tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21515194806341262952024-02-07T18:19:23.379-08:00Miss Brooks in BrazilAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-4972011318656935082013-09-16T16:48:00.000-07:002013-09-16T16:48:13.044-07:00 Quasi Morri<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTU4BdV3jxRuBov-L7lQ-LSWYrpUdMPOp7BqIbULHr7sLPVwck6u6CZlOglzMmKqyOyShX0kCEdT5MppwyR5VFg4SIoVJXt42F_DHtWsE8gRJ4cS4R8JOhk0-ZPNcAdmcVWUszfmEhiol/s1600/100_3323%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTU4BdV3jxRuBov-L7lQ-LSWYrpUdMPOp7BqIbULHr7sLPVwck6u6CZlOglzMmKqyOyShX0kCEdT5MppwyR5VFg4SIoVJXt42F_DHtWsE8gRJ4cS4R8JOhk0-ZPNcAdmcVWUszfmEhiol/s320/100_3323%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
sometimes members give us money to buy lunch on the street instead of making us
home baked meals, which is exactly what happened on Saturday. We had just
finished a once-a-month conference with our mission president and his wife, and
decided to go to our favorite restaurant in the downtown. After I finished
eating, I realized I couldn't breathe very well, but for some reason just
thought it was normal and it would pass. There we are, me and my Brazilian and
Argentinian companions, waiting for the bus to arrive, when I seriously cannot
breathe. I bend over and start hyperventilating and crying and try to walk.
Make it about 10 steps and then can't move much farther--I bend over again and
my heart hurts so bad and my stomach is on fire and I am gasping for air and
can't get it to my lungs. People are starting to gather and my companions start
splashing water on me and sit me down in my skirt in the middle of everyone.
I'm hysterical by this point--my hands are completely numb and disfigured and
my face is starting to numb as well. Apparently I was swollen and red. Still
sucking air, I start to weave in and out of consciousness. I hear Sister Lopez
somewhere yelling into a telephone and then the Elders are there and Sister
Monteiro. She starts shoving stuff down my throat and the one elder who can
speak english keeps saying: I need you to focus, I need you to stay awake,
keep your eyes open, look at me. They lay me down on a bench and he puts his
hands on my head and gives me a blessing.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was
an interesting moment for me, because I remember feeling stillness in my body.
I couldn't breathe, but inside of me for some reason I felt calm. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Right
then Sister Monteiro grabbed some medicine from her purse that she randomly had
and starting giving it to me and forcing me to swallow. (I felt like a 2 year
old. NOOO MOOMMMMM DON'T MAKE ME EAT MY VEGATABLESSSS!!!!) The car arrived to
take me to the hospital and they dragged me across the rest of the terminal. I
suddenly had a brilliant idea and was able to say in a tiny raspy voice:
Sing.......Come, comee.......ye saints......please......<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They
all started in, belting ``Come, come Ye Saints`` and I truly couldn't help but
smile, so smile I did:) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They
took me to the hospital and brought out a wheelchair, to which I said: Oh my
gawsh, fancy!! Never before in my life!!!`` I decided that if I was going to
die, I was going to be the girl in the wheelchair cracking jokes before she
croacked... <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v-qpZ70VBe5yPRl6gM3pU6h49LidETFYIpjyshBxoLGzQbTxLGMCVYJeJ9lo203IBuYZP409d5rrLgNb9ivV5QPMcFabQ1UwR6lAxNt9hUbNvGMKCkxDz9SxY7nh0GxRt4ORBYhsMVgn/s1600/100_3332%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-v-qpZ70VBe5yPRl6gM3pU6h49LidETFYIpjyshBxoLGzQbTxLGMCVYJeJ9lo203IBuYZP409d5rrLgNb9ivV5QPMcFabQ1UwR6lAxNt9hUbNvGMKCkxDz9SxY7nh0GxRt4ORBYhsMVgn/s200/100_3332%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AamBo-dWoJ-fQHQs4o6e9hBIWT7s9iN9eYeGljHfb4LrWCO5zm5A6Sp1eXcXOeJHXjtwVOed9Z4vO3CfBUPsyCT2kKwu0iXOmEuOAPND2r8kHWAJDAvHAHUKpltuM1KjJ1Rv9Tw2XQdQ/s1600/100_3331%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AamBo-dWoJ-fQHQs4o6e9hBIWT7s9iN9eYeGljHfb4LrWCO5zm5A6Sp1eXcXOeJHXjtwVOed9Z4vO3CfBUPsyCT2kKwu0iXOmEuOAPND2r8kHWAJDAvHAHUKpltuM1KjJ1Rv9Tw2XQdQ/s320/100_3331%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They
stuck a needle in my arm for 15 minutes and a needle in my butt, (there were a
lot of jokes for that one,) and drugged me up really really good. I was in a
tiny little room in the middle of Brazil with a bunch of other people, needle
in my butt, needle in my arm, finally can move my hands, and I just wanted to
take a picture. So I did!! (I'm smiling in these pictures because by this
point, I was super thrilled to be able to breathe.)</span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqrNe2N8-nq22V2v5hqEFKnZx-TtzGrWGu-Nq37LbGD8XPWvCkiWpvYmao7z9uS2c4qTYo0g6yvRWc8lZkKGjt8MqrhysdqYcY0FPtlq7VNhMR0L-aDcFdpLINgjx_Tih_p_Txfu8r1g7/s1600/100_3330%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqrNe2N8-nq22V2v5hqEFKnZx-TtzGrWGu-Nq37LbGD8XPWvCkiWpvYmao7z9uS2c4qTYo0g6yvRWc8lZkKGjt8MqrhysdqYcY0FPtlq7VNhMR0L-aDcFdpLINgjx_Tih_p_Txfu8r1g7/s200/100_3330%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
Sister Monteiro wouldn't have been in Ponta Grossa that day, with THAT
medicine, I would have died. I have a testimony that the Lord is over this work
and that He watches out for His missionaries. I also say ``quasi morri`` often
in Portuguese because it means ``I almost died`` and I think it's funny to say
when I trip. Which is a lot of times in one day. But really, I almost died!!
What a day. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They
took me back to my apartment and decided I couldn't stay there one second
longer, so I've been emergency transferred, once again, to Curitiba. I had 20
minutes, once again, to pack my bags. I was so drugged and tired. President
Monteiro pulled me aside because on Sunday, we baptized my first family here.
Oh, a beautiful family and oh, I love them. I wanted to stay for it. He told me
that I was important in the conversion of the Pineira family, and they could be
my family still, and that he was asking me to please leave Ponta Grossa right
now because it was the best thing for my health. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, I
missed my first family baptized. But, they were baptized and that's what's most
important. I may have shed a few tears over this, but tudo bem:) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can't
eat without having a hard time breathing now and we're not sure what's wrong
but I'm a little discouraged because it was a very close call. I was informed
this morning there is a good chance I get sent home. A little bit of a rough
break, you know? I want to stay here.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTmqGOOhVqXVpJZZlWyYlBb_fdSHrvflFnALQFI2gVAvxaU8Sfn-yGuJw2l83gGJRtx0L2Fc8G1_83BLJsve2SRClHPi8KHhaZW-dGGwAPDdb8RS_fjk6dKGbrgYyQmatBVUFRsWWhH7H/s1600/100_3325%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTmqGOOhVqXVpJZZlWyYlBb_fdSHrvflFnALQFI2gVAvxaU8Sfn-yGuJw2l83gGJRtx0L2Fc8G1_83BLJsve2SRClHPi8KHhaZW-dGGwAPDdb8RS_fjk6dKGbrgYyQmatBVUFRsWWhH7H/s320/100_3325%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
good news is that this week, I raced the boys in the family we're teaching and
absolutely destroyed them. And the other good news this week I finally learned
how to say ``bowl`` in Portuguese. And the best news of all is that a family I
love very much was baptized this week:):) I'm a happy camper. I'm really
grateful to be alive. You know? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love
this work so much. I want to do it and I don't know if I get to anymore, but
for heavens sake I will anyways wherever I am. I have such a testimony of the
love that the Lord has for His children. I have such a testimony of His
involvement in our lives. I know that the Atonement is real and that it works
and sometimes hard things happen so we can learn. How great it is to have
opportunities to learn:) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All my
love!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT-8wZoVSQNiVWKdpwVvzptOcNt9WCvZPDn8X7yuaUoAL6i1ePXMQX_c0rAOjafK9j-XqaFDhiv_FowdO8P70JhHQV4kQVCYB3Wp-JZgcc7fa3txOa9w_yjpbQwkm2y-BYwd9O2DqvgQz/s1600/100_3328%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT-8wZoVSQNiVWKdpwVvzptOcNt9WCvZPDn8X7yuaUoAL6i1ePXMQX_c0rAOjafK9j-XqaFDhiv_FowdO8P70JhHQV4kQVCYB3Wp-JZgcc7fa3txOa9w_yjpbQwkm2y-BYwd9O2DqvgQz/s320/100_3328%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<b><o:p></o:p></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-72139104229309432382013-09-09T21:08:00.000-07:002013-09-09T21:08:47.464-07:00Sweet Moments!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoj8Y_rj9r7BzAg-ngTclZUpSq4pXqpad2MqBwrKxO7JcPjWnO_XCWj7-IWAljprLlWkdX0qfAyBX0ImynelwCezUKJ28KUGkbqztTQFD1mBvv93giWiud2jMWaQQ9vIkcOMn31OggF3r/s1600/100_3309%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoj8Y_rj9r7BzAg-ngTclZUpSq4pXqpad2MqBwrKxO7JcPjWnO_XCWj7-IWAljprLlWkdX0qfAyBX0ImynelwCezUKJ28KUGkbqztTQFD1mBvv93giWiud2jMWaQQ9vIkcOMn31OggF3r/s320/100_3309%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have
a new companion, and she is from Argentina. Which means that we have a
three-some of English, Portuguese and Spanish. I can’t understand a word she
says, so we’re still super good friends. This week was hilarious with the
language barriers going every direction. Sister Lopez will say something in Portuguese
and Sister Garnica won’t understand, so I’ll naturally explain it in English as
if that will help. We’ve all added dictionaries to our standard works that we
carry around every day all day.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RDJvV8rZc65P1MCq8zXqm5TZccI7CiNzqPRQMzr7JJAkFRriGCypD-CpxdV29J9D-0DavArp1_PllftscBZbueEdwgTMjvRAZUMbq-TWt7bCTqiQmdX3vEwSDyTXUIkQJr9MQJj3Ox0i/s1600/100_3307%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RDJvV8rZc65P1MCq8zXqm5TZccI7CiNzqPRQMzr7JJAkFRriGCypD-CpxdV29J9D-0DavArp1_PllftscBZbueEdwgTMjvRAZUMbq-TWt7bCTqiQmdX3vEwSDyTXUIkQJr9MQJj3Ox0i/s200/100_3307%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Us trying to make room for<br />one more person in our<br />tiny little home.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
really is darling. It’s so funny to me to see the stark cultural differences
between all the different people I’ve met in the last month and a half.
Example: When I arrived, I was concerned about buying food and finding someone
to watch me run. Sister Garnica wanted to know if we could go to a spa on P-day
so she could get her hair done and get a massage. What? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week we saw a grand and marvelous miracle. There we were, walking up the
massive hills of Ponto Grossa, when a woman with a big bag of groceries walked
past. We’ve been making goals to talk to more and more people every day,
(partially because you find more people to teach that way and partially because
it’s super hard to breathe walking up this particular hill and I needed a
break,) so we stopped and started chatting with her. It turns out that she is
member with a very strong testimony who fell away because she had been living
in an area without the church. She moved to this area only two months ago and
has been wanting to come back to church with her family. Two of her sons aren’t
baptized but want to be. Through another miracle, the heart of the father of
the family was softened and they will be baptized this week:) I’m as happy as a
clam. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New
missionaries from America arrived this week, and apparently the President told
them not to worry about the language because ``Sister Brooks got it in 30
days.`` Well, I think it’s kinda like when a woman asks a man if a particular
dress makes her look fat and he says no, but really it does. What President
Monteiro said was a complete lie, but I’ve been feeling pretty awesome the last
few days. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWM5_9Rx7eFeoJniJNfZLFmk8EY25S-fdFB886QKum4ZK4gtLi3nq4FnvrvaZ6KBBnFLycl-fVYUKJsbN4uM_2OkoMGjltHc-WhNitzhYel_IB-4p-NKyd-GclbMJ_Z87ntkTIbX48kpT/s1600/100_3312%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWM5_9Rx7eFeoJniJNfZLFmk8EY25S-fdFB886QKum4ZK4gtLi3nq4FnvrvaZ6KBBnFLycl-fVYUKJsbN4uM_2OkoMGjltHc-WhNitzhYel_IB-4p-NKyd-GclbMJ_Z87ntkTIbX48kpT/s320/100_3312%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Our lightbulb burned out this week<br /> so I like to study in the dark <br />with my handy dandy HEAD FLASHLIGHT!!!</span></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
approached a drunk man this week and gave him a pamphlet about the gospel, to
find out later that right before we arrived, he had been in a rage with a knife
trying to kill a couple of kids. I’m really grateful that we have the Lord’s
protection as His missionaries. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
language is coming, at a snail's pace, but it’s coming:) I have been able to
start teaching this week, not just talking. I’m starting to have a sense of
humor in Portuguese, which is wonderful because I was starting to miss laughing
at myself every day. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week we taught everyone in the whole world and their dogs which roam the
streets here. (PS. My fear of dogs is vanished. They growl and I pick up a rock
and yell in English and they fear me.) We found some really wonderful people
this week, including a woman who started screaming in the middle of me
rehearsing the First Vision about how glorious and wonderful God is. It was the
most exciting First Vision recitation I’ve ever heard, and you better believe
we’ll be visiting her again soon. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We also
taught a man who wasn 4 feet tall and at least 100 years old, and I wanted to
ask if I could take a picture of his cute little old face. I resisted because
that is kinda weird, but I was smiling the whole entire lesson and wishing my
buddy Abby was there to enjoy chatting with the cutest old man in all of the
world:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
apparently have tasty blood on the left half of my body. I wake up with a
bloody left leg every morning from something eating me during the night. I’m
convinced it’s a spider bigger than my face. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
learned a lot this week about patience and about the Lord’s timing. My timing
is never the Lord’s because I want everything to happen NOW. But the Lord is
teaching me through so many things and people how to truly be patient with myself
and other people. As I’ve tried to exercise patience, I have felt the Lord’s
love for His children in this area so much stronger. Every morning I pray and
feel how precious every soul is to Heavenly Father. And then we go to work, and
I have my companion teach me hymns in Portuguese that I can sing while we walk
the streets:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love
the work. It’s hard, but the moments when it clicks with someone, like it did
this week with the family we found, are some of the sweetest moments of my
life. What a privilege:):)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh, and
my love plus a little more, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
brooks</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yVZ7T8DgTINv5tIA3d4HgjnMNliUKmaA_h57YONFIyQj5VbTO5hhxhgYAuHGAm80YtYbL1ZCUtfIcGjNoy2cjTCWHuXFmyeg6z_VjLmp010ZMyBloY2OvJQA8DJiAzejNCBe2I5fP6A-/s1600/100_3302%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yVZ7T8DgTINv5tIA3d4HgjnMNliUKmaA_h57YONFIyQj5VbTO5hhxhgYAuHGAm80YtYbL1ZCUtfIcGjNoy2cjTCWHuXFmyeg6z_VjLmp010ZMyBloY2OvJQA8DJiAzejNCBe2I5fP6A-/s320/100_3302%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The "gyms" of Brazil.,,blue and yellow toys<br />next to a playground.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVykowxJrxt6EUH2UEUhtboEaVm1ZLHj9_I7HqimCEHSYRNUgb_RH6dYTNt3cSB0kD76DyJdHobr9vkdZ8zq3-i4U3JZ-jIXn1mxxm4OnhuTI2_WhbSFuP51wtMhcxcjeKM0PCOzFrKPV/s1600/100_3308%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVykowxJrxt6EUH2UEUhtboEaVm1ZLHj9_I7HqimCEHSYRNUgb_RH6dYTNt3cSB0kD76DyJdHobr9vkdZ8zq3-i4U3JZ-jIXn1mxxm4OnhuTI2_WhbSFuP51wtMhcxcjeKM0PCOzFrKPV/s320/100_3308%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-size: medium; line-height: 15.75pt; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;">And, a funny little sticker in all the buses in Brazil. The first people it says to make room for on the buses are the obese. Before the old, the woman with child, the diseased. Make room for the obese. </span></b><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-16134911241813841152013-09-03T14:40:00.000-07:002013-09-03T14:40:57.567-07:00Laughing in the Rain<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9_u4ljWTbJUqMvIJ2l_JATKC7rtWUEZPA_FebDbuLgsy1POnWRANfFYwS_p4ASHd0L-klqVh0g9CsO_vVto3FpHvyzJMs0Wg500YIVEgDJ27VXFb1WQYEve5kJkII3t86PANLnSuP0As/s200/100_3267%255B1%255D.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>MEOW</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbDy_uqchw8EgrTIXoIS9uGA7o8bM_ImQlAFI_jzgrIcPDw4WD_IQ7_LPPjfYJl6QAOO3r4rAteEiFf8LPA2DICWxcfoIHPcKIjnI2_ZWZJ5jEtsVh79pNSeeszz2ZvBn00UP_Bc8FB8B/s1600/100_3284%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbDy_uqchw8EgrTIXoIS9uGA7o8bM_ImQlAFI_jzgrIcPDw4WD_IQ7_LPPjfYJl6QAOO3r4rAteEiFf8LPA2DICWxcfoIHPcKIjnI2_ZWZJ5jEtsVh79pNSeeszz2ZvBn00UP_Bc8FB8B/s200/100_3284%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>AVOCADO'S ANYONE?</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXciHf491DrCFRcuagkM-OjBYnObfdIpcOYJ_t56whjpSHk1g-7bZLUxFfjyIqmDDMjOT3t1nE1hli1IPaLJswWGfM6wP17VIq-FTVqZ2XRATzpLwM8vYzTVCPZJoKz9p_lU8uHSqYW61/s1600/100_3282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXciHf491DrCFRcuagkM-OjBYnObfdIpcOYJ_t56whjpSHk1g-7bZLUxFfjyIqmDDMjOT3t1nE1hli1IPaLJswWGfM6wP17VIq-FTVqZ2XRATzpLwM8vYzTVCPZJoKz9p_lU8uHSqYW61/s400/100_3282.JPG" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>BOM DIA</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZscsWdJLapEBGftn1-NugxPcNI4Eky9XMMaI2H39r9Tuxt8nhTLgjyyPGWR6dm_pUtIqxAOsJm0pu8X2DfDxqLpvC9z2avSeMZO_GZ22o_jH2ypoBgB4puvphVsBu241HwXw9vIx4BIoR/s1600/100_3286%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZscsWdJLapEBGftn1-NugxPcNI4Eky9XMMaI2H39r9Tuxt8nhTLgjyyPGWR6dm_pUtIqxAOsJm0pu8X2DfDxqLpvC9z2avSeMZO_GZ22o_jH2ypoBgB4puvphVsBu241HwXw9vIx4BIoR/s320/100_3286%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have
marvelous news!! This week I was asked to say a prayer in English, because
people think I'm super cool when I speak English. So I started to pray and
completely tripped over all my words. I was SO EXCITED! I am fluent in
Portuguese prayers! No, I can't carry on a conversation about much of anything,
but ask me to pray and you better believe I'll show off. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week some crazy man on the street passed a huge group of people waiting for the
bus. My companion and I were in this group, waiting to take the bus to Centro
for a district meeting. He was walking fast and saying ``Bom dia`` and ``Tudo
Bem`` to absolutely everyone. He saw me and approached me nearly running,
starting a conversation loud enough for everyone to hear as if we were best
friends who hadn't seen each other in a year and a half. He had a lisp. I can't
understand people without lisps half the time, so in this situation I was
toasty toast. He was practically yelling at me, completely animated, and I was
just nodding and saying ``Ohhhh, sim!`` and ``Nao acredito!!`` My companion
stepped back and let me have a conversation with my new best friend for
probably 10 minutes, and it was maybe the strangest thing that has ever
happened to me. The good news is that now me and the man on the street are
buddy buddies. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx9UZhz-c7gbYzEzRbPWUmlxXheubcnc42VrJMzcodoLsLBG9rKxPWXuqUaXAVEZAsVICtBzrvTL5Bzbj3__4Mlr2y3tcCd4W9H83__m1KNL-vXQsDUmProb8_yGRUT-hagJYEoqxy2rn/s1600/100_3299%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx9UZhz-c7gbYzEzRbPWUmlxXheubcnc42VrJMzcodoLsLBG9rKxPWXuqUaXAVEZAsVICtBzrvTL5Bzbj3__4Mlr2y3tcCd4W9H83__m1KNL-vXQsDUmProb8_yGRUT-hagJYEoqxy2rn/s200/100_3299%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week every investigator we had left dropped us. Every single person with a
baptismal date now wants nothing to do with us and we walked and walked and
walked yesterday to get people to church and no one wanted to come. We probably
taught 25 first lessons to people this week, knocking on doors and talking with
everyone we saw, and everyone agrees with what we say but doesn't want to
change. (This is a picture of me with a perfect family we found. Totally on
board until they discovered church started at 9 AM. Really?) I prayed last
night: For heavens sake, tell me what I'm doing wrong and I'll fix it!! I
decided I need more faith. This is a work of faith and perserverance, and this
week I'm absolutely determined that we will find people prepared:) We're also
getting a new companion tomorrow to train because of transfers, and currently
are trying to figure out where the little one will sleep. Every day an
adventure. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgB0ugv6OaK4YJNfKLPtN1dGp_OiYF51XUF-TBuZhcL2q9rYu025CwO7E4wDNMNaICpOnS5rQou8icKZcpNEOEDg6Z9qrEOIsRdwnn_K4RCVmHIgtfAi2ahhNCFbP-mLWEUxePIm5HbHkD/s1600/100_3300%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgB0ugv6OaK4YJNfKLPtN1dGp_OiYF51XUF-TBuZhcL2q9rYu025CwO7E4wDNMNaICpOnS5rQou8icKZcpNEOEDg6Z9qrEOIsRdwnn_K4RCVmHIgtfAi2ahhNCFbP-mLWEUxePIm5HbHkD/s200/100_3300%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
started pouring rain yesterday and naturally I forgot my coat. There I am,
waddling around, looking for anyone to teach, and suddenly every person in
Brazil is busy making eggs and toast. (People here don't even eat eggs and
toast, I KNOW YOU'RE LYING!) Soaking wet, no one to teach, middle of a dirt
road and I just started laughing. OH MY GOSH WHAT AM I DOING?!?!?! <o:p></o:p></span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(This
picture is me very wet when somebody finally let us in.) </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We've
been getting a lot of pressure to perform and our area honestly is super
struggling right now. One night my companion and I sat down and she said
something that has stuck with me all week: ``Sister Brooks, the Lord wants
souls. Some people may want numbers, but the Lord wants souls.`` Well my
goodness, yes He does!! I keep thinking of the scripture in Ether that AFTER
the trial of our faith we see miracles. I'm pretty thrilled for the moment
after the trial of my faith. The Lord values patience a lot. I have no
patience. What a stinky opportunity to learn. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
grateful I am for prayer. At the end of a difficult day, how grateful I am that
I can kneel down and say. ``Well. I worked a lot today and have absolutely
nothing to show for it. Help me feel like I'm an alright person.`` I'm learning
a lot about what the Lord expects from us, and it is often a lot different from
what people expect from us. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I so
wish I had exciting stories of people we found this week to tell!! WE had two
baptisms this week and were informed by them yesterday that they weren't
interested anymore. We talked to so many wonderful people this week and I am
obsessed with them all. I think one change I want to make is really help the
first lesson be focused on Jesus Christ. People always feel the Spirit when you
focus on the Savior:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am in
love with Portuguese. I LOVE IT! I WILL SPEAK IT FOREVER!!! I love to study it,
because it's a technical language with many rules. It's like a really hard math
problem that always has a solution, or like a complex puzzle. The interesting
thing is that no one hear speaks correctly, all the rules I read so much
about. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I would
tell you that you're speaking your language wrong, but I don't know how to say
that. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZALu4yI4zGHJjMjXy-GyLfaYcC6nWC_juP4UreNbUdVaat42tu6UCt_9t032KwhZuyBXzJ6DBRXzkM0VxNXX4oo6IbeMC-D8TesTNAoPPxEy38E36MaUxUrQUVsz8Cu58uxN9Xh23j5K/s1600/100_3289%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZALu4yI4zGHJjMjXy-GyLfaYcC6nWC_juP4UreNbUdVaat42tu6UCt_9t032KwhZuyBXzJ6DBRXzkM0VxNXX4oo6IbeMC-D8TesTNAoPPxEy38E36MaUxUrQUVsz8Cu58uxN9Xh23j5K/s200/100_3289%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week we had a conference with the mission president and his wife, and I learned
so many things I want to do better. A mission is like a college of learning
about your own personal weaknesses. Super awesome. But really, we watched this
video of Christ coming to the Americas, and a picture popped up of Christ with
this old, broken woman on His lap. They were both crying, and for crying out
loud, I wanted to join in too. (I'm becoming Gus from Psych. The sympathetic
cryer.) But how many times has the broken person been me? Haha how many times
THIS WEEK has the broken person been me? How grateful I am that the Lord is
always there with mercy and love.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We also
had a women's conference with the sisters in my area. We learned the importance
of putting on make-up and being a classy and elegant woman. Worst part of my
mission so far, no exceptions. Except that they did feed us chocolate
afterwards. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Lord wants souls. I'm pretty confident that there are souls here He needs, and
I get to learn a little bit about patience right now:) And I get to learn about
laughing in the rain, and apparently about how to put on make-up, oh heaven
help me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
thing is for certain. I love the Lord. He listens to us when we pray, and He
loves us always, and what I am trying so very hard to teach people is truly the
gospel of Jesus Christ. What a priviledge :)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Com
amor!!!!!:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ps.
this is me at the girly conference. </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU481rNxd0mh1YKIstUKYt_sDO42mFJg0glZUW1MCwAGyshK6h1PYUFqpic7ddUxlBa4zykcAfgk2rMjoH0l7Gkuijaby-2522vuOz6oaSCcT4RN-yT8qWoOaz0iq6pJKNGVwnjjrWX9U/s1600/100_3295%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU481rNxd0mh1YKIstUKYt_sDO42mFJg0glZUW1MCwAGyshK6h1PYUFqpic7ddUxlBa4zykcAfgk2rMjoH0l7Gkuijaby-2522vuOz6oaSCcT4RN-yT8qWoOaz0iq6pJKNGVwnjjrWX9U/s400/100_3295%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></b></div>
<b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-14255334224290759902013-08-26T23:12:00.000-07:002013-08-26T23:12:40.970-07:00Onward and Upward<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember
that one time we had 9 baptismal dates? That apparently was so last week
because everything that could possibly go wrong in a week, went wrong this
week. Let me demonstrate:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
family of Louis and Tonya. Came to church and apparently had an awful
experience. No one at church asked their names, no one welcomed them, she felt
like trash in Relief Society, and she now refuses to return or allow her family
to be baptized. She started smoking again and doesn't want to change. There are
two things you can do when you hear news like this: you can either laugh or
cry. The choice for me was easy, and I cried for a good long time in the dirt
on the side of the road, and ate a giant carrot because that was the only food
I had. I am so ultimately sad about the situation. She has a testimony of the
gospel, I know she does. We did everything in our power to make it right.
