Hey guys,
Transfers were last week, we have a new elder in the boarding. Elder
Maclean, he's a great guy. From Yorkshire, England.
We weren't able to watch conference, we'll watch it in about two
weeks. I did hear the news about Boys going on mission at 18 and
Girlsat 19. NUTS. I wonder if I'll serve with an 18 year old before I
go.
Other than that I have no big news. I'm still in Umlazi I'm not sure
if I'll stay here or not, we will just have to wait and see. I'm
getting along with my companion really well.
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
Sunday, October 21, 2012
October 1, 2012
I'm Loving my mission, I feel like I really have hit my stride, its these last few months that I can really show what I'm made of. We got transfer news today, I'm staying with my companion but almost the entire rest of our Zone is changing. The new guy in our boarding is going to be Elder Maclean, who is the cousin of the other Elder Maclean who is also a missionary in this mission that I may have mentioned already. That was exciting because I've become pretty close to his cousin over the course of my mission.
September 25, 2012
Today is Heritage day, it's a Nation Holiday celebrating heritage, if you couldn't figure.
Their is going to be a celebration at church I'll be sure to tak a lot of pictures.
This is going to be one of those short one's I'm sorry but I'm happy nad safe and I love you all!
-Love Elder BRazee
Their is going to be a celebration at church I'll be sure to tak a lot of pictures.
This is going to be one of those short one's I'm sorry but I'm happy nad safe and I love you all!
-Love Elder BRazee
Septemer 17, 2012
Hey Everyone,
I can't stop the weeks from flying by. This window of opportunity keeps getting smaller and smaller. I have re-convicted (is that a word) my self to making these 'the best two years' they're meant to be. The place to start of course is the Savior. What can I do to really understand to the Savior.
We got one of those tough rejections this week, a couple we had been introduced to told us never to come back. The mama was yelling at us for about 2 minutes strait. In Zulu of course so i didn't catch most any of it but I could tell what she was saying, and my companion explained a little bit to me later. It hurt because the things she was saying were exactly the sterotypes I have spent my mission to try and break down. Manly 1: Because I'm white I think my culture is better than yours, 2: Because I'm from 'the west' I think I'm better than you are, 3: I do not care nor do I have to listen to what you have to say, I only want you to listen to what I have to say, and 4: I want to take away and break down everything you know and love about your religion so I can force you to join mine.
I can not stress enough how none of that is the way I feel, and all of that is how we are perceived a heart breaking amount of the time.
I don't say so because I'm discouraged, or to be discouraging, I love my mission, and I love these people. Even though I've been out for a while I still am learning and growing, The thing I want to learn to do more than anything is figure out someway to truly get my feelings across to people without coming off route, or overbearing, or pushy.
Something a little more uplifting is an experience I had last Tuesday, The weeks go so fast I actually can't recall if it was this last or the Tuesday before so I apologize if I repeat my self but we were teaching an investigator named Mbongeni (M-bo-ngen-ee) about our purpose on Earth. We read with him in 2 Nephi 2 where is says ' Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy' and explaining how that meant that one of our main purposes in life is to be happy. Also that Adam needed to fall in order to have children. He was a little confused by our explanation and told us that the way he thought it meant by ' Adam fell that men might be' is that Adam, and all of us needed to fall so that we could learn to be 'Men', so that we could learn to stand on our own two feet, learn to endure tests and trials and become who we are supposed to become. I thought that was a more than inspired thing to say.
I love you all,
Elder Scott Brazee
I can't stop the weeks from flying by. This window of opportunity keeps getting smaller and smaller. I have re-convicted (is that a word) my self to making these 'the best two years' they're meant to be. The place to start of course is the Savior. What can I do to really understand to the Savior.
We got one of those tough rejections this week, a couple we had been introduced to told us never to come back. The mama was yelling at us for about 2 minutes strait. In Zulu of course so i didn't catch most any of it but I could tell what she was saying, and my companion explained a little bit to me later. It hurt because the things she was saying were exactly the sterotypes I have spent my mission to try and break down. Manly 1: Because I'm white I think my culture is better than yours, 2: Because I'm from 'the west' I think I'm better than you are, 3: I do not care nor do I have to listen to what you have to say, I only want you to listen to what I have to say, and 4: I want to take away and break down everything you know and love about your religion so I can force you to join mine.
I can not stress enough how none of that is the way I feel, and all of that is how we are perceived a heart breaking amount of the time.
I don't say so because I'm discouraged, or to be discouraging, I love my mission, and I love these people. Even though I've been out for a while I still am learning and growing, The thing I want to learn to do more than anything is figure out someway to truly get my feelings across to people without coming off route, or overbearing, or pushy.
Something a little more uplifting is an experience I had last Tuesday, The weeks go so fast I actually can't recall if it was this last or the Tuesday before so I apologize if I repeat my self but we were teaching an investigator named Mbongeni (M-bo-ngen-ee) about our purpose on Earth. We read with him in 2 Nephi 2 where is says ' Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy' and explaining how that meant that one of our main purposes in life is to be happy. Also that Adam needed to fall in order to have children. He was a little confused by our explanation and told us that the way he thought it meant by ' Adam fell that men might be' is that Adam, and all of us needed to fall so that we could learn to be 'Men', so that we could learn to stand on our own two feet, learn to endure tests and trials and become who we are supposed to become. I thought that was a more than inspired thing to say.
I love you all,
Elder Scott Brazee
Hello
Dear Family,
Mission is interesting, we went to an appointment yesterday and someone answered the door than slammed it before I could finish a sentance then, in a few moments a guy came out and told me he hoped I got bitten by dogs, which wasn't the nicest of things to hear, but on the bright side my Zulu is getting better.
Day in the life.
Other wise things are going well. I'm still enjoying Umlazi. The Ward has a cultural day coming up which I am very excited for. I'll be sure to send lots of pictures. I'm happy and healthy, A baba said something interesting to me this week, he said. "If you complain you'll die, if you don't complain you'll die. So what's the point in complaining." I thought that was good.
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
Hello Again
Hey guys,
Had pretty good week. I uploaded a couple of pictures. The first is of me and my companion Elder Ncube after the Mormon Helping hands project and the second is my companion and I at the Njapa family's home.
Things have been going well. I love the work here. Nothing overly exciting happened this week. Well I baked bread for the first time that was pretty nice. It turned out really well.
My favorite thing to teach about as a missionary is the Atonement. It's the simplest and most complex thing to have ever happened. And I know it did indeed happen.
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
Had pretty good week. I uploaded a couple of pictures. The first is of me and my companion Elder Ncube after the Mormon Helping hands project and the second is my companion and I at the Njapa family's home.
Things have been going well. I love the work here. Nothing overly exciting happened this week. Well I baked bread for the first time that was pretty nice. It turned out really well.
My favorite thing to teach about as a missionary is the Atonement. It's the simplest and most complex thing to have ever happened. And I know it did indeed happen.
