Sarah.A @thoughts-in-20s - Tumblr Blog

The Faith to Become.

I have always pondered about the phrase "I will go and serve" and as time goes by, I realized that it is not so much about being one of the 4600, but it is about being one with God in spreading His love and mercy through His restored gospel. To be honest, when I received my mission call I was a little bit worried about the possibility of being reassigned just like what the other missionaries have experienced before which made them unable to serve in their original place of assignment, but now I have learned that we are called to the work and not to a place, this truth gave me the reassurance and courage to respond to the call whatever may come. As I work with the full time missionaries I have also learned that loving our neighbor is a Christlike trait and can be shown through many forms, one of these is through missionary work. It is by reaching out to others that we can show them that we care. Perhaps, we think our small acts of kindness are not helpful at all, but we do not know what impact it would have on the lives of those people who are not yet familiar with the restored Gospel. As said in Alma 37:6, "by small and simple things, are great things brought to pass". Regardless of how big or small we think our influence is, it will always matter to our Heavenly Father so we should keep on striving to do our part. To all missionaries out there, yes Missionary work can be a little overwhelming at times but you just need to remember the eagerness you have felt when you decided to fill-up your mission application and the day you wanted to start doing it. I know this work will never be easy, but I know it will all be worth it because I believe that Missionary work is never just an option but rather an opportunity to be blessed through serving in the Lord's vineyard.

To all YSA's and youth who are struggling to decide whether to go on mission or not, may I suggest that you ponder the latest call of President Russell M. Nelson to know who you are and know what is the most important role you need to do in this life. 💌

Sister Apostol

Thailand Bangkok Mission

September 2022 - March 2024

Bruh is an answered prayer in the form of a painful response.

Called to serve and not Called to suffer.

Hello how was your week? This week was a little better than last week because we had to teach English again in school and we had seen little miracles. First I am just so happy to see Sister sand progressing she told us that she had read the Book of Mormon we gave her and that her favorite is in Alma 36:17-20 she also shared to us what she had felt while reading it. I really like how she's always willing to learn things, she even asked us about the Christmas activities we'll be doing in church, she said she'll try to go and I am even more excited for her. Second we have met brother earth during our English class he said he will try go every class and I consider this as a miracle because we don't have a lot of people coming to our class and this is also our way to invite others to learn about the gospel. Lastly we had our district council meeting in person for the first time, I consider this as miracle because it's hard to discuss about the things we can improve for the area and our plans online at the same time I am happy we are able to gather together before transfer day which is on December 15. I am grateful that even the work here is so hard we are able to still see miracles each week which only proves how the Lord is always there for us. I am thankful for the members here especially to Sister ganjanee, she is so kind and sweet everytime I try to talk to her with my broken thai, she always encourage me to just keep on trying because she said I will eventually get there and she never forgets to compliment me whenever I am able to complete a sentence which just makes me happy and she's also one of the reasons why I am striving so hard to become more better in the language. I remember a quote I've learned from the MTC "Stretch yourself to speak the language because you love the people". I like how this is so true, one thing I've realized in my almost one month here in the field is that you can't help the people if you don't understand them and no matter how inspiring or good your words are if the people can't understand you it doesn't make any difference at all. Everytime I study the scriptures and the language I always try to think about the people we are serving like how can I become a help for them and how can I help them to appreciate more the Greatest and Infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ as I do this I can feel how this calling has been a blessing for me because it had increased my capacity to love other people as myself. If you know me personally before I was called as a missionary you know how much I hate working under the heat of the sun and also doing biking not only because I am terrible at it but also because it's a tiring thing to do but missionary work taught me how to become selfless it had taught me that for every effort we do to help others to come unto Him brings us even more joy than what we feel if have stayed in our comfort zone. It brings me so much comfort that the Lord knows which area and companion can help us to be more patient and Christlike. This week I have been into Alma 29:10 "And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me." This is exactly what I feel as I lose myself in this great cause and I am sure you'll feel the same too as you forget yourself, everyday I experience different struggles but I told myself If this how the Lord refines me I am even more willing to face it. Thank y'all for reaching out to me, see you next pday and take care.

