Elder Takeuchi: : November 2014

วัสดีครับทุกคน!!!!

คิดถึงทุกคนากฯตอนนี้ผมอยู่อุบลราชธานี!!!!!!!สนุกมากกกกกกกกกกกกก! สนุกจะตายยย!! :)

Okay, so I just copy+pasted what I just typed in Thai to Google Translate (which I think many of you will do...) The Google translated result is definitely NOT what I typed in Thai!!

Again... it's been a while since my last entry.. This entry will be a short one since I've officially made my mind on writing blog entries more often (as I have said about seven times already)

So last week, we had transfer meeting! My third companion, Elder Tamang became a trainer, and moved on to a new area. I got Elder Hinckson, from Orem, UT, as my fourth companion!!! He's been in country for about three months! To say a few words about him, he's waaaay awesome, and we get along so well - for the reasons of wanting to work our hardest, and being consecrated to our Lord!!! It is just so amazing to be serving with him!

Today, I just want to share a few things I jotted down while coming back to my area from transfer meeting in Ubon. (About an eight hour bus ride away)

12:55 A.M. On a train headed from Bangkok to Ubon... Missionaries usually use tour buses for travel, but due to some mishaps, we had no choice but to take the night train.

Let me describe how much I loved this experience. This is what it is like... the "real" Thailand experience. I'm in a rail cart that's well... I've thought of many poetic ways to describe this.. but let's just say that it is straight up old. Probably post-World War II era... In front of me, lays a grandpa on the floor snoring so peacefully. He's missing most of his teeth, and the sweat on his face are trickling down into his mouth. People are piled everywhere possible in this rail cart, with most not even caring whether they are in a comfortable position or not. My new companion, Elder Hinckson is out of energy from leaning against a wall for 6 hours in a bumpy train ride. I don't blame him.. it's honestly been a long day. I'm currently positioned myself in a corner, shifting my weight on a structure that used to be a sink. I've been positioned like this for a few hours, and have a good seven more hours to go. This is sooo Thailand! Since we've been on this rail cart, we talked to a lot of people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many people appreciated our message, and we even got a few phone numbers to contact again. In a country where the over-majority is Buddhist, it's always a fun time answering questions, and de-bunking rumors and creative stories about followers of Christ.

"Is this all worth it?" A passenger asked me, as I was sharing with him our purpose as disciples of Christ. He expressed his feelings that this whole missionary program didn't make sense. He pointed out that I'm just a 20-year old boy that should be in college or working. He said, "อันี้มี้ประโยชน์อย่างไง", or "How does this benefit you?"

I gave it a few seconds... and replied, "มีประโยชน์มาก!!มากกว่าผมจะเข้าใจได้", or "It's definitely worth it. It's worth than what I can understand. Here's my reply, "There is a God. The Almighty God whom is the Father of our spirits.. Thus, our Father in Heaven. He loves His children, and wants everybody to feel His love. I know that He exists, and He has called me to help my brothers and sisters rely, and love God. You asked me if all of this is worth it? I testify to you that it is worth it, probably more than I can understand. I'm here to help change people's lives; including my own."

The rest of the train ride went smoothly, and we safely arrived in UBON!! I absolutely love being here, and just full of hope for this transfer. It's been a crazy adventure so far in Thailand (can you believe I've been here for more than six months now!?!?) And I know it will only get better!! I love my God, He is a loving being who knows us personally. I love the people of Thailand, and I am so pumped for this transfer to do some serious damage again in UBON!! I love being a missionary!

Love you all!!

Elder Takeuchi