So. Many. Miracles. I say that every week, but God is so good.
I am not sure if you remember me telling stories of the miracles that Hermana Allred and I had seen when I was serving in Valencia, but most of them were due to the inspiration and guidance of our District Leader, Elder Ferguson. Once again he is my DL and he is just the greatest. This week he felt that Herm. Monson and I could get 3 new gators, which seems like it is pretty easy, but the people down here in Oakridge are super sketchy. Not only did we get 3 new gators, but we doubled that and each of them accepted the invitation to be baptized. When I tell you that our area is sketchy, I mean it. Like mom don't try googling Texas or America or Oakridge, you'd die. Sometimes I think we are going to die and then I remember that we are missionaries and there's like a gazillion angels surrounding us all the time. The coolest find this week was when we were walking through this apartment complex and start talking with this guy, Daniel. We get talking about the restored gospel and he starts talking about how we wants to change his life. Like many people in the world he is enjoying life and all that comes with it, but says he is missing something, a fresh start. He then proceeded to give us some baleadas (only the most delicious Honduran food I have ever had) and said he doesn't want to take this too fast, but that is willing to change. That's all it takes, a willingness to change. I love the scripture in alma 7:14 where Jesus Christ is inviting us to come and lay aside every sin and every thing that is holding us back. This gospel has the power to change lives, but only when we are willing to change.
My love for Heavenly Father's children grew so much this week. I may not be serving in a South American country, but this area could settle for one. We go into peoples houses everyday where 3 to 4 families are all living in a single apartment all working trying to get by. As if living in this country isn't hard enough, they give the little that they have to us missionaries. It was so humbling this week as many of the people we came in contact with members and nonmembers alike shared so much with us. I am not giving it enough justice the circumstances they live in, but it was humbling.
There was one day we came home after a long day, there were a lot of long days this week when suddenly something out of the norm happened. So what usually happens is try and picture this we try and be home by 9-9:15... check mail... nothing.... sigh.. and go home a little sad, but not last week. Last week we went to check the mail and not only was there mail, but I received 2 packages. FAMILIES you're the best. Thank you so much for everything. I really felt the love.
I'm gonna write some people individually now, but that's just a little of this week. They are FLYING. Didn't I just eat a cinnabon and board the plane to come here?
Until next week when I am sure I will tell more tales of this enchanting land.
Hermana Brooks
I am not sure if you remember me telling stories of the miracles that Hermana Allred and I had seen when I was serving in Valencia, but most of them were due to the inspiration and guidance of our District Leader, Elder Ferguson. Once again he is my DL and he is just the greatest. This week he felt that Herm. Monson and I could get 3 new gators, which seems like it is pretty easy, but the people down here in Oakridge are super sketchy. Not only did we get 3 new gators, but we doubled that and each of them accepted the invitation to be baptized. When I tell you that our area is sketchy, I mean it. Like mom don't try googling Texas or America or Oakridge, you'd die. Sometimes I think we are going to die and then I remember that we are missionaries and there's like a gazillion angels surrounding us all the time. The coolest find this week was when we were walking through this apartment complex and start talking with this guy, Daniel. We get talking about the restored gospel and he starts talking about how we wants to change his life. Like many people in the world he is enjoying life and all that comes with it, but says he is missing something, a fresh start. He then proceeded to give us some baleadas (only the most delicious Honduran food I have ever had) and said he doesn't want to take this too fast, but that is willing to change. That's all it takes, a willingness to change. I love the scripture in alma 7:14 where Jesus Christ is inviting us to come and lay aside every sin and every thing that is holding us back. This gospel has the power to change lives, but only when we are willing to change.
My love for Heavenly Father's children grew so much this week. I may not be serving in a South American country, but this area could settle for one. We go into peoples houses everyday where 3 to 4 families are all living in a single apartment all working trying to get by. As if living in this country isn't hard enough, they give the little that they have to us missionaries. It was so humbling this week as many of the people we came in contact with members and nonmembers alike shared so much with us. I am not giving it enough justice the circumstances they live in, but it was humbling.
There was one day we came home after a long day, there were a lot of long days this week when suddenly something out of the norm happened. So what usually happens is try and picture this we try and be home by 9-9:15... check mail... nothing.... sigh.. and go home a little sad, but not last week. Last week we went to check the mail and not only was there mail, but I received 2 packages. FAMILIES you're the best. Thank you so much for everything. I really felt the love.
I'm gonna write some people individually now, but that's just a little of this week. They are FLYING. Didn't I just eat a cinnabon and board the plane to come here?
Until next week when I am sure I will tell more tales of this enchanting land.
Hermana Brooks