Please visit me!

Hello from the MTC!
Jk, this is Jess's sister, Manda.
As you may know, this blog is on hold for 17 more months.
But Jess started a Mission Blog before she left, and I've been updating it with her weekly letters. When she returns, she's going to make a book of that blog as a keepsake,
so feel free to leave your comments!

Jess has never been happier,
doing her best to help change the world. You can follow
her progress and her amazing stories on her mission blog
by clicking on the link below:

*Sister Naegle's Thailand Blog*

.bye my friends.

This is it!

What I've been waiting for for quite some time now....and it's finally here. Tomorrow I will be reporting to the MTC to serve in the Bangkok, Thailand mission.
HOORAY!
I can't really describe what I'm feeling, so I won't try too hard to express it. Let's just say it pretty much feels like a dream that I'm even going on a mission...I'm sure I'll have a great wake up call when I wake up in the MTC on Thursday morning. But quite frankly, rather than feeling like most people say I will (they say waking up after the first night you just stare at the ceiling, and ask yourself, "What have I done?"), I think I'll wake up Thursday morning realizing where I am, and thinking to myself, "FINALLY!!"
I. Am. Ready.
Thanks to all my friends and family for their love and support. Cliche, but I couldn't do it without you. I've been spending some time thinking about people who have influenced me in my lifetime...it's too overwhelming to even begin discussing it. I love each and every one of you!
So, now it's time to retire from the blogs, the facebooks, the unnecessary internet use...and give my entire
being to the Lord.
I will stop at nothing to accomplish what He needs me to.
I doubt anyone is taking the time to even read this...but if you are, then know that me and God love you. A lot.
So here it is, folks.
Sister Naegle is signing off.

If I knew how to say goodbye in Thai, I would.
Ask me in 18 months. Hopefully I know how.

I love Thailand.

.8 days.

Farewell down, 8 days to go.

It seems a little surreal...my grandparents just stopped by for a minute to say the official "goodbye," and I'm left with this out of body experience. It's almost as if "missionary Jessica" is watching "real time Jessica" go through all the motions, just awaiting "real time Jessica" to catch up to her in the MTC. I'm living two separate lives right now. The one I'm physically in, and the one my mind can't run away from.
Ah. 8 days.
Though I'm thoroughly enjoying my time in St. George this week. LAST WEEK! Janelle and I got right down to studying yesterday when I got back...but then figured we earned a break. She kicked butt and took some names in a few tournaments of ping pong. She blew me out of the water.
So yes, I'm finding time to slow down, and enjoy life now.
Lately, there have been little moments when all I want to do is capture every smile, movement, joke, story, emotion, conversation and keep it in my heart for the rest of my life (especially the next 18 months). Sometimes "real-time Jessica" wants to be anxious about leaving to a strange place for a long time, and in turn gets pretty worked up about spending time with people. In the moment she is with people, she doesn't take time to really enjoy the company she's in! However, I'm allowing "missionary Jessica" all the freedom she wants in taking over.
Result? Quality time spent with those I love.
Thanks to all the friends and family for the support on Sunday! I loved seeing so many familiar faces in one room.
LOVED it.

.st geezy.

I LOVE ST. GEORGE.

Why, you ask? I'll list a few reasons:
1) Sunshine. Always.
2) Red rock sunsets.

3) Nursing school.

4) Delightful friends.

5) Mom is here.

6) Pool-time in October.

7) Random trips to Vegas.

8)Gambling in Vegas. Biggest waste of $1.

9) Roommates.

10) Long runs through the desert.
11) Surprise trips from my best friend.

12) Zions.

13) Family visits.

14) Taking care of the raddest 101 yr old ever.

15) Spontaneous trips to Logan.

16) Studying outside in February. Weather......

17) In my mind, St. George=mission prep.

18) Elementary school carnivals.

19) Bonfires with creepy men in masks.

20) California road trips.

21) Celebration of my 21st birthday on the 21st. Golden.

22) Old friends in random places.

23) Stark white temple.

24) St. George made me me.

Yes...love my life.
16 days and counting.

.AA.

