Hello!
We had a wonderful week here in Maribor filled with a
trip to the cemetery, a trip to Zagreb, a trip back to middle school, and a
little girl nearly tripping out of her father's arms. Okay, that last one was
kind of a stretch - 'falling' would be a better word.
The cemetery. People really respect and honor their
family who have passed on in this country. It's a beautiful part of the
culture. At this time of year, everyone goes to the cemeteries and lights white
candles in red plastic coverings to place at the graves of their families. When
you see the cemetery at night, it looks as if the whole thing is glowing. It's
amazing. We were able to go with a member of our branch to visit her parents
and uncle in the cemetery.
Zagreb. We had a special zone conference in Zagreb this
week with the missionaries in Croatia as well as Elder De Feo. Sister Melonakos
talked with us about our divine nature as sons and daughters of God.
This fact is so simple and so profound and it will change
the way you see yourself and others. It can be easy to feel worthless in a
world that tries to tell you your worth comes from the size of your bank
account, the size of your body, or the size of your IQ. Here's what I know: your worth is independent of any of those things.
Your worth does not change or fluctuate as the circumstances of your life
change.
You are worth everything to God because you are his
child. And our Heavenly Father doesn't lose sight of our worth even when we do.
So when you question who you are, let Him remind you of His love. And then try
to see others with his love!
Middle school. Sister Jennings and I were bullied
yesterday by twelve year olds. It was one of the saddest things I have seen
here - little boys who are twelve years old smoking, and then using what
English profanity they knew as well as innapropriate Slovene to act towards us
the way they did. It made me feel SO grateful to have been raised in a home
where I was taught to follow Jesus Christ and to make good choices. I bet it is
really hard to be a parent and it's probably especially tough when your kids
don't want to listen. But don't give up! It is so worth it to keep trying, keep
teaching, and keep loving!
I think that family scripture study and family prayer are
key!
Little girl. Last week, Sister Jennings and I met a man
on the side of the street who was holding his daughter in his arms. She had
lots of energy and was not content to be held peacefully, nor was she content
to be placed on the ground :) So while we were chatting with her dad, she was
squirming and trying to escape. This has turned out to be the most incredible family!
We were able to meet with them last night and talk with them about our Heavenly
Father's great love for his children here. Pray for them that we can go back
and continue to teach them and that they will recognize the Holy Ghost teaching
them.
I would just like to add my witness to my baby brother's
that I also know the Book of Mormon is from God and that it brings us closer to
Him! I have noticed that so much this week. God wants to help us to find
direction in our lives and as we search with sincerity and ask with faith, he
will guide, direct, and answer us! I love The Book of Mormon because it helps
me recognize God's love for me. I feel His love as I study and learn from it.
I love you!
Sestra Brown
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