Final week in Bangnna Two baptisms

December 16, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Hello, People of the World,

This week has been kinda slow and weird. I don't know, it was normal, but not. I will be moving, and my companion staying. Other news is: The Bangkok Thailand mission is getting iPads for missionary work. It is very interesting and super cool that we get to use those. Our investigator, Pin was baptized, on the same day as the Sisters' pui. We are all super excited about all the work that was done. We also got to go exploring across the river. We also had a fun Stake Christmas activity. There was music, dancing, and a live act played by professional actors. So, yeah. short and sweet. 

Not a lot of time to talk today. 

Elder Anthony Susi

Out of order

December 2, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Hello People of the World,

This was also a slow week, full of inviting, contacting and very hot days. There was a special holiday that occurred this week. It is called Loy Krathong. They make these special little "boats" and say a prayer of good luck and happiness and put it in some water to make it float away to the God Buddha. There were some nice ones that were made and none of them really floated very far. Some of them were made of food, so the fish would eat the boat. It was funny. That was kind of it this week. Not much else to say. I'll just share some pictures. 

Elder Anthony Susi

Kings Birthday

December 9, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Hello People of the World,

It looks like there is a lot of change going on. Marriages, moving away, school, life itself. That's good. I'm glad that everyone has been having a good time. This week, few things have happened. We had a wedding this week, that the missionaries were invited to. It was interesting, it had the same characteristics as one would in America. Cake, flower toss, taking a million pictures with the bride and groom, music, a presentation. All that jazz. We all celebrated the King's birthday here this week as well. On that same day, we had Zone Conference. Most everyone wore yellow in celebration of the King. It was fun, we went to the King's Palace and watched fireworks. We had a lot of fun. I burst my first pair of pants this week. Good thing it was at the house. I was sitting on the floor, and POW! Sad, and then I found a hole in one of my other pants, so now I have one pair of slacks that I will be wearing until I get holes sewn and/or buy new slacks. 

That's it. Love you all,

Elder Anthony Susi

Bangnna - Thanksgiving

November 25, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Uh, Hello People of the World

How was Thanksgiving? Was the football good? Was the free weekend good? Any good trips? Anything?

I DID have a Thanksgiving dinner.Our host was actually not a member, but the hostess and the rest of the family are. He was very nice and funny. They lived in Chaengwattana, far away from us, and had a turn out of 20+ people show up including 4 Elders and 2 Sisters. There was real turkey, real corn, real pumpkin pie. We did actually notice how addicted to electronics our generation and younger is. We tried talking to a teenager there to get to know him, and he didn't even look up and talk to us. He talked to his iPhone. Someone even made fun of my satchel that was sent to me from Mahasarakham. He kept calling it a gay bag. RUDE! I just kept saying, "It's a satchel, Indiana Jones had one, and he's not gay." It's okay, the guy was funny. We all laughed. 


I saw one of my MTC teachers at the big meeting. It was for Stake Conference. It was Sister Wongwiraphab, she is living in Texas, but came to visit. We got pictures taken, but not on my camera. Shoot. 

That's the most exciting stuff that I did. Other than that, we invited, biked, visited LAs, and did missionary stuff.

I miss you all, and look forward to Christmas.

Elder Anthony Susi

Bangnna crazy family

November 18, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Hello People of the World,

It's that time of the week, I get to send emails to everyone!  It sounds like everyone has been having fun on Thanksgiving vacations and getting some turkeys and all things like unto it. This week, I get to go to a member's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Well, not really Thanksgiving day, but the Saturday afterwards. It will be fun. 

This week, we had Mission Tour. That is where we have someone from the Area Presidency come and have a special meeting with us. We had Elder Kent Watson come. It was a long day for us, because we had to wake up really early and get in a taxi for an hour and a half just to get to the church. Very long day. I hope that everyone has a safe week, and happy Thanksgiving. 

Elder Anthony Susi

This week were were able to email chat with him we had several funny things here are some examples.

Us:

You should be a warlock. 

Anthony:

nope, not cool enough.

Us:

you know what is better than a wizard?

Matthew said wizards are awesome

Anthony:

Timelords.

Us:

Talitha is talking about horses and mom says you've ridden horses and I would like to know what your rating is on them from a 1-10 scale. From Matthew

Anthony:

Doing what with horses?

Us:

Riding them. 

Anthony:

4

Us:

He is not excited about them. Matthew said what about unicorns. 

Anthony:

Unicorns came into the conversation when?

Us:

Just now. Matthew asked Talitha unicorns or fairies. Haha. Girls love fairies. 

