October 8, 2017
Hey Dad.
So I thought we were
going to a soccer game but president just said that the missionaries outside of
a certain area weren't allowed to go, so plans have changed and as of now it
seems like I'm going to be having a chill p-day. Last p-day was dope though.
I'll try and send you video in a little bit.
So our investigator did
not get baptized this week, we decided to wait till next week so that he could
go to church 2 times before he got baptized. But this last Sunday he didn't
show, which was weird because we called him and he said that he was on his way,
but three hours later he still didn't show. So I guess we're going to have to
wait for another 2 weeks before he'll be ready for baptism. Oh well, hopefully
he'll come along, he has a solid testimony, he's just incredibly flakey when it
comes to appointments.
Zone conference was all
right. My district was asked to give a musical number which is weird, because
the only time in which we are all together, is during district meetings. So we
really didn't have any time to prepare. I think we had a chance to practice
once, so that's why the performance was so... improvised.
Last week we rode
elephants, and that was way dope. I have a ton of cool video. Most of it is on
my comps go pro (mine right before we got to ride the elephants) so I'll get
those to you as soon as I get a chance.
I never thought that I'd
say it, but I miss fall weather in the U.S. It may be a bit chilly and gloomy
in appearance, but, at least it gives you an opportunity to wear a jacket.haha.
I'm suprised my suit fits Josh mostly because I'm a small guy. But I'm glad to
hear it worked out.
What's the trial for? It
sounds interesting? What are the different sides? It sounds way
interesting!
I did watch general
conference this week and it was way solid! A lot of it seemed to answer
questions that our investigators/ RC's had, which was amazing. Hollands talk
was amazing an Callisters was by far one of my favorite!
I'm so excited to hear
that Jake and Haylee are doing well! BE sure to tell me all about them.
I'll be sure to write
you about things that are going on around here.
Okay I think that's all
for this week. I'll write you next week!
All the best
- Elder
Latimer
October 17, 2017
Hey Dad,
Riding elephants was
definitely an experience haha. It was a tad uncomfortable to sit on, and
surprisingly hard to balance where I was sitting (the neck), but it was
definitely a lot of fun! If you and mom come back here to pick me up, we are
definitely going!
We actually figured
things out with our investigator who delayed his baptism (Mark) turns out, he's
still way solid.The only reason he hadn't been coming to church on Sundays, is
because he hadn't told his parents about his decision to learn, and so the only
times he could go, was when could find an excuse to be gone to three hours. But
the good news is that he just got permission from his parents a few days ago,
so he shouldn't have anything keeping him from going from here on out! He has a
new date for this next saturday! We'll see how this works out, but I don't see
any problems.
Oh sorry! I just
realized I forgot to tell you and mom that transfers were this Thursday which
is the reason why I'm replying on Wednesday! haha sorry for that! Things are
staying the same here in Kalasin and I'm killing off my companion Elder Fukino.
Aside from that, there's not anything too interesting going on in Kalasine,
I've been asked to give a talk next Sunday, still not sure about what, and we have
some possible new investigators coming from a referral. So there is that! Sorry
for the lack of things to report about, Kalasin, a lot like Kumpawapi is a slow
burning area. Stuff gets done, but it does so slowly of time.
It's good to hear that
everything is going well at home! The Symposium sounds like it has been going
well, it's always so interesting to see people of different religions.
I'm sorry that most of
your trip to Boston was spent traveling but it still seems like it would be
pretty cool to go to a place with so much historical background! Is this your
first time in an in court case, or did you do stuff like this before you were
hired as a company lawyer?
Conference was
fantastic! there were so many great talks, and a lot of them had been able to
help our members and Rc's who had come to us with problems the week before! So
that was a blessing to say the least.
I think that that is
about all for now! Aside from a gopro session 5 charger, I don't think there is
anything that I need. I have a hard drive that I put all of my photo's on so
we'll have that when I get home. I've just started deleting previously uploaded
photos on my one drive to make space for future photos that I'll send to you
and mom!
