August 31, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
Today was good, we went to the Resurrection Church. We took a ton of pictures on Sister Neeley's camera because my camera's battery died right before we went. Afterward we played the usual soccer and volleyball. It was super fun, all of these little kids ended up joining us.
Tuesday-
Today we got to walk around and talk to people during the day, and in the evening we taught Gospel Discussions. We tried to talk about the Creation and the Fall, but then this one woman who comes sometimes complains that what we talk about is too hard to understand, so we had one questions that asked them what makes them happy, she loved that question. We ended up just sticking with that question for the rest of the class.
Wednesday-
Today we had a long day outside. We saw these two little girls, one was playing a violin and the other an accordion. I have never seen such a little girl play an accordion, usually it is old men that play. We stopped by a less active and she said she would come to church on Sunday. She also had a daughter that I don't believe is a member, who was super interested in learning English. Hopefully she starts coming.
Thursday-
Tonight we taught Gospel Discussions and we planned it super simply, just in case this woman, Nijole, came because she always complains about how hard it is. She didn't end up coming, but one of our students who comes all the time expressed how much better she liked that lesson because it was easier to understand and learn. We will continue to try and simplify our lessons.
Friday-
This morning we woke up at 5 AM so that we could go to Vilnius for Zone Conference. I don't know if it was because I prepared more, but it was definitely one of my favorites. The topic of the whole conference was faith in Jesus Christ. I really enjoyed learning about it and how to apply it to our missionary work. We talked a lot about why faith in Jesus Christ and not just faith. I know that we can put our faith into a lot of different things, but nothing will come of it because there is actual power in faith in Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ can grow and become stronger as you act and gain knowledge. The power of faith in Christ is real, you can literally do anything if it was commanded of you.
Saturday-
This morning we went back to Povilis' garden to pick the rest of the apples off of his trees. He is so sweet and has such a strong testimony. We picked all of the apples off of his trees, then he gave us more apples. We now have so many apples. I think we might end up making a pie or something because there is no way we can eat all of these apples.
Sunday-
Today was really good. A Nigerian member gave a talk today, so it was in English and was translated by another member. It was a super good talk. I really appreciate how strong his testimony is. He is a pretty new member.
Love, Sister Brown
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Week 33
August 24, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
Today we had the opportunity to show these four girls from Utah around a little bit. We showed them this super authentic Lithuanian restaurant, then we helped them get bus passes and exchange their money. It was really fun to spend some time with people from America. They are here to teach English to little kids for four months and they are all members. In the evening we all went to the Bruce's for Young Single Adult FHE. It was fun, we played sand volleyball and soccer again.
Tuesday-
Early this morning we had a lesson with Gerda. Gorda is this really cool girl who Sister Seaman and I had met on the street. It was her birthday on Sunday, so this week to celebrate she will be going to Spain. She was able to meet with us. It was a really good lesson. She had a lot of really good questions and she was really just trying to understand. She has never believed in God, so it is a little bit of a new concept to her. She is very eager to learn more. Every time she is with us or in the church she says she feels good. I know that she can feel the Spirit and I believe it is a new feeling to her, she really likes it. Later in the day we headed back to the church to help the Elders in a lesson with this girl named Janina. She was a super cute girl who during the whole lesson just was crying her eyes out. She said some things about her Dad dying and her Mom being sick. It sounds like she has had a hard life and has been lost for awhile, but she accepted baptism in the future. She seems very prepared.
Wednesday-
Today Sister Seaman and Sistery Hayes came to do an exchange with us here in Kaunas. Sister Hayes is a Russian speaking missionary who is serving in Vilnius. I had my exchange with Sister Seaman and Sister Neeley was with Sister Hayes. I love Sister Seaman, she is super bubbly and happy and I love when I get to spend time with her.
Thursday-
Today we continued our exchange and we talked to a lot of people. For a little bit we tried taking off our tags and putting away our Book of Mormon's. Everyone was so much happier when we spoke with them, they tended not to just no want to talk with us right away.
Friday-
Today we had Zone Training in Vilnius. Before, we got to have interviews with President Harding. It was really good to see him and talk with him and receive counsel. He is so inspired and I can really tell he cares about us missionaries. After my interview before zone training began one Elder had bought and cooked cow tongue. He was having everyone try it, then he would give us bread afterward. So today I tried cow tongue. I can say it was like chewing on a tongue. Sister Harding even tried, I was surprised. We then had zone training. We had a big discussion about some questions about faith in Jesus Christ. It was really good and I am beginning to understand not just faith, but faith in Jesus Christ and the difference between the two.
