Well, this week was filled with a lot of things that made me happy and a lot of things that made me sad! I'm still thinking about Tressler and how much I love him. President Smith even called me this week to see how I was doing and to give me a little bit of comfort. (I had mentioned Tressler's passing in my weekly email to him) It's so awesome to have a mission president who loves and cares about his missionaries. I love the Smiths!
The week was tough, I won't lie! At the beginning of the week it seemed like all of our appointments were canceling on us! I seriously can't explain how much I hate that! Come on guys! We are trying to help you!! LET US! I eventually, after about 20 misses, got a little angry! I was wondering what the problem was... Why weren't these people answering their door. In morning studies the next day I saw one of those little quotes Mom and Britt sent me by Thomas S. Monson, it said "Formula for your success-- first: search the scriptures with diligence; second: plan with purpose; third: teach the truth with testimony and fourth: serve the Lord with love". Yeah, I was doing these things, but I wasn't doing them good enough! I prayed more sincerely, I studied the scriptures with more intent, and I did all I could so that these investigators wouldn't bail on us... No, not everyone stopped bailing, but little by little I was seeing more progress in our work and in the people. President Monson sure does know what he is talking about! Haha
Halloween was good! It sounds like everyone back at home just had an awesome time with lots of candy! Mom, thanks so much for the package you sent! It got here right on Halloween, so it was perfect! We had to be in our apartment by 6 on Halloween, so all the Elders just came up to our apartment and played dominoes and chatted and stuff like that! It was pretty fun!!
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| Hamming it up on Halloween!! |
I want to give a few shout-outs to some lovely people such as my grandparents who sent me an awesome letter with some way too much generous money! I love you guys so much! Also shout out to Sister Fowler! My dad sent me what you posted on my blog! And I really appreciate your kind words! Thanks for everything! Just thanks to everyone who has been so supportive and nice to me my whole life! You're all seriously the best people in the world!
This past couple days and this coming week we are focusing a lot on the less active members as well as part member families. We have started doing this thing where, if we get done with an appointment or something we look up all the members in the area and just stop by, say hello, share a quick spiritual message like a scripture and get out of there! This has really grown my relationship with the ward members as well as bringing people back to church to renew those sacred covenants once again! That is seriously one of the best things when you witness someone partake of the sacrament for the first time in a long time! Chills run down my back every time! Haha, I love it so much! My Spanish is progressing which is good! It's funny that when you actually put in the work to learn certain things then you learn them.... Hahaha, I was just over here waiting to receive the gift of tongues when I wasn't putting in the needed effort. But as I have continued to work diligently at trying to speak as much as I can and not really caring if it's wrong, things are just starting to come!
We need the Savior in this work... I've really realized that this week, when I was humbled down to my knees. Right when me and Elder Hinckley start to think we are the best because we teach the most lessons and get the highest numbers - BOOM! - our investigators stop answering their doors and their phones like I was talking about earlier! I'm so grateful for my Savior. What we do as missionaries is nothing without our Lord and Redeemer. I'm grateful for the chance I have to get back up when I fall, to keep becoming a better missionary every day, and to continually repent through the Savior and his atonement. Man, everyone needs the gospel! There isn't one person I know or have met that couldn't benefit from our message, or that the gospel can't better their lives. This gospel brings so much joy and peace.
I hope you have the best week ever! Mom, Dad, or anybody, if you have any questions you need me to answer just shoot me an email and I will answer it very directly for you! Haha, I love you family and friends!
Les quiero! Elder Brown
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