Only in Brownsville

January 14, 2013

We have so many experiences that end in "Only in Brownsville." The newest story we have is that yesterday the bishoprics in the Spanish AND English wards got changed. Spanish is in the morning so we got the new bishopric there first. We all thought it was interesting because the bishop had only been in for about a year and a half but we all know that God has his reasons. Then we go to the English ward and we know they are getting a new bishopric too because the bishop is moving and the stake presidency is still all there. But here is the Brownsville-ness of the story. Meeting starts and Bishop Mendez’s (former bishop of the Spanish ward) records get read in. Then they reform the bishopric and Bishop Mendez gets recalled as the bishop, just of the English ward...ONLY IN BROWNSVILLE! WE laughed for awhile, but it will be cool.

As for the rest of the week, it was good. We have been cold down here too but apparently not as cool as you all. I showed Sister R the pictures of the snow and she laughed. She was in shock really. Then we read mom's email that said it could almost bury Sister R and we just laughed because we had just talked about that. She loves you guys.

As far as other news, JJ is still progressing nicely. He came to church again and he is super excited for his baptism on 1/27. He has given up coffee and smoking and has read up to Ch 11 in the BOM. He is doing GREAT!

We have gone through a cleansing process lately and so we quit teaching all our investigators that weren't progressing. There are different types of missions and ours in a baptizing mission. That means that we have so many prepared people here that sometimes we have to stop teaching the ones that aren't progressing so we can find the prepared people. Basically, in a first lesson, we invite them to be baptized and if they aren't willing to come to church, we don't keep teaching them. It sounds rough to people but that is how the mission is. We have to find the people ready to listen and change their lives.

I am so happy you guys got to talk to the Sanchii! Seriously, I love them so much! I can't wait to come back down over Mother's Day to see them get sealed! And how do you feel about that? Do you want to spend Mother's Day in south Texas? I hope you do! :)

I love you all and I have to go! I'm eavesdropping on a conversation the Elders are having with a guy. :) Some things never change... :)

Kate