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
This Week
Hey Family,
It was a quick week. Transfers were this week, we got some new Elder's they seem like great guys. We also did I big service project with the elder's qurom mixing a laying cement for their front yard. I'll attatch some video's of the first annual internation wheel burrow racing tourniment. you can see the winner for yourself. Never mind they're too big to send I'll have to convert them and send them another time. But I will send you a picture of a painting and cake I made for one of the guys in our area. he's a wonderful man Mkulu Mtoba (mkulu is Zulu for Grandpa) he was celebrating a milestone Birthday so we thought we'd put something together for him.
I love you all,
Elder Scott Brazee
It was a quick week. Transfers were this week, we got some new Elder's they seem like great guys. We also did I big service project with the elder's qurom mixing a laying cement for their front yard. I'll attatch some video's of the first annual internation wheel burrow racing tourniment. you can see the winner for yourself. Never mind they're too big to send I'll have to convert them and send them another time. But I will send you a picture of a painting and cake I made for one of the guys in our area. he's a wonderful man Mkulu Mtoba (mkulu is Zulu for Grandpa) he was celebrating a milestone Birthday so we thought we'd put something together for him.
I love you all,
Elder Scott Brazee
Hi
Hello,
We had a great week this week, on Saturday was Africa's official Mormon Helping Hands Day. It was a lot of fun. Groups from all over the African continent come together to do service for their communities from Ghana to down here in Kwa-Zulu Natal. For us we cleared and cleaned a sort of irrigation ditch that runs through a part of Umlazi BB Section. You wouldn't believe the amount of rubbish we cleared. at least 25 trash bags... at least. We also cut down some tree's and cleared the brush. The rainy season is coming and if left unchecked the small canal could flood and people would have some new unexpected backyard swimming pools. Some people from the community joined in to help us as well which was great. I have a picture of all of us but I forgot it at the flat I'll try and remember for next week.
Transfers are today, I'm staying the same which isn't any sort of surprise. No big changes, some guys in the Zone are getting new Elder's to train, one of them is an Elder Goodman from Utah anyone know him?
Also a guy I've served around, Elder Munger is headed home today. He knew some Bartons so, Aunt Anni tell him I say hello.
Love you all,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
We had a great week this week, on Saturday was Africa's official Mormon Helping Hands Day. It was a lot of fun. Groups from all over the African continent come together to do service for their communities from Ghana to down here in Kwa-Zulu Natal. For us we cleared and cleaned a sort of irrigation ditch that runs through a part of Umlazi BB Section. You wouldn't believe the amount of rubbish we cleared. at least 25 trash bags... at least. We also cut down some tree's and cleared the brush. The rainy season is coming and if left unchecked the small canal could flood and people would have some new unexpected backyard swimming pools. Some people from the community joined in to help us as well which was great. I have a picture of all of us but I forgot it at the flat I'll try and remember for next week.
Transfers are today, I'm staying the same which isn't any sort of surprise. No big changes, some guys in the Zone are getting new Elder's to train, one of them is an Elder Goodman from Utah anyone know him?
Also a guy I've served around, Elder Munger is headed home today. He knew some Bartons so, Aunt Anni tell him I say hello.
Love you all,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
Heylo
Another nice week,
I promise I had a lot to say this week and it all just lept outta my brain as soon as I sat down at the computer. FOURTH QUARTER!!!! there's one of them. Can you believe how time is going? ("Time is going" I realized that that was an South African phrase as I was typing it) That window is closing and I'm beginning to get that knot in my stomach that's telling me this isn't going to last forever. I can't begin to describe the realizations I'm making. Especially the gratitude I have for the experiences I've had so far.
Me and my companion Elder Ncube are getting along great. Being a Zone Leader comes with a lot of paper work, which isn't my favorite, but someones gotta do it. I'm starting to really love Umlazi, there is a different feeling here than in my past areas. I think it's the second biggest township in South Africa, but I'm getting to know my way around.
We had a great ward conference yesterday really very inspiring. The theme for the entire conference was "Honesty" the stake president spoke specifically about integrity. He said some thing that really got me thinking one of which was this:
In the 1st century it was not very popular to be a christian. In fact if you were accused of being a Christian you were brought before a jury and if found guilty of the accusation you would be fed to the Lions. Now here's the question.
If you were accused of being a Christian and brought before a jury would there be enough evidence to convict you?
something to think about,
I love you all,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
I promise I had a lot to say this week and it all just lept outta my brain as soon as I sat down at the computer. FOURTH QUARTER!!!! there's one of them. Can you believe how time is going? ("Time is going" I realized that that was an South African phrase as I was typing it) That window is closing and I'm beginning to get that knot in my stomach that's telling me this isn't going to last forever. I can't begin to describe the realizations I'm making. Especially the gratitude I have for the experiences I've had so far.
Me and my companion Elder Ncube are getting along great. Being a Zone Leader comes with a lot of paper work, which isn't my favorite, but someones gotta do it. I'm starting to really love Umlazi, there is a different feeling here than in my past areas. I think it's the second biggest township in South Africa, but I'm getting to know my way around.
We had a great ward conference yesterday really very inspiring. The theme for the entire conference was "Honesty" the stake president spoke specifically about integrity. He said some thing that really got me thinking one of which was this:
In the 1st century it was not very popular to be a christian. In fact if you were accused of being a Christian you were brought before a jury and if found guilty of the accusation you would be fed to the Lions. Now here's the question.
If you were accused of being a Christian and brought before a jury would there be enough evidence to convict you?
something to think about,
I love you all,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
August 6, 2012
It was a quick week. A lot to do, places to be.
We had Zone Conference this week which was awesome. I always love Zone Conferences. We watched the address given by Elder Holland almost two years ago at the Provo MTC. I think it's been titled Fisher's of men or Gone Fishing or something along those lines. It focouses mostly on the way Peter and the other Disciples wnet back to fishing after the ascension of Christ, and He needed to come back again to call them to the ministry. How they needed to forsake their old lives. I've seen and/or listened to it a few times and it's just as good everytime.
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
We had Zone Conference this week which was awesome. I always love Zone Conferences. We watched the address given by Elder Holland almost two years ago at the Provo MTC. I think it's been titled Fisher's of men or Gone Fishing or something along those lines. It focouses mostly on the way Peter and the other Disciples wnet back to fishing after the ascension of Christ, and He needed to come back again to call them to the ministry. How they needed to forsake their old lives. I've seen and/or listened to it a few times and it's just as good everytime.
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
July 30, 2012
I had a pretty exciting week this week.
Firstly because since I'm a Zone Leader in Umlazi Zone I got to visit Margate (my first Area) on an exchange! It was so great. It was like going home. My favorite thing was to see that one of the guys I had tracted into and started teaching a year ago was Baptized and now holds the priesthood. What a blessing to see that truly no effort is wasted. I loved being able to see old friends.
Also on Saturday we were able to attend and participate in the Stake Family Fun Day. It was amazzazing really a lot of fun. I got to see some families from old area's. It was the most well put together and successful stake activities I've been to in my whole entire life. Honestly guys they were putting America to shame.
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
Firstly because since I'm a Zone Leader in Umlazi Zone I got to visit Margate (my first Area) on an exchange! It was so great. It was like going home. My favorite thing was to see that one of the guys I had tracted into and started teaching a year ago was Baptized and now holds the priesthood. What a blessing to see that truly no effort is wasted. I loved being able to see old friends.