Through His Grace

Hello I'm sorry if it took me time to email because today is our zone pday and tomorrow is our zone conference, so we just had our sleepover with the bang khen sisters and I got the chance to meet my mtc companion again haha we had a lot of things to talk about. Anyways this week has been more fun although I struggle still with the language but things has becoming more manageable lately also we had the opportunity to teach English with primary students they are so cuteeee and funny I actually learned some phrases and vocabulary from them hahaha before I introduce myself they're all keep asking "คนไทยใช่ไหมคะ?" and I said ไม่ใช่ค่ะเป็นคนฟีลิปปินค่ะ and they we're like you do look like a conthai hahaha anyways I just had my one dress get ripped off because of bike haha but I don't mind it because it was all worth it since we got the chance to visit one member and teach 2 pusongyai. It was also fun meeting with my districtmates in the MTC again and also other missionaries from our zone they are all so nice. We had a lot of fun and did a lot of activities this day and I am so grateful to have this kind of gathering we also had some gift exchanges and I got a cute teddy bear. This week also I got the chance to get closer with the members of our branch so far I can somehow understand what they're talking about although I can't still perfectly but I can understand the thought. This week I have learned that there's much more I need to do on my mission because there are a lot of people who needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives. I like how Elder Neal Maxwell put it "Jesus Christ, who by far suffered the most, has the most compassion for all of us who suffer so much less. Moreover, He who suffered the most has no self-pity! Even as He endured the enormous suffering associated with the Atonement, He reached out to others in their much lesser suffering." As I think about this phrase I've contemplated how I should act as a missionary sometimes I think more of my suffering and I tend to forget how to sympathize with other people but I have learned that as we suffer the more we should reached out to those who are even more suffering because in that way rather than simply passing through our trials, they can pass through us and do so in ways which sanctify us for our good that thereby, our empathy, too, is enriched and everlasting. My scripture verse for this week is D&C 122:8. See you next pday and take care always!

P.S I'll just send the pictures next pday haha we're just so busy right now because of zone conference.

FIRST WEEK IN THAILAND 🇹🇭

สวัสดีคะ!

Hello how was your week? We have safely arrived here in Thailand last Wednesday night and I've been here in Ayutthaya (my first area) for only 4 days and it's been such a very tough week for me although I already know the first 3 months in the field would be hard I didn't really expect it to be this hard. Guess what we are opening this area haha great my first area is an open and biking area I don't really know what to feel to be honest but I kinda feel like this area would progress because the members here are so so nice and sweet and they have 3 returned missionaries here who also served in thailand which is a good thing because they for sure know about the area but one thing about Ayutthaya they never had their missionaries ever since pandemic so that explains why there are only less than 30 members here but I'm excited to work on this area also we have another set of 2 missionaries who will be serving with us so 1 companionship of Elders (Elder Anderson and Elder Badal) and 1 companionship of senior missionaries (Elder and Sister Cook) they are so sweeettttt they even treat us for dinner last night plus help us get our groceries I love them so much. So last night we have a bunch of meetings and I was just so lost in translations I can't even understand a single word but it's a good thing for me because it motivates me to like strive more in learning thai and I've been doing language study 2 times harder than I was in the MTC. I really testify SYL is so so important trust me it will seriously help you when you'll already out in the field now it's clear to me why our teachers in the mtc are trying their very best for us to do SYL I guarantee it's 100% helpful. Anyways my trainer is (Sister Loranger) she is the best companion you would ever have she is so patientttt and kind to me, and also she is the referral secretary so we'll kinda do a lot of stuffs with social media because most of the people here use it so it's kinda useful to get referrals because they usually chat in our page if they wanna get Book of Mormon or if they wanna learn about the Gospel. President and Sister Burgener are so sweet they welcomed us warmly and the first time we got here the first thing we saw was the Thailand Bangkok Temple it was so prettyyyyy I really felt the assurance and peace that everything will be well. We'll also be having our zone conference next week and we'll be singing with our native language which is a funny thing because this is my first time singing in tagalog and I'm the only Filipino in this area. Things are literally new here for me especially the food because to be honest I never had a food here which is not spicy so Goodluck to me hahaha. But even though it's hard I know He is always there to bear me up and the same goes to you. I like how the Lord will always make it hard for us at first so that we can be more tougher. I miss my ward, my family, my friends and MTC but I know I will eventually love it more here. Thai people are literally the sweetest they are more into their feelings when they talk to you and you can literally feel their sincerity. I am so blessed that the Lord chose Ayutthaya to be my first area couldn't be more grateful. I love the Book of Mormon so much I can't even count how many times it had helped me during my difficult times. I really testify the power of prayer from the very first day we arrived here I really felt the Lord is very mindful to me. Whenever you feel discourage just always remember Mosiah 14: 3-5 He lives and He is there for you even if don't feel it His love is always there. Words can't even describe how grateful I am for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The work is so so hard here but the work Jesus Christ did was a lot harder I love Him with all my heart and I will always do my best to glorify Him and Heavenly Father ! I hope you are doing well, Take care always and I would love to hear from you too!

