"Talking to you sisters is better than talking to Siri." Nov. 20/17

Compliment of the week. That made me feel real good. At least she knows that talking to the missionaries is a good thing. 

This week has been great! I have seen miracles and have been content! 

We had switch offs this week and I was able to learn from Sister Hammon for a day. I love the focus on strengthening the members and getting referrals from them. It's slow getting started. but I believe the referrals will have a snowball effect. 

I contacted someone this week who overheard my companion speaking Thai to a member we are working with as we were leaving the apartment building. This guy was surprised at how good her Thai was, and I happened to notice, so I told him that we were missionaries (like how I normally invite) and he said "Oh I actually want my kids to be Christian" so he had an appointment and he brought his entire family! it was awesome! There was grandma, all the way down to a 2 month old! I hope that they continue to investigate! I love being able to teach families! 

One of our investigators who is preparing for baptism brought one of his friends to learn with us. We had a member there who is really good at piano, so we sang a hymn with him and his friend, and she cried! And then she cried the whole rest of the lesson when we taught the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement. It was amazing to see our investigator teach his friend how to pray and have him bear his testimony. To all of my missionary friends: Ask your investigators for referrals. It is the coolest thing! 

We had a surprise birthday party for a brother in the ward! He was so so so happy! 

I love being a missionary! My Thai is coming slowly. I have transfers next week so I will talk to you all on Wednesday! Read the Book of Mormon! 

Love, 

Sister Peterson

Mary had a little... dog... in her purse... at church

Thai kids are the cutest!

Hey everyone! I have pictures this week! 

The King's flower is the marigold, so this whole country has been covered in them! It's so pretty!

Last Tuesday we had a Zone Conference with Elder Evans (he gave a talk last priesthood session, look it up).  He came and gave us some really good training that I feel was really inspired. He pretty much called us to repentance to focus on what is most important - strengthening the church and the members here, and from that springs baptism along the way. I love it because this week, after following this council I already feel like a better representative of Jesus Christ, and I'm not in people's face's, annoying them as much. It's an adjustment, but there are promised blessings, so it will be good! 

So, Mary.... She's an LA that makes me laugh. She came to church with her little puppy in her purse and follows the elders around. Haha poor Elders. 

I had a tender experience in RS yesterday. The lesson was on missionary work. The elderly Sister teaching the lesson at one point brought up that missionary work isn't easy. Then she asked me directly "Sister, are you comfortable? Is missionary work comfortable?" I replied, "Well, no. It's hard."  "Then why are you smiling? See everyone, she's smiling." and I replied in simple Thai, "Because the gospel gives me happiness" and then the room kind of went silent, and my eyes started to well with tears. She said: "That right Sister." Another elderly lady behind me put her hand on my shoulder, and I patted her hand.  I am so grateful for that tender experience. I love the old Thai ladies in the ward! 

I love Thailand and The Gospel, and the people! 

Read the scriptures! They are true!

Love, 

Sister Peterson

No photos – I am so sorry!

So I know that the only thing you all care about is photos, and I'm sorry because yes I have a lot of photos to share, BUT I am at a new internet place that apparently will give my photo card a virus... so I had better not risk it! 

This week started with a miracle! Last Monday night we had an appointment with a potential investigator who had called us. He had gotten an inviting card a few weeks prior. He said that he wasn't interested at first and was going to throw away the card. BUT HE DIDN'T. He said that he looked at the picture of Christ a few days later and he felt hope. He felt like he's not the only person who knows what he's going through, he said that HE LOOKS AT THE PICTURE OF CHRIST AND IS ABLE TO SMILE. That made it worth it to me, all of the time spent talking to every person I can and getting rejected, for someone to just be able to smile because I gave them a picture of Christ is worth it. He then looked up at me and said "I think it was you, Sister Peterson that gave me this card." That was a very needed experience for me this week. I love Christ and the knowledge of hope and peace and everything that is good that comes from HIM. 

We got permission this week to go to the festival where in the north they light off lanterns like in Tangled. Unfortunately, I am in Bangkok and there are fire restrictions, but what they do is they send off beautiful flower boats into the river with a candle on it. This culture is so beautiful. There were flowers and lights everywhere. We also got to watch a Thai fashion pageant thing too! It really is a shame that I can't send photos... stay tuned for next week! 

A new 7/11 opened by the church! Yay! another 7/11! It's so convenient! 

Today for P-day we went to a Baptism! (an Investigator of my companions from her last area) This Lady is 81 and the water pump at the church was broken, so the bishop said, ok let’s go to the pool next door! So we walked down the street to the local public pool, and She got baptized there! (Yes we got permission.... I think) She was so cute! 

Thai children are the cutest. 

I will send pictures next week! 

Love Sister Peterson