Also on Saturday we were able to attend and participate in the Stake Family Fun Day. It was amazzazing really a lot of fun. I got to see some families from old area's. It was the most well put together and successful stake activities I've been to in my whole entire life. Honestly guys they were putting America to shame.
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
July 16, 2012
Things are going well, My new boarding is way cool. I can see the ocean from my bedroom window. My companions name is Elder Ncube (pronounced New-bay, except dont forget the 'C' is a click like your saying tsk tsk tsk to someone) He's cool as well. We are getting along great, he has a nice sense of humor.
I'm glad you guys liked the songs. My responsibilities as a Zone Leader are just slightly more than those of a District Leader, pretty much the same except we are responsible for more Elders.
My new area is Umlazi BB section, it's by far the biggest ward I have served in so that is exciting.
Love,
Elder Scott Brazee
I'm glad you guys liked the songs. My responsibilities as a Zone Leader are just slightly more than those of a District Leader, pretty much the same except we are responsible for more Elders.
My new area is Umlazi BB section, it's by far the biggest ward I have served in so that is exciting.
Love,
Elder Scott Brazee
Thursday, July 12, 2012
July 9, 2012
Dear Family,
Well I got a very suprising call last night. President has called
me to be a Zone Leader in the Umlazi Zone. I was shocked. I've only been
in the Bluff for one transfer and I am already leaving! It's quite sad,
I was really enjoying it here, but I understand that the Lord has
called me another way. It should be a good expriance and Umlazi is the
Zone that I started in so it's kind of nice to go full circle. Hopfully
I'll get the chance to go back to Margate my first area.
I attatched some pictures one is of me protecting the city of
Durban (to my delight I've been told I look like Superman at least 7
times in the last 6 weeks by the way, by people I know and complete
strangers, must be a gift from God to keep my head up) and the other is
of the back of a guitar that I fixed and painted for one of our recent
converts. I also attatched a recording of one of the musical numbers I
did for a baptism we had Sunday. As well as a musical number I did for
Zone conference a little bit ago.
I'm doing well, mission is great. I love you all,
Elder Scott Brazee
Things I've Thought About
What does it mean to conform? What is a non-conformist? Is one
evil and the other rightous? which one is which? I submit to you this:
We must not conform for conformities sake, and we must not be rude for
non-conformities sake. You can not tell a non conformist by the way he
looks. Wearing a certian style, speaking a certain way, or altogether
not doing things the way popular opinion says they should be done does
not make you a non-conformist. Conformity is something that happens
within. It all has to do with the why, and not the what. Why do you do
the things you do? What is the reason? Is their a reason?
The true non conformist is driven by his soul,not his style. She is
driven by the cosmic, not the cosmetic. Trial and error is unnessicary
in life. There isn't time to waste, you will never find truth in the
company of liars, so why go looking for it there.
There is such thing as wrong and right, if you listen to yourself.
Really listen deep down in your heart you will hear your spirit
whispering, what is it saying? It is saying go this way or that, it's
saying there's more there's more there's more.
Truth is truth how many times must we say it. For there to be a
wrong there must be a right for there to be a right there must be a
wrong. They both exisit and you can choose either one if you wish.
There are two ways to live without regrets, one is to not regret
regretable things, and the other is to not do things you would regret.
One is foolish the other impossible, so wiser is to just learn
and remember.
Sorry Family I know this sounds like rubbish.
The church is true you can know for yourself if you'd like to know. Three simple steps, read, ponder, pray.
I love you all so much
Elder Scott Brazee
June 25, 2012
What can I say, it was a tough week. And yet the world just keeps on
turning. One thing I can say for sure is that I know this church is
true.
I was asked to speak in Church yesterday, they didn't give me a topic they just asked me to speak about how I feel about the gospel. I decided to talk about how I lost my faith and gained it back in the few years before my mission, I revolved it around three scriptures in the Book of Mormon that saved my life. 2 Nephi 2:27, Mosiah 4:29 and 1 Nephi 11:17. It was a difficult thing for me to speak about because it was something I've held very personal and kept mostly to myself. A couple of people in the congregation came to me afterwords and asked it I would repeat the same things to their sons. If I actually get the chance, nothing would make me happier.
I love you all and hope your doing well.
With all my lovin'
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
P.S. someone give Sarah Croxford a high five for me
I was asked to speak in Church yesterday, they didn't give me a topic they just asked me to speak about how I feel about the gospel. I decided to talk about how I lost my faith and gained it back in the few years before my mission, I revolved it around three scriptures in the Book of Mormon that saved my life. 2 Nephi 2:27, Mosiah 4:29 and 1 Nephi 11:17. It was a difficult thing for me to speak about because it was something I've held very personal and kept mostly to myself. A couple of people in the congregation came to me afterwords and asked it I would repeat the same things to their sons. If I actually get the chance, nothing would make me happier.
I love you all and hope your doing well.
With all my lovin'
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
P.S. someone give Sarah Croxford a high five for me
June 11, 2012
Hello again,
Yeah my new area is nice. It's a lot different than my older ones,
its more like a suburb, remind's me a lot of Southern California
actually, maybe just a little bit less orginized. English is no longer a
problem which is nice.
On Sunday we did a musical number with me and my companion as well
as two members of the branch singing and an investigator of ours named
Fabian on the piano. It went over REALLY well I wish you guys could have
heard it. We did a medley of "Nearer My God to Thee" and "How Great
Though Art" Fabian is a professional musician so he made us sound
great. Not to boast of myself but I mean honestly I was impressed the
way it turned out.
Otherwise things are going well, It's starting to get pretty cold
again. This suppossed to be the coldest winter in a while. This week
defenetly has given me that impression. The sun is shining now though so
we will see.
I hope for wonderful weeks for you all,
-Elder Scott Brazee
June 4, 2012
Dear Family,
I've been transferred to the Bluff, My new companion is Elder Tamilau (I hope I'm spelling that correctly) He's a great guy from Australia. We're getting along great. He likes music and drawing so right away we had something in common. I'm blessed to be in this area at this time. It's an area that many missionaries have dreaded because the work is known for being very tough. The few companionship's before me though, have been working hard to turn it around and now the area is on fire. I can tell the Lord's hand is pushing the work along and softening the hearts of these people. We have a ward AND a chapel, both are a first for me on my mission.
The Church is in fact true. I love you guys all so much,
Elder Brazee
I've been transferred to the Bluff, My new companion is Elder Tamilau (I hope I'm spelling that correctly) He's a great guy from Australia. We're getting along great. He likes music and drawing so right away we had something in common. I'm blessed to be in this area at this time. It's an area that many missionaries have dreaded because the work is known for being very tough. The few companionship's before me though, have been working hard to turn it around and now the area is on fire. I can tell the Lord's hand is pushing the work along and softening the hearts of these people. We have a ward AND a chapel, both are a first for me on my mission.
The Church is in fact true. I love you guys all so much,
Elder Brazee
May 29, 2012
Dear everyone,
Well I'm being transfered. today is my
last day in Molweni, I'm now moving on to be the district leader in
Bluff. I'm being replaced by an Elder Adams. He's a great Elder who was
in my MTC group. I think elder Sele will like him a lot. I'm not really
sure who my new companion will be but I'll let you know next week.