Alcoholics Anonymous.
Yup, clinical experience of the day.
This sounds silly, but as I sat there listening to all these absolutely unreal stories about drug addictions, moving into the woods with some stranger because you're so high, bouncing in and out of jail 6-7 times, giving birth in the back of a truck on the coast of Oregon...the list goes on and on....I realized something profound.
God loves these people just as much as He loves me.
Yeah, yeah...I know this isn't so profound to some of you. But as my roommates often remind me, I'm one of the more naive people of this world (of which I'm grateful--thank you, Bountiful). I am no better for having the gospel in my life, all that means is I've been given additional responsibility to GO SHARE IT.
The good news?
I'm gone 3 weeks from tomorrow.
At times I find myself in a twisted, messy, unhealthy relationship with life that I forget one simple truth--God has placed me in the situation I'm currently in because He believed I would do something about it. Sure, it's a piece of cake to share it when that's all I will be doing for 18 months. That will be my life! But at home there are so many distractions. Something else I often forget is that it does not have to be a formal, sit down, let-me-teach-you-the-gospel discussion. Silly!
I have just one request:
Find a simple way to share the gospel with someone today.
Emphasis on SIMPLE.
'Cause frankly, the gospel is simple.
"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about His great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." -Alma 37:6-7
Hear that? VERY SMALL MEANS.
Emphasize what you can do, not what you don't have time to.
There will never be enough time, if you let it be that way. My point is don't overlook simple ways to serve because you are in search of a grandiose experience. You'll be waiting a looooooong time if that's the case.
Just get out there and do something.

.teacher.

My favorite calling thus far has certainly been
Relief Society teacher.
I can't express the uncertainty I feel before a lesson, now matter how much preparation I do. I always feel unprepared! My new and improved teaching method is to compile a bunch of information, not particularly organized, then let
the class take it's course.
So far, it's proven effective.
I just can't describe the feeling of standing in front of a class, feeling like the dust of the earth. Ha, literally...I feel like I have nowhere near enough knowledge to be teaching the amazing women in my ward (and any of you that have taught, have undoubtedly felt this way). Inadequacy is one of the most humbling emotions. No question. But with humility comes reliance (hopefully on the one you need most), and that reliance somehow qualifies you for a higher power. It certainly wasn't me teaching those women yesterday. I was taught just as much, if not more, than any of them.
And in that one moment, it hits you like a ton of bricks. You know the truth right then, when you are entirely overcome with gratitude for everything.
He teaches you,
blesses you,corrects you,
sacrificed for you,
answers you,
gives freely to you,
directs you,
invites you,
created you,
loves YOU.
And all He asks?
Is that we follow Him, and testify of Him. Not hard to do when you've genuinely had a change of heart, is it? He becomes you're everything.
I'm grateful to teach, and to feel of the Spirit so strongly when I'm placed in difficult, uncomfortable, unsure-of-myself situations.
I always learn!
On a slightly different note--
I LOVE BBQs.
Ha, yes it's true. Janelle actually bought a little bbq last week at Lowe's, and invited us over to test it out last night. It was delightful! The smells, the company, the food, the laughter, the sunshine, the games...all makes for a killer Sunday evening.
And to my dear friend St. Geezy...I shall miss you.
Deeply.
Oh yes, and thanks to Ms. Shelby for talking to me on the phone last night. I think you knew you needed to pick up the phone and give Aunt Jess a good chuckle. You always know how to make me laugh. You were straight business, no play, telling me straight up how things were going to happen. Can't wait to take you swimming this weekend! And to my ladies?
MICHAEL BUBLE, HERE WE COME.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AJmKkU5POA
Want an ultimate feel-gooder? Watch this.
Cheese. Ball.
Oh, and the blonde girl is his fiance.

.possibilities.

Two posts in a day?

