Bad accident for mom

I accidentally ran into a heavy solid box while holding a box and tripped into the box with full momentum.  My leg hurt so much

Trip to Yellowstone with Marissa

On Saturday, September 29, 2018

Mark, Betsy and Marissa drove up from Rexburg, ID to Yellowstone West Entrance to see the amazing natural wonders of the National Park.

At the very beginning of our journey we on set of directions told us to get off at an early exit and continue for 50 miles.  We got off but then we noticed there were no more signs for Yellowstone. After about 7 minutes, we pulled over and checked directions from another source on Betsy's phone.  Sure enough, we were on the wrong road.  We quickly returned to the main road and continued up another one and a half through Idaho and over to Montana before entering Yellowstone Park in Wyoming.

Mark had been to Yellowstone once before as a child, but Betsy and Marissa had never been there.  It was so exciting to see so many amazing and different natural landforms, and animals that we had never seen before in the wild.

We saw buffalo and elk.  We were actually able to get within 10 feet of seeing a huge buffalo.  We also got to walk in a pasture with two dozen buffalo grazing or laying around.  It was incredible.  We saw geysers and hot pools where the water is over 212 degrees Fahrenheit (over boiling hot). 

We went to see Ole' Faithful blow.  We were there about 15 minutes before the geyser blew, but sure enough, it blew just as expected and it blew about 80 fee straight up in the air.  This geyser doesn't blow for very long, but it is very predictable and that is why it is so famous.  We walked around the trails that take people to see other geysers.  Some were erupting and some were calm.  Even the calm ones were amazing to me.  It is just amazing to witness natural powers coming up from the core of our planet.

At around 4:00 we stopped to take another path out to see a waterfall.  On the map it looked like it was only a half mile walk - it turned out to be a 5 mile walk round trip.  Once we realized we were on a longer than expected path we had to decide if we would continue or not.  We committed to the path and continued on.  Half way on the path we saw another path to an observation point.  We walked up the mountain to the plateau from where we could oversee the amazing painted mineral stains of another geyser.  This is one of the things Marissa wanted to see while we were in the park.  It was so beautiful.  We realized we would have never seen this amazing sight if we had turned back.

Continuing on, it seemed to take forever to get to the waterfall.  We walked through woods with no one else around.  Betsy even started to worry about bears (there were warning signs).  Luckily with the three of us we were loud enough to scare off any bear (not that there were any).  Finally we made it to a beautiful waterfall; we were able to get right up next to it.  We could have gone it but it was much colder in Wyoming and it was near sunset.  We knew we had to walk briskly to get back to the car before it started to get dark.

As we were leaving there was a huge back up of cars.  We couldn't figure out what was causing the delay.  We had hoped it wasn't an accident since it's a small road.  Betsy climbed out her window to get a better look.  The delay was a three buffalo crossing the road.  No getting around that.  After they finished crossing the road, it was still a very slow drive because everyone wanted to see the buffalo.  One of the buffalo was rolling around on the ground as if he were playing.  It was spectacular to watch.

We had a wonderful time.  We wish we had more time to spend in Yellowstone.  It really requires a whole day or even a few days to see it all.  So many natural wonders to see and admire.

When we returned to Rexburg we had a wonderful dinner at Applebees with Marissa before taking her back to her apartment and us to the hotel.

Two days in Rexburg

REXBURG

On Friday, September 28, 2018 we drove from Provo, Utah to Rexburg, ID.  It was approximately a three to four hour drive.  NOT BAD.  Mark has been to Rexburg about 40 years ago - way too long; Betsy has never been to Rexburg.  We are excited to get there and see what life will be like for Marissa.

We were able to find her apartment complex with no problem.  We met some of her roommates, and got a tour of the apartment and the complex.  Then, Marissa took us on a walking tour of the campus.  She is only one block north of campus.  The facilities are amazing.  They have a huge work out building, an indoor running track, basketball and volleyball courts and and amazing auditorium that is similar to the conference center in SLC.  It can hold up to 15,000 people.  We ill be attending stake conference in there on Sunday because they are dividing 5 stakes to create 6.  

She showed us all the buildings that she has classes in - Ezra T. Benson (science and nursing), Taylor (religion), and these beautiful gardens.  The campus is landscaped in such a way that it makes the campus so peaceful.  It really invites the spirit while walking through the gardens.  We also saw the student center that is like the Wilkensen center at BYU Provo.  

On our walk home some guys from her mission called out to her.  No matter where she goes, people love her.  We had dinner at Cafe Rio.  There actually are a lot of good places to eat there.  It is much bigger than we expected.  Some of the nicest things are that the Rexburg temple is just Southeast of campus and in walking distance.  There also are amazing sports fields and running tracks.  

