Week 9 - Arrival in Thailand!

Sister Hammon arrived in Bangkok Thailand!  

From her mom:  On Monday morning I had a wonderful 50 minute conversation with her.  She was nervous but very excited to fly to Thailand.  1000 missionaries were leaving the MTC and flying out during the next 3 days (Monday-Wednesday).  She got up at 3 in the morning to ride the MTC bus to the Provo Frontrunner.  Then they rode to SLC and caught Trax to the airport.  They were instructed to get on a double decker, put the seats up on the lower level where they stacked all their luggage and then ride in the upper level.  Can you imagine all those missionaries?  Must have been crazy.  She flew to Los Angeles and then took a 14 hour flight to Hong Kong and then another 3 hour flight to Thailand.  She arrived in Bangkok around midnight Tuesday (noon our time). 

This if from the email I received from her mission president:

We are happy to report that your daughter arrived safely in Bangkok late last night, clearing passport control early this morning. She spent what was left of the evening in a hotel room with her companion, where she will also stay this evening. She is in good spirits and is anxious to begin laboring in the Lord's vineyard in Thailand. We are thrilled to have her as a missionary in the Thailand Bangkok Mission family.

Sister Carolyn Hammon will join other newly arrived missionaries, together with Sister Johnson and me and the Assistants to the President, at Lumpini Park for a morning devotional. Lumpini Park is the site where then Elder Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the land of Thailand for the preaching of the Gospel in 1966. Sister Hammon will have the opportunity to dedicate and consecrate herself to this most wonderful work.  The new missionaries will be trained by Sister Johnson and me, and later oriented by the Office Couple, Elder and Sister Grange, and the Assistants to the President. New missionaries will have their first experience street contacting in the area followed by dinner at the Mission Home.

Your daughter will receive her first assignment tomorrow morning. Preparation day will be on Monday and she will be able to email you each week.  I am sure she will have much to share regarding her experiences in Thailand, missionary activities and her first Sunday in her assigned area. Your expressions of encouragement and spiritually uplifting email correspondence will be of great support.

Dear Brother and Sister Hammon,

We are pleased tell you that your wonderful daughter, Sister Hammon has been welcomed by the Thailand Bangkok Mission and has been assigned to serve in the Bangnaa, Bangkok East Zone of the Thailand Bangkok Mission.

The missionaries arrived happy, healthy and well prepared from their MTC experience.  Sister Johnson and I hosted the group in our home and we were able to share experiences and a fine meal together while feeling the strength and conviction of their testimony. They are very valiant and carry with them a strong spirit and desire to serve our Heavenly Father.

I have sought the direction of the Lord and have chosen one of our finest missionaries, Sister Budsayamas Fuai-ngarach to be Sister Hammon's  training companion.  I believe this companion will help your daughter to get a great start as a missionary and to experience the joy and vision of missionary service.