Started fasting immediately, prayed like never before, brought members to
lessons, had a good talk with the relief society, met with the bishop, I EVEN
MADE CHOCOLATE CAKE! But the chocolate cake here isn't that good, and she still
wants nothing to do with it all. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rPjkNM5M5ZvKRK8ala9d3qM4XHtONfZb_8dweEGMx6dYwMQRU-1SLdDqLVz9uZ8W7hPqUTbb9rI202B_jtdb7beFzKyJwQyCM-PtzBNtuYVvgc1WWTBjiMcuorrVRN9d0wA6k9ebsm6j/s1600/100_3271%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rPjkNM5M5ZvKRK8ala9d3qM4XHtONfZb_8dweEGMx6dYwMQRU-1SLdDqLVz9uZ8W7hPqUTbb9rI202B_jtdb7beFzKyJwQyCM-PtzBNtuYVvgc1WWTBjiMcuorrVRN9d0wA6k9ebsm6j/s320/100_3271%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Milane.
Baptism and marriage in two weeks. Her father figure randomly showed up two
days ago drunk and beat her, apparently really bad. Her kids were screaming,
the police came, and she had now moved to who knows where. Her dad showed up
yesterday and started losing it with my companion and I---sobbing uncontrollably
in the rain and begging us to help. I felt like I was in a movie and for once
was very grateful that I didn't understand a word that was being said. What an
ugly situation. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marcilina
and Cheila. We went to mark the day of their wedding this week, and because he
was born in a different country, they need all this paperwork before they can
get married, and thus be baptized. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Daneilla
and Fernanda. Suddenly decided they didn't want to be baptized even though they
know that the church is true.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well,
apparently discouragement is a thing. It was a pretty rough week to be honest
and I'm still trying to think of something wise to say about it all. I really
did learn a lot about faith. The Lord values our agency more than our
salvation, and sometimes no matter how much faith you have in something or how
much you pray about something, people are going to choose wrong and life is
going to happen. It's hard to have a lot of faith in something that falls
through, or a lot of faith in 9 things that fall through. But I decided this
week that there are two kinds of people, the kind who have faith that things
will go their way and the kind that have faith that sometimes ``failure`` is
the Lord's way, and that He will work everything out in His way and timing.
What a hard lesson, my goodness! I don't like seeing people I love reject what
they need, and this week I saw it every single lesson I entered. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'M NEVER HAVING KIDS. I've heard watching your kids make bad decisions is the same
type of feeling, and I'd rather avoid that for the rest of my life. Or just
have perfect kids.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KtCX5jpu1kPK39wWesf1_6i5HlZEjKpaWauZxGB8MgILtde2MzPPgz2Ef_yGoHuFs5bJJ0WHYKJnGG8P_r5gGI5PHzxbF3Roe29WRakX7khpAkYpPbGhtxbydOKDYl1mR6lvJ7Vhyv_H/s1600/100_3272%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KtCX5jpu1kPK39wWesf1_6i5HlZEjKpaWauZxGB8MgILtde2MzPPgz2Ef_yGoHuFs5bJJ0WHYKJnGG8P_r5gGI5PHzxbF3Roe29WRakX7khpAkYpPbGhtxbydOKDYl1mR6lvJ7Vhyv_H/s200/100_3272%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Crazy child pulling out my hair</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the
bright side, I found 50 cents on the side of the road this week, which is equal
to a quarter in America. This was especially exciting because the mission
forgot to give me money for some reason, and so I had a grand total of 31 cents
to my name. It was kinda like a fun game of trying not to spend any money,
except if you lose the game, you don't eat. Haha I don't know why people always
forget me, but I´m getting more and more comfortable being forgotten. So
family, if one of these days you feel like just not writing me, I probably
won't even notice. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another
exciting thing that happened this week: I gave a training!!! In Portuguese!
About the wonderful week of finding we had 2 weeks ago!! I speak Portuguese you
know!! People are starting to be able to understand me more or less, EXCEPT for
when I ask the question: ``What is your name?`` Ok, that was the FIRST phrase I
learned, but NO ONE understands when I ask!! I practice every single morning
when I wake up. What is your name? What is YOUR name? WHAT is your NAME? Still,
no one knows what I'm asking. Why? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
taught this lady this week who was just prepared. She had just been praying for
an experience to come back to God the day before we showed up. We found her on
the side of the road and taught with the Spirit, and I was feeling my Spirits
lifting when suddenly, AFTER THE LESSON, she remembered that she WAS was a
member of a church. Haha what? Sometimes things like that slip my mind too,
don't worry. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
prayed a lot this week because let's get real, who wouldn't feel like a failure
of a person and missionary after a week of a series of unfortunate events? I
was asked to say the closing prayer at Tonya's house for the final lesson this
week, and I thanked the Lord for our Savior Jesus Christ and just started
crying again, but this time it was more out of gratitude than sadness. The Lord
sees our efforts even when they are weak, and I have so much faith that He
makes our weaknesses strengths when we are humble. FAITH, FAITH, FAITH! Onward
and upward:):) I have a testimony that the Lord knows more than we do and that
He refines us in sometimes uncomfortable ways. I love the Lord and I love
sharing His gospel, and even though it at times is hard, how grateful I am for
the gift of choice. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All my
love plus a little more,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PS.
Everyone pray they remember to feed me</span></b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQC919gSzFTN2lOP1StnhHjA0NQt_R_ahStguhQsG1VSKbtJi0umXC_FryVO_e8CkcPL5NoJuCArRVutKgh1VBKuGuq7vDcl_TrKGzYbSDbpzCCc4GQ3XYQbTN2KmftrzDLQroQp1xDaH/s1600/100_3273%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQC919gSzFTN2lOP1StnhHjA0NQt_R_ahStguhQsG1VSKbtJi0umXC_FryVO_e8CkcPL5NoJuCArRVutKgh1VBKuGuq7vDcl_TrKGzYbSDbpzCCc4GQ3XYQbTN2KmftrzDLQroQp1xDaH/s320/100_3273%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Me and some random people who wanted<br />a picture with an American<br />and thought it was the coolest thing ever that<br />I was serving a mission in Brazil...<br />Interested to learn more:)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-21161639633066198872013-08-19T22:39:00.000-07:002013-08-19T22:45:04.946-07:00When it "clicks"<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCa8FhKbgGnbAnLUtYtiAiL3J6j9XmU-594Zoz8MqE62a9AayNBDIsFBvQHT9J-dXM82Q9xrjhObQnq8ySy1BQfhh9uYI364Q_KwLkaRyocZO5jVALbVg2N9Accb96KGdZffNk8CznOILR/s1600/100_3263%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCa8FhKbgGnbAnLUtYtiAiL3J6j9XmU-594Zoz8MqE62a9AayNBDIsFBvQHT9J-dXM82Q9xrjhObQnq8ySy1BQfhh9uYI364Q_KwLkaRyocZO5jVALbVg2N9Accb96KGdZffNk8CznOILR/s320/100_3263%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Me and my pantry</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m going to be very honest for a hot second here. I hated my life for the first few weeks in Brazil, and I'll admit that there have been a few pity parties I have thrown for myself. I speak like a 3 year old, I feel like a burden to my companion, I just want some warm water, and I don’t like fried food and beef on everything I eat. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but for the first two or three weeks, I really wanted to come home. I mean, not really, but kinda;) Last Tuesday I had the wonderful opportunity to run for 20 minutes and made some decisions while running in circles around my companion. I prayed very, very hard and told the Lord that today was the first day that I was going to truly unpack my bags here and give the day everything in me. I told Him that I was very sorry because let’s get real, I’ve been a little selfish, and I told Him that I love Brazil, but that I’m super lonely and I need His help a lot, a lot. I gritted my teeth and ran as hard </span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">as possible in a 10 inch radius and just made up my mind to really, </span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">really, really really serve Him. That day, my companion and I went </span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">from 2 baptismal dates to 9. We had 11 investigators at church </span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">yesterday. We have 6 baptisms this Sunday that we didn’t have a week </span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ago.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<br />
I got to the end of the day and was so overwhelmed with the mercy and<br />
kindness of the Lord. I tried my best to give a little bit more and I<br />
had no doubt that day that we would see miracles, and this week was<br />
one huge miracle. I am a psycho journal-writer, but Tuesday night I<br />
could only write a few sentences because I was so incredibly grateful,<br />
more than I think I ever have been in my life, for the goodness and<br />
kindness of the Lord. He takes every opportunity we give Him to show<br />
His love for us:) Wow, what a week.<br />
</span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tonya and Luis Fernando and their family will be baptized this Sunday</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
if she can stop smoking. She will:) They are the MOST INCREDIBL</span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">E</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGZZtw2vXdJorX3uIXpDls2Z4PCM4FNXyyfSF2AiLpGGZRKoWA8pYB9ZevZAzDBsuDWSn27uGdgwrtJqcAjSFjLVZe3ias-YBJ04w9joK1AXeJqa0MHeSwhunhps_bWCTB35ZRVYvNWWc/s1600/100_3264%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGZZtw2vXdJorX3uIXpDls2Z4PCM4FNXyyfSF2AiLpGGZRKoWA8pYB9ZevZAzDBsuDWSn27uGdgwrtJqcAjSFjLVZe3ias-YBJ04w9joK1AXeJqa0MHeSwhunhps_bWCTB35ZRVYvNWWc/s320/100_3264%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
family, and I love them so much. Luis Fernando got in a gang fight 2<br />
months ago, and lost almost all of his vision. So Tonya reads the Book<br />
of Mormon to him:) We gave their family a picture of the temple, and<br />
I’ll never forget Luis Fernando trying to see whatever he could of it,<br />
and asking us to describe all the details he wasn’t able to see. Tonya<br />
hung it up on their wall the second we gave it to them:) Oh, joy!!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every Friday our ward throws a mini little party with food and games<br />
and lots of new people:) This week Sister Lopez and I hosted games for<br />
the teenagers and kids. We played this game where you have to remember<br />
the names of fruits, and I have never focused so hard in my life. It came<br />
down to the wire with me and a 5 year old. I was at a disadvantage<br />
because I dontt know Portuguese, and they don’t teach you fruit names<br />
in the MTC. But I conquered and ended up winning, and I’ll be honest,<br />
I was thrilled! It’s not every day you beat a 5 year old at a fruit<br />
game in Portuguese you know.<br />
<br />
I gave a full talk in church yesterday. That was an adventure!! The<br />
language is coming, slowly slowly slowly. I got a little bit excited<br />
yesterday because in a lesson, I suddenly realized that I understood<br />
what was going on! This was the first time in 4 weeks!<br />
<br />
We are planning a wedding, it is for real!! If there is one thing I<br />
know how to do, it’s plan parties. This will be the wedding of all<br />
weddings in Brazil:):)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgEStKG1Xsig6iZIJNLsdyTXKdhbIXgIbeN57KNTbZVeBx8vqod_9wtiN-H325ooZ3w8_hfNORMhZ_f4VtVg2AGEkXevXlmXNNyum3BHTA9BxZ_IkuIbb5qToT1Jeam4rn8btxMqhuH8w/s1600/100_3257%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgEStKG1Xsig6iZIJNLsdyTXKdhbIXgIbeN57KNTbZVeBx8vqod_9wtiN-H325ooZ3w8_hfNORMhZ_f4VtVg2AGEkXevXlmXNNyum3BHTA9BxZ_IkuIbb5qToT1Jeam4rn8btxMqhuH8w/s320/100_3257%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I am the blonde one:)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love Brazilian culture. I think every American should come down here and learn to chill out a little bit. I’m trying;) Everyone is just<br />
happy to be alive and happy to talk to everyone, and everyone wants to talk my ear off about American music:) I really think this week I<br />
started to love the work. It is hard, no doubt. We walked 4 miles before 9 in the morning yesterday to pick up investigators for church. (It was uphill both ways in the wind and the snow.) But I can’t really sufficiently describe the feeling of when it ``clicks`` with someone<br />
you love an incredible amount; when they realize that they have divinity in them, regardless of money or race, and when they realize that change is possible and that they can be clean every day as they try, and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I saw the Atonement change hearts this week, and I am so indescribably grateful for the eternal principle that when we help others, the Lord takes care of us.<br />
</span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. I started my talk</span></b></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">yesterday by saying that I may not speak well or understand the</span></b></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">culture, food, or people. But there is one thing that I do know, and</span></b></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">that one thing is big enough to overshadow the things I don’t know. I</span></b></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">have a testimony of this church, and I know that Jesus Christ lives.</span></b></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
All my lovey lovey love!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRe4ti9FdO6ZKWQV7bKYLKfZFPkS9qhOsWd2OYd-qZt8ENRyoAWGiMUknvgwox2fEh05TBr1GBoXupXC_fdoj8I6jFtxowFeqrpbGNGvPd45aRRX7N-oPvm1LaYX5bwaQVASJWLo-HwSE/s1600/100_3265%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRe4ti9FdO6ZKWQV7bKYLKfZFPkS9qhOsWd2OYd-qZt8ENRyoAWGiMUknvgwox2fEh05TBr1GBoXupXC_fdoj8I6jFtxowFeqrpbGNGvPd45aRRX7N-oPvm1LaYX5bwaQVASJWLo-HwSE/s200/100_3265%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Study time in my freezing<br />cold apartment</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Sister
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk83zDxu5hgCkXGdTCjOM-PuoRVF8yIfGgS9S56YdKC9W4okQ9peUmBDmH5W4lPjekvYLecmyjfOxde4oRevlocd60Pqj2kd-CjY04EkbbrfYAu4T3zkw2V41UgxA3g5iRzDk_cgO6N40/s1600/100_3232%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk83zDxu5hgCkXGdTCjOM-PuoRVF8yIfGgS9S56YdKC9W4okQ9peUmBDmH5W4lPjekvYLecmyjfOxde4oRevlocd60Pqj2kd-CjY04EkbbrfYAu4T3zkw2V41UgxA3g5iRzDk_cgO6N40/s200/100_3232%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Making new friends wherever I go</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-28857914811289178342013-08-12T22:49:00.000-07:002013-08-15T13:25:38.033-07:00Hungry for the Beautiful Things!!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZpZ2N6vvkW2Fd2rbCnuqYlAg76eER4pUgd4xyG5zKF-YtZR1Ey4K7HRoUSlegrx51zdCZFNSEj6Zps3u6yCh0EHKdoQoLaEErwhxRv0jiv4IEiMdHsHkMolZjgBsZzY-pkdLpFawGpMx/s1600/100_3233%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZpZ2N6vvkW2Fd2rbCnuqYlAg76eER4pUgd4xyG5zKF-YtZR1Ey4K7HRoUSlegrx51zdCZFNSEj6Zps3u6yCh0EHKdoQoLaEErwhxRv0jiv4IEiMdHsHkMolZjgBsZzY-pkdLpFawGpMx/s320/100_3233%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>A telephone booth here in Brazil</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week I locked myself in a bathroom. I still do not understand how and I still
get stressed out when I think about it. Here´s what happened: I went to the
bathroom. I got up and tried to exit the bathroom. The door wouldn't open. So I
stood there for about five minutes racking my brain for vocabulary I've learned
about keys, doors, and bathroom. NOTHING!!! SO I started pounding on the door
and yelling and my companion came running. The family of the house that we were
in all got involved and for about 15 minutes, they were hollering at me what to
do. I am so sorry but I have no earthly idea what you're talking about.
Eventually I ended up chucking the key out the tiny window into the backyard
weeds outside, and I was rescued! I have decided not to use bathrooms anymore
in Brazil. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87LDBbNaN0jZlcbUhp6qr4OuapZ1Nlp8R0uddzqw-XCffcUtgZlK0FXilaNT5GTsajCBFxwxE-BgEERKTHvSaUrTlnUlM_PEuD3uz9Nc20c1Lmn8D6SykNgMHDMi6oGzupORPrmHlcVeg/s1600/100_3230%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87LDBbNaN0jZlcbUhp6qr4OuapZ1Nlp8R0uddzqw-XCffcUtgZlK0FXilaNT5GTsajCBFxwxE-BgEERKTHvSaUrTlnUlM_PEuD3uz9Nc20c1Lmn8D6SykNgMHDMi6oGzupORPrmHlcVeg/s320/100_3230%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had a
marvelous week. I was emergency transferred this week because of some things
that happened in my last area, and I had 10 minutes to pack my life and get on
a bus, wet laundry and all!! (This picture is of my zone leaders helping me
onto the bus. The 60 lb suitcase also mysteriously broke, which is why he is
carrying it on his head.) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUiPVyE_LSX0c-Lmje5jmDpUGP5FLaHY7lvmz5eDitlww_EWU0YHqTF6pNoX7Q7lzOHArDcedUUjlTt8OQoYoVqUNU866bHPj0UBcZxK_B58H-tsU4PCSlE0JjvpBe_7tKdedPYoVgF4W/s1600/100_3241%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUiPVyE_LSX0c-Lmje5jmDpUGP5FLaHY7lvmz5eDitlww_EWU0YHqTF6pNoX7Q7lzOHArDcedUUjlTt8OQoYoVqUNU866bHPj0UBcZxK_B58H-tsU4PCSlE0JjvpBe_7tKdedPYoVgF4W/s320/100_3241%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My new
companion is a angel and my goal in life is to be her. She is so patient with
me and the language, and tells me every day how much she loves working with me.
She gives me more responsibility than most days I think I can handle, and this
week made me explain the commandment ``Thou shalt not kill`` in a lesson. What?
I get frustrated to the point of tears almost everyday in companion study,
because she makes me practice speaking over and over and over again. She looks
at me calmly and tells me to relax and follow the Spirit.</span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> She always makes me
talk first to people, and we found many people to teach this week because they
are interested in what an American is doing in Brazil:)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Why, let me tell you!!!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
found a family this week because I felt like we should knock on the door.
Actually that's a lie. We found a family this week because the house was a
bright color and I'm like a child who likes shiny things and got excited and
ran to the door and started clapping.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixast-gvPkvbDNCEZEww8CTtwqqY5fgjlVzfIsr7lGsCBQ1WflE2PA9FTnXaaABn8G1H237NDpJwtcxpahrOwd0IXq0Bj5Sd1niWWKINPtqdFin4D7bLZqmVaj2BdRXRZww9yNmJulcO9c/s1600/100_3236%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixast-gvPkvbDNCEZEww8CTtwqqY5fgjlVzfIsr7lGsCBQ1WflE2PA9FTnXaaABn8G1H237NDpJwtcxpahrOwd0IXq0Bj5Sd1niWWKINPtqdFin4D7bLZqmVaj2BdRXRZww9yNmJulcO9c/s320/100_3236%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My gosh, they are prepared for the gospel.
I absolutely love them all, and we set a baptismal date for them in two weeks.
The house is tiny and filthy and they are the kindest people in the world. I
love asking people the question: What importance does God play in your life?
because without fail, they sail ``Everything.`` So it is with the family of
Louis Fernando and Tonya:) God is everything to them because they have nothing
else. They know that everything we say is true, and they want to be baptized. I
don't think I've ever felt as much joy in my life as I did when they accepted
our invitation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
taught another family. The mom was super distracted and not paying attention to
anything when I recited the First Vision with all my heart. I asked her
afterwards who she thought appeared to Joseph Smith, and she said she didn't
know. I started to repeat the first vision and out of no where, the little 4
year old sitting next to her mom and staring at me intently said: ``Deus.`` I
was overwhelmed with the Spirit. Yes, yes God did appear to Joseph Smith, you
are exactly right. Everyday my testimony of the Restoration of the gospel of
Jesus Christ is strengthened through the people I meet.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5O59_stJ7pul78xu_qloa8Iph5olgoEGi4Ggn1lToQ-I0AskCZccrV83WE2PL-cf1Q72xG6kLVg5u2Wg9S9VXGJ6ODXkACSUhgPTfn6gwpXNDTIOESu4PpSwjH6LYpWN_LLzbtKZWEFRa/s1600/100_3253%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5O59_stJ7pul78xu_qloa8Iph5olgoEGi4Ggn1lToQ-I0AskCZccrV83WE2PL-cf1Q72xG6kLVg5u2Wg9S9VXGJ6ODXkACSUhgPTfn6gwpXNDTIOESu4PpSwjH6LYpWN_LLzbtKZWEFRa/s200/100_3253%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Just happy to be here...</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are
teaching 2 other families who are ready for baptism EXCEPT the parents don't
want to be married. I am so grateful I watched the Wedding Planner 25 times
before I came on my mission, because me and my companion are about to plan a
couple of weddings!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I asked
another investigator this week if he had prayed about our message. He said no,
but he had prayed about which church was the closest and had definitely
received his answer. HAHAHA WHAT?! He said it so smugly, like he had discovered
the mysteries of God. I burst out laughing. I am so happy that you have
received the answer on which church is the closest distance to your
house. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bringing
stickers to Brazil was the best idea I've ever had. I give them to everyone,
and everyone is obsessed with them. I can't speak your language, I really don't
like your food very much, but have a sticker!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
seriously am in love with Brazil. My companion and I walked a lot this week,
and ran when we were running behind, and talked with a lot of people. We sang
hymns walking down the street and started teaching an 84 year old woman who I
started talking to on the street. (She likes our church but is scared of what
her friends will think if she joins. Haha darling you've got bigger things to
think about. Like meeting God tomorrow.) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;">Last night on our way home we ran into a man asking for money. He had no
arms, and my heart just broke for him. He was crying and asking for anything,
any help. I asked him if he was hungry and he said yes, and I asked him if he
liked to read and he said yes. I told him that we don't have much money on
missions, but we have something so very much better:) I gave him an apple and a
Book of Mormon and we talked to him for a long while. He kept crying and saying
``thank you for talking, thank you, please come visit me more, please help
me.`` I asked him if I could say a prayer, and it was one of the most fervent
prayers I have ever said. I'm quite certain my Portuguese grammar was terrible
and I don't know if it was understood. I was quiet all last night, (which is
rare,) because I was so sad that people have hard lives. My favorite part of
missionary work is meeting people who are broken and who are hungry for the
beautiful things somehow I've been blessed enough to know. </span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love
love love this work, and can't quite grasp how enormous it is. This is the work
of Jesus Christ, I have no doubt of that. This is His church, and I know that
it is true. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All my
love plus a little!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister Brooks</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjoN0YLwvrP67xLXD08uqmRCPggckKklOQky9rroGMQMyZ7amqOKthU357AzwLArg_ZD6y34WQZ2W2gqEDPj68t2atCC9_tdqYAinpksiQ6JxYUPf5PJn32TRcwy2l-CfZ7_fEZX0zBl7/s1600/100_3231%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjoN0YLwvrP67xLXD08uqmRCPggckKklOQky9rroGMQMyZ7amqOKthU357AzwLArg_ZD6y34WQZ2W2gqEDPj68t2atCC9_tdqYAinpksiQ6JxYUPf5PJn32TRcwy2l-CfZ7_fEZX0zBl7/s320/100_3231%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>My First Friend in Brazil</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEfqoE1N5qwDzxn7lWCPsxotpms4LXQifjZcudha7oq3mVWhucw9OJu2qYeHFELIVLI07ZGhyvEUw9rjHV1T4Z-QeWTNU6_MAte8IOtj95uWaR9tsG8EdfAh1SjYN9ynAiz3DSzSJ7qnc/s1600/100_3238%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtEfqoE1N5qwDzxn7lWCPsxotpms4LXQifjZcudha7oq3mVWhucw9OJu2qYeHFELIVLI07ZGhyvEUw9rjHV1T4Z-QeWTNU6_MAte8IOtj95uWaR9tsG8EdfAh1SjYN9ynAiz3DSzSJ7qnc/s320/100_3238%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Me on a Freaky Little Bridge<br />that made me feel like Indiana Jones<br />in a skirt:)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-20663499954712069442013-08-05T22:45:00.000-07:002013-08-05T22:45:25.760-07:00Fleas and Tipping Toilets!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileezxejyNpFp398h5GUm9MqpNCUjIINO-CfWP5xTcch1APg8Fww8IRtYFHWCfVQr4i5HKHlw9rRRcN4VxGIlqud4vCxNLbu5rYor7pLZJYyX8d9Biow_7KetmzNiPUBDYdim3pi_Gr1uw/s1600/100_3227%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEileezxejyNpFp398h5GUm9MqpNCUjIINO-CfWP5xTcch1APg8Fww8IRtYFHWCfVQr4i5HKHlw9rRRcN4VxGIlqud4vCxNLbu5rYor7pLZJYyX8d9Biow_7KetmzNiPUBDYdim3pi_Gr1uw/s320/100_3227%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well.
