Hermana Allred is her name and she is THE COOLEST. Can you only imagine two gringas walking the streets of Orlando, FL? Sketchville. She has her Spanish down so that's a little intimidating, but we are working so hard together and are seeing sooooo many miracles. More than I ever have. Just this week we were able to have a few other lessons on the side of the street (bus stops are the best), we received 8+ referrals, and found the motivation to workout intensely every day. You could say we are on fire. She is from the good ole factory of Utah and we get along pretty dang well. We also ate at Firehouse Subs today with the senior couple in the ward. They love us.
With the work we are seeing miracles left and right and are teaching like crazy, but I was struggling with myself this week. I don't know what it was... the language/new companion/ busy schedule/ everything else we deal with, but I was in this weird funk where I was just depressed and was thinking to myself, "I can't do this anymore." I received some inspired priesthood blessings and prayed more earnestly than every before and you know what? I am more motivated than ever. This morning during personal study I was pleading with Heavenly Father to allow me to read something to help me out and what do ya know? I picked a random General Conference from 2003 and found a talk titled, "Realize Your Full Potential" by Elder Richard G. Scott. I couldn't help but thank my Father in Heaven enough for the answer to my prayers. If there is one thing that I have learned being out here these past 6 months it is that our Heavenly Father is so aware of each of us. He doesn't compare us to others, but just wants us to do our best. Yeah, if only it was that easy to tell myself this when I am down. I will work on it though. But don't think I am this depressed human being struggling in Florida. I am so good today and know my worth and the potential that's within me. I also went shopping today and that may or may not have helped a little.
It sounds like everyone back home is doing pretty good. Where have the 6 months gone? I remember leaving for girls camp and the church history tour and thinking to myself how long a week or two are..... hahaha that's a joke. I am not saying I don't miss you guys, but I love what I am doing out here. Nothing has ever brought me so much joy... I was just reminded of things that also bring me great joy.... like McFlurry's. Yeah, I may have to get one of those today.
I love you all, especially my family... you guys are the greatest! I am praying for you all the time. Thanks for everything!! I truly mean it.
Con amor,
Hermana Brooks
Ps. This is the quote I came across today in the talk that changed my week....
"I have seen valiant missionaries brave icy wind, resist torrential rains, slosh through slippery, muddy streets, and conquer fear. Often they bear a powerful testimony, only to be rejected and roundly criticized. I have seen them struggle to communicate truth in a new language. Sometimes the listener stares in puzzled silence. Then there dawns the shattering realization that the message is not understood. But I wouldn’t change any of it, even if I could, because there are those golden moments of success that make all of the hardships worthwhile. Such rewards come when the Spirit touches a heart for eternal good because someone like you was there. To share truth in difficult circumstances is to treasure it more. When you push against the boundaries of experience into the twilight of the unknown, the Lord will strengthen you. The beauty of your eternal soul will begin to unfold."
With the work we are seeing miracles left and right and are teaching like crazy, but I was struggling with myself this week. I don't know what it was... the language/new companion/ busy schedule/ everything else we deal with, but I was in this weird funk where I was just depressed and was thinking to myself, "I can't do this anymore." I received some inspired priesthood blessings and prayed more earnestly than every before and you know what? I am more motivated than ever. This morning during personal study I was pleading with Heavenly Father to allow me to read something to help me out and what do ya know? I picked a random General Conference from 2003 and found a talk titled, "Realize Your Full Potential" by Elder Richard G. Scott. I couldn't help but thank my Father in Heaven enough for the answer to my prayers. If there is one thing that I have learned being out here these past 6 months it is that our Heavenly Father is so aware of each of us. He doesn't compare us to others, but just wants us to do our best. Yeah, if only it was that easy to tell myself this when I am down. I will work on it though. But don't think I am this depressed human being struggling in Florida. I am so good today and know my worth and the potential that's within me. I also went shopping today and that may or may not have helped a little.
It sounds like everyone back home is doing pretty good. Where have the 6 months gone? I remember leaving for girls camp and the church history tour and thinking to myself how long a week or two are..... hahaha that's a joke. I am not saying I don't miss you guys, but I love what I am doing out here. Nothing has ever brought me so much joy... I was just reminded of things that also bring me great joy.... like McFlurry's. Yeah, I may have to get one of those today.
I love you all, especially my family... you guys are the greatest! I am praying for you all the time. Thanks for everything!! I truly mean it.
Con amor,
Hermana Brooks
Ps. This is the quote I came across today in the talk that changed my week....
"I have seen valiant missionaries brave icy wind, resist torrential rains, slosh through slippery, muddy streets, and conquer fear. Often they bear a powerful testimony, only to be rejected and roundly criticized. I have seen them struggle to communicate truth in a new language. Sometimes the listener stares in puzzled silence. Then there dawns the shattering realization that the message is not understood. But I wouldn’t change any of it, even if I could, because there are those golden moments of success that make all of the hardships worthwhile. Such rewards come when the Spirit touches a heart for eternal good because someone like you was there. To share truth in difficult circumstances is to treasure it more. When you push against the boundaries of experience into the twilight of the unknown, the Lord will strengthen you. The beauty of your eternal soul will begin to unfold."