week16

Dear Family and Friends,

This week one of our investigators was baptized- Maria. She is so amazing and full of faith. Despite her fear of being immersed in water (because she almost drowned several years ago), she still was baptized. She bore her testimony afterwards and I can't express the joy I felt as she shared how she had been looking for somewhere where she would be as happy as she felt now. I know she feels so good because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints  is the church of God. Through baptism she has taken one of many steps that lead back to our Father in Heaven, this step being one of the most crucial. There are still many things she has to do, but as she endures through life and continues on the path that leads to eternal life, she will feel the support and guidance of the Savior through the feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost. She recieved the Gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday and she said she felt even better than when she was baptized which makes sense because baptism is not complete with out the conferring of the Holy Ghost.

Overall I have had a week full of trials of my patience and faith, but I am learning and growing so much. I love you all and hope you have a week full of happiness. Turn to the Lord in times of struggle and he will listen to your heart felt prayers. Sometimes answers don't seem to come immediately but they will come- often through the words or actions of another person.

Love,
Hermana Brighton

week 15

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been pretty awesome. We taught so many lessons and are seeing some amazing things. Two more people are getting baptized this month and they are so prepared. It's been amazing to see how the Lord puts people who are ready to accept the gospel in our path. A woman name Maria is getting baptized this Friday at 7 and then the husband of Alejandra (who got baptized last week) is getting baptized the 31st. I'm so happy for them and it has been amazing to see the changes that have occurred in their countenances and their way of viewing life. 

I know everything happens for a reason and although we may not always understand something in the moment, some day we will. I've had several moments this week where I've realized why I've had certain experiences in my life- to help me better relate to others I come in contact with and to help me better learn to trust in the Lord. I love the Book of Mormon and would like to extend a challenge to everyone to try to read daily in it, even if it's just a little bit. There is so much to learn and the Book of Mormon teaches a lot of those things we should learn in this life.

On a lighter note- we do a lot of driving in the dark and my companion and I have decided that there are some owls out there who have death wishes cause we've almost hit an owl several times. Also we almost hit another animal...not sure what it was...maybe some type of large rodent thing. Oh well, I don't think we hit it...barely missed it though.

The weather here has also been kinda crazy. It snowed then it melted then it slushed then it melted and the last couple days its been pretty nice. I'll just keep praying that we stay safe. All has been well though.

Love you all and hope you have a great week!

Love,
Hermana Brighton

week 14

Dear Family and Friends,

This week I felt some of the greatest feelings of joy and happiness I have ever felt in my life. One of our investigators was baptized and the following day after she was confirmed we went to her house in the evening. As I sat there and listened to her bear her testimony and just talk of how she felt I just felt so full of happiness and I just kept smiling and thinking 'WOW this is so awesome.' She is so happy and what makes things even better is that I have seen the change that has occurred. Her husband is preparing to be baptized on the 31st this month and it has been amazing to see how their relationship has grown and gotten so much stronger. They are truly so special to me and I love them so much. They have so much faith and hope for the future and trust in the Lord.

There is also another woman we are teaching who is preparing to be baptized on the 24th and she is incredible. It's amazing to see how the events in her life have prepared her to learn and easily accept the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is learning and growing her faith so rapidly. It's been amazing to see how much she learns and how much her testimony grows between each visit we make. I'm so happy for her.

I hope everyone is having a great week! 

Love you all,

Hermana Brighton

Week 13

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been pretty good. Kind of a blur like every other week. Can't believe it's already a new year!

I got to eat cow tongue and cheek this week. It was pretty good actually.

It snowed yesterday and actually stuck. Had to drive pretty carefully. We're getting new tires this week though so that should help a little. Don't worry I will still drive carefully despite having new tires.

I finished the Book of Mormon. I started from the beginning part way through my stay in the CCM so I took me a little less than 3 months to finish it. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that people who study and ponder the messages it contains will come to know it is true if they pray to know with a sincere heart and real intent. I love the people and experiences in the Book of Mormon. We can learn so much from them.

Another set of Hermanas moved into our apartment this past Wednesday. They lived with a member before but the woman is older and is having health problems so someone moved in with her to help and so the missionaries had to move out. Their area is about 7 or 8 miles away so they have to drive there everyday.

We are having a baptism this Saturday! Her name is Alejandra and we started teaching her about a month ago. She has progressed so fast and I have truly been amazed to see how she learns and understands things so quickly. Her husband wants to be baptized as well but has to quite smoking and drinking first. He has already quit but he had to not smoke or drink for 2 weeks before he can be baptized though. He is also incredible and has such a strong desire to follow the Savior.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week and New Year!
I love you all,

Hermana Brighton