Sticky August

August 13, 2012

Well, after a week of almost record breaking highs, blisters, shin splints, sticky sweaty clothes, sun burnt necks, and near dehydration, I'm still alive. haha. It really wasn't all that bad. Elder Bagley had it worse than I did because of his heart condition; he can hike and walk and stuff but he has to take it easy. We tried to keep track of our miles and added up that we walked somewhere around 25 miles last week. We didn't walk at all yesterday, getting rides to and from all our appointments. We had a cloudburst on Saturday, with lots of thunder and lightning and flash floods. We're supposed to stay inside in dangerous weather so we didn't get a lot done that day; the lightning continued the whole afternoon. All in all it wasn't all that bad of a week, but we didn't accomplish as much since it was hard to walk from place to place and we weren't able to visit some people that were 2+ miles away. We tried to see as many people as we could and spent a little more time visiting members.

I've found that it takes 3 or 4 discouraging things (if not like a dozen or more. haha) to get at least one good thing to happen. Brittney and Gary, the young part member couple that aren't married yet, are planning on waiting until next year to get married. What! That is not okay. haha. We're going to try to really encourage them to start living that commandment and talk about the blessings both from that as well as baptism. Also, Shannell had a few warrants so she's in jail now. We don't know if it will be a few months or several years before she's out. Since Bagley and I will most likely both be gone by the time any missionaries talk to her again, we'll try and leave good notes for future missionaries in Wrightwood.

I have my bike and could use it; it's more difficult going uphill than walking, but it's waayy easier when you go back down. haha. However, Bagley isn't allowed to be in a bike area so he doesn't even have one. Hence we've walked.

One good thing that happened this week was that we finally got to meet with Mark Brook for the first time in... well a while. I've mentioned them before. Diane Brook is the one that has a friend that lives in Snohomish and knows Suzanne. Anyways, Mark has been half-heartedly investigating the church for a long time but hasn't ever really progressed. Missionaries over the past year have emphasized the importance for him to read the scriptures and pray about what he reads in order for him to know for himself. He recognizes that and has always expressed a desire to do so but hasn't ever followed through. However, he just downloaded the scriptures on his iphone on Friday. He said he's pretty sure he'll now be able to read more often amidst his busy travel schedule for work. Also, Diane and her daughter Sammi have never really been all that active. They have a testimony but they just don't always come to church. However, Sammi has really changed over the last week or two. She got her patriarchal blessing and is studying her scriptures twice a day. She rights down every question she has and has asked us to help her answer them. Makes me feel like a scriptorian! haha. She even asked us to help her find a ride to church yesterday since her mom would be taking Mark to the airport. I just think it's really cool to see youth grow in their own testimony of the gospel like that. Eventually you get to a point where you either decide that you have a testimony and are going to act on it or you start to doubt and fall away. At least that seems to be what happens to most youth between 16 and 18 it seems. most of the youth in this ward struggle so it's just been really cool to see one turn around. We answered some of her questions the other day and she already has another list for us to help her with tonight.

Vacation? What? Oregon coast?? :( I don't even know what the word vacation means anymore. haha. Well that probably means that I will not be getting an email from you mom. Darnit. Unless you email at the airport.

I got the package you sent this morning just a little bit ago. Ryan is always sure to include a picture haha :) and if my eyes don't mistake me, is that a nice turquoise tie?? Awesome sauce! I haven't had to use my debit card from home yet, but thanks for sending the new one in case I ever need to. You're managing my account right? If I ever need to use it for something I'll try and let you know before hand.

We're supposed to be getting the card back on Tuesday. "That's the goal" is what they told us. I'll be the designated driver for the rest of the time Bagley and I are together, so pray that I don't mess up and lose the car for both of us! That would be bad. haha.

Well I think that's it for now. This Wrightwood missionary broadcast was made possible by the strenuous efforts of Elders Browning and Bagley. (:

Love,

Elder Browning