Things have been going well, It's crazy how fast
time has gone/is going. i'm excited for my new area with it's new
challenges and new blessings.
Sorry this is a short one, I'll try and send some pictures next time
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
May 22: I kissed a dolphin
Dear Family,
It was great to see you all last week! Life is just moving on isn't it. I had a pretty good week this week. Today we went to a sea world type place for an activity and I got to kiss a dolphin! I'll send you pictures.
Other than that things are going well. We are working hard, yesterday I felt more like a paramedic than a missionary, we were "on call" all day from one issue to the next. Its hard when your thrown into a problem that you have no idea how to resolve and everyone is looking to you to resolve it. That's were prayer comes in. This is most likely my last week in this area, then it's on to somewhere new. I'm going to miss it in Molweni a lot. The people have been great.
This work and gospel re so rewarding, it hasn't gotten any easier,but my perspectives have gotten wider.
I love you all,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
It was great to see you all last week! Life is just moving on isn't it. I had a pretty good week this week. Today we went to a sea world type place for an activity and I got to kiss a dolphin! I'll send you pictures.
Other than that things are going well. We are working hard, yesterday I felt more like a paramedic than a missionary, we were "on call" all day from one issue to the next. Its hard when your thrown into a problem that you have no idea how to resolve and everyone is looking to you to resolve it. That's were prayer comes in. This is most likely my last week in this area, then it's on to somewhere new. I'm going to miss it in Molweni a lot. The people have been great.
This work and gospel re so rewarding, it hasn't gotten any easier,but my perspectives have gotten wider.
I love you all,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
May 7, 2012
What a week,
Lots of ups and downs. My birthday was okay, just another day really. It was Zone conference that day.Elder Evans was great, really very inspiring. Taught us a lot. He made the big announcement that we are shifting are focus a bit as far a missionary work is concerned. Less knocking on doors, more rescuing.
I had quite a jarring experience last night. For privacy's sake wont go into detail. I can just say this: Beyond my convictions as a latter-day saint I will never touch alcohol simply because of the way I've witnessed now first hand the way it's tearing apart peoples lives. Men, women, children, it doesn't matter it has no mercy. Maybe its going overboard, maybe, but drinking alcohol for fun seems to me like using napalm to weed you garden. It's no joke, this stuff really ruins lives.
The formula is simple, obey the commandments and be blessed, disobey and be punished. Even when you are obeying it doesn't make life easier, but it does make it easier to handle. and you avoid many unnecessary complication, of THAT I testify.
Thank you all for the birthday wishes I appreciate it.
Love,
Elder Scott Brazee
Here are some pictures, a couple of my off the hook 23rd birthday party. One of the biggest Demon-Moth I've ever seen. one of my best friend Bunu on the top of our car in traditional Zulu gear and one of me doing some man work
Lots of ups and downs. My birthday was okay, just another day really. It was Zone conference that day.Elder Evans was great, really very inspiring. Taught us a lot. He made the big announcement that we are shifting are focus a bit as far a missionary work is concerned. Less knocking on doors, more rescuing.
I had quite a jarring experience last night. For privacy's sake wont go into detail. I can just say this: Beyond my convictions as a latter-day saint I will never touch alcohol simply because of the way I've witnessed now first hand the way it's tearing apart peoples lives. Men, women, children, it doesn't matter it has no mercy. Maybe its going overboard, maybe, but drinking alcohol for fun seems to me like using napalm to weed you garden. It's no joke, this stuff really ruins lives.
The formula is simple, obey the commandments and be blessed, disobey and be punished. Even when you are obeying it doesn't make life easier, but it does make it easier to handle. and you avoid many unnecessary complication, of THAT I testify.
Thank you all for the birthday wishes I appreciate it.
Love,
Elder Scott Brazee
Here are some pictures, a couple of my off the hook 23rd birthday party. One of the biggest Demon-Moth I've ever seen. one of my best friend Bunu on the top of our car in traditional Zulu gear and one of me doing some man work
May 7, 2012
What a week,
Lots of ups and downs. My birthday was okay, just another day really. It was Zone conference that day.Elder Evans was great, really very inspiring. Taught us a lot. He made the big announcement that we are shifting are focus a bit as far a missionary work is concerned. Less knocking on doors, more rescuing.
I had quite a jarring experience last night. For privacy's sake wont go into detail. I can just say this: Beyond my convictions as a latter-day saint I will never touch alcohol simply because of the way I've witnessed now first hand the way it's tearing apart peoples lives. Men, women, children, it doesn't matter it has no mercy. Maybe its going overboard, maybe, but drinking alcohol for fun seems to me like using napalm to weed you garden. It's no joke, this stuff really ruins lives.
The formula is simple, obey the commandments and be blessed, disobey and be punished. Even when you are obeying it doesn't make life easier, but it does make it easier to handle. and you avoid many unnecessary complication, of THAT I testify.
Thank you all for the birthday wishes I appreciate it.
Love,
Elder Scott Brazee
Lots of ups and downs. My birthday was okay, just another day really. It was Zone conference that day.Elder Evans was great, really very inspiring. Taught us a lot. He made the big announcement that we are shifting are focus a bit as far a missionary work is concerned. Less knocking on doors, more rescuing.
I had quite a jarring experience last night. For privacy's sake wont go into detail. I can just say this: Beyond my convictions as a latter-day saint I will never touch alcohol simply because of the way I've witnessed now first hand the way it's tearing apart peoples lives. Men, women, children, it doesn't matter it has no mercy. Maybe its going overboard, maybe, but drinking alcohol for fun seems to me like using napalm to weed you garden. It's no joke, this stuff really ruins lives.
The formula is simple, obey the commandments and be blessed, disobey and be punished. Even when you are obeying it doesn't make life easier, but it does make it easier to handle. and you avoid many unnecessary complication, of THAT I testify.
Thank you all for the birthday wishes I appreciate it.
Love,
Elder Scott Brazee
April 30: Shirt Design
I thought you guys might like this, this is the shirt I designed for our district.
April 23, 2012
Hey Everyone,
It was a hectic week, but it ended
well. Yesterday was the baptism of Nonhlanhla, Asanda, and Nobuhle
Mokoena. I was given the opportunity to baptize Nobuhle. I was going to
send pictures but it doesn't seem to be working. maybe next time I
guess. It was a wonderful service, Sister Nonhlanhla bore her testimony
at the end, it was very nice. She thanked God for leading us to her, and
told us how she always thinks its funny when we ask her if she has any
questions, she never does because, as she says it, the Book of Mormon is
so clear. Her only choice is whether or not to say yes to God. It's so
wonderful to be apart of a true conversion. There are a lot of reasons
people get baptized, in this church and any other. Only one reason
however is correct, and Nonhlanhla was doing it for the right reasons.
She was truly converted.
We were talking a lot this week in our meetings and even our
lessons about service. More especially WHY we perform acts of service.
