A word to describe this week--adjjffhhkjbkjrrfkjddff. Yes, that is how I felt. A whole variety of different things.
I got my new companion, Hermana Campos, she is from Mexico (they keep putting me with Latina's aka my Spanish is going to be so good), she has ben out for 10 months and has been either training, white washing or opening areas since she has been out and I am her first normal companion and area. She actually served in Valencia about 7 months ago and she is back and things are just the greatest. We get along well, which is a blessing and we are working so hard. I have been a pretty difficult time however because this week has been flat out hard. To be working so hard and not being able to see the fruits of your labors is pretty upsetting, but with a few tears and companion talks I would say my faith is stronger than ever. We are really trying to focus on the ward this transfer and getting the members flame rekindled inside of them. *Sorry if this has some errors, I am typing on an iPad since the library is closed today* I have already learned so much from my companion and she is teaching me something new everyday. Oh, and we ONLY speak in Spanish. And she is teaching my phrases that only the Mexican people use such as "hecharon la casa por la ventana" and for all you people who don't speak Spanish it says "they threw the house out the window". Probably the greatest phrase I have ever heard. That's a joke, my favorite phrase would have to be "yo quiero ser bautizado". Speaking of wanting to be baptized, our investigator in the area is doing AWESOME! We were teaching him Saturday, since his girlfriend is already a member, and their 9 month old son is practically in love with me and we have this joke that they are going to freeze me so that in 19 years we can get married and what not. It's the sweetest thing, not the baby being in love with my gringa self, but the way the parents talk about raising him. They keep mentioning that he will be raised up in the church and will one day serve a mission. It's amazing to see the effect that one person can make. I have been thinking about this a lot as I have doubted myself and if I am truly making a difference and then I remember something that Cameron had given to me from his mission talking about the effect that one mission can have. It goes on to say that the mission of One, our Savior's, had an effect on the eternities. Then I ask myself why I am complaining it's hard, of course it's hard, but it's sooooo worth it.
We finally have member meals this week, but it's kind of bittersweet because I do love me some beans and rice, it was nice to take a break for awhile, but here we go again. We have been riding our bikes all day errday which means we aren't gaining that Sister Missionary weight. Dad, I would have to agree with you Sister Missionaries are the best, especially the Hermanas. Mom, everyone always tells me how proud of me you are. And yes, I am still smiling even on the bad days. I love you guys!
Here's a funny story... so we are in Gospel Principles class and the teacher asks, "Cuales son algunas de las cosas que Usted aprecia en cuanto a las creaciones de Dios?" and some Hermano in the back of the room says, "Mujeres!" If you don't get it, Google translate. Gotta love Sunday School.
Con amor, Hermana Brooks
I got my new companion, Hermana Campos, she is from Mexico (they keep putting me with Latina's aka my Spanish is going to be so good), she has ben out for 10 months and has been either training, white washing or opening areas since she has been out and I am her first normal companion and area. She actually served in Valencia about 7 months ago and she is back and things are just the greatest. We get along well, which is a blessing and we are working so hard. I have been a pretty difficult time however because this week has been flat out hard. To be working so hard and not being able to see the fruits of your labors is pretty upsetting, but with a few tears and companion talks I would say my faith is stronger than ever. We are really trying to focus on the ward this transfer and getting the members flame rekindled inside of them. *Sorry if this has some errors, I am typing on an iPad since the library is closed today* I have already learned so much from my companion and she is teaching me something new everyday. Oh, and we ONLY speak in Spanish. And she is teaching my phrases that only the Mexican people use such as "hecharon la casa por la ventana" and for all you people who don't speak Spanish it says "they threw the house out the window". Probably the greatest phrase I have ever heard. That's a joke, my favorite phrase would have to be "yo quiero ser bautizado". Speaking of wanting to be baptized, our investigator in the area is doing AWESOME! We were teaching him Saturday, since his girlfriend is already a member, and their 9 month old son is practically in love with me and we have this joke that they are going to freeze me so that in 19 years we can get married and what not. It's the sweetest thing, not the baby being in love with my gringa self, but the way the parents talk about raising him. They keep mentioning that he will be raised up in the church and will one day serve a mission. It's amazing to see the effect that one person can make. I have been thinking about this a lot as I have doubted myself and if I am truly making a difference and then I remember something that Cameron had given to me from his mission talking about the effect that one mission can have. It goes on to say that the mission of One, our Savior's, had an effect on the eternities. Then I ask myself why I am complaining it's hard, of course it's hard, but it's sooooo worth it.
We finally have member meals this week, but it's kind of bittersweet because I do love me some beans and rice, it was nice to take a break for awhile, but here we go again. We have been riding our bikes all day errday which means we aren't gaining that Sister Missionary weight. Dad, I would have to agree with you Sister Missionaries are the best, especially the Hermanas. Mom, everyone always tells me how proud of me you are. And yes, I am still smiling even on the bad days. I love you guys!
Here's a funny story... so we are in Gospel Principles class and the teacher asks, "Cuales son algunas de las cosas que Usted aprecia en cuanto a las creaciones de Dios?" and some Hermano in the back of the room says, "Mujeres!" If you don't get it, Google translate. Gotta love Sunday School.
Con amor, Hermana Brooks