Plain and Simple....and Oh So Wonderful!

It's official! I've conquered my fear of driving! Yay! In fact, I may be too comfortable on the road... And I think I've learned the true meaning of road rage... I've been saying things like: "Come on car, are ya gonna let me in or not?! Oh, I see how it is - fiiiiiiine! Ulupala!" (Tongan for knucklehead). 

And yes, I'm learning many different words in different languages.  Most in Samoan, some in Tongan, some Spanish, and even a little Japanese. No, I'm not fluent in any of these.

FHE was so fun! It was combined YSA wards and we played Jeopardy. Sister Uelese helped out by counting the points.  I helped out by turning the papers around so the people could see the question.  I got up there and immediately started acting. What can I say? I was on stage! I presented the questions, gestured to the board, and smiled. Everyone was impressed.  Someone told me I was the star of the show. (Blushes) 

I want to share my favorite part of an awesome scripture: 2 Nephi 25:4 

"My soul delighteth in plainness."

I love this! It makes me think of how we teach the gospel.  

We teach the gospel in plainness, so that a child can understand. 

The truth is also plain and straightforward.  

The gospel is so detailed and yet, so simple! 

I also use that scripture when people give me weird looks for wanting a plain hotdog, or a cheese pizza. I like plain, simple things...it's who I am!  And for me this scripture is perfect - For my soul delighteth in plainness ;D

This week we did a lot of service by helping Sister Fitz decorate for Christmas at the institute building. Sister Fitz LOVES Christmas. And I don't blame her! Christmas was and is always a time when I could turn my thoughts to the Savior.  

I notice that as we pray for answers, there are some things we need to do: 

- pray, and really talk to Heavenly Father 

- we have to WANT to feel the Spirit.  When we have that want, we invite the Spirit in. 

- we need to have intentions to ACT on the answers we receive.  We shouldn't expect things to happen magically.  

As the Prophet Joseph Smith said: "When the Lord commands, DO IT." 

I found another awesome scripture: 2 Nephi 26: 33 

"For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."

I LOOOOOVE this scripture! It's so sweet and fair!

Always!  -Sister Brown 

"An 8-Cow Wife?" - Self Worth!

     Last week, we took Sister Pokrus to the Mission Home. She has finished with her mission. She is back home in Utah now and loving it. We will miss her so much, but we're proud of the missionary that she was and always will be. She is a great example to me :) The Saratoga Elders bought us lunch that day, and the Saratoga Sisters bought us lunch the next day. Spoiled right?  

  

     I know I've already mentioned this, but I have to do so again- I'm driving in California!!!!!! But because I'm on my mission, I've been gaining a lot of practice, AND...I'm receiving blessings of good driving :)

     Thanksgiving was awesome!!!  We went to the Bishop's house and his wife made dinner!  It was soooooooooooooo good!  ^_^  - Did I mention it was good?  It was delicious!!

I found the perfect scripture for Thanksgiving: "Glorify Him with Thanksgiving."- Psalms 69:30

     I saw Johnny Lingo for the first time...the old one.  It was funny, cute, and really old!  I really enjoyed the message about self worth though.

"If you find yourself constantly trying to prove your worth to someone else, you have already forgotten your true value."

     One night, we went to dinner at one of the sister's from the YSA ward.  She is very sweet and polite and we enjoy spending time with her.  But her mother didn't seem to like having four sister missionaries in the house.  She yelled at lot, asking questions very loudly like, "COULD YOU COME HERE A MINUTE AND HELP ME?" and "HONEY, WOULD YOU LIKE DINNER?"  As we were finishing dinner, she asked her daughter if we were done yet so that the kids could eat because they were hungry.  We wondered why the children couldn't eat with us.  

     This made me think of growing up at home with my family.  I'm grateful that I grew up in a home where we didn't all yell at each other for no reason, and where we all spend precious time together, especially eating time.  Yelling at others brings contention into the home and drives the Spirit away.

     This week was pretty empty, but on Sunday we got two lists of people to contact!  YES!! Referrals!  How I love referrals?!?  Who would have thought!

     Other than that, it's been a good week.  Sister Uelese and I have a great time together. She loves to have fun and laugh, and she is a great friend.  We went contacting and found someone names Elsie. She is cute and looks about the age of a young single adult.  I hope and pray we have more chances to meet with her.  :)

I love being a missionary!
- Always, Sister Brown!

Driving...and Learning Patience!

Some news about the work:
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

He Suffered for Us!!!

You're all probably wondering: Where is Sister Brown?

Well, here I am! Sorry for the wait!  But here's what's been happening...

For P-day, our zone went on a fun mini-golf course.  Watching the elders play sports is hilarious! They're so competitive, clumsy, and show-offs!  The next day, we did a lot of service.  I like to call my Tuesdays, Service Tuesdays!  We went to the zoo to help put mulch into what will soon be the bear exhibit.  They gave us a tour at the end.  The animals are spoiled rotten there!  They have rocks that heat up during the rain so they can stay warm.  There were a lot of monkeys there as well.  