This week was definitely an adventure, to say the least!! I still am amazed at
the language of Portuguese. I hear little kids speak it on the street and I
just want to congratulate their parents for raising such genius children.
Seriously. How do they know when to use the freaking future subjunctive?!
GENIUS CHILDREN EVERYWHERE HERE!! The kids here think my Portuguese is
hilarious and they like to teach me new words. I give them stickers and they
braid my hair. Oh I adore the Brazilian people:) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was
honestly a hard week. There are fleas in my bed. There isn't room in our
apartment for me to unpack my clothes. I am super frustrated with myself and I
can't express what I feel. If I survive this companionship, I will be able to
survive and THRIVE in any marriage you put me in. We had to go to Curitiba to
get my official documents here and were lost ALL day. I have migraines because
everything is so different and then I have dreams about home and wake up with
my face 6 inches from the ceiling. Yup. Still here.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As if
that wasn't enough, on Saturday night I was on the toilet at someone's house
and reached for the toilet paper and the toilet fell over. BOOM! And there I
went with it!! I have absolutely no idea how plumbing works when the toilet
isn't connected to the ground. Haha I was dying laughing in the bathroom. Who
falls over on a toilet in Brazil? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yesterday
was testimony meeting and the bishop asked me, once again, to share my
testimony. I had been fasting for the gift of tongues. I marched right on up
there and was able to say the things I felt and wanted to say. I talked about
the Savior mostly. There are only a handful of active members in our ward, and
as I was looking out at the few of them, I felt the Spirit enter me so
strongly. I sat down and just cried, because the Lord indeed did bless me with
the gift of tongues, I love these people, and I love Jesus Christ. That's why
I'm here. I don't too much mind fleas and tipping toilets;)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
church, I started speaking and my verbs were flawless. Words I had never used
and didn't know when or how to use came out and people understood. The Lord
sometimes works in mysterious ways, and sometimes He very obviously blesses
us:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
found a million new investigators this week, and after every one I was
THRILLED! In the states, a new investigator is like a piece of Dove Chocolate,
or a brownie, or a new Jason Mraz song. EXACTLY!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here,
it is a different type of challenge, because everyone is pretty willing to
listen. Very few people actually follow through, I am learning. It's more like
a hershey's chocolate, a diet candy, or a Keisha song. You dig? (Ok actually
it's way better than a Keisha song.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But we
did talk to some wonderful people, and even found a family. Oh, the nicest
family in the world!! There are so many people here who are prepared and ready,
it's just a matter of working hard enough to find them. My favorite experiences
so far in Brazil revolve around my attempting to speak Portuguese, because
people are surprised and have to listen hard to understand. We were on a bus
this week and I started talking and everyone on the crowded bus perked up.
What? She talks weird!! So I started talking a little louder and more people
started paying attention. I ended up passing out the church magazine Liahona to
a lot of people on that bus:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gsvf7pJiUkRDfgBVjqn8ChV77jw6_yOfs_285L_c1Ohbz9c8F9ER7HLNEJKRuTxuhlmUa0KvZK-GjMri9FG44wZCZpC8h0NgY6eIB3pPzz-CE5f6KgEdtAlwBuWB_5oMsDrCqUW0XM-L/s1600/100_3222%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gsvf7pJiUkRDfgBVjqn8ChV77jw6_yOfs_285L_c1Ohbz9c8F9ER7HLNEJKRuTxuhlmUa0KvZK-GjMri9FG44wZCZpC8h0NgY6eIB3pPzz-CE5f6KgEdtAlwBuWB_5oMsDrCqUW0XM-L/s320/100_3222%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I teach
a piano class every week, and it is SO much fun! We had investigators come, and
a lot of kids and teenagers. I adore teaching piano here...everyone wants to
learn. And EVERYONE wants me to play and sing.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoQ1CwxlAEVjLiHGsCxfZzZrHy2svzpamrAB5jYZU3UZH_k4aSEWcNAke1_1vYS_LUAqCtwOSiid1wLRi79ORRawe8enoCxnMYde79xMWet2kIykeB8On1JVZVLKpyEd0AEANxU49WYVH/s1600/100_3228%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoQ1CwxlAEVjLiHGsCxfZzZrHy2svzpamrAB5jYZU3UZH_k4aSEWcNAke1_1vYS_LUAqCtwOSiid1wLRi79ORRawe8enoCxnMYde79xMWet2kIykeB8On1JVZVLKpyEd0AEANxU49WYVH/s320/100_3228%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We also </span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">started an English class
this week, and I taught numbers. It was a great success because everyone in
Brazil wants to learn English. We invite everyone we see and it is a marvelous
way to find people who are interested in our message:)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
taught a LOT of lessons on the street this week. Someone was rude to me this
week!! It was a crazy experience. She was so mean and I didn't understand what
was going on, but she was talking to me with intense hate in her voice. I found
out later that she was a little bit crazy, and that she had been saying I was a
sinner because I was beautiful, and she apparently thought I was from satan or
something. After that we talked to a drunk man carrying a gun. I had no idea
what he was saying, but my companion did and we got out of there in a
hurry! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the
positive side, we taught a woman a lesson on the street this week and it was
one of the most wonderful experiences I've had here in Brazil. She is abused by
her husband and has had a difficult life. I read a few scriptures from the Book
of Mormon to her and tried to express my testimony and my knowledge of the
Lord's love for her. She cried and cried and cried, and said she knew that
``this is Jesus.`` Indeed my friend, it is:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Everytime
I see our ward mission leader, he gathers the whole fam and makes me sing
Celion Dion ``My Heart Will Go On.`` I'm a rockstar here. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
times that are hard are when I forget why I'm here and why I'm doing this. And
why I'm doing this is because I just love the Lord oh so much and I love these
people oh so much and I love to share what I know:) I have a testimony of this
gospel, and of how involved the Lord is in our lives. That knowledge is
re-affirmed to me every day, and how grateful I am for that:) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ALL MY
LOVE,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-18691539275224732232013-07-29T12:33:00.000-07:002013-07-30T08:28:18.703-07:00My First Week in Brazil!!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL3xyyAMNxGSt6kLnC-vradR-eA-0gPPTR4mdCYlEdMs_COrL3H8xzDNsgfIkw0O7E0tjsroAWtUBets-CKCIpDdhG9xNN-ttVPjYCohyphenhyphenKwJIRGJoDTGcTZGs0DOX-z7_ShgxDIcJTkvz/s1600/100_3194%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL3xyyAMNxGSt6kLnC-vradR-eA-0gPPTR4mdCYlEdMs_COrL3H8xzDNsgfIkw0O7E0tjsroAWtUBets-CKCIpDdhG9xNN-ttVPjYCohyphenhyphenKwJIRGJoDTGcTZGs0DOX-z7_ShgxDIcJTkvz/s320/100_3194%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>At the San Francisco Airport...<br />ready to do this thing...</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlyncdvuT0ea_mIsXPEETxZi2ToQyU4Qd4UNiJM9mdwBKGyKyjEc8LwFFU-WP7P5qCN6InpRE8dgnt7afnM_8Ayrums2n3gTXm-BOfxNIDZjK_ZqJou1Bil5q5jlvCHbpoA-77M9NEfaD/s1600/100_3192%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlyncdvuT0ea_mIsXPEETxZi2ToQyU4Qd4UNiJM9mdwBKGyKyjEc8LwFFU-WP7P5qCN6InpRE8dgnt7afnM_8Ayrums2n3gTXm-BOfxNIDZjK_ZqJou1Bil5q5jlvCHbpoA-77M9NEfaD/s320/100_3192%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Last day in the USA</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Holy
smokes what a week it has been. I'm still alive, so that's news!!:) I got off
the plane in Curitiba, Brazil, after traveling by myself for 30 hours, (yay for
plane delays,) and my mission president was waiting with a smile and without a
word of English:) I am 1 of 2 missionaries who received their visas this week,
anddddd the only girl. The first day, not a single person in the group could
communicate with me. We ate dinner at the President's house, and there were
about 15 women talking and laughing and I had absolutely no idea what was going
on. NO IDEA! I'd kinda laugh when they laughed and got serious when they got
serious, and take a 50/50 chance and either say "nao" or
"sim" when I was asked a question. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we
were paired with a companion that night, I was paired with the one girl who
spoke not a word of english; not a word. Her name is Sister Lima and she is a
darling Brazilian who does not understand that I don't understand anything she
says. She says something SUPERRRERR fast and then stares blankly at me and
waits for me to respond. I laugh a lot and take a stab at
it.Ummmm....sim???:) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PORTUGUESE
LEARNED THIS WEEK: Sister. Nao entendi ;) (I do not understand!) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
hates to run, so I didn't run last week, not once!! It was an interesting
experience. I learned a whole lot about reactions this week. I was faced with
the choice this week about a trillion times to either freak out about what was
going on or laugh at myself. I have laughed at myself a lotttt this week;) I
have no idea how people who take themselves seriously serve foreign speaking
missions. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
example: I live in a basement with 4 girls meant for about 1. We walked in the
door that first night and there was a bunk bed shoved in the corner. I was
nominated to sleep on the top, about a foot from the ceiling.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCC2tjoUfp0L_tpjfAicR5ZmAPVHpIUueTv9qLyFpKmb03owM2gd4I6fb9PcfE4XiA1oXjpT18TGlle9qFMSxK4HkbwO4wi_JD_ro94d1KY5QYp2gQyrf8PHXWXYS6jvba3QlcqMLpDSw/s1600/100_3200%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCC2tjoUfp0L_tpjfAicR5ZmAPVHpIUueTv9qLyFpKmb03owM2gd4I6fb9PcfE4XiA1oXjpT18TGlle9qFMSxK4HkbwO4wi_JD_ro94d1KY5QYp2gQyrf8PHXWXYS6jvba3QlcqMLpDSw/s320/100_3200%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HAHAHA what an
ordeal it is to get in and out of bed. It definitely is motivation to be
skinny, otherwise I'm sleeping on the tile!! No houses here have heating and I
have never been as cold as I was the first few days here. I learned to laugh at
that too:) I am so grateful for my mother who thinks of everything and sent me
with an rei sleeping bag, because I live in that thing. The Brazilians call me
a worm because I hop around our apartment all bundled up in it:) I have many
new talents. One of them is moving swiftly while in a sleeping bag. Another is
washing my face quickly with freezing cold water while in a sleeping bag. Who
knew?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm
honestly obsessed with Brazil. The people here have nothing and are more happy
than most Americans I know. Not a single person was rude to us this week. I
decided to be fearless with the language, so I walk up to everyone and declare:
I am an American. We are missionaries. Can we share a message with you about
Jesus Christ? (I think that's what I'm saying...)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No one
here has anything better to do than talk to other people, and that's what I
love most about Brazil. Sure, people are busy with work and school and
everything else. But no matter who you are, they are interested in you! They want
to talk to you! They want you to come in and talk to them. I want to develop
the skill of always putting people first, no matter what else is going on. I
also tell everyone I meet that I am an American trying to become a Brazilian.
True story.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGU3VyklIBLkqsj3UQN9mmzj1hi9-79u5RLHsUHKt1vggIEP2ljwnfl9LS53PnbsIsOn7wSiiOYdzCJeeekDb9eJSLLBRijvGoLgAIYPgJjJaS6gFX48g329W0dml2R3U4cjbtaFOTeImB/s1600/100_3205%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGU3VyklIBLkqsj3UQN9mmzj1hi9-79u5RLHsUHKt1vggIEP2ljwnfl9LS53PnbsIsOn7wSiiOYdzCJeeekDb9eJSLLBRijvGoLgAIYPgJjJaS6gFX48g329W0dml2R3U4cjbtaFOTeImB/s320/100_3205%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As for
the language, it is a difficult language. I just decided a few days ago to
believe I will learn it and not to be afraid. I jump in every lesson and do my
best to communicate how I feel, and I think sometimes I butcher it. And by
sometimes I mean most of the time;) But I feel the Spirit when I try, and I
surely hope they do too, and I'm trying my best. The people here think I'm
hilarious and ask me to say their names in English and then die laughing when I
do. People here laugh a lot, a lot:) Everyone is laid back and is more
concerned about other people than themselves. When the ward heard there was a
new American sister, they all gathered their worn and beat up clothes and gave
them to me to stay warm. I feel so grateful that I don't even know what to say!!
Literally though!! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week I asked someone if they wanted to be baptized on Sunday. She said yes, and
then it fell through. But we taught her again yesterday and I felt so strongly
that we needed to read something in the Book of Mormon with her. So, sorry
companion but we're going to have a change of plans for a second! We read a
story and laughed and talked about it and I asked her if she would kneel with
us right then and pray about it. Oh the Spirit was so strong:) I have great
faith that she will be baptized very soon! Her name is Angela:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yesterday
in church I was asked to bear my testimony and also teach part of a lesson.
What an adventure!!! I told everyone how much I love them and how I can't speak
Portuguese, but I do know that this church is the Church of Jesus Christ!!!
They all just smiled and nodded. What a gringa!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuZ-xriuU_NmtRCQXswgbTjQatSsRYbdqAlFOmiFs994gaLlYnrZksESENAynawel3JR9lT23uNc7Uvpk5YU0h09i4lQA7JBNlq7OOM8IYDomz5ye5yFN9aCUWNaHw9ASLgOt97Ln_KnP/s1600/100_3202%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuZ-xriuU_NmtRCQXswgbTjQatSsRYbdqAlFOmiFs994gaLlYnrZksESENAynawel3JR9lT23uNc7Uvpk5YU0h09i4lQA7JBNlq7OOM8IYDomz5ye5yFN9aCUWNaHw9ASLgOt97Ln_KnP/s320/100_3202%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Highlight
of the week: The ward mission leader sang some Celine Dion for me. It's his
favorite American song and he wanted to share...</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
absolutely adore one of the girls we're living with named Sister Soares. I told
her this week that when she comes to BYU to study English, she can live with
me!! (In the house I´m planning on purchasing...) But the words live and die
are very similar and hard for me to remember. So I actually told her when she
came to the United States, she is going to die with me! She appreciated
that. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week was the most humbling of my life.I no longer have the skill of
communication that I've always had. I have prayed so fervently for the Spirit,
to be able to discern the needs of the investigators. This language and
cultural difference has helped me rely on the Lord that much more. It's been a
difficult week, but I am so grateful to be the new girl and the one who knows
nothing and tried to talk with everyone, because the Lord is teaching me
humility and love. Oh I love these people, everyone of them. That crosses
cultures.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I bore
my testimony this week about the Book of Mormon to one of our investigators
this week in Portuguese, and for some reason got all emotional and struggled to
get through it. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and I never
feel alone when I have it. I can't feel alone. I know that Heavenly Father loves
us, and that He answers our prayers. This is the Church of Jesus Christ; every
day as I feel the Lord help me a little more as I become more humble, I learn
again and again how involved He is in this wonderful work.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh, I
love you all:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Sister Brooks. (Brook--eees
in Portuguese, because no one can pronounce my name.I love it here:):):)</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBrmYkhoNd0bJdwCvi-R4rqEqjbxEJWTTmsSbnyDZNbFskosEBC3LAp2Rx5aXNuQ2iXYNknq0LG4vp-aC3W0nhfY77Pg81FTOUT5DAq5PuXDIwtoFEwE4r5g1WZSxOaWgHdty54wo3Xrp/s1600/100_3212%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBrmYkhoNd0bJdwCvi-R4rqEqjbxEJWTTmsSbnyDZNbFskosEBC3LAp2Rx5aXNuQ2iXYNknq0LG4vp-aC3W0nhfY77Pg81FTOUT5DAq5PuXDIwtoFEwE4r5g1WZSxOaWgHdty54wo3Xrp/s320/100_3212%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Me and a Sister in the ward.<br />I am now teaching a piano class at the<br />church every week.<br />She is one of my students.<br />Also, I am now the ward pianist:)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-60993245562057905412013-07-16T21:52:00.000-07:002013-07-16T21:52:08.826-07:00WHAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFUCohrSyLGvQF6FAzwU12HPAp4X1XvjP2FIQDtHgskhGyYdVNpGmf-kwx27KDX7kDrJp7iCNRtqju6L2xtBxCUZjotLvwiPqOgudXOgiMulyk9wNU4AXPa3cJopfxGoc9ovOgtzP0bG4/s1600/100_3121%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFUCohrSyLGvQF6FAzwU12HPAp4X1XvjP2FIQDtHgskhGyYdVNpGmf-kwx27KDX7kDrJp7iCNRtqju6L2xtBxCUZjotLvwiPqOgudXOgiMulyk9wNU4AXPa3cJopfxGoc9ovOgtzP0bG4/s320/100_3121%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, I
am going to Brazil in ONE WEEK!!!!!!!!!! Talk about a surprise! I was just
boppin around, teaching the people in San Francisco, when President Meredith
called and told me that I would be leaving in less than two weeks. I AM SO
EXCITED!!!! Also, minorly terrified. That's normal, right?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, the
next email will probably be from me in Brazil. I probably will be maybe a
little bit overwhelmed. That's normal, right?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But really, I'm freaking out with
excitment inside of me! I have lost Portuguese, if I ever had Portuguese. Next
adventure, here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!:)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My week
was marvelous! Remember that one guy I promised would see an incredible miracle
when he paid a full tithe. Well, he has been making more money at work than he
ever has in his life, starting from about the day he turned in his full
tithing. Mysterious? I think not! The Lord is so good to all of us, so so so
very good.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">I even
wrote a poem about it yesterday! Here it is:</span><br /><span style="color: #444444;">
</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Perfect Heart</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Savior and Friend, the King of the one--</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">builder of sinners, rebuker of none. </span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">He struggles with you and He suffers with me.</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">He feels our hearts' secrets; His love makes us free.</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The flaws marked deep in the soul that we hide </span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">He gently erases as we kneel free of pride.</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">He cries for the woman abused from age three;</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">He takes her worn hand--her rescue He'll be.</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">He knew we'd be wrong, stubborn and hard</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">and still, He bowed to the mocks of the guard.</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Still He knelt and He writhed for our sin;</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">He endured all hell that our souls He might win.</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">He faces our walls by our side every day, </span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">but when we can't climb, He pleads: I will pay.</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Grand Master of life, perfect Son from on High;</span></span></b></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">my Support, yes, my brother--my Friend always nigh.</span></span></b></b></div>
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">-By,
me:)</span><span style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
anyways, John told us this week that he knows the Book of Mormon is true and
Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God, but that he would rather be Krishna
so he could chant downtown with his friends. I am so ultimately confused about
him. I mean, I told him maybe he could chant with his Krishna friends
and also be baptized, but he said he'd rather not. I am very sad. He
knows that our unique message about Jesus Christ is true, but isn't willing to
act on his answer. I was very discouraged, but am trying to have faith
that his heart will be softened. I appreciate very much that the Lord respects
and protects our agency, but sometimes it's hard.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb3AyQpv_BFRF7GpxrWd2wZDhazLurJ8G-H5YkO5cle4ywqfE9rOs2x3_C0ZRiXRDvO5XzEeD6SFRkqyPya4dDfrH8XACefu2Ah37ZAkTlgbRIg61Ll_437D9ebOr0h4D6ZSz1TAeIN3-/s1600/100_3123%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb3AyQpv_BFRF7GpxrWd2wZDhazLurJ8G-H5YkO5cle4ywqfE9rOs2x3_C0ZRiXRDvO5XzEeD6SFRkqyPya4dDfrH8XACefu2Ah37ZAkTlgbRIg61Ll_437D9ebOr0h4D6ZSz1TAeIN3-/s200/100_3123%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
woman we talked to on the street who is dying with cancer, (Debbie,) is now an
investigator. She is too afraid to meet in her house, so we meet her on a
street corner a few times a week and teach her about the gospel of Jesus
Christ:) I love it. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's incredible how many people in the world are
suffering, and how many people need what we have been blessed enough to
have. This week at one of our meetings, Debbie gave Sister Olsen and I
jewlery. I think it was from a garage sale:) It is the most beautiful
bracelet I've ever received, and I wear it every day.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Service
is my favorite thing ever. This week we helped a few people move. (I think
they are always a little shocked when they ask for help from
missionaries and two girls show up in skirts.) Well, I was put in charge of
packing the top of someone's car with more stuff than at first it appeared
could fit. I crawled on top of the car in my skirt and was shoving stuff in
corners and hollering at my companion to toss more stuff up and hollering at
the owners while I was at it. My mother taught me well:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also,
for dinner my companion and I went to McDonalds for dinner, just to buy the
kids toys. No, we did not purchase any food! The little kiddy toys are
MINIONS and they laugh and say "WHAAAAA???" when you push the button.