It reminded me of a lunch that I had a few months ago with a missionary
couple from another church. they were VERY very nice, and even payed for
our meal. It was interesting though, as me and the husband were
speaking, he was telling me about a strategy he uses to get people to
listen to him called "Touch and teach". It consists of first helping
someone or "touching" them in some way. Then after that they will listen
to what you have to say. It's not like I'm unfamiliar with
that approach or am condemning this missionary, but really is getting
someone to listen to you the reason you should help them. I really don't
think so. If you've had a chance to study human development you might
be aware of this certain principal concerning maturity. I'm not sure if
it has a proper name but basically it speaks about what motivates us to
do something as we move through maturity. As a child we do something
for fear of being punished, i.e. "If you don't rake the lawn, no T.V.
for a week." or "If you don't do your homework you'll get a smack on the
hand" then as we move in to adolescents we are much more likely to do
something if we will receive a reward at the end. i.e. "If you wash the
car you can use it for the night." or "If you get a part time job,
you'll have money" THEN as we we move into maturity we hopefully also
achieve the highest motive for doing something: Because it should be
done. He help someone because they need help, and that's all. It seems
like most of us don't fully leave the adolescent stage.
The principal should be the same when applied to missionary work. My
role is to a servant of Christ, and as such, do I pass someone by
because they probably wouldn't end up listening to the gospel? Never. Do
I help someone simply because they'll invite me in afterwards? nope.
There is a better reason, because it should be done, and because the
Savior has asked me to to do it. Again it reminds me of something said
in the priesthood session, I'm not sure who said it but he was speaking
about how someone once asked how we in the church get so many to
sacrifice their time and talents, some even for years, with no pay? his
response "We ask them."
I love you all, and miss some of you,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
April 16, 2012
Hey family,
It's been a great week, conference was
this weekend. I didn't get to see all of it which was a bummer but what I
did see was great. One of my favorite things said was In Elder Nelson's
talk when he talked about him and his wife viewing a tropical fish
tank. Elder Nelson asked a young lady near the tank who fed these fish.
"I do" she replied. "Have they ever thanked you?" asked Elder Nelson.
"Not yet." she answered. My mind was also caught up in thinking about
those I know, myself included, swim through life ungrateful to the point
of oblivion.
Thing with my companion are going well.
Transfers just
happened no changes for us but big changes for our District. Out of the
three companionships Two are training and the other only just finished
the training program this week. And our new district leader is going to
be Elder Maclean, which I was very excited about, he's an Elder from
england that I got close to up in Lesotho Zone.
Attached are some photo's of the youth in the unit,
Young Ambassadors from BYU are coming to do a concert in Durban and the
youth are doing some fundraising so they can pay for the tickets and
transport.
Hope all is well,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
April 9: We are divinely created love machines"
Hello Family and Friends,
HAPPY EASTER, I know I'm a
day late...or am I? What time is it their again? Well we had a great
Easter Weekend, Easter is big here, not like it is in the sates with
chocolate, and eggs and bunnies, but the religious part of it is a big
deal especially in the townships.
Yesterday we had a stake speaker come to our unit. . His name was
Patriarch Courtney and he was one of the most animated speakers I have
ever seen. Imagine Micheal Cane (especially the accent) with a little
longer hair and a little more bounce. He spoke about the Atonement of
Jesus Christ, what it is, and how we can apply it in our lives.
My favorite thing he said was "We are divinely created Love Machines" He
must of surprised himself by saying so because he started laughing
and repeated it. It was in the context of discussing the two greatest
commandments the first being Love thy God and the second being Love thy
Neighbor. Simply smiling at someone as we pass them on the street is a
way of applying the atonement in our lives. It really was a great talk.
I attached a picture of a bunch of Easter egg cookies I made and designed for everyone at church.
The
work is going well, we're starting to teach a lot of people english
through a curriculum provided by the church I'm enjoying doing that very
much.
Hope you have a wonderful week,
Elder Brazee
Monday, April 2, 2012
April 2, 2012
Hey Guys,
Well I'm still alive, me and my
companion where through the door of the Doctors office like they were
handing out free glow in the dark wristbands this week. I had some sort
of viral infection that made me develop these really sweet looking
things on my face and gave me a bad flu. My companion got bit by
a poisonous spider that made , but he had a pretty lady doctor and I had
a old man doctor. Some people have all the luck.
The work is going well in Molweni, were working hard.
The
weather has turned cold, we're headed into winter, it rained a lot this
week. The place where we work has a lot of dirt roads, which turn into
mud roads when it rains. We almost got the truck stuck a couple
times, luckily I've been on the Indiana Jones ride enough times to pick
up a thing or two.
I'm healthy now, no complaints, i'm excited for conference, we should be watching it on the 14th and 15th.
-Elder Brazee
Here are some photo's,
Me with my friend Buno,
Me with my friends Tobani, Tolani, and Kosinati
The School house we meet in for church,
and the shop that we moved last week.
Monday, March 26, 2012
March 26, 2012
Dear Family,
My
hands are raw. We did a lot of work this week. A lot of digging and
brick laying and cement mixing and grass slashing. I don't know if I've
mentioned it to you before but it's rare to find a lawn mower around
here so when we cut someones grass its with a "slasher" which is a bush
knife or machete with the end bent up a bit. But the most awesome thing
we did this week was this: The Relief Society president owns and runs a
little tuck shop in the center of town. For those who don't know, a tuck
shop is like a small self owned shop run out of a container or tin
shack or something like that. Sis Ethel's ( the Relief Society
President) is legit She makes the best chips (fries) in town. She needed
to move because she wasn't going to be allowed to rent the property she
was on anymore so she got a piece of land across the street from the
chief and asked us to help her move the shop. How did we do it? Well we
pick it up and carried across main street that how. It was sort of
ridiculous. The best part was we put it in a wheel barrow. Not a giant
wheel barrow. just a normal little one. The Shop is made out of
basically one of those wooded tool sheds you can buy the kits for at
home depot. I can't really explain it, I wish I had pictures but I
didn't bring my camera. Just try to imagine 9 guys ( me being the only
white one) lifting up a shack propping it on a tiny wheel barrow and
wheeling it across the busiest street in town on a Saturday morning only
missing ending up in the middle of a protest march by 20 mins or so.
The
rest of the week was good too, me and elder Sele are working hard. I
attatched some pictures of my area as weel as one of me sitting with my
best friend Buno (please excuse my dopey expression) and one of my
companion Elder Sele with Cosinati.
Hope you all have wonderful weeks,
Elder Brazee
March 19th, 2012
Hey Family,
I'm sick I've got a bad cold. Being sick
is the worst. Also a family of R.O.U.S's has moved into the ceiling
above my bed. They enjoy long walks in the rafters, ripping, tearing,
and scratching especially between the hours of 10:20 pm and 6:30 am.
Other than that things are going well. The area I'm working in is called
Molweni, it's a unit. We are working hard to become a Branch. The
weather has been crazy its a million degrees one second and monsoon
rains the next. I'm training, I think I told you. My companions name is
Elder Sele he's from Jo-burg. Great missionary we are working well
together. He doesn't like it if I call him 'Young Padawan" though. He'll
get used to it. ( I don't really call him that) We had Zone Conferance
this week. I learned a lot. It seemed to be directed right at me.
