10 More Days til Christmas!

Happy Monday Friends and Family,

Woah! Can you believe that we are almost participating in my 2nd  Christmas away from home? Boom Bam!

The Holiday Season is probably the loneliest and longest time for a missionary serving the Lord, and yet it is the most rewarding and the most life changing you can ever be a part of.

Everyday, we have the opportunity to testify of Jesus Christ and the gift he is to the world from our Father in Heaven. It is some of the best moments in the world. I love being a missionary! #ShareTheGift 

This week has been super special. 

As is our call to witness of Christ, the church has been encouraging us to share the 2 minute and 40 second video called, "He is the Gift." You can find the video at: christmas.mormon.org, and if you haven't watched it yet, it is a mandatory must for this Christmas Season. (Best Video Ever!)

And we have had some very unique opportunities to #ShareTheGift or witness others who are Sharing the Gift with those they love. (Like the Piano Guys did with the help of a few of their favorite musically talented friends: http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/articles/mormon-tabernacle-choir-record-breaking-nativity?lang=eng) 

This week, we shared it with a newly married couple that are neighbors to the McCaw's. =D It was such a wild adventure, but it allowed us to share the video and testify of Christ. 

Let me share the experience with you all: 

Found in a mailbox, not so very big, was a letter delivered by the hand of the Lord through a kind mail man. The owner of the mailbox was our favorite: Brother McCaw. The letter received was for the next door neighbor and seemed to be very important. So, Brother McCaw had the great idea that the sister missionaries should go and deliver it. Seeing this mistake as an opportunity to share the gospel. And so we went by one evening to retrieve the letter, and Brother McCaw said to us after giving us the letter, "Okay Sisters, what can I do right now for you?" So we thought, and then Brother McCaw moved into action saying, "Follow me!" 

So we followed him over to his neighbors house, and he knocked on the door and told them how he ended up with the letter. They were very grateful to have it safe in their possession, for it had traveled many miles and the senders were becoming frantic at its loss.  

Bold in nature, Brother McCaw forwardly asked if we could go inside to get warm. (He couldn't let us in his home because his wife was away.) 

To my surprise, we were let inside and were able to get to know the family a little bit. The man who answered the door is named Jake and his wife who was inside cooking dinner is Lauren They have been married since May. (They are SO cute! I can't wait until they join the church!) 

Anyways - as we were getting ready to leave so they could enjoy their dinner, Brother McCaw asked, "Would it be alright if these lovely ladies shared a message with you? They were going to share one at my house with my family, but they can't because my wife's not home." And so we shared "He is the Gift." And they prayed with us. 

It was an amazing experience fueled by the Spirit of the Lord! They have not become new investigators, but hopefully soon.

I have never seen missionary work done in such a bold and wonderful way as I had that night. Gratitude, Miracle and Brownie points: I think yes!!! 

I LOVE THE GOSPEL SO MUCH! It is through the gospel that we learn who we are, what our purpose is in this life, and what we can expect after we die. (#ThePlanofHappiness) This understanding helps us receive the: courage, boldness, charity and faith to share this knowledge with all those we love and care for. I know it is true! 

I love the example of Junior as he invited his friends to come unto Christ and feel of God's Love as they came to know the Gospel of Christ. https://www.lds.org/youth/video/inviting-all-to-come-unto-christ-sharing-the-gospel?lang=eng 

The Gospel brings us SO MUCH HAPPINESS!

I hope this email has been exciting, full of enjoyment and well read and watched. (I did add three videos in case you weren't aware.)

I love you all and hope you are safe as you continue the countdown to Christmas. 

Love Much and Always,

Your Favorite Sister Missionary! 

Sister Bryans