Oh my, it was thrilling.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Wsu18an6TXctEeYLqALkgZ23-20TYVs0xyCcwYGD8D94xkX9yAqSNvevo_OStOE2hgLhewvZTOTdFOPR_GyS9Qik9N-vhWrLs3zZdriWG_pGbMYG0xufFMyYkMK-M3atff6CS59MALbV/s1600/100_3132%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Wsu18an6TXctEeYLqALkgZ23-20TYVs0xyCcwYGD8D94xkX9yAqSNvevo_OStOE2hgLhewvZTOTdFOPR_GyS9Qik9N-vhWrLs3zZdriWG_pGbMYG0xufFMyYkMK-M3atff6CS59MALbV/s320/100_3132%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></b></div>
<b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have
a very strong testimony in the power of fasting. This week, my companion and I
decided to fast and pray for specific people and their specific needs. It
is hard to fast as a missionary, because you don't get breaks ever for
anything. No four hour afternoon naps, which for me has always been
the secret to success;) But we helped each other through the day and
prayed fervently for these wonderful people we have grown to love. We met with
one of the men we had been fasting for that night right after breaking our
fast. He has been trying to quit smoking. Addictions are so hard and
I desire him very sincerely to turn to the Atonement of our Lord for
strength and help. We listened to him talk for a while about how difficult
quitting is and I was completely overcome by the Spirit as he talked. I opened
my mouth and made him promises that weren't from me, and
testified words that were not my own. We also fasted for Adam to be able
to come to church, and his foster mom got up early to take him. We are working
on setting a date with the Enriquez family. Miracles everywhere these
days:) </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So the
stalker situation got to the point of where we had to involve the ward mission
leader and the elders andddd the mission president. Yay:) I think it will be
okay now. I'm going out of the country, see you never!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnh_SZwjMNAs4iauOEQcBEEax2VLsJiPZ8LMM-YbP1qA4QdVDGbmS2eOoaMQQYtBd3cKqHvf7G4S0YA2x3D6RxYzIQNlcRCgcs4AaARrqM3L25XECZsWcCTbrg5bk21KFn6tsWdpoAWeKd/s1600/100_3129%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnh_SZwjMNAs4iauOEQcBEEax2VLsJiPZ8LMM-YbP1qA4QdVDGbmS2eOoaMQQYtBd3cKqHvf7G4S0YA2x3D6RxYzIQNlcRCgcs4AaARrqM3L25XECZsWcCTbrg5bk21KFn6tsWdpoAWeKd/s200/100_3129%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Lord is so merciful and kind. I know that He is aware of us, and I know that
His gospel is true and perfect. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of
God, and I know these wonderful things through the Spirit of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pray
for missionary experiences:) It makes a difference!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">See you
in Brazil????? WHAAA????<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:)
Sister Brooks </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<b><o:p></o:p></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-87463860854543369532013-07-09T23:56:00.000-07:002013-07-09T23:56:44.013-07:00Learning a Bit About Faith<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeRYcwe9XyCQxBg044AIc8GThmWZDv3bzSBNgqo5YAVDheifnGo8mUxjQnmGdYIv-xG96BVSA1PQcS9GycgDAr646MUoxJsS6ypAGTWpEkQzKHYnLV8ejVzuHHbisPbyOC2o0HtcgScPj/s1600/SAM_3351-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeRYcwe9XyCQxBg044AIc8GThmWZDv3bzSBNgqo5YAVDheifnGo8mUxjQnmGdYIv-xG96BVSA1PQcS9GycgDAr646MUoxJsS6ypAGTWpEkQzKHYnLV8ejVzuHHbisPbyOC2o0HtcgScPj/s200/SAM_3351-001.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week was insane times twenty. Sister Olsen and I have
started to take turns "enforcing," meaning: we need to leave this
lesson at 1:40 to get to this one at 2 and we need to leave this one at 2:25 to
get to this one at 2:30. We taught about 30 lessons this week. The Lord has
been preparing people in this area to listen to our message, and He has been
way too kind, (always!) in blessing us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unfortunately, John is going out of town for 3 weeks. I'm legitimately
slightly depressed about this, because we had some great lessons with him and
he is just SO close to committing. I told him not to go see his family on the
east coast, but he did not like that idea. We had a dinner with him and
some members this week, and he brought a head of lettuce. Him and his hot yoga
and lettuce.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">THE ENRIQUEZ FAMILY!! This week we taught them a lesson on
the Plan of Happiness, and the Spirit was incredible. After the lesson, Sister
Olsen started crying on our way home because she was so happy. I was too tired
to cry, but I was definitely smiling:) The parents randomly came out and told
us that this is the direction that God wants them to go and that in other
religions, there has been a hole; there has been something missing. When they
said that, I was trying not to burst out laughing and hyperventilating at the
same time. That would have been awkward. But seriously, HELLO WE'VE GOT
THE DIRT FOR THAT HOLE!!! It was incredible to hear someone just up
and ask what it is they are missing, and be willing to act on what we
teach! They came to church in their jeans on Sunday. The whole family walks in
late, and my heart was full. So full:) The whole 3 hours of church
was centered around families, which was perfect for what
this wonderful family needs. The Lord's hand is intimately involved in
helping individuals in this wonderful work! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCT2B2YTL0g5ggi0RP_8114O0wjD04FHYUNiyh6766SofamQVaFzBXmqUybKKih956NKERZlPsseX1hbai5759S0JfYJ6chZaf56cGBQg7_Y_G8gnzKd6jjnFIMzFw7oph5Bc3tKiW4i3/s1600/100_3120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCT2B2YTL0g5ggi0RP_8114O0wjD04FHYUNiyh6766SofamQVaFzBXmqUybKKih956NKERZlPsseX1hbai5759S0JfYJ6chZaf56cGBQg7_Y_G8gnzKd6jjnFIMzFw7oph5Bc3tKiW4i3/s320/100_3120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They were fellowshipped by
our ward SO well, and the youngest one had 20 new best friends after
primary. He also "was a very good singer." I absolutely
agreed. They are coming again next week, and I have a feeling that they
will never miss again:) I'm the happiest girl in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week a few sisters got in a bad car accident. The president
called us in a panic to go to the ER and help them with anything they
needed. Well. Naturally my companion and I had just been hiking/running up
a mountain, (it was p-day,) and so I'm in my shorts and t-shirt and totally
sweaty. We showed up to the hospital, and about 6 elders had just arrived there
as well. What the heck, Sister Brooks, why are you dressed like that? Oh, and
I'm also in my running shoes that have so many holes that I have duct tape
covering them. I look 100% homeless, and I'm trying to lift up this other
sister to help her off the hospital bed, all the while having the elders trying
to figure out why in the world I was running on my p-day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUc3Iz2VPOPB_e4zLNeum7nDw7zMLLCi3KKnTdUSKTs8mw6H0c0dUMe8Q_wjKfv-za6k8rFaIgnBO9iTiwkpd_JG9DJ1EjfL9AvfMMPs-9YEMinQSKrkSGNsbjHhLTd_kukBgZVzpGtHHG/s1600/SAM_3301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUc3Iz2VPOPB_e4zLNeum7nDw7zMLLCi3KKnTdUSKTs8mw6H0c0dUMe8Q_wjKfv-za6k8rFaIgnBO9iTiwkpd_JG9DJ1EjfL9AvfMMPs-9YEMinQSKrkSGNsbjHhLTd_kukBgZVzpGtHHG/s200/SAM_3301.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hC5q71nFNTec-v_WWcQ-M1tFZMkekqDNMUMtpcbH7h5vMKs-ocM6rztMi9mnPrxrtl8Fa1_KoviznTETpwpif4RJuPfZkmI2LZz25AxokPRvjrkmF90vQkmt_8GSDJJz3J8vnGExCxKb/s1600/SAM_3272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hC5q71nFNTec-v_WWcQ-M1tFZMkekqDNMUMtpcbH7h5vMKs-ocM6rztMi9mnPrxrtl8Fa1_KoviznTETpwpif4RJuPfZkmI2LZz25AxokPRvjrkmF90vQkmt_8GSDJJz3J8vnGExCxKb/s1600/SAM_3272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hC5q71nFNTec-v_WWcQ-M1tFZMkekqDNMUMtpcbH7h5vMKs-ocM6rztMi9mnPrxrtl8Fa1_KoviznTETpwpif4RJuPfZkmI2LZz25AxokPRvjrkmF90vQkmt_8GSDJJz3J8vnGExCxKb/s200/SAM_3272.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister Olsen just
laughs and assures me that I will be known forever and always as the complete
psycho-runner. I think everyone at the hospital went home that night
thinking: Wow. Mormons are weird. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;">I'M SORRY, I JUST LIKE TO RUN OK! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;">So. About the boy we raced up the hill! He allowed us to come
over and teach him and his family, (with special permission from the Zone
Leaders because this family is Muslim.) I had absolutely no idea what I was
marching into, and about the middle of the lesson I was really wishing I had
Tyler Holle on one side of me and Kramer Holle on the other. I feel like they
would have known better than me how to handle the situation! It's difficult to
teach people who are very opposed to the idea of Jesus Christ being the Son of
God. They were shouting questions left and right and I was sweating trying to
keep up and trying to slow things down so the Spirit could be there. The
extended family had also been invited to listen to us as well, so it
was a party! They fed us Iraqui food and prayed in Arabic for us. They have so
many questions about the Book of Mormon, but a lot of the questions they have
are the unanswerable type. The type where all I can really say is: I have
no earthly idea. Ask God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Really, the answer to most questions is to ask God. He knows,
and I don't. It's an interesting and difficult situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The fourth of July was indeed a celebration. I made a
red/white/blue cake and brought it to zone meeting. I was so proud! I also wore
blue bows in my hair like I was 2 years old. Success on all accounts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_ZnOr3lHjvuJTO7npMjUYZF6ZYJxFQnsOIxnjnaFw9KKiVkS0AtiaCCBC6gYaLrQBoiDqyxThXozZJXFs4z5afynTZ99XXjpnkZsp6m0dZ12wyJ_DsVkEJLrGgygT798e9gw9b3olf_8/s1600/100_3109-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_ZnOr3lHjvuJTO7npMjUYZF6ZYJxFQnsOIxnjnaFw9KKiVkS0AtiaCCBC6gYaLrQBoiDqyxThXozZJXFs4z5afynTZ99XXjpnkZsp6m0dZ12wyJ_DsVkEJLrGgygT798e9gw9b3olf_8/s320/100_3109-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;">Well, my stalker continues to stalk. That's all I'll say about
it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I learned a really important lesson this week about faith. First
off, I realized how truly little faith I have. I have faith for the things I
want to have faith in, like in other people progressing in the gospel or in
being led by the Spirit, but I have very little faith when it comes to other
things. So here is my analogy on faith:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Faith is taking a step into the dark. Faith is ALWAYS dark
for a second before it turns light, because the Lord requires
vulnerability as we learn to submit our stubborn will to
His. Sometimes it's dark for a long while, because God is the
only One who can turn on the light for us. The light inevitably always
comes on, but most of us are super uncomfortable for that time in the dark that
we are tested. I learned this week that my whole life when I've stood in the
dark about something, I've tried to turn on the light myself. I've tried to
control the situation and I've searched frantically for the lightswitch. I get
myself all up in a frenzy about not knowing what's around me and what exactly
is going to happen with my life. And what a faithless way to live! I think
the key to life is learning how to party in the dark:) We don't have control. I
don't have control at this point about most everything in my life, including
when I go to Brazil, what I eat, or how I spend my time. CONTROL GONE. So here
I stand in the dark, trying to figure it all out instead of trusting that
although I'm in the dark and sometimes I feel alone, God really is in complete
control of what's going on. So what does it matter if I understand? Kaylee, LET
IT GO! Enjoy the dark. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I know that when God wants me to understand the "why"
of something, I will. I know the light will come on about a lot of things I've
struggled with if I trust Him. I know it will be in His timing. I like to kick
and scream and be stubborn and proud, and I think God probably just kind-of
watches and waits for me to calm down. Then He starts talking to me, once I
realize that being in the dark is maybe and probably exactly where He wants me.
I'm afraid of the dark, I'm terrified of it! But He has been teaching me one
thing at a time how to relax and trust His love. It's SO much easier for
me to kick and scream about what I DON'T KNOW. But He is very patient with my
silly mind. And I'm learning how to smile in the dark and stand there calmly, listening
always for His voice in the darkness to make sure He's still right there
with me. I know He is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I
know that there is nothing outside the reach of His Atonement. I know that
God listens to us when we pray. I also know that He doesn't do things for us
that we can learn to do for ourselves, generally. I'm grateful for that:) I
talk to Heavenly Father all day every day, and I love Him so much for being my
Father and my Friend. I know that this is Jesus
Christ's gospel on Earth today, because He allows me to feel its
truthfulness everyday. I'm quite determined to be a missionary for the rest of
forever. There is so much joy to bring and to feel:) Have a great great great
week and remember how precious every soul is to our Heavenly Father:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister Brooks</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3Zu3tFIVY7GGFb4uktdeDgOlcy13S2aWJAERGmaxsyuETLKOJ85M_yJrQLdR4IrKNNhyEZU711uoJD4uq2fzN6ELOb9Vs2eMx8F6W5WOKf9ciklF-1GW_huyCkBV9NhpI-w5Ti09KKM1/s1600/100_3105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3Zu3tFIVY7GGFb4uktdeDgOlcy13S2aWJAERGmaxsyuETLKOJ85M_yJrQLdR4IrKNNhyEZU711uoJD4uq2fzN6ELOb9Vs2eMx8F6W5WOKf9ciklF-1GW_huyCkBV9NhpI-w5Ti09KKM1/s320/100_3105.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Adam and Me holding a Skunk!!!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jdoj8yOIcZxEEBXONfE7EOI720W-ZyeBoROmh_2SPvI2q8ZjAwe7wmbP8_8DnZR5lCx5yI4nW1CZC2s7dw7PyussUliMNLCbKUIJj8dLFg1LArDRs5Pk3HO7KbfAStQxCYQE1zuW1hFy/s1600/100_3118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jdoj8yOIcZxEEBXONfE7EOI720W-ZyeBoROmh_2SPvI2q8ZjAwe7wmbP8_8DnZR5lCx5yI4nW1CZC2s7dw7PyussUliMNLCbKUIJj8dLFg1LArDRs5Pk3HO7KbfAStQxCYQE1zuW1hFy/s320/100_3118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>My favorite couple that I play the piano for<br />every Saturday night!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYPjKtbtEGSNmpLay3-Zq245pS8R_KKfC2hpNp0ZkiNOpBapFOOD9h6n22dygib4VZqOKJo8dO0XWXPdEUCXPF2s8cKmpD4yZWm00NZFQxo3i7YcG06xZbRm0wltIPqkcVI4KDAvDU4LT/s1600/100_3117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYPjKtbtEGSNmpLay3-Zq245pS8R_KKfC2hpNp0ZkiNOpBapFOOD9h6n22dygib4VZqOKJo8dO0XWXPdEUCXPF2s8cKmpD4yZWm00NZFQxo3i7YcG06xZbRm0wltIPqkcVI4KDAvDU4LT/s320/100_3117.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>This was in our mission letter...<br />That's right...<br />My mission encourages running...<br />I'm just being obedient!!!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 0pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-29925373687412871532013-07-01T14:16:00.000-07:002013-07-01T14:24:09.243-07:00So Many People to Love!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMro14wPTRcw0PoRVVPxPWVPYjDMcukjxSO9Ofa7NjkgvTVmCqHNRBR1olodOyKtSoKG6FO_AnDHpNsqE49NqkzzXXtt-0_slTPeBVPweGR7ymLOLs2D3iAfM9ASjo77VkX09V-TgogB8/s1600/100_3097%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMro14wPTRcw0PoRVVPxPWVPYjDMcukjxSO9Ofa7NjkgvTVmCqHNRBR1olodOyKtSoKG6FO_AnDHpNsqE49NqkzzXXtt-0_slTPeBVPweGR7ymLOLs2D3iAfM9ASjo77VkX09V-TgogB8/s200/100_3097%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b>Me, Very Sickly:(</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week, I got the flu or some strange San Franciscan disease, and was barfing up
anything in my poor little tummy between lessons. I got 2 hours of sleep one
night because I was getting weird bloody noses, and by Saturday night I was so
weak that I could hardly walk up the stairs to my apartment because I couldn't
eat all week. It was very interesting. I decided to never be sick again. My
companion got a little frustrated with me, because I refused to stay inside.
Hello. There are people to teach.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Regardless,
this week was just oh so wonderful. I'll start with John:) We taught him four
lessons this week AND he came to church again, which makes me so so
happy! He came to the Visitors Center in Oakland with us and cried during
the Joseph Smith movie. We had the most amazing lesson with him while sitting
on a cement block in some random park because his car was getting fixed:) Oh,
missionary work. We taught him a lesson about obedience. My wonderful
companion asked him: John, have you been praying about if you should be
baptized on July 27th?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTa_BjbTS5atXXRQQkk9CEGBgDAzT4fYjaWlBy1EvhypV8rUU9z4Z607okMOI0qPTRroEZ958Q8Hm8M4gQmLtzoIS4Vci0pNKhsrJOCianuVWE1vFqKoisz1NSHFqpYoOPzR4QBAthedy/s1600/100_3085%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTa_BjbTS5atXXRQQkk9CEGBgDAzT4fYjaWlBy1EvhypV8rUU9z4Z607okMOI0qPTRroEZ958Q8Hm8M4gQmLtzoIS4Vci0pNKhsrJOCianuVWE1vFqKoisz1NSHFqpYoOPzR4QBAthedy/s320/100_3085%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>At the Visitor's Center</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have
been praying a lot to know what his concern is, and how we can help him. He
believes everything we say, he just won't commit. So we decided to get to the
bottom of it this lesson! He laughed and said he hadn't prayed about it. I was
so overwhelmed by the Spirit and I opened my mouth and out it came! Out came
his concern, right out of my mouth!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"John,
and you afraid to pray because you know what the answer will be?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He was
a little bit surprised, but said: "Yeah, yeah I think that is it."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Olsen: "John, will you pray right now to know if you need to be baptized
on July 27th? Ask God specifically, He will answer you." <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH33aB7QUMOA5ECfRTZiGwa6El_ucbaIPVEH5tJx1yznv5WqRUXziuAT8Ovh65IYzeq90q0CABHbWyJmhNuCWXevCslnQ6iuVvS2TVoMcooYr3VeuXH22pVwefF-RbROmFFiZ93f6_INE5/s1600/100_3087%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH33aB7QUMOA5ECfRTZiGwa6El_ucbaIPVEH5tJx1yznv5WqRUXziuAT8Ovh65IYzeq90q0CABHbWyJmhNuCWXevCslnQ6iuVvS2TVoMcooYr3VeuXH22pVwefF-RbROmFFiZ93f6_INE5/s200/100_3087%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
there we knelt on the cement, and John offered up maybe the most sincere prayer
I've ever heard: "Lord, help me understand. Lord, help me know. Should I
be baptized on July 27th?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was
silent for a very long time, even minutes. The Spirit was strong, and I was
almost in tears by the end of it. He finally said "amen" quietly. He
knows what his answer is, I think. He just is scared, which I understand. We
have been praying every prayer that we say that the Lord will help him feel at
peace about the things he is learning.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
is a wonderful family in our ward who doesn't come too often anymore due to
their two children, both who have severe muscular dystrophy. This week I
decided to ask if they would like me to come over and help the sweet girl
play the piano. So now I'm teaching her piano a little bit every week, before
we leave them with a message about the peace of Jesus Christ:) It was one of
the best parts of my week. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnboa8niN2oSTudvofpq1EVrWb0KCk_8yVv_kixvSpKNZZALKypnNdTBcLCL92toSTtULbx-kOqRTtHRd_kb11WwWVBvv4ukXIMan1W-CwBTMz46qRnjT3XQGVZhoWTjaVjvOyGuGfxzrK/s1600/100_3090%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnboa8niN2oSTudvofpq1EVrWb0KCk_8yVv_kixvSpKNZZALKypnNdTBcLCL92toSTtULbx-kOqRTtHRd_kb11WwWVBvv4ukXIMan1W-CwBTMz46qRnjT3XQGVZhoWTjaVjvOyGuGfxzrK/s320/100_3090%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>My new favorite piano student!!!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adam is
a very special kid. He is intelligent and extremely in tune to the Spirit. This
week he told us that he was trying and trying to open a jar of jelly, but
he couldn't because it was too tight. He said a silent prayer and the next time
he tried, the jar cap was so loose that it just came off:) You know, I wish I
had faith like him. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are
still teaching the Enriquez family! They are one of a kind, and all six of them
are interested:) They are coming to church on Sunday, and I have faith that
they will never miss again.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">San
Francisco is extremely hilly, for all those of you who haven't seen "The
Princess Diaries." We were driving up a huge hill/mountain this week and
came to a stop sign. There was a young man about our age running up it who
arrived at the stop sign at about the same time we did. He looked at
us and smiled and got in race start position. We rolled the window down, one,
two, three GO, and our race began. Car versus sprinter, we
were laughing and laughing. (He was dying and sweating and I kinda
wanted to get out and actually race him, but remembered that I wear skirts
every day of my life.) We waited for him at the top of the hill, and we are
actually going to teach him tonight:) He is fron Bagdad and has never heard of
mormons. I'm thrilled about it all:) Finding people is so fun.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week we realized from a very awkward confrontation that a former
investigator really wasn't interested at all in the church, but in me. I WAS SO
MAD. He has called us about 20 times in the last three days. STALKER #2. I
honestly haven't been this upset at someone in a really long time. He was
extremely rude to my companion. Don't you dare talk to her that way. I had
to seriously bite my tongue, because he was cornering me, the twit!
People.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday
was exhausting, and I was struggling through having no food and still puking up
any water that was in me. We had seven lessons to teach that day. But, my day
was absolutely made by our new friend Betty. We knocked on only one door on
this street before going to our next appointment, and this big black lady
answers the door. She grew up the preacher's daughter, and sings in a gospel
choir. She said that she never answers the door, but when she heard us knock,
something told her: "It's ok, go get the door." She talked about her
husband passing and cried to us and laughed with us. We talked about eternal
families. She was loud and her laugh is enough to make ANYONE'S day. She
told us: "WELL MY GOSH YOU GIRLS BETTA COME BACK! Anytime I see my lil
girls on my porch, I'll be answerin this door! OHHHHHHHHH just look at you and
your cute lil smilin faces!!!!!! YOU GIRLS JUST DONE MADE MY DAY!!" I
smiled for a solid half hour after leaving her house:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have
a deep respect for other religions. I believe that God hears all the prayers of
His children, and I believe that it really comes down to what is in our
individual hearts. Betty has a good heart. Betty has a golden heart. She knows
all her neighbors and prays for them all and just, just loves people. She made
me want to be better, and I can hardly wait to go see her again:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
found 2 new investigators this week and continue to teach over 20 lessons a
week. It is very fun, and very busy. One of the investigators is from a
part-member family. He expressed to us that someone, (years ago,) had said
something that offended him, and that he's been walking with a thorn in his
foot since then. I said: "Josue, we would like to invite you to bend over and take out that thorn. That has GOT to be getting seriously old. We're
going to come teach you if you don't mind." NEW INVESTIGATOR, YES!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yesterday
we were talking to an appointment when we came across a woman, 50 or so, with
her head down. We stopped and asked her how she was. We were a little
persistent, and she started crying. "Girls, I have cancer. I've got
cancer. I found out Friday and I can't tell my husband and I don't know what to
do."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
woman has been abused since age 4, on her own since age 8. Seriously, she told
us things that made me cringe. (I was praying for forgiveness for
being a weenie about having an upset stomach.) She told us that she couldn't
remember the last time she actually talked to someone. We sat down, one of us
on each side of her, and put our arms around her and just listened. She kept
telling us how beautiful we were and she just kept saying: "Thank you,
thank you, thank you. I'm just a little scared. Just don't know what to
do." We read her John 16:33 about Christ overcoming the world and I prayed
for her, fervently. Please bless our new friend, dear Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And I
really really meant that prayer. She said she couldn't remember the last time
she had a friend. We told her now she had two, and that she always had the
Lord. She just hugged us and cried and said: "I love you, I love you
girls, I love you." She is hopefully coming to dinner with us tonight. Oh,
I love her. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have
a testimony of this gospel, of the Book of Mormon, and of Jesus Christ as our
Savior. He is doing this work by our side.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4c_IXftVhf2GY_i07i4O6N0oZdz6a9axQqcHe2WL2de6PX8f1p3330AXFlq14JQkOsheETyV2iwKsFvoSTfu8nsKAxOxTiuqIdVeSFw0SpnRgiupqdvBKK3ulW6bEwoeBVbKK8-BBFX0/s1600/100_3082%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4c_IXftVhf2GY_i07i4O6N0oZdz6a9axQqcHe2WL2de6PX8f1p3330AXFlq14JQkOsheETyV2iwKsFvoSTfu8nsKAxOxTiuqIdVeSFw0SpnRgiupqdvBKK3ulW6bEwoeBVbKK8-BBFX0/s200/100_3082%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Me and Diet Coke. Sorry. It was two for $3.50<br />Just couldn't walk by:)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-36881602556217335602013-06-24T22:13:00.000-07:002013-06-24T22:13:18.690-07:00Shout out for Missionary Work!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWONP7bXw81vy8XJes31dIsvInUVBGtTJ_tQeSgyr3_J47ke1yKvyuc7q5ebdLvcJTNfLOnbMi-7qA8xJGBCaNF-_4LpwTcbSU0KOP9X6EViKVSmTNvMzaFeTa6SkHQZFoT-pMpcYFonft/s1600/100_3064%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWONP7bXw81vy8XJes31dIsvInUVBGtTJ_tQeSgyr3_J47ke1yKvyuc7q5ebdLvcJTNfLOnbMi-7qA8xJGBCaNF-_4LpwTcbSU0KOP9X6EViKVSmTNvMzaFeTa6SkHQZFoT-pMpcYFonft/s320/100_3064%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is our darling recent convert teaching me<br />how to pose like a girl, since<br />apparently I don't know how!!</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">!</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week was SO incredible and I don't even know where to start!! I've never felt
as humbled and grateful and privileged as I did listening last night to the
worldwide broadcast about missionary work. Missionary work, HOLLAR!!! I was
sitting there for all two hours just feeling: "What have I done to deserve
the opportunity of serving a mission right now?!" I am so grateful!
