Tear of Joy, Sadness... Just a whole lot of tears :D

What a week it has been!! Wow. I feel like I'm always saying that..but it's always true! This week there was especially a lot that happened. We had a baptism, the ward Christmas Social, Transfers calls, we found two golden families, worked with Kerry, packed, planned another baptism, Zone Christmas Conference in TIFTON, had Exchanges with the Forsyth sisters...it was crazy. 

Ok, I have limited time, so we'll see how it goes. 

First, we had a wonderful Christmas Conference in Tifton. I really, really love adventures. Apparently that's something I will need to always incorporate into my life because as we were driving early in the morning, I was absolutely giddy. I was just so excited to be doing something out of the normal routine. We learned so many amazing things at the conference..not to mention some incredible music numbers. Music can truly bring the spirit in an incredible way. The spirit was so strong there with at least one hundred missionaries in the same room, it was like you could reach out and touch it. 

Shandora (recent convert) from Forsyth. Love her!

The next day, we had exchanges with the Forsyth STLs. I went to Forsyth with sister Goade and Sister Demann took sister Mcolough around Cochran. It was a wonderful to spend some time with Sister Goade. She has had a lot placed on her shoulders recently, and it was a great experience to simply let her know that she was loved and that she can do what the Lord knows she needs to be doing at this time. I loved the people in Forsyth! the second picture is of a sweet lady. She's a recent convert who has done much for the missionaries. She needs lots of support right now, so they go see her often. She was cute and brought us breakfast the day I left. 

As soon as I got back to Cochran, we had some amazing lessons in Eastman. (a long day of driving..well driving to Tifton and back was 3.5 hours...so it was just a long week of driving). We got to catch up with a lady nicknamed CAT whom we hadn't seen in several weeks. We met her whole family this time (her son was there visiting). And shared a Christmas message with all of them. I often pick scriptures from the BOM to share so then I can introduce it to people. Well, her son was very interested in the book I was reading from. We taught a little about it, and near the end, I asked if I could share one of my favorite passages of scripture from it with him. 3 Nephi 11: 8-14. As I was reading about Jesus Christ appearing to the people in the Americas, I felt an intense witness that what I was reading was true. I couldn't stop the tears from sneaking out. It was a wonderful lesson. I don't know if they got as much out of it as I did, but I sincerely pray they did. 

Jennifer is baptized!

The next day we were up and preparing for Jennifer's baptism!! I haven't written too much about Jennifer yet, but she has been through MANY trials to get where she is today. At one point she told us she was never coming back to the church and she wanted nothing to do with it. The next day she was there in class because the spirit wouldn't let her stay away. As our Bishop said concerning the situation,"Brothers and Sisters, what you are seeing here truly is a miracle." Yesterday Jennifer was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was the most beautiful service I have attended. This morning she wrote us a text telling us how she had received much persecution since joining the church, but she was staying strong. She had been reading the Book of Mormon and said she could not put the book down. She had an overwhelming feeling arise in her chest, throat, and heart. She told us that what we had all said about the burning feeling of knowing is true. She had felt it. What an incredible journey we have been on with her! The adversary threw every possible dart at her, and she still listened to the Holy Ghost and followed what she felt was true. I am so so so happy for her.

Mr. and Mrs Claus (Brother and Sister Kersey)!
They dressed like this for the ward party and
then again on Sunday to visit a large family gathering.

Then on Saturday, we had our ward Christmas Social. Wow, I love all those people!!! It was absolutely wonderful to see all those I have drawn so close to in this last transfer come together in order to celebrate the Savior's birth. We had so much fun. It was the perfect way to be sent off. 

Miss Louise I absolutely love her!! She is so on fire!!
She's getting baptized in January. She loves the Lord with
all her heart and more. We tear up together
while reading scripture. Her testimony is so strong. 

That night, we came home for transfer calls. I was praying I could stay for at least one more transfer, but felt in my heart that the wish may not be granted. Yes, it will be hard to leave the amazing people we are working with right now, but I know the Lord will protect them. Sister Demann is here to help them step toward the path that leads to eternal life. I love them. I never knew how hard it would be to leave. I'm more sad about leaving these people behind than I was about leaving home (maybe that's because I knew I would eventually be coming home). I am excited for the new place that I will be going with my new companion :) You'll all get a picture next week. Oh, Rose will also be baptized next week so I'll forward a pic of that from sister Demann. Wow, it's so hard to leave these people!