Saturday-
Today we got to go out and help one of our members, who is pretty old, pick apples off of his tree. His name is Povilis and he is a super sweet old man. We picked apples for about 5 minutes and then he said that was enough. I guess he wants them to ripen more and then we will go back next week and pick the rest. Tonight we had a lesson with Juozas and we found out that he hasn't drank coffee in a week. I am really proud of him. He wasn't sure why, but he tried it out anyway.
Sunday-
Today was really good. We had another American show up for Sacrament meeting. I guess he will be here for four months as well, and he has a wife and a baby who will be joining him soon. Elder Bruce started teaching an English Sunday School class for all of the English speakers. It will be good, we will have about 7 people in his class as soon as his wife joins him here in Lithuania. Today Sister Neeley had to translate Relief Society for the new girls in the branch. It was her first time and she did really well. It is hard because technically, she should be in Young Women's since she is the counselor, but we decided when she wasn't teaching we could go in and translate. I don't know what we will do for the Sunday's she will be teaching. I might have to do it, who knows.
Love,
Sister Brown
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
Today we had the opportunity to show these four girls from Utah around a little bit. We showed them this super authentic Lithuanian restaurant, then we helped them get bus passes and exchange their money. It was really fun to spend some time with people from America. They are here to teach English to little kids for four months and they are all members. In the evening we all went to the Bruce's for Young Single Adult FHE. It was fun, we played sand volleyball and soccer again.
Tuesday-
Early this morning we had a lesson with Gerda. Gorda is this really cool girl who Sister Seaman and I had met on the street. It was her birthday on Sunday, so this week to celebrate she will be going to Spain. She was able to meet with us. It was a really good lesson. She had a lot of really good questions and she was really just trying to understand. She has never believed in God, so it is a little bit of a new concept to her. She is very eager to learn more. Every time she is with us or in the church she says she feels good. I know that she can feel the Spirit and I believe it is a new feeling to her, she really likes it. Later in the day we headed back to the church to help the Elders in a lesson with this girl named Janina. She was a super cute girl who during the whole lesson just was crying her eyes out. She said some things about her Dad dying and her Mom being sick. It sounds like she has had a hard life and has been lost for awhile, but she accepted baptism in the future. She seems very prepared.
Wednesday-
Today Sister Seaman and Sistery Hayes came to do an exchange with us here in Kaunas. Sister Hayes is a Russian speaking missionary who is serving in Vilnius. I had my exchange with Sister Seaman and Sister Neeley was with Sister Hayes. I love Sister Seaman, she is super bubbly and happy and I love when I get to spend time with her.
Thursday-
Today we continued our exchange and we talked to a lot of people. For a little bit we tried taking off our tags and putting away our Book of Mormon's. Everyone was so much happier when we spoke with them, they tended not to just no want to talk with us right away.
Friday-
Today we had Zone Training in Vilnius. Before, we got to have interviews with President Harding. It was really good to see him and talk with him and receive counsel. He is so inspired and I can really tell he cares about us missionaries. After my interview before zone training began one Elder had bought and cooked cow tongue. He was having everyone try it, then he would give us bread afterward. So today I tried cow tongue. I can say it was like chewing on a tongue. Sister Harding even tried, I was surprised. We then had zone training. We had a big discussion about some questions about faith in Jesus Christ. It was really good and I am beginning to understand not just faith, but faith in Jesus Christ and the difference between the two.
Saturday-
Today we got to go out and help one of our members, who is pretty old, pick apples off of his tree. His name is Povilis and he is a super sweet old man. We picked apples for about 5 minutes and then he said that was enough. I guess he wants them to ripen more and then we will go back next week and pick the rest. Tonight we had a lesson with Juozas and we found out that he hasn't drank coffee in a week. I am really proud of him. He wasn't sure why, but he tried it out anyway.
Sunday-
Today was really good. We had another American show up for Sacrament meeting. I guess he will be here for four months as well, and he has a wife and a baby who will be joining him soon. Elder Bruce started teaching an English Sunday School class for all of the English speakers. It will be good, we will have about 7 people in his class as soon as his wife joins him here in Lithuania. Today Sister Neeley had to translate Relief Society for the new girls in the branch. It was her first time and she did really well. It is hard because technically, she should be in Young Women's since she is the counselor, but we decided when she wasn't teaching we could go in and translate. I don't know what we will do for the Sunday's she will be teaching. I might have to do it, who knows.
Love,
Sister Brown
I colored the camel you sent to me.
New Utah girls.
Sister Neeley and I
Šaltibaršai
(pink soup)
Sister Neeley while we were picking apples.
