Each week Brinley makes it a goal to write her email on Monday morning before calling home. We were visiting with her on the phone. There had been transfer calls and both she and her companion were getting transferred out of the area. She was overwhelmed but willing to do whatever was needed. She was feeling very sad to leave all of the people they had taught and loved. She was crying as she told us how hard it would be to leave her area. She was also stressing because they "literally" didn't have time to do all of the things they needed to do. (teaching appointments, seminary subbing, following through w/ planning some activities, cleaning the apartment, packing, saying goodbye to ward members and investigators etc.)
While she was crying and worrying about everything out loud while on the phone w/ us, her mission president called them on the other line. She clicked over to answer and he had new news.
I loved being a part of this big mission experience so intimately. I could feel Brinley's grief at leaving her area. I could feel her deep love for those she has served and been served by in Boise. I could feel her excitement and willingness to go serve in Star with a new companion.
Here are her two letters from last Monday. 12-7-2020
I think this week has been the most hectic, amazing, stressful, miracle filled week of my entire life.
As sister Maycock put it - we were in charge of planning "4 baptisms, 3 seminary (youth Bible) classes, 2 correlation meetings, 2 Christmas parties, a handful of lessons, and a partridge in a pear tree."
I literally didn't have time to sit and eat lunch or dinner all week. We were always on the go teaching lessons or planning meetings - it was AMAZING.
Sooo many things happened, but I want to focus on an experience we had volunteering for Salvation Army. We were waiting outside the store for our bells, and as we were standing there we started talking to an older lady. We chatted with her about her family and her Christmas plans - nothing crazy, just small talk. When the conversation ended she went inside we didn't think much of it. A few minutes later that same lady came back to us and with tears in her eyes said "Thank you for talking to me. I see God in you."
This week that experience has gone through my mind over and over. All we did was ask her about her family for a couple of minutes. Yet those couple of minutes brought her to tears.
It reminds me of an experience we had on another day of this week. I had the prompting to text our friend Rachel. I was a little confused about the prompting, because we had already texted her the day before, and she had told us that due to her surgery she would not be available to talk with us until January.
We decided to text her again anyway, and say she is in our thoughts and prayers. She immediately texted back and said her surgery was pushed back, so she would like to see us again. We told her we could come in 15 minutes or in 2 days (I'm telling you our week was insane😂). She asked us to come in 15 minutes, so we hopped in the car and drove to her house.
When we got there, there was a lady standing next to her car, as we walked closer she said "Sisters?? Are those my sisters??" When we got closer and she saw our tags she burst into tears and said that we were an answer to prayer. This lady (who I'll call Jane) told us that she had joined the church years ago, but then got into a bad relationship. She was on the run from domestic abuse and then got put in jail for a crime she did not commit. She had gotten cleared the day before, but when she asked about going to church, she was brushed aside. When we pulled up, she was saying a prayer that she would at least know when her ward congregation met. Right as she said amen, we (the exact missionaries who happen to be covering that specific ward she is in) pulled up.
God is real!! Jane told us over and over that just as she felt she was hitting rock bottom, we drove up. She said she was certain that Heavenly Father sent us there as her miracle to remind her she is so loved.
The best part of this to me is that this HUGE miracle for her, all started with following a prompting to send a simple text.
So many of the huge things we have in life are actually attributed to tiny choices we make along the way. As I look back in my life, there have been so many people who I have "seen God in." My parents and family members, my church leaders, my friends, and my teachers. I am almost certain that every person on this email list has touched my life in some way. So many of those tiny moments - that most of the time you probably thought nothing of - caused me to see God in you.
I encourage you all, especially in this Christmas season to let others "see God in you." Even if it's something as small as a short text or a kind word - show others that the world is brighter than they may realize. As cheesy as it may sound, we can change the world one kind action at a time.
I love you all and I hope your weeks were less hectic but just as miracle filled as mine!
-Sister Gwilliam
Ps. We received transfer news and because our area is literally *exploding* with people who are ready to let God prevail in their life, we were pretty certain that at least one of us would stay in Boise. I guess Heavenly Father had other plans because I found out that both me AND Sister Maycock will be leaving the area.😭 She will be going to Caldwell and I will be in Star, Idaho. I am sooo beyond sad to leave these people who I've grown to love so much, but excited for the next adventure God has in store🙏
Ps. I'm in a biking area now
Pps. It is 20 degrees outside and I wear skirts and dresses daily
Ppps. Pray for me🤣
Pictures:
-Early Christmas with Sister Maycock🥳
-Salvation Army
-Our new masks from Target (we're starting a trend)
-Goodbye selfie with the Barkers
-Painting Old Folks Home Windows
-Cute picture frame she gave me🥺
-Casey and Jaymie - even though it looks like we're all taking a mug shot this will definitely be one of my hardest goodbyes:((
Part 2 of God is a God of Miracles!!! I was on the phone with my parents, and getting emotional about leaving the people I've grown to love so much. It was the first time I've really had time to relax and think about how sad I will be. As I was crying, President Nygaard, my mission president called! He said he doesn't know why, but he has received the prompting that he feels I should stay in Boise!!! I will be leading the area now with a new companion instead of going to Star. I am still in shock, but so excited to stay!!!!
Brinley was so happy. She said to us, "well, my prayers are being answered!" I am sure she didn't even pray to stay, but she felt Heavenly Father's hand in allowing her to stay.
I love this girl. I love her caring heart. I love her love for others. I love her willingness to "go and do" whatever is needed where ever she is called. I love her desire to study the gospel and learn more about Heavenly Father's teachings. I love getting to talk to her weekly and reading her weekly emails.
We will miss her at Christmas and over the holiday season especially, but I am so grateful she has the amazing opportunity to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
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