Ether 5:5

HAPPY KEASTER!!!
How was everyone's Easter Sunday? Did you do anything fun like hunting Easter eggs? Did the Easter bunny visit you? Kelsie, your letter was SO cute, and thank you so much for thinking of me! You are right, my favorite color is Yellow! Thanks for remembering! : ) The pictures, sorry, I always forget to explain them! The yellow one is of these beautiful trees they have EVERYWHERE here. They look like just normal trees with leaves most of the year, but during the hot season they bloom into these beautiful yellow flowers. One of the ward members told us that when you see those starting to bloom you know it is about time for Songkran. Songkran is the huge water festival they have every year to celebrate the Thai New Year. It is coming up this weekend, and I am SO excited! Yes, that one is out front of the church, which is REALLY small. And the other one is outside at a ward party we had with everyone last week that was SO fun! And yeah I am a little sunburned! Always! The members here always laugh at me cuz I tell them that I want to be dark like them, and they are like, "But you aren't getting dark, you are just getting red". My response in English is always, "I'm Irish, ok?" And they all just laugh, cuz they have no idea what I am saying, but they know I am pretending to be put out about it! By the way, thank you so much for all of your answers to my question. I loved hearing why church is so important for all of you. And Mom, you are SO right. It is important to everyone for different reasons at different ages and different understanding of the gospel, and of what the sacrament, and the Atonement means to us all individually.
Our week was awesome! We had an FHE at a members restaurant and Sis. Tano made Japanese food, and I made American food (spaghetti) and everyone came and ate. It was way fun! It is really hard to cook in Thailand though. Then, this weekend we finally got to watch conference. We didn't really have an Easter Sunday, cuz no one in Thailand knows what that is. I don't even think half the members knew what it was. But we got to celebrate by watching conference in English, which was awesome! I feel like conference is like Christmas but better! Every talk had something that was meant for me, and all of the questions I had were answered so perfectly! I am just amazed at how blessed we are to have modern day prophets who talk to God! So amazing! So I really loved all of the talks, but here are a few (a lot) of my favorite things that were said, that really made me think.
What we do now will determine the service we will be able to give in the future. -Elder Hales
No pain will last forever.-President Packer
The way to rise through and above challenges is to remember that God has said, "I will never forsake thee".-President Eyring
It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I knew I had to do it, so I did.-President Eyring
We are not in a race with others as to who is the most beautiful, talented, blessed; we are in a race against sin.-Elder Holland
Coveting does not elevate your standing, so be kind, and be grateful God is kind.-Elder Holland
No matter how talent-less you think you are, you are not out of the reach of God's love.-Elder Holland
Step Up! Do it for your sake, do it for the sake of those who are praying for you, do it for the sake of your Savior. It is NEVER too late.-Elder Holland
Jesus will be on your right side, and on your left side, to buoy you up. -Elder Anderson
Be not afraid, only believe. -Elder Anderson
In his darkest hour, he began to pray. -Elder Anderson
He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself. -Elder Anderson
Our souls will be riveted on the question, "What thinks Christ of me?" -Elder Anderson
All of conference was SO amazing and I feel like I have so much to work on. I was definitely shown my own weaknesses, but I also felt how much God loves me and I know without any doubt that he loves all of you more that you know. He is always there with His arms open, waiting for us to come unto Him. Mom, could you do me a huge favor and send me a copy of the Conference Ensign when it comes out next month, please? I can't wait to read all those talks again! The priesthood session was amazing too!
Anyway, I love you all SO much. Someone asked me today what my birthday wish for next week is, and here is what I said, "My wish for my birthday is that all of my family and friends will be truly happy and understand how deeply they are loved by our Heavenly Father and by me, too!" So I hope you all know that!
One last quote from conference, cuz it explains my feelings so well.
"I desire with all my heart to do God's will, and to serve Him, and to serve you." -President Monson, so what can I do to serve you, my family, this week?
Love you, and can't wait to hear from you next week!
Jess