My President likes to refer to bumps in the road as "falling of the
beam" referencing the balance beam routine in womens gymnastics and is
frequently telling about how its all about getting back on the beam. So
for part of his lesson we watch almost a full five mins of girls falling
off the balance beam during high pressure world competitions. It seems
like a weird thing to do but it was actually very profound. Then we
watched a perfected routine by america's sweetheart world famous Shawn
Johnson and discussed them both.
For the Spiritual Thought one of the missionaries
read this poem. It really...how can I say... I really liked it. It made
me think.
The alarm bell rings at 6:30, I stumble to my feet
I grab my companions bedding and pull off his sheets
A groan fills the room, is it already time to arise?
It seems like just a second ago I was able to shut my eyes
The morning activities follow- study, prayer and such
When it's time to leave the apartment, you feel you haven't accomplished much
"We have a super day planned," My comp. says with a grin
I lowly utter a faithless breath, "Yeah, if anyone lets us in."
With the word of God and my faithful Schwinn, we ride off in the street prepared to
Face another day of humidity and heat
It's 9:30 in the evening, the day is almost through
My champion and I are riding home not accomplishing what we thought to do
We ride up to the mailbox, hoping to receive a lot
Only to look inside and hear my echo reverberate "air Box"
We go up to our apartment, the day is now complete
The only thing to show for our work is a case of blistery feet
It's past 10:30 p.m. My companion is fast asleep,
Silence engulfs me all about and I begin to weep
In the midst of sadness, I kneel down to pray
I need to talk to father, but I'm not sure what to say
"Oh, Father" I begin, "What happened to us today?
I thought we'd teach somebody, but everyone was away
My hands, my aching hands- worn, hurt and beat;
If our area was any smaller, we'd have knocked every street"
"Why on missions are the days so much alike?
The only difference about today was the flat tire on my bike
Will you send some cooler weather? The heat is killing me
I sweat so bad, it gets in my eyes, it's very hard to see"
"Why do I have to wear a helmet, isn't your protection enough?
People always laugh at me, and call me stupid stuff
Please send us investigators so I may give them what they lack
I want to give them Books of Mormon, the weight of them hurts my back"
"And what about my family: They don't have much to say
I'm sick of not hearing from home day after day after day
Oh Father, Why am I here am I just wasting time?
Sometimes I just want to go home, I'm sorry but that's on my mind"
"My companion, Heavenly Father, what are you giving me?
"The way he rides his bicycle, I don't think he can see
Now you have it, I can't go on, I don't know what to do
That, my Father in Heaven, is the prayer I have for you"
My prayer now finished, I stand up, then jump right into bed
I need my rest for tomorrow, we have another long day ahead
Sleep start to overtake me, I seem to drift away
Then it seems a vision takes me to another time in another day
I'm standing alone on the hill. The view is very nice
A man walks to wards me and says, "My name is Jesus Christ"
Tears of joy well up inside, I fall down to His feet
"Arise," He states, "Follow me to the shade. You and I need to speak"
My attention's towards my Savior, total and complete
He says, "Your mission is similar of what happened to me
I understand how you feel, I know what you're going through
In fact, it would be fair to say I've felt the same as you"
"I even know how you felt when no one listened to you
At times I felt not quite sure what else I could do
I know you don't like to ride a bicycle, for you a car would be sweet
Just remember the donkey I rode wasn't equipped with 21 speeds"
"I understand you don't like sweating, in fact it's something you hate
I remember when I sweat blood from ev’ry pore, oh the agony was great!
I see you don't like your companion- you'd rather have someone else-
I once had a companion named Judas who sold my life for wealth"
"It's hard to wear a helmet and have people make fun of you
I remember when they put thorns on my head and called me King of the Jews
So you feel burdened down by the weight of your pack
I recall how heavy the cross was when they slammed it on my back"
"Your hands hurt from tracting and knocking on doors all day
I guess when they pounded nails into mine, I ached in a similar way
It's hard not to hear from home when your family's not there to see
I lost communication on the cross and cried, "Father, why hast Thou forsaken me?"
"We have a lot in common, but there's a difference between us you see
I endured to the end and finished my mission, so follow and do like me"
He embraced me with His arms and His light filled me with His love
With tears in my eyes I watched as He went back to the Father above
I stood with awe and wonder when a beep rang in my head
I listened and heard the alarm, then realized I was in my bed
My companion let out a groan, "6:30 already, no way!"
I sat up and said, "Come on, I'll even carry your scriptures today!"
No matter what we go through, when we feel we can't take more
Just stop and think about Jesus Christ, He's been there before
By Elder Troy Whittle
Texas Houston Mission
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
Monday, March 12, 2012
March 12, 2012
Dear Family and Friends,
Boy what a week. Training is fun and very challenging. My
companion’s name is Elder Sele. He’s from Soweto. A really cool kid and obviously here for the
right reasons. He had a tough starting
week, some things happen that I can’t even really elaborate on, don’t worry we weren’t
in any danger. Not really anyway.
Other than that things have been going well. I really love these people. I love this work.
It’s tough, tougher than I ever thought it would be. But it’s been worth it.
Sorry this is a short one.
Love,
Elder Brazee
Monday, March 5, 2012
March 5th, 2012
Well today is the last day for my companion Elder Sikanyika. In a matter of hours he will be on the plane home.
Turns out I was pregnant and I didn't even know it. I'll be meeting my son tomorrow. Yes sir, for the next 3 months I will be training.
Rule number one "You will refer to me as Jedi Master Brazee, I will refer to you as young padawan"
Only kidding, not about training, about the Jedi Master part. In all reality I'm VERY nervous. But the Lord qualifies us in our weakness. I know as long as I will put my trust in him he will help me.
There was a lot that happened this week but again I'm sorry I can't remember it all. So I'd like to take this time to bear my testimony about Jesus Christ.
I know he is my Savior and Redeemer and that there is no other way except through him. In the words of king Benjamin "The right way is to believe in Christ". I know that the savior lives I KNOW. I know he loves me, " And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men." (1 nephi 19:6)
I am so greatful for my knowledge of Jesus Christ, I hope that he will continue to teach me and guide me. I am full of gratitude to be a christian. For I know that is what I am. and I say these things in the Holy name of our Lord Jesus the Christ. Amen.
-Elder Scott Brazee
Monday, February 27, 2012
Feb 27, 2012
Dear Family and Friends,
In a word it was a hectic week. Lots of trials, which
means lots of growth is coming. Life can't be rosy all the time,
especially on the front lines. We had two baptisms yesterday which was
great. One was a Baba whose wife and daughter were already members and
the other was a Baba who was being a pioneer for his family. Both great
men. I guess I'm distracted at the moment, I can't really think of what
to say. Just working hard I guess. I'm really proud of my companion,
he's going home in a week but he hasn't slowed down at all. In fact
we've sped up. working like never before.
