A Joyful Week

We had our largest group of Russians, about 26, come to the temple this week. Eight received their own endowment, couples were sealed, and a 15 year old son was sealed to his parents. We had a group from Nepal, a family from India, and of course, many Thais. 

The MTC came alive again this week with 14 missionaries newly called from India. Thirteen received their own endowment and the temple was very busy on Tuesday.  Dennis and I led their first endowment session. It was so fun being with these eager young people as they participated in this house of learning.

On Friday, the early session was overbooked. We can seat 28 people comfortably in each endowment room. We did our best. The next day, it was overbooked again, so we had two sessions running at the same time. Now we've gone to a number card system, a larger card for those who made a reservation, and a smaller standby card for walk-ins.

On Saturday, I was truly blessed. After an hour in the baptistry, witnessing a Russian brother baptize his 15 year-old son for 21 of their deceased relatives, I went to the third floor to greet at the elevator. It is a fun place to stand because you see everyone who comes to participate in ordinances. In walked Brother Nurock and his wife, friends from our previous visits to Thailand. He is now a patriarch. And Chinowat, the brother called as branch president after we left Ayutthaya. How joyful to greet these two faithful brothers whom we love! Hugs for all.

Armenia and Christine, mother and daughter, were in the Russian group. They made this a mother-daughter trip so that Armenia could be sealed in proxy to her parents. Armenia is a seasoned member, joining the church in Armenia in 1965, and Christine was born in the covenant. They both live in Russia now with their husbands.

Armenia and Christina before the fall.

Their flight didn't leave until 10PM Sunday night. After church, they decided to go to the nearest Buddhist temple to experience Thai culture after being in the LDS temple all week. While walking on the uneven sidewalks of Bangkok,  Armenia tripped and cut her lip quite severely and banged her head. Dennis and the full time elders gave her a blessing to heal and be able to make it home all right.

Brother Yaay has become a good friend and brings us something tasty each week--usually fruits and veggies. He brought a jar of strawberry jam this week. I tell him he needs a wife, but he is a little shy. Any takers?

Friends from Ayutthaya came to attend the Family History workshop and to work in the temple. Dennis took a moment to pose with Baidery, who is a temple facilities worker here, Wichuda and her daughter Holly, who came to the workshop, and Sister Saaw, who is an ordinance worker.

Our Thai neighbors went home for a few days--the ones who bring us Thai food daily. But as soon as they returned, she brought us fried bananas, roasted cashews, and mango sticky rice to make up for the days they were gone. They are the best neighbors!

I taught Relief Society this morning. The lesson was based on President Nelson's talk, "Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys." The discussion went well, and the sisters participated. The sweetest part of it was a little three-year old, curly blonde-headed girl named Bailey, stood beside me through about half of the lesson, leaning into my skirt. She was so sweet and calm. Having her beside me took my mind off my jitters.

I tried to show a video about latter-day temples at the end of the lesson, but couldn't get the computer and the screen to connect. Oh well. Everyone understands about technology failure. The RS councillor sent out the link later that afternoon so everyone could watch it. 

Happy birthday to our grandson, Teddy, who turned 11 years old, and our twin granddaughters, Nellie and Rosie, now 13, and to Aunt LaPreal who is an amazing 95!