Anthony:

weird. I'm lost now.

Anthony:

She doesn't know about THE ponies though.

Us:

Matthew says she knows. 

Anthony:

yeah, hoof to my brother of the same mother

Us:

Matthew gave you a knowing smile. He says to tell you lol

Anthony:

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Us:

Matthew says I have to watch tv to understand stuff. I think he just called me old and out of it. 

Anthony:

rude. Don't worry, it's a modern nerd thing.

Us:

True. I am not nerd enough but I produce them pretty well. 

Us:

True. I am not nerd enough but I produce them pretty well. 

Anthony:

hahahahahahahahaha, and have one for a husband.

Us:

True. He is the biggest nerd around. 

Anthony:

Yup

Bangnna - Did not transfer

November 11, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Party!!!!

Yo People of the World,

Utah got some snow. Thailand got lots of freaking sun and maybe a little rain. This morning. No flooding, we are safe. Don't worry. This week was transfers week and I didn't go anywhere, neither did Elder Simonsen. We are in the same place for maybe six more weeks. I guess that means we really like each other. That and nothing was really happening this transfer. We had an awesome, sick wizard English Class Showcase. There was games, music, laughter, girls. Everything that you need to have a party! I hosted a musical chairs game, and the Oreo challenge game. The one where you put an Oreo on your forehead and get it to your mouth using your face muscles and not your hands. I did it thrice for people to see it, and succeeded twice. Not bad. We lost a good amount of investigators this week, 3, half of our pool. We did get a new District Leader and Sister Guildner, from my MTC group came as well. Not much else. We did some LA work. 

Ok, see ya round,

Elder Anthony Susi

Bangnna Baptism

November 4, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Hello People of the World,

This was a good week for everyone it sounds like. Lots of travel, family time and peace. It's good to see that we are all still doing the things that we love. This week we prepared for many good things. For English Class tomorrow, we are going to have a carnival thing, with games/activities, tickets and probably some deserts. Yum. Our investigator Go was baptized yesterday, and he was soo excited. When he was bearing his testimony, he described our first contact and then had everyone give ME a round-of-applause, because now, he is so happy. Yep, this is moves week. All the members think that I am moving, and usually when everyone asks of you know where you going, you are most likely moving. No, I don't know where yet. 

I'm excited for the news in two days, there may be a new president. I wonder what will happen. Super, well that is it. See ya around,

Elder Anthony Susi

Bangnna: crazy missionaries at the wax museum

October 28, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Hello People of the World,

Well, it appears many people know already; this week I will be a missionary for a whole year. It is weird, we all look at missionaries this old when we first come in and think, "I will never be there." Weird, now I am that guy, along with 6 other missionaries. 

Last Monday, we went to Madame Tussauds wax museum. It was fun and did some crazy things. Honestly, not too much happened. It's great to see that life DOES go on. I think that I will celebrate with some ice cream. Yep finished. 

Elder Anthony Susi

Bangnna Short but sweet

Oct 21, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Hello People of the World,

Not too much happened eh? Sad, me neither. We had a guy who served here 35 years ago come and have a special fireside with the missionaries. That was cool, there was some very interesting stories and culture from there that was interesting. Question: what is everyone for Halloween? I haven't decided yet, maybe a LDS missionary. I'll keep you posted. Hmm, I really don't have much to talk about this week. Shows that I need to have better Journal keeping. 

Yeah, that's really it,

Elder Anthony Susi

Bangnna

October 14, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Hello People of the World,

This week we did not much, well, we baptized someone. Her name is นุช (Nood) and she is really excited to be a member. She was already Christian, so she already believed in most of what we taught. It still rained a lot. We didn't flood. My shoes are getting destroyed. I've been very happy with our progress here, and we are expecting another baptism this coming Sunday. Finally saw General Conference, it was great. The look that some of those teenagers made was priceless. There were talks that I liked a lot, could you send the Ensign that corresponds with that? Oh, I really like the ties. Yeah, we also rode on Bangnaa-Trat, which is basically the freeway/highway. We did it to try to see some Less Active Members, who ended up not being home. Sad. We are expecting great things this week.

Love everyone,

Elder Anthony Susi

P.S. I experimented with shaving my legs for kicks and giggles.

P.S.S. The map is a picture of me completing a collection. 7-11 here is pretty big and this July to December 31, they put out stamps for each province, which I successfully got. 77 in all.

