Un Poquito Espanol?

What a week! - I know I said that last week so I guess it's more like: What a Transfer!
We've been doing so much I haven't written in my journal for a week!

To start, I think I had a cold. Either that or my allergies kicked me in the face. Hermana Hill has been suffering from sickness. Her stomach has been bothering her so she had to go home. We went on exchanges a few times and Sister Hill and I got to talk. I'm glad I got to spend some time with her before she left. We dropped her off in San Jose at the other Hermana's apartment. Hermana Hernandez is in a state of "companionlessness" so Sister Vaisa and I are helping her with her area. It's a little hard because they speak Spanish for the most part. We're trying to learn some more Spanish. Good thing I know un poquito Espanol...which means, "I know a little Spanish". (I think I totally spelled that wrong.)

This transfer was weird for me, and quite possibly the hardest transition yet. We're having trouble finding new investigators and the ones we have are stubborn. But there is one I have hope for. Her name is Cindy and she has a few concerns. But she loves the church and that's a good sign.

I've had a lot of different kinds of "pains" on my mission. But lately, after listening to Break Up with the World by Hank Smith, I've developed this attitude that I would rather have a headache than temptation, and I would rather be in pain than to sin. I'd rather have physical trials than spiritual trials. I have found out the truth for myself.

While I was watching/reviewing the Restoration, a calm feeling of peace and reassurance swept over me. It was a real feeling that brought me great happiness. I know that I'm doing the right thing for the right reasons, and I want to share the message of this Gospel with everyone! 

- Always, Sister Brown!

The Beauty of Lupines

I am writing today from the library - yes, the library! It's so painful to be surrounded by all of these wonderful books and not have the time to read!!!  Must...control...myself...

What a week!
I'm not sure if I have much to report on. But here it goes:

As we were visiting Bonnie, we ran into an elderly lady. I asked her if she needed help with anything. She said she was fine. I asked her what her name was, and she introduced herself as Betsy. As I was introducing myself and Sister Vaisa she immediately became defensive told us she was not interested. I asked if she knew anyone who would be. She turned to us and said: "I don't think they allow solicitors in this area." I tried to explain to her that we're not solicitors, but she just kept walking away. It made me sad and a little frustrated. Oh well, I shrugged it off. But I thought it would be a funny story to tell.

That's not the first time I've been rejected. Some people will tell us things trying to hurt our feelings, or to get us to go away. It's hard, but there are still others who are ready to hear. But I've noticed in those moments when people reject us and question the gospel, if we put our faith and trust in Heavenly Father, then we can be strong in those moments. And nothing can knock us down.

This week, Sister Vaisa seemed frustrated about learning the lessons. I told her this gospel is so simple, that a child can understand it. She asked if the gospel is so simple, why is she having a hard time getting the lessons down. I told her it's like exercising faith- which is like exercising your muscles. You have to exercise every day in order for them to be stronger, if you don't, your muscles will get weak.

On Saturday, I woke up at 5:30 for sports just to get hit in the face with a volleyball. This time someone threw it at me. I think I should just quit trying to do sports and just focus on art and writing and theater, because I'm tired of getting hit in the face...blah!

On the bright side... (drum roll please) BAPTISM!!!!

I was given permission to visit my previous area and to be there for Joe's baptism. It was awesome! He has been very ill for a while, and I know that obeying God's commandments can bring us blessings. And he really needs it. I am so happy for him and the decision he's made. I got to say hi to Sister Hosea and Sister Riggs. I also got to see the Judd's, and others from the Branham Ward. I love them all so much and miss them so much already!

Baptism has been on my mind a lot lately. I know I've gotten two now, that I was involved in at least. But yeah, I hope to plant more seeds. And I hope I've been a blessing for the members. I just want to make sure I come back knowing I've made a difference. But I'm not discouraged. I still have a year thank goodness!

This reminds me of one of my favorite stories as a child: "Mrs. Rumphius" or the "Lupine Lady". In my childhood, I remember that Mrs. Rumphius wanted to make her town look cheerful. So she started by planting Lupine seeds. She planted them everywhere!  Over time, those Lupine seeds had spread their beautiful colors and appearance all over the town, bringing happiness and joy to everyone. Spreading gospel seeds is the same. I want to spread gospel seeds all around me so that they will bring joy and happiness and beauty to all of those who wish to partake.

