Date: Sat, Dec 17, 2011 at 11:16 AM
We had a series of small miracles that resulted in the end of our Thai visa problems. A sincere thank you for your fasting and your prayers. This week we received all 28 'visa waiters' on the same day! That was a logistical nightmare - but we were so glad to finally get new missionaries no one minded the extra work.
The flooding in Ayutthaya has finally subsided somewhat. The missionaries are back in their apartment on the river. The member who had two meters of water in his house is now down to only six inches. Most of the roads are appearing again from under the water and today I actually saw rice patties again where two weeks ago there was a lake.
We had several baptisms in our branch including a complete family with two young children. Here's a picture of the dad and mom.
He passed the sacrament today for the first time. It's so good to see people enthusiastically embrace the Gospel. They're going to be a real strength to the branch.
I have a couple unrelated shots we've taken recently. First a new litter of pups on our way to work. These dogs literally live on the street and get 'adopted' by storekeepers who work nearby until they're able to fend for themselves.
They're so used to being together, they not comfortable napping without plenty of company.
This next one you'll like - Thai Basketball
Notice the 'basket' is actually someone standing on a chair holding the goal. There is no dribbling - just passing. When a team member throws the ball toward the basket, the goalie can move to catch it as long as they don't leave the chair. It's very entertaining to watch!
We had a great Thanksgiving with the Senior missionaries including three brand new couples who are very 'thankful' to have finally arrived. One couple, the Gonzales from Poway, have been waiting for almost a year since they first got their call to India. After 7 months waiting for a visa they were told that they were being changed to Thailand as there are never visa problems in Thailand (right!). Then they got delayed with the others until this week.
We hope you all have enjoyed this Thanksgiving week and pondered the great blessings of the Lord that we each enjoy every day. We are so grateful for the opportunity we have to serve here. It has been a life changing experience to be sure.
All our best,
Elder & Sister Lindorf
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