Jory's Mission Blog: Missionaries! (July 5th, 2013)

Dear Family,

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!! There are so many blessings that come from being a missionary and being a servant of the Lord. I have truly grown closer to God and I have been filled with His spirit and divine love for me. I am so happy to be able to wear our Savoir Jesus Chirst's name next to mine, and I feel sad every night when I have to take my badge off. The spirit is so strong, and there isn't anywhere else I would rather be than on my mission. Before I get into telling stories and such I have to take care of some bussiness. I will be leaving the MTC on July 11 (Thursday) at 2:30 a.m. My flight leaves at6:00 a.m. and has a layover at Minneapolis. We then will take off again at 10:10 and should be in Clevand by one. I have been told that I will be able to call home while at the airport. Thank you for all of the yummy packages and treats! I love emails, but letters would also be nice since we can read those whenever, but we can only read emails on P-day. But do whatever you prefer, as long as I am able to hear from you all.

This week truly has been amazing and enjoyable! I have learned so much and have grown as a person and as a missionary. This week I had an amazing spiritual experience. One day we were asked to put ourselves in the shoes of an investigator. We then had our teachers teach us as if they were the missionaries. I was filled with an amazing impression of the pains and loss people without this church feel and I couldn't believe how lost they truly are. It pained me to have to feel that, but it has truly motivated me to become better and to grow. While reading the Book of Mormon, I have received so much revelation! As you read it and open your heart to God, I know that He will guide and impress your mind and will give you help and strength. I hope that you truly will try this and that it will help you, as it has me.

All of my "investigators" are doing really well. We challenged one to read the Book of Mormon and to go to church. He has followed through with all of them. It is so excting to be able to reach out and to help him, even though he is just an actor. I love my district and we are all very close! We have such a good time and all get along very well. I couldn't be happier with all of the amazing friends that I have made. My companion is cool and he is very patient. He is always using a cane or brace, but he remains dilligent and strong. We all call him the wise owl.

In our classes we focuss on learing how to teach with the spirit and the importance of welcoming it and showing our love for the people we are teaching. I have learned so much and I have grown a lot. I have also become much more social. I love talking to people and I have practiced doing lots of street contacting. Mission work isn't easy, and I find that I am always tired, but I love it very much! For our devotionals we have to walk over to the Marriott Center. We fill it up half way and it is really cool to be able to see all of the missionaries. We truly are an army of God and we are all very blessed and guided by Him. I find myself constantly happy and laughing and filled with the spirit. I want to be a missionary for my whole life, I love it that much.

Yesterday, July 4th, we had our infield training. That was really long, but also went really well. It got me way more excited to go out to Cleveland and to be able to teach real people and to be able to help all of them. We then had a really cool devotional and got to watch the movie: "17 Miracles". After the movie they gave us ice cream and then walked us out to the field to be able to watch the fireworks. One of the sister's mom sent us confetti cannons, glow sticks, and candy. Our district had ourselves a little party! We had such a great time together and we all enjoyed being able to celebrate our wonderful country that has provided us with so many joys and freedoms.

THE BROTHERS HAVE BEEN REUNITED!! Kolton and I ran into each the first day he was here, and I have been with him many times since. He is doing really well and is staying strong. We are both in the same building so we get to visit every night before going to bed. He loves it here, but he is having a hard time adjusting, like we all have. I am so happy to be able to see him and to be a support for him as he is for me. I have seen many other friends here as well and it is cool to see all of us wearing our name tags. I am so happy that I get to serve the Lord with my best friends and to know that we are all servants of the Lord doing His glorious work. Thank you all so much for your support towards me and towards my friends. We all truly love and appretiate that!

To all of you future misssionaries (this means you Carter), here is my advice for the week: Don't endure it, but rather enjoy it! You will learn and grow so much, so allow yourself to be able to do so. Be happy, be strong, and forget yourself and get lost in the work of the Lord.

I love you all so very much. Be strong and remember that the Lord is always there and ready to help and to bless you. Your friend, son, cousin, grandson, nephew, and missionary,

Elder Brown