Week 78: 18 months!

  March 30, 2015

 Friends & Family,

I can't believe this is my last email. It is a bitter sweet kind of feeling. I never thought it was going to be so hard. Leaving those who I love here.. is HARD. But I can't even explain how happy and excited I am to see my amazing, beautiful family!!! 

This area I am serving in right now is so amazing!!!! They are so kind and loving!! They threw me a surprise going away party. It was amazing, lots of food, pictures, laughs and they sang to me! I didn't want to say goodbye. But it's part of life!! I am excited to start this new chapter in my life and apply all that I have learned on my mission!!! :) 

I know with ALL my heart that this is the true church!!! That this life is a test... an open book test. If we keep the commandments, read our scriptures, listen to our prophets.... We will pass the test. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of us at all times. He LOVES each of us. We are ALL His children. This Gospel brings my life so much joy, happiness, and peace. It completes my life!!! I Love Jesus Christ and God!!! :) 

Thank you for all your support!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Hermana Jaymee Brugman

Week 77! Last week!!

 March 23, 2015

Friends & Family,

THIS WEEK WAS AMAZING!!! Fatima, our investigator is getting baptized on May 2. Yeah I will be home, but I HOPE I CAN COME BACK FOR IT!!!!!!!! I love her so much!!! <3 I am so happy. This mission has blessed my life so much!!!! :)

Here are 200 things that I have learned on my mission!!! :) 

Love Everyone.
Enjoy every moment.
You have to eat EVERYTHING on your plate.... even seconds, thirds, fourths....
 Fireflies
 Count ALL your blessings.
 Love and Respect your family.
 Be grateful everyday for what you have.
 I can live without Technology.
 God really does love EVERYONE.
 DONT be detracted of the worldly things.
 I WANT A BIG FAMILY. (that's always been the case).
 Personal study, EVERYDAY.
 When it's cold outside, don't be lazy and PUT A JACKET ON.
 Accept all challenges, they will be worth it in the end.
 The Bible and Book of Mormon work as ONE.
 Talking at the same time and matching with your companion=Unity.
 Be Bold but loving.
 True happiness is helping those in need.
 Give up all pride.
 When in trailer parks, pray with eyes OPEN and doors LOCKED.
 You don't chose what you eat. You eat it and you like it.
 What it means with real intent and having a purpose.
 Listen to the Spirit.
 The Atonement is for EVERYONE.
 Personal prayers are essential.
 Trust in Him.
 Be converted.
 Family home evening EVERY Monday is a must not a maybe.
 Taking upon the name of Christ.
 Never give up on yourself.
 The Book of Mormon has all your answers.
 Christ consecrated my efforts.
 Take A LOT of Picture..  of EVERYTHING. :)
 Family History work, DO IT.
 Be your true self.
 Go to church, all 3 hours.
 Have patience.
 Miracles happen daily, you just need to recognize them.
 Family Prayer, EVERYDAY.
Don't waste your time.

Visiting, home teaching.
 Hispanics are the most humble people.
 ACT.
 I LOVE HISPANICS.
 I matter to Him.
 Love and Serve your companion.
 Still need to learn how to change a tire... I guess popping it 3 times isn't enough....
 I love Hispanic food.
 Put yourself in others shoes.
 Sleep... YOU NEED IT.
 Gods creations are Beautiful.
 Don't be selfish.
 I love mountains.... ( there is NONE HERE.....)
 Service.
Priesthood. <3
Don't care what others think about you.
 How to milk a Goat.
 Put others FIRST.
How to do farming things...
 Importance of team work.
 How to cook.
 Have fun.
 How to clean.
 Exact obedience.
 Make others feel important.
 The temple is an amazing place.
 Pray with real intent, sincerity.
 When a tornado comes.... GET IN THE BATH TUB....
 Don't judge others.
 Sticky summers are so not my thing.
Apparel means absolutely NOTHING.
 Be on time.
 You can still have fun while being a missionary.
 Follow the Spirit.
 Making goals is good.
 Spanish is the best.
 Try new things.
 Schedule things.
 You really find our who you really are.
 Faith.. you need it.
 Spanish hymns are more sincere.
 Repentance is REAL.
 Follow ALL of Gods Commandments... not just a few.
 I know how to speak Spanish.
 Humility.
 Birthdays aren't the same on your mission.
 You can't do anything alone....
 Appreciate the small and simple things.
 When you are sick... you still just want your mom.
 When you have a bad day... it's okay to get ice cream. :)
 Sacrament... Don't take it for granted.
 Pray for others.
 Tracting in 19 degrees...

