Week 72 - THE OFFICE T11.W4

Dear Family and Friends,

It's another beautiful day in the land of Siam. I feel like I'm starting to get a hold of the office, but it is still a challenge to compete with. Like time with investigators, members, district, office, President... But I guess life isn't getting any easier, so these lessons are great ones to learn. But despite all these things, the Lord showers His blessings. We had about 2 lessons this week. Probably the worst "number" week I've had, but there were 6 investigators to church. The "odds" of that happening with that work number is next to none. And also Sister Waan got baptized! Saturday night we ate dinner Saturday night with Sister Dang and Sister Waan with a RM and is wife. We were talking, and   it turns out that he trained MY trainer, Elder Jensen, on his last transfer HERE in Asoke. Pretty crazy... But Sister Waan made the best Khaw Soi! And she was so funny about it. She didn't sleep before and she was so funny about it. But she was so great and it was a true blessing. President and Sister Senior were there and it was great. 

Apart from that, we had literally been filling in baptismal records day after day. But I love this work on the administrative side. It's been fun, and I've gtg. Thank you for your diligence, your faith [and] your prayers. 

Love,

Elder Gibbons

[Since this week's letter was literally a paragraph because he ended up sending me a personal message, I thought I would add the note he wrote me.  It's pretty classic Joseph!!  Also, a little clarification about his note...my favorite scripture is Helaman 5:12, and I LOVE mangos!!!]

Thanks mom. Eating a mango (ma-MUANG) and thinking of you! 

During language study I was recording myself read the scriptures in where I'm at and the place where I decided to record was Hel 5:11-12. I didn't even realize it until I was reading those powerful words. I then thought of the one who loves this scripture the most. I thought of all the things you've taught me about standing on the rock of faith, but now just hearing those stories about you and Anna and Kylie up there, I think of all the things you have SHOWN me. If you hadn't SHOWN me faith, or prayer, or what it really is like to stand on that firm foundation (rakthaan an naanon), I wouldn't have known what it is myself. 

Somedays, I fear and doubt that I'll ever be able to be a good enough example to my children, my companion, my coworkers…But I had a thought the other day. Teri Holt in one lesson explained the brilliance of Dr. Suzuki. I was looking through the book and she pointed out that Dr. Suzuki's method is interesting: for instance, in the first book, he makes the student perform three Bach minuets from easy to super hard to medium. I thought it was cool but finally understood it one day as I was in the AP's shower (I use it when they're gone) realizing how much I suck as a district leader. Few adjectives other than that describe how I feel. But out of a sudden, the theory of the three minuets popped up in my mind. I realized that it doesn't matter if I suck, because the next piece (or area I'm over) I will ace because the Lord saw fit in His mercy to give me a really bad recital to prep me for another one. Then the kicker: he wants me to get through Minuet II so I can play Minuet III well. I love Minuet II and it's fun to play. But when I was first learning, it really was impossible to play perfectly - which is what Dr. Suzuki intended: to rise to an impossible challenge to hurdle over the next one.

I don't know if this meant anything to you specifically, but know that I love you. I feel your love. EVERY day. I wish you well and pray for you often (probably not as many times that I get prayed over, but such is life... or such is Minuet II...).

In other word, keep playing on and I love you daily. :)

Your Elder Gibbons

At Sister Dang's house

At Sister Dang's baptism

I am guessing this is a random fish that is hilarious!!

 

Week 71 - The Office; T11; W3

Hello Family and Friends,

This week has been the craziest ever! I really can't really remember what I did specifically, but I am just tired! But I'm happy, so it must mean that I'm doing something right, huh? Well, I just wanted to quickly talk about Sister Waan (หวาน), our "sweet" investigator who is getting baptized tomorrow if all plays out right. First of all, congrats Ellie for getting baptized! 

We'll be eating a dinner at Sister Dang's tonight so that Sister Dang can be sister Waan's fellowshipper. 

I'm excited because she's going to be making ข้าวซอย ("Khaw-Soi") which is like a spicy, coconut-milk-based soup with a bunch of pickled veggies and a bog ol' chicken leg in the middle. I LOVED it in Sisaket, but I couldn't find it anywhere else, but she can make it becuase she's from Chiang Mai. 