Lastly, Sunday we said goodbye. Well, we said hello to two new families who are so so ready for the gospel. We wanted to work until the very end, so we visited a few referrals we had received, and the Lord showed us miracles. I wasn't planning on it, but I'm so glad sister Demann asked if we could. I'm excited to hear about how their progression in the gospel through emails. 

I love you all! I'll send a few more pictures. 

Love,

Sister Brown

"I'll go where you want me to go"

Where to start? This week was full of all sorts of crazy. I keep forgetting that it is the Christmas season because the weather goes from cold rain to warm 70s. We put up our Christmas tree this morning though! How exciting is that :D it's a cute little thing. I'm sure we'll take a picture with is at some point. 

This Tuesday we finished the rug cleaning project. Yay! Later that afternoon we also went to about 15 minutes of one of our investigator's son's soccer games. It was really odd to be there..but sister Demann and I both felt like when she invited us that, that was what she needed. She needed some true friends, and to know that we cared about her. Plus, it was a great way to meet new people in the community. I love how you can literally share the gospel anywhere!! That's this week's challenge, try sharing the new Christmas video "A Savior is Born" with someone. christmas.mormon.org. It's a wonderful message! I can feel the spirit bursting through the screen each time I see it. How incredible. That shows me just how true this message is. We have a Savior. He was born of humble circumstances. He has given us the perfect example to follow. As we do so, we will find TRUE joy. :) 

Mary and Joseph

Wednesday we had a wonderful experience with a family. The mother and her 11 year old daughter are baptized, but no one else. The father has taken the missionary discussions many times before, but has never been baptized. The wife really wants to have their family sealed in the temple..but can't seem to understand what's holding her husband back from being baptized. They're always very busy, so it's hard to get a hold or them. On Wednesday night though, we had an appointment set up with them. We brought another recent convert with us so she could maybe relate to some of the husband's concerns. It was an amazing lesson! He has never really opened up to us like that before. We hope and pray we can continue meeting with them and see their family become sealed to each other forever. That's something that I know I want. Baptism is not a finish line...it is the starting. Our time here on earth is not to be wasted, it is to be used to progress and come closer to our Heavenly parents. We have to practice now so we can understand what life will be like then-when we get are welcomed to all our Father has waiting for us. The gospel has a reason. We are given the tools we need to become who we originally wanted to be. We can't forget the decision we have already made once before! Anyways, we're excited for their family :) 

Something fun for this week--> Friday we had a Christmas parade! Cody (a 12 year old recent convert...super energetic and crazy kid) stole my camera and took some pictures. So I actually have pictures to send :) Although they're mostly selfies of himself. :'D Enjoy! It was sooooo much bigger than we were expecting. We ran out of candy and pass along cards before we were even a 1/4 of the way in! I was kicking myself a bit. Oh well. It was seriously a blast! I just don't know where all the people came from....apparently everyone in Cochran was there as well as their extended family. Or something. 

Cody takes a selfie

Saturday was Rose's Baptismal interview! Whew. It has been a journey to get to this point. Even now though, Satan has been working triple time on her. She has had so many doubts. We're doing all we can to remind her of the testimony she has gained. An hour before the interview she texted us and said she wanted to cancel. She just wasn't ready. We called her and talked for a good while. Knowing that there was a place she could go to for more help than we could ever give her, I told her to pick a random place in the Book of Mormon to read from. After a few minutes, we would call her and see how she was feeling. She said ok. About 15 minutes later we called, and her granddaughter said she was in the shower. We were a little confused and saddened. We thought maybe she hadn't read. Then her granddaughter told us she had said they were all going to drive to the church after Nanna finished her shower. Oh, ok. Well when she got there, we talked to her. She said she had read a chapter (I can't remember which one) and she had just decided to come. She was still nervous, but she came. After the interview, we could see such a peace and calm about her. We pray she will always remember the power the Book of Mormon holds. It is God speaking directly to us, of that I promise. It contains the fullness of the gospel. How incredible to see that Heavenly Father preserved a second witness of His son, Jesus Christ, because He knew we would need it because of the faults of mankind. I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior! I promise you will also feel their love for you as you read from those wonderful pages. 

