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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TBM - Time Out

Hi All, I mentioned last week that Nate was getting married and that Sister Lindorf was able to attend.  From all reports the wedding at the Las Vegas Temple was wonderful. Less than 12 hours ago, they held an open house in Orem for the Utah friends.  Harry Colter was nice enough to forward me pictures of the event.  I have selected a few for you to enjoy. From the wedding day No caption necessary! Someone likes chocolate! This seems to be a popular pose There's our happy Missionary Mom Some of you know the Forbes who just returned from Laos on Friday How do such attractive children come from such funny parents? This is Jessie with Grandbaby number 7 Thanks for watching! Have a great week! Elder Lindorf

TBM - Tired of Cold Weather? Try Thailand!

Hello friends and family, For those of you who are ready for winter to be over, we're headed into our hottest period of the year.  In April they have a 3 day holiday called Songran which is really just a giant country-wide water fight.  In some areas it goes on for 3 weeks!  It's like Mardi Gras.  No one works and anything goes - the more wet you get the better.  Temperatures can get as high as 120 degrees (Fahrenheit)  during April. Missionaries are allowed to wear flip-flops so they don't get their good shoes wet.  We'll attempt to get some pictures.  It should be fun (if I can keep my camera dry). Last week two people were baptized in our new branch of Ayutthaya.  Here's a picture of the new members with some of the branch members: Today they were confirmed.  It's wonderful to see new people come into the branch and be accepted immediately.  This branch has a pot luck meal every week after the meeting block.  Everyone brings something and about 80% of the group stays for lunch.  It's fun and the food is a little different every week so we get to try lots of interesting Thai dishes. I also wanted to send a follow up on the 'Little School' in Myanmar (Burma) since some of you have inquired.  They emailed me more pictures recently.  I have included a few.  Notice that all the kids are now in uniform and they have some new teaching materials.                          The powder on their faces is to keep them cool.  They have no A/C. This is Kate and Phoenix leading the children in prayer before they eat Anyone hungry? On the homefront, Nate and Kristen got married on Friday.  Sister Lindorf got special permission to attend the wedding so she went and I stayed here to try to do both our jobs until she gets back.  Actually, she did most of her part ahead of time, so I'm doing fine. Hope you're all well and happy and busy with worthwhile activities.  We enjoy all the notes we've received and try to respond to each one. Elder Lindorf

TBM - More from Myanmar

Hello, This week we'd like to share a happy experience.  Remember the 10 baptisms in Myanmar from last month? Daisy is holding hands with Kate on the front row (who we told you about in an earlier update).  They are good friends from Mandalay, Myanmar.  At the end of January, we met Daisy's fiance and we were able to attend their wedding in Bangkok.  They are dressed in traditional Burmese costumes at the wedding.  Here are a few pictures you'll enjoy. The wedding was officiated by our Mission President, Scott Hansen.  Daisy's new husband, Tom was accompanied by several members of his Baptist congregation leadership.  Being the great new member missionary that Daisy is, she was excited to share the Gospel with Tom.  He's been studying diligently and today was baptized into the Church. Happy day for Daisy and Tom! In Tom's testimony after the baptism, he bore a strong witness to the truthfulness of the restored gospel and that his decision to be baptized was due to his spiritual witness.  Daisy gave the talk on baptism at the service, and even though she is very new, her understanding of this covenant came through loud and clear.  They will be a strong new family and they have a goal to get to the Temple at their earliest opportunity.  Tom mentioned several times that he feels like we're here in place of his parents who can't be.  What precious children of our Father in Heaven. We can't begin to express what it's like to be here and witness first hand the change that takes place in individuals as they embrace the Gospel.  There is nowhere we would rather be! When President Reese set us apart for this mission, he said that we would experience more joy than we had yet known.  We're beginning to understand what he meant. This week we'll be visited by Elder Holland who will be in Thailand and Laos.  More on that in our next update. Elder and Sister Lindorf

TBM - Jess & Brad's visit to Thailand

Dear Ones, We're going to depart from our usual "missionary fare" and report on our Tio (pronounced like trio, without the r - meaning "fun outing") with Jessie, Brad, and the Ellertsons who came to visit in December.  It turns out, Brad's Dad, Dan Ellertson, was a missionary here 25 years ago.  So they brought their family here during Christmas Vacation, for a DOUBLY-FUN visit! We started out by taking the night-train to Chiang Mai, located up close to the northern border.  We arrived, on a beautiful morning, with the weather simply perfect for touring. During the course of our trip, we did a lot of climbing        IN                                   AND                             OUT of Song Tous  ("ou," like in ouch).  These are pick-up trucks converted into small open-air buses.  The main problem being the height.  They're made for short Thais, not tall Lindorfs and Ellertsons.  What fun! The main event for the day was ELEPHANTS!  (Which just happens to be their specialty.)  We all had fun, initially, getting to feed the elephants. Then it was time for an elephant ride.  In addition to a pregnant rider (yes, Jessie is expecting their first baby in May!), notice that the mama elephant is also very pregnant. Brad decides it time to take the reigns... Of course, who is taking all these great pictures?....  Elder Lindorf, the shutter-bug! A great shot from his perch.  This mama elephant was not going to leave her baby behind, even if the water was deep. We finished up our day with a bamboo raft ride.  We managed to get sunburned, even with the cool hats. We have a great time at the Night Market, where Grandpa gets to do one of his favorite things....  bargain on great deals for his grandkids!  All in all our week was filled with one fun adventure after another.  It really helped that Dan could still speak his Thai!  We visited a wood carving factory, a cave, hot springs, saw an elephant show, an orchid farm, and saw lots of incredibly beautiful countryside. As can be imagined, we at lots and Lots and LOTS of interesting food!  But by the end of the week, Jess and Brad were ordering from the street vendors like pros. We enjoyed their visit immensely and we want to extend an invitation to you.  If you've ever wanted to see this corner of the world, you've got a bed to sleep in and and a warm shower to boot! Much love, Elder and Sister Lindorf