She has such a humble disposition with just a little, kind-of-squeaky voice. Turns out that two people from Hong Kong want to do some filming, and Sister Waan was interviewed. Elder Wilko and I translated her questions and and she responded in her little, squeaky voice her sincere answers. She knows the Book of Mormon in true. One night after English Class, she came up to me and asked if she could tell me something. I said yes and she told me of how her work had been super stressful and she didn't know what to do with all the things that were going on in her life, including religion. So she got on her knees and really prayed to know if the Book of Mormon was true. She finished her prayer and read. She read in 2 Nephi 4, which reads:

"O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?

 27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?

 28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

 29 Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.

 30 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

It was then that she knew that the Book of Mormon was true. She know in the heat that this is not just ความบังเอิญ (coincidence), but really an answer from God.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." (James 1: 5)

I know this is true. Ask, and you will receive. But sometimes, we have to wait. We must pass through trials to be humbled like Sister Waan. But I know they (the blessings, the relief, etc.) will come. Praise be to God that it will is my prayer. Thanks to all of you whose support in heavenly in very nature. I love you all. 

Elder Gibbons

And also to someone very special:

Great Grandma, I love you too, so very much. And if I don't get to beat you in hearts in this life, I hope I can in the next. I love you and always remember your faith and bravery. I love you more than I can type or try to say. I love you and I hope I will see you again, but in case I can't my mom will send her love, which is a lot from what she has said about you ever since I can remember. I love your stories and your class. I love you Grandma, with love that will always last. Your grandson, Joseph

Week 70 - THE OFFICE: T11; W2

Dear Family and Friends,

First, so sorry for the lack of writing last week. Probably one of the busiest times of my life - not even exaggerating. These two weeks enveloped preparing for the visitation of an Apostle of the Lord, a transfer meeting, preparing people to go home, and welcoming in new missionaries. My whole district was changed except for Elder Mateos and me. 

My new companion is Elder Wilko - he's such a boss! Mainly from Utah, he is just happy to be here. He's super chill, laid back, but does his duty 105%. He has so much faith and just likes doing hard things.  He's kind of middle-aged in the mission but speaks super well - and he even speaks the northern dialect which is hard and I can't understand! While driving the office van, we make Nascar commentaries trying to be like redneck-sports commentators. Every day is just a laughing fest. Being with Thai companions back-to-back, I've forgotten how funny American humor is. It was weird for the first week communicating, and not in Thai. But his zeal and cheery attitude is has been a long awaited blessing in my life.

New Zone leaders: Elder Tzanis - one of the first missionaries in Lao who is back for the first time, and ... ELDER DAVIES!!! [Joseph went to Alta H.S. with Elder Braxton Davies, entered the MTC on the same day, and flew to Thailand together.]  It's a riot here, and I'm super excited for the work. New AP is Elder Crawley, also back from Laos for the first time. It was so funny to hear him at first, but his Thai is great again.

Speaking of great, I had many reunion opportunities and meeting opportunities. First of all, I got to meet Elder Anderson! He came into the building on Friday for the Young Single Adult meeting and when he got there, he put his palms together and sort of bowed really funky - I got to "wai" an apostle! And then he shook our hands which was probably hard for him because our (Elder Wilamas's and my) handshake probably wasn't so good. Out of practice...

But at that meeting, all the YSA in Thailand was invited. I was talking with a member and I see a young lady step out of a taxi. "No, really?" were my thoughts. When Oom-iim came into the building we both saw each other and sort of freaked out! I hadn't seen her in a year. I wondered if she would be happy to actually understand me this time when I met her. But, we ran to each other and shook hands and then we were both sort of speechless - just smiling and laughing! It was a sweet moment to feel such charity for this girl whom I helped find the pathway to eternal happiness. There was no inappropriate affectionate feelings - just the love of Christ that render two people speechless upon seeing each other still in the gospel. I didn't fall to the earth like Ammon, but it's so wonderful to know a small portion for myself what he felt that day walking back to Midoni.

That Sunday, we met in a convention center in my first area near Don Muang and Muang Thon Thani. It was magnificent to see over a thousand members all together in one place. But the reunions kept coming. I met the crew from Samut Prakaan: Sister Jern and Sister A and brother Yute. And I also met my converts and investigators: Brother Tun Tun, Sister M'am and Brother A. I met Sister Mild and her mom Sister Gaid. We were super happy to see each other as well.