Well, that's it for this
week! Miss you and mom, and wish you guys the best
- Elder
Latimer
October 29, 2017
Hey Dad! Glad to hear
that things are going well with your case in Boston! Our investigator Brother
Mark was baptized this last Saturday. He couldn't make it to church on Sunday,
but he assured us that he would be going this next Sunday! He is doing
fantastic! He gave a great testimony during the meeting, and two of our other
investigators were there, so we hope that it had an impact on them! Aside from
that, there wasn't too much that needs to be said about missionary work in
Galasin. Still only have a few investigators, so we've been inviting like
crazy. Not a lot of success but we'll be hanging in here. On Sunday we went to
a members rice fields. It's around the time where they drain the fields and a
few small ponds in order to harvest rice. But they also go into the drained
ponds and gather fish, so I got to do that! I got some footage/pictures
of that! I'll send those over after this!
My comp is doing well.
We doing a lot more member work, which is great, because inviting is not the
best way of getting investigators here. Meeting with members here is hard
though because everyone here works till 6.00 and there are only like 3 days
where we have time for that! I hope I will be in Kalasin for another few
transfers, it's a great area with fantastic members!
Mom told me about the
lesson you guys taught! It sounded really great. She sent me an outline of what
you guys talked about during girls camp. Wish Jonathan good luck from me! I'll
be praying for him! By his sophomore year he should be a healthy 5'8 or
5'9!
It's so crazy how
fast/slow time seems to go! It feels like just a few months ago that I was at
home, and just a year ago that I was still in High school!
There are a lot of
things that I've learned as a missionary. I'll write you a separate letter for
that. I'm afraid I may not have to write it and email others today! But I'll do
my best to get that to you. My language skills are getting better! I have been
able to teach the gospel pretty well in terms of language, but when it came to
just talking to people about life, it was a bit harder. But this area has
really helped that since all the members are always wanting to talk with the
missionaries. I love reading Thai! It's such a fun/challenging experience at
time. for the most part I can read and understand, but if I ever get into something
like the Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi I'm a complete wreck! I love reading the
Book of Mormon in Thai! Right now I'm close to finishing Alma! I should have
finished right now but I hadn't read in Thai since my transfers in Samutprakan.
Well that's about all
for now! I'll send you guys some pictures!
Love yall
- Elder Latimer
p.s I
was actually wondering if you and mom could send up some hair gel, the stuff in
the green tube bottle that I came up with. I can't remember what it is called
at the moment, but Mom might know! if you would be able to send that up, that'd
be fantastic!
November 8, 2017
Hey Dad!
It's not just you, time
seems to fly by. Day by day it moves slowly, but looking back, wow has it gone
Yeah Mark it way dope.
He actually got confirmed this last Sunday. He actually has a pretty good
conversion story. At first he just met with us because he likes studying
religion, but he would always drop appointments with us, and would almost never
keep commitments. But one day, when we met with him , we told him that if he
wanted to know whether or not this Church was true, He would have to pray, he
prayed to know and almost instantly he knew that it was true, ever since then
he has been very much willing to meet with us and keep commitments. He was even
willing to tell his overly buddhist parents of his beliefs! a few weeks later
he was Baptized and confirmed! It has been so amazing to see him progress!
Loygratone was great. I
had a chance to go last year. I don't know how to accurately descibe it all but
here's the wikipedia article that does! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loi_Krathong.
Don't worry about the members we were with, 2 of them are about 20 years older
then me and the other one is a bit out of my weight class, so you don't have to
fret. They're all super cool though. They always help the missionaries teach
and go travel on P-days
Oh I forgot to tell mom
about the Mission tour that we had! So this Saturday everyone in the Isan (the
rural part of Thailand) went to mission tour up in Udon, where Elder Evens
trained us on talking with and not to people, as well as how to better work
with members. It was fantastic! I even had a chance to see some of my group
too! It was wayyy fun! But aside from that I had a pretty unremarkable week as
well! I'll send you and mom some pics of my travel!