Week 32
August 17, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
Today was great. I tried sushi for the first time, it was very interesting, not a bad flavor, just a weird texture. We were able to go to the Young Single Adult FHE where we played sand volleyball and soccer. It was really fun and it felt good to run round and play sports. I haven't run around like that for a really long time. I even almost scored a few goals. My soccer skills have definitely improved since the last time I played when I was six.
Tuesday-
Today we had District Meeting where we all spoke about our favorite Christ-like attribute. I never realized how many there are. I chose to speak about pure intent and how Christ showed pure intent. When he doesn't do his good acts in front of men to get praise, but to glorify his Father. He suffered the Atonement alone, showing that he wasn't just doing it for show, he really cares about each one of us and that was exactly his intent. We also had Gospel Discussions where we spoke about forgiveness. It was a really good discussion. Afterward we were able to talk to this really cool girl, Gerda, who Sister Seaman and I had met on a street forever ago. I guess she came the week before, but we were not able to be there, so she was asking about us and if she could talk with us. She is super cool and said that she feels something when she is with us and around us. Also, she said we could meet with her and talk with her more about the Gospel. She also mentioned about maybe coming to church on Sunday. She is definitely prepared. It is crazy she remembered us inviting her to English class from such a long time ago.
Wednesday-
Today we had a lesson with this really neat woman we met on the street last Saturday. Her name is Stanislava. She is super cute and she actually speaks English really well, she is 84 years old. She had read quite a bit from the Book of Mormon we had given her on the street. I think mostly she wanted to meet so that she could just clear up some questions she had about our religion. It was a super good lesson and we were able to testify a lot in both Lithuanian and English. It felt good to testify in English, it means so much more to me when I can really say what I feel in my own language.
Thursday-
Today we made cookies to celebrate Sister Neeley's one year mark on a mission. They were peanut better cookies with some chocolate thrown in because what is a cookie without chocolate? We were running a little late for Gospel Discussions tonight, so when we got there Elder Bruce was teaching both classes, we just joined right in. He showed two Mormon Messages, which I really liked, about prayer. The first one he showed is called "The Hope of God's Light," which is about a man who thought he had it all but then he got into drugs and alcohol and everything came tumbling down. The second one is called "You're Never Alone." It is about Elaine S. Dalton telling a story of the time she ran the Boston Marathon. They both were really good and teach how important prayer really is. I read the other night someone's experience in the Liahona. This woman and her family were struggling financially and she would pray and ask for their needs. Then she received a prompting that she needed to show gratitude instead of asking for the same things in every prayer. For a week she prayed with gratitude. Her prayers changed from, "I thank thee for food, clothing and shelter," to, "I thank thee for the family Thou has preserved and kept well, for the protection Thou dost continue to afford us. I thank Thee for the provisions Thou wilt continue to bless us with." I have tried to change my prayers to more gratitude, that way they are more filled with faith and we are thanking Heavenly Father for things we will receive instead of just everything we already have.
Friday-
Today we did a lot of walking around on Laisves Aleja, which is a street with quite a few people, it was fun. In the evening we visited our less active, Vanda, she is doing good, but she says it is too hot to go to church.
Saturday-
Today we had a lesson with Juozas, our investigator, it was really good. We were able to read 2 Nephi 31 with him in an effort to get him to read from the Book of Mormon.
Sunday-
Today was really good, we had 4 girls from Utah at church who will be here for 4 months teaching English, it was really cool. We also had a previous missionary at church with her mom, Sister Wilkins is her name.
Love,
Sister Brown
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
Today was great. I tried sushi for the first time, it was very interesting, not a bad flavor, just a weird texture. We were able to go to the Young Single Adult FHE where we played sand volleyball and soccer. It was really fun and it felt good to run round and play sports. I haven't run around like that for a really long time. I even almost scored a few goals. My soccer skills have definitely improved since the last time I played when I was six.
Tuesday-
Today we had District Meeting where we all spoke about our favorite Christ-like attribute. I never realized how many there are. I chose to speak about pure intent and how Christ showed pure intent. When he doesn't do his good acts in front of men to get praise, but to glorify his Father. He suffered the Atonement alone, showing that he wasn't just doing it for show, he really cares about each one of us and that was exactly his intent. We also had Gospel Discussions where we spoke about forgiveness. It was a really good discussion. Afterward we were able to talk to this really cool girl, Gerda, who Sister Seaman and I had met on a street forever ago. I guess she came the week before, but we were not able to be there, so she was asking about us and if she could talk with us. She is super cool and said that she feels something when she is with us and around us. Also, she said we could meet with her and talk with her more about the Gospel. She also mentioned about maybe coming to church on Sunday. She is definitely prepared. It is crazy she remembered us inviting her to English class from such a long time ago.