Bangnna

October 7, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Hello People of the World,
So, it sounds like they really want missionaries out there preaching and teaching the gospel. I guess that means that they don't want people waiting so long, especially sisters. That will be fun, and no one will be able to say that I am the baby. Hahahaha. Also, it sounds like some chill weekends happened. No, we didn't watch Conference, so we didn't get the news. We will see this Saturday. We have to wait an extra week for the sessions to be translated and sent to us. So yeah.

Monday: We did go to the crocodile farm like I said and partied with the other Elders in our district.There was some crocodile seeing, and feeding and wrestling going on, and we did see some elephants. It was one of those "Saw it, done it, don't have to do it again" kind of things. Very relaxed day.

Tuesday: It rained on us and we had to ride through a giant thing of flood water, and it was so deep that it got our shoes and socks soaked, even while on bikes. We went to the church and taught a lesson and English wearing shoes, but no socks were included. Gross. We also achieved 12 lessons that day. Lessons in English do count as shown by Preach my Gospel, but it wasn't like we were lesson hungry. There were 9 from English that night.

Saturday: Can't remember anything until Saturday. Well, we do have 2 daters now, and are working very hard with them currently. We went to a baptism at the Samut Prakarn church, because we were invited, with one of our daters. It was cool and we got to see what she thought of it. Elder Unsworth, who just barely made out this transfer, gave the baptism. Only two weeks in.

Yeah, that's all that I remember. Apparently, we are having a tropical storm this week and a hurricane is coming that will be here soon. I look out the window off the internet shop and all I see is dark clouds. I really do believe that there is going to be some serious rain soon. Lots of love and I'll tell about the rains soon.

Elder Anthony Susi

Bangnna "Sr Companion"

September 30, 2012

Companion: Elder Simonsen

Hello, people of the world,

It sounds like a lot has been happening around the States. Deaths, births, tragedies, happiness. All is well though, as we discover that the most important thing is that we children of God and brothers and sisters. I'm glad to see that Mom and Dad made it home peacefully, and I'm also glad to see that the siblings haven't changed yet. One day.

So, here is my week.

Monday: Chilled at the house, didn't really want to go anywhere.

Tuesday: English Class happened. We had our showcase, which actually worked out for once. There were a couple readings of stories, and writing songs and reciting them as well. Then I was volunteered to play a song on the piano: Four Chords. It is a song that I accidentally found on YouTube once that I downloaded and learned the lyrics to, (didn't really need to learn how to play it because you play the same four chords the entire song). Everyone liked that, but we couldn't announce if anyone was moving because President Senior hid that fact until...

Wednesday: After much squirming and complaining, we got the call telling us who was moving and where. Three people moved, I was not one of them, but my companion Elder Thacker was. Wasn't to surprised actually.

Thursday: We had to wake up and go early because we live an hour and a half away from the Chaengwattana church. Had some troubles with taxi drivers. They are a little ridiculous sometimes, because they think that they can't put bikes in their trunks. Well they can't, because it is small, but that is what bungie cords are for. Finally made and found out who my new companion was/is. Elder Simonsen! Like Landon Simonsen from Davis High! It's way cool!

Friday: Wasn't sure what to do on my first day as Senior Companion. I believe we invited and visited some members.

Saturday: We decided to go Dan Jones-ing, and pass out some copies of the Book of Mormon. We actually had some good succes: passed out 8 out of 9, one guy was really interested, but we choked and forgot to ask to go inside and talk about it, we did talk with someone in their house about the Book of Mormon and got a lesson, and we gave a Book of Mormon who was watching her kids and couldn't meet with us because her husband wasn't home. She was the best because she felt really grateful on getting something so awesome for free. It was cool because she sent one of her kids to give us some pineapple juice boxes, which felt way good because it was way hot outside.

Sunday: Church. Enjoyed it, and had two of our newer investigators come. We gave a date for one Nood for the 13th. We are way excited, and then visited with the Bishop and later visited the Ward Mission Leader and his wife.

Wow, this is the biggest email in a while. Guess that I had a good week. Bangnaa, my area, is progressing and people are really excited for us. We have some good goals for the future, and hope to see them carry out. Today, we are going to see some crocodiles.

Oh, by the way, thank you for the Birthday package. I really enjoyed my Chex Mix, (gone already), and my Reese's Puffs, (almost gone), and I love the new calendar. I just want to say that that calendar is better then the last one. I also want to thank the "People of the World" for an awesome picture book, it made my day and I just wanted to show it to everyone. Maybe I will do something like unto it.

Thanks a ton,
Elder Anthony Susi, the man that knows some Thai

Bang Na Bangkok

September 23, 2012

Companion: Elder Thacker

Hmm, no news from mom I guess. I didn't see anything there. How has our week been? Mine was good.