 Fall Festival.. Carving pumpkins.
 Pumpkin pies..
 Pumpkin covered almonds. <3 ( Thanks Huie Family)
 Families are together FOREVER.
 Forgive others..
 Pulling weeds.
 I have weird pet peeves....
 Painting is fun.
 Learned how to can apple sauce.
 Attitude is everything.
 How to make tuna.. ( Made it every Sunday for 7 months...)
 How to eat 9 empanadas.
 Just Laugh...
 Dig post holes.
 Walking dogs EVERYDAY are obnoxious..( I think I'm NEVER getting a dog).
 Faith is ACTION
 How to get ready for bed in less than 10 minutes.
 The Book of Mormon can answer any question you have.
 Its okay not to know EVERYTHING.
 The prophets are CALLED of God. Not man.
 Don't get offended.
 Have Fun, Laugh and SMILE!!! :)
 Some Elders just don't think....
 Members aren't perfect but the church is.
 Oompa Loompa... <3
 My companions like to chase birds..
 Build a snowman.
 Tanning on your lawn.....
 How much I love my nieces and Nephews.
 Make your bed EVERY Morning.
 Eat Healthy.
 Write down quotes..
 DRIVE careful.
 Its okay to gain a "Little Weight" .
 Sunrises and Sunsets are Beautiful.
 Help others.
 Exercise every day.
 This church is the true church.
 My love for my family INCREASED.
 I am grateful for my parents.
 Jesus Christ is the only WAY.
 Members are so important with missionary work.
 I know what I want in a husband.
No matter what you do... HEAVENLY FATHER STILL LOVES YOU.
 Respect others.
 Don't change for anyone.
 Find out for yourself.
 Think before you do.
Be faithful and diligent.
 I won't drive this nice of a car in a LONG time...
 I love VIRGINIA and NORTH CAROLINA.
 Awkward prayers with others is fine.
 Think Positive.
 Don't look back.
 You're a child of God.
 Everything we do as missionaries is awkward.
 You can only receive revelation for yourself.
 Agency is an amazing gift.
 Learn to love others.
 When my chest and heart burn... LEAVE..
 How to make yummy cookies.
 Fishing is actually fun.
 I love reading..
 No one has a perfect life.
 You don't need a lot of money to be happy.
 Egg drop soup is GOOD.
 Green smoothies... <3
 Stay hydrated.
 Nature.
 Its okay to sweat while tracting and bugs fly and stick to your face.....SICK.
 Naps are still my favorite.
 I don't need soda.
 TARGET is HEAVEN.
 We can feel His love he has for others.
 The things you need to do in order to have the spirit.
 Importance of fasting.
 He answers all your prayers.
 Cheese and Crackers are yummmyy :)
 It's never too cold for frosty's.
 Importance of keeping a journal.
 Everything really does happen for a reason.
 JESUS CHRIST is THE SON OF GOD.
 Its okay to say "hi" to everyone you see.
 Creepy men love us......
 Hot chocolate.
 Who your true friends really are.
 Not a fan of crawdads.
 Satan knows you perfectly.
 Love your enemies.
 I LOVE the LORD and I LOVE the SAVIOR. <3
 This is what makes me happy.
 "When times are hard and you wanna give up.. KNEEL & PRAY".
The plan of salvation is so REAL.
 My gallbladder doesn't work.
 Not to just learn the gospel but LIVE it.
 Mormon messages and Bible Videos. <3
 I am so HAPPY when serving the LORD.
 Jesus Christ really did suffer EVERYTHING for YOU. (Alma 7:11-13)
 I'm allergic to EVERYTHING..
 Prepares me for marriage.
 I don't like raw chicken..
 Its okay to eat 2 dinners.. in 1 night.
 How much I miss my alone time.
"Snow days".
 Always have a backup plan.
 Share your testimony with EVERYONE.
 BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS CHRIST EVERYDAY. <3

Love Herman Brugman

Jaymee will arrive on Tuesday March 31^st .  We are having an open house for Jaymee the next day on Wednesday, April 1^st at the Brugman house at 7 pm.  Desserts will be served.  Come see Jaymee and welcome her home.  She will love seeing everyone!

Week 76!

 March 16, 2015

 Friends & Family,

Wow, words can't even describe how happy and blessed I am!! :) 

We had the opportunity to go to the temple as some of you know! It was such an amazing, beautiful experience. :) I felt so much of God's love for me!!! I'm excited to come home. So I can see my family!! REALLY EXCITED!!! but I'm also scared. I think that's a little normal! But after I got out of the temple I felt clear, joyful and happy!! I know that God loves me and HE LOVES EVERYONE!!! <3

We had an amazing lesson with one of our investigators!! She was full of really, thoughtful questions. Questions that I would NEVER come up with!! We talked about The Plan of Salvation!! Basically, where we came from, what's our purpose in life, and Where we go after this life. She LOVED it. Her face just lit up and you could tell the spirit was working within her. I felt so much joy! This work is so true. Helping and teaching others about the Church, IS MY JOY!! I have NEVER been so happy. I love being a missionary. 