Saturday 

Two days in Provo

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018, Mark and I flew from Louisville to Salt Lake City to visit with the kids out west.  Our first two and a half days were spent in the Provo, Orem area. 

We got in around 11 and drove straight to Provo, checked into the Residence Inn and then picked up Chick-fil-A for everyone for lunch.  Jessica, Tate, and Devon met us at Jessica and Tate’s apartment to eat lunch.  Jessica nursed Cayson and we all ate lunch together before Jessica, and Tate went back to work.  After lunch and some playtime with Cayson, Betsy took Devon out shopping for new suits while Mark played with Cayson and did some work (never gets time off).

We found a great looking blue suit for Devon at Macy’s and the perfect tie to match.  Then we went over to Jos. A. Banks to get him a good black suit.  I hope he will wear the black suit for the wedding.  We had to order the pants so when they come in and hem them, Devon can go out and pick the suit up.  I also got him two new white shirts.

Sierra had to work and then go to school to take a test so she was not able to join us for dinner.  As it is tradition, we took Jessica to Olive Garden.  Actually, because she loves pasta so much, Tate and Jessica had “Never-ending” pasta passes.  Their dinners were already paid for.  We took Cayson with us - he was a champ!!!  

Just as we were finishing dinner, Sierra finished her test.  She decided to rush over to Olive Garden (without telling us, but by the time she got there, we had left).  Luckily, she called Devon so we turned around and returned to Olive Garden to meet her.  We convinced her to order her meal ‘to-go” and take it back to Jessica and Tate’s so we could all talk and hang out more.  

It’s a shame we didn’t think it through - we should have spent the rest of the night with just Devon and Sierra and talked to them about the wedding and their future plans … oops.

Thursday was Jessica’s day to babysit Lola, so Mark and I spent the day with her at her apartment.  At first, Lola was not happy to see strangers come visit (burst into tears when Jessica left the room), but after a while she warmed up to Betsy.  For lunch, we took Jessica, Tate, Cayson and Lola to Chipotle and ate outside because it was such a beautiful day.  Cayson and Lola were awesome at the restaurant.  Tate went back to work and we returned to the apartment.  Mark and I took Lola for a walk while Jessica nursed Cayson and then later we all went for a short walk to enjoy the beautiful outdoor weather.  The kids were fantastic.  After Lola’s mom picked her up, Betsy and Jessica went out on a little “Girls retreat” and got our nails done.  We were back home by 6:00 to meet everyone for dinner.

Devon had class in the morning and them STEM interviews in the afternoon.  I hope he prepared well and went with his resume and a dose of confidence.   After Devon finished with STEM he had to run over to finish his job.  Sierra doesn’t get off until 5:30 and Tate doesn’t usually get home until 6:00 so it all worked out well for dinner plans.  

For dinner we went to Zuppa’s.  Sierra met us there.  It was nice to finally have some time to talk with her, but the restaurant was noisy and she sat on the far side of the table so I didn’t get to talk to her much … but Mark did :).  Zuppa’s was the perfect dinner for everyone, even Cayson - he was soo good.  After Zuppa’s we drove over to Dairy Queen for FREE blizzards.  We are stuffed and now frozen.  YIKES!  After DQ we all went back to Jessica and Tate’s to talk.  

Friday morning we went to Jessica’s to babysit Cayson for a few hours while she works a half day.   We checked out of the hotel and made it to her place by 8:10 AM.  She gave us the run down and then left.  

So something really cool happened at this time.  I was going to go on a breakfast run, but waited to make sure Cayson went back to sleep.  Then I finally decided to go.  On the way I made a phone call to Lowe’s regarding our carpet.  I was on hold when I arrived at the place, so I waited in the car.  While waiting I got a strong prompting to get out of the car even though I was on hold with Lowe’s.  I followed the prompting and just as I got out of the car, My niece Alex walked right by.  We immediately recognized each other and were so surprised to see each other at that exact moment.  I can’t thank my Heavenly Father enough for prompting me to get out of the car when it did, otherwise I would have missed seeing my beautiful niece.  We got our breakfast and drinks and then she showed me where she works - it was right next door.  She introduced me to the people she works with.  She is such a great person.  Everyone loves her.  I was so happy I had the chance to see her.

Back at the apartment, Mark and I had so much fun watching over Cayson, playing with him, getting him to laugh and smile and feeding and burping him.  HE is such a great baby.  The time flew.  Jessica was back at 12:15 PM and then we had to say good-bye.  We are headed up to Rexburg to see Marissa for two day and a half days with her.  

New Pathway Connect season begins

Thursday night was the first night back at Pathway Connect after a long 6 week break.

Mark and I had to divide up. 

