Alright my week! AMAZING.
WE received a referral from the Spanish sisters in the area to go and visit this family. There is a Grandpa, whom we have only seen once, and his grandkids who are the ones really interested in knowing more. There is only one of baptismal age, but it is just amazing to go spend time with these kids and see how they have a desire to understand about Christ. Their mom isn't interested (yet) but she sits with us as we talk with her kids. Jeramey, who is 9, is the brightest little kid I've ever met. It makes me think of a couple of the kids from this supper at the gym.. I miss those little crazy kids!.. any way. Jeramey really wants to come to church and become involved in scouts and all that stuff. We taught him about prayer and I have never heard such a sincere prayer in my life! We told him how you just tell Heavenly Father what is in your heart, you ask him for help, and thank him for what you have. He prayed so simply yet so powerfully thanking Heavenly Father for the home they had, yet asking for his help with money and the chance to find a car so they can get around town. As he ended his prayer we all smiled and his mom was super touched. For a split second her heart softened and you could just see the spirit fill her up! I am excited for the chance to continue meeting with Jeramey and his siblings. Christ tells us to become like little children and I know that doing so is one of the best things we could do.
In the VC we are working with this man who asked to meet with Missionaries during the Christmas lights, but is too busy for them right now so we get to teach him on the phones! He is a little bit crazy, but still wonderful :) At times he will get very confused about what he believes, telling us one thing and then another. I guess he has seen Jesus... He had taken him from his home and allowed him to be in the clouds, well just his neck and head floating in the clouds, to see Christ. I guess that changed his life because now he likes to learn all he can about Christ. He is very willing to pray, but he expects his answer to be like that experience where he will be brought to Christ. IT is important that people understand that answers come by the Holy Ghost, the answers are different for each one of us. Most of the time it is a small voice testifying of truth. We will continue to call and work with him and see if he can receive an answer :)
I also had 1 of the ladies I had talked with at the VC who was baptized this last weekend! YAY. My 1st VC baptism. It was pretty exciting to know that calling and testifying of Christ truly works. Of course this lady was super prepared  by the Lord before we were in contact. Miracles all around that is for sure!
Something I wanted to share from my studies this week comes from Alma 44:4. There it talks how God will support, keep, and preserve us IF we stay faithful. It is so clear! If we do not stay faithful we will pretty much be destroyed. Faith is key. That is why it is the first principle in the Doctrine of Christ. Without it we can not make any progression. We must "stand fast in the faith" (Alma 45:17). We must be attentive, alert, and ready to act- that is the whole standing. Not sitting in faith, standing strong ready to act! We must be on our guard. Evil, and good, are all around us and who knows when we will see it! (Alma 52:27-30), The 2000 stripling warriors are the best example of this preparedness. (Not only that but they are the epitome of the perfect man). Just wanted to share that.
Well I love you all very much! Thank you for the love and support. Try not to freeze in Oregon! I get very confused at the coldness here... No snow tho! Enjoy the snow for me :) 

Love, Sister Brownell