An investigator we met was at the institute building, learning everything she could about the church.  Her son, Johnathan had joined the church.  She wants to join too, but she's waiting to save up on money.  They are descendants of Joseph Smith.  How awesome is that?  But - the family thinks Joseph was the anti-Christ.  When she first heard that, she about fainted.  But she finally met with the missionaries and learned more about the church.  Her first reaction was "He's what?... and we're what?... and I'm waaaaaaaa.?" 

But as she has learned more, she has felt the Spirit and has grown to love this church.  She is so cute and sweet!  I know the Lord will bless her!  

I had a recent experience - I felt like I shouldn't be complaining about my headaches, because the Savior had felt all of them...all...of...them... and that is not fun!  He suffered and died for us, and in doing so, felt all of our pains, and sorrows, and hurts in the Garden of Gethsemane.  But I learned that I can still pray and talk to him about it.  He understands me.  And he understands you.  He has felt all of your pains as well.  

One day, Sister Pockrus needed to rest, so Sister Uelese and I did some training.  After training we talked about our faith.  Sister Uelese told me to not be worried about my family, and not to let Satan discourage me.  She said: "Don't ever let Satan discourage you."  

"Shut him up with your Testimony."  

"Shut him down with your strong faith and desire in doing the Lord's work!"

  

On October 30, I realized I had been a missionary for a whole month! 17...17... can't breathe!  

Going too fast!!! That was way too fast! AHHHHHH!  I'm so excited!!!  

We went to Yogurt Land to celebrate! Only 16 more Fast Sundays left! 

Halloween was fun, I dressed up like a missionary (wink, wink) and ate homemade donuts at Bishop and Sister Judd's house! 

I had my first companion exchange!  I had a sleepover with Sister Reyes.  I think I know now why I'm in the English speaking mission.  Sister Reyes serves for Spanish Speaking.  If you don't eat and enjoy everything the members feed you, they become offended because they love to feed the missionaries.  My stomach is weird.  If I'm hungry too long I get sick.  If I eat too much I get sick.  Thank you Heavenly Father for knowing my stomach better than I do.  Thanks again, and please let me stay in the English Program! 

I got to attend a BYU football fireside.  I'm not into football, but listening to the little kids asking questions of the team players was the best!  Sister Uelese was feeling sick on Saturday.  She had a headache and a stomach ache.  Bless her.  But she's feeling better now.  Sister Pockrus (The Mom Sister Missionary) made sure she got plenty of rest.  And my prayers were answered.  

I love being a Missionary!! 

- Always, Sister Brown!

Blessings - In Every Form!

Last Monday for P-day, we did laundry, went shopping, and played some sports with the zone.  I was playing basketball (shooting hoops) for a while, and then we played indoor soccer together.  There's an Elder name Elder He, and he kept saying to me: Same team! Same team! whenever I had the ball! The stinker!  He would try to trick me into thinking he was on my team.  I kept saying back: Stop it!
So, don't let Satan trick you into thinking you're on his team!  Just yell: Stop it!
For anyone who knows me, knows that I'm not very good at sports... I'm clumsy, and I'm a ball magnet (particularly the head area...).  But I like to shoot hoops and kick soccer balls.  Hopefully my zone thinks I'm good at kicking. :)
The first night in California, I spent with President and Sister Mella.  The family has a ping-pong table in the back yard, and I really enjoyed playing it.  At last! A sport I'm good at! ^_^

On Tuesday, some of our appointments cancelled.  We spent most the week walking around handing out cards to those who might be interested in learning about Jesus Christ.  There are a lot of challenges with teaching:  cancelled appointments, wrong addresses, no one at home, or not interested.  One thing I've learned this week is "DON'T BECOME DISCOURAGED!".  Just work hard for the Lord, and He'll provide a way.  Besides, I'll never know the good days without the bad days.

I've re-read my patriarchal blessing and so many great things have already happened.  I know that serving a mission was the right choice.  Heavenly Father gives me all kinds of hints throughout my blessing about missionary work.  It's not straightforward like: "You're going on a mission!"
But it says things like: "You'll be an instrument in the hands of the Lord."  How awesome is that?!

Read your patriarchal blessings as often as you can!  Especially in times of confusion!  You will receive answers to your questions and direction for your life!

-All My Love, Sister Brown!

Wings to Soar!

Up at 2:00 a.m. - I've never done that before!  Frontrunner from Provo to Salt Lake City, then Trax from Salt Lake to the airport - with a LOT of missionaries plus their luggage.  Thirteen on my flight with me heading to San Jose, California and were we tired.

San Jose!!!

