Day Five in Bangkok

We have been blessed to run into several friends from Ayutthaya. Many come to serve as ordinance workers twice a month. It warms our hearts that they have embraced the temple and are serving here. This photo was taken in the welcome center. It has several couches and chairs, videos on temples playing daily, showers, bottles of water, etc. Since Bangkok is a destination temple, it is well used.

Ayutthaya branch president and wife

There is so much energy among the Saints. Love abounds. I hope the enthusiasm here for the gospel and coming together never ends.

I am reminded daily of the creativity of the Thai people. These are a watermelon and a cantaloupe carved into flowers. They were on display for a class in RS to learn to do the art. (The ladies in Ayutthaya are especially skilled in flower arranging.)

Our Airbnb for the first week and a half in May was cancelled. The owner came to our hotel to apologize and give us the news that the complex had clamped down on short term rentals. Airbnb is part of her livelihood. I felt bad for her more than for us. We invited her to church. Maybe she will consider coming.

The temple from the roof of hotel

 Sunday we attended our new ward, the international English speaking ward. There are many countries represented. Most of the women in Relief Society are from the Philippines. Afterwards a potluck was held. We sat at a table with young adult men from Brazil, Pakistan, and a Thai who grew up in Argentina. I wish I had taken their picture because they were all adorable.

Potluck

Gathering for potluck after church is a monthly event for the international ward. (In Ayutthaya it is every week.) 

The members from Myanmar met in another room. Many have had to flee from their country due to the unrest. Dennis spoke to a man from Myanmar and said he heard the branch president had to flee the country. The man said, "I'm the branch president who fled."

Next door to us at the hotel, is the Russian couple who are here for a few weeks to help the Russian members. The husband is also a sealer. He does the ordinances in Russian no matter what language the participants speak. There are language cards for every language needed. I asked the sister what I should call her. She answered that her phone didn't work in Thailand. :-) We finally communicated that her name is Natal'ja. 💖