Have a blessed week! 

Sister Brown

P.S. If you didn't get to watch the Christmas Devotional, I would strongly encourage you to do so this week! Such wonderful messages were shared! One of my favorites was that we can be truly Grateful during the season. 

Love y'all

A Southern Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!

Yes we had Turkey, yes the food was all amazing, yes there was a lot of it. It was pretty much the same as a Thanksgiving meal in Utah. Some of the more "Southern" Foods that were included in our Thanksgiving meal were butter beans, Mac and cheese (the good kind), fried corn bread, corn bread dressing (I have to admit to liking the other kind better), lots of Pecan pie, Sweet potato pie(that was a new one), and of course banana pudding! I have maybe had banana pudding twice before coming here...now it's a regular ;) Really though, it's so much better in the south! And it's everywhere.

This week feels like three all smashed together. 

Thanksgiving- It was super fun! We ran the Turkey Trot on Thursday morning. It was a 5 mile run with all sorts of members of the community. Oh how I miss running!! At least we get to do a little on the track by our apartment in the mornings. That was a blast though. Sister Demann actually won 50 dollars because everyone who ran was placed in a random drawing for money prices. Crazy right?! Later that day we went to a member's house for Thanksgiving lunch. We got to see lots of less active members and even non members. It was wonderful to see their family love and unity. There were many times when we were all able to bear testimony of the blessing of the gospel and families. It was a wonderful, spirit-ful meal. The neat thing was that President and Sister Cottle actually came to lunch with the same family! Pretty neat to have thanksgiving with your mission president.

A cute recent convert made a Christmas wreath for us
so Sister Demann and I sent our Christmas greetings :)
Make sure it's a season full of service and sharing the
light of Christ with all you meet :)
ALSO look up "A Savior is Born" if you haven't yet.

This week my testimony of fasting has been strengthened. Yesterday sister Demann and I held a special fast for a few certain investigators. All of them were close to their baptismal dates, doing great, and then all of a sudden..they were hit with different challenges that they weren't sure how to face. While we are helping them through their challenges, there is another level of conversion they must experience on their own. We knew Heavenly Father could help them with this if they had sincere desire and real intent. 

One of the individuals who had been struggling told us she was never going back to the church again, and that she was done. Our hearts ached for her and her situation, but we had to accept that it was in the Lord's hands. Naturally, we were shocked to walk into Gospel Principles class yesterday and find her waiting for the lesson. Later that night we met with her and she told us the story of how the Holy Ghost had been working with her. After watching the restoration video and reading a few scriptures afterward, she described a feeling that started in her heart, made her feel all "light and bubbly."She said she couldn't get rid of the feeling. It had stayed with her and somehow pulled her to church. She didn't mean to come, but did anyway. She told us she was trying to get away, that she was done, but that something wouldn't let her. We had been fasting and praying for her that day, and she could not deny the conversation the Holy spirit had with her spirit. When we open our heart, He WILL enter.  It was an incredible experience. 

Rug Doctor!

On Saturday we got to do a lot of service. We decorated the Ward's Christmas float and Shampooed the carpet of an investigator's house. They had 7 puppies that weren't potty trained :( I sent a pic of me with the rug doctor as the second attachment.  

Love you all tons!

Attitude of Gratitude

What a week! :) We have seen miracle after miracle this week. We have also had to deal with heartache. Even among the sadder moments, there is something to be grateful for. That is what I have realized this week.