Another investigator, oh I just love her so much!! I love her and I told her I am going home in 2 weeks and she almost started crying!!! I LOVE HER!!!! She came to church again, even though her 1 year old baby was sick and her too. She really makes me laugh so much!! I love sitting by her in church. It makes me so happy, she makes me so happy. :) 

So we eat at someone's house, EVERY NIGHT for dinner. One common phrase everyone uses is, "Comer con Confianza" Which is eat with confidence. hahaha, it is so funny, I don't think I have ever eaten so much in my life!!! One day we went to a lady's house, she makes pupusa's... It is from El Salvador. They are SOOOOOO GOOD!!! I learned how to make them, I made one! It was delicious :) 

I love this experience, I am beyond happy! I love this Church. I love this gospel!! We are all so blessed!!! :) 

I love you and miss you all!!! :) 

Hermana Brugman 

Week 75: Miracles

  March 9, 2015

Friends & Family,

This week was full of miracles and surprises. 

So last Monday, our mission president calls us and tell us we are getting another Sister. She came early because she didn't need 6 weeks in the MTC. So I am in a trio. YAY. Her name is Hermana Bills. She is from Provo Utah! She is great, I love her so much! I am so excited to spend my last 3 weeks in my mission with her and Hermana Nyre! :) It was a big change but it all worked out! 

This week was great! So we do this new thing. It's called IO's. We are asked to "INVITE OTHERS". So every week we need to invite 100 different people to do something, like to pray or come to church or go to mormon.org. People that you don't even know. At first it was really hard. We were trying so hard to talk and invite 100 people to do things! Our mission president promised us if we invite 100 people a week, we will see blessings. So on Sunday we reached 100 people. After we reached that the next 4 families we saw were Hispanic! We have been praying to find some Hispanics to teach!! They all want to learn more!! IT WAS A MIRACLE! GOD ANSWER PRAYERS!!!!!! :) 1 family was from Mexico, 2 from Guatemala and Puerto Rico :)  It was amazing! It's such a testimony that Heavenly Father answers all of our prayers! He is aware of us! He loves us!! :) <3 

We got a new investigator!! I really just love her! She has a 1 year old daughter. She came to church this past Sunday!!! She loved it, she is the sweetest!! I am so excited for her!! :) She makes me happy!!

So in my studies the other day I came to this verse that I love so much and it says, "Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my WHOLE armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand." I love this scripture so much. We all need help from our Father in Heaven. We can't do this alone. This world is getting bad and there are temptations everywhere!! We need to put His armor on and trust in Him! 

I love this Gospel!!! I am beyond happy!! I love ya'll so much!!! :) 

Hermana Brugman 

Week 74: Brrr...

  March 2, 2015

Friends & Family,

Nothing much happened this week.. but it went SUPER fast. I  feel like I  just emailed. haha So this week will be short cause nothing really happened!!!! :) 

Oh it snowed AGAIN. haha It was so crazy!! :) I am really done with the snow. I love it, but then again.. we can't go out so for missionaries it's not the best. haha. I just bundled all up.. wearing 50 layers. hahaha 

But it was a good week!! :) Today I have been out 17 months. I would not take it back for anything. This has been the best 17 months ever!! I have loved every moment. I have learned so much. I can't wait to take what I have learned into real life!!! I love this church and this gospel!! :) 

I had one of the best experiences on my mission this week.. So we had a lesson again with our investigator. She doesn't believe in God. So it is always so hard to get the spirit there because she always has questions, is rude about stuff, but she started asking all these questions. I don't know why but my mouth was shut, my jaw was clenching. Almost like Heavenly Father was not letting me speak. I sat there praying, listening to my companion speak. Praying that her heart will be soften and that I will be able to talk.. A couple minutes later, I started bearing my testimony that God has not forgotten her, that He LOVES her. I started crying cause the spirit was the strongest I have ever felt. And she started crying. She felt the spirit. It was an amazing miracle. We are slowly working on her, but that small and simple thing made a big difference. I love her so much!!!!! :) 

I am so grateful for my family and friends!! I am so blessed with all of you! I love you all and miss ya'll!!! I  hope all is well!! Talk to you next week!!! :) 

Hermana Brugman

Week 73: Snow!

