Mahasarakham

July 8, 2012


Companion: Elder Buss


Hello, the people of the world,

I have had a little bit longer week, but have enjoyed it. I am still in Mahasarakham, but with a new companion. I'll get back to that later. So Brandon just got in? Dang, that email has been waiting a while. I'm glad everyone had a good Independence Day. Here, nothing happened. I was like, "Hey, it's mom and dad's anniversary, and a major holiday in the US. At moves meeting, we were all discussing that, and saying it was weird. An Elder from England, who just got back because of foot surgery, was like, "I don't know about you, but I stole money from an American on that day." Way funny. He didn't steal money, but borrowed money and hasn't payed back yet. Elder Tanawut is in Bangkok, just chilling with another Thai person. Swimming sounds so good right now. Jealousy. I can't believe that I missed Fred's fireworks, maybe in a couple years. Also, we are excited that Bill and Mary are getting sealed. BAM. So, here is my week:

Monday: I kinda knew that Elder Tanawut was moving. So, I cleaned that house like a boss. Swept, and organized folders and cleaned some outside. I was so tired and bored. The house looks amazing though, so whatever. 

Tuesday: Went to a Meet-and-Greet in Khonkaen, which was good. Met President Senior and his wife Sister Senior. They are from Arizona, and funny story: they met on a blind date, and then she rejected him. AH SNAP! He persisted, and now are married, obviously. They are really funny. They told lots of stories, and President Senior surprised the heck of us with his Thai! He only spent eight days in the MTC, and he spent 10 minutes sharing testimony, without a mistake, or thinking for too long! Whoa! Also, to show how amazingly funny he is, here is another story. So the Roi Et district was taking a couple photos together. I was in the back, and right when they said 3, an old man head appeared in my peripheral vision! What! Awesome-sauce! 

Wednesday: Kinda wasted that day. Went to Roi Et to have a District Meeting, and then kind of spent the rest of our day there, and then spent two hours at a bus station. 

Thursday: Arrived in Bangkok, Asoke at about 5:30. Killer. I didn't sleep so hot, never do. Met with some missionaries, and I talked a butt-ton to the ones from the North. It was way fun to talk to more people, especially in English. Elder Tanawut and I didn't talk much, mostly because we wouldn't understand each other when we did. Had our Transfer meeting. A lot of us were scared as to what would happen during that, only because it was President Senior's first one. It was awesome. It was a very planned out Power Point that showed: where the area was, what area and who was there/new companion. It was awesome. I'm with Elder Buss. He was in the district that got stuck in the MTC for three extra weeks. So, he is only two transfers ahead. So far, we are getting along great. Had some visa things to do and then headed for home. 

Friday: Arrived in Mahasarakham at 3:30 in the morning, but I didn't recognize the street we were on. I had like never been on it. I was freakin' out. I didn't help that I was half asleep either. A member picked us up, and took us home. We slept and started our day. Which was really shopping for things for the house. He is big on cleaning, and our house still needs a ton of work, so we basically shopped all day. We still did missionary work, don't worry. 

Saturday: Had more lessons. Trying to get a feel on how each other teaches. Told jokes. All that jazz.

Sunday: Was a bummer, half the normal congregation. Which means, it went from 60 to 30 people. Ouch. Elder Buss went around saying he was a greenie. Not many people believed him. Which brings me to two stories. One: A missionary tradition is that when a missionary moves to that area or if it is their first time there, they are a greenie. So no members tend to believe it anymore. Story two: Elder Mondragon has devised a devious plan to get at a couple members for that. We have a greenie in Roi Et with Elder Mondragon, in fact, it is Elder Slaughter! This week or next week, we are going on switch-offs and Elder Slaughter is going to come here with me and we are going to show those members. It will be way funny. 

Well, that is my week. We have committed someone to baptism: Brother Chang (elephant), and he is excited. We are excited. I hope that you have a terrific week and get ready to celebrate Pioneer Day. Try to remember their hardship and thank them for the work that they have done. See you all around,

Elder Anthony Susi