Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Christmas Day

Family!

I loved talking to you guys. I cannot believe how big all the kids are and seeing Caleb talk was unreal. I hate to think that you guys are doing fun things without me, so make sure that in the next little while your lives are boring. I don't want to miss out!

Just for those that don't know, Cory did not get baptized, but it was an awesome experience to have him come to church this last week. He is starting to open up quite a bit more. I don't really know what it is.

Our other focuses have been on a family we were led to a few weeks ago, Jessica and Clint. They are so cool, and we love them! It is helpful to have people that are so humble that you can work with. I've started to think that the most vital attribute for anyone to have if they are going to learn is humility. Although it is "impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance", I also am under the impression that it's equally as hard for a man to be saved when he has all knowledge, and pride to boot. SO! I'm really grateful for them. They humbly want to learn as much as the Lord will teach them.

It's also caused a bit of reflection on my own personality, because, well... I can be pretty darn prideful. It's always been difficult for me to accept counsel from others, especially those that are younger than me. I really want to change that. Elder Wardell, for example, is so smart and wonderful and full of faith, but a lot of times, I get the mentality that it's a "me and him" companionship, rather than a "we". I'm praying for that humility to be completely unified with him. He has it nailed already.

I love you all! Not much to say about this week that I didn't already say!

Keep your testimonies strong and your conversion stronger!

Elder Brown

Picture: The Loves gave us toilet paper for Christmas. Who knew that would be such a precious gift?


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Love's Christmas

Family!

Happy December! It was so exciting for me to walk upstairs today and see the Love's Christmas tree and lights all over the house. I was so pumped because I just LOVE Christmas. Being a missionary during Christmas is super weird, but I definitely don't want to be anything else during this time. I've realized more and more now that the time is a little shorter than it used to be how much of a blessing it truly is to be a full time servant. I've also realized that sometimes I act like a part time servant. My mind will remain focused! 

Thanksgiving was so so so fun. We spent the main portion of the day doing district meeting and then having our studies, then we went upstairs and helped the Love's make final Thanksgiving preparations. The night before, Sister Love asked me what Mom's favorite traditions were. I told her about the red cabbage turkey that we always made. Lo and behold, when we went upstairs the next morning, a red cabbage, cheese, sausage, and pickles were all laid out on the table beside skewers. Sister Love told me that I would have to put it together, but she had all the ingredients. What a sweet surprise. I miss Mom a lot, so it was a good thing for me to be able to remember her in that way.

We spent the rest of the day going from one place to the other, eating this, and then eating some more. I think every house we went to made me my own individual gluten free pumpkin pie and then made me take it home. I never want to see another pumpkin pie in my entire life.

But the week ended off with a fantastic climax. Cory, the young man who I mentioned last week, came to a baptism of someone else, and he liked it quite a bit. I feel like Cory's going to make it. He's got to! Someone's GOT to make it!

One last bit of info. Elder Kay is getting transferred for real this time around. I'm going to miss him a lot. He has been a powerful teacher for me here in Quincy. I've learned a ton from him. He is the easiest person to get along with, and he never takes himself too seriously. I love him and wish him the best in his new area.

Man, this email feels like an infomercial. 

Well, I love you! Hope you all have a great week!