TBM - Amazing Thailand

We thought we'd send you some pictures we've taken recently so you can get a flavor for this truly amazing country. I don't think they built these for 'farangs' Notice the little tugboat pulling a string of barges up the river. At home everyone gets gas for their stove from a bottle.  Apparently, that's also true at big hotels! Elephants are everywhere This is a 'truck' like the one we were in above during 'harvest'. One of the traditions for the Songkran holiday.  While pouring water through the flower, you tell each other 'blessings'. Wild dogs are everywhere.  These are some new pups we pass every day. Not all Senior Missionaries have grey hair.  This is the Gulf of Thailand. How would you like to wash this many dishes every night - and  no dishwasher! These crocodiles look like they're swimming in Antifreeze I wonder how many trainers are missing a hand? Amazing Thailand Orchids grow outdoors Mango & Sticky Rice with Coconut milk - a local favorite this time of year. YUMMY! Have you ever seen a white peacock? Say hello! That's all folks! We've done more than play lately, but I'll save the commentary for Sister Lindorf's update next week.  Thanks for watching! Elder Lindorf < Arial> How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger�s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

TBM - Missionary Mom

As you know, I had the beautiful privilege of returning to the States for the Sealing of Nate and Kristen.  This is where I share with you the "rest of the story." I need to go back to when Elder Lindorf and I met Kristen, for this marriage is a beautiful marriage of  miracles.  When we submitted our missionary papers, Nathan had not met Kristen, yet.  He met her soon after, however, and by the time we made the trip to Utah to enter the MTC, we knew that we wanted to meet this new, young lady in his life.  Previous to our meeting, we prayed that we would be blessed to know and understand this new situation for Nate.  I'll never forget my first sight of Kristen as she walked in through the door.  One look at this wonderful daughter of God, and I was filled with unspeakable peace.  The Lord knew that we were leaving for 18 months in His service, and that the marriage of a beloved son could weigh heavily on our hearts.  But in an instant, all worries were washed away.  We didn't know at that point that they would choose to marry, but we did know that whatever happened, it would be good in the eyes of the Lord.  Truly, Heavenly Father takes care of His missionaries!  I know that we were given this witness, so that we could enter the field completely at ease and focused on the work. Consequently, it was no surprise when we heard that Nate and Kristen had chosen each other as eternal companions.  I continue to count as one of our greatest blessings that I received permission to go home for their wedding.  Years ago I attended a niece's sealing where her new husband's parents were absent.  They were serving a temple mission and were unable to return to the States for the wedding.  So, I looked to God in faith that His will would be done.  I believe that Elder Lindorf's willingness to stay in Thailand was an essential contribution in the blessing of being able to go.  Indeed, I felt throughout my return that I was representing both of us with my presence.   In the end, it was more difficult to leave "my mission" than I ever thought it would be.  My heart and soul are so firmly connected to the work here in Thailand, that I struggled as my departure approached.  I finally shared my concerns with our Mission President's wife, Sister Hansen.  She had returned home last year for a similar event, and remarkably had experienced very similar feelings.  She said, "In everything you do, you will still be a missionary.  Never let go of that and you will feel good about your trip.  In the years to come, imagine what your missionary badge in all the wedding pictures will mean to your posterity."  Her counsel was ratified to my heart by the Spirit and her advice became a reality for me.  I had the uniquely joyous experience of being a "Missionary Mom."  Each event was twice as sweet as I experienced them not only as a Mom, but as Missionary, too. On my return trip, I had a culminating "Missionary Mom" experience that come about in unusual way.  At some point, I looked at my return flight itinerary and read the wrong time.  I still don't know exactly how it happened, but I ended up at the SLC airport about 10 hours early.  At first I was chiding myself for making such a foolish mistake, causing me to waste precious time that could have been spent with my family.  As I was silently praying about what I should do, the Lord spoke clearly to my mind, "There is never a wasted day for a missionary!"  Of , course!  That was the answer!  Having been reminded again, by the Lord, that I was to focus on being a missionary on my trip, I dedicated my return trip more fully to His works.  I spent a lovely day in the SLC airport, sharing the Lord's love and message at every turn.  In the blessing I had received the night before, I was promised that rather than traveling half way around the world alone, I would be accompanied by angels.  As I continued in my missionary work I felt that each of those dear angels took their turn being my missionary companion.  In Taipei I had quite a long lay over and I struck up an acquaintance with a Thai woman.  She had been living in the US for the past few years and was returning home for a short vacation.  After explaining that I was a missionary for Jesus Christ, she explained that in her northern California home she had been searching for a Christian religion where she could feel comfortable.  Even though she had attended several denominations, she went away feeling troubled rather than uplifted.  Then she asked, "Can you teach me how to pray?"  Could I ever!  I silently prayed for the Spirit to bless us as I taught her 3 lessons during our brief time together.  Even though our communication was in broken English/Thai, she was very receptive to the doctrines and the Spirit.  I gave her a pass along card along with our cell phone number in Thailand.  I encouraged her to call us when she got to her sister's home, so that we could give her directions to the nearest Church in Bangkok. As the days turned into weeks, I prayed that she would call.  Finally, last Wednesday she called!  Wahoo!  I was so excited for this "one soul," I could hardly contain my joy.  We got her sister connected with the Sister Missionaries in her area, and she called back again to make sure that she could find the Church in her home area in California.  My heart is still reveling in this marvelous experience.  I pray that those who are in her home ward will receive her with open arms and nourish her desire to find our Savior, Jesus Christ. What a joy it is to be a "Missionary Mom."  I highly recommend it!  May God bless each of you in your various realms of influence.  There is no greater joy. All my love, Sister Lindorf

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