Wish you two the
best,
Elder
Latimer
November 12, 2017
Hey Dad! Mom told me
about your trip to Idaho. I hope all is going well! How are Josh and Lettie
doing, I saw your picture with them in front of the temple! I hope Jake will be
doing better soon enough with you to help prepare him for the LSAT. Let me know
how he's doing when he gets there and whether or not he him Josh, Lettie or you
want from Thailand!
Mission life is great as
always, but a little slow, which is par for the course here in the isan (the
rural areas of thailand). but things are slowly coming along. We didn't get any
new investigators this week, which is sad, but, we still have two promising
progressing investigators who will hopefully get baptized this transfer. They
are a referral from their recently returned mom. I think things are going to
get a lot better. At first their mom was kind of abrupt and grumpy when we went
to see her, but now she's so much kinder and open. I feel like if we could get
her to help her children progress it would be a huge step forward for them! But
we'll see. Aside from that, we are doing a lot of LA finding. Mostly because
it's the only thing we can do while inviting to be the most effective. Haven't
got much so far but we're hopeful that the lord will bless us with someone who
is ready to be taught (or taught again).
There's not to much to
report on in terms of things that have happened, but, Last week we had mission
tour which was fun. I got to learn from Elder Evens, and this last week we got
to pday with some members around Kalasin. I already sent you and mom a ton of
pictures that a member took, so you can sift through those if you want!
Everything sounds pretty
good back at home. By the way, how is that new book you are reading? Tell me
more about it. I've recently gotten in to some theology books (just the ones
that president approved plus some stuff on lds.org)
and they are way good. If you have a chance to read any from CS Lewis, they are
exceptionally good. Mere Christianity is a basic and concise summary of what
most Christians believe (a few of which our church does not share, but it's
still great to help understanding other sects of christianity). The weight of
Glory is a compilation of essays that Lewis has written about Christianity.
Those are fantastic as well, his first essay is great, and his one about
forgiveness is definitely a close second. There are a few more, but I'd end up
writing too much. Give the other two I mentioned a read when you have the
chance!
Thanks for sending off
the christmas package! You and Mom are the best. As always let me know if there
is anything you two would want from Thailand!
Wish you the best!
Elder Latimer
เอ็ลเดอร์ ลาทีเมอร์
November 19, 2017
Hey Dad, How’s it going?
I love the face2face, I
had a chance to listen to the last one on a previous p-day. From what I am
aware of since it's on LDS.org it's not
against the rules. If it's already up, I might just listen to it while I email
everyone this p-day.
I hope Jake is doing
better! How was he when you went to see him? LSAT sounds like a huge hassle!
Just out of curiosity, what all does it cover? What classes do you need to take
to prepare for it beforehand?
I'm glad to hear that
Josh and Lettie are doing great as usual. And as for things at the home front,
things seem to be going well so far.
So as for investigators,
we have too progressing investigators (the siblings) who are making advances,
slowly, but advances none the less. We also have two new promising
investigators who were actually referrals from elders in other areas. We've
talked to both of them on the phone and they seem very interested in the
church.
This week we also got to
go on a switch of with the elders in Mahasarakam, which was way dope. We had a
way busy day, and got to visit some investigators, La's and even got to give a
blessing! It was nice to have a full and busy day. I hadn't had a day like that
since Chiangmai. But it's all good, I love kalasin nonetheless!
In other news we were
able go harvest rice. We got a ton of pictures and videos. I'll send those
over. Aside from that, I think that's all I have for this week.
Wish you and mom the
best! Have a great thanksgiving!
- Elder
Latimer
November 28, 2017
Hey Dad!
Thanks for the
Thanksgiving wishes! From what I've heard and read from you and Mom, it seems
that Thanksgiving back at home was a blast. They don't really celebrate
Thanksgiving here in Thailand, but usually we are able to find and American
Member in one of the wards we are in who is willing to take us in. Well this
year wasn't one of those years, so we didn't have a traditional Thanksgiving
meal, but we did pound down about $10 worth of KFC here (which is a ton of food
in Thailand) and after that, we went to Mahasarakam for to shop for phones. The
Elders down there know a member who could get us a pretty sizable discount, so
we got permission from the ZL's to go down there for the rest of that day.