Wednesday-
Today we had a lesson with this really neat woman we met on the street last Saturday. Her name is Stanislava. She is super cute and she actually speaks English really well, she is 84 years old. She had read quite a bit from the Book of Mormon we had given her on the street. I think mostly she wanted to meet so that she could just clear up some questions she had about our religion. It was a super good lesson and we were able to testify a lot in both Lithuanian and English. It felt good to testify in English, it means so much more to me when I can really say what I feel in my own language.
Thursday-
Today we made cookies to celebrate Sister Neeley's one year mark on a mission. They were peanut better cookies with some chocolate thrown in because what is a cookie without chocolate? We were running a little late for Gospel Discussions tonight, so when we got there Elder Bruce was teaching both classes, we just joined right in. He showed two Mormon Messages, which I really liked, about prayer. The first one he showed is called "The Hope of God's Light," which is about a man who thought he had it all but then he got into drugs and alcohol and everything came tumbling down. The second one is called "You're Never Alone." It is about Elaine S. Dalton telling a story of the time she ran the Boston Marathon. They both were really good and teach how important prayer really is. I read the other night someone's experience in the Liahona. This woman and her family were struggling financially and she would pray and ask for their needs. Then she received a prompting that she needed to show gratitude instead of asking for the same things in every prayer. For a week she prayed with gratitude. Her prayers changed from, "I thank thee for food, clothing and shelter," to, "I thank thee for the family Thou has preserved and kept well, for the protection Thou dost continue to afford us. I thank Thee for the provisions Thou wilt continue to bless us with." I have tried to change my prayers to more gratitude, that way they are more filled with faith and we are thanking Heavenly Father for things we will receive instead of just everything we already have.
Friday-
Today we did a lot of walking around on Laisves Aleja, which is a street with quite a few people, it was fun. In the evening we visited our less active, Vanda, she is doing good, but she says it is too hot to go to church.
Saturday-
Today we had a lesson with Juozas, our investigator, it was really good. We were able to read 2 Nephi 31 with him in an effort to get him to read from the Book of Mormon.
Sunday-
Today was really good, we had 4 girls from Utah at church who will be here for 4 months teaching English, it was really cool. We also had a previous missionary at church with her mom, Sister Wilkins is her name.
Love,
Sister Brown
Week 31
August 10, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
Today Sister Penrose and I had our last preparation day together. She wanted to buy a few more souvenirs. She started trying to finish packing and then in the evening we went to the young single adults FHE where we talked about service and it was really great, then afterward when we were home getting ready for bed we received transfer calls. I pretty much knew I would be staying here in Kaunas, but I had no idea who my companion would be. My new companion is Sister Neeley, and we will be staying Kaunas West. It should be an interesting transfer, I do not know Sister Neeley very well.
Tuesday-
Today we had our last District Meeting where we were all able to share our testimonies and Sister Penrose got to share what she learned from her mission. She shared a great testimony. Then afterward I was able to receive a really wonderful blessing since I was super nervous for the transfer ahead. It was wonderful and it really shows how much Heavenly Father loves me and cares and knows what I feel. Afterward we had to go get Sister Penrose undeclared, then she finished packing and then we traveled to Klaipeda to stay the night. In the morning Sister Hoskin and Sister Penrose will head for Ryga, then Sister Neeley and I will head back to Kaunas. It has been super hot here and the bus to Klaipeda was super small and had no space for luggage, so we had to just put Sister Penrose's two large suitcases next to us in the aisle. The bus ride was about three hours and the bus did not have air conditioning and I was sitting right in the sun. I am glad we made it finally.
Wednesday-
Today we went to the bus stating in Klaipeda and we headed off for Kaunas and the other sisters for Ryga. It is really sad to see them go, luckily, our bus was a lot bigger on the way back and there was a place to put Sister Neeley's luggage, and it had air conditioning.
Thursday-
Today I discovered a lot about Sister Neeley and how she is a lot different than I thought. I think that it is going to be a good transfer. We get along pretty well. We had a lesson with a less active named Virginija. It was interesting.
Friday-
Today we did a lot of walking. We were able to talk to this really neat couple. There were a ton of people who were down by the river swimming. It is super hot and humid here this last week.
