Because, all we need to know, is that He loves us. The rest falls into place.

Familia!

This week has been crazy. First, we haven't had a car 

since Tuesday. Which, would normally be fine..but our

area is really spread out. Aaaand there are some really 

sketchy areas in Charles Town! So, it's been interesting, 

to say the least. 

We did exchanges! For my first time. It was so awesome! 

We exchanged with our Sister Trainer Leaders (which is 

the equivalant of a Zone Leader, only female form). I 

stayed here in Charles Town with Sister H, and Sister W 

went to Martinsburg with Sister S. Both sisters are so 

amazing. We love them, tons!

I introduced Sister H to Sister S (the member that doesn't

believe in anything of the church any more, and she's also 

the one that verbally attacked us last week). Cause, I was 

trying to explain to her what happened, and she thought 

maybe we should give it another chance. So we did, but 

of course Sister S was as sweet as pie! Which was good...

but now my Sister Trainer Leader doesn't fully understand. 

Whatever. It was good. haha. 

I probably shouldn't tell you this, but, because we didn't 

have a car, and because there were no members that 

would pick up their phone or that could give us a ride, 

we had to start walking. But, unfortunately, the only road 

to get into Charles Town (because we don't live in our 

area, we live in Harper's Ferry), is a major high way. So, 

we had to walk down in the gully, in the mud, so we 

wouldn't get ran over. People kept honking at us. Yeah, 

it was...interesting. Oh! But then, we got hit on by a hobo! 

We passed him and smiled, because that's what you do 

as a missionary, and he said hi, and told us we were pretty 

girls. We just awkwardly laughed, and then he said "no you

 really are!", we proceeded to walk a little faster, and then 

he shouted out "maybe I should follow you!" That's when 

we walked even faster and prayed. hahaha. It was hilarious. 

He was harmless...just...weird. 

I learned so much on exchanges. It blows my mind every 

day, how much I learn! I'm so stoked to see how much

I'll learn in the next 16 1/2 months. Can you believe it's 

already been a month and half?!? STRAIGHT UP CRAY. 

But really, I love being a missionary. It's hard sometimes, 

because I miss my family and friends, but, oh my goodness...

every part is worth it. SO WORTH IT. This work is amazing.

I can't even express how much it has already changed my 

life. I don't even recognize myself anymore, but in a good 

way. Everyone says that you lose that 'MTC Spark' about a 

month in...but I haven't lost it yet. I'm so excited to be a 

missionary. It's different for everyone, though. We were just 

talking with the Harper's Ferry sisters (whom we live with), 

and Sister D was asking us how we cope with being a normal 

human, and a missionary at the same time. And the only 

thing I could think of was to lose yourself. Who cares if you 

don't do your 'normal' things anymore. My normal things are 

ridiculous and petty compared to what I'm doing now! 

AH. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. I never want to stop. I don't 

want to come home..honestly. If I could stay in Missionary life, 

with my family with me, for the rest of my life, it would be 

perfect. 

Okay, enough ranting and gushing about being a missionary. 

Good news: We get our car back today! We're STOKED. No 

more sore legs! Or walking around in Sketchy Neighborhoods

I've had to teach Sister W some things in Self Defense. I have 

an awesome story from last night, but, I'm thinkin it'll have to 

wait till I'm home. ;) 

OH!! Our investigator's (L) 10 year old daughter (E) wants to 

get baptized!!!!! She told us yesterday! And she already had 

an interview with the Bishop! So, we're going to teach her the 

baptism lessons in 2 weeks! Hopefully neither of us get 

transferred so we can see this!! WE. ARE. SO. EXCITED. 

And K and J came to church!! They only stayed for Sacrament 

meeting...but hey. At least they came!! We're so excited. And K's 

smoking is getting less and less. This work is Hastening!! 

Oh, and mom, no worries, we have a mission mom out here. 

Her name is Maria. She's from El Salvadora! And her husband is 

from Mexico I think... we have a good relationship with their 17 

year old daughter, K. We love that family sooo much! Sister 

Maria sends us home with grocery bags full of food at least 

once a month! They do so much for the missionaries. My heart 

hurts because I love them so much. Solid family. 

Well. I can't think of anything else I want to share...

So, I'll end with my favorite scripture (at the moment)

1 Nephi 11:17.

Because, all we need to know, is that He loves us. 

The rest falls into place.

I love you all!!

<3/ Sister Cas Brinkerhoff