I love you all,
Elder Brazee
Feb 13th, 2012
Another Great week,
This week went by so fast. It was
pretty normal, I can't think of anything out of the ordinary that
happened. We've been meeting some really great people, including a
wonderful family. They came to church for the first time two weeks ago
and are being baptized on the 26th, with no pushing on our part I assure
you. People we meet are in all sorts of different stages. Some have no
concern for finding answers to there questions. Some are comfortable
with the answers they've got. Some didn't know they were asking
questions until you came along and are more than happy to hear the
answers and some have been looking their whole lives for the truth but
were "kept from it because they knew not where to find it". Our message
is for all of them.
The saddest thing for me is when someone says "I already know
everything" You'd be surprised how many times I hear that a day. "I
already know everything about the scriptures, I already know everything
about religion, about God, about Jesus, about your Church, about Life"
"What do you have to say? You can't tell me anything I don't know. me? I
already know everything."
I'm not saying this in a pessimistic way, I don't hate or feel the
slightest bit of anger towards these people, how could I? I just wonder
how someone can know everything about me before I open my mouth, I don't
even begin to know everything about me, or the scriptures, or Christ,
or God, or my Church. Not that you need to.
I guess my point is there is ALWAYS more to know, I don't care who
you are, you don't know everything. And there is never anything wrong
with adding to what you know.
I tell you some things I do
know. I know that God is real, I know that he wants to be found, I know
he isn't a ghost, or the wind, or a legend. That's the thing I wish I
could stand on a mountain and shout to the whole world. "God is a real
being! and I mean BEING! not a fairy not and alien not a light not a
ghost not a essence not any thing like that, and guess what you can meet
him! What's that? you don't want to? are you sure? it's pretty
easy...all right well no one's going to make you... not even Him. But if
you'd like to meet Him, He'd like to meet you, I could help you find
out how... kay I'll get off the mountain now"
I love you guys
Hey everyone,
So this week was a good week.
My companion goes home in about two weeks so it's really down to the
wire for him. We working really hard together. Meeting some wonderful
people. I'm realizing more that there is a lot more to being a
missionary than just knocking on doors. I guess it's something that I
already knew but I get reminded often. We offer all of our services that
we posses as people when we come out into the mission field. Then, if
we allow Him the Lord will use every single one of them to the amount we
are willing to give. Whether it be physical talents like baking or
painting or building or spiritual like charity compassion and
friendship. The gospel of Jesus Christ can encompass all of these things
and direct them to be used to build help and uplift those around us.
I'm not sure if i'm making sense or just rambling but I hope you get the
idea.
We went to a primary school this week to teach
about the "for strength of youth" program it was very nice. The kids
were so well behaved. Promptly at Eight o'clock they line up and begin
to sing, with out a bell ringing or a prompting of teachers or anything.
How cool is that.
I love you all,
have wonderful weeks.
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
Monday, February 6, 2012
Feb 6th, 2012
Hey Everyone,
So, mince meet has become a staple in my diet. Its versatile and easy to prepare, as it happens yesterday, as in Sunday's past I reached into the freezer to obtain a package of mince for dinner only to find that in place of what I thought was savory beef mince was a stack of Ostrich mince... Me and my companion had just thrown it into our basket at the store because it was the cheapest one not noticing that it came from a somewhat exotic animal. It was okay... a little dry, and tasteless but I guess I better learn to like it because its all we got till the next shopping day.
I attached another bunch of pictures, this time they're of my area. Beautiful place isn't it? Some are a view from an abandon house and some are of me and my companion fetching water. OH and the cartoon is something my mission president asked me to draw for him. I guess he's been using it because other missionaries are asking me about it....
I think that I can safely say that as a missionary there are two types of people we run into, those who lie about being busy and those who don't. Even if the door is being slammed in my face I much prefer the ones who don't lie about why. I hope when I return home I never catch myself saying the phrase " I don't have time". It's bogus thing to say. Rather just say " I don't really want to" or I "I choose not to have time for that" because we ALWAYS have time for what we make time for.
Love,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
So, mince meet has become a staple in my diet. Its versatile and easy to prepare, as it happens yesterday, as in Sunday's past I reached into the freezer to obtain a package of mince for dinner only to find that in place of what I thought was savory beef mince was a stack of Ostrich mince... Me and my companion had just thrown it into our basket at the store because it was the cheapest one not noticing that it came from a somewhat exotic animal. It was okay... a little dry, and tasteless but I guess I better learn to like it because its all we got till the next shopping day.
I attached another bunch of pictures, this time they're of my area. Beautiful place isn't it? Some are a view from an abandon house and some are of me and my companion fetching water. OH and the cartoon is something my mission president asked me to draw for him. I guess he's been using it because other missionaries are asking me about it....
I think that I can safely say that as a missionary there are two types of people we run into, those who lie about being busy and those who don't. Even if the door is being slammed in my face I much prefer the ones who don't lie about why. I hope when I return home I never catch myself saying the phrase " I don't have time". It's bogus thing to say. Rather just say " I don't really want to" or I "I choose not to have time for that" because we ALWAYS have time for what we make time for.
Love,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
Monday, January 30, 2012
Janurary 30th, 2012
Hey Everyone,
It's been a pretty good week, our Truck
broke down which made things a little difficult. basically all is means
is we are walking A LOT Molweni is not a walking area there's a reason
we drive a big truck, but its okay, if that's what we gotta do thats
what we gotta do . I included a picture of my feet to gross you out and
so you could check out my battle scars. My companion saw the wedding
invitation Patrick sent me a little bit ago and asked who it was. I told
him it was my cousin and he said he "could see it, we look a lot alike"
I guess I can just take that as a complement. The work is moving
forward we had more people at church yesterday than ever. It was nice.
So yeah I'm happy and healthy, no complaints just trying to be a good
guy y'know. I don't have any really great stories except for that our
branch kids challenged the township kids to a soccer game
on Saturday that I will be playing in. So I'll let you know how that
goes.
I included some pictures all of them except for the
foot are about 2 months old, from my last area. The guy in the suit and
dreads is my old Branch President Pres. Zuma he was cool. the older
white couple is the couple missionaries in that area the were AMAZING.
Love you guys,
Talk to you soon
oh yeah and I'll be a year out on friday crazy how time flies huh.
Grandma Barb
Hey Mom,
I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am
about what has been going on. I'm sad I haven't been there to say
goodbye. Grandma Barb is so full of love, she has been a wonderful
addition to my life. Small things she has done, like adding me to her
birthday calendar, and sending cards and congratulations have
Love,
Elder Brazee
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Jan 23th, 2012
Hello Everyone,
I had a nice week this week. We were working really hard, we did a lot of tracting. Found some really cool people. Yesterday we had two baptisms, one was of a young man whose mother and brother were all ready members. The other was the little sister of a young man named Majozi, he's preparing to serve his mission and will be sending in his papers within the month. He was excited to baptize his little sister. The meeting was really nice and she bore a very sweet short testimony about how happy she was feeling.
It's a transfer week this week, me and my companion are staying the same which is no surprise on account of it being his last transfer. But I was called to be the District Leader. That means I will be in charge of 5 other missionaries. I am responsible for leading the District, planning and holding weekly development meetings, performing interviews, handling small disputes and stuff like that. I'm excited and a little nervous. I'm sure it'll be fine though, there really isn't a whole lot to be nervous about.