1. Ayutthaya District

2. My Trainer (Sister Loranger) 💛✊️

3. Nephi district I miss y'all so so much

4. Ayutthaya Branch

5. Elephant sanctuary (I kinda feel bad for the Elephant tbh)

The time is far spent.

Hello today is our last day here in the MTC and we'll gonna leave tomorrow i really can't believe we'll be out in the field for the next few days. Sorry If I missed the email last week because we had a lot of things to do. I don't really know what to feel right now because it's more on the overwhelming part but I will never forget all of the learnings and experiences we had here in the MTC for the past 9 weeks of staying here I have come to appreciate more and more of The Greatest Power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ the enabling, healing saving and redeeming power it holds because of this I come to realized that I can overcome my emotions and weaknesses in ways I never thought would work, The only Hope I can look for now is Jesus Christ, He lives and He is there to bear you up. I may look like I'm having a good time here in the MTC in my past emails but there are also times when I really miss home and I just cry so much because it's just so heavy inside. There are times when I really feel inadequate to do this work but I'm blessed enough to have Him on my side and to have a genuine teachers who had taught us in Christlike way and also my districtmates who supported me all throughout my MTC stay because of them My MTC experience became one of the best experience i had in my life. I can't even describe in words how grateful I am to be a part of this great cause. My MTC experience taught me how important time is, how the principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes a person into his/her best version. I am so grateful to listen to so many devotionals that had help me increase my love for the Savior, Heavenly Father and His people. One of the activities here in the MTC that I really like is the Go and Do because this is the only time where I can read a lot of general conference talks and immerse myself in the scriptures although we usually do this alot during our personal study time but there's not enough time for me to study so it's was a every good experience. I really testify that this is the most important work we would ever involve ourselves with. I also testify the GENUINE DISCIPLESHIP IS A STATE OF BEING and I testify that our love for Christ sustains us in every need and influences us in every decision. Take care of yourself and be healthy until next pday!

1. Love chair message from District

2. Sister Brynes cute koala

3. The Best Companion

4. Nephi District with the best teachers in the MTC.💛😭

Sister Apostol

Thailand Bangkok Mission

A consecrated life is a life of labor

Greatest and Infinite Sacrifice in Luke 4:18 says "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," One of the things I like about Jesus Christ is that He loves the impoverished and the disadvantaged in an extraordinary way because He knows how they feel He once said to a certain scribe in the book of Matthew "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." Imagine the Creator of heaven and earth “and all things that in them are” was, at least in His adult life, homeless. This thought made me realized about how hard it must've been for Him just to succor us from our pains and afflictions. His Greatest and infinite Sacrifice does not only redeem us from our sins but also enable us to do great things. The power of His Atonement soars with the promises that His spirit heals, refines and COMFORTS. I hope despite of your capacity to reach may you ever keep the commandment to love Him and your neighbour by serving those within your reach with whatever resources you have. I know you might sometimes feel that what you do is nothing but a drop in the ocean, but imagine if you didn't do it the ocean would be one drop less than it is. I also testify that knowing that Jesus Christ is the light, the life and the hope of the world gives us a greater desire to love Him more every day. In Him we discover that every daughter and son of God is very precious to Him.