Now we need to get these members to feel love for each other. Elder Anderson said that the Temple in Bangkok is not "if" but "WHEN". Then I got the impression: "Well, who's going to take care of it? By George it's going to be the Asoke members here in the heart of Bangkok where the Temple will be!!"

And that's my next task - to prepare the minds and hearts of the people to receive the Lord's Temple. But before that, they need to receive His Spirit. Please pray for us - the missionaries and the members to care for each other more. I feel like if we do, Home teaching will be done. People will be remember each other more. Growth will happen - numerically and spiritually. Thailand needs growth to hold the Temple and they and I need your prayers to "get 'er done," as Elder Wilko would say. Thank you for your faith.

Love,
Elder Gibbons

Mother's Day 2013

We had a WONDERFUL night, talking to Joseph and seeing his ever-smiling face!!  He is doing fantastic and loving his area and the missionaries he is living/working with.  His companion, Elder Wilamas, is a native of Thailand and Joseph has been learning so much from him.  He is District leader over the Assistants to the President and the Zone Leaders.  They all live together in a condo.  How fun is that?!!!  :)

Here are a few photos of us "chatting" with him.  I can't believe only one more phone call at Christmas, then he will be home within weeks!  Thank you for all of your support, love and prayers!

His companion, Elder Wilamas and Joseph

Joseph, his companion, and Zone Leaders (I think!) :)

Week 68 - In The Office T10; W5

สติ

Don’t give God the left over time in our day - make God the first priority.

Hello Beloved Family Friends,

You are beloved and I'm so grateful for your influence in my life. I feel great to know that I am so loved. A very happy birthday to Whitney, Crae, Mitch, and Elly here! Elly's getting baptized on the 19th? That's when Bryan and Waan are planned to get baptized too! A very special day. Elder Worthington, I thought about all day on the 6th. In fact, I feel quite spoiled because I have so much family and friend support while my companion is having challenges despite his doing so well in the work.

IMPORTANT:

Elder Wilamas [Joseph's companion] has been a member with his two little brothers for 2 1/2 years, but he quit (h)is three coffee shops, earned money on his mission on his own, raised his family because his dad left for a new woman. Mom works all the time and has NEVER written him a letter. Now she is sick and (he) doesn't know very much about that.

But one day I heard him say that he wished he could get a letter from America. If any of you have five minutes to write him a five minute thought of encouragement (email or by hand) and give it to my mom. SHE WILL SEND A LETTER FOR HIM FROM AMERICA NEXT MONDAY THE 20th WITH YOUR NOTE INCLUDED. This is my request this week from all those who read this.

But also I would like to share some thoughts from my President’s Letter this week to illustrate what I've learned this week. I'll translate some of the words you might not get the first time:

Dear President,

Thank you for your interview.  But I want to let you know that I am sorry for all my complaining and such over the past week. But the Lord has been guiding me this past week as this has been one of the roughest weeks I've been through on my mission. But it took a refiners fire to teach me that having สติ (sati) is key. Elder Wilamas and I had a tussle again until I realized that I was the cause if it because I didn't have สติ (sati). I am now just starting to understand this word better by living it - when I "ใจเย็นๆ" (jai yen yen or heart cool cool) I can have สติ to deal with my problems with faith and not fear. I've always wondered how the great ones did it - George Washington, or Moroni, or whoever great who did great things with crappy circumstances. They did it because they did not let anything destroy their peace. That is my goal the rest of my mission and my life: to ใจเย็นๆ and have สติ. It took placing me in a different country to understand these concepts in a different language for the Lord to get His point across into my thick head. Thanks heavens He did is all I have to say.  And that your suits will be returned Monday afternoon.

With Love,
Elder Gibbons

If you are struggling right now, I ask you to exercise "sati" and calm your heart. Know that God love us and is planning everything out. If you feel like you're not struggling, you just watch out and "Keep calm and carry on" when the Storm DOES come. I believe that was Winston Churchill - Prime Minister of Great Britain during WWII. I should've added him to the list in my President letter. He had sati if he could say that while his country was being bombed by warcraft.

Until your home is being destroyed by the Luftwaffe, keep calm and carry on because God love you and is always aware.

With Love,

Elder Gibbons

Week 67 - In The Office T10; W4

If I could, I would title this picture: How God Makes His Ends Meet

Elder Sae-Dan, last companion, was the one to interview Sister Dtan and sister Beem. And who was the Office Elder who got their records? I didn't have enough time to do both, but I had a part in this family's salvation even unto the end of the records - the Lord's way to answer my prayers to have a part in all their baptisms. If I went home after this transfer, my mission would be pretty much complete.

