Ya!! This week we finally get to talk. I´m planning on calling Saturday, 25 of December, at around 10 a.m. my time, which would be about 11 a.m. your time. To avoid calling from a payphone and not being able to hear you very well I would appreciate it if you called me at the number I give you. Just dial it as it is and you should reach the bishop´s house. If for some reason I don´t answer just say, Está Elder Graham? I will call you from a payphone right before I head over there just so that you know exactly when to call. Be ready with whatever questions you want to ask me so as to not waste a lot of time.
So, remember when I said I was going to buy a better blanket last week. Well, I asked the family of Ruben, who was just baptized, where I could buy a good blanket and they buy 3 amazing, snuggly, thick blankets for me and 3 for my companion and bring them to our apartment the next day. They are so nice to us.
It was interesting this Sunday because one of our new investigators is a lady who is missing a leg, (She has diabetes and had some kind of clot or infection in one of her legs that required it to be amputated.) and to get her to church I had to carry her down the stairs of her apartment, and then I had to carry her back up after church. I never thought I would have to do something like that on my mission.
To answer your question, Marc, I sometimes travel in a bus, but more commonly in these little transport vans called combis, or I just walk. Ocassionaly a member gives us a ride somewhere, but not near as many people here have cars. I´m looking forward to your present, Marc, and I´m even more excited because I get to talk to you this Saturday.
Love,
Brett
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Dec. 13, 2010
The second counselor in the Stake Presidency took us to this amazing seafood restaurant last week. It was so good! The first time I´ve eaten shrimp in over 9 months. (see photo)
Well, it looks like I´m going to be here in Tlaxcala with Elder Hurtado for at least another six weeks. I´m glad. I think this is my favorite area so far, mainly for the people more than anything. Good news, Ruben, the person Sister Rex was telling you about, was baptized Saturday and confirmed Sunday. Everyone can hardly believe it. He also taught the Gospel Principles class on Sunday. He´s so amazing. I wish you could meet him, extremely intelligent and educated but just as or more humble. And like me, he takes a long time to make decisions, but when he decides to do something he is absolutely determined to fulfill his commitment. It´s been a struggle to find anyone else to teach though. Many people like what we teach, but they aren´t ready to leave behind the traditions and beliefs of their family or their spouse won´t permit them listen to us nor go to church. It seems a lot of people around this time of year are less receptive to our message due to the many Catholic holidays and traditions.
Mom, I recieved an AND1 sweater. Was that what you were talking about in terms of warm clothes? The most recent package I have recieved was the one with the calendars. It has been really cold at night, but still warm during the day. But, don´t worry, I going to buy a nice thick, warm blanket today.
I´m still not sure about the phone call. I think next week I´ll give you the number of the member´s house where you can call me and tell you the exact time when I will be expecting your call. I don´t you to have to pay a ton of money, but I also think it would be difficult to call and communicate well from a public payphone. I believe we can talk for about 45 minutes to an hour. Let me know in the next email if anything in you schedule would prevent you from being able to call at a certain time of the day.
I´m super jealous about your ski trip with Brent. He finally decides to come when I won´t be there. Just make sure Dad takes it easy in the terrain parks and the double black diamonds.
Love,
Brett
December 6, 2010
Dec. 7, 2010
Im writing late today. So, I hope you didn´t worry and send another email to President Rex to see if I was okay.
Today was really cool. We hiked up an inactive volcano that´s nearby us, La Malinche, with the whole zone. By far, the coolest activity I´ve done on P-day. I was surprised President gave us permission. He usually doesn´t for that kind of thing. I´ll have to send you pictures.
Ya, I forgot to tell you that after a zone conference President Rex came with us to an appointment with an investigator. He is the dad of a part member family. He was a member of the Jehovah´s witnesses along with the rest of his family. He is the director of the biology and various other departments of the most renown university in Tlaxcala and he is super smart. Not only that he is an amazing person. So kind, generous, and selfless, and he has this way of expressing himself that just floors me everytime he speaks. We have been visiting and working with him a ton since I got to this area and now, after 15 years of knowing about the Church, he is planning on being baptized this Sunday. It is true he respects me a lot. We need more members like him.
We´re going to have a conference with one of the area General Authorities this Friday. Should be enjoyable.