Saturday-
Today we walked outside in the morning to change it up and hoped it would be a little cooler in the morning. It was a little cooler. We started talking to this really cute old lady, she had these glasses that made her eyes look huge. We sat and spoke with her on a bench for about an hour. By the end we had exchanged telephone numbers and we had her address and gave her a Book of Mormon, we also set up a time to meet next week. We started walking back with her toward her and then she just decided to show us where she lives so that we could find it easier when we came to have our lesson, she invited us in for a minute. She was super cute, she showed us all of her pictures. We met this really cool Philipean girl on Laisves Aleja. I guess she is a nanny for this family who is visiting Lithuania. She was super cute and we were able to talk to her for about an hour and a half.
Sunday-
Today we had church. Renata, the new Young Women's President decided to ask Sister Neeley to be her counselor in the Young Women's presidency, so it looks like we will still be going to Young Women's on Sundays. I had to try and translate for Sister Nuttle, who is a senior couple with her husband. It was really hard and I had the jist, but it was not very connected. I guess it just takes practice.
Love,
Sister Brown
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
Today Sister Penrose and I had our last preparation day together. She wanted to buy a few more souvenirs. She started trying to finish packing and then in the evening we went to the young single adults FHE where we talked about service and it was really great, then afterward when we were home getting ready for bed we received transfer calls. I pretty much knew I would be staying here in Kaunas, but I had no idea who my companion would be. My new companion is Sister Neeley, and we will be staying Kaunas West. It should be an interesting transfer, I do not know Sister Neeley very well.
Tuesday-
Today we had our last District Meeting where we were all able to share our testimonies and Sister Penrose got to share what she learned from her mission. She shared a great testimony. Then afterward I was able to receive a really wonderful blessing since I was super nervous for the transfer ahead. It was wonderful and it really shows how much Heavenly Father loves me and cares and knows what I feel. Afterward we had to go get Sister Penrose undeclared, then she finished packing and then we traveled to Klaipeda to stay the night. In the morning Sister Hoskin and Sister Penrose will head for Ryga, then Sister Neeley and I will head back to Kaunas. It has been super hot here and the bus to Klaipeda was super small and had no space for luggage, so we had to just put Sister Penrose's two large suitcases next to us in the aisle. The bus ride was about three hours and the bus did not have air conditioning and I was sitting right in the sun. I am glad we made it finally.
Wednesday-
Today we went to the bus stating in Klaipeda and we headed off for Kaunas and the other sisters for Ryga. It is really sad to see them go, luckily, our bus was a lot bigger on the way back and there was a place to put Sister Neeley's luggage, and it had air conditioning.
Thursday-
Today I discovered a lot about Sister Neeley and how she is a lot different than I thought. I think that it is going to be a good transfer. We get along pretty well. We had a lesson with a less active named Virginija. It was interesting.
Friday-
Today we did a lot of walking. We were able to talk to this really neat couple. There were a ton of people who were down by the river swimming. It is super hot and humid here this last week.
Saturday-
Today we walked outside in the morning to change it up and hoped it would be a little cooler in the morning. It was a little cooler. We started talking to this really cute old lady, she had these glasses that made her eyes look huge. We sat and spoke with her on a bench for about an hour. By the end we had exchanged telephone numbers and we had her address and gave her a Book of Mormon, we also set up a time to meet next week. We started walking back with her toward her and then she just decided to show us where she lives so that we could find it easier when we came to have our lesson, she invited us in for a minute. She was super cute, she showed us all of her pictures. We met this really cool Philipean girl on Laisves Aleja. I guess she is a nanny for this family who is visiting Lithuania. She was super cute and we were able to talk to her for about an hour and a half.
Sunday-
Today we had church. Renata, the new Young Women's President decided to ask Sister Neeley to be her counselor in the Young Women's presidency, so it looks like we will still be going to Young Women's on Sundays. I had to try and translate for Sister Nuttle, who is a senior couple with her husband. It was really hard and I had the jist, but it was not very connected. I guess it just takes practice.
Love,
Sister Brown
Our District
Sister Hoskin and I
Sister Neeley and I
Sister Penrose and I
Nina, Sister Neeley and I
Sister Nuttle, Sister Neeley and I
My pictures I hung up
Week 30
August 3, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
Today we went school shopping for Sister Penrose since she will be heading off for college shortly after she arrives home in a week and a half.
Tuesday-
Today we had District Meeting where we all spoke on different teaching skills, I was assigned to speak about inviting members to teach. I really am starting to see the importance of member involvement when it comes to missionary work. I will be much more willing to help the missionaries out when I get home. The investigator can just relate with the member so much better than a missionary, especially if that member is a convert, or even better, a recent convert. We were able to teach Gospel Discussions, we talked about Christ. After the lesson one of our students want to inform us about all of the GMO's in our food in America. It was very interesting.
Sister Soosalu wrote this last week...
