tides?category=youth-media&lang=en

www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/trifle-not-with-sacred-things?lang=eng

Just a quick video (link also to the talk) about the importance of decision makings in our life. I can only do so much as to speak to these things. But really, the real push is when you act. Your decisions. Your future. Follow on the right path.

Free English. 

ฟรี ฟรี ฟรี

Invite your friends.

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

The Magic of Phone Calls

​Balling in Buriram. The usual.

So this transfer has been quite a change in pace. Elder Martindale is a boss of a missionary, the end is near for him! Being the younger, still super super super super rather inexperienced missionary. I'm the one making the calls, be it I understand or not. Yup I'm the one making the calls.

Therefore, this picture accurately describes us. We sit and wait for our investigators, but the whole time waiting, will always be spent calling.

On that point some funny stories.

1. I tend to call people around 3 times a day. Every single former, potential, and current investigator. At around noon, then around 4/5, then at night. So I give them three chances for like a week or two. Because of my constant calling. It seems that the number of people that have blocked our phone has gone up! 
2. But on the same point of calling people all the time, it helps them really stay strong on their commitments to pray and read the scriptures. If they know that you will constantly be calling them, they will constantly be reading and trying their hardest to keep their commitments. So phone calls. All the time. Because what use is a commitment that isn't followed up on? It's not helping anyone really.
3. We picked up some way good investigators because of our persistence in calling. These people are going places.
4. Sometimes...well all the time really, the Thai language and phones don't always get along. Other times, it makes me sound like I can speak Thai LIKE A BOSS. e.x. Talking to an investigator for like 10 minutes about some stuff she learned in her personal study of the Book of Mormon. So we have this legit conversation and then like the signal goes bad, and then she has one last question and I cant figure out what she says. So I hand the phone to Elder Martindale. And he doesnt understand either hahhahahahahhah. So we end the call, call her back, and the signal is good now. Her question was just "Who is the elder talking to me? Elder Martindale right?" Nahhhh, it was me. Hahahaha. She just went crazy like "WHAT! Why do you speak so clearly over the phone! Elder! SO GOOD!"

Yup. so maybe something is going right. 

So much of the work here in Thailand has changed. It's way amazing now to see this almost total 180 degree shift. The goal is so much to truly baptize those people that are converted. We want their hearts to be changed. CHANGED. Witnessing people make these small steps of faith, and prayer. And then seeing how much these things have changed their life, from the small and simple means, large things are brought to pass. Small and simple steps can lead to the biggest change and improvement in your life. Just gotta try take those steps.

Alma 37:6: "...but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise"

Take it slow. Nice and easy. Breathe in. Breathe out. Chill.

Happy Valentines Day.

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

I'm a BIG BROTHER

Still in Buriram. Yup. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Photo Credit - https://www.facebook.com/mormonthai

But on a different note, my prayers have been answered, Buriram finally has 4 elders again!

There's me and my new companion Elder Martindale. Pictures...uh. coming soon. Sometimes I'm good on taking pictures, sometimes I'm not. Elder Martindale is a giant. A giant from the far away land of.......Logan Utah! 195 cm. Or like 6 ft 5 in. He is a giant among Thai people. it feels weird cause they're always staring. But yeah. Elder Martindale is way legit and super super super super hard worker. We've got a vision established. Goals are in place. Now its time to just go out and work!

Photo Credit - https://www.facebook.com/mormonthai

Photo Credit - https://www.facebook.com/mormonthai

But now to the other two elders here in Buriram. SO STOKED BECAUSE IM A BIG BROTHER.

Which pretty much means, my father Elder Sayavong, the person that trained me to be a missionary, IS ALSO TRAINING HERE IN BURIRAM. So we will be seeing some seriously huge things going down in Buriram. Hard work and faith are gonna produce miracles. And who doesn't love a good miracle? If we do something cool, i'll get a picture...eventually.

The line up is:

Me and Elder Martindale

Elder Sayavong and little brother (Elder Ingleton, who happens to be half filipino and malaysian..or indonesian. I forgot....)

Yup. It's gonna be a sweet time here in Buriram

But yeah. Miracles coming soon.

Huh. Seems like this computer isn't reading my camera. So no pictures this week. But it's alright.

Hm. Yeah. Well. Like....yeah.

Nothing much more really, just the usual. Find when you teach. Teach when you find. Like wow, it works. Sometimes you just gotta take a chance and go for it. We have been lucky here in Buriram that the members have started really working with us missionaries. We teach the people they refer to us, and then on top of that we find EVEN MORE investigators. The only thing that really matters is just opening your mouth. 

Take it easy and love life. 

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

S(quirrels)uriram

Buriram and Surin are a district together.
The only two areas I've served in so far has been Surin and Buriram. Yee. Suriram.

This week huh. Not a lot of time was spent here in Buriram. But we still found some ways to pick up new investigators, teach some referrals, invite. The usual. Yeee.

​Night Market in Roi-Et, looking for dinner ft. Suriram District

So yeah. Tuesday we had district meeting and then right after that our district leader elder Raleigh lets us know that we're doing a switch off. This basically means I get to go back to SURIN!!!!! So amazing and so happy to get to work with these wonderful people. The branch in Surin has been growing because of how much hard work has been put in. So grateful for the opportunity to see my Recent converts and a bunch of less actives (that are now active members) and meet a bunch of new investigators. Never stop loving the people. It will just make you and them so much more happy. Just smile a ton!

So I really got a solid work day in on Thursday...But then like we had a conference over in Roi-Et. Which is a 3 hour bus ride away....I'm practically a boss at passing out in buses no matter how cramped they are. I try to study but like....I'm weak. That's one of my many weaknesses here in Thailand. Staying awake on public transportation.