One of the things I want to accomplish while I'm in Livermore is working on my relationship with the Holy Ghost. I know that God is my Loving Heavenly Father, and he's like my Dad. I know that Jesus Christ is His Son, and he is my Brother, and my Best Friend. I want to work on my relationship with the Holy Ghost and have the same relationship with Him as I do with Jesus Christ. I'll have TWO best friends! How awesome is that?

- Always, Sister Brown

Livermore, California

Well folks - After 6 months in San Jose, I've finally been transferred to Livermore. J

It's sooooo weird and awesome all at the same time! So far, I love this area! It has a country, classy feel to it. It's very green and it's a lot more peaceful than living near the freeway. But the roads here are still a little confusing. Like... Six-way stops... What? But I'm used to it now.

Last Monday, I had to say goodbye to Sister Hosea, my Poly Mum, Sister Uelese, and my YSA Ward. On the bright side, my new area is beautiful and the people in this Ward are wonderful! My companion, Sister Vaisa, is the funniest person ever! She's so cute! We get along well. I'm finishing her training. She's only been out here for two months but she's already an expert! This is my third Polynesian companion. I feel like I may be transitioning into the Poly Program, haha.  I already know Osi Mate (finished, dead) oi-oh-way! (Oh my goodness), Otuá (God), I can't think of any others. But yeah, I recognize a lot of Tongan. Polani (white) palani (plan)...okay, I'll stop showing off my Tongan. 

I may come home knowing three different languages: Samoan, Tongan, and Spanish...maybe.

I'm excited about the work in this area. It's been a little slow this week, but I'm so determined to work hard and pick things up. I'm so happy! I don't feel discouraged or stressed, in fact, I'm pumped! Before I left my old area, I had a moment of realization. I reflected on the past six months, realizing how far I've come. I realized I'm not in a world of "comparison, competition, and being enough". Here - I don't compare myself to others, I'm not competitive, and I feel like I really AM enough. I feel like I belong, I feel loved, and I feel like I've been healed from all the scars I've gotten from high school. Once I realized this, I said a prayer to Heavenly Father expressing gratitude, and I sobbed. It was a little bit because I was leaving... but more because of relief. I finally get to be myself. And I've never felt so happy.

I still feel the need to improve in my life, but in a positive way. (Like thinking less about Star Wars and more about the Savior.) Teaching the trainee has made me realize how far I've come as a teacher. I feel confident as I teach my companion and others. So far, the two investigators in this area like to argue. While we were teaching Aunty Bev the Restoration, she taught us about Moses. She interrupted me a lot. But we were still able to teach the first lesson, and she wants us to come visit her again, so that's a good sign. J

I love my new area! I'm so excited to be here!

- Always, Sister Brown

Short and Sweet - and on the Move!

I can't believe it's officially 6 months since I left home for the MTC! This week went by way fast! It was a good week though. I have just felt so happy!

In today's news.... I've been transferred - Livermore, CA here I come!

We've been stopping by a family's home. The kids are Miley and Ken, and they are the cutest kids ever! Miley is 9, and she learns really fast! We stopped by their house on Tuesday and brought them treats. Their mother is single. She began to cry when we came. She seemed sad about something and we so wanted to cheer her up and bring her some happiness. We met with Tila, her mom, and her daughter. They're from Fiji, and they are all so cute! I love Polynesians! They are awesome!

We're teaching the lessons to Caitlyn. She LOVES Jesus. She calls Sunday "Jesus Day" and the Church is "Jesus House" and the Temple is "Jesus Castle".  She knows a lot about what Easter really means. She told us about how He got boo-boos but then got better. It was so cute!

On Wednesday we had district meeting, and then lunch afterwards. That night, we reviewed the Ten Commandments with a member. Sister Hosea and I had way too much fun preparing that one...
On Friday, we finally taught Miley and Ken again. Miley wants to get baptized! She's very open minded and a fast learner. She's very smart. Ken is younger, so he goofs around all the time and just wants to play. He's working on being more reverent when we teach. We met with this girl named Celina. She is less active but she's very open-minded and asked really awesome questions.

But the best part of my week was General Conference. We watched the first half with the Judd's, and then the second half with the Hermanas at the Church building. On Sunday, we watched the first half with a member and then the second half with the Judd's again. It was a lot of fun!

This week was a good week. And I've been transferred and will be moving tomorrow, so next week I'll have some moving experiences to talk about. Other than that I don't have much to report on. Just the normal missionary work stuff.  More photos of Livermore - lots and lots of grapes! Beautiful country...

- Always, Sister Brown