I know, a little much.
But I must share an experience I had tonight. Forgive me.
So--my institute teacher used to be a seminary teacher in Salt Lake, where the Seminary President was Brother Munns. During a meeting the teachers had, Brother Munns told of a story from his mission. He explained that he hosted President Hinckley during his stay, kind of like his chauffeur. After his arrival, President Hinckley had visits with the Stake President, Mission President, etc, and ended up visiting until after midnight. Elder Munns thought he'd do some service, and make a nice breakfast for President Hinckley early the next morning. He woke at 5, showered, and went downstairs shortly after...only to find President Hinckley dressed and studying his scriptures! The Elder said, "Elder Hinckley, I was going to make you breakfast!" President Hinckley responded that he'd already eaten, but that Elder Munns should get himself something. He was ready to get going as soon as possible. They were out the door well before 6! They did this for 3 days straight--out until midnight or so, up and going by 5 the next morning, with little breaks throughout the day. By the end of the 3 days, Elder Munns said President Hinckley wore him out. As he drove President Hinckley to the airport, President Hinckley said, "Elder, you have a question for me, don't you?" Elder Munns said he did, and asked how he was able to keep this tight, jam-packed schedule he did. President Hinckley explained that when he was called to be a General Authority, he created a schedule of how he wanted to spend his time. He took this schedule before the Lord, and told Him this was what he had planned--He asked to Lord to consecrate His schedule and give him strength to continue with his calling.
Here's the kicker.
He maintained that same schedule for 47 years of service.
How does a human being accomplish that on his own?
He doesn't.
President Hinckley was blessed with energy, endurance, and zest for life! God consecrated his work and his efforts, and made them incredible.
My schedule has been far from reasonable this semester, and it's mostly by choice. I have too much I want to do in addition to school! It hasn't been easy, but I've definitely reaped blessings. I've seen His hand in my life as I've done my school work, but asked for His help as I've maintained my spiritual growth, as well. I'm getting less sleep than I ever have, but have more energy than I've had in a long time. Perhaps...ever. And this lesson will only continue to play a critical role in my life as I venture out to serve as a full-time missionary! I may get more and more tired everyday, but I'll never, ever, ever cease to work. He will consecrate my efforts!

What extra efforts are you giving,
and do you notice Him making up the rest?


This is truth.

.lucky.

Ah, yes. Ireland.
Someday I'll be backpacking through your luscious green hills, drinking typical Irish drinks, snacking on typical Irish treats, meeting all sorts of Irish people, visiting some Irish pubs, seeing everything that Ireland has to offer...
Someday.
But for now, St. George is juuuuuuust fahne (said as a southern belle). It's 72 degrees today! I even went for a jog yesterday and got some sun! Mmm. I'm even sitting at my desk with my window open, feeling springtime's gentle breeze. I love life. My roommate and I discussed how nice weather makes you want to take advantage of life--I have energy on minimal amounts of sleep! The problem is...it's energy to do things that aren't necessarily productive. Regardless, for a winter all cooped up, that first day in the sun feel miiiiiighty nahce.
I want to second Sarah's post about our twin boys! 2 words--adorable brothers. I can't wait to have more kids added to the group--they're certainly going to mix things up a bit with all the girls we have around here. Max will be very grateful to have some playmates, I'm sure. Congrats to Nate and Emmer, they're wonderful parents already. And to Caden and Blake--I LOVE YOU already!
And....shout out to Jaclyn! She's coming home May 4th, the day before I leave. I am beyond grateful that I'll at least get to see her, and possibly have her come to my setting apart! What a blessing. This girl has influenced me in my decision to serve a mission more than she'll ever know. Can't wait!And completely off the subject (though this post is rather scattered, anyway), but I just wanted to share "Ireland's Top Joke"....whatever that means. Ha, I enjoyed it!
A doctor says to his patient, "I have bad news and worse news."
"Oh dear, what's the bad news?" asks the patient.
The doctor replies,"You only have 24 hours to live."
"That's terrible," said the patient. "How can the news possibly be worse?"
The doctor replies, "I've been trying to reach you since yesterday."
Silly, silly.
Happy St. Patty's Day, y'all.

And good luck to my fellow peeps running the
Moab half marathon Saturday!
I might die, so come back for me when you've finished.
Can't wait for the festivities aside from running, too.
Motorcycles, sunshine, carbonara...YES.

Oh, and I love a good spring break spent at a condo in the mountains.

Love her.

.watch out.

Professors keep reminding us that nursing has come a long way. We should be grateful to be studying at the time we are! Then they counter that piece of information by telling us many of the procedures we're learning now will have changed or be obsolete in 5 years from now. I'm definitely in for the long-haul through the education department!
I don't mind...I love what I'm learning.