1. Temple Session with Samuel District (They are so niceeee)

2. The letters of Sister Boom (our interested person)

3. Nephi District in yellow haha 💛

But undaunted still I Trusted

สวัสดีคะ!

How's life? Well as for me I am still here in the MTC and we are on 7th week we only have 3 weeks before we go to Thailand. On Monday we had our english fast and it's kinda hard for us because we are not yet fluent in thai but it went well because we enjoyed doing SYL especially in cafeteria hahaha. Yesterday we had our devotional with Elder Choi we are so blessed to hear from him and his beautiful wife, One of the things that I really liked the most about what he shared to us was the quote "Faith brings great hope and great encouragement" because it is true faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is what pushes us to look forward in life with hope even if it's just so hard sometimes, I also liked how he said "Let your heart always centered in your purpose." In my 7 weeks stay here in the MTC one thing I realized as a missionary is that the work only gets too hard if we are not really focused on our purpose, if our hearts are preoccupied by the things that hinders us to our progress as His disciple. I also learned that a successful missionary is happy and joyful in doing the work. During our go and do revelatory experience last Sunday I have chosen "Hope" as the topic that I want to study and as I studied about it I have found a very wonderful verse from Doctrine and Covenants 58: 2-4 "For after much tribulation cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory the hour is not yet but it is nigh at hand" this verse had increased my hope that someday I will eventually be fluent in thai even if it's really challenging. I also would like to share my favorite line from Joseph Smith's First Prayer that also talks about hope "but undaunted still he trusted, In his Heavenly Father's care". There will come a time when hope seems so hard to find but I hope you would always remember to Trust in your Savior and Heavenly Father's care, I hope you are doing well! Until next pday! 💌

1. Me haha

2. The sons and daughters of Nephi

3. With Helaman District ✊

4. Nephi District name tags

5. Moroni and Nephi District 💌

Miracles always happen in the action.💌

Hello I'm so happy to read about your life update this week, today is our preparation day and and we are on our 6th week here in the MTC there will be another batch entering next week and we're the only batch 740 that is left, crazy how time flies so fast. Yesterday we've met with our interested person who is a thai national, and it's super hard to teach in thai but I'm still grateful we had used all of the words and phrases we've learned from our 5 days of learning the language. Last week from our General Conference I have learned a lot of wonderful principles and teachings that had really touched me to be more striving as I fulfill my purpose. One of the talks that really strikes me the most was the talk of Elder Isaac Morrison where in he said that "The hard things in our lives should come as no surprise once we have entered the strait and narrow path. Jesus Christ learned “obedience by the things which he suffered.” As we follow Him, especially in our difficult times, we can grow to become more like Him." I like how he give emphasis to how we should not be surprised when we encounter trials and afflictions because that's how it should be and the Lord knows that it is through our struggles that we grow and be refine as His Beloved Son did during His mortal ministry where in he had suffered the most excruciating pain anyone could ever experience. I also realized that our sacrifice as His disciples is a sacred act that points out to the most glorious sacrifice of all. I like how the more we love people the more we see their strength and this conference had taught me that Charity is purest love we can give to the people whom we are serving. I know that He will help us with all things when we forget ourselves in His work. Life is tough but so are you and I know Heavenly Father is so proud because you're still striving even though it's really hard. Whatever trials you are experiencing right now will be dispersed as you exercised faith in the Lord. I hope you always feel His unconditional love and mercy! Take care and see you next Pday!