After we bought phones, we went back to the Mahasarakham church for scripture
class which was great! We just read and discussed 2-3 chapters but afterwards
all of the members and missionaries shared what they were grateful for. It was
way sweet.
The work in Kalasin is
still a slow burner. We contact a lot but not too much success, and we're
trying to work with members more, but it's just a bit of a challenge since
everyone works until 6! But we'll keep on keeping on. We've actually been
blessed with a ton of referrals from other areas, who should be coming in to
our area by Christmas time, so I'm incredibly hopeful for that! My companion
Elder Fukino, is going home, which is kind of sad, because he was way chill,
and great with members, and someone from my group is coming up to be my
companion. I'm hyped about that, he likes to run so I might finally have a
companion who will want to go running in the mornings!
I'm way jealous of you
guys! Mexico sounds like a blast! Be sure to send pictures!
For right now we are not
participating in the #LightTheWorld campaign, but as soon as we get cell phones
we will (We're allowed to use facebook since the change was implemented).
Oak and Urn (the
siblings) are still progressing slowly, but, we finally got their mom to agree
to help us sit down and teach them, so we're hoping that will really help the
see the importance of the gospel. Their mom is a return missionary, so she
probably knows some tricks that we don't so I'm super excited to learn from
her!
Oh, by the way, I did
get my phone, and it's actually pretty nice since I got it for a discounted
price. I think that if all goes well, I might use this one when I go back home
as well! Thanks for going through all of that hassle for me! We were going to
get our phones back from the office on transfers, but I've just recieved word
that we will actually be getting them back during zone conference, which lucky
for me should be in the beginning of December, since we are having Stake
Conference and Zone conference back to back. The good news is, I think that we
may be able to use the phones to skype, which will make it a lot less of a
hassle to get in touch with you guys! We might even be able to use facebook video
chat and set up a group!
Right now I think I'm
good on stuff! Thank you and Mom so much for everything! I'll talk to you next
week (I'm not sure if it will be on Monday or not since Zone conference will be
coming up the beginning of this next month) Talk to you soon!
- Elder Latimer
เอ็ลเดอร์ ลาทีเมอร์
December 3, 2017
What up Mom?
I'm still in Kalasin,
but I have a new companion. His name is Elder Brinkerhoff, and he's from Utah!
Well Technically Indiana, but he spent most of his life in Utah, so I'm not
really sure if that counts or not! We are actually from the same group, but I'm
the senior companion so that's pretty dope, I'll be sure to abuse my new power
as much as possible in the upcoming weeks.
I hear that Elder Smith
was going to visit the Kumpawapi are last transfer! Did he go to church there
yesterday? I miss Kumps a ton! I joked in an email with president about sending
me back, and he actually seemed pretty open to it, so I have my fingers crossed
for the next upcoming transfers! I love Elder Smith! I'm kind of sad that I
won't be able to see him, but it's all chill. He's going to Provo and I'm
trying to transfer there, or somewhere in Utah, So I'm sure I'll see him
around! So I've been talking to Jake and Hailey and it sounds like they've
decided on August third, So I think I may ask president to release me a week or
two early. It'll be sad to not leave with my group, but it is a sacrifice that
I would be more than happy to make to go to Jake and Haileys wedding!
I'm glad Christmas
planning/decorating is going great! It's so exciting that you guys are going to
Mexico for Christmas break! Are Josh and Lettie going to go as well, or are
they going to stay back in Idaho for Christmas break? I've heard about the
light the world campaign but I don't know what's needed to participate, so if
you could send me a calendar, that would be much appreciated!
I always love to hear
Convert Stories. Brother Stevens sounds like an amazing person! Tell him I said
hi and am so happy for his decision to join the church! He sounds like he has
an amazing testimony. I think It's stories like this that show just how important
members can be in someone’s conversion, I know that in Thailand especially,
there are a lot of people who are interested in the church but are afraid to
come because they don't feel welcomed! and Vise Versa, There are those who at
first are not interested but are immediately pulled in because they feel the
love and support of the members at the church.