Mark taught the MATH course to the First Pathway Group.  They will be graduating in December.  This group started with 18 and now we are down to 9.  The reasons vary, but most of the departures are moves away from the area (Murray), distance was too far (Scott, Tanner, Alvis, Olivia), or going on missions (Tyler, Asher).

Betsy taught the new LIFE SKILLS course to the Newest Pathway Group.  They are just starting.  This group is at 10 members right now.  I hope everyone stays committed and finishes all the way through the entire year.  We have one non-member in our group.  I hope it does not become an issue.

More preparation on the house

This week the new windows were installed on 9/18/18, and the carpet people came back to fix the spots they missed and to put the carpet in the bathroom they missed.

I wish people had the same work ethic Mark and I have.  These workers try to do as little as possible and get away with it... the thing is ... you never get away with it.

I have found so many mistakes or things that needed to be corrected.

Today the window people had to come back to fix all of their mistakes.  They were here from 10 am to 1 PM . YIKES!!!

Week 15: Phuket, here I come

So this week has been insane to say the least! Literally insane. Too much has happened that I honestly can't write it all. 

So there were too many miracles this week and the Lord is truly blessing me personally as well as my companion. To start, we found so many new investigators this week who seem to be ready to hear the gospel. It had been frustrating a little bit in the past weeks because it seemed like we were working so hard and none of our investigators were progressing, but we found so many new people and got so many referrals! 

ต้น is one of the referrals we got and he has been to church two weeks in a row. He doesn't really understand too much about this gospel but he has a desire to learn, which is the key. We have taught him a couple lessons and invited him to be baptized … and he accepted! He is such a cool guy to teach and I really hope he gets baptized in the near future. 

Another crazy referral this week was this older lady, ป้า ดา, who had been really sick lately. There was a good possibility that she had developed มะเร็ง (cancer). She had been to the hospital multiple times and then got a blessing from the Elders Quorum President. The next day she found out she didn't have cancer and started feeling a little better. She then said she wanted to be baptized just because of the power of that blessing. TheElders Quorum President told her she needed to take the lessons from the Elders which is where we come in. We have taught her some really great lessons and we can see how strong her faith is. We have given her another blessing and visited her at the hospital this week. I care about this old lady so much already and I barely know her. I think it's just crazy the way God opens my heart to love these people so much. 

So about 2 weeks ago we went inviting and talked to this girl for maybe 30 seconds. We invited her to come to church with us and she said she would but we never saw her after that. That was until we open the door after church on Sunday and she is just sitting on a bench right outside the church. She told us she had been looking for the church all day and was just waiting for us to teach her. It was unbelievable! We began teaching her how to pray to her Heavenly Father and she loved it. By the end of the week she accepted a baptismal date. Some people are just prepared and when the Lord just hands you these people, all I can feel is gratitude in my heart. 

Another thing I just love about Thailand is the opportunities I get to serve everyday. Especially this week we did some service projects in the hot and humid sun and I was so drenched by the end of it all. In Thailand I honestly feel like I am always wet. It's even humid in the house so after I get out of the shower I start sweating! Its awesome!!!, and I seriously love this mission and the opportunity to be a missionary to bless people's lives and serve them. 

This week there has also been such a huge progress in my language ability. I had worried about it so much in past weeks but this week I just decided to relax and forget about myself and get to work. So that's what I did and my language improved so much. I feel way more comfortable talking with people and leading lessons all of the sudden. I don't know why but the Lord is looking over me so much right now. 

Transfer stuff:

Transfers are this week! This is my first transfers in country. We were anticipating a call all of Tuesday night and eventually the President called and said that my trainer will be training someone else next transfer. What?  We didn't know if that meant I was leaving or if he was leaving. My companion kept telling me I would leave because otherwise he would whitewash an area. Finally we get a phone call and the AP says Elder Davis will be staying and that I will be staying as well...in another area lol. 

I have enjoyed this area, Chiang Rai, so much and I am going to miss it more than you can imagine. That's right...I will be leaving Chiang Rai after one transfer. I was super bummed. I have felt the love for all these people and I feel like I just got here. I truly care for and love these people with all my heart and this place will be deeply missed. I will never forget this time here in Chiang Rai. 

Well, when I got the phone call the AP said that I needed to be sitting down because he had some insane news for me. He then told me that I would be going to Phuket!! For those who don't know, Chiang Rai is the most northern part of Thailand and Phuket is the most southern. So in the next day I will be traveling to the opposite end of the country. I have heard only great things and I can't wait to get there and start working again. I know the Lord wants me in Phuket for a specific reason so I'm just going to keep trying to be the best missionary I can be and keep this work moving forward. The Phuket area was just opened up about 6 transfers ago and only 5 elders have served there. I will be the 6th and the first greenie so wish me luck! 

