The first was Brother Noi, who brought his wife. They cut and sell fruit for a living, so they don't have a lot of money. They were really nice, humble people, and we had a great discussion about Christ's role in our lives and of His atonement. Buddhism teaches that at the end of life, your good deeds and bad deeds are weighed, and if you had more good than bad, things in the next life will be easier, and if you did more bad things, life will be harder and less pleasant. The idea of being able to receive complete and total forgiveness for any sins in the past is a foreign concept, and one that they were excited about. They accepted a baptismal date and were just very sweet to talk with. We could only meet them once this week though, because they're always trying to sell stuff to make ends meet. I hope we'll be able to meet with them again.
The other was Max, whom we visited at his house. I actually contacted his father or uncle or something, who gave me the business number. When I called it, I talked to Max. He told us we could drop by, so we did. We sat down and just talked with him and his wife and answered their questions and helped them see how Christ's gospel could help them. They were also pretty excited, and accepted a return appointment.
We met Golf and taught the Word of Wisdom. We had some great member help and used the scriptures well. He committed to quit smoking and drinking, and seemed happy about it. These are problems that seem more prevalent here. Sometimes I'm a bit surprised that these people are willing to let go of their vices and quit year-old addictions because some 20 year-old kids ask them to. But it doesn't come from us, and they recognize truth and see a light. It's so rewarding to see their lives change as they embrace it.
Golf has a date for the 20th of December. Something came up on Sunday morning and he couldn't come to church though, which was disappointing. He can still make it.
That's it for this week!
Elder Parish
1. Ok, so this week was ลอยกระทง, the floating lantern festival. After seeing Tangled, I was way excited. It turns out that the ones that float in the sky have been banned, and now they just do the ones that float on water. Releasing a lantern is considered "doing boon," or doing a good deed. The lanterns are made out of a slice of banana tree trunk with banana leaves ornamentally folded and attached to make them pretty. We made some with the members (for recreation, not boon).
2. The one on the left is mine :D
At the event.
Last P-day we went to a massive market down by Cambodia, which meant some good prices. I got a "Rolex" for way cheap :D
Thanksgiving dinner, at a cook-your-own food buffet with some members.
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