Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

A VERY MERRY UN-BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL!!! 

In the act of celebrating my birthday, I figured we should celebrate your un-birthday's too. 

How are you all doing? I suspect you are doing fantastic as usual. This week has been a mighty adventure. We have had some success and some failure this week, but the Lord continues to carry us through. 

We had quite a few of our appointments cancel on us. It made us really sad. But we also had some unexpected experiences with sharing the gospel. Let me tell you all about it! 

On Monday, we met with Emily. She was going to let us practice teaching the Law of Chastity on her. But truly she taught us. It was amazing. To make it less awkward share the pictures in the pamphlet as the discussion progresses. It helps make it less awkward because it gives them something to focus on outside the topic. Converts are just the best at missionary work because they know what works. 

Tuesday, we tried to visit with Marlyn. (ps. she goes by Jackie with everyone in the entire world, so if I change her name to Jackie...that is why.) She wasn't feeling well, so we weren't able to teach her.  But we were able to introduce her to the YW's president which was great.  And we set up a return appointment for Thursday. 

Wednesday, we did the regular service for Sister Molina. I LOVE THAT LADY!!!  She is great! We also had district meeting that day. Sister Johnson was in charge of the training, and it was really good. 

Thursday was a VERY long day! We took the car in at 10:45a to have it's brakes and AC fixed. BIG MISTAKE! We didn't leave until 5:00p. WHAT?!?! It was a very long day! So, we missed our appointment with Jackie. We were so upset. So this is what we did while we waited: shopping, lunch, window shopping and we also talked to a really neat lady named Erin. Ps. I was the one that struck up the conversation too. What is this?! I don't talk to anybody. Guess this mission is teaching me a few things.  

Friday - The Fourth of July - Independence day! 

WOOHOO!!! Hooray for Religious Freedom. Hooray for the ability to practice my beliefs when, where and how I chose. Hooray for the Declaration of Independence. Hooray for the Constitution. Hooray for all the men and women who have chosen to sacrifice themselves for the preservation of freedom. Hooray for FREEDOM! 

Friday we did a lot of tracting and tired to invite the black man Joe to the BBQ on Saturday, but he broke up with his girl friend and so he was no longer living there. WHAT?!? Not OK! Oh PS. We ate with the Pixler family that night and guess what we ate. REAL BRATWURST!!! I haven't eaten a brat in sooooooooooooooo long. I was so happy.  For a girl who doesn't eat meat very often - a good brat will make my heart sing! 

Saturday was the Ward BBQ. So much FUN!!! I wanted to play in the water soooo bad. #missionarylife We also taught 3 lessons that day. That was huge! And cute Sister Roberts took us out to Denny's again. LOVE HER! 

Sunday was also pretty legit! Church was great as usual. Although the bread for the sacrament was late, so we did testimonies, had sacrament and finished with more testimonies. It was kind of odd, but it was still good. We had dinner with the Etter's, and they were cute enough to make me a cake. I like them, though they are a really quiet family, so I never know what to say or how to help them without it being awkward.  And we also visited with a super cute newly married, new family in the ward - the Swaner's. They have been married for a little over a year and just had their first child - a little girl. Super Cute Family!!!!! And they were kind enough to feed us on Wednesday which is great! 

Finally - we had a really great gospel conversation with a man named John. He was sitting outside his apartment working on a project and we struck up a conversation. He asked us what we were up to and then began asking us questions about our beliefs. It was amazing! And the Spirit was definitely there. I hope he could feel it. And I hope he continues to have questions. 

Yesterday was a great day full of surprises and presents and cake and the Spirit! I love it! 

Love you all! 

Sister Bryans

PS. If you ever want to look at something truly inspiring visit: http://mormonsandgays.org and watch the video about Ty's experience. The Church is true in all places, at all times and in all things. I know that, through the Savior's Atoning Sacrifice, we can change ourselves into the people our Heavenly Father knows we can become.