"Thursday, 23 of July 2015
Hello! It is very rainy but enjoyable day! I am with Sister Soosalu and we will have sooooooo fun day!!! We are planning now for our lessons. We just had lunch - we made tortillas and had some pieces of chocolate! What a day! I am looking for a talk now about Christ so we could share it with Edita. People here are amazing and they teach me so many things every day. We just took pictures with the American flag and other decorations you sent me mom! Thanks! That was super fun! Now we are on our way out to lesson! It will be very spiritual and full of love lesson, because we love the people here so much! And the sun is out! Huraaa for Israel!
WE had an amazing lesson with Edita! She was so happy and willing to talk and think along. She is sealed to her husband in the temple and we want them to have eternal life. She said that they pray together and their wish is to be more together. He works in Norway and this does not allow them to be together more. She is amazing and still takes care of people she has taught in church earlier. She still loves the people and our Savior, even if she is not able to come to church all the time. She still knows the truth. After that we had an amazing lesson at church. We were teaching Gospel Discussions about prophets. Sister Soosalu taught them how to pray and I asked them life questions about rules and why we have them. They were shy to answer, but it was a good learning experience for them. We talked a little with the Bruce's. Sister Bruce is a convert and has a wonderful story to tell. She loves God deeply and we can see it. I am happy that I had a busy day. I learned more Lithuanian and I spoke more boldly. I am not perfect, but Heavenly Father does not expect that of me. He wants me to do my best. That is enough for Him. I love Him and I will show it by my actions. God has given me so many beautiful things to be grateful for. Sister Soosalu said that I am amazing and that God needs me here for the reasons who I am. She said that because of my willingness He can work through me very well and with power. She thinks I am really special, she loves me. She said that it is wonderful to serve with me. We had an amazing day! HURRRAAAAAA FOR ISRAEL!!! PS the sun came out and all is in blossoms. People are smiling again and the light is back in their eyes! I love to see their light - it testifies to me always that we are children of Almighty God! Halleluuiaaaaa!"
Wednesday-
Today we were able to walk around a lot in the rain. We were also able to go and visit a less active named Vanda, she is so sweet. She said that she would really come to church this Sunday, so we will see if she comes. Sister Penrose told her it would be her last Sunday.
Thursday-
Today began my last exchange with Sister Soosalu. We were supposed to have a lesson with an active member in Vilnius named Birute, but we received a call that her son, who is also a member, had passed away. We decided we would still go over and take her some food. She let us in and was so kind, even during this very hard time. Her brother and one of her daughters were there helping make arrangements. I am so glad she has the Gospel in her life at this time. It would be so much harder without the peace the Gospel brings.
Friday-
Tonight we were able to visit Petras and Stasa, who are an older couple in the branch. They are so sweet together, Stasa's eyes hurt and there he was offering peace and comfort telling her everything would be okay.
Saturday-
Today we were able to have a lesson with the first member in Kaunas. Her name is Birute. She told us her story of how she came in contact with the missionaries and how they didn't know any Lithuanian and it was their first day in Lithuania. I thought that it was crazy that they were able to communicate with her even though they did not know the language. She is a wonderful, strong member.
Sunday-
Today was Sister Penrose's last Sunday in Lithuania and she got to say goodbye to a lot of the members. It was a great day.
--I am a little nervous for transfer calls which should come tonight, because I know that I will be getting a new companion. Sister Penrose is at the end of her mission. There is really only one sister that I am nervous about becoming her companion, she just seems like she is not easy to get along with. We will have very few sisters after this transfer, there will only be 7 of us, we are losing 4. The language is coming, I definitely understand more on some days than others. We were running low on mission money and we were really hungry and we only had 20 Euros left for groceries, so we had to save that for groceries, so I took out some money to buy us some lunch. We only ended up spending about 11 Euros on our groceries for the whole week. Our fridge was pretty empty, but we made it.
Love,
Sister Brown
Sister Soosalu and I
Week 29
July 27, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
We were able to go to this really neat and depressing museum called Ninth Forth. It is a concentration camp that was used during World War 2 for Jews. It was very interesting and sad. It really makes me think about the people we talk with here in Lithuania, especially the older ones who were alive during that time, I am sure they still have emotional scars from it.
Tuesday-
We had to go to Immigration because Sister Penrose's card expires today. After waiting there all morning, we finally got in to discover that we are missing one document, so after that we go late to District Meeting where Sister Penrose taught us about listening to the Spirit more and really listening to our investigators. Afterward we were able to find the document and head back over to immigration, then after waiting for hours once again, we find out we are missing another document. So we were not able to finish it all today, even after all of that waiting. Tonight at Gospel Discussions we had two new people come, as well as two that we haven't seen in awhile. It was really good. One of the new men gave us a random bunch of green grapes, it was really nice of him.