I can't believe I'm here!!! I feel like I'm dreaming!  I was grateful to be able to call my parents before the flight, which was the shortest flight of my life!  I fell asleep on the way to California and woke up when we touched down.  I love the mission president and his wife, they are so cute! They were kind enough to let us take a long nap and relax for the rest of that day. We had dinner and for dessert: ICE CREAM!!!
President Mella asked his wife if he could try some of the new ice cream but she had already eaten it. He told me she loves three things:  Heavenly Father, Chocolate, and then her husband.
I LOVE my trainers! They are so kind and funny!
Sister Pockrus is so helpful and patient! She told me she saw herself in me when she first started her training days. She has six weeks left in her mission, but she's not sure if she wants to leave yet. She loves being a missionary!
Sister Uelese is awesome and hilarious! She is Samoan, and she and her family live in Hawaii.
A few days ago, we were playing a game called Gator Ball at the church gym with other missionaries.  One of the rules is when you're holding the ball and someone on the opposite team claps next to you, you have to drop the ball.  Sister Uelese didn't know this rule, so when she was running with the ball an Elder started clapping next to her.
Instead of dropping the ball, she just looked at him confused, shook her head, and said: "Sorry bro, I gotta do this!" She threw the ball at the goal. (The chair)
Whenever doubt fills our minds, and Satan tries to discourage you, and distract you from the work, just shake your head and say:
"Sorry bro, I gotta do this!"
"Sorry bro, I gotta serve the Lord!"
"Sorry bro, I gotta help people!"
(Or spit in his eyes, that works for me too)

So for my first assignment, I have been teamed up with these two wonderful sisters and assigned to the YSA ward in Santa Theresa and I love it!  Everything is going great and I'm just adjusting to the mission.

Here I am with Sister Pockrus and Sister Uelese.

We went to a couple of houses last night. We had trouble finding one of them, and we almost gave up. But then I got this urge to try again.  We pulled up to a house and it was the one we were looking for.  However, the referral we were given wasn't living in the house at all.  But the woman who answered was very sweet.  She was from India. We introduced ourselves and told her about our purpose.  She told us she wasn't interested, and she had her own church.  Sister Pockrus told her we don't MAKE people believe in our church, we just teach more about it and invite others to find out the truth themselves.  We left her with a card in case she did want to know more.  We invited her to call us if she had any questions.

Even though this woman didn't want to hear our message, she didn't insult us or shoot us down. She took a card.  That might be the first step for her, who knows?  I realized God might be preparing her to learn about the Gospel.  Slowly, and surely.  I went home that night, satisfied, happy, and exhausted.

Always - Sister Brown!

MTC - Moments To Capture!!!

I can't believe I've been here at the MTC for a whole week! It's felt like, six months!  Time is weird here; it's slow, but it's fast!  I have felt so many emotions in just the first few days.  Happiness, nervousness, anxiety, excitement... But now, after a week has gone by, I feel Love!  Love for my companion, district, teachers, investigators, everyone I meet!

The Spirit is so strong here!  Lately, I've been feeling the Savior's love for me, ready to catch me when I fall.  What a great blessing it is to have Him in my life!  Best...Friend...Ever!  ^_^

My companion, Sister Riggs is so sweet! She and I have been bursting out into Disney songs and Church hymns.  We can't help it!  ;)  The MTC is awesome! There's gym, classes, kind people, and food!  And I get to see my cousin Alec - I mean Elder Brown, every once in awhile as well before he heads off to serve his mission in Russia.

My second day here, I admit that I was feeling overwhelmed, and my emotions had caught up with me.  I felt inadequate.  Even though the MTC is a spiritual place, the adversary runs rampant here, trying to scare all of us into not serving.  I kept thinking: give up, it's not right, how can you teach when you're so unsure yourself?  This escalated to: The gospel isn't even true, it's brainwashing. These thoughts terrified me. So I asked the elders in my district to give me a blessing. Later on, I was able to open up to my district.  I learned that all of us were feeling this way, having similar thoughts and feelings.  I was comforted.  Once again, the Savior reaching out to catch me when I fall, reassuring me that this is the right thing, and that this gospel is true!

It was even more helpful to hear the General Conference talks this weekend.  President Dieter F. Uchdorf's talk about Simplicity was so helpful to me and all the other missionaries.  I've learned that when we truly seek answers to our questions, we are sure to find them.  After conference, we watched a video by Elder David A. Bednar.  He talked about how being on a mission is NOT about us, it's about those we need to serve.  We shouldn't turn inward and think about ourselves, but we should turn outward and think about others.  That is how we'll become Disciples of Christ.

We have an investigator who loves music.  She asked her friends who were members if they would sing their favorite primary songs.  The next night, the Sister Missionaries brought her her very own cd of the primary songs.  She knew that was NOT a coincidence.  We explained that we also wanted to sing some church hymns to her.
"See what I mean?" She exclaimed.  "That's not an accident, The Lord has perfect timing!"

The Lord really is a Master of time.  I will let Him guide me, and I'll be fine :)

Always - Sister Brown