A week full of Courage

Hello how was your day? We're already on our 5th week here in the MTC and we just started doing practice teaching in thai with our MTC teachers. On our first week I was kinda overwhelmed but now I feel overjoyed because I can really see how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ pushes me to my fullest potential as I learn the language. This week was a roller coaster ride for us because almost half of our district got sick but thankfully we're okay now. Last Tuesday we had the privilege to hear from Elder Soquila one of the area seventy hear in the Philippines. He gave a very wonderful meaning of the word "Humility" he said "Humility is the recognition of our dependence upon a higher power a constant need of the Lord's support in His work." It is true that we cannot magnify our callings or serve the Lord if we only rely on our own strength. I also like how he said " You can't change people but you can provide people environment that will help them to decide for themselves to change". In missionary work we don't have to be on the defensive side we just have to strive to do our best to help the people not just to come to Church but to help them get closer to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Lastly I would like to share this quote with you from 2 Nephi 2:2 "and He shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy Good." Life is hard but you don't have to be hard on yourself. The Lord knows how hard you are trying and He is always there to embrace you. I hope you had a good day! Take care and see you next pday! ❤

My 4th week in the MTC

Hello everyone! Today is our Pday I actually don't know what to feel right now because all missionaries from Batch 740 who are assigned in the Philippines just left MTC today it's just feels a little bit gloomy because from 243 missionaries we became 58 hahaha pero it's okay we'll gonna experience a lot of goodbyes sa mission kaya sinasanay namin sarili namin. Yesterday we started our language training and it's just so hard to learn it but I know Heavenly Father has a purpose why He called me to serve in Thailand. Everytime I feel like complaining to Heavenly Father about having a hard time I feel guilty and embarrassed for myself because it was supposed to be hard since it wasn't easy for His Beloved Son in the first place. I am always thankful for His unconditional love and guidance to me because through that I always feel the strength to go through my mission life. One thing I've learned this week that had made a significant impact to my life is that Faith is developed by obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, yes it is truly a good thing to believe in it but it is still better to practice it and because Jesus Christ was faithful to His Father He was sustained, I believe this principle is very applicable on our time because I know staying on the covenant path requires courage and faith but once we let our faith lead us through we will come to know that the hands of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father is always reaching out to us every step of our way. I want you all to ponder 1 Peter 2:24 "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." So that when you feel that life is wearing you out remember whose stripes ye are healed! I love you all and see you next pday!

My 3rd week in MTC

Hello how are y'all been doing? It's been a hard week for us because we've lost our phone TT but I am still grateful we're able to attend GSR class and do our usual things without it. I'm thankful for having generous and compassionate district mates hahaha. One thing I love in the mtc are the devotionals we do every day. I am always thankful for our MTC teachers and leaders for being so patient. We'll be starting our language study next week kaya puspusan na talaga ang pagstudy ng GSR, IFTS and other principles. This tuesday we're so blessed to have Elder Revillo one of the area presidency to talked with during our devotional i have recieved a lot of impression as he speak and one of the most favorite thing I like about what he shared with us is the quote "You can count the numbers of seeds in an apple but cannot count the numbers of apples in a seed" i think this quote is somehow reassuring for me as a missionary because I know missionary work will never be easy and the number of people you baptized isn't an indicator how successful you are as a missionary but it's about how you convert them by the spirit and you'll never know how many lives you can bless even if you only have one baptism through out your mission life. I also like how he said "There's a big difference between going on a mission and becoming a missionary." I hope this will help those of you who are preparing to go on a mission to ponder to yourselves that missionary work really requires preparation because salvation is not cheap! I love you all and see you again next pday! 💛😊

My Mission Journey

Hello today is our preparation day and I can't believe we're already on our 2nd week here in the MTC. First of all I testify that the food is really good here hahahah I am still adjusting to missionary life but I'm so happy to be here, it's hard but it's worth it. Everyday we are learning a lot of things from Gospel studies to teaching skills and I'm so grateful for our MTC teachers and Leaders that is always there to be our guide. Today I am also blessed to witnessed some of my district mate's endowment I was one of the escorts since I already got my endowment before. I am so grateful for our personal and companionship study because through this mas madedeepen yung understanding ko in Book of Mormon and Preach my Gospel. I know y'all are wondering why I am not using thai language that's because we're gonna learn thai in our 4th week here hahaha. I am so grateful for having this opportunity to be called as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints. I am so ready to embark in this great cause and serve the people of Thailand, I testify that the Lord knows each of us personally and in my 5 days stay here in the MTC I realized how much we need to depend on the Lord for our strength. The more we help others to come unto Christ the more we come closer to Him and I testify that missionaries are personal advocate of Jesus Christ.

