Howdy Team!
Another fast week!
I'll start though with my hectic day on Sunday (yesterday). First
of all, because we're a Group, every other week we go over to our
"Mother Branch" to coordinate with the Branch Presidency.
Anyways, as we were walking up o the church, I heard an Americano voice
say good morning to us so I said hello and knew it was a guy that some other
Elders told me they met a while ago. We then continued on our way (the
church is on the same street). We were in the middle of our coordination
meeting when a lady poked her head in and whispered to the Elder siting next to
the door (assigned in the Branch) that there was an Americano outside and she
needed help with English... Uhh.. She must not have seen me..... I was soon
summoned though and met a guy from RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA!! His wife is
Filipino-American so they moved here with their family of three kids three
years ago. We talked for a bit until the meeting ended. Then this
nice Americano gave us a ride home plus a few referrals for people to teach.
The Elders where he lives will be going to him next week!
Anyways, we got home,
had a rushed lunch then went to church at our Group. Almost no one was
there! 15 in total (including us), but there were only three other
semi-active priesthood holders there! Luckily one of them was the old
Branch President (Pres. Botor) so he had most everything set up and ready.
When no one else showed up, it was time to start a half hour late.
Before that though... Pres. Botor handed me the manual for
the adults' class and said, "I hope you can teach." Then, since
the youth were supposed to speak (and none where there!), he looked at us and
said, "Elders, looks like we're speakers today." (Third week in a
row). When we needed to choose what we would sing, he handed me a
hymnbook and said, "Elder Brown, you are the chorister." In
short, we basically were in charge of the whole Sunday Service with about a
four minute warning, including of course blessing/passing/conducting. It
actually turned out pretty well though and I didn't really get any complaints
on my ill-prepared (or in other words, not prepared) lesson. The whole
deal was a good experience, but it means we really have some work to do.
basically, some serious hardships are hitting the Baao Group. After
instruction, we are almost focusing solely on strengthening the members here,
becoming the 1st/2nd counselors.
Okay, other news from
the week:
-We worked on Family
History on Thursday with couple missionaries from Idaho. They
were laughing at my retarding English. The Americano I met yesterday at
first thought I was German "because of my accent." Not sure where he
got that from... I guess that's what I get for having zero contact with
English other than the Standard Works, journal writing, and weekly emails.
-Saturday we got a text
of mission news: Starting July 1st, the Philippines Naga Mission (my mission,
duh) will be splitting to add the Philippines Legaspi Mission. If I stay
in the area I'm in now, I'll be moved under the Philippines Legaspi Mission.
but that's a whiles away, I'll keep you posted there.
-I'm reading the Four
Standard Works along with the BYU Student Manuals right now. I finished
the Old Testament yesterday, here are my thoughts I recorded in my journal: I
can't believe I've already finished the Old Testament. I feel as if
I could talk forever about what I felt as I both read AND pondered
the messages inside. Everytime I prayed for understanding, I felt the
Holy Ghost in me clearing my mind and bringing things to light, connecting
ideas I never would have thought of alone. The overwhelming feeling I had
while reading is that God loves me. So, so much. He wants the best
for me and it's through His commandments that I will achieve that.
I can't let myself be the only benefactor either though. I need to
always have family scripture study so my children can grow up in the same
knowledge, "and not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6). More than
anything, I can say without doubt, my testimoney, my understanding, my love and
devotion have deepened in Jesus Christ and His Gospel. "I am
convinced that each of us, at some time in our lives, must discover the
scriptures for ourselves - and not just discover them once, but rediscover them
again and again." -President Kimball. It was inspiring, I can't
say more.
-Lastly, I have some
great news. Along with my Old testament rading, I have been having so
many spiritual experiences. It brings such inexpressible happiness to me.
That all really hit a high point on Wednesday. We were just walking
down the road at night and I was thinking about how short my time is here, and
what I have enjoyed/ will miss. All of a sudden, I impulsively threw my
hands in the air and shouted aloud (in Tagalog), "I DON'T WANT TO GO HOME!!!!!!!!"
Sorry Mom, but it's true.
Whelp, that's it for
this week. Until next time, love ya!
Elder Shane Scully Brown
Pictures -
1. So, SO pretty here!
4. This is an example of the five-star buses we ride on
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