One of our investigators is in a difficult situation. He is absolutely incredible, yet facing challenges that no one should need to face all because of the decisions of others. After much searching for guidance, Sister Demann and I just sat together and cried in our companion study because our hearts ached for his well being. We then realized how truly grateful we should be. There was so much good in the situation! We discussed how God has led His life and how He IS being strengthened in Christ. I am grateful Heavenly Father allows us to feel for others. I am so grateful for moments of sadness because they cause me to look for the good. As I look for the good, blessings can be found in every moment of our lives. I am SO thankful for a Father who allows us to become more like Him through the experiences we face in this life. I know He is there. I know that He is watching over you, me, and all of His children. He loves us. He LOVES us. Amazing :)

Something funny this week, we have been sporadically teaching this lady named Sheri. She wanted us to teach her husband, so we kept trying to go back and meet him. Well, we went back one day and a man opened the door. He introduced himself as Patrick. Hmm we were thinking...that's the name of Sheri's firstborn son. We kept talking to him and figured out he was not Sheri's husband, but he was Annie's husband (we thought Annie and Sheri are sisters). Ok, cool. So we keep talking and he mentions that his twin is actually married to Sheri. Oh, ok... so sisters married twins. Then the twin pulls into the driveway. Patrick introduces us to his twin (Sheri's husband) saying, "This is my twin, Patrick." WHAT? Yes. The twins married sisters, and are both named Patrick. Really? Well, to make matters worse, they both named their firstborn sons Patrick. Goodness, that was one of the most confusing doorstep contacts I've ever had. Now we just call them Annie and Sheri's husbands.

I don't have a ton of time left, but I just want to say I'm grateful for the driving experience I've had with 4 wheelers and my Uncle Matt's land rover while driving in sand and clay. There are some pretty sketchy dirt roads here, and the rain has led us to some great adventures. Last week was the first time we almost got stuck, but the Lord prepares his servants with the knowledge we need. Thanks for all those who helped to prepare me beforehand!

Be safe and find some way to express how grateful you are to your Father in heaven this week :)

Love you all!

Sister Brown

Pigs and Pecans

Surprise! It does get cold in Georgia! Well, in Cochran anyways. Sister Demann and I were both quite shocked by the weather this week..but when the sun's out, you couldn't ask for more perfect weather. 

This week we had our Zone Training Meeting. One of the "trainings" was on the Book of Mormon. I absolutely love this book! While being on my mission, I have found a greater love for this book of scripture that I didn't know I could have. It has always been a source of peace and comfort for me throughout my life. When I needed to find an answer to a question, I would study its words. However, since I have been out sharing it with others and studying it more intently, my love for the teachings has blossomed. One morning about a month back, I picked up my copy that is marked with the individual pieces of the Doctrine of  Christ in different colors, and a sweet, pure love filled my heart. I cannot describe how much closer this book has brought me to my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a treasure! I promise it can change your life. But back to the training, something that stood out to me was the thought of "How are we introducing the Book of Mormon to those we meet?" If this is something more valuable than gold, how do we present it? We should tell people, "I am privileged to share something so precious to me with you.." What an incredible opportunity...to give for free. Something their salvation depends on! Something that can and will change their life. How incredible. We should share our love for the Book of Mormon with all we meet. It was not given to us in this day to be hid. 

We have been trying to find some of the less active members that we've never met before this week. While we were looking for one gentleman, we ended driving to a sketchier part of town. It was really confusing where we were supposed to be going, so we got out and decided to walk up to the community of trailers and ask someone if they know where he lived (one nice thing about the south...people know a lot about their neighbors ;) Love them!). Anyways, we were walking on this dirt road up to two men working outside. They were trying to cut something in half with a chainsaw...neither of them seemed drunk though, so we continued along our journey. As we got nearer to them, I noticed what they were trying to cut...a pig. Like a full on pig. Yep. To spare you the details, it was quite messy and I wasn't planning on shaking hands with either of them. I'm not sure if they did get the head off or not. Sorry, that may have been a bit much. Sister Demann didn't notice at first, but when she did she kept saying sister, sister, sister. Under my breath I just said, "I know" and had a short conversation with the men. Good news is, we found the less active! Yay! We'll try to visit him again later. 

As far as the Pecans go...they are everywhere! It's crazy.. everyone here seems to have pears and pecans :) I've started noticing pecan trees are everywhere. Not just at people's houses...but in the random lots that no one owns. Pretty neat. We went out with a member and she was picking them up from the side walk. She told us we should take them home with us because she already has tons from her yard. It was so cute! She's such a funny lady :D 

Be safe, share what you love with someone else :) 

Sister Brown

Stayin' in Cochran!! :)

Good Afternoon!! 

