October 24, 2011

Hey everyone,

It was a really good week this week. Church was great yesterday. There was a young woman named Matlikala, who I was able to perform the baptism for a few weeks ago, that gave a talk about living the Word of Wisdom. She worked so hard on it and you could tell she really cared about the things she was saying. One of the lines from it really hit me she said "If we are not willing to follow all of God's commandments, we should ask ourselves if we really even believe in him at all"
On a mission you get some wonderful experiences to remind you why you're out here. Yesterday we met with a young wife and Mother. This was only the second time we had met with her. She poured out her heart to us because she trusted us. She told us after we had left the first time she prayed to God to ask him if were sent by him and received an answer. We sat there as she tearfully related to us about how feels forsaken of God. I wave of love rushed over me as we spoke, for this person I barley knew, I was reminded again of why I had been sent here in the first place, I came because people like her need the blessings of comfort and peace that come from the gospel, from know who you are. I testified to her that I KNEW God loved her, because if nothing else that's one of the only things I know for myself. As we spoke I could feel God's love for her from the tip of my toes to the top of my head. Then me and my companion sang for her "Did you think to pray"
The Spirit was so strong and I knew she could feel it because in the place of her weeping and defeated countenance was a smile that lit up the whole house.
No one can tell me I don't love these people, no one could tell me that this is a waist of time, no one can tell me I'm not making a difference. If they say or think that, they don't understand what missionaries do.

Its not hard to find out, just read ponder and pray, that's all anyone has ever asked.

Love,
Elder Scott Brazee

October 17th, 2011

 Hey everyone,

It's been a nice week. Me and my companion really focoused on working hard and we got a lot done. I finally got to watch conference this week end but only the Sunday sessions so far. They were Amazing. I especially enjoyed the Sunday morning session, every talk seemed to be directed right at me. I encourage anyone who hasn't watched it yet to do so.  I am convinced I'm serving in the most beautiful place on the planet. Spring has turned to summer and everything is green and beautiful. The pink blossems on the peach trees have turned to sprouting green leaves. I love this place, I've tried to take pictures but honestly I think you guys just need to be here to see it. The Branch is doing well. I love this work. I know this stuff is true. It brings so much peace to so many. I don't know if I've shared this already, but I've been thinking a lot about truth lately and how it doesn't matter if no one else believes it, if no one at all believes it. If your family calls you crazy, if your friends can't understand, something that is true is true. NO matter what. I see that conviction to truth in so many of the pioneers here. It's an inspiring thing.

-Elder Scott Brazee

Please remember Scott as you send out Christmas cards.  I know he would love to hear from all of his siblings, cousins, and friends.  It takes several weeks for Scott to get mail so send something his way soon.

Elder Scott Milton Brazee
South Africa Durban Mission
8 Windsor Ave
Westville
3630
South Africa

October 10, 2011

I'm not sick anymore at all so that's good.  We're continuing to buckle down and work hard. The Branch seems to be slowing down, church attendance has been raining so we know we need to step it up. I'm realizing more and more each day what my mission is really about when I'm doing it right. It's all about shaping, and saving lives, learning and growing. Jesus Christ being the center of it all. Numbers mean people and that's why we keep track of them. I was inspired by something one of the assistants to the President talked with me about a couple months ago while we were on exchanges (I'm not sure if I all ready shared it with you) but he spoke about how Jesus Christ himself, during his mortal ministry, helped and healed SO many people, but not all of them. In fact, probably not most of them, dropped everything and followed him. But that wasn't why he did it, and that's not why we do it.
 
I'm looking forward to conference so much! We should start watching it on this Sunday. It's such a battery recharger. Whether you are a member of the church or not I would invite you to look up some conference talks, I know they will bring peace to all who read/watch them. I wanted to try and send some more pictures again this week but yet again the cafe I'm at will not allow it (because all the computers are so run down most of the USB ports don't even work.) I love you all thank you for your letters and emails and support.
 
Elder Scott Brazee

October 3, 2011

So I'm completely better now but last week right after I sent my email I puked all over the outside of the email shop...and a couple more times. I think it was some bad chicken.
We've entered the rainy season here, so lots of rain, hail, and lightning storms. It's making everything so beautiful and green though so its really nice. I'm doin my best to learn sotho. Here's a new phrase for you. Kopaomphe; that means could you please hand that to me.  The p and h are pronounced as they are not as a F noise. I don't think I've mentioned it but I haven't eaten with a fork and knife in ages. Here the two untencils you use are a spoon and your fingers. Something I don't think I will take home. The work is going really well here, I'm doing me best to stay diligent and work hard, it makes it all worth it though when you knock on someones door and they say something like " I was praying that God would send someone to me".

I just heard about the Durban temple!! I'm SO excited what a blessing. I haven't gotten to watch conference yet, hopefully with in the next few weeks.

Well, right after here I'm headed back to Losotho for the night, so more cool stamps. I love you all and think of you often, please keep me in your prayers.

Love,
Elder Scott Brazee


* For those of you that are fasting this Sunday, will you please keep Scott in your prayers. Thank you all for your love and support. I appreciate you as does Scott.