For those of you who enjoyed people watching at the Las Vegas DMV...
NOTHING BEATS ORLANDO. I got a Florida license today, it was a hassle
getting that worked out, but lo and behold I am now an official
FLORIDIAN.
Soooo many things this week.
I woke up yesterday and fell straight to my knees and instantly
thought of the date, July 27th. What a beautiful day! Just a year ago
I was able to go through the temple for the first time and my life has
been changed every day since. I've learned a lot. I've grown a lot.
I've missed a lot. I've eaten A TON. it hit me for the first time that
this is my home. This humid, muggy, blistering hot, melting pot that I
live in. I wouldn't change my mission for the world. We had the
opportunity to attend the temple this past week and the thing I always
get out of going there, well one of the many things, is the importance
of having an eternal perspective. Before my mission when I was set
apart I promised blessings that I would be a ray of sunshine to very
person that I meet. The only thing that truly keeps me smiling and
going everyday is this eternal perspective.
Second, we had exchanges with the sister training leaders. Sister
Kirkham is the best! She was my STL back in Valencia, so being with
her was a real treat. We had a lesson at mcdonalds (that's a first for
me) and then after ran into a recent returned missionary from Salt
Lake who was generous to pay for us. I love the goodness of the
members. Later that day we were biking and visiting a ton of formers
and potentials. So picture this... Tropical rain storm... Two
blondes.... Riding bikes soaking wet. One of the best mission moments.
We had seen a family sitting under their driveway and decided to talk
to them so we put our bikes behind 2 parked cars (unlocked) and
proceeded to go talk to them. Well we are there for a good ten minutes
when this white mysterious van pulls up. My companion is talking to
this guy and I am focused on this van. Dad, you've told me too many
horror stories of missionaries getting their bikes stolen, but good
thing because it almost happened! We finish up real fast and hop on
our bikes only to drive past this van and this is a cart attached with
3 other bikes. And that's how my bike almost got stolen.
Third, let me tell you about the coolest less active, Hermana
Fontalvo. She hasn't been able to come to church for the past 6 years
because of her job and called us to come over this week. Went over and
she sat us down and made us write how in English how to tell her boss
she wanted to switch the days. Sitting there listening to her it
didn't matter what language she was speaking or where she was from,
but the conviction of what she knew to be right. It was a tender
moment as she shared with us her testimony and desire to return to
church and live the principles she holds dear. She also makes the best
arepas.
Fourth, I'm moving to Colombia.
It was a splendid little week. Full of a lot of heat and lots of
changes of clothes from the rain.
Les quiero mucho!
Hermanita Brooks
NOTHING BEATS ORLANDO. I got a Florida license today, it was a hassle
getting that worked out, but lo and behold I am now an official
FLORIDIAN.
Soooo many things this week.
I woke up yesterday and fell straight to my knees and instantly
thought of the date, July 27th. What a beautiful day! Just a year ago
I was able to go through the temple for the first time and my life has
been changed every day since. I've learned a lot. I've grown a lot.
I've missed a lot. I've eaten A TON. it hit me for the first time that
this is my home. This humid, muggy, blistering hot, melting pot that I
live in. I wouldn't change my mission for the world. We had the
opportunity to attend the temple this past week and the thing I always
get out of going there, well one of the many things, is the importance
of having an eternal perspective. Before my mission when I was set
apart I promised blessings that I would be a ray of sunshine to very
person that I meet. The only thing that truly keeps me smiling and
going everyday is this eternal perspective.
Second, we had exchanges with the sister training leaders. Sister
Kirkham is the best! She was my STL back in Valencia, so being with
her was a real treat. We had a lesson at mcdonalds (that's a first for
me) and then after ran into a recent returned missionary from Salt
Lake who was generous to pay for us. I love the goodness of the
members. Later that day we were biking and visiting a ton of formers
and potentials. So picture this... Tropical rain storm... Two
blondes.... Riding bikes soaking wet. One of the best mission moments.
We had seen a family sitting under their driveway and decided to talk
to them so we put our bikes behind 2 parked cars (unlocked) and
proceeded to go talk to them. Well we are there for a good ten minutes
when this white mysterious van pulls up. My companion is talking to
this guy and I am focused on this van. Dad, you've told me too many
horror stories of missionaries getting their bikes stolen, but good
thing because it almost happened! We finish up real fast and hop on
our bikes only to drive past this van and this is a cart attached with
3 other bikes. And that's how my bike almost got stolen.
Third, let me tell you about the coolest less active, Hermana
Fontalvo. She hasn't been able to come to church for the past 6 years
because of her job and called us to come over this week. Went over and
she sat us down and made us write how in English how to tell her boss
she wanted to switch the days. Sitting there listening to her it
didn't matter what language she was speaking or where she was from,
but the conviction of what she knew to be right. It was a tender
moment as she shared with us her testimony and desire to return to
church and live the principles she holds dear. She also makes the best
arepas.
Fourth, I'm moving to Colombia.
It was a splendid little week. Full of a lot of heat and lots of
changes of clothes from the rain.
Les quiero mucho!
Hermanita Brooks