Other than that I don't have a whole lot of news, I hope everyone is doing well thank you for you love and support.
Elder Scott Brazee
I had a nice week this week. We were working really hard, we did a lot of tracting. Found some really cool people. Yesterday we had two baptisms, one was of a young man whose mother and brother were all ready members. The other was the little sister of a young man named Majozi, he's preparing to serve his mission and will be sending in his papers within the month. He was excited to baptize his little sister. The meeting was really nice and she bore a very sweet short testimony about how happy she was feeling.
It's a transfer week this week, me and my companion are staying the same which is no surprise on account of it being his last transfer. But I was called to be the District Leader. That means I will be in charge of 5 other missionaries. I am responsible for leading the District, planning and holding weekly development meetings, performing interviews, handling small disputes and stuff like that. I'm excited and a little nervous. I'm sure it'll be fine though, there really isn't a whole lot to be nervous about.
Other than that I don't have a whole lot of news, I hope everyone is doing well thank you for you love and support.
Elder Scott Brazee
Monday, January 16, 2012
Janurary 16, 2012: hi
Hey Everyone,
Sorry You didn't hear from me last week, the cafe was closed and we didn't have time to go anywhere else. Things have been going well. We are working hard. You meet the funniest people when you go door to door, It really gives me an appreciation for who we are as people. Everyone is so different, some more different than others. The world is a big place.
A couple weeks ago I had my interview with the mission president, I've almost hit a year on mission so he asked me what I had learned so far. I told him two things,First I said I've learned how to love. Since I've been here the people that I teach and meet and live with have been very different than me, different food, language, culture, almost different everything. It's hard to relate when there is seemingly little common ground. As I think about it, it reminds me of something someone said to me near the beginning of my mission, she asked me why God had made different races and where they all came from. I told her I knew a lot of theories and some information about that but I wasn't really sure. Then she told me the best answer to that question I have ever heard. She said that she thinks God made us look different so we could learn to really love each other. It's easy to love someone who looks, talks, and acts like you, so God made it so we would have to really learn to look deeper if we wanted to follow his commandments. i couldn't think of a better answer than that. I think that must be true. And so I've had the opportunity to begin to learn that. God loves us all so so much, we see evidence of that everyday if we look for it, we see it in the way he sent his son Jesus Christ, to save us. I have had the most spiritual experiences I can remember during the times when I have been able to tap into that love, see a person through heavens eyes. As that happens a stranger becomes one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, so deserving of love, not because they did anything to deserve it, because if we judged by our earthly standards, we would easily find reasons not to love one another. The deserve love because they do, because they are a creation of love, because if Christ loves them, which he surely does, than why shouldn't I.
The second thing I told him I learned, was that no one was going to make me do anything. When I first got here I was looking for the camera's in my apartment, now I realize there are none and there never will be. No one is looking over your shoulder, no one is checking up on you. No one will call you in if you don't shave or you sleep in or anything like that. It's up to you, each man and women has a God given right to choose. We always have we always will. It's really up to us, we can become what we want to become. When we choose the right we feel it, when we choose wrong we feel it as well. It's a lot of weight on ones shoulders when he realizes his destiny is in his own hands. Then it is a relief to realize there is help for those who ask it. I'm reminded of a scripture in Matt. I cant think of the exact reference but it is when the Lord says "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
So there's a lot to learn in two years, I hope I can continue to learn in my second year these valuable lessons
I love you all,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
Sorry You didn't hear from me last week, the cafe was closed and we didn't have time to go anywhere else. Things have been going well. We are working hard. You meet the funniest people when you go door to door, It really gives me an appreciation for who we are as people. Everyone is so different, some more different than others. The world is a big place.
A couple weeks ago I had my interview with the mission president, I've almost hit a year on mission so he asked me what I had learned so far. I told him two things,First I said I've learned how to love. Since I've been here the people that I teach and meet and live with have been very different than me, different food, language, culture, almost different everything. It's hard to relate when there is seemingly little common ground. As I think about it, it reminds me of something someone said to me near the beginning of my mission, she asked me why God had made different races and where they all came from. I told her I knew a lot of theories and some information about that but I wasn't really sure. Then she told me the best answer to that question I have ever heard. She said that she thinks God made us look different so we could learn to really love each other. It's easy to love someone who looks, talks, and acts like you, so God made it so we would have to really learn to look deeper if we wanted to follow his commandments. i couldn't think of a better answer than that. I think that must be true. And so I've had the opportunity to begin to learn that. God loves us all so so much, we see evidence of that everyday if we look for it, we see it in the way he sent his son Jesus Christ, to save us. I have had the most spiritual experiences I can remember during the times when I have been able to tap into that love, see a person through heavens eyes. As that happens a stranger becomes one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, so deserving of love, not because they did anything to deserve it, because if we judged by our earthly standards, we would easily find reasons not to love one another. The deserve love because they do, because they are a creation of love, because if Christ loves them, which he surely does, than why shouldn't I.
The second thing I told him I learned, was that no one was going to make me do anything. When I first got here I was looking for the camera's in my apartment, now I realize there are none and there never will be. No one is looking over your shoulder, no one is checking up on you. No one will call you in if you don't shave or you sleep in or anything like that. It's up to you, each man and women has a God given right to choose. We always have we always will. It's really up to us, we can become what we want to become. When we choose the right we feel it, when we choose wrong we feel it as well. It's a lot of weight on ones shoulders when he realizes his destiny is in his own hands. Then it is a relief to realize there is help for those who ask it. I'm reminded of a scripture in Matt. I cant think of the exact reference but it is when the Lord says "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
So there's a lot to learn in two years, I hope I can continue to learn in my second year these valuable lessons
I love you all,
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Janurary 2, 2012: Hey Guys
Hello,
It was so great to see everyone last week and talk to you. Sorry this is a day late yesterday was another public holiday so all the cafe's were closed so were sending some quick messages today. The holidays were nice here, nothing really special except more people were more drunk for more of the day. Walking around the streets shaking our hands for way too long, yelling at us about how much they love Jesus from the other end of the road, that sort of thing. Really it was nice. New years eve was cool because everyone was lighting off fireworks, not like sparklers... like FIREWORKS.
Its such a great time of the year. The work here is progressing but it's slow. The branch is a little stagnant but its powerful, I love the members here, we are few but strong. Our big focus right now is on fellow shipping and finding.
Sorry another short one but I don't have much time today I'll promise to write more next week!
I love you all!
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
It was so great to see everyone last week and talk to you. Sorry this is a day late yesterday was another public holiday so all the cafe's were closed so were sending some quick messages today. The holidays were nice here, nothing really special except more people were more drunk for more of the day. Walking around the streets shaking our hands for way too long, yelling at us about how much they love Jesus from the other end of the road, that sort of thing. Really it was nice. New years eve was cool because everyone was lighting off fireworks, not like sparklers... like FIREWORKS.
Its such a great time of the year. The work here is progressing but it's slow. The branch is a little stagnant but its powerful, I love the members here, we are few but strong. Our big focus right now is on fellow shipping and finding.
Sorry another short one but I don't have much time today I'll promise to write more next week!
I love you all!
Elder Scott Milton Brazee
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)