Huh, I didn't think the
insurance company would have to get involved with that Korean lady haha!
I'm glad you don't have to pay out of pocket, but I'm sad you have to deal with
all of that!
oh and
by the way, Thanks for the christmas package! I've been needing socks for
forever, and now I finally have a formal pair of dress shoes again (my other
pair got destroyed after extensive use). I've been walking around on rubber
shoes, which I think, I might stick with for most of my mission. They are
cheap, durable, and best part is they dry out super quickly when i rains, so I
don't have to worry about wet shoes! But the shoes that you sent me we be great
for my Zone conferences. interviews, general authority visits, and homecoming!
Oh and the Sour patch kids are delicious Haha, Thank You! I know I was supposed
to wait, but I'm glad I didn't, Almost of the socks that I had at the beginning
of my mission had disappeared!
I wish you the best and
will Talk to you later (and send some pictures as well!)
Talk to you later
Ya boi josef
ยาบอยโจเฃฟ
December 12, 2017
Hey Dad! What's Good
It's all good, you
didn't miss me, I am actually still at an internet cafe, just downloading some
videos to upload. I hope that your flight went well!
Our zone conference was
a ton of fun! Usually in the Thailand Bangkok Mission, we have a special
Christmas to commemorate Christmas, we had a ton of dope activities! We had a
white elephant gift exchange which was a ton of fun, a few mini games, and we
got to watch a movie (the best two years) which is, as always, a blast.
We actually had our zone conference in a small area called Burriram, because
the day before we had stake conference. Because of this unusual switch up, the
missionaries got to stay a couple of nights in a way nice hotel. It was a ton
of fun!
My comp is Elder
Brinkerhoff. He's alright. Our investigators that we are working with right
now, are two kids who are the children of a recently returned LA, and the
husband of a recent convert. The kids are great, bit are facing challenges with
things that most teenagers deal with (not reading, not opening up about
questions and concerns, girls, you get probably get the picture). So we are
slowly going through that with them. As for the husband who we are working
with, well one roadblock is that he is always working somewhere other than
Kalasin, so we can almost never meet with him. But we will try and find a way
to make it work! As for church, we have a bout a regular attendance of 45 but I
have a goal to try and raise it to 50 by the end of the transfer, I'll try and
remember to update you on that!
As for this week, I
don't think I have anything else! Let me know if you want anything. As of now I
am looking for a nativity set for Mom, but if you want anything just shoot me
an email!
- Sincerely
Elder Latimer
- เอ็ลเดอร์ รัก
December 31, 2017
Hey Dad. So I think I've
found some spare time to write you (Thai food always has the possibility of destroying your stomach). It
was great to talk with you and Mom as well! It was a ton of fun! It was a bit
weird just because of the delay and other errors (Skype is the worst sometimes)
but other than that it was fantastic! I'm glad we don't have to worry about
payphone either! That's always a plus!
Thailand is fantastic. I
feel like it's one of the only places that I could serve in and not lose my
mind. If I had to door knock all day I think I would go crazy (they send all
the strong missionaries to those kind of missions) thankfully my mission isn't
too monotonous and has a decent amount of everything. It's weird I just
finished my black out year (the only time I will spend a full year, January to
December, serving in Thailand). It seems like it has ton by fast, but in a way
not fast at all. I look forward to see what the next eight months bring.
I heard
about Jake and Hailey! That's so fantastic! I'm glad to see that they are both
taking positive steps forward in their relationship! I can't wait to hear about
when he finally pops the question!
I
already celebrated new years and it was great! We went over to a member’s house
in the rice fields for lunch and then I stayed up till twelve to watch the new
year role in. They even had fireworks it was great. All the stray dogs lost it,
it was hilarious to watch them run around!
My new
year’s goals include: learning 10 new words a day,
Reading
2 chapters of the book of Mormon a day in Thai and English, and finding tons of
new and cool things to do during my mission. Both in proselyting and on p-days.
Those
all sound like way cool books! I'm really interested on hearing more about the
Jesus the Christ book. I've read it through two or three times during my
mission and have started listening to the audio in the morning to keep me
awake. It's one of my favorite missionary books.
