Yup. You guessed it.
I have been assigned to labor in the
BANGKOK, THAILAND MISSION!!!
I don't know if I'll be serving anyone like these fella's here...I guess it's possible. I can quite honestly tell you that Bangkok, Thailand was the last place on my mind when I opened my call. Many people shared experiences with me about their mission call experience. Most people said they felt an instant feeling that they were "going home."
I opened the envelope and my eyes went directly to the word, "Thailand."
HOLY SMOKE.
I don't know that I've ever been empty of words, but if there was ever a time in my life that it's happened, that was definitely it. I couldn't talk for a good 20 seconds!
The one question I had running through my mind was, "How will I ever learn the Thai language?"
The first day, needless to say, was rather overwhelming. I've never felt so many emotions rolled into one: I wanted to scream, cry, laugh, shriek in fear, and jump for joy all at the same time.
I have been assigned to labor in the
BANGKOK, THAILAND MISSION!!!
I don't know if I'll be serving anyone like these fella's here...I guess it's possible. I can quite honestly tell you that Bangkok, Thailand was the last place on my mind when I opened my call. Many people shared experiences with me about their mission call experience. Most people said they felt an instant feeling that they were "going home."
I opened the envelope and my eyes went directly to the word, "Thailand."
HOLY SMOKE.
I don't know that I've ever been empty of words, but if there was ever a time in my life that it's happened, that was definitely it. I couldn't talk for a good 20 seconds!
The one question I had running through my mind was, "How will I ever learn the Thai language?"
The first day, needless to say, was rather overwhelming. I've never felt so many emotions rolled into one: I wanted to scream, cry, laugh, shriek in fear, and jump for joy all at the same time.
As I groggily came to on Saturday morning, I rolled to my back and stared at the ceiling. "Was that a dream?" I thought. "Did I seriously get called to Bangkok, Thailand?" As I re-oriented myself to the reality of my situation, all I could was smile.I quickly realized that the entire night before I had been too concerned with my capabilities. Of course I can't learn Thai in such a short amount of time.
I'm human! I'm imperfect in every way.
However, a perfect God believes that I can do it.
I know He will never, ever, ever ask me to do something I can't handle.
Just as Nephi once said..."Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not. But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen."
Even if I'm not sure quite yet why I'm supposed to go to Thailand, I do know that Heavenly Father has asked me to go.
That's enough.
I'm human! I'm imperfect in every way.
However, a perfect God believes that I can do it.
I know He will never, ever, ever ask me to do something I can't handle.
Just as Nephi once said..."Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not. But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen."
Even if I'm not sure quite yet why I'm supposed to go to Thailand, I do know that Heavenly Father has asked me to go.
That's enough.
Besides, maybe I'll get to ride an elephant while I'm there!
It's pretty incredible that I feel such a strong connection to this place without ever having been there. Yes, it took some time. But with each day that passes, I feel a more intense draw towards Thailand. Like you said, Emmer. This feels like my second home.
Plus, how could you NOT want to pick up these kids and love the living daylights out of them? Besides my nieces/nephews, there have NEVER been more adorable children on the entire planet. I wonder who the Lord has prepared to hear His message from little ol' me?
I supposed we'll find out soon enough.
Thailand, here I come.
Holy smoke is right!! Wow, that was good summation. Hope you know we're here for ya. If you want to send some of your homework to me, Shelby and I would gladly write some care plans for ya!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your preparations, Jessy. :)
We are so happy and proud that you have chosen to serve a mission. You will be AWESOME!!! It will be such a defining time in your life's journey - and we can tell it's already begun! And don't forget about those "angels round about you"(D&C 84:88)- they are incredibly amazing! We love you!
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