Stacey, an inactive member, told us that she didn't want to be a member of the church anymore. She wanted to "take a step away and gather her bearings." I was heart broken for her. I had never realized before the extent of what other people have gone through or are going through in their lives before my mission. I can tell she's been through some trials, and it has hardened her heart. Luckily, she still wants us to visit once in a while. We will keep praying for her to find some peace.
A few weeks ago, we had dinner with a less active member named Hector and his girlfriend. It was kind of awkward because she didn't seem to like having sister missionaries around. However, they showed up 45 minutes late. I felt a little frustrated because we were planning on doing splits with some members that night, and by the time they finally showed up it was too late to go out and visit people. Hector and his girlfriend don't understand yet or realize how precious our time is and that we are on the Lord's errand. But we still decided to share a lesson with Maddy and Rachel. They were going to go on splits with us but since we couldn't go, we had a great discussion instead. Tender mercies!
Guess what?!?!?! Joey got baptized!!! And I got to sing at his baptism! He's so awesome and solid!
And I can tell that he is making some great choices in his life.
Last Monday, we went to Santa Cruz with the Saratoga Zone. I got to walk around on the beach and build sand mountains. We had so much fun! It felt so good to stick my feet in the sand and relax for awhile.
I started driving....in California! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Well, that's what it felt like at first, but I'm starting to relax and become more comfortable with driving. I'm slowly turning into my mother though. I talk to things - for example: I ask the light to stay green so that I can continue to proceed on through without having to stop (just like my Mom), and I talk to other cars as if they're going to reply (again, just like my Mom). I still feel like my driving could use improvement though, and I'm sure I'm going to get that here.
I've learned that the Spirit really knows how to talk to us. I was feeling bad and beating myself up a little, thinking that I'm not being a good enough missionary. I got the impression to write my feelings in my journal. So I did, and I felt so much better. When I feel the Spirit prompting me and I try to ignore it, it always returns to prompt me some more, and I get a most uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach. And it doesn't go away until I act on the prompting. That's how the Spirit works with me.
Sister Pockrus is going home on Wednesday - November 25!
I am sad and I am going to miss her so much! Another blessing of my mission right there - a forever friend I would never have met if I had not come on my mission! I'm sure her family is busting at the seams to have her back home. She served her full 18 months and is ready to go!
We are so proud of you Sister Pockrus - and we love you so much!
I love the work!
- Always, Sister Brown
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