  February 23, 2015

Friends & Family,

My goodness this week was crazy!!!! Nothing much happened so it might be short but.... 

So Monday it started snowing, that night we got a blizzard. 3-5 inches of snow. Not too bad, but we were not allowed to go out! A member ordered us a pizza, that was nice!!! For breakfast I made some yummy chocolate-chip , banana pancakes... SO YUMMY. :)  Then the next day Wednesday comes and we can drive. I was like what? Me? you want me to drive. I'm from Arizona. I can't drive in snow let alone... ICE. It wasn't fun snow, it just froze. It was awful. haha But don't worry mom, I am OKAY. I am a pro at driving in snow and ice. :) 

This week was good, our mission found out some good news.. WE ARE GOING TO THE TEMPLE!!! I am so happy and excited to go to the temple! For the first time in 17 months! :) It is such a blessing and miracle. :) 

We got a new investigator, she is 11 years old and she is atheist. When we first met her I was excited to teach her, she is a cute girl! When she was talking to us I just cried inside...I feel so bad that she doesn't think God exist... at the age of 11. I want to help this girl!! At the end of our lesson her heart was softened a little. But it's just so sad!! 

I know that God exists. He is the reason we are here today!!! He created us and this beautiful world we live in!!! He Loves us and hears all of our prayers!! He is a powerful, loving, GOD!!!! 

I love this mission, it has changed my whole life!!! I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve the Lord. TAMBIEN, estoy MUY agradecida por la oporutindad aprender espanol!!!!! :) Estoy muy feliz y agradecida por mi familia!!!! <3 

Nos vemos en 5 semanas!!! :) 

Hermana Brugman

Week 72

  February 16, 2015

Friends & Family,

This week was a very good week. God really does bless us every day. Something that we started to do, was everyday find a miracle in that day. Because every day there are miracles, sometimes we just don't see them. 

After all the hard, long, cold days we went knocking  on peoples doors to find investigators... WE FOUND 2 NEW INVESTIGATORS!!!!! :) It was such an amazing day!!! 

Hermana Nyre & Hermana Brugman :)

This week all the sisters in the mission got together for a conference, it was the BEST. I just love all the sisters in the mission. Seeing sisters that I haven't seen since the beginning of my mission. It is kind of sad because I will not see these sisters again.. because I leave in 6 weeks... but... It was so fun and so spiritual.  Something that stuck out to me during this conference was how much Heavenly Father is really there for you. Even when times are hard, sad, or stressful. He is always there. There is a scripture in Revelations 3:20 it says, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I WILL come into Him, and WILL sup with him, and he with me." This scripture is so powerful. HE is waiting for us to open the door, to let him in. Sometimes I feel like we think we can do things on our own. But I know that if we humble ourselves and let Him in, our lives will be SO much better. Sometimes it's hard, but it's SO worth it. We need Him in our lives. WE CANT DO IT ALONE. So I thought and asked myself, what am I doing to let Him in my life? What more can I do, to let HIM in? 

Something else that I studied a lot this week was PRAYER. Sometimes I look back at my life and think.. WHY didn't I pray as much as I should? I knew it was important but I guess I didn't fully understand. My knowledge isn't perfect about it but it has definitely increased. Prayer is so essential. WE need it every day, multiple times a day. Its hard but once you get in the habit of it, it will become easier. A lot of the times you don't feel worthy, or maybe you aren't living the way you want... WHO CARES? Your Father in Heaven wants to hear from you. He loves you. He misses you. HE doesn't care, you are still his child. That is Satan telling you, "oh no, I don't deserve it, or you don't need to pray I can do it." Never give in to the idea that you are not worthy to pray. Don't listen to Satan, YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD!!!  A quote that I love so much is, "If you do not feel like praying, pray until you do feel like praying."  <3 

I gave my first talk in Spanish, it was GREAT. It went really well. I actually liked it. It was super nice, our branch president came up to me and said "I wish I could speak English as good as you speak Spanish." He is so nice!! I seriously love everyone here so much!!! :) 

ITS FREEZING COLD HERE.... Right now as I speak it is 16 degrees with WILD WIND. I feel like I'm going to blow away.. NO joke. haha. It is a little too cold for me... but oh well.. :) haha 

Well we didn't get transfer calls, so I will be staying in Virginia Beach to finish my mission, with Hermana Nyre. I am very excited. I really love this Spanish branch and all the people here!! I told the branch I will end my mission here and they said oh wow, Yay... we are going to throw a party! haha so I am excited for that.. :) Well, see you in 6 weeks... 

Have a great week, 

I love and miss ya'll! :) 

Hermana Brugman 

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