While I was watching it, I had the clearest vision for a quick second of
walking in on my future son, as a little boy, kneeling by his bed praying, and
the Lord just let me know how much He needs me to do this so that my kids can
be strong in their faith in Jesus Christ. I'm serving a mission for a
lot of reasons. But to be a good mother for my future kids in this digressing
world is certainly one of the top. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, we
teach a lot of depressed people; just a lot of people addicted
to substances or feeling hopeless or worthless. One of them sent
us this HEARTBREAKING text about how he didn't want to see us anymore, because
he was never going to change and there was no hope, etc, etc... Well. We showed
up on his doorstep the next day. We sat down in the grass in front of his house
and I said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Listen.
We want to keep teaching you, twice a week even. We'll just read the Book of
Mormon with you and sing you sunny songs. Please, please let us."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was
quiet for a while and then he said: "Well my gosh, how do you say
no?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SUCCESS
ON ALL ACCOUNTS!!! After we taught him, he shook my hand and said: I really
appreciate your tenacity. I was so thrilled. It's not every day you get called
tenacious.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our
investigators are probably the coolest in the nation. John is such a gem, I
just am humbled and inspired by his progress. He came to a Book of Mormon class
our ward does on Tuesday night, and ATE it up. He was asking questions and
being fellowshipped and is coming again this week. He is eager to learn
everything we teach him, and he is reading more of the Book of Mormon than we
even ask him to! I don't know if I ever mentioned this, but John was actually
the first person who my companion had me practice "7 principles of
finding" on. My very first! He was walking his dog and Sister Olsen nodded
her head and told me to go start teaching. Seven weeks ago, John didn't
even know who God was or if he believed in much of anything. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh I
wish you could hear his prayers now. "Heavenly Father. Thank you for
sending your servants to me, to help me understand..."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He
called us a few days ago to tell us about what he learned about redemption from
2 Nephi 31. I know he will be baptized, and I know it will be soon. He is the
sweetest, most humble man I've ever met.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I just
want to take Adam and give him the world. He reads the Book of Mormon with his
other foster friends and tells them to pray because "it's so cool and
you'll have this awesome warm feeling in your heart..." We taught him and
Esther the Plan of Salvation this week and they loved it. Esther is so sassy.
She doesn't let her wall down, EXCEPT when it comes to music. She is obsessed
with the song "I am a Child of God." We sing it to her a lot:)
The hard thing about this situation is that Adam can't come to church unless he
gets special permission from his social worker, or his guardian comes. (She
doesn't want to.) We have been praying for a miracle--that the social worker
will make an exception so that he can come to church, because he wants to.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are
teaching Edna again! This week she said she wanted to start actually praying
about the Book of Mormon; that maybe it's time for her to know. She said she
would tell us when she's ready, when she knows. I just know the Lord will
answer her! Oh excitement!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">People
have the funniest excuses as they slam the door. (We've been visiting a LOT of
less active members this week, and lots of them are bitter and less than happy
to see us on their porches.) One of my favorites this week was: "I HAVE A
2 YEAR OLD I CAN'T BE INTERESTED!!!" SLAM! Wait what?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IjFdfGBOz8uKrHwQwf58A-vaoHKuCm_XFGpZqUxM8Aqf5eete39Us2eUQwgUW8s_yDQvRf5x9mt2afsPZBRdoFZhf1m8adHtu-Vovq4w64oq1DWF_NLjC7xwQqMP4sS9bcifH9rqB17_/s1600/100_3050%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IjFdfGBOz8uKrHwQwf58A-vaoHKuCm_XFGpZqUxM8Aqf5eete39Us2eUQwgUW8s_yDQvRf5x9mt2afsPZBRdoFZhf1m8adHtu-Vovq4w64oq1DWF_NLjC7xwQqMP4sS9bcifH9rqB17_/s200/100_3050%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b>My district doing lunch on P-day</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So last
P-day our entire district played soccer and my lovely companion completely
destroyed this elder. Took him out. He was bleeding and his ear is now huge and
black. I was dyingggggg laughing. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnfffqUKIvZcXSsm_Qxxhub20ugfe6MVHF_EMd78oK5zTXnGbogVgX_eCjI4CFPzwiDjHIfTduEXDzU8QTC3vPHf6riKoz1TtK84rZ2MNTNkcA0T4PUUaolohgMl1-eSUVqr0wQGaCDH5/s1600/100_3077%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnfffqUKIvZcXSsm_Qxxhub20ugfe6MVHF_EMd78oK5zTXnGbogVgX_eCjI4CFPzwiDjHIfTduEXDzU8QTC3vPHf6riKoz1TtK84rZ2MNTNkcA0T4PUUaolohgMl1-eSUVqr0wQGaCDH5/s200/100_3077%255B1%255D.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love my companion:)She has wanted a
certain type of food for the last 9 months, but no one will make it because
it's hard to make! I coordinated with a really good cook in our ward, and
tomorrow night I'm surprising her with it. Hehehe!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well,
that's my little update. This week really was marvelous. We had some people
show up at church yesterday who hadn't in months. We saw serious improvement in
almost every family we visited--from deciding to pay tithing to deciding to read
the Book of Mormon to deciding to pray to feel comfort to deciding to go to the
temple:) People are so cool. Oh, and we are teaching a family of 6 who all love
the gospel!!!! Cutest kids in the world. The little 5 year old Philippino
taught me karate moves last time we went after the lesson. I'm so excited for
them:):)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, through and through and
through. I love it; I love that through Christ's power, people are enabled to
change. I can't even describe the joy that comes from witnessing it, and also
feeling it in myself. I know that the Savior lives, and I know that He is
working along side me, as well as everyone who is striving to share his good
news. Keep it up and I love you!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PS.
Paul called us and may soon be turning into my first mission stalker. YES.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1znuUMx9Nm2QwjG70LSDOlkEKTi8N58XW8iggN7j-k8mF_yAI13t6kZgd74VNxCzprfFUhcrZ5F2WJmqUvPIIwDHsECqLtDj4SkQjx-FyTo3IJDXxK68ZB7qhVBC2nsHPjVq-s-ZmYUCg/s1600/100_3059%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1znuUMx9Nm2QwjG70LSDOlkEKTi8N58XW8iggN7j-k8mF_yAI13t6kZgd74VNxCzprfFUhcrZ5F2WJmqUvPIIwDHsECqLtDj4SkQjx-FyTo3IJDXxK68ZB7qhVBC2nsHPjVq-s-ZmYUCg/s320/100_3059%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>These are definitely bullet holes!<br />No worries MOM:)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-20670243985503966592013-06-17T22:05:00.000-07:002013-06-17T22:05:33.223-07:00Life Made!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm
hoping missionaries are allowed to be sassy. Because I sure was this</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> week.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uDH-0p0VCaSc6bK4fMubfs3mEPPdlUxVaDqd-dHZBaWwY7XjMVX5rN8pjqyCZ2b-_qtEKT19Z8vJ4yryFIsyzaGZOtBpjuFMWV_H46p4IClBEqn5eA-AtZHf5AM_0G0lm8Al5dDn0nbU/s1600/100_3040%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uDH-0p0VCaSc6bK4fMubfs3mEPPdlUxVaDqd-dHZBaWwY7XjMVX5rN8pjqyCZ2b-_qtEKT19Z8vJ4yryFIsyzaGZOtBpjuFMWV_H46p4IClBEqn5eA-AtZHf5AM_0G0lm8Al5dDn0nbU/s200/100_3040%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: xx-small;"><b>ME? SASSY? NO WAY?</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> We have
been teaching a man; for privacy's sake we'll call him Paul. We visited Paul a
few days ago, and he has been reading up on his anti-mormon literature. Or
something. He started getting heated about it all, and everyone else
in the room was getting fired up as well. He started standing up and
kinda yelling, telling us that we were sweet innocent girls being led by false
prophets. Then followed all the reasons why we were wrong and we were
completely and entirely brainwashed.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm
watching this unfold quietly in the corner. The people I came with were getting
mad and defensive and he had all these strange facts up his sleeves. I decided
to step in. Cutting everyone off, this is what I said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Paul.
We did not come here to argue, nor will we argue.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am an
intelligent 20 year-old woman and I have been through difficult things in my
life that have led me to my knees. I have asked God about the book that you
are holding in your hands and I know without a doubt that it is true. It
is good, and pure. And that knowledge is more important--infinitely more
important--than anything your TV tells you and anything you will ever read. I
also know that one day we will be held accountable for what we do or don't do
in this life. I would advise you to go to God and ask Him, because I know that
He is the source of all truth, and more powerful than all. As for now, we are
going to leave. May I please leave you with a prayer?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HAHAHA
KAYLEE, WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!? I was a little shocked at myself. Then
I said a really long prayer blessing our friend Paul and his lovely house:) It
was an interesting experience. I don't really mind telling people how I feel.
Apparently.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week I had the most powerful experience with an investigator, and my life is
made. LIFE MADE. We are teaching 2 darling foster kids that we found,
Adam (11) and Esther (17). We taught them the restoration, and Adam had
read everything we asked him to out of the Book of Mormon and more. He had
highlighted things he liked. What a star. I want like 12 of him to
teach. We taught the lesson and discussed some things and got a feel for
where they were at, and then closed with a prayer. Right after the prayer
I felt prompted to ask Adam a question:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Adam
have you prayed about the Book of Mormon?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Yeah,
I have."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"And
how did you feel?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I
felt good. I felt...I felt this warm tingly feeling. I felt it....right
here," (he touched his heart and looked up at me.) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh my
gosh, the Spirit in that room. Here is a boy living in a strange house who
didn't believe in God three days before. Has never prayed before in his
life. I'm just grinning like an idiot and choking down tears when he said:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Do
I need to keep praying about the Book of Mormon if I already got an
answer?" <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Adam,
is it true?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Yes.
Yes, I think so."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
smiled again. "Yeah Adam, it is." <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MISSIONARY
WORK IS THE BEST THING EVER. I'm obsessed. I can't even describe how grateful
I was as I left his house. Goodness, just grateful for how much the Lord loves
all His children, and grateful that He allowed a child to feel the Spirit when
he asked honestly. I asked Adam if he wanted to be baptized. If we can get all
the legal stuff worked out, I know he will be in the next few weeks:) I wish I
had that kind of humility.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John
tried to drop us this week. Don't worry, we had none of it! Sister Olsen
and I had one of the most powerful lessons with him as he told us all the
reasons he can't be mormon and we listened really, really hard.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMizSQTOOtnAKBlIjTDH8P7S0HGv7rm4fgmE1TWdWJ7zZwri7Vjuja02_TvlsoM-272Nky8AAFGlIknH2eVCIesbBe9GziEo5xoYeg-Fkih_GJiTJmAixoBIk8w25M5qG7zf1xy4ie4E-P/s1600/100_3046%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMizSQTOOtnAKBlIjTDH8P7S0HGv7rm4fgmE1TWdWJ7zZwri7Vjuja02_TvlsoM-272Nky8AAFGlIknH2eVCIesbBe9GziEo5xoYeg-Fkih_GJiTJmAixoBIk8w25M5qG7zf1xy4ie4E-P/s1600/100_3046%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> There
was a lot of silence in that lesson, which I know was better than anything we
could have said. Sister Olsen was prompted to a scripture. We had him read
it to us and after it, both Sister Olsen and I were constrained from speaking.
It was quiet for a long while and finally he said: "Wow. That is
beautiful."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He told
us he would start actually praying about what we were teaching, and that he
would keep reading. It was incredible to see his heart soften over the course
of the 45 minutes we were there. I was praying very hard for a miracle:)
And look! A miracle!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
played soccer with some kids in the middle of a street this week in downtown
San Fran:) And kept kicking off my blasted dress shoe. People listen
better if you can relate to them. You know? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have
never experienced such strong empathy for people like I did this last
week. I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU, and yet I am more invested in you than anything
I've ever been invested in. It's awful, but I love it all at the same
time. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had a
fantastic week:) I love the power of change through the Atonement, and I know
it is real:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I LOVE
YOU ALL!:):):):)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister Brooks <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-20350959201636923272013-06-13T21:38:00.000-07:002013-06-13T21:38:50.291-07:00I Love These People!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCqoi3m6EHrIS54k7ECrzVDR1-Pu1VSNcY01Hdq13z-ODGYz5Ui6WMILYz3kqzxo6HkZ5P4D-vhMy9dtHsU6Qvgqq7swRYOVLDYJa_HROmsxyQXxbbVYSnfAasYjCRPAT5ozC8YdELSKJ/s1600/SAM_0018%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCqoi3m6EHrIS54k7ECrzVDR1-Pu1VSNcY01Hdq13z-ODGYz5Ui6WMILYz3kqzxo6HkZ5P4D-vhMy9dtHsU6Qvgqq7swRYOVLDYJa_HROmsxyQXxbbVYSnfAasYjCRPAT5ozC8YdELSKJ/s400/SAM_0018%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">This is my wonderful zone....most of them speak Chinese!!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
Sister Olsen and I were asked to conduct "Singing Time" in primary to
give the leader a break. I asked the choir lady what exactly she wanted
me to teach, and she started going on about vowel shapes in "I am a Child
of God," and dipthongs in "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus." So
there I am on Sunday in front of a bunch of little kids, trying to get them to
end their word with a "T" at the exact right time. I didn't even know
what a T was when I was five. We don't mess around in San Francisco
primary. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My week
was fantastic and the most humbling I've ever had. I have been learning, one
step at a time, (just like Jordin Sparks says!) what it really means to
trust the Lord. It is not an easy thing, but He is teaching me that is the
better way.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagiTXRzQCF3oMqndrknk_y-jJoHuyebBNXoSNKdoDoEZiNARxAJ2acicDs4nuopop8qrL_baW-QC7AI-bR-_pHiwGyPG8AeORuIQUZHBkWlc97AxXu02onylaQM0quMzR_i5jQqoNPle3/s1600/100_3029%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagiTXRzQCF3oMqndrknk_y-jJoHuyebBNXoSNKdoDoEZiNARxAJ2acicDs4nuopop8qrL_baW-QC7AI-bR-_pHiwGyPG8AeORuIQUZHBkWlc97AxXu02onylaQM0quMzR_i5jQqoNPle3/s200/100_3029%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Loving San Francisco</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was told
last Wednesday that sometimes the visa dots on the website are off, and also
that Brazil only transfers on transfer days. So if I didn't receive my visa by
this Tuesday, I would be here for another 7 weeks. Alas, the visa is not here
and I'm in San Fran for another transfer:)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> My prayers have changed from asking
about my visa to asking Him to give me the strength to do the best I can TODAY
and then to accept His will. I like to think I know best:) He's teaching me I
don't at all. Rollin with the punches these days. You know? I'm SO grateful for
the chance I have to learn these lessons about giving up control to the Lord,
because it is hard sometimes. I love that He is working with my weaknesses to
help me be better.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
thing is for dang certain. I love these people, my goodness I do I do. Any
mission is wonderful when you just talk to people:) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Olsen and I have been so busy and it is so wonderfully fun:) I was like a
little kid on Saturday night. I was just SO excited that I couldn't fall asleep,
thinking about church the next day and just hoping with all my heart these
people we've been teaching would come!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can't
even describe how I felt when John pulled up in his little white car wearing a
button down shirt. I didn't know I could get so excited about these type of
things, but honestly I was so happy to see him I could hardly contain myself!!!
Juan is coming this next week, and we continue to teach both of them, and I
just KNOW that they feel the Spirit and they love it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I went
on exchanges to a Spanish area on Saturday, and had a great time:) Sister
Hewitt and I were bound and determined to teach a recent convert named Rual,
but we could not for the life of us find a woman to come with us! So we said a
prayer and came up with this little idea:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let's
knock on random doors and ask whoever answers to come teach with us! It was
hysterical. This woman named Debrah answers the door and is totally game for
"TALKIN BOUT JESUS" so Sister Hewitt, Debrah and I taught Rual a
lesson sitting on the cement outside because we couldn't find another place! Oh
you should have heard Debrah preaching to him! PRAISE THE LORDDD!!!! We got her
information and Sister Hewitt and her companion are going to go teach her:):)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22CQdNAMgaWWyGzbGwqoNt8WwxFRywzokyItmehlHEmskSvXdv2lgFQ57-v2UqTUrhzmE1UkjAfOSHYT_2NGzr9XS3HVSouFpCUxrjdmUAXoTG0RwwjiqWJ1SIF4sFhfzGSCiiZ551f7N/s1600/SAM_3050%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22CQdNAMgaWWyGzbGwqoNt8WwxFRywzokyItmehlHEmskSvXdv2lgFQ57-v2UqTUrhzmE1UkjAfOSHYT_2NGzr9XS3HVSouFpCUxrjdmUAXoTG0RwwjiqWJ1SIF4sFhfzGSCiiZ551f7N/s320/SAM_3050%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sharing some Smiles:):):)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week I made a goal to talk to absolutely everyone. We have been running like
crazy from one lesson to another, and one night in particular we were running
late, legitimately sprinting in our skirts, and I passed 3 young men. I ran
past them without even thinking and then thought: "OH MY GOSH. THEY ARE
PEOPLE!! I HAVE TO TALK TO EVERYONE!" So I zoomed around and gave them
cards and bore my testimony real quick about how wonderful "<a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0068cf;">mormon.org</span></a>"
is, and waved like a crazy person as I ran off with my scriptures in one
hand, purse in another, and pass-along cards maybe in my mouth or something? I
need to work on the whole being professional thing. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I got
to go to the temple this morning and I decided that I could go for living
there:) The temple is a place of power, and I want everyone in the world to
experience the peace it brings. It's unlike anything else. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anyways,
I love this church and I love San Francisco and I LOVE YOU ALL MORE THAN
ANYTHING!!!! Keep on praying for missionary experiences...Jesus Christ changes
lives:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Loves
loves loves,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks:) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-75259450408696798012013-06-03T23:10:00.000-07:002013-06-03T23:10:17.055-07:00Give an Inch, Take a Yard!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRu1uKUm3ctAq3WNznvxcRoOnvYq5xmZM3RM-_YVn5eVEhl0BPPOPKBGOjWZZlgVpi5PrvEEc4V9Ld3_48f9UHjf9-ePiD88KAz8VJK88u5LYYZtpiuqmbpxXclY6-sul7a72bxMFbfYC/s1600/SAM_3108%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRu1uKUm3ctAq3WNznvxcRoOnvYq5xmZM3RM-_YVn5eVEhl0BPPOPKBGOjWZZlgVpi5PrvEEc4V9Ld3_48f9UHjf9-ePiD88KAz8VJK88u5LYYZtpiuqmbpxXclY6-sul7a72bxMFbfYC/s200/SAM_3108%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week I learned something SO amazing and wonderful about life!!! You give an
inch, the Lord gives you back a yard. More like a football field. And it
is incredible to watch, especially with investigators. They say one tiny
prayer in faith, and the Lord rewards them 100 times more. They read one
chapter of the Book of Mormon, and they see a miracle in their life. I've
started to notice that in my own life too...the Lord is SO kind to us.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had a
lovely week:) I am still in San Francisco, yes. No idea when I'll be in Brazil.
But it's all good, I like not knowing anything ever;) We had a
baptism this week, my very first baptism!!! Chelsey was baptized on Saturday,
and it was beautiful and wonderful and I am so happy for her. Before the
baptism, Sister Olsen and I went to the church early to set up the room and I
naturally sat down at the piano and started playing and singing:) About 2
minutes later, this ancient man sits up in the very back of the room and
hollers:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"YOU
GIRLS ARE SURE MAKING IT HARD TO SLEEP WITH ALL THIS RUCKUS!!!!!"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HAHAHA
WHAT?!?!?! First off, why are you laying flat on the ground in the back of a
primary room at 4 o'clock on a Saturday?! Second off, no seriously why are you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
questions remained unanswered and we apologized quickly for interrupting his nap
and moved camp elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8jysdTTac5MDqI0ai95zLOta8YvooDW0ZHDz5HdwSCKi-q7dW9CHR5z4D_xckNy4sP2MY7ChLs1bJiTFterfQf1lnQuWUbYX862ET2OBYQARMZburtN9ffwcA4MB4QXDwPJLKyR4_unn/s1600/SAM_3123%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8jysdTTac5MDqI0ai95zLOta8YvooDW0ZHDz5HdwSCKi-q7dW9CHR5z4D_xckNy4sP2MY7ChLs1bJiTFterfQf1lnQuWUbYX862ET2OBYQARMZburtN9ffwcA4MB4QXDwPJLKyR4_unn/s200/SAM_3123%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
rest of the baptism experience was great though. Chelsey is a cutie 20 year old
dancer going to college here, and the Spirit was there at her baptism. I
am just so happy for her because I know she will feel a bit closer to
heaven with the gift of the Holy Ghost and the ordinance of baptism
accomplished. And after the baptism, there was a WHOLE meal going
on...chili, rice, cake, cookies, drinks, cornbread. If there's one thing in
this life I can do, it is coordinating food for parties.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4brdYX24REZHURfEJpfbi_hPV-Jv9ZJPEc2WBL5-Fi49yn2aMS2_pdJOTVUxoy6iqUbnsbttKUc_0TAYCzWz-rti2zvQmiprp_1bVgva93eFBSj__mEIZ1BlkJAcrTyM2PYSvzSdCESZ/s1600/SAM_3100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4brdYX24REZHURfEJpfbi_hPV-Jv9ZJPEc2WBL5-Fi49yn2aMS2_pdJOTVUxoy6iqUbnsbttKUc_0TAYCzWz-rti2zvQmiprp_1bVgva93eFBSj__mEIZ1BlkJAcrTyM2PYSvzSdCESZ/s320/SAM_3100.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Indeed, it is a beautiful day!!!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Every
day I sing</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> "Oh what a beautiful morning! </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh what a beautiful day!!!!!! </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've got a wonderful feeeeelingggg</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> everything's goin my way!!!!!"</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I just
feel like it's a good habit to be in for your whole life. You know?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
learned this week the power and importance of talking to God, reallyyyy talking
to God, every morning. I started this week to make my morning prayers more meaningful. Prayer
is the coolest thing ever, because honestly it rarely changes things
physically, especially in the moment you're praying. But I stand up from
praying and just feel so much better! It has become really important to me
to pray hard in the morning about the day ahead of me. I would be a lost
little thing in this world without prayer. I so badly wish that everyone would
make it a priority. Life is so busy and most people Sister Olsen and I visit
just forget or don't make time! And goodness, there is so much joy that comes
from just taking a second to even thank Heavenly Father for something small.
