Sister Brown in the Philippines: Light of Christ

Happy Belated Valentine's Day! Oh Valentine's Day in the Philippines! People are so cheesy here. I love it! There were so many guys walking around with roses and giant teddy bears. Me and Sister Valdez had a good time making fun of all of them. I just love that girl! She is so sweet and so funny! To be honest, we had some rough days this week. I have never been punted or had so many disappointments in my whole mission as I have this week. But Heavenly Father gave me Sister Valdez to make sure that even though it was the hardest, it wasn't the worst week ever. Sister V is an awesome singer! So we sang a lot of Annie. Haha :) Despite the set backs, we also had some miracles. And that's what I want to tell you about.

So this week I've really come to understand what we call "The Light of Christ." Everyone has the light of Christ, but just like a fire, it can be a blazing flame or just a flickering light. This week we taught Evangeline. We taught her once last week and she didn't really seem to be listening or interested but we left her a Book of Mormon. Then when we went back she looked sooo different. She had the biggest smile on her face and she told us she had been waiting for us and she just had this... light. Her countenance was truly changed. She said she really wanted to come to church with us on Sunday so we set up a time to pick her up. Well, she wasn't there. Her kids said she'd gone to the plaza and we were supposed to meet her there. Here's the thing, there was a graduation in the plaza and there were hundreds of people walking around! So we said a prayer that we would find her or that she would find her way to the church and headed towards the chapel. Guess who walked in 10 minutes later? Evangeline. With that same big smile :)

Then there's Michael. I talk about him a lot because he never fails to amaze me. This week we taught him about the Priesthood and committed him to prepare to pass the sacrament on Sunday. He was nervous but the smile he got on his face was evidence that he was so ready and he was really excited to do it. He even went out and bought some slacks and got a haircut in preparation! With Michael, the light of Christ has continued to grow and grow so that it has physically changed his appearance. When I look at pictures of him from when I first met him, I can't even tell it's him. And the spirit just radiates from him and I know he is going to do great things in the church.

And finally, there's Ruel. We had been punted by every single person that day, it was a million degrees, and it smelled like eggs. We were discouraged to say the least. BUT then we tracted Ruel. There was just something about him. He only let us in to be nice but as we spoke to him about the Book of Mormon he really listened. His family is so important to him and he wants to do what's right. We have a return appointment with him this week. I don't know what will happen with him, but he definitely has the light of Christ.

The Light of Christ reminds me of a song my mom used to sing to me when I was younger. The lyrics say "Never let His light go, never let your love grow dim." You have the Light of Christ. Whether you are a member of this church or not, you have it. It's up to you how bright of a light it is. People see that light. It IS visible. So don't do anything that would dim your light and lessen your ability to share that light with those around you. You are all amazing people and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Keep on keepin' on my friends! Love you more than you know!

XOXO, Sister Brown