AAAAH!! Navy got his call!! Watch out Colorado, an
AWESOME missionary is headed your way! That's so
exciting! Tell Navy, that all he needs to worry about, is
reading the Book of Mormon and studying Chapter 3
of Preach My Gospel. You don't even use any of the
other books they tell you to read! Oh, and tell him, to
buy fun ties, if he wants. You're not allowed to wear
them in the MTC, but once you're in the field, it's okay.
Same with colorful socks. (That's as crazy as the Elder's
can really get...haha.) And tell him to not be nervous
about anything. A mission is AMAZING. And this is
coming from the girl that had a freak out break down
at least once or twice a week before I left. haha.
And for Irelan's...I'm guessing....somewhere out of the
country (: Definitely.
Sounds like a crazy week in the Saint Geezy!
I'm so proud of our Rugby girls. There's no need to
put up with stupid stuff like that! GO SC!
I miss watching Rugby MEGA bad. It's okay. I'll have
all of Wy's Jr and Senior year to watch it (:
Ummm..so I've been out for 2 months already. It feels
like I got off the plane yesterday. Everyone says that the
whole mission goes by so fast. Which is good. But then
not. Because, you want to do everything the best that you
can! We have this huge task. We have so many lives to
change, and so little time. It's funny. All of the Elder's here
are peeved that Sisters only get 18 months. They think we
get jipped. Whaters.
So, this week. Where do I start? It's been amazing.
We did a 'Finding day' on Wednesday, I think? Anyway,
that just means we contact referrals, and potentials.
Just FINDING people! I love finding days. You feel like
you've done nothing..because the majority of people
reject us. But, that only means they're not ready.
Okay, okay..I'm going to tell the story now.
So, we looked up a Potential the Elders found and gave
to us, because it's a single lady. So, we find the address.
We pull up, say a prayer, and go. The front door was
wide open..so that wasn't awkward at all. Sister W knocked
on it, and a man stood up off the couch, and was so super
friendly. Then a woman came up behind him and said
"Come in come in!" So we went in.
They shoved all of their stuff off the broken couch so we
could sit down with them. These people..wow.
Let me continue.
So, we started to talk about religion.
The man, J, is Baptist. And he made sure he told us, as he lit up his cigarette.
And then we asked the woman, T, what her religious background was.
She said she doesn't really believe in organized religion (which is really common out here), and that she has her own relationship with God. Which normally means that's their idea of God, and how to follow Him is super far fetched, at least that's how it is out here. West Virginians are my favorite. (: haha.
Anyway, we then asked what kind of relationship she has with God.
She told us that she believed that it's more of a feeling. She can't put into words how much He means to her. She loves God. She loves Christ. She even recognizes the Holy Ghost.
We then asked how they knew each other.
J, is her brother in law.
But, his Brother/T's husband, was murdered. And their still in court about it, so they can't talk about it. So we asked what it would mean to her, to know that she could be with him again.
She looked us both, straight in the eyes and said "I know I will see him again. I will see everyone I've lost. I know it."
My jaw about dropped to the floor.
THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN!
She then asked, if we were known as 'The Mormons'.
Obviously, yes. haha.
She then asked about a book we have that fills in the missing places of the Bible.
Well, I whipped out my Book of Mormon so fast!
I pointed to it, and said "This is it!"
She asked how much it was.
We told her it was free.
She then asked if we took donations.
We said of course not.
As we talked about a few things Christ's gospel stands for, she asked,
"Okay. Now, if you find the book that talks about when Christ came back after he was crucified, and came to this side of the world...Let me know. Cause I want to see what that's all about."
At this point, she was holding the Book of Mormon.
I pointed to it and said "You're holding it in your hands."
She looked down, and gave a little smirk, then said to us "So I have the right book?!"
We exclaimed "Yes! Yes!"
We had been there for about an hour, so our time was up.
So, we asked if we could say a prayer with them.
She said she would really like that.
We were about to bow our heads, when J held out his hand, to hold mine.
So, we KNELT down, in a circle, holding hands, and prayed.
Oh man. The spirit was so THICK.
When the prayer ended, I was straight across from T, and she was so happy. Her eyes were misty, and she was smiling this smile that testified of her gratefulness.
THIS DOES'T HAPPEN.
J, then went from "I'm a baptist." to Wanting a Book of Mormon for himself! WHAT?!
THESE THINGS DON'T ACTUALLY HAPPEN IN REAL LIFE.
But, I guess they DO.
It is a huge testament to me, that the Spirit can dwell in all places, as long as you invite Him.
And, there are people every where..Waiting.
I'm so thankful for this gospel.
There aren't enough words and enough emotions to express how thankful I am, and how much I love it.
Because of this gospel, I've been able to come out here and to change lives. Not only others, but my own. I've learned so much. I'm a completely different person, but the same. I can't describe it.
I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!
Well, I'm kind of tired of typing, and my brain will only let me think about T and J. So I got nothin else to say.
Oh, except that I'm seriously starting to sound like a West Virginian. It's not pretty. Oh well. Sacrifices.
Oh! And transfers. I stayed here in C-Town, and Sister W has, too (: We figured it'd be that way..cause I still have 6 weeks of training left.
Alright,
I love you all! SO MUCH!
Keep hastening the work, and being obedient!
Oh, and when the Missionary's ask if there's anyone you have in mind that could use the gospel, be sure to have someone in mind. The best and most effective missionary work is through the MEMBERS! Our mission has started "Finding with Members"! It's gonna spread like wild fire. (:
I LOVE YOU!
Be safe. Don't do dumb things.
Sister Casidee Brinkerhoff