Another Letter April 7, 2009

Well, Hello family. How are things. I am sorry for that email. Boy I tell ya it has been really hard here. But after talking to Mom I sincerely feel a change. I really do. Before mom called I was reading about the Atonement and how it really isn't possible to return back because we are too much of the natural man and we go of course way too often. But because of the atonement all things are possible. And the thing that is the most important is yes we do sin and we have our short commings but repentance is not just an event it is a life-long process. That is why we have the importance of the atonement. It's so neat to know how aware the Savior is of us. I hope all of you know that I am in this for the long run and that I am here for a reason. A year and two months is not that long so I need to take everyday in. Remember on Oh brother where art thou....Dang we're in a tight spot.
I wanted to thank all of you for the pictures of the wedding and of the kids. I hope you all know how much I love you and how much I pray for all of you. I truly truly do. It made my day to see all of them.
Abby and Randy I hope things are going well in the marriage. I know you two will be so happy together. Just seeing the pictures of you two makes me feel good. I am so suprised that you really put a huge poster of me. That just goes to show that you love me so much. Remember Ab I am gonna copy you with the shoes. But mine will be a green apple green. And a tea cup dress, but that is neither here nor there....yet. Are you staying in South Jordan in Randy's apt? HOw was San Diego? I bet it was way fun. Thank you for your example of getting married in the Temple you sure set and example to me. One thing I would say is go to the temple as often as you can. YOu will see the blessings so much. I don't have one here and I am sooooo sad. I love you two so much. Remember you are my finacial friends and when I get home Randy I expect an ipod nano....Green one Lime green....ah ahahah
Digger! I am glad to see that you can email on the phone. I bet you love that phone. And you're teaching dad how to use the laptop good for you. I am glad you are teaching our parents. Face it mom and dad you need to start learning the ways of technology. I loved your pictures of you singing and the song. Mom says you are planning on singing at mine. Please know that I expect you too. I about laughed my head off it was so great. I showed my companion and we just laughed and I just kept going off, and she said is he your best friend and I said hey how did you know. It was funny. You would like my mission pres he loves financial stuff. I thouught of you.
Judi and Clint, well Clint I wanted to thank you for that note. I def know you know how I feel. It is hard but everyday I continue to learn and grow and I understand a lot but I jsut cant speak it. But it will come. So there are many orphanages here. You could come but if you did I would wait till next year when I am more fluent in the language and can help you around. Judi I hope the business is going well, I hear you have a show coming up. Thats great! Tell Lili I say hi, I can't believe how much they have grown all of them.
Aud and Troy, well how are things? HOw is the business Troy? Things going well. I hope they are. So Aud how are things with Sammy. I hope you know how much I love you and how much the Savior does too. So how are things with your neighbors? I know how you feel. My neighborsdon't go to sleep and they are going everywhere all the time in the night and the kids don't go to sllep either. It's crazy but its Thailand.
James and Jen how are things in Eagle Mountain? How are the kids. I saw some picture of them and holy moly you have beautiful children. So is James in Texas right now? When I get home Jen you need to help me learn to photoshop better. Thats what you have right? I hope so. Well, I love you and hope things are going well.
Josh and Kristen, well how are things? I here I was carry little Kathryn (If I spelled that wrong I am so sorry) I was holding her at the wedding. I hope I didn't drop her. How are things with the girls? How is Steph what grade is she in again? How are things in Kearns? I hope things are going well. I love you and I will talk to you soon.
Amy and Dave well are you all back in Missouri? And are the kids back in school? I cannont believe how much they have grown it is inane. So how is volley ball, and is maggie still watching the barbie movies and worrying about the economy here in Thailand? I will never forget that letter. I almost died. So did my companion. How is the satudying going dave? Hope all is well. I think about Missouri when I walk outside because of the Humidity. But mine is a little bit worse. Take your humidity and times it by 1000. You stick to everything allllll they days in the world.
Jen and Ry, well thank you for the pictures. I cannot tell you how much they made me cry adn they made my day. All of the nieces looked adorable your dresses were beautiful. Remember to look for me. But my colors are Green apple green, black and white. You may laugh cause they're ugly but not to me. So be on the look-out. Ha ha that is way to funny.
Face and Linda, well I can see from the pictures of the wedding that the kids have grown so much I cannot believe how much they have grown. I loved how face was behind me when I caught the bouquet. Thanks for the help. Oldest brother youngest sister help you know. So when does Eli start school. Have you moved into your new house yet? Love you lots.
Mom and Dad. You know I always save the best for last. How are things? Thank you again for all you have done. I love you two so much. After talking to mom I feel a change and a sincere change. I am ready for whatever the Lord puts in my path. I have the faith, if I didn't I wouldn't be here. I sometimes think why can't I be home. But I know that if I were I wouldn't be happy as I am here. Becasue I really realize my happiness now. The only reason I have happiness is through the Gospel. And that is the truth. Thank you for all that you have done. I trly am indebted to you for the rest of my life. YOu are the best parents I could ever have asked for. I truly have the best family ever. I love you all so much.
Well this next week is going to go by really slow. They have a three day holiday called sonkran and it is a giant water fight. Everyone leaves and the people who are here wait to through water on you. So I will be soaked and walking around trying to be productive. They say it is like the worst time for the mission. That and New year. but we'll see. WE have a great investigator who just called us her name is p me and she is awesome. I love her so much. We are going to teach her the plan of salvation. I am excited.
Last night we got drenched and we had to come home early. I tried shrimp for the first time. Raw and it was sooooo good. I loved it. Its sad I can't eat the rice here. not the kaiw neaw the sticky sticky but I eat the pineapple instead or the mangoes. oh heaven. Love you lots thank you agian for the pictures again and again. I love you all so much I hope all is well.