(The inch-yard thing again!) The Lord doesn't ask us to do huge things
generally. Just like Elisha asked Namaan to wash in the river 7 times, (not a
hard act, right?) we are asked to pray and study the scriptures, which really
is a small little thing. We do it and we're blessed and healed from all
the tough stuff of life:)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John is
doing so great! His interest in the Book of Mormon has been very sparked, and
in part because we came to clean his classroom for this week because he was
very busy. I think that lots of times, helping somebody makes them even more
interested in what you have to say:) He has been reading the scriptures and his
prayers are simple and powerful. I'm a little sad because his hot yoga class is
over, and that was kinda a fun little thing to ask him about. Regardless. John
is faring well, and I love him.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Juan is
still the greatest. He also is keeping his commitments and progressing well. He
is such a wonderful person, and now the challenge is helping him see why he
needs this, not just kinda maybe wants it. If the Spirit is there powerfully
enough, he'll know. We just have to work to get it there!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
are crazy people in this town, yes there are. I love them so much! Walking
around is an adventure:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
promised this man yesterday that if he paid his tithing, his full tithing, he
would see an incredible miracle in his life. He is not wealthy at all and is
trying to support his family and hasn't paid the full tithe in forever, and for
some reason it was a little bit of a hard thing for me to ask him to do. I
think because I have been so blessed my whole life and I would rather pay his
tithing for him. It doesn't really work like that though:) So I looked him
right in the eye and promised him that something amazing would happen, and
after a long time in silence he said that he would do it. I'm SO excited to see
the Lord work miracles in his life because of obedience.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Testifying
of the Savior makes any bad day good. I love missionary work, I love member missionaries,
I love the Book of Mormon, and oh I love Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make
this week the best week ever, I love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks:)</span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMsgVuNbP16fVcYtCDVa4msAJBPBAooTmFejhQjV18bKVEOLigdhVJzHuyX1dBbbgSTIxbbYurXOCzD-ywu4MQcAbHs1HDingO4YXokiVjW1QhYcGP102Y-1J9ZJvP2y88Qd6f3dOJ9SR/s1600/SAM_3042%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMsgVuNbP16fVcYtCDVa4msAJBPBAooTmFejhQjV18bKVEOLigdhVJzHuyX1dBbbgSTIxbbYurXOCzD-ywu4MQcAbHs1HDingO4YXokiVjW1QhYcGP102Y-1J9ZJvP2y88Qd6f3dOJ9SR/s200/SAM_3042%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><b>My friend from Brazil!!! </b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XGAa9sXTqRJiyYU2QyNPeqbpSkyFxzshc-ENgtiJ9MjcQTFnGGKBgyHtzcz96qEfdKyl2S6_p_syZaW62OouZmzF_NVlyh70f2g_qpr5uvnRE2Mis7jFXC8eDQFzT4uX3R4j-fwEoU88/s1600/SAM_3093%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XGAa9sXTqRJiyYU2QyNPeqbpSkyFxzshc-ENgtiJ9MjcQTFnGGKBgyHtzcz96qEfdKyl2S6_p_syZaW62OouZmzF_NVlyh70f2g_qpr5uvnRE2Mis7jFXC8eDQFzT4uX3R4j-fwEoU88/s320/SAM_3093%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Another Awkward Family Photo!!!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-77091711323639943992013-05-27T23:17:00.000-07:002013-05-27T23:17:40.936-07:00Holy Humbling Experiences!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72TPfD9Eq27oAsxwAUlKnO6EoCpbEcnGHTimrPZb2iQWipvP0HUYAdN9ROrg3O7jpLVmsfr5OXqwBsgdvM3oWpAmShJKzdgUAG6wG6wfuMCZzKIgWjE_gTAoDZTAQve2jnOUcL30QgBzE/s1600/100_2931%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72TPfD9Eq27oAsxwAUlKnO6EoCpbEcnGHTimrPZb2iQWipvP0HUYAdN9ROrg3O7jpLVmsfr5OXqwBsgdvM3oWpAmShJKzdgUAG6wG6wfuMCZzKIgWjE_gTAoDZTAQve2jnOUcL30QgBzE/s400/100_2931%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week was wonderful, and stressful, and jam-packed with REJECTION! Our baptism
cancelled at the last minute and she refuses to talk to us, and we found an
incredible young mom who wanted to hear all about our message, but her husband
was extremely against it. When she told us, I almost burst into tears.
What?! Is this missionary work too?! I think the answer is yes. This
is a different sort-of heartbreak, because it isn't just me that they're
rejecting. IT'S SOMETHING SO MUCH BIGGER AND I PROMISE IT'LL MAKE YOU HAPPY,
STOP YELLING AT ME!!! Anyways, it was my first real dose at being utterly
rejected, all week. And it's way more sad than that one time that Taylor hit
that cat on the way home from a stake dance. Tay, you remember?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anyways,
the funniest thing happened to me this week. I waddled up to this man and stuck
out my hand and did my: "Hello!!!! My name is Sister Brooks
and......." Before I got another word in, the man smiled, shook my hand,
and started talking about Ancient Egyptians. It took me about five minutes to
figure out what was going on. He was rattling on about horses and gold necklaces
and crickets fighting each other, and it's incredible how some some people
honestly don't need to breathe as they talk. I thought of Taylor and was very
grateful for all those years he told me history facts I really didn't care
about but I had to pretend I did;) SKILLS PUT IN ACTION! For a solid half an
hour, I was trying to explain who I was and what I stood for. Finally I got in
the word Mormon, and he said he hates religion, but he likes that we do genealogy.
So we may do family history with this man, and I will put my listening with
love abilities into action once more. It was so strange. People.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Juan is
progressing incredibly! Amazingly! The best moment of my whole week was
the first time we taught him this week; it was our second lesson ever. The
first time he had talked and talked and talked. This time, we walk, sit
down, and he says: I want to know, I want to know everything. Please
teach me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He had
read the introduction to the Book of Mormon and studied religiously the
Restoration pamphlet, and he was like a child on Christmas morning. He said:
Man, when I was reading I just got this strange feeling. I felt weak. I feel it
whenever I see you girls. I feel really, I dunno, calm or something. I don't
understand.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hearing
him describe the Spirit was incredible, and tears came to my eyes. I just
smiled and said: Juan, do you know what that is? MY LIFE IS THE BEST!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;"> We also taught our first lesson
to a drunk person this week, which was an exciting experience! AND a man tried
to give my companion a hug, but he was a little aggressive and extremely crude
and I've rarely been so uncomfortable in my life! The words: "SISTER
MISSIONARY DROPS 45-YEAR OLD MAN" ran through my head quickly. Before I
could get my fists ready, Sister Olsen grabbed me and we peaced for the door.
Adventures every day! It's not easy being a sister missionary. People either
think you're a nun or try to flirt with you. HELLO?!</span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L0ErBMt6FDUVBNxb1F91irzjr2vuuOYsxdQdDl3O-t6bfwG5IxOvGHWs8V9SdoREkhyv68Od-Bqylpz9KXDMxwkcE7q6X4ZRr-udDs1LQcZxtlsS3ftXA_s6Td1L1mN4lmeR56DklKB5/s1600/100_2974%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L0ErBMt6FDUVBNxb1F91irzjr2vuuOYsxdQdDl3O-t6bfwG5IxOvGHWs8V9SdoREkhyv68Od-Bqylpz9KXDMxwkcE7q6X4ZRr-udDs1LQcZxtlsS3ftXA_s6Td1L1mN4lmeR56DklKB5/s320/100_2974%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">This is Brother B. We went to weed his<br /> garden this week and he offered me a hat.<br />Don't mind if I do:)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week was challenging, because at any moment I could get a call from the mission
home saying: Pack up, you're headed to Brazil tomorrow. The Lord definitely
knows my weaknesses and He is trying to help me make them strengths. It’s hard
not knowing when I'm going to Brazil. I'm currently trying to learn how to do
missionary work in two languages, and I'm honestly overwhelmed. Last night for
the first time since I've been here, I just lost it.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
was me: On the ground in my hoodie and mis-matching socks just crying and
saying: I CAN'T DO THIS, THERE IS NO WAY POSSIBLE ON THIS EARTH THAT I CAN GO
TO BRAZIL AND I DON'T KNOW WHEN I'M GOING AND I'M SO TIRED OF NOT KNOWING
ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> My companion was so sweet. She listened and listened and then I got over it and I am ready to take it
all on again</span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">…</span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">one day
at a time. Who needs to know anything anyway? Certainly not me...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John,
the hot yoga-er, is doing wonderful! He is also progressing well. Flora is as
sweet as ever. Feeling the Spirit has a way of making you feel at home no
matter where you are, and especially this week. I needed it as much as I needed
food and water. Because I'm a lost little lamb here! It's amazing how a good
lesson with the Spirit changes any rough day to the best one you've ever had.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2lCrO3S_V7jYNswesi4ipOu00sW7iSAlxNTigx4w_z87kqU9UYXLh112jzqvXiY7I8D-B8KaToavA-m8NpCsSiXgq7efU9-qeZQXdpMb0r11JyyVGo8yoYBiHQfNQ8LIPgl7MRD78yyy/s1600/SAM_3007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2lCrO3S_V7jYNswesi4ipOu00sW7iSAlxNTigx4w_z87kqU9UYXLh112jzqvXiY7I8D-B8KaToavA-m8NpCsSiXgq7efU9-qeZQXdpMb0r11JyyVGo8yoYBiHQfNQ8LIPgl7MRD78yyy/s320/SAM_3007.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">My new best friends</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEotNzpI-Npds9U4wZIi-hcrBrgORDw-lWCjKNxkHEQZNgsRwzCrEtvXv3Nb5_QTdzuoDADMKb1dzqm0IYkL_U2kuKAs0tgiAr_5ZUeL3RktNxWffKbf6yEGkLMHkfHSPZXQq6A_NUq-Kg/s1600/SAM_3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEotNzpI-Npds9U4wZIi-hcrBrgORDw-lWCjKNxkHEQZNgsRwzCrEtvXv3Nb5_QTdzuoDADMKb1dzqm0IYkL_U2kuKAs0tgiAr_5ZUeL3RktNxWffKbf6yEGkLMHkfHSPZXQq6A_NUq-Kg/s400/SAM_3014.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">How can they not make you smile?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week I talked to a lot of people who are hurting. Suicide and abuse and jail
and drugs and my goodness. There was one point where I was sitting in a lesson,
an innocent little 20-year-old, listening to this older woman cry and talk
about how she just gave up paying a bill so her son could play football. She
said: I just want God to hold me. I just want Him to hug me. I've been on my
own since I was 12-years-old. And I just sat there and thought to myself: Who I
am to tell her what to do? Suddenly any key indicators and any numbers and any
lessons taught weren't as important in that moment, and all I wanted to do was
love her and help her feel just how much God loved her. This isn't about me.
Life is so hard. I don't know why I am so blessed.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Holy humbling
experiences. It's so very sad that not everyone knows what I've been so blessed
to know! I love missionary work, I do I do I do:) I love my Savior Jesus
Christ. He is my best friend, He is my Comforter, and He is the Redeemer of
this world. I love the chance I have every day to know Him more.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well,
maybe I'll talk to you all in Brazil next week? Maybe China. I don't know, pray
for my sanity:):) I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-50191378113733803652013-05-20T21:54:00.000-07:002013-05-20T21:54:21.756-07:00TODAY will be a miracle!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySKFjvCOluvfFAKtCP2dKyauZGMXYhw6oWp4feI1SmY5ZkflkV6aL3xC3zbztgY3JKU4mgXQfoswnuM88j41g2adozzAsAdqdYIPFJMHjYK651I2EB6JNXeaC8wwbKaKcAsH9xAJ0lqaJ/s1600/SAM_0691%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySKFjvCOluvfFAKtCP2dKyauZGMXYhw6oWp4feI1SmY5ZkflkV6aL3xC3zbztgY3JKU4mgXQfoswnuM88j41g2adozzAsAdqdYIPFJMHjYK651I2EB6JNXeaC8wwbKaKcAsH9xAJ0lqaJ/s320/SAM_0691%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b>TODAY will be a miracle</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every
morning this week as Sister Olsen and I woke up, we looked at each other
and would say: "Sister, this day is going to be a miracle." It is
absolutely incredible what the Lord will do when you have a little bit of
faith. This area hasn't had a baptism in about 8 months, and there is one this
weekend and one next weekend, for two sweet women who I have had the priviledge
of getting to know:) We found three new investigators this week, which is
almost unheard of. And my goodness, they are amazing!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have
John, the Special-Ed Teacher who enjoys hot yoga. I adore him. Hot yoga?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have
Flora, the lovely Latino lady who already wants to be baptized. I asked her on
the first lesson about it and she said: "I would love that. Following
Jesus and being baptized in His name is exactly what I need." What?
FLORA! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And we
have Juan, who is probably the most Christ-like person I've ever met. Here's
the story about him: I had to pee. I'm trying to drink more water, because diet
coke is bad for you, you know!! So I drag my companion to a gas station and
decide to go buy myself a little snack. We finally get back in the car to go
tracting again, when up walks a man. He knocks on my window, shakes my hand,
and asks me to come teach him because he wants to know about the Mormon
church. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I found
that as I believed that every place I went to this week had someone who
desperately needed what I had to say, the Lord placed those people in my path.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Never
doubt when I have to pee again.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
taught lessons this week like never before. We were running from lesson to
lesson to lesson every day, and people wanted to hear what we had to say. It
was amazing! I don't understand why getting people to listen is hard on
missions, but maybe that's just because I'm new and dumb and still believe
everyone is dying to talk to me:) I think I'll keep that attitude for the next
16 months:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was
so thrilled for the amazing week it was that one night I was doing a
little dance in the kitchen as I reported to our district leaders the success
and incredible people of the day. In the midst of this little jig, my foot
found a nail and lo and behold, a piece of my toe is missing. We're talking it
bled through my sock, and everything else it touched. So now I will have a
scarred toe due to too much excitment. My district leader liked that story.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PtiT6osPTQsE9DjcsxyjKb9jkpYNQtqXnQtHGWTLT4kb4unOkaZbtj6y-Hyjn1jYW_EOQR8xG0eHLAthFlWiQvvwaVdjrf7BRc4_rhUx-2zP3PGc8OgMY_mI8Y_lOIq49cK_2LetQdul/s1600/100_2950%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PtiT6osPTQsE9DjcsxyjKb9jkpYNQtqXnQtHGWTLT4kb4unOkaZbtj6y-Hyjn1jYW_EOQR8xG0eHLAthFlWiQvvwaVdjrf7BRc4_rhUx-2zP3PGc8OgMY_mI8Y_lOIq49cK_2LetQdul/s200/100_2950%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Street
contacting and tracting is maybe my favorite thing in the world. San
Francisco is a world of its own! I tried to communicate with a Spanish lady in
Portuguese this week, which was ugly. I did not try to communicate with the
Chinese people, but I smiled at them and gave them stuff. I just am in love
with talking to people, and I gained a lot of confidence this week through the
Lord in being bold. I love introducing myself as a representative of Jesus
Christ, and I love just....just listening to their stories. There is
always a common denominator, and that's that Jesus Christ is the answer! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm
incredibly inspired, everyday, that the Lord saw me as one worthy to talk with
others about this message. I feel deeply inadequate. The people I talk to
on the street teach me so much, so so so much.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04XcfE_ZK5oi2ltP0elaEd8rGZLY-pG-AwGiwOOyZSSsKpCXyfFGIE_Mes07uL8rj-I1j2bIIF2xgsI-BV_x2MS5qDmJgOMIkakayXDfA28AQyM_fI9BHP513GMYgWBznrs62aGjbh7TS/s1600/100_2948%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04XcfE_ZK5oi2ltP0elaEd8rGZLY-pG-AwGiwOOyZSSsKpCXyfFGIE_Mes07uL8rj-I1j2bIIF2xgsI-BV_x2MS5qDmJgOMIkakayXDfA28AQyM_fI9BHP513GMYgWBznrs62aGjbh7TS/s200/100_2948%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
being said, I had doors slammed in my face this week, and I was rejected very
rudely a few times. I decided to think that it is funny.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So every time someone
is mean to me, I just smile and smile and ask again if they would like me
to do anything for them. Then I smile and smile some more and they are so
confused and then I try to sqeeze in the name Jesus Christ before shaking
their hand and walking away. I want people to at least associate that wonderful
name with a smile from some strange person in a skirt.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of
the most amazing experiences this week was going to an addiction recovery class
with a young man we're working on helping. I sat in the back and honestly felt
unworthy to be there, because the people who were talking and who were
trying to overcome really, really hard things had the most amazing testimonies
of the Atonement I have ever heard. I was getting all teary
because....goodness, they get it! And the Atonement is for broken people, and
it is for them time and time again. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
learned a little bit more about teaching by the Spirit this week. We were
teaching one man who is confused beyond confused about his life, and an exact
scripture came to me. I shared it with him and he just about broke down.
"Sister Brooks. You don't know how nice it feels to know that.
Thank you, thank you, thank you." I'm not smart enough to on-the-spot come
up with these things on my own! But the Spirit helped me know what
this man needed, and I want to always try to listen.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And one
last amazing experience: (honestly, this week was jam-packed with people who
came up to us asking if they could be taught, of people calling us "angels"
and wanting to be baptized the first time we talked to them, and of simple
prayers and testimonies of the most amazing people. The Lord is so good that I
can't even put into words how generous He has been to us.) There is a
sweet, dear old man who doesn't like anything religious, but he lovesssss when
we sing hymns. So we visit him and his wife, and sing them hymns every week and
share a message in between. This week, I felt the Spirit so strongly as I bore
my testimony straight to him about the Savior. I know he felt it, I just know
it. And this Thursday, he agreed to meet us at the church so that I can
play the piano for him and sing him church songs. I think something wonderful
will happen:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had a
cute autistic boy this week walk up to me and ask for a business card. I gave
him a Mormon.org card and then he got really close to my face and said all
slow and with a huge grin: "I'm gonna calll you up, and I'm gonna take
youuu out on a DATE!" It was maybe the most darling thing I've ever
heard. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
decided that I love old people, and me and Sister Oleson are going to this
lovely old folks home every Wednesday now to paint the ladies nails and chat
with them. They all want to know who we are and why we're helping:) There
are the cutest women in the world. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-iOJlesiTdIHHaLBmapVDOAsJlB30Os0xKQxID88brhibgj11U_eT6GqhfFabX0PhOUrfQplwfC_e_SfgG9Pe4OF3EJ5WqomawJx-bStz-XmhkJII-GwCBfvkXNs9IuugEHYEbBJZeHQ/s1600/100_2941%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-iOJlesiTdIHHaLBmapVDOAsJlB30Os0xKQxID88brhibgj11U_eT6GqhfFabX0PhOUrfQplwfC_e_SfgG9Pe4OF3EJ5WqomawJx-bStz-XmhkJII-GwCBfvkXNs9IuugEHYEbBJZeHQ/s200/100_2941%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, I
know that Jesus Christ is the Savoir of the world. I know that so much. I know
that He listens to prayers, and probably listens harder to a lot of the prayers
the addicts to meth say and the person who is scared to pray says. I feel so blessed
to be here:) I love you all. Thanks for being the best best best best. And
keep feeding the missionaries.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Kaylee:)</span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-26307714649783209302013-05-13T21:51:00.000-07:002013-05-13T21:51:38.578-07:00"Love to Life"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">HOLY
MOLEY, it has been a week. Oh boy, has it been a week! I got to San
Fransisco on Wednesday and the first thing I saw was a cop pulling some guy out
of a local McDonalds. Welcome to the Bay, Sister Brooks!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEd8AH89OTw9KK6TcB4lUCCDHYb8-zcRjcBo8GX8bTWjyil01M7N8K2rzdsFLp5n2zfST80vNzDe-C6wQ7Ep6uers6shsww8eQQpGw-lRcCr6M5EBQu0JuYscJHsXsGEO7hNujKawwGex/s1600/100_2908%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEd8AH89OTw9KK6TcB4lUCCDHYb8-zcRjcBo8GX8bTWjyil01M7N8K2rzdsFLp5n2zfST80vNzDe-C6wQ7Ep6uers6shsww8eQQpGw-lRcCr6M5EBQu0JuYscJHsXsGEO7hNujKawwGex/s400/100_2908%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Right when we landed,
I was in love with this place:) One thing I love about it is that even though
it's so crammed together everywhere, the people make corners of
"beautiful." Even if it's just one rose bush or a tiny tree or a
small hand-painted picture, I love that people make beautiful things
everywhere! I love these people!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
first day, I thought I might die because I was so tired. Well, I didn't and I
got over it and I am still alive and happy as a clam! Me and my new companion,
Sister O., drove to our little apartment in Daly City that night and GOT TO
WORK! I was assigned to the city. And by the city, I mean the city. We are in
San Francisco and it's a little bit exciting! </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first night at my apartment,
there were guys smoking in the garage and they were staring at us and yes, me
and my companion ran up the three flights of stairs to our room. I love the
city though. It's exciting to tract on streets with every ethnicity and type of
person, and to chat with people on the streets. Such interesting stories they
have to tell!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
FIRST person I street contacted was a Brazilian women. This happened right
after the mission president told me I needed to make sure to study Portuguese
daily, because I wouldn't be speaking it at all. PSYCH! I talked and talked
with her and invited her to come to church and she said she would love to. We
are friends! And she speaks Portuguese! And I don't understand anything! But
it's okay!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I also
asked someone if he would like to be baptized. Lewis actually got out of
prison a week ago. EYE CONTACT KAYLEE. Don't be scared! Prison is no
biggie, rightttt???:) He had been reading the Book of Mormon in his cell
and knew that it was true. Wow, what, really? So I looked him right in the
eye and tried to fake him out into thinking I was a professional at these
kinds-of things, and asked him if he would like to come to church with us, and
if we could teach him. He said yes. And yesterday, there he was in our little
ward, jeans and beard and all, learning about the power of transformation of
the Atonoment of Jesus Christ. I know that he felt the Spirit. He wants
more and more of it. I'll happily be the conduit between the Spirit and him:)
Miracles everywhere these days ladies and gentleman!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
learned something this week. Most people we teach and talk to are doing
everything they can to put food on the table and make their family as happy as
possible. One non-religious man prayed this week that he could be a better man
for his family, another woman told me that whenever she prays, she mostly just
tells God "thank you," and another woman asked God so humbly to
help her understand what she needs to understand. I'm humbled by their
sincerity and touched by their ability to have faith even when life is really
hard for them. We were sitting in a lesson the other day with this man rambling
on and on about who in the world even knows what, and I admit I had the
thought, am I doing ok? Is this what I'm here for? Is this missionary work?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
friends, yes! Yes it is! People all need someone to love them, someone to
listen to them, someone to tell them that there is so much HOPE for a better
way to live, and most of all, someone to love them and tell them that the very
God who created us, He who is over all of us, listens to us and
loves us infinitely. My goodness, what a message to share. I learned this
week that missionary work is and always will be a whole lot more about being a
servant to every person that you meet and loving them the way that Christ did
than about getting a number or checking off a lesson taught. I believe that
when I have that mentality and I talk to everyone and do my best to be a
servant to the most humble, that the Lord will create the teaching
opportunity's that we look for and love.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">People
notice kindness. You know? I made it a goal this week that on my mission, every
person I meet I will "love to life." I will just LOVE people to LIFE!