Wednesday-
We went back over to Immigration at eleven this morning, then we waited all day. We ended up getting out of there at about 4:30 PM and the place closes at 5. I felt bad for the other people who had also been waiting for a long time and still hadn't talked to anyone.
Thursday-
I went on an exchange with Sister Soosalu. This time she came to Kaunas. She really wanted to see Kaunas one last time before she goes home in a week and a half. It was really good, we had a lesson with a less active who always cancels on us last minute, but this time she didn't cancel. It went really well. Then we got to teach Gospel Discussions again where we had the same two new men in the class. Today that same man who gave us the grapes gave us these rolls.
Friday-
We had so many lessons planned. Our first lesson was with Ade, a recent convert, which is our last with him. Then afterward we had a referral we were supposed to meet, but she didn't show up. In the evening we had a lesson with Juozas. He even played his accordion for us. I was worried about his beard getting stuck in it. He gave us some berries to eat during the lesson. There were blueberries, which were my favorite, then he also gave us black and red currants, which were very interesting and not my favorite berries. We talked about the Word of Wisdom, and the lesson was amazing. He even said the closing prayer where he prayed to find out if the Word of Wisdom was from God.
Saturday-
We had a Young Woman activity where I shared a few thoughts about pioneers and how the Young Women are pioneers, we only had Justina show up, but she had fun. We made butter and we had biscuits for the butter and we decorated journals, it was really fun.
Sunday-
Someone was called as Young Women's President, but she already has a lot of callings and I guess they didn't even talk to her beforehand to see if she would accept the calling. She will be a great Young Women's President. Sister Penrose gave the lesson in Young Women about the temple, it was super good. A lot of the members went to the temple last week and they were all just glowing today, it was wonderful.
Love,
Sister Brown
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
We were able to go to this really neat and depressing museum called Ninth Forth. It is a concentration camp that was used during World War 2 for Jews. It was very interesting and sad. It really makes me think about the people we talk with here in Lithuania, especially the older ones who were alive during that time, I am sure they still have emotional scars from it.
Tuesday-
We had to go to Immigration because Sister Penrose's card expires today. After waiting there all morning, we finally got in to discover that we are missing one document, so after that we go late to District Meeting where Sister Penrose taught us about listening to the Spirit more and really listening to our investigators. Afterward we were able to find the document and head back over to immigration, then after waiting for hours once again, we find out we are missing another document. So we were not able to finish it all today, even after all of that waiting. Tonight at Gospel Discussions we had two new people come, as well as two that we haven't seen in awhile. It was really good. One of the new men gave us a random bunch of green grapes, it was really nice of him.
Wednesday-
We went back over to Immigration at eleven this morning, then we waited all day. We ended up getting out of there at about 4:30 PM and the place closes at 5. I felt bad for the other people who had also been waiting for a long time and still hadn't talked to anyone.
Thursday-
I went on an exchange with Sister Soosalu. This time she came to Kaunas. She really wanted to see Kaunas one last time before she goes home in a week and a half. It was really good, we had a lesson with a less active who always cancels on us last minute, but this time she didn't cancel. It went really well. Then we got to teach Gospel Discussions again where we had the same two new men in the class. Today that same man who gave us the grapes gave us these rolls.
Friday-
We had so many lessons planned. Our first lesson was with Ade, a recent convert, which is our last with him. Then afterward we had a referral we were supposed to meet, but she didn't show up. In the evening we had a lesson with Juozas. He even played his accordion for us. I was worried about his beard getting stuck in it. He gave us some berries to eat during the lesson. There were blueberries, which were my favorite, then he also gave us black and red currants, which were very interesting and not my favorite berries. We talked about the Word of Wisdom, and the lesson was amazing. He even said the closing prayer where he prayed to find out if the Word of Wisdom was from God.
Saturday-
We had a Young Woman activity where I shared a few thoughts about pioneers and how the Young Women are pioneers, we only had Justina show up, but she had fun. We made butter and we had biscuits for the butter and we decorated journals, it was really fun.
Sunday-
Someone was called as Young Women's President, but she already has a lot of callings and I guess they didn't even talk to her beforehand to see if she would accept the calling. She will be a great Young Women's President. Sister Penrose gave the lesson in Young Women about the temple, it was super good. A lot of the members went to the temple last week and they were all just glowing today, it was wonderful.