Well
that's about all I have for now. We're going to go see a dinosaur museum which
is cool. I've already went but my comp hasn't so we're going again!
Wish
you and Mom the best!
Happy
New Year
- Elder
Latimer เอ็ลเดอร์ รัก
January 9, 2018
Hey Papa:
It's okay, it's great to
hear from you! My new year was good but my feelings have been rattled a little
ever since I found out both me and my comp were moving out of Kalasin. It's
just so sad because the members here are so awesome and we had recently picked
up some pretty promising investigators, but I trust the new elders coming in
will to a great job and taking care of the area. I'm going to Sagonakan (where
you go to eat dogs) and my comp is going to Bangkapi (my old area in Bangkok).
I'm still a little excited because me and my new comp (I don't know who it is
yet) are replacing the sisters that were there which means that I am finally
going to be in a four elder house! I'm excited for this new opportunity and
will let you know who things turn out next week!
That's hilarious about
Noel haha! Keep me updated on the Shenanigans!
Well the work here was
slowly getting better, we had gotten some referrals that were great! But now
that I'm moving I'm gonna have to help the other investigators learn how to
help then progress haha!
I did hear about President
Monson it is so sad to see him go, but I look forward to see what the future
will bring for the president. I wonder who will be brought onto the quorum now!
I think that right now I
am good on stuff. I will let you know if there is anything that I need, but
right now I am all good!
Sorry for the short
email but I've got to get a ton of stuff put together haha.
Good look! I wish you and mom a great week
January 14, 2018
Hey All!
So this
week has been a crazy mix of switch ups. I whitewashed out of กาฬสินธุ์ (Kalasin) and
white washed into (สกลนคร) which has been a huge change. The area here is a lot bigger
than Kalasin and the members here are also so amazing and kind! I think that
this is actually Collin’s greeny area so he'll know a lot more about it than I
do. My comp and I replace the sisters who used to be here so most of the
transition has been me and my comp trying to figure out what to do and picking
up where the sisters left off. My comp name is Elder Pflueger. He was also
Decker’s comp in the MTC. He's pretty chill. We've been working with members
and it's worked it's worked our pretty well so far. A member took us out to
visit some people on Saturday and we got 3 new investigators out of that!
On Sunday
we met with the rest of the members for the first time, and they are so nice.
The one elder who did stay was telling me that they post a ton of pictures of
the Elders, so be on the look out for that.
Brother รัก (his name is
pronounced "rack" but is spelled "luck" in romanized). Is
so awesome! He was in the Samutprakan church but moved to Bangkapi. He's way
chill and I still talk to him all the time! If we come back here for spring
break or something like that, we'd have to meet up with him.
That's so
exciting to hear about the Murray's and the future children! It's so strange to
see how everyone has grown up and had their own kids. And I'm for sure going to
have to write Laura and welcome her to missionary life. I'm assuming her email
is just Laura.hinze@myldsmail.net so I'll give it
a shot!
I hope that
Both of your callings (just for the record I'm writing you both right now from
the house since me and the other elders are to lazy to leave right now haha. So
you may see some things that don't correspond with your email specifically but
will match up with Mom or Dads) are going well. I always love to hear about
that kind of stuff!
Unfortunately
I was not able to watch President Monson’s funeral but I'm not yet sure whether
we will be able to watch Nelson’s announcement.
In other
weird news. We crashed a funeral. We had a member who wanted us to go help
comfort her friend at a funeral. Well we showed up and the friend wasn't there and
by that time the member had gone to talk with friends. So we just sat with some
strangers and ate all of their chicken and soda. Funny thing is, no one even
questioned why we were there. So I think we might crash so more funerals to
save money on food
Oh also we
planted a mango tree. I'll send a picture
I've been
talking to Jake and Hailey and they both seem way good for each other! I can't
wait to be updated on when he finally pops the question.
Miss you
guys! I'll try and send pictures if we ever make it to an internet cafe!
See you in
a cool minute
- Elder
Latimer
เอ็ลเดอร์ รัก