Yet another amazing week here in Georgia. This week, however, is especially fantastic. Why is that? I'll tell you why. Because we had 8 investigators come to church! Nope, that's not a typo --> 8, eight! Ack. Eight people kept the commitment they made to their Heavenly Father that they would set aside time to purely worship and deepen their relationship with their Him and their Savior. How wonderful!! Church is more than just attending meetings..it is commanded that we attend church. ALL the commandments God has given to us are given in order for Him to more freely bless us. These people were allowing God to pour even greater blessings upon them. As sister Demann and I were discussing church in the car ride home, I literally squealed. How incredible that these people are preparing for an even more important commitment and ultimately a covenant between them and their Father. Oh, how I love this gospel! As Doctor Suess would say, "Try it, try it and you will see." Or something like that. Experiment upon the Lord's word and you WILL see how wonderful it is!

Sister Demann and I have loved having our rain coats!!
So much rain here :D There were rivers on the road.
I'm buying boots here..that's for sure :D

hmm what else happened this week..Oh, it was also transfer call weekend. Ya, forgot to mention that last week. Sister Demann and I are both staying in Cochran! Surprise ;) seeing as she's only 6 weeks through the 12 weeks of training, that didn't come as too big of a shock. But you never know...My old companion (sister Cattin) lost her trainee and she will be trained by someone else for the 2nd half. Wherever the Lord needs you...you go :) I'm so glad I don't have to make the decisions. 

We were planning on holding Haley's baptism this Saturday, but because her dad hasn't signed the permission slip yet...it looks like we'll have to push it back, and keep working with him. She may be able to be baptized the same weekend as her Grandma, Rose, though. We are praying her father will allow her to do so! :) I have faith it will all work out. She's such a cutie and has wanted to be baptized for so long. 

Also, Louise (Who is preparing for a baptism in the first of January), has continued the quit smoking program! She is doing so well! We are excited for her! she is smoking considerably less and is on her way to seeing the blessings living the word of wisdom truly brings.

Love you all, be safe and LIVE the gospel because it DOES bring true happiness. 

-Sister Brown

Happy Halloween :)

First of all, can I just say that we had the best FHE activity this week? We do a Recent convert, less active FHE activity every week. Last Monday, we went to a member's home to have it. We had a family come who we have worked with for the longest time, but they have a  hard time keeping their commitments. It was so wonderful to see them there. Not only that, but we had the funnest activity! The lesson was based off of President Monson's General conference address. We talked about how we are supposed to be an example in everything we do. We discussed Matthew 5:14-16 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." We then gutted a pumpkin. The seeds represented all the bad within us and all the gunk we need to sometimes get rid of. We can do so through the repentance process which is made possible through the Atonement of Christ. Lesson summed up, we carved a pumpkin and let our light so shine. :) how cute, right? 

District Pumpkins!

Something I was reminded of was that sometimes people need their physical and emotional needs met before you can really help them with their spiritual. Remember the spicy shrimp story? Well, we went back to the lady's (Donna) house this week. We were hoping to talk with her and her husband. When we got into their little house, we realized they really needed someone to just listen and love them. We talked with them both separately and tried to talk them through their fears and tired spirits by using uplifting scriptures and our love for them. We then helped her husband with little things around the house such as stirring the dinner that was on the stove and baking the corn bread so he could have an evening just to sit down and not strain his recently operated on neck and back. It was crazy hearing all he had unexpectedly gone through. One moment he was outside talking to his buddies, the next he was 5 minutes away from being completely paralyzed. We pray they could feel our love for them, but more importantly...how much their Father and Savior love and understand their situation. 

Saturday we were in lock down all night. In order to use our time more productively, we had been asked to wait until then to complete our weekly planning. It was a unique Halloween experience, but one that I wouldn't trade for the world. No worries, I was festive and had popcorn and hot chocolate. :D plus, one of the cute families in the ward stopped by and said a quick hello :) we were able to give them cupcakes we had made that morning from a package sis. Demann's parents sent. They were so happy! 

I pray you all were safe this weekend and continue to enjoy life's smallest treasures :) Even things like a rainy morning can make us smile if we let it. I love the power we have to choose! 

Keep up the good work,

Sister Brown