Love,
Sister Brown
Week 28
July 20, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
Today we were able to walk up and down Laisves Aleja, it was really fun. You see a lot of interesting people. Afterward, we went to the YSA Family Home Evening where we played tennis in these fancy indoor tennis courts where Sister Penrose and I just watched. It was a lot of fun and they had a lot of people show up to play.
Tuesday-
Today we walked around and stopped by some less active's and past investigators. In the evening we taught our gospel discussions class where we talked about the 10 commandments. It went really well. We watched a Mormon Message about how the world only keeps about 4 of the commandments. I really liked it. (http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/obedience-to-the-ten-commandments)
Wednesday-
Today it rained so much! We tried to just do as much inside work as possible so we didn't have to walk in the rain too much. We tried to go to Branch Council, but only the Relief Society President showed up, I guess everyone forgot to tell us that it was cancelled.
Thursday-
Today we were supposed to meet this referral we received to give her a Book of Mormon, but she never showed up. After that we ate at the church because we had to stay for Gospel Discussions. In Gospel Discussions we talked about how God is our loving Father in Heaven. It was super good and we watched this super good Mormon Message about how Heavenly Father has a different plan for us and sometimes He has to cut us down so we can become what we need to be. (http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-will-of-god-2)
Friday-
Today we had zone training where we had a counsel about what the district's and the branch's strengths are and what they need help with. It was really good and helpful, and there was really a lot of participation. Then Elder Turley, who is serving in Klaipeda, spoke about the Sabbath Day and it was super good and helpful. I really enjoyed it. Sister Soosalu mentioned how she will write a letter to Jesus each week to prepare for the Sacrament. I really liked it. We also had some testimonies by the Sister's who would be leaving after this transfer. It was really hard, but they all had really good testimonies. Afterward, everyone just took pictures and said goodbye.
Saturday-
Today we had an activity for the Young Women where we decorated journals for girls camp and talked about family history. It was really fun and I decided to decorate mine as a Sacrament journal, where I can write my letters to Jesus and write in it during the Sacrament. I am super excited about it.
Sunday-
Today I made delicious cinnamon rolls for the first time, they actually turned out really good. I see why people don't make them very often, they do take a lot of time and work.
Love,
Sister Brown
(The departing Sisters are Sisters White, Hoskin, Soosalu and Penrose :( )
Dear Family and Friends,
Monday-
Today we were able to walk up and down Laisves Aleja, it was really fun. You see a lot of interesting people. Afterward, we went to the YSA Family Home Evening where we played tennis in these fancy indoor tennis courts where Sister Penrose and I just watched. It was a lot of fun and they had a lot of people show up to play.
Tuesday-
Today we walked around and stopped by some less active's and past investigators. In the evening we taught our gospel discussions class where we talked about the 10 commandments. It went really well. We watched a Mormon Message about how the world only keeps about 4 of the commandments. I really liked it. (http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/obedience-to-the-ten-commandments)
Wednesday-
Today it rained so much! We tried to just do as much inside work as possible so we didn't have to walk in the rain too much. We tried to go to Branch Council, but only the Relief Society President showed up, I guess everyone forgot to tell us that it was cancelled.
Thursday-
Today we were supposed to meet this referral we received to give her a Book of Mormon, but she never showed up. After that we ate at the church because we had to stay for Gospel Discussions. In Gospel Discussions we talked about how God is our loving Father in Heaven. It was super good and we watched this super good Mormon Message about how Heavenly Father has a different plan for us and sometimes He has to cut us down so we can become what we need to be. (http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/the-will-of-god-2)
Friday-
Today we had zone training where we had a counsel about what the district's and the branch's strengths are and what they need help with. It was really good and helpful, and there was really a lot of participation. Then Elder Turley, who is serving in Klaipeda, spoke about the Sabbath Day and it was super good and helpful. I really enjoyed it. Sister Soosalu mentioned how she will write a letter to Jesus each week to prepare for the Sacrament. I really liked it. We also had some testimonies by the Sister's who would be leaving after this transfer. It was really hard, but they all had really good testimonies. Afterward, everyone just took pictures and said goodbye.
Saturday-
Today we had an activity for the Young Women where we decorated journals for girls camp and talked about family history. It was really fun and I decided to decorate mine as a Sacrament journal, where I can write my letters to Jesus and write in it during the Sacrament. I am super excited about it.
Sunday-
Today I made delicious cinnamon rolls for the first time, they actually turned out really good. I see why people don't make them very often, they do take a lot of time and work.
Love,
Sister Brown
Sister White
Sister Hoskin
Sister Soosalu
Sister Neely and Sister Hoskin
Sister Bestenlenher
Sister Bruce
Sister White
(The departing Sisters are Sisters White, Hoskin, Soosalu and Penrose :( )
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