Actually, we didn't do too much, we kind of got stuck in a rut for a couple days and didn't get anything done. The most exciting thing was a change in the bishopric. The last one has been bishop for 10 years, if not more. We are excited for the work in our area.

Oh, transfers is coming. Time to wonder if Elder Susi is moving or not. Popular belief is that Elder Thacker, my companion, is moving and I get to stay, maybe even train.

This week, we also had a Stake Sports Day. It was kinda chaotic, but everyone had some fun. They had some track races, which were fun to see. They had the Men, Women, Boys, Girls, Older Men, Older Women, Bishoprics, and a couple others, with lots of hi-jinx in between.

So yeah, that is me. Just got an email saying the parents are in Maui. Lucky

So จุ๊บๆ and talk to you later.

Elder Anthony Susi

Bang Na Bangkok Flooding

September 16, 2012

Companion: Elder Thatcher

Hello Everybody!

It is true, it is flooding in Thailand. Funny enough, I found an English version of the Bangkok Post and read it. The Prime Minister does assure everyone that it will not flood again this year. Whoops, a province got flooded pretty bad a few days ago. It is called Sukothai. I think that is the English spelling. Fun fact, I can't read Thailand words in English, they just don't make sense to my head. Also, I feel like I need to see words in Thai so that I can actually say them properly. English will not be looked at the same again. 

My week hasn't been too exciting. Lots of rain and storms. Actually as I type this at 4:14 pm my time, it is raining pretty badly and streets are already flooding. On Saturday we had a pretty bad storm, in fact our street where we live was flooded. Multiple streets around it was flooded. In fact, Baering, and Sukhomvit street were just gone. I was pretty high. Hopefully, we don't get destroyed by rain today. We didn't really too much planned anyway. 

Well, I think that is all I have for today and this week. Sorry I am late, we decided to go to a giant mall in Asoke with the four Elders in Samut Prakarn for P-Day. Thanks for everything,

Elder Anthony Susi

Photograph from the Bangkok Post.

September 17, 2012

Happy Birthday!!!

September 9, 2012

Companion: Elder Thacker

Achievement Unlocked:
Oldest 20 years
100G

Hello Everyone

Wow, that is a lot of birthday wishes. I would like to thank everyone as well for all the birthday wishes. Even though, I can't see everyone, and can't talk with you either, I say THANKS A LOT!!!

This week has also been pretty tame, so not too much to talk about.

Tuesday: I didn't know what to even talk about in English Class, it was about fashion and clothes, so go figure. I kinda shuffled through it and tried to make things exciting. That also wasn't working a whole bunch, everyone seemed really tired or something because there was no energy. So my genius plan was about to happen. A fashion show. I made four people walk a "cat walk" and show off what they were wearing. I thought it was hilarious.

Saturday: We went to Asoke for some business, and I got to grab my birthday box from the Susi's. It had lots of goodies and pictures and stuff that I really loved.

Sunday: The entire freakin' ward celebrated my birthday after church had ended. It came complete with an apple "cake" that a member from Mahasarakham sent me. I even got bombarded with a birthday song.

It's weird saying that I am 20, I sure don't feel like I am 20. Anywho, I guess I have some questions to answer.

Bangkok is the craziest city that I've ever been to in my life. Most days when I ride my bike, I fear for my life. I feel like a lot of people are angry drivers here, but that is because they honk their horn at everything. I don't know why either. With the language, "no farang will ever be fluent in the language, just very good at it." I can talk to people fine, a lot better than a lot of tourists will ever do in their life. There is still a word not and again that I won't know, but the thing is: Thai only has so many words, while English has a bagillion synonyms for the same word. I still don't to amazing at the food, but I'm not dying, or starving.

Um that is it for this week, I hope everyone has a good week, and I bid thee adieu.

Elder Anthony Susi

Bang Na Bangkok

Sept 3, 2012

Companion: Elder Thacker

Dear everybody out there,

School is back in session. Suckers! Everyone needs an education so, that is good that school is starting. Well, I was really bad at writing in my Journal this week. So I don't have much to write, not like anything happened this week anyway.

We kept going over our Less-Active members to try to see if they were home so that we could try to get them to come back to church. We haven't had much luck with that. English was fun like always. 