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Letter 3

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 1:22 AM
> Hello Familu\y. First I want to
> apoliaize for the typing. YOu know I can;t type and I can
> read the letters. But things are going good here in Asoke.
> Today I am in Lobpuri its about three hours away and we
> played with monkeys. I will have to send some puctures.
> We have a baptism on Sunday and we have a new investigator
> who comes to English duay. She is really cute. The language
> is really hard but I can understand a lot of it and I cannot
> speak but it will come. My maa is really great. Now it is
> just the two of us.
> So family I wanted to tell you how amazing this fruit is
> here. Holy Moly I love it. It costs like 5 cents and I get
> it twice a day. Im not a fan of the stcky rice. I know
> right. But it is really sticky and it seriosly sticks to
> your intestines. So I eat fruit and craxkers and noodles all
> day.
> So I bet everyone is there for the weddign. Tell everyone
> that I love them and that I miss them. Becasei I really do.
> I love how the Lord is blessing you so much. It makes me
> want to go work harder. I love how he is so aware of our
> needs and he gives us trials to help us. And this mission is
> one. Eventhough it has been four weeks I n\know I am in for
> a hard ride. But one that I know I can go through.
> The people here are so nice. Even when they don't want to
> hear your message they are nice about ti. I still have so
> much to learn. My mom is leaving and that means I have to
> learn the area of Asoke. wow my reaction duay. The heart of
> Bangkok and I have to lead it. So she will be training me to
> know my way around. With the Lords help he can help me.
> I pray for all of you every night. And I am sorry that I am
> not writing individual emails to forward but I am not even
> in asoke and we have to catch a train soon. ANd it will take
> three hours to get back home to go and teach English. But
> next week I will sirely try.
>
>
> If Brother Saakha is reading this. I just wanted to thank
> you and Bro Duval for everything. You taught me so much and
> not bragging but my trainer was really impressed that I
> could read so well. So Thank you for teaching my Thai but
> for teaching me that the Lord is aware of everysingle one of
> us.
>
>
> Mom I haven't seen those people yet. And I don't hink I
> will be able to. They probably go to the internation ward
> and I am not apart of that area. But its crazy hot here. Ah
> I feel like my whole face is about to die and then I will.
> And the misquitoes love me legs. And the smog is clogging my
> throat, but not to worry.
> I am so serious family you would not believe your eyes. I
> don't want to say this but it is not Norway or Scotland or
> any of the states that is for sure. But it is where I am
> suppossed to be. Becaise that is where the Lord wants me.
> Thank you for all that you have done. I am loving it here
> but I am homesick. I wont lie. But I wouldn't come home
> because I am in it for the Long hall.
> Dad when you conduct on Sunday tell the ward that I love
> them and that things are great and HOT here in Thailand.
> Tell all my friends hello. I love you all so much and I am
> glad you are all my family ah ha ha ha ha.
> Have fun at the wedding manda have fun with Grandma kids be
> good to your parents Digg do you rememvber when you killed
> that Hawk adn you cried like a girl. ABby have fun gettin
> married randy welcome to the family. Joe I love your house.
> Jen I miss your cooking. Amy I miss missouri. Josh I miss
> you telling me how to fix things. James remember the time
> you ran into the stump? Is the foot better. Aud Miss you and
> how is the fam. Jud yoour neighbor is Thai. DOn't try
> to learn the Language. Ah ha jk Dig and Ab I already tolf
> you.
> Oh and I wont be writing next week. I will wrote next Sat.
> Becase we are switching are P days. Love you so much and I
> wil write you nest Sat.
> All my love remeber take pictures at the wedding. I wish i
> was there. So that means abby can't come to mine. But randy
> can.
> I am sending pocs through my email at yahoo. Make sore
> people get them/