But miracles like this happen all the time here in Asoke (Bangkok). I interviewed two more people for baptism this week - Ting-tong (the little sister of TaTA who is crazyily Asian like her sister) and Ali, the nicest Pakistani man ever who could hardly speak English. "I have big heart" means that he love you. He has the personality of a teddy bear and is so humble.

...definitely something I could use in life. I've been struggling a bit with love and patience with my comp but we are getting better. I just realize that whenever struggles come up, I have two options: I can choose to be the big man or the little man. If I am the little man and get upset  or gratify my pride, I loose the spirit. But when I decide to be the big man, I need to be the little man and become as a child - ever tried doing it? it is super hard. But being around humble people helps you so surround yourselves with good friends is my challenge to all of you this week. Or, be that friend you would surround yourself with. How? Just do it. Make a resolution in your mind to do so. That is the challenge I'm giving myself too.

I love you all and I'll see ya soon. Excited to skype soon! Happy "wan mae" very soon!

Love,

Elder Gibbons

Week 66 - Back in the Beast T10.W3

Sorry I couldn't get this through last week. But I 'll try to answer one at a time: [I asked him a few questions.]

I can usually only do emails on Saturday; I personally think it's great for the Family to do on Sunday night - a great Sunday activity that I would like to continue in our home when I get home - but for while I'm in the office, It'll have to be Friday. I'll be in here no more than 6th months so it'll go back to normal. 

Being District Leader over the Heavy-Hitters is super fun because I still receive revelation for each and every one - like I gave some council to Elder Heap after he and Elder Segura (one of our Zone Leaders) took flack and got chewed out by someone in the church office. Elder Heap was upset, but his personality will not let him show it. But we talked about it to him and then told him something strange: I told him that this experience was one that will prepare him for a bigger trial in the future. Weird huh? But later that next day he said he was comforted by those words when he and Elder Mateos missed their flight to another zone in the Isaan. The Lord works with us and I'm grateful for it.

I live with the APs on the 4th floor in a 14-story condo. Just give you a picture: In Mahasarakham, we slept and studied in a room that had two mattresses in it; both mattresses touching each other and three walls. Then we had two study desks that almost touched our beds - not to mention our chairs. Now, my bedroom is bigger than the front walkway and our sleeping quarters of the house in Sarakham. So "itz preedy sweet, I guess" (that's supposed to be Kip's voice...) [From Napoleon Dynamite]

So that was last week. This week has been a real challenge - just like when Nephi broke his bow. It takes true perspective to see the big picture. Challenges in the office work, getting along with someone new, and other things were challenges, but in the hind sight are just stumbling blocks that take some energy to crawl up and hoist yourself over. But then sometimes in the hoisting yourself over part, you just get stuck. You're flat on your belly just trying to get higher but you can't do it. So you pray and Christ helps you up. I don't really know how He does it, but all I know is that I couldn't do it, I prayed, and it was eventually worked out after all we can do. "It's by grace we are saved, after all we can do." -Nephi

And grace played a big role in helping me get through my first two baptismal interviews: ตาต้า (Tah TAH), a whiny funny 19 yr-old Thai girl, and Esther, a 23 year-old student from The Congo (yeah, she's black, ok?). Ta ta was so ready and so fun to talk to about her conversion story. Esther has some kind of elegant grace that makes me think she is way older than she is. She has been prepared to find this place by too many miracles to count. During her interview, I was touched by many things she said like, "When you dress appropriately, you attract the right people." Profound, as she related that she and her parents had some disputes when she was younger like when her dad burned all her short-shorts... To my lady friends who read this: if you want a solid guy, follow Esther's advice, filter your options, and your Prince Charming with find YOU. Ask yourself "what kind of a Prince do I want to find me?" Weird thoughts coming from a guy, but these experience have helped me in my life.

Too much more to say, but too little time. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your prayers. Thanks mom for those scriptures - I never understood those gifts of administration until I had to administer... Sweet. Keep praying for our district, my companion who is in the top 10 greatest people I may have met, who has insomnia. 

It's time to go, I love you all,

Elder Gibbons

PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY SISTER!!!!!!!!