I think the only thing exciting that happened was me kind of getting hit by a motorcycle. We were leaving a member's house to go to another member's house. Now in Thailand, they drive on the left side of the road. I was where I was supposed to be, and I was trying to turn right. In Thailand, and especially in Bangkok, everyone is hasty and very impatient. As I was turning, traffic stopped. Sadly, a motorcycle driver was very impatient. We think that he waited half a second before he decided to go on the right side of the road to pass the stopped traffic. So, I was turning, and I heard a consistent beep of a motorcycle horn. I believe that he was even trying to speed up. I hit my brake and he hit his a little late, and ran right into my handlebars. He hit my hand a little and that was it.

So yeah, that was my week. I hope that everyone has a good week. I will talk to you soon.

Bang Na Bangkok

August 26, 2012

Companion: Elder Thacker

So, how are we?

It sounds like everyone has had an eventful week, and school starts up again soon. Great. Not too much excitement over there, and honestly, not too much over here either.

Tuesday: We had District Meeting with the Zone Leaders, and it turned out that was the same one that I had like three weeks ago. Good to review. Had my first meeting as an English Leader, and I guess it went well. Nobody complained afterwards.

Thursday: Somebody (Elder Thacker) was having a very gassy day, he wasn't feeling very good. So he decided to take this thing called "Beauty Drink" that is supposed to help.

Saturday: This is our most exciting day. We went looking for Less Active Members, and it was hot and stuffy and we got chased by dogs. What?! First time ever that I've had dogs REALLY chase me. It was kinda scary. They got close enough that I had to kick at one. I planted a shoe on his head and he veered off and the dogs stopped chasing me. Apparently, it was a good kick. Continue. 

The Sisters in the area had a baptism. Score for the Sisters. Finally, we end our day at home. Trying to now relax at home and enjoy our personal time when we get a phone call. "Hello, I have your food." Weird, we didn't order anything. "I'm from McDonalds, I have the food that you ordered." Still weird. Hang up. Twenty minutes later, we get a knock on our day. McDonalds guy is standing there. "Here is your food." Let us see the receipt. The name is correct, the address is correct, but the phone number is wrong. Who is it? Call it, and the Elders in Samut Prakan answer. They ordered food from McDonalds and he took it to the wrong place. Wow.

Well, that's it. Like I said, not too much. I'll see you around and talk to y'all soon,
Elder Anthony Susi

Bangkok!!!

August 19, 2012

Companion: Elder Thacker

Big news everyone,

I am in Bangkok! Crap. I'm already scared of everything here. Traffic is a mess, I don't really use my bike much. Things are expensive. The list goes on and on. Bangkok is actually the name of the province, and I am in the city, Bangna. It's ok I guess. Anyway, here is my week:

Monday: After I emailed last week, Elder Slaughter, Buss, Staten and I went to this one place where we could climb these dinosaurs. Elder Tzanis and Mondragon went off to visit a member, seeing it would be the last time Elder Mondragon would be in Galasin for a while. The dinosaurs were cool, the whole province is way into dinosaurs! I couldn't get very high, because I can't climb. Bummer.

Tuesday/Wednesday: I packed and got ready to move.

Thursday: We had to take this bus from Khon Kaen to Bangkok because so many people were moving. It didn't get there until 1:00 am. Made it to Bangkok, and had our Moves Meeting. I found out that I am with Elder Thacker! He is from Melbourne, Australia.

Sunday: Had my first church meeting here. It was interesting. I got a new nickname, Sister Susi. Why?! I went from Elder Sushi in Chiangrai to deg noy in Mahasarakham, to here. Wow, I just can't get a break, can I? 


Elder Anthony Susi

Mahasarakham

Aug 12, 2012

Companion: Elder Buss

Hello everybody,

This week has been a long one. Not too much is happening, but a lot is. Make sense?

Monday: We went and bought a bookcase for our study room and so that Elder Buss could get all his stuff off the floor.  I also found a My Little Pony shirt, but not an older generation. It is awesome, and kind of a new nerd thing.

Wednesday: We had switch-offs, I was with Elder Slaughter again in Roi-Et. We had rain all day, and didn't really teach anybody. The switch-off was cut short when we got word that one of the Sisters was going home. I was back home that night.

Thursday: I worked on my satchel some more. Still a work in progress. Elder Buss said I was in some crazy moods.

Saturday: One of our daters had her interview for baptism. We had a Mother's Day celebration at the church, and it was interesting to see. They celebrate Mother's Day by the queen's birthday, which was yesterday, the 12th. It was funny, we had testimonies, music numbers and dance numbers.

Sunday: Found some Jehovah's Witnesses out inviting, and we had to talk to them, but we couldn't find them later after our studies. We did find their church though for future reference.


Elder Anthony Susi