Love you all so much and I'm so grateful for the support. I still haven't met my new trainer but his name is Elder Tu. I have heard only great things!! I will be in Phuket next time I email and I'm ready for the adventure that will soon begin. 

Love 

Elder Lowe 

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1) doing some service in the hot sun

2) talking with a person about Jesus Christ

3) the legacy of former missionaries in Chiang Rai

4) talking with people on the streets with comp

5) baptism of sister หนึ่ง

Week 14: One month in Thailand in the books

Week 14: 1 month in the books

ทุกคนที่ผมรักมากฯเลย. ผมอยู่ทั่วประเทศไทยเดือนหนึ่งแล้ว. ผมเรียนรู้มากจากประสบการณ์นี้ตัวอย่างเช่นคนไทยใจดีและการรับไช้เป็นสิ่งที่สำคัญ. มันให้ช่วยผู้คนรู้ศึกความรักของพระเจ้า. 

Wow time flies by because  this week I reached my one month mark in country. I've already experienced so many amazing things and can't believe I still have about 2 years of incredible experiences to come. 

So this week started off with a Zone Conference. Monday night we packed up and headed to Chiang Mai for our Zone Conference which is only 3 hours away, so it wasn't too bad at all. We got to stay at this sweet hotel with American and Thai breakfast. For Zone Conference we had Elder Homer, who is an Area Seventy in Asia. The meeting was so so good and we talked a lot about how we can become the most effective missionary. Something I really liked was that we need to talk with everyone because God puts them in our path at a specific time and place for us to open our mouths. It doesn't matter most times what we say if they have been prepared. Later that day we got to meet with this guy who is about to be in the supreme court here in Thailand. He’s been a judge for 33 years and knows one of my companion’s friends so he took us out to dinner. We ended up giving him a Book of Mormon, too, and he said he would read it. Then we got back to Chiang Rai late on Tuesday night. 

Chaing Mai

Robert - the Missionary

With the guy that is about to become a Supreme Court Judge in Thailand

Wednesday morning we visited sister เก๋ who we hadn't seen in so long since she had been out of town. She told us she didn't need to belong to any religion or church. She is the one who said she has magical powers and has the ability to heal people. Also she has been having visions and intense dreams. Well anyways she says she shouldn't join any church because God has given her this gift so she can be available to help all people in need. We shared a couple of scriptures with her explaining the importance of being a member of Christ’s church but we were respectful, too. I'm not sure what's gonna happen there but we shall see. The saddest thing happened on Wednesday though. This amazing guy we are teaching told us he was moving. This was เบิร์ด, who was the strongest of the people that we were teaching. He had problems with smoking but had a 10 week plan to get over his smoking addiction. He needs to go back to his moms home to take care of her, but there is no church there. We hope he returns back soon so he can feel the joy of being a part of this church. 

เติร์ด, the person we met last week that cried after we bore our testimony, accepted a baptismal date. She is so sick and has a lot of faith. I'm so grateful God put her in our path. 

We got to teach these two referrals from a recent convert. One was from Myanmar and speaks no Thai, so we taught in English - because he knows English. It was a little weird to be talking in English (not gonna lie). The other friend had been to church and had read a lot out of the Book of Mormon. He understood everything we taught so well and I think he will be baptized pretty soon. It's pretty amazing when these Thai people are able to understand and humble themselves and accept our simple but unique message about Christ. 

Lastly, waking up Saturday we walk out our door and there are bananas and snacks on our handlebars and a note. That was so nice!!!  It was from someone we taught once right when I got in country. She said that her daughter had moved to Japan and took the Book of Mormon we left her. Her daughter had apparently been reading it a lot and really enjoyed reading it. However, her mom wanted another copy of the Book of Mormon, so we rushed over there to give her one before going to the bus station to go back to Chiang Mai. We went to Chaing Mai again for a district area conference where I got to see everyone in my zone again and like all the members from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. There were so many people I was shocked! The church is so strong here.  All in all I got to talk with and hear people talking Thai non stop for like 10 hours on Saturday and Sunday. It was awesome!

This has been another great week and I appreciate all the support from all of you! You all are awesome and I miss you all. 

Love 

Elder Lowe 

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New and improved home

Most of the rooms in the house were painted a light gray.

The upstairs was painted "Agreeable Grey":  Robert's room, Marissa's room and the Master bedroom.

Jessica's room was already gray so we didn't change it to match Agreeable gray, but it looks great.

Second, we had all the carpet replaced on the 2nd floor and in the basement.

Out with the old ... in with the new.

Betsy painted the front doors black - looks super nice.