Can I hear a "YES PLEASE?!" Our purpose is to bring every
person we meet one step closer to God. Maybe in 1000 years I'll figure out
how to do this, but for now I'm going to do my best.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
hasn't been a baptism in this area I'm in for about 7 months. </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqVyqBs24sSHJtsoAQmwJ8tip_wl63oPkflLQj5deTHSP0xcizoMo0sQQhgCjgTsbv37km2m1t60gzXAJ8BaJtbvrXx861sCflXYoqTDDJoPXdhAzXO8ceYBKXSgXuY_LDglfzwiSIrI2/s1600/100_2929%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqVyqBs24sSHJtsoAQmwJ8tip_wl63oPkflLQj5deTHSP0xcizoMo0sQQhgCjgTsbv37km2m1t60gzXAJ8BaJtbvrXx861sCflXYoqTDDJoPXdhAzXO8ceYBKXSgXuY_LDglfzwiSIrI2/s200/100_2929%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have two lined
up for May 25th, for the most darling two women:) I'm so thrilled!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh my
goodness, so much happiness. What good news we have to tell!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscZkkdkJC6Ctz3zIJR6jCKghNDLK_0BQHGcySAAM7PUGbD6Sy45W1CjcSpsr52UU72qyKdcZgz4Pq9H5Gj2mXnAzSn8RH-4c0EvYuqR1V9eyhv0SYfyZ6jZQgDSkIaK0NXCdqTF24SkDj/s1600/100_2918%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscZkkdkJC6Ctz3zIJR6jCKghNDLK_0BQHGcySAAM7PUGbD6Sy45W1CjcSpsr52UU72qyKdcZgz4Pq9H5Gj2mXnAzSn8RH-4c0EvYuqR1V9eyhv0SYfyZ6jZQgDSkIaK0NXCdqTF24SkDj/s320/100_2918%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing a little weeding!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And yes,
I did get bit by a dog already and yelled at by two old ladies that I wasn't
weeding their garden right. I'm so sorry. Would you like me to to throw this weed
at you? Just kidding, quiet dignity Kaylee;)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love
you all, your support means everything and a bag of chips!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Loves
loves,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.75pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-66067852977335528602013-05-07T22:17:00.000-07:002013-05-07T22:17:14.386-07:00Here I go, Here I go!!!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe9JUsYQ1xR8tdxsZDco8RlbCzh2U0V1W8Ot3HxsmurVZCfCep6N_jcObs_d7YFBGsdyudQz81DmAXpTYF_SkxCCpzdTZkSZqw65dZaQ4c-erHcPzFRoaOGxVJ26Q-OK8iDcorWn7tauQ/s1600/100_2877%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe9JUsYQ1xR8tdxsZDco8RlbCzh2U0V1W8Ot3HxsmurVZCfCep6N_jcObs_d7YFBGsdyudQz81DmAXpTYF_SkxCCpzdTZkSZqw65dZaQ4c-erHcPzFRoaOGxVJ26Q-OK8iDcorWn7tauQ/s320/100_2877%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Me and my new mission call...it's like Christmas all over again!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So a quick little update
on me!!! This week was so fantastic. I leave for San Fransisco in the morning
so I am running around today trying to figure out what in the world I am
doing!! Here is my miracle of the week:)</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Last week, the Branch
President asked me to put together a branch choir. He promised me that if I
prayerfully picked out a song, the song I picked would be the topic of that
Sunday, and that experience alone would be worth the extra week here. I'll be
honest, I've been a little stressed about it! It was fast Sunday, and I
couldn't really figure out how there would even really be a "topic"
that I was supposed to figure out by the Spirit. Well, I scrounged up a version
of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and bossed around my branch to
create a little extra time to practice:) On Sunday, we also had mission
conference here at the MTC, (which I have no idea was going to happen.) The MTC
President gets up last and his topic was on how Christ is our Rescuer. He went
through "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and explained the meaning
that it holds, and even had the entire MTC sing a few lines of it. I was
floored. Three hours later, my sweet little choir stood up, the branch
presidency got up off the stand and went to sit in the audience because they
were so excited, and "Come Thou Fount" was sang so beautifully. It
was quite the experience, and I was directing the choir choking back tears
because the words had more meaning to me than ever before:</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: red;">
Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by Thy help I've come.<br />
And I hope by Thy good pleasure safely to arrive at home.<br />
Jesus sought me when a stranger wandering from the fold of God.<br />
He to rescue me from danger interposed His precious blood.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #444444;">
The Lord knows what's going on, doesn't He`?</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeW2TpF9ojeequ8XDKoHHshs7L0YsGkBW6mocHmmRwQz688-hFrvlRcGihpZSrzTVS5_DXSCOr-b_GBwEiInVHCuOmQT3FF5KjB2OR6PseepvoPEC_UuFK9DNiWG1LYCy79sboTEKhNnT/s1600/100_2896%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeW2TpF9ojeequ8XDKoHHshs7L0YsGkBW6mocHmmRwQz688-hFrvlRcGihpZSrzTVS5_DXSCOr-b_GBwEiInVHCuOmQT3FF5KjB2OR6PseepvoPEC_UuFK9DNiWG1LYCy79sboTEKhNnT/s200/100_2896%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My birthday was probably
the best 20th birthday I've ever had!! The sweet sisters in my district planned
a 10 minute party for me at night, where they wrapped up all fancy all these
gross clothes that were put in the "free bin" on our floor. It was
quite the party, and I do adore them all!! </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Z2stJsE-ba6lS-rf2B8Uc1J01vA5si1_cDTIh7P-pjqF4QNxo-AwABMwC4_17azIeeOhXfFzF8aPPHeKEf0cJKlyIQZd5-1eXszSI5cAMrtwqLfFYKLF21BjZRC8Lsk4L-M_dKUZYco/s1600/100_2897%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Z2stJsE-ba6lS-rf2B8Uc1J01vA5si1_cDTIh7P-pjqF4QNxo-AwABMwC4_17azIeeOhXfFzF8aPPHeKEf0cJKlyIQZd5-1eXszSI5cAMrtwqLfFYKLF21BjZRC8Lsk4L-M_dKUZYco/s200/100_2897%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My new district has been SO kind and
SO supportive of me. I was praying last week, because I was feeling a little
sad and left behind as my zone left, and the Lord promised me that He would
"carry me" through this week. I have felt that. It has been an
incredible week for me.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, I
was informed I MIGHT be opening a Portuguese branch in San Fran. </span><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;">Wait what?!</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
This would an experience to say the least! I'm trying to ward off my doubts,
such as: "But I don't speak Portuguese." And: "But I don't know
anything." AND MOSTLY I'M JUST SO EXCITED!!!!:) Missions for days. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And one last thing! I've
learned something really important since I've been here, and this is it. There
is great value in not talking about people, ever. Let's get real. If my flaws
and problems were pieces of bread, we could probably feed a city for a week;
maybe even a small island. I've just learned since I've been here that there
are lots of people going on, and we all have different ways of doing everything.
Since I've always been an observant person, I think I've always loved sharing
my observations with other people. I've never done it with ill-intent, but I've
realized that talking doesn't benefit anyone. So when I notice something about
someone, I've kept it to myself. If I'm irritated, I'm working on getting over
it rather than making it a big deal. If someone comes to me for advice, I've
been working on pointing them to the source rather than becoming a middle-man.
Rudyard Kipling said: </span><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;">"If all men count with you, but none too much."</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
I have this new confidence where I truly feel that I have absolutely nothing to
prove to anyone, and if they don't like me then I'll be over it in mmmmaybe 3
seconds. I decided to exit the teenage and maybe even adult "talking."
(I am 20 now.....;)) I'm not perfect, by any means. But I'm learning to stop
before I say something and think: Would I say this in front of anyone? and Will
saying this benefit anyone? If I overhear something about someone else, I'm
learning to just keep my mouth shut about it. There's great value in not
talking. </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0-N58g_F-jw5JqnCRUcRhM9WZ0fmxn49S8SXCnk2Ik9JO2_psJ2oUeuNEvWuMlIMjTH6MTdN23koB4ot4MFfetvDVGrdCV1V94_ljaC8_vG6aGrR53Gg01-RAGCPwtF6otH2Td-rhwxZ/s1600/100_2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0-N58g_F-jw5JqnCRUcRhM9WZ0fmxn49S8SXCnk2Ik9JO2_psJ2oUeuNEvWuMlIMjTH6MTdN23koB4ot4MFfetvDVGrdCV1V94_ljaC8_vG6aGrR53Gg01-RAGCPwtF6otH2Td-rhwxZ/s320/100_2878.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, here I go, here I go!
I'm stressed a little bit, and a little overwhelmed, and I am ecstatic about my
life as a missionary. Bring on the next:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love you all so very
much!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-15080339595547702332013-05-03T11:05:00.000-07:002013-05-03T11:05:25.491-07:00California, Here I COME!!!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WHAT'S
UP I'M GOING TO OAKLAND/SAN FRANCISCO ON MY MISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (until my
visa comes and I head to Brazil.) I am so excited. On a scale from 1 to 10 I'm about at a
35. (Don't hurt yourself trying to figure that out.) Seriously though, I got my
re-assignment yesterday and I'm SO thrilled. It feels so right and I'm grateful
for the chance I've had to stay here. The Lord wanted me here, and now He wants
me to go to California. Um, yes. Willingly, happily. It's the best day ever. My
new district is so sweet:) All the girls ran to the travel office because I was
too nervous, and they were so excited for me that they kept telling everyone
all day. I leave next Wednesday morning, and here's what I know:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And by
nothing, I mean nothing. Ask me who my new mission president is, orrrrr where I
will be living, orrrrrr who I'm going with? I know NOTHING. I've only met one
other person who got re-assigned there, which is extremely unusual because
generally it's a group of people? So I'm just going to show up where I'm
supposed to and follow orders until I show up in San Francisco. I love my
mission president already. I can't wait to meet him! I'm going to shake his
hand and tell him: "Listen, I'm SO happy I'm here. You don't have to worry
one second about me, I'll do whatever it is you need me to do!" And then
we'll be best friends!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh,
yes! And another thing I don't know is the language in which I will be speaking
in 5 days. There are quite a few Spanish branches, and so I might be speaking
Spanish. Do I know Spanish? Why, no, I do not! But I can learn. There's also
quite a few Chinese wards. That would be a fun little adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
last few days have been simply wonderful. My new districts is so kind. They all
have the attitude that I have something so teach them and that's why I'm here,
which is very humbling. How can you not love people who are so smart and
spiritual and kind, but who treat you like you're the Yoda of missionary work?
I know nothing. I don't know what I'm doing. But they don't knowww thatttt
yetttt:):):):) Hopefully I can fake it for a few more days!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
first day I was in class with them, I felt prompted to share something I had
learned. The Zone Leaders, (in the class,) started freaking out afterwards
because they said that something I had said had saved their lives. That night I
was chatting with my new companion, (my new best friend,) Sister O. and I said
something and she said: Sister Brooks, I can't tell you how many prayers you
just answered for me. The next day we taught a lesson and left the room and she
just started crying and crying and I asked her what was up and she said: Sister
Brooks, I don't know why I feel so confident around you, but I just do!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WORTH
IT.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, I
have made new running friends, (naturally.) They told me the yesterday that
they thought I needed to stay because of some story I had told them that had
been something one of them needed to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm not
doing anything, honestly. I mean, I'm crying a little bit here and there still,
and getting re-assigned to California and having a hard time focusing on
anything, but this has been a cool experience for me. I haven't done anything.
The Lord has just put me in these places with these wonderful people, and I
feel so blessed to be able to talk with people and love people. And I'm
grateful that He has let me help a few people as well. MISSIONARY WORK IS THE
BESTTTTT.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love
the Lord, I love this work, I love you all, I love the Book of Mormon, I love
the food, I love my mom, I love the temple, I love SAN FRANCISCO, I love that I
have a bed to sleep in.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Life is
good. Talk to you on the flip side.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-40965396078190440922013-04-30T20:07:00.000-07:002013-04-30T20:07:19.444-07:00MORE MTC <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;">YES, MORE MTC is right...or as my dad puts it...more "Moving Toward Curitiba!" Just to give you a heads up, my whole district got reassigned and is out in the field, EXCEPT ME! Here's the story....</span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPfDR9XQ_MLtpdju6fBYgMd7Fwnl_KFLlUHNbfYbJ7cRawi4Bfcg_E5AmKpg2DskcO5l17eCooZp_KY98Ual6DCzpQiV2zlsAtF4zIMOcL7pUCUL0w5Pr5wPXMEqFOBJtrLLcBWNTCvwf/s1600/100_2842%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPfDR9XQ_MLtpdju6fBYgMd7Fwnl_KFLlUHNbfYbJ7cRawi4Bfcg_E5AmKpg2DskcO5l17eCooZp_KY98Ual6DCzpQiV2zlsAtF4zIMOcL7pUCUL0w5Pr5wPXMEqFOBJtrLLcBWNTCvwf/s200/100_2842%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Can I hear great hair day, PLEEASE?:)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First
off, Brit. Katie Knight? My gosh, you might as well quit running now and travel
the world signing autographs because you're so cool. Ben! 15 minutes before
your race and no warm-up?! Some people just don't need warm-ups, they're that
good. Mom and dad, oh thank you. Your letters have carried me through the last
few days. MOM, feed everyone everything. That's my only request for my
birthday. It's fast Sunday here and they don't let us eat til 6, andddd I'll be
alone on my birthday:) Party for days.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;">So,
here is my parable of The Daddy-Daughter Date:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once
upon a time, there was a girl who was away from home at college for a long
time. Her dad was her very best friend and she missed him very much. One day,
he called her up and said: "Hey darling! When you get home, on
exactly April 29th, let's go to Olive Garden! I want you to do everything you
can to prepare and get excited, because I can hardly wait."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, she
gets ready. For months and months she's looking forward to April 29th at 7:00,
when she FINALLY gets to do what she has wanted to for such a long time. She
thinks about it everyday, and it carries her through hard things.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">April
29th comes. All day, (the MTC,) she is getting ready for 7:00! She gets
everything done she needs to throughout the day. Seven o'clock arrives and
she can hardly sit still. Five minutes before they're supposed to leave,
her dad says: "You know hon, I'm so sorry but tonight just isn't
going to work."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He doesn't
give an explanation, and her heart just sinks. She's been waiting, and
working, and waiting, and working, and she wants to go to Olive Garden
with her dad SO BAD. She thinks maybe she's being punished for something wrong
that she did throughout the day. But then, it dawns on her that Olive Garden
wasn't really the point. Without this opportunity to wait a little longer, she
wouldn't have been able to show Him that on April 29th at 7:00, she would do
whatever it was that night He needed her too. The point was spending time with
her Father. The point was never the destination.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;">So,
that has been my week.</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> My entire zone got re-assigned, I've been up at 4 in the
morning to send them all off the last few days, and I'm still at the MTC. It
was really hard at first, and I racked my brain for days on why I was being
left out. But I don't think I'm being left out; I think I just needed to
understand a little more that my goal isn't a certain time or a certain place,
but that my goal is to show Heavenly Father that this is His time, and the most
important thing to me is to do what He wants me to. So I've been sleeping
on a mattress with no blankets or sheets, I don't quite have a companion yet,
and I'm living entirely out of a suitcase that I had 15 minutes or so to pack:)
I'm loving it though; just kinda taking it a moment at a time. Hmm. I wonder
where I will be or who will need to talk to me about some other problem in the
next 20 minutes. Hmm. I wonder where I will sleep tonight! It's like I'm
on Survivor. Or HUNGER GAMES, and I'm freaking Catnus because I'm
the LAST ONE STANDING!!! I'm just learning that whenever something is
hard, the Lord wants you to use it to learn more about His Son. I
have been so blessed these last few days because I've learned more about
the Atonement. It's been a wee bit lonely, but I love that when we feel
alone or scared or left behind or heartbroken in new ways, we get a chance
to get a tiny little glimpse of the Savior. It is so very nice to have
someone who understands:) Also, I once again have no idea where I'll be in a
week. Maybe they'll end up sending me to Antarctica or Sweden. I wouldn't put
it past em.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtVtxB8_83Da8BSyfFCxSe6JUC9rsEX-MFdgBIw_FaRCNIdbjrdWDUHWIObyM3J6vVN0kF8cYoxWkEfq64T7M2feBr03wCVtwLpjXirJkVuGuIpTeYFRHiDSXi4LNjFWfg7grj7lXXjo9/s1600/100_2868%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtVtxB8_83Da8BSyfFCxSe6JUC9rsEX-MFdgBIw_FaRCNIdbjrdWDUHWIObyM3J6vVN0kF8cYoxWkEfq64T7M2feBr03wCVtwLpjXirJkVuGuIpTeYFRHiDSXi4LNjFWfg7grj7lXXjo9/s400/100_2868%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>My WONDERFUL district and dear friends!!!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On
Sunday, I played the piano at devotional for this random elder who needed
an accompanist, and he did a fineeee job! Right after I sit down, Sister
Nally, (the MTC president's wife,) says: "I've never done this before, but
I'd like to ask Sister Brooks to come right back on up here."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First
thought: I should have combed my hair sometime in the last month.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Second
thought: Yes. I put on make-up today.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Third
thought: Wait, what?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So I
waddle my little self right on up there and she asks me to bear my testimony
and then talk about the Boston Marathon. I get done speaking and she looks at
me, and in front of all these missionaries, says: "Sister Brooks. You are
in the right place." It wasn't that big of a deal, but it was
definitely a tender mercy:)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yesterday I
was studying with these elders and one of them starts talking about how weird
one of his friends is because she always MEOWS. Did I tell him I sing hymns via
meowing every night to whoever is lucky enough to be around me? Why, no, I
certainly did not! People these days.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHSnPgbFiUxaBRtKcVrm6sncF5JgOyzK0ixU04sqfzOOjfkC_7E9T14DN4nUDDiAIh2RRfWk7lUz1-u2MHrZ07CkN7Hfl3GVmaMl6TANNoQc-apsRY4M0Sz_ZhuT2-mtn-6xgbYKa14Sf/s1600/100_2850%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHSnPgbFiUxaBRtKcVrm6sncF5JgOyzK0ixU04sqfzOOjfkC_7E9T14DN4nUDDiAIh2RRfWk7lUz1-u2MHrZ07CkN7Hfl3GVmaMl6TANNoQc-apsRY4M0Sz_ZhuT2-mtn-6xgbYKa14Sf/s200/100_2850%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love
Portuguese grammer. Haha I'm such a nerd. Portuguese just makes sense in ways
that English doesn't, and I love it!! I eat it up, and ask all these strange
questions about the direct object pronoun, and I think my class hates me. Which
really doesn't matter because they are now scattered around the US:) So I'm
over it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank
you for your prayers. Missions are so wonderful:) And I'm so grateful for
support, especially on weeks like this one!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
the best week of your whole life. I have another P-day on Friday because I'm
actually moving tomorrow at 3 AM to a new district. Rollin with the punches.
BRING IT ON.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I LOVE
YOU SO MUCH!!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">AWKWARD FAMILY PHOTOS</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SvyvOExZAmHps8BRbTxB59d6TvLyo-wCrIAgyZYbbJjVN7hOOAXiBk2gGp9HsyTpHNYMqYpVaXO_FSZ6pdjpTROP3v-l9_6bUFeFUheu_EU8kgEZH8euPw9rCeZfPfhhyR4_4Xau-7wM/s1600/100_2872%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SvyvOExZAmHps8BRbTxB59d6TvLyo-wCrIAgyZYbbJjVN7hOOAXiBk2gGp9HsyTpHNYMqYpVaXO_FSZ6pdjpTROP3v-l9_6bUFeFUheu_EU8kgEZH8euPw9rCeZfPfhhyR4_4Xau-7wM/s400/100_2872%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling; font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmncvaG_CYmg8NWFWvNRxQCRuoMkeQ3yt7A_uHJd-sKhbOXq3n79_Ag17c7X1p91V-J2oW52Ql0ujFPvWw7QUn44-qzqT1w_DpMrMZ9dedxdE1MiuQqk8DCYF5irdqY-UvpeXp-_3IrHA/s1600/100_2847%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmncvaG_CYmg8NWFWvNRxQCRuoMkeQ3yt7A_uHJd-sKhbOXq3n79_Ag17c7X1p91V-J2oW52Ql0ujFPvWw7QUn44-qzqT1w_DpMrMZ9dedxdE1MiuQqk8DCYF5irdqY-UvpeXp-_3IrHA/s400/100_2847%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrwMrgE-vkAxoJm85B1wSKuyqVzFwe1fNgcTnsfaPikitMBrS3zTRkuvTF1FwGEJ6nXG5KqeZIRqxl4t2_iNDaT-8Nc322JIbmQCF9C3MlL3l2f_lrD3aPTeX05yhTQHwVEFW_xrtJ-O3/s1600/100_2863%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrwMrgE-vkAxoJm85B1wSKuyqVzFwe1fNgcTnsfaPikitMBrS3zTRkuvTF1FwGEJ6nXG5KqeZIRqxl4t2_iNDaT-8Nc322JIbmQCF9C3MlL3l2f_lrD3aPTeX05yhTQHwVEFW_xrtJ-O3/s320/100_2863%255B1%255D.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-4192105181197866322013-04-23T21:20:00.000-07:002013-04-23T21:20:42.818-07:00Life is Good!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello Everyone!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">I had a lovely week here at the MTC! On Wednesday, I hosted new missionaries, meaning I would get them out of the car, carry their luggage around, and get them all settled. NEVER LET ME DO THAT AGAIN. We were supposed to be super duper excited and thrilled, and I totally was!</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyf0s1l3dppPAyfbUtQ-x1Lx6cyPNU3xbAIB8am5pQmxcLXiE-Su_3aJsQAM1qRVe_hROo0uVxRlLtD3xq1LW9eHvj75c_hIRVZAB9-JD0SzemHr9nVUsMeaHP60ChvTo55GRLmMZT_b1/s1600/100_2823%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyf0s1l3dppPAyfbUtQ-x1Lx6cyPNU3xbAIB8am5pQmxcLXiE-Su_3aJsQAM1qRVe_hROo0uVxRlLtD3xq1LW9eHvj75c_hIRVZAB9-JD0SzemHr9nVUsMeaHP60ChvTo55GRLmMZT_b1/s320/100_2823%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HAPPY HOSTS!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">But when those cars would pull up and the mom would lose it and the little brother would be crying and the new Sister would hug her dad, I would just stand there and cry and pretend I was feeling the Spirit or something. It was pretty inspiring to see all these really brave people get dropped off, so sad to leave their families but so very sure of what they were doing. Little 18-year-old boys who just graduated and are going to the middle of Antartica speaking who in the world knows what. I was just so touched and I cried every time a momma said good-bye to her little boy or girl. Someone fire me from this duty.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">On Wednesday night, Sister H. and I taught random investigators in front of all the new missionaries, speaking the strange language of ENGLISH. I was actually pretty nervous, because all these new missionaries were staring at us with their beady little eyes and soaking in everything we were saying. And I'm just like: "I'M A MISSIONARY TOO AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING!!!!" But I felt the Spirit as I was teaching, and loved the heck out of this Italian fellow we taught about families:)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">Elder Richard G. Scott came and talked to us last Tuesday:) He just loved on us for 45 minutes straight. He thanked the Sister Missionaries specifically, and promised us our lives would forever be enriched by this decision. He invoked a blessing of the gift of tongues on us all, that we could master the language we were learning. And that basically just made me feel really happy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">I am the most popular girl at the MTC. FOUR BAGS OF DOVE CHOCOLATE?! Wassup!!!! Everyone flock to me!! Everyday after gym time, about 10 Sisters gather in the hall and I just shower them with treats galore! I have been super healthy lately, and wasn't going to have treats for a month, but decided to break my little health kick and eat a chocolate. I open it up and read it, and what does the inside say? "Keep your promises to yourself." Really? I was mad so I ate some more until I got one that said: "Treat yourself."<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">I have learned a lot from the scriptures this week, and I'm loving the chance to be taught powerfully by the Spirit. I've started a little journal of common questions people may ask me in the next year and a half, and as I read I write down scriptures that would answer those questions. I really want to master the scriptures; be familiar enough with them to point anyone to any scripture for concerns in their lives. This week, I began to pray before each scripture study that I could be led to the things that either me or my investigators needed. And it was amazing, every day! The Lord would open my eyes to new scriptures and teach me new concepts, and I just ate it up:) The scriptures are so wonderful; we're so blessed to have that direct connection with the Lord!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">So. People keep asking me about how I REALLY feel about being re-assigned. It is just so strange, but I feel so excited that I wake-up everyday doing a little jig. It seems surreal that I'm actually leaving this place, because it's all I've known for the last 5 weeks. This last Sunday on my district's little walk up to temple, I saw some random Japanese lady who WASN'T a missionary and got so excited that I ran over and sat next to her and talked with her forever. I listened to her story and about her family and her job and her troubles, and I loved every second of it. I don't care at all where I go, quite honestly. I don't care what language I speak or if I serve in Provo or Brazil or anywhere in between. We all have a common need for the Savior. I need to have faith that the Lord will help me learn Portuguese when I need it, because I feel a little scared of losing everything I learned and getting down there and having no earthly idea what anyone is saying. But. The Lord has been in charge thus far, and I don't really see a reason for Him changing His mind and not directing my mission:) I'm really, really excited to love people. I'm really excited to just love everyone. I'm feeling a little curious to know where in the world I will be in a week:) PATIENCEEEEEEE KAYLEEEEEEEEEEEE:)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">Running is therapy. Me and Sister N. call it our 50 minutes of pure therapy, because we just talk and talk the whole time. We always talk about what our "perfect day" would be, and we tell each other stories from growing up and from </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWw0sOW_Wf5faemI1TQNGrzhw5BRISB7loZwDU0c9C7XyhZaaazRvn3AV_AMdqOJSNl3ewUC6ykxlLno1hzFwDFwrmUjP78kX2oa4dfJDrHqF79Rkw2ikzYF730O8Rkv2JBknqqQjSmtn/s1600/100_2826%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWw0sOW_Wf5faemI1TQNGrzhw5BRISB7loZwDU0c9C7XyhZaaazRvn3AV_AMdqOJSNl3ewUC6ykxlLno1hzFwDFwrmUjP78kX2oa4dfJDrHqF79Rkw2ikzYF730O8Rkv2JBknqqQjSmtn/s320/100_2826%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">college and anything else we need to talk about. </span></span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">I run with Sister L. in the morning, and sometimes she'll do sprints with me which is fun:) She's a good athlete, and actually played for the BYU Ultimate Frisbee team. I have so much fun with my friends, and I'm a little concerned with what will happen if I love all the Sisters I serve with over the next 18 months this much, because I already have rooming plans worked out with a bunch of them:) Fine. I'll buy a house and everyone I ever met can live there.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord continues to bless me more than I deserve. I'm feeling nervous about being a missionary, because now it's for reals. This week, it dawned on me what I was about to be doing, and the resposibility it was, and I just kneeled down and prayed: "Are you sure? I mean, are you really, really, really sure? I'm just a baby. You sure I can do this?" Haha He told me: "No Sister Brooks, you can't, but I can, so stop freaking out." So then I stopped freaking out and just realized I need a wee bit more faith, so I've been working on it:)</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';">Life is good. I have a testimony of Jesus Christ, and I love Him so very much. People do amazing things to show their love for Him. How cool to be a small little part of it:) I love you all, keep on keeping o</span></b><b style="line-height: 15.75pt;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';">n!!!!</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">Yours,<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling';"><span style="font-size: large;">Sister
Brooks</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b></div>
<b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-15137317936327052722013-04-16T21:28:00.000-07:002013-04-16T21:28:15.404-07:00Happy Days! <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZgSsTGU2feB947gF8h1XjhMBUhbxFZNCxMWL7U3P-aRX_UCloxGeFDoFXlFB_7oHMHdqEloUdmbrUkKBhIYTysaL-O810WdNdSIawKhFB78g8tEZ1B3-FU4i0S0Q4exclf9l_-eqHDZp/s1600/100_2812%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZgSsTGU2feB947gF8h1XjhMBUhbxFZNCxMWL7U3P-aRX_UCloxGeFDoFXlFB_7oHMHdqEloUdmbrUkKBhIYTysaL-O810WdNdSIawKhFB78g8tEZ1B3-FU4i0S0Q4exclf9l_-eqHDZp/s320/100_2812%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family!!!! I was just so happy to hear from each of you this
week, and catch glimpses of your lives and the amazing things that are
happening. Dad, I can't believe you're actually here!!!! THE PACKAGE I GOT WAS
THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh I love
my family. Thank you SO much for everything! :):):) Mom, I just love you. I'm so
grateful that you have been recognizing the Lord's hand in everything. Tay,
Brit, Ben. I love you all so very much:):) Keep up the hard work in track and
Tay, stop being so good at history. Professors want you left and right.Keep
writing me letters everyone. I love the food you send, and I love to hear the
updates in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, this week was simply marvelous. I have gained SUCH a
testimony of the MTC, and I have fallen in love with it all:) Truly, I'll
always think of the MTC as a sacred place, because of the ways it has already
changed my life. I just love everyone and I just want to hug
everyone!!!! I had the chance this week to teach a lesson of the
Restoration in Portuguese, and it was the first time that I had recited the
First Vision in Portuguese from memory in a lesson. I was looking at the
investigator, telling him the story of Joseph Smith, and I was just hit with
the wonder of it all. The Spirit entered the room so powerfully. It was
silent for a while after I finished, and all I really knew how to say was
"I know that this happened. I KNOW that this happened." Sister
H. and I left the room and I just looked at her and said: Wow. It really is
true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And by gollee it is!!! I've always had a testimony of the
gospel, I've always known that it's true. But when you teach, and when you
don't know what you're saying and the Spirit somehow enters the room,
it is truly the most powerful feeling ever experienced. I can hardly contain my
excitement for getting out there and teaching in whatever language I need
to!! GIVE ME PEOPLE TO LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I just love them already. I
just want them to be happy more than anything. Like. How did this
happen? :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, you're all probably wondering where I'm off to in 13 days to
serve a mission. Hey, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZ9zsGNHfrACA_NLwzcSa6pInwpUZomPUXnO_U9-rqvCJwDgVG5lSiFeuiD8JkemtX2XBOUESsi5qnhaPu0nxir9Mp4MGtsrLyo_5RELMejQbjMBgcKf7Hi_p7uEa4mx0shqwVLsPcu5c/s1600/100_2797%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZ9zsGNHfrACA_NLwzcSa6pInwpUZomPUXnO_U9-rqvCJwDgVG5lSiFeuiD8JkemtX2XBOUESsi5qnhaPu0nxir9Mp4MGtsrLyo_5RELMejQbjMBgcKf7Hi_p7uEa4mx0shqwVLsPcu5c/s200/100_2797%255B1%255D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eventually I will get there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm wondering the exact same thing!!!! I'll get a
re-assignment next Wednesday or Thursday most likely and I'll have 5 minutes to
call home so don't you dare not pick up! Mom, I'll probably call your cell?
