Monday, December 8, 2014

18 Months.

Well Family and Friends....18 months. I really can't believe I have been gone that long and that my time here is up. It really seems like last week I was being "kicked to the curb" in the MTC. And now here I am trying to find the motivation to pack my bags (I hate packing...with a passion.) :)

As I look back on my mission I am only grateful. Grateful for the hard times and the good times. Grateful for the amazing experiences I had and for the life long friendships I have made. And especially grateful for everything I have learned while being out here. Its been one of the hardest things I have done but also one of the greatest things. 

When I was in the MTC, Sister Sherri Dew came and spoke to all of us and gave an AMAZING talk that I have never forgotten. She talked about 4 things that she thought every missionary should learn while being out on their missions. The 1st was to figure out who you are and why you are here. The 2nd was to really, deeply understand who the Savior is and what he did for you personally. The 3rd was to figure out how I receive revelation and the 4th was to better understand Gods power, or the Priesthood. From that day on I was determined to make sure I learned/figured out all of those things while I was out here. So that talk quickly became my "mission goals". Luckily I can say that I have figured those 4 things out. On my mission I have figured out who I am and who I want to be in the future. I know my relationship with my Heavenly Father and that I am loved and admired. I came out here to the Belgium/Netherlands mission and worked really dang hard and saw so many miracles. During the hard times when I felt alone and was feeling extra home-sick and really was wanted some Cafe Rio ;), is when I came to know who Jesus Christ is and what he did for me. And that we NEVER need to feel alone because we never are. And one really cool part of being a missionary is you get the opportunity to be Gods hands. I couldn't even count how many times I have said something to an investigator or member, or whoever it may be, and heard my own words and knew that it hadn't come from me. I learned how to really communicate with him and he communicates with me. We are literally just the lords mouthpiece in this amazing work and we all get the privilege to take part in it. I have seen the Gospel change lives and I know Gods power is real. The Priesthood is a real thing and its the way God work with us today. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet and translated the Book of Mormon so we could have it today. There isn't one bone of doubt in my body. Ive loved every single second of these past 18 months  and I know there is nothing better I could have been doing instead of this work. I love you all and I can't wait to see you in just a few short days!!! :) Thank you one last time for all of the support and love! You are all amazing!! See you on the flip side!! 

Love, Zuster Brophy

Monday, December 1, 2014

ITS DECEMBER. Cue the Freak out.

Hello Family and Friends-
Wow.....time is just weird. We are really getting down to the Nitty Gritty and I never thought I could experience so many emotions at the same time and it is quite the experience if I do say so myself. I am freaking out. But okay. Thats normal...so I hear.
This week was so busy and it went by soooo fast!! We saw lots of miracles and we had lots of events! We had a zone conference in Zoetermeer and Elder Moreira, from the seventy, came and spoke to our mission and it was sooo good. It was super funny because he was actually my companions brothers old mission president. Small world! I gave my dying testimony in front of everyone...no I didnt cry too much. And got to see lots of people for the last time! We have been staying busy this week with investigators and members. We have been going crazy with finding and keeping as busy as possible. If there is one thing I am doing at the last end of my mission...that is working. I dont want any regrets! Its getting super cold here...a small taste of the Netherlands winter before I head out. I dont have a winter coat but that purple rain coat is working out really good. Layering is going to be my best friend this next week and a half. Haha this week we are going on exchanges for one last time and it is also SinterKlaas on Friday the 5th. Which is basically when the Dutch celebrate Christmas. Its when they get all of their presents and have all of their parties. So we are going to be partying it up :) I LOVE THIS WORK. And I love all of you! You are all the greatest!! Keep being awesome.
Love, Zuster Brophy

Fixing Amber..good times :)
 Us with our investigator Nick. He is so cool!
 I am going to miss Zuster Jones :)
 Us and our investigator Sophie :)
 Us after conference.