Letter 2

Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2009, 11:24 PM
> Well Hello Family. It has been a
> crazy week in Thailand. All of us have been sick and I think
> I got the crazyness because I am a Greenie. I have had the
> worst tongsia. But I wont tell you what that means and my
> throat was infected and I had to go the the Thailand Bangkok
> Hospital. And my Doctor was a man in a complete turban and
> full on facial hair. But don't worry I am all better now. I
> have just been taking some pills and we'll see how the rest
> of the week goes.
> Well we went inviting on Saturday and Chatuchad park
> and my companions put me on the spot and all I could say was
> "Khaa Fag Egisan day may kh?" And she was like egisan what
> and I couldn't say anything but the spirit helped calm my
> nerves and she gave us her number so we were able to get it.
> Then we talked to this one other girl she wanted to meet
> with us and we taught her yesterday. I was teaching about
> prayer and she said something back in Thai and I didn't
> understand but answered the right way. We had a member there
> name Phii Chum and she gave me the biggest complument that I
> could recieve and she said out of all the missionaries who
> have been here the same time as you, you can speak the best.
> I was crying I was so happy. But its not me its the spirit,
> I cannot take any credit for anything. I am so glad that I
> am here.
> Well I think email might have to be the way thta I
> can get a hold of you all. I really have no time with mail
> but I will do my bst. Things here as you know are so crazy.
> Although today was fun this morning, cause I got my new
> badge and I got four letters and it was so much fun, I hope
> all you know how much I love them. Oh and mom yes other
> people can write to me, and I forward my reply back to them
> through you.
> Other than that not much has happened because we
> have been sick this past week. But things will be better you
> can be sure of that
>
>
>
> Okay and just for the record I have tried so many
> computers and I cannot get them to work with my camera. Not
> many people here have nikons so the I am going to have to
> send them via air mail. Ah I want to show you the picture of
> my elephant I saw and the things that I ah lets just say its
> beautiful here. So how are things with Abby's wedding? I got
> a letter saying that Barbru gave her a shower. Thats fun and
> yes she does have amazing friends. Glad I'm the best one.
> But I am sad that I will miss the wedding. But Im glad she
> can come to my wedding. I love you
> Abby...........................................And Randy.
>
> Well we have had many interesting encountars with farangs.
> Which are white people. A man who came up and asked my
> companions and I what side of the cross we were on and
> told us we couldn't be saved through baptism. I am just glad
> to know that the church is true and how God does have a plan
> for us. I love this Church.
> And another one were some Danish men who yes they
> saw my name and was like "Are you Danish" then they started
> talking and said the word that starts with the letter F and
> you could just feel the sprot leave. There is so much evil
> here but I don't feel apart of it becasue I am a missionary.
> And it really is so great. I love you family so much. Hope
> all is well love you tons bye bye.

