Goin' Fishing

     You know things are heating up in Thailand a little bit when your english and Jesus Pass along cards get soggy in your shirt pocket.

     On pday this week, a few missionaries and I went fishing with some church members to a small pond. (I got to wear my awesome elephant shirt.) The first 15 minutes I caught a small fish, and was very proud of myself for being the first person to catch a fish. Then I didn't catch anything for the rest of the time, and everyone else caught fish that were a heck of a lot bigger than mine.  I think I will just stick to the hobbies that I am good at, like running, piano, and Thai boxing.  

 

     I did another switch off in Bangnaa, with Elder Ton, who is from Burma. He is a funny dude. He taught the security guard some English. (See video.)

     My companion and I go to the 7/11 near our house pretty often to get snacks and other stuff. The workers know us pretty well too. Well, one day my companion and I were walking in a neighborhood and inviting people to know about Christ and inviting them to attend English class.  I saw a teenage girl outside her house and asked her if she was interested in Christ/English, and she laughed, said, "One second!"  ran into the house.  She brought her friend out to look at my companion and me. Then one girl said, "Do you remember me?" I said no, and she said, "I work at 7/11!" Then I realized who she was. 

     Now that the church members know that I play piano, I play every Sunday. Last Sunday I was sitting during church and one of the members came up to speak. Next thing I know everyone in the congregation was standing, holding hymn books. The chorister was looking at me, and said, "Play #15." I had to go Improv mode and just go for it. Somehow I played that piano piece well. Somehow. Any of you piano players out there, prepare for unexpected times to play piano. Shoutout to my piano teacher Mr. Rich for making me sight read during piano lessons sometimes.

     We had Zone conference last Saturday as well, I love those. We play games, we learn from each other, and learn how to become better missionaries.  We played a game where one team had to flip cups to the opposite side, while the other team had to do the opposite, in a certain amount of time. It got ugly, elbows were thrown everywhere, at one point I was lying on the table, and then I was on the floor. Elders can get really competitive at times. My trainer, Elder Cecil, was standing next to me and on the other team, and we were going ham on each other.

     During zone conference, I was talking to Elder Latimer, who was a missionary in my MTC group. I noticed his planner cover photo: A photo of Dwayne Johnson, with a small photo of a house on his head. I asked him about that photo, and he then said: "Always build your house upon the rock!"  I'm going to be sorely disappointed if Elder Latimer doesn't become a famous comedian. He makes me laugh all the time.

     Transfers are this week, so I may be on the other side of the country, or staying for another 6 weeks.

     It's been a good week, lots of ups and downs as always, but I am glad I am serving.  During church, one of the members was teaching a class, and she asked me, "Have you ever wanted to go home?" I replied, "Sometimes, but I know I am doing the Lord's work."

     I can go home in August 2018. But for now, let the work carry on.

-Elder Brinkerhoff