Just let me know!:) I am really excited to be re-assigned! I could go anywhere
in the United States speaking any language. Most the time
it's English, but sometimes it's Spanish or French. I'm really grateful
for the opportunity to serve somewhere else, because the Lord's hand is going
to be that much more evident in my language learning. Because heaven knows I'll
need help if I don't get to Brazil for a few more months! I'm confident that
the Lord will help me say what I need to say:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this week I decided to play four-square, which was maybe the
best decision I've made thus far on my mission. My friends were all
playing and I was tired of running and so I jogged over and got in line. I was
just being all cute and dumb like "LALALA, no one get me out, I've never
played, etc...etc..." I got in and the first time I touch the ball, I
absolutely slammed it in this Elder's square and owned him. Back of the line my
friend. Everyone in line erupted in "OHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" and I just
walked my little self to the next square. I proceeded to make enemies very
quickly, hence the reason I have only been back once. Everyone was talking
about it all day. I'm famous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I get to be a host tomorrow!!!! That means that I get to be nice
to the new missionaries and carry their stuff and tell them "just
make it to Sunday Sister friend!!" Sister H. and I were also chosen
to be the teachers of an activity that all the new missionaries get
to go to. So I'll for sure see Whit! And I get to be at training all day, so
I'm really excited. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also, I met this fellow who has the most beautiful voice in the
nation, and I told him that I would play the piano for him anytime. Two days
later we tried out for a devotional and it was just so lovely!! We made it, and
will be performing pretty soon. The MTC president's wife asked me if I
would be an MTC pianist, which of course I was thrilled about. Happy days:):)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1BG2PdsWnqB87ulr3xVPK7Y1p4CfMqtf0PnCkl1QTis0YDMzNMXwP_y-lpUt4MiqmnRzaLXWGSrU68hAYpxRt9JLDpv1uEEM38qhhcYou90pg5SGCEkFIgLTpcM-ZZnEsN7Est5-OM5A/s1600/100_2816%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1BG2PdsWnqB87ulr3xVPK7Y1p4CfMqtf0PnCkl1QTis0YDMzNMXwP_y-lpUt4MiqmnRzaLXWGSrU68hAYpxRt9JLDpv1uEEM38qhhcYou90pg5SGCEkFIgLTpcM-ZZnEsN7Est5-OM5A/s200/100_2816%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I run. I run a lot. I run way too much, still. Sister L.
runs with me every morning at 5:45, and Sister N. runs with me everyday for 50
minutes in the afternoon. Haha I figure the rest of my companions will most
likely hate running, so I'm making the most of it. We have good chats, and I
just love my friends!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'CK Journaling'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 15.75pt;">Prayer is becoming a conversation. He always listens to me for a
while, and I've been trying so hard to figure out how I receive personal
revelation, which is mostly through feelings and thoughts. I love that when I
pray about something, it's me talking to my Father and my Friend, and He wants
to talk back to me. This week I have felt so grateful to wear the Savior's name
over my heart, and I've been praying for the Lord to help me see my weaknesses
so I can work on them to be more worthy for His Spirit. He is very good at
letting me know them:) And I'm just realizing that weaknesses are a funny
thing, because they are not worth being sad about for one second! It's so
selfish to pity your weaknesses. I'm finding that when we seek correction, the
Lord helps you see your faults, but that if you immediately get on your knees
and say: "My gosh, I am so sorry. Have I really been doing this my WHOLE
LIFE?! What direction would you like me to go?" that without fail I feel
an increasing of love in my general direction:) He doesn't want me to be
impatient with myself. What a concept! He wants me to ask Him how I can be
better, and I'm quite confident that He will help me whenever I'm ready for it.
I've seen Him help my heart and change it and make it better, but it's usually
after I make a mistake and a recognize a new side of my pride and selfishness
that I didn't realize I even had.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Probably the biggest thing I've learned over the last four weeks
is that my weaknesses are gifts, because it's a chance to learn personally of
the Atonement. Like. How cool is that? I love the Savior. Through my own little
human non-missionary self, I've seen Him work and change me. I've never wanted
to be corrected this bad in my life!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I get frustrated with Portuguese. I try so hard not to! But the
more I learn, the more I realize I have no idea what's going on! I can
understand Portuguese pretty well and read it and understand everything.
Speaking it, I sound like a 2 year old. It will come if I work:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About the Boston Marathon. It was announced yesterday at our
table at dinner and everyone immediately looked at me. The day before someone
had asked me about it, telling me they wanted to share the story in a
General Women's Conference at BYU, and I had just melted into tears because I
so badly, so badly wanted to run it. When I heard about the bombings, I
just got really quiet and Sister H. (since we're best friends,) grabbed my arm
and let me cry for a long time in the bathroom. I just...goodness, I just don't
know why the Lord is so kind to me. I was so upset that people were hurt; I was
devestated that other people had to see such terrible things. And I was humbled
for all the tiny miracles that led me here at this time. I think the Lord
wanted me to serve a mission, and it isn't often He lets you see the reason for
a sacrifice you made. I just cried because I didn't feel worthy of being
treated with such care, and I was amazed at His plan and His awareness of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I just LOVE YOU ALL!!!! Your letters and support mean everything,
especially on days when I'm like: "All my friends are getting married. Why
am I here again?" Your love means so much!!! Thank you!! I do love the
Savior:) I do love this work. I love these people. I'll talk to you NEXT
WEEK!!! WASSUP!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Love you love you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister Brooks:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWCAUFQ2eEuDQMk-j7IKEQ8YUX5VtPa-YOBBOwZMPfBzTu5ddUyfj-RGgVGLY6XKR3nKD0DJdrRcfVwPl2ccBxKSDWsiKx8GqyrZR0ygZKXgXu__q6_vYXvffNgf2EsAUAd8TsD6OBKJv/s1600/100_2799%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWCAUFQ2eEuDQMk-j7IKEQ8YUX5VtPa-YOBBOwZMPfBzTu5ddUyfj-RGgVGLY6XKR3nKD0DJdrRcfVwPl2ccBxKSDWsiKx8GqyrZR0ygZKXgXu__q6_vYXvffNgf2EsAUAd8TsD6OBKJv/s320/100_2799%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby snuck me in a diet coke:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-46937431913056941502013-04-09T20:44:00.000-07:002013-04-09T20:44:51.584-07:00All of Me!!!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My dear dear DEAR DEAR DEAR FAMILY!!!!</span></b><b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">This week I decided I did not have enough humor in
my life. The cafeteria in the MTC is like a middle school cafeteria, where
everyone clears their trays and leaves the food on they don't eat. So I wait
until there are a lot of people around and take a huge bite off of a random
piece of half-eaten cake on someone else's plate and just look around
absolutely innocently as other people are like......whattttt the........I may
come home looking like a blog, and I expect anyone who claims to be my friend
to make me eat carrots and celery for a year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Anyways, this week was, my goodness, what was it?!
It was wonderful. I just have such a testimony that the Lord sustains His
missionaries. Some nights I'll get up after 3 hours of sleep because I can't
sleep here and get to work, and somehow I'm not tired all day. I wake up ready
and it doesn't generally feel hard. The Lord makes the impossible possible. For
sure for sure.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I told one of my good friends here that my dad
used to always grab my hand and squeeze it 3 times for "I LOVE YOU."
So now, when she can tell I'm getting a little sad, she'll grab my hand and
squeeze it. Then we swap stories and eat cake off of plates and feel better.
Really, this girl and I are best friends. She has 14 kids in her family, all of
who served missions and went to grad school and are raising families. WHAT?!
She tells us stories about growing up, and her mom is a freaking saint. I've
found that whenever I'm sad, if I lose myself in a conversation with someone,
it's hard not to feel better.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HMm3S2_9eAJ6RSmcHdjtJcN9IVDXJeQGKBlJl-0wOwerYzQWJVHrOMSMAJTYvphbCtkKEL9DhI1rkNYGGy4N1j5zUkl-Bq4mAHd9qROIz6I_IWBtApEYmObdbugOm1R3zs-OW4-3-cFK/s1600/100_2776%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HMm3S2_9eAJ6RSmcHdjtJcN9IVDXJeQGKBlJl-0wOwerYzQWJVHrOMSMAJTYvphbCtkKEL9DhI1rkNYGGy4N1j5zUkl-Bq4mAHd9qROIz6I_IWBtApEYmObdbugOm1R3zs-OW4-3-cFK/s320/100_2776%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;">This week, me and Sister H. taught a lesson
to this man who wanted to improve his relationship with his wife. I told him in
very broken Portuguese to clean the bathroom for her once a week. Duh, what
else? I didn't know men didn't know these things about marriages. We also
taught a lesson this week to our teacher who was a mock investigator. He had
planned out a really hard lesson, where he was going to question things he knew
we couldn't talk about. Cool, huh? Well we got into the lesson, and the Spirit
was there so strong. He was very quiet, and just kept agreeing with everything
we were saying. He later told us that he melted....that every wall he had put
up was gone because he felt how much we meant what we were saying. Experiences
like that are so rewarding. I can't speak your language, I really miss my mom,
I'm wearing a freaking skirt every day of my life, but I know that Jesus Christ
is your Savior, and I know that He loves you. Telling people that
just...mm...it just feels so right.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<br />
<span style="background: white;">One of my teachers called me in this week just to
chat. She sat across from me, was quiet for a while, and said: "Sister
Brooks, I just needed to let you know today how much Heavenly Father loves
you." She started crying and I just felt this love enter the room. It was
only for a second, but it made my whole week. Heavenly Father just let me know
how much He loved me, how He was going to help me, and how He approved of what
I was doing. Rarely have I felt the Lord's approval that strong, and it was the
most motivating feeling.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I then left the room and became fluent in 6
languages.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">It's wild how quickly you love people here. I just
love my companion. I love my district, and my friends, and my teachers, and the
random girl this week who couldn't stop crying because she hated this place so
much. You just LOVE everyone. To show my love, I decided with the girls in my
zone to have a little picnic. On Saturday night, we all blew all our money on
snacks and sat on the ground eating and swapped stories of middle school days.
They now all think I am strange, but we definitely had good bonding times.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARculCtSxwAPBu_jyuealIjHWHg-K4yfhMdUK6hYMDO7PyLm42oUxYM_fxn4TNHo_YXsZURBKSnU3f80L5LjSF_RFkzuI0PVLrB9Yb2bnMysiPEljg004pGJ3twjv9KlcUJsSqJsMuSgr/s1600/100_2782%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARculCtSxwAPBu_jyuealIjHWHg-K4yfhMdUK6hYMDO7PyLm42oUxYM_fxn4TNHo_YXsZURBKSnU3f80L5LjSF_RFkzuI0PVLrB9Yb2bnMysiPEljg004pGJ3twjv9KlcUJsSqJsMuSgr/s400/100_2782%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Saturday Night Picnic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Last night, the Elders in my district talked for
about an hour straight about how to re-write the Toy Story script to make the
story more intense.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">What?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The church is true. They come back mature.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I finished my Book of Mormon in the temple this
morning:) What a cool experience. I'm starting over today and marking
everything that has to do with the character of Christ. I want to know Him
better.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">By far, the coolest experience of my week happened
on Saturday afternoon. I was so discouraged. I was tired and sad and just
feeling the weight of my human weaknesses, and this mission task dealy seemed
so big and daunting. I got up and went into the bathroom and kneeled down and
prayed, more fervently than ever before. I told the Lord that I had faith in
Him, that I knew He was listening, and that I was doing this for Him. I told
Him I needed help, I needed a lot of it, and I told Him that I would do
whatever it took to get so much faith that we could have the type of
relationship I needed right now with Him.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I've always trusted the Lord with most everything
other than myself. I decided when I was praying that I shouldn't limit His
power by accepting my weaknesses for what they are. He promises that if we have
enough faith, He'll help us make our weaknesses strengths. I realized that the
Atonement is powerful enough to change my heart. I prayed for a really long
time, and I made the decision to love every day of my mission, because He wants
me to be happy, and I want to as well:) His power isn't limited...He can help
me and will help me everyday. I stopped praying and listened and listened and I
just felt Him say to me: "You, Kaylee, you are in the right place."<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">So now, I decided to give myself to Him, the
weaknesses and all. It will take my whole life, I have no doubt:) But I trust
Him, more and more everyday. And I am so grateful to be here, so grateful.
Conference, reading the scriptures, studying, relationships, EVERYTHING about
this experience is absolutely enriched by the Spirit. I've never wanted anything
so much in my life than to be worthy to have the Spirit, and to have enough
faith that the Lord will heal my heart.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH ALL I WANT TO DO EVERYDAY
IS PRAY FOR EVERYONE I KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for your letters:):) They
make me laugh. And sometimes I cry. But I'm a Sister missionary, and apparently
that's just what we do.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Yours!!!</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: CK Journaling;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Kaylee</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJG8beJdF-NYWZzd9RrKV0l8QuxJVuwBrdPJGCXbpDLUeRKe3g_qyWWdgz1FimqbnXDRPRah5YhL0w8uAzYBV86OY4C0an7l9zd-Vp4xukYnHH75S40ykTio0_c_TtGBAZ-UQu4UiKV2Yk/s1600/100_2768%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJG8beJdF-NYWZzd9RrKV0l8QuxJVuwBrdPJGCXbpDLUeRKe3g_qyWWdgz1FimqbnXDRPRah5YhL0w8uAzYBV86OY4C0an7l9zd-Vp4xukYnHH75S40ykTio0_c_TtGBAZ-UQu4UiKV2Yk/s400/100_2768%255B1%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Classroom!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpFoWD7way0rPLt4AS2ZZjS_nDuQvcfu0ZyD0G19HUjVNaEGWguCIP_zNxg9huMgW_G-dMKFdlnhYPgOw0QrxYt9_VF9xh22gidXq_vr9UEBRTSDizg1-1tj3VP-mEncs57-FGxncy-Pn/s1600/100_2780%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpFoWD7way0rPLt4AS2ZZjS_nDuQvcfu0ZyD0G19HUjVNaEGWguCIP_zNxg9huMgW_G-dMKFdlnhYPgOw0QrxYt9_VF9xh22gidXq_vr9UEBRTSDizg1-1tj3VP-mEncs57-FGxncy-Pn/s320/100_2780%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and some of my New Besties!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2151519480634126295.post-60835332309056391372013-04-02T23:00:00.000-07:002013-04-02T23:00:18.780-07:00Oh what a BEAUTIFUL morning?!?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNWPtDAKB5hIlLRbjj0lOOyRC9kyrnalhcvn11MxKnPYw9fCdSQcIEqsBn9TYPUUrEBBx1CpcfvVcLW78FPDXv_rDRkqJMUE6YiDAyRnjLFU38dadouHcKDnVB8wrFtuXuKqoFJRG3FFF/s1600/100_2750%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNWPtDAKB5hIlLRbjj0lOOyRC9kyrnalhcvn11MxKnPYw9fCdSQcIEqsBn9TYPUUrEBBx1CpcfvVcLW78FPDXv_rDRkqJMUE6YiDAyRnjLFU38dadouHcKDnVB8wrFtuXuKqoFJRG3FFF/s1600/100_2750%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNWPtDAKB5hIlLRbjj0lOOyRC9kyrnalhcvn11MxKnPYw9fCdSQcIEqsBn9TYPUUrEBBx1CpcfvVcLW78FPDXv_rDRkqJMUE6YiDAyRnjLFU38dadouHcKDnVB8wrFtuXuKqoFJRG3FFF/s200/100_2750%5B1%5D.JPG" width="150" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">OI!!!!<br />
<br />
I thought last P-Day that it would be a good idea and a time-saving sort of
thing to hand wash my laundry in the bathroom sink, like a pioneer of old.
Getting down with my roots, you know? Well who knew it takes like 5 days for
t-shirts to drip dry. My clothes were strung all around the room; it was
hysterical. Needless to say, I'm actually in the laundry room with modern
machines right now, writing this letter.<br />
<br />
My favorite part of everyday is right when I walk out of my residency hall and
it's 6:55 AM. The mountains are just glorious and the sun is coming up and
everyday I say to Sister H: Oh, today is the best day of my life!!!!! I love
the mornings. Literally, if I see no others miracles in my mission, I have
become a morning person, which is proof enough to anyone who knows me that God
lives and is involved in our lives.<br />
<br />
I have 25 new best friends, although my favorite and best and grandest
companion will ALWAYS be you Britty:) I do love my companion, as well as ALL
the women I am surrounded by. Sometimes I just wake up in the morning with a
lump in my throat because I am so very grateful to know these people!!! So many
Sisters gave up really hard things to come here, and they are so strong. Modern
day Stripling-Warrior Mothers:) AND I GET TO HANG OUT WITH THEM!!!!! Sister L. is just the dearest little thing; I run with her almost every day, and
she is the biggest tom-boy I have ever met. SO down-to-earth and SO funny. She
wrote me a note this morning about how she felt like I immediately replaced the
best friends she left at home, which helped her so much at the MTC. I already
have about 10 girls I'm living at BYU with when I get home.<br />
<br />
I am the exercise coordinator of the nation. I get up at 5:45 with girls in our
floor and do P90X plyometrics. It's good bonding time, but everyone else thinks
I'm crazy.<br />
<br />
Portuguese is such a BEAUTIFUL language, but it is SO hard to explain the things
I want to explain! I had an impression this week that if I focus on testifying
in Portuguese, I would get the language without too much trouble. So everyday,
I wake up and work all day on learning a principle to teach and testify about.
The people I'm teaching always end up asking me about the things I haven't
studied.<br />
<br />
"Uhhhh..........The Church is True----------Name of Jesus Christ
AMEN."<br />
<br />
I have been working really hard. When it's study time, it's study time. I feel
so much better asking for the Lords help when I've been obedient, because I
know He wants to help me.<br />
<br />
I took the Sacrament on Easter with 3000 missionaries, and 100 Elders passing
it. I sat there in my cutsie little choir in my cutsie little Easter outfit and
was hit with the knowledge that Jesus Christ's Atonement was personal to me. It
was the most amazing experience. Then, a member of the Presiding Bishopric came
and chatted with us. He looked like Mr. Bean, so the whole experience was
thrilling to me on a number of levels. We got to hear from Sheri Dew as well!!!
WHAT A WOMAN!!! It was a good Easter, but it was really hard to be away from
home!! I hope everyone enjoyed candy for me:):) My companion had a really hard
night, so I climbed in bed with her, opened all the candy I had, and made her
tell me stories and eat chocolate. PROBLEM SOLVED!<br />
<br />
I DO love Dove chocolate, probabbblyyy more than anything. But I open the
wrapper and it says: "Take a Vacation for a day." "Slow down for
this moment." "Treat Yourself." "Take a Bubble Bath."
It's slightly depressing for about 2 seconds, and then I start reading the Book
of Mormon and WAA-LAAA!! Everything solved. I look at that book and feel peace.
I'm almost done with it; I just can't get enough. My goodness, my gracious. The
Lord is involved in this work. The Lord looks out for and sustains His
missionaries:)<br />
<br />
I wear my ugly old lady dresses on special occasions, and those are probably my
favorite days.<br />
<br />
I had a really cool experience earlier this week. One night, I had the
strongest impression that I should study a specific topic, one that I already
felt confident in. But I read and studied and prayed. The next morning, I was
in personal study when I was hit with how much one of the girls in the district
needed me. I grabbed her hand and dragged her outside and said: "Darling,
what's going on?" Lo and behold, she was struggling with the topic I had
been studying. I was completely prepared to tell her of Heavenly Father's love
for her and read specific scriptures. That was probably the happiest moment of
the week for me; just knowing that Heavenly Father had trusted me with
something like that,even though it was small. It made me want so badly to
always be trust-worthy. It's hard not to be impatient with myself; I want to be
a great missionary NOW and I want to love my mission NOW. Some moments I love
it, but more moments than that it's really hard. I STILL cry every night!!! I
scheduled myself in crying everyday for an hour between 5 and 6:)<br />
<br />
Regardless, I have a testimony of the MTC! I have learned so much! The days
here are hard and long; 16 hours of studying. But little moments make it worth
it:)<br />
<br />
I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!! Keep being happy and keep letting me know that
things are going well. I honestly have the best friends and family in the
NATION.<br />
<br />
Love, love love love love love love,<br />
<br />
Sister Brooks:):)</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "CK Journaling"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljopew5HayJfdhbv1P0t3sv7IeMkadKyY5VMBWPirUi0MqrSKFkX3B8M68RNo9uZAEsFb15TqgWrm08HOiB9l6o-HzR5fd2GZS3LBiePrF5MuZK4RANHVUcb51KIJBy3uZGuX2ZpSMtjT/s1600/100_2740%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljopew5HayJfdhbv1P0t3sv7IeMkadKyY5VMBWPirUi0MqrSKFkX3B8M68RNo9uZAEsFb15TqgWrm08HOiB9l6o-HzR5fd2GZS3LBiePrF5MuZK4RANHVUcb51KIJBy3uZGuX2ZpSMtjT/s400/100_2740%5B1%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17280771050447521597noreply@blogger.com0