Zone Conference + Stake Training

So our training we had gotten this week had a strong focus on working together with members. We as missionaries have the responsibility to really help build the ward or branches that we serve in. Missionaries and members can run two separate paths to get the same goal. Or both can run the same path, helping the work move along so much better. It's just like in running. You can go out and run by yourself and try to get the fastest time, but really you will go faster when you have someone with you, pushing you along and making sure you stay on track. Same exact concept. Member-Missionary relationships are VITAL. Missionaries need to do everything they can to truly build up good relationships with members. We have recognized how big a difference there is when the members are there working with you side by side. Sure it takes a bit of effort on the missionaries part to gain their trust and respect, but it's always worth it. Gotta start with a strong foundation to support a large building.

Some things we do to improve member relationships:

--Me and Elder Powers in front of a members house---

*on the phone "Hey are you home?" ---"yeah"---"Okay awesome, we're in front of your house. Just wondering...you have any brooms, we just want to clean your patio and yard for you."

Or another one of our favorites here in Buriram.

"Hey can we come in and wash your dishes and share a scripture?"

20 minutes later, dishes are done, a scripture is shared and we are back out and on our way. Hah. Thailand.

Saw an albino squirrel. Didnt know they had squirrels here.

​Squirrels.

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

WHY IS IT COLD HERE....But these are still the moments I live for

Hahah yeah. Last thing I thought I'd ever say. Apparently its been 15/16 degrees Celsius. Bone chilling cold when all you wear is a short sleeve collared shirt, a tie, and some slacks. Chilly. But on the real though.....

Visited this recent convert, he's a musician and makes these Thai instruments and sells them at the markets. Also his garden is absolutely heavenly and has all these edible fruits and leaves. Yummy. 82 years old, received the Melchizedek Priesthood. Bikes around 5 km to church every week. What a baller.

These are the moments I live for.

Out of all the things I've done, nothing. Literally nothing beats how happy I am out here in Thailand. I'm thousands of miles away from home. In a country where I still can't speak the language. But I am totally at peace. I have so much joy here. We got the great opportunity to go out and teach some amazing new investigators this week but I just want to share the story of two of them.

First- Brother Sirichai

This man is 87 years old, and a bit on the frail side, but wow. We walk in, introduce ourselves as missionaries here to share with him the gospel of Jesus Christ and he brightens up. He's had a belief in God and Jesus Christ for quite some time, but because of his condition lately has never had the opportunity to go to church. He is overjoyed every time. The happiness. I can't even handle it. He's always just wanting to learn more and more. His mind is sharp and his belief so strong. When we taught him how to pray and he learned he could really communicate with our Heavenly Father, just so much joy filled the room. Such a sweet spirit.

Second-Brother Rood

This man is 100% Buddhist but he has opened his heart to learning about Christianity. His Aunt had brought him to meet with us because he lives in another province. So on the first day we just get to know him but he had some questions about life. He feels like life here is just this daily grind. In and out. Background info on him, he is the only son in his family so after he finished schooling he works 24/7 taking care of the family farm. Not a small little farm either. It's absolutely huge. With animals. And gardens and everything. They got the works out there. Gnarly. So he's just sitting there. Contemplating about life. And we got the solution for him. The Plan of Salvation. The plan of Happiness. Teach him about this life. The purpose. What we need to do. And wow. He just goes and says "I feel like many people would reject this because it sounds too good. But no. I believe you. This all feels right. I don't know how to explain it. But it just feels right. Thank you so much for sharing this." Boom. It doesn't stop there. We teach him to pray and talk to God. And he goes and says his first prayer ever. And then he just sorta stops talking. But doesn't close the prayer "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." So his aunt is whispering the words and he just says so calmly "give me a second, this feeling. I don't want it to leave me." WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. Oh. Ah. Ahhhh.

These are the moments I live for. Better than a sunrise session at Sandys, body surfing into a barrel that's just glistening with perfection. Better than biking down Tantalus and almost hitting 60 mph (Strava or it didn't happen). Better than sleep. As much as I love all these things a lot. This is it yo.

This is it. These are the moments I live for. The moments of people coming unto Christ and learning that they are children of God. That God loves them.

So sweet. Like a pineapple. 

Ft. Pineapple tie hahahaha who do I think I am hahah

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.

BuriramYO. Also got the computer thathasa junkspace bar...sorry.

Found as we were looking for one of our RC's houses...

Yeee Buriram. Thailand.So Sweet.Sweet. Swensen's Icecream.

Amazing to think how when I first came in here with Elder Powers we both look at what was here for us to do. Looking at it like "What do we need to do to make this ward blow up."Sat down, planned,made a mini vision. And hit the ground running. Hard. 3 weeks later and it finally feels like we are getting somewhere. What started as a humble amount has now worked to a workload too heavy for just two elders. So then what? Obviously enlist the help of members. MEMBERS ARE THE KEY FOR IT ALL. Two elders cant visit every single LA family. Two white people won't understand every single problem. But these members can. And these members are amazing! Sure it took some work to get the members stoked, but it was worth the effort. Members have been so crucial in the work here. Finding LA's,giving us referrals. Buriram is Blessed.

Blessings on Blessings on Blessings (in Buriram)

Yeah way short...sorry no time

Uh I ate 8 scoops of ice cream this week. 2 scoops of -midnight brownie, thin mint, strawberry cheesecake, and cookies and cream. Confessions of an ice cream addict.

Also P-day Today.This is called self restraint. Didn't even touch the water or stick my toes in the sand.

Chee Pono.

Have a good one!

Aloha,

Elder แอลลิส

Forward Ever. Stopping Never.