Jessie's letter from Thailand

Hello Family!!!!
> And greetings from Thailand. I have been waiting to write
> you and tell you all that has been going on in Thailand. It
> was a crazy flight that's for sure. 24 hours of sickness in
> an awful airplane. But the sad thing is that that food was
> better than the MTC food. AH! I am so glad that I am out of
> there and ready to work. I love hearing what is going on at
> home, all of the emails were wonderful. Thank you again.
> It's weird that I don't get mail everyday but I think its
> better that way. Well I thought I would answer some
> questions and tell you somethings in my full week of being
> here in the land of smiles.
> When we arrived at the airport we couldn't find president
> and sister Dodge. My companions and I were not getting along
> but we are seperated and its for the best. (Three months
> with just them is really hard) But I love them so much don't
> get me wrong. We got there and ate again. And then we got
> our pictures taken and then we were interviewed by the
> President. We then went home to eat and then went to bed. We
> woke up ate and then went to moves meeting where I got my
> new companion(s) yes I am in another three sum. Ah. Then
> they took me to the house and then we got to work.
> The food here is amazing! I thought you
> all would like to know that. Mom I don' think I have ever
> tasted pineapple like this. They have fruit stands all over
> where you can get papaya, watermelon, pinapple, guava, and
> all this other stuff. The pineapple whcih they come in whole
> halves is ten baht. Which comes to 5 cents in American. The
> food is so cheap here. Even the bananas are amazing. I'm
> sorry but I am going to have to give in and gain weight I
> can't help that the food is amazing. You know they have the
> best fruit in the world but they also have the worst fruit.
> We went to a mans house on Monday and he cooked us all that
> he could and it was grass and leaves and intestines, with
> rice and then he handed us this awful fruit that tasted like
> cleaner. It was really bad. But I ate it.
> I cried my eyes out there because these
> people are so poor and they want to feed us. It defenatly
> was a really big eye opener. The people are so nice here,
> and there aren't nice poelple here, but that is just the
> process of missionary work. The language is a huge barrier.
> But pray for me that I can not be afraid of opening my
> mouth. I want these poeple to have the happiness that I have
> and it is hard I get scared. So I know things will get
> better though because I have the Lord on my side.
> I have been reading in 1 Nephi and I just
> love hoe it talks and teaches taht you have to put forth
> your effort. YOu do! IT's just that simple. I also read in
> chapter 16 where nephi is searching for food. It says that
> they got plenty and the cool thing is that is said honey
> Duay as well. Thought I would share that with you.
> WE are going shopping today and we are
> excited, my companions wanted to make this one a fun one for
> me. I got my bike and I thought I would tell you that the
> stuff here is amazing. Abby you can get louis vatone stuff
> her for like 1,000 baht which is like thrity american
> dollars, but only if you know where to find it. The shoes
> here are so cute and all the clothes are so cheap. I needed
> to get some shirts so I did and it came to like 500 baht
> wich is like 15 bucks. Oh famliy it is so insane that I am
> finally here.
> I am located in Asoke which is the heart of Bangkok
> and I mean literally the heart of Bangkok. It is a big city
> and I mean big. Bigger then Manhattan Abby. Oh and the
> traffic is nothing like Manhattan it is worse. Much worse,
> they drive on the wrong side and then they have random
> motorcycles everywhere drivnen in-betweem them. IT is
> insane.
> We stopped in Taiwan and I got some hello kitty
> stuff. I had to I mean come on, it was just like some paper
> that has Hello Kitty on it and it says Taiwan.
> There are so many 7/11 here on every corner you can
> find them and we have to stop to get water because it is
> sooooooo hot. This is there hottest season. IT truly is
> crzy. We take the sky train and the subway alot and I can't
> use my bike and I am sad but I think that the Lord is trying
> to humble me. And that's all good.
> The misquitos here are all over and I am
> going insane becasue I am new blood and all they want to do
> is eat me. So I am sending a picture of my legs to show you
> how red they get. Its not like america that's for sure.
> Things have been slow but they will come up, I love
> being here and I loive all of you. We have two baptisms this
> month and I have been able to bare my testimony. I struggled
> but it came out wrong too but the lady said to my companions
> that she could tell that the spirit was testifying through
> my struggles. IT jsut goes to show you how true this work is
> and how God has a plan for you and you can't fail that plan.
> I love it. This is going to be the hardest but best time of
> my life. I love you all so much this work is so true. THank
> you for your prayers and I pray for you duay. I will try to
> write a letter but I will do my best.
> I have the phone today so I have to answer in Thai.
> Ahhhhh. BUt I irealize that no wonder people think that they
> can conquer the world after there mission. I invited someone
> to come to English class. I totally messed it all up but I
> was able to do that. I wouldn't be able to at home. The Lord
> helps you so much. Love you family love you so much. Bye
> Love always Jessie.
> Oh and you can forward this to anyone you want. Oh
> and I have a few questions that I would really like
> answered. How are the Holtkamps? Make sure you tell them
> thank you so much, but how are they doing? How are the
> wedding plans. OH and I saw my first cockroach today in our
> house. It was awful I tell ya! oh the pictures don't work so
> I will have to send them air mail. That is really
> unfortunate.

Some pictures......

Jess said this was her work out buddy, not sure what she meant?

If you don't have this picture on your fridge then write Jessie and she'll send you one.

Thai writing, good luck with that!

It has been fun corresponding back and forth with Jessie. She is doing awesome and I love that she has kept her humor. She likes to quote her favorite movies in all the letters I have gotten. Oh, and if you want to have her write to you, make sure you write her. Not email, she loves letters. I don't know if that will last when she is in Thailand though.

Jess the Mess.

I haven't been keeping up with the news as well as I would like, so if you have any info from Jess let me know! I will be working on it a little more on the coming weeks hopefully.