-2nd picture with the District (Nephi District)

-5th picture with my companion Sister Thit (she's from Myanmar)

"I hope that you will not mind if I have recalled some of the souvenirs of what you always referred to as the best time of your life. Why can’t it be the same way today? Why should the “best time” always refer to yesterday instead of tomorrow? The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a gospel made of souvenirs. It is a gospel presented to us so that we may live it today in order to know where we will be tomorrow."

Letter to a Returned Missionary

My dear brothers and sisters, I would like to dedicate the following words to a certain category of men and women in the Church. We do not t

Because I chose to be more courageous I know the Lord will be with me all throughout my missionary journey. I may not know what the future will bring but I trust my life to the Lord I know what matters to me matters to Him because He loves me. When I feel overcome by my feelings of doubt, fear and inadequacies I feel closer to Him and that's where my strength comes to continue what I have started and because I love the Lord I will never regret choosing Him above anything else. 🤍

A fleeting yet unforgettable encounter 06-15-22 🤍

When Elder Renlund addressed us during the general conference last April he spoke about how perfect God’s love is and how sometimes our ability to sense that love is not. It hasn't been that long since that day but I was blessed to hear again from him last wednesday where we even had the privilege to meet him in person following the mission tour of the Philippines Laoag Mission. I cannot find the perfect words to describe how I felt the moment he entered the sacrament hall it was like my heart confirmed that he was indeed called of God. I've also witnessed how humble he is by the way he started his address telling us "I know better than anyone here that I am no special but the One for whom I ministering with is special."😭 His countenance is very dignified you can really say that He has the spirit with him as he deliver his message. The way his words are very wholesome and simple yet penetrating. I can also tell that He loves children I was touched when he openly shared to us the reason why He and Sister Renlund has only one child, the struggles they encounter and how the Lord never forsaken them. Until now I still can't believe I met one of the Quorum of the Twelve in real life and what's more unimaginable is that it happened during the pandemic. I testify that the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve are called of Lord and they are here to guide and direct us. I can no longer look on June 15 the same day again after I have met and shook hands with an Apostle of the Lord never felt this blessed for this wonderful privilege. 🤍😭 That remarkable experience is beyond description.

Elder Renlund's Words to live by:

"Jesus Christ can heal shattered souls"

"What we need in our lives are metaphorical base size layers for metaphorical earthquakes."

"He can make the willing able but He cannot make the able willing".

"Real Independence is the day we accept Jesus Christ".

"The closer we are to the temple the easier it is to get little things in the way".

This is interconnected with the question he gave us that goes "Is my ability to be worthy of a temple recommend dependent of how close I am to the temple?"

"Being casual is not diligent in works for the cause of Zion".

"Maintain momentum in the covenant path".

"I agree that even if you think you are better than others and is not willing to learn or humble enough you will loose the opportunity of learning more wisdom."

He also pointed out about Sacrament prayer He said notice how when the sacrament prayer is being said the prayer isn't in the past tense. So everytime we partake the sacrament we renew our covenants and we renew the promised blessings He bestowed upon us. Last and the most important thing I have learned from Elder Renlund are the "5 Base Isolators" that has something to do with the basics which are:

1. Conversion

2. Covenants

3. Blessings of the Holy Temple

4. Tithing

5. Enduring to the end.

I once saw a quote that says “Happiness is the only thing that we can give without actually having” one thing I learned about life is that we don’t have to be stable physically and emotionally to become a help for someone because it is through our experiences that we can help lift the burden of our neighbors it may sometimes require a little sacrifice but once we master the art of charity we can also find strength through to this act. Remember what is to give light must first endure the burning and it is through our struggles that we become wounded healers.

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Sarah.A