We started our clinicals at the Dixie Regional Hospital this week. It was totally different than I anticipated...in a good way. I really enjoyed it! Some nurses were incredible at their jobs--on top of it all, making their patients feel important, foreseeing some risky situations, etc. Other nurses....well, I'm sure you've had a not-so-good nurse at one point in your life, so I'll spare details. Let's just say those nurses made me feel worlds better about my decision to become a nurse, boosting my confidence in my abilities. I shouldn't be too quick to say this, maybe I'll be one of them! At least I know I'm doing everything I can now to prevent becoming one of them.
In other words, my studies are a prophylactic treatment of becoming a crappy nurse.
Ha. I'm eating, drinking, and sleeping nursing right now.
For a short time, I resented nursing because it was keeping me from "preparing" for a mission. I've found a way around that obstacle. Preparing for anything takes time! It isn't instantaneous, or an event. Preparation is what you're doing from day to day to enable yourself with information/skills/training/knowledge etc. to encounter a situation in the future! In other words, who cares how busy I am now? No matter how busy, I should always be preparing for the future. Otherwise, I'm too busy. I'm never going to have time to just prepare for a mission, or marriage, or children, or callings, or anything for that matter.
What's important in my life right now is balance.
Balance in school, gospel education, family, social life, etc.
School has never been as crazy in my entire life as it's been the past 2 weeks. The wonderful miracle of it all, is that I've done everything that's been required of me, and done it well. Along with school, I've made time for gospel preparation that I desperately need right now (study, prayer, institute), and have indefinitely reaped the rewards.
I feel empowered.
Right now, BALANCE=A VERY HAPPY LIFE FOR JESSICA.
A lesson well-learned now may save me some worry later.
Anyway, my point of telling you this is that I don't resent nursing at all! In fact, I've never been more sure of my decision to be a nurse than recently. I loved everything about being in the hospital, surrounded with real-life situations of everything we've been learning in school, being able to apply my knowledge and actually feel like I'm helping someone. Which, in some respects, has made it harder to think about leaving. It would be so easy to finish out next year and just be finished with my RN, rather than go through all the grief of trying to find a job/get re-accepted when I get home...but all I can tell myself in these moments of doubt is Heavenly Father will provide a way for that which He's asked me to do.
Incredibly simple, but entirely true.

Besides.
Compared to 18 months, I've got all the time in the world to figure out nursing. I'll count my lucky stars someday when I look in the mirror and see this face staring right back at me. I'll know at that moment that I've made at least 2 right decisions in my life:
serving a mission, and going to nursing school.

.skoo.

School seems like one of those necessary evils, lately. I just have to remind myself that I don't want to be completely ruined when I get home, so I better do ALL I CAN now. Many times, that's easier said than done.
I need to express my gratitude for inspired institute teachers! After being up since 5:30 am, spending the day at clinicals until 7:00 pm, I'll just say that institute was a breath of fresh air. He challenged our class to make our scripture study a continual prayer. In other words, begin your prayer before you start reading, asking Heavenly Father to show you something you need to learn during your study...but don't close your prayer! You stop "mid-prayer," and begin your scripture study. After you complete your study, kneel again in a prayer of gratitude for the things you learned and close your prayer. Done in this way, scripture study will become an attitude of prayer to Heavenly Father...making yourself more available to the spirit and what He needs to show you. I have tested the waters the past 3 days using this technique. Let me tell you, the miracles I've witnessed in my life are incredible! I have received answers to prayers before via scripture study, but never in such a powerful way. The presence of the spirit has been undeniable when I study the scriptures this way!
So (I'm sure you knew this was coming), I would invite you to try this method during your next scripture study session. I promise you will receive answers and new knowledge when you study this way! Only 3 days in, and I'm convinced.
As far as school is going...well, let's just say I've had a lot of catching up to do since I've gone home the last three weekends, and accomplished nothing on those weekends. This week clinicals started, plus the outside preparation for clinicals, I have 4 tests, a paper to write, plus trying to catch up. It hasn't been the best week of my life, let's just say that.
But I have done my very best to continually make time for scripture study. So while I haven't had the most relaxing week, at least I've been calm as I've tried to get all my work done. I know that I'm in the right place, doing the right thing, and if I do my best Heavenly Father will provide a way for me to accomplish what He's asked. I don't think going through the temple could have come at a better time of my life. I think He knew I needed that perspective change right about now! Ever since I walked out the temple doors last Saturday, I've been really trying to keep the spirit of the temple (aka, the Holy Ghost) with me at all times. ALL TIMES. I have been far from perfect, but never have I tried so hard.
The results amaze me.
One last thought before I hit the books again (some Friday night, eh?).
Alma 26 (my favorite chapter of the entire Book of Mormon) says a bit of what I'm feeling right about now. Vs. 11-12, 16, 36.
"I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things....Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men?
Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.
Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation."
Rather long, yes. But I truly can't describe how I'm feeling, and Ammon helps put words to what I'm feeling. I know it won't be me helping the people of Thailand--I just need to remain close to the Spirit, so I can be an instrument in His hands! I've been doing my best at testing this concept here, before I'm in the mission. Bottom line? It works.
When you make yourself available, He will use you.

In case you didn't see my my initial reaction, here it is.