Scripture of the week: this one´s for Marc, Alma 38:2. Remember, Marc, look to the Lord in your youth, always keep the commandments, and never leave the only path that leads to true peace and happiness in this world and eternal life in the next.
Love,
Brett
Im writing late today. So, I hope you didn´t worry and send another email to President Rex to see if I was okay.
Today was really cool. We hiked up an inactive volcano that´s nearby us, La Malinche, with the whole zone. By far, the coolest activity I´ve done on P-day. I was surprised President gave us permission. He usually doesn´t for that kind of thing. I´ll have to send you pictures.
Ya, I forgot to tell you that after a zone conference President Rex came with us to an appointment with an investigator. He is the dad of a part member family. He was a member of the Jehovah´s witnesses along with the rest of his family. He is the director of the biology and various other departments of the most renown university in Tlaxcala and he is super smart. Not only that he is an amazing person. So kind, generous, and selfless, and he has this way of expressing himself that just floors me everytime he speaks. We have been visiting and working with him a ton since I got to this area and now, after 15 years of knowing about the Church, he is planning on being baptized this Sunday. It is true he respects me a lot. We need more members like him.
We´re going to have a conference with one of the area General Authorities this Friday. Should be enjoyable.
Scripture of the week: this one´s for Marc, Alma 38:2. Remember, Marc, look to the Lord in your youth, always keep the commandments, and never leave the only path that leads to true peace and happiness in this world and eternal life in the next.
Love,
Brett
November 29, 2010
November 29, 2010
We´ve been working like crazy lately knocking a million doors and talking to everyone.(By the way, Mom, to answer your question, my companion is completely Mexican. He is from Baja California, which is part of Mexico not the U.S.)I got the package you sent me. Thank you so much. Sometimes I feel little spoiled because I always get packages and mail. Not that I´m saying you shouldn´t send me more stuff, hey. :-) I´ve been taking some money out of my account because we ran out of money like half way through the month this month and we still need money to travel. The buses are killing us money wise. I miss having bikes like in my last area. I´m playing the piano every sunday in sacrament meeting now, and they always want me to help with choir, but I don´t ever have time.
We´ve been working like crazy lately knocking a million doors and talking to everyone.(By the way, Mom, to answer your question, my companion is completely Mexican. He is from Baja California, which is part of Mexico not the U.S.)I got the package you sent me. Thank you so much. Sometimes I feel little spoiled because I always get packages and mail. Not that I´m saying you shouldn´t send me more stuff, hey. :-) I´ve been taking some money out of my account because we ran out of money like half way through the month this month and we still need money to travel. The buses are killing us money wise. I miss having bikes like in my last area. I´m playing the piano every sunday in sacrament meeting now, and they always want me to help with choir, but I don´t ever have time.
November 29, 2010
November 29, 2010
Haha, Marc, I didn´t remember onwhat day Thanksgiving is on. Nobody celebrates it in Mexico. Did you take pictures of your Gingerbread mansion? I would like to see it. So Austin is getting tired of his exotic pets. Does he still have his snake? How is Muffin? Sorry I haven´t been writing you back personally. I usually include my responses to you in the email I send Mom, but I´ll try to start writing a separate email to you. I appreciate you writing to me every week. You´re the only brother that does. It means a lot to me to know how much you care about me and miss me. I got your rock in the package Mom sent. Thanks. Did you play in the Turkey Bowl this year? How was it? I can´t wait to talk to you on Christmas.
Love,
Brett
Haha, Marc, I didn´t remember onwhat day Thanksgiving is on. Nobody celebrates it in Mexico. Did you take pictures of your Gingerbread mansion? I would like to see it. So Austin is getting tired of his exotic pets. Does he still have his snake? How is Muffin? Sorry I haven´t been writing you back personally. I usually include my responses to you in the email I send Mom, but I´ll try to start writing a separate email to you. I appreciate you writing to me every week. You´re the only brother that does. It means a lot to me to know how much you care about me and miss me. I got your rock in the package Mom sent. Thanks. Did you play in the Turkey Bowl this year? How was it? I can´t wait to talk to you on Christmas.
Love,
Brett
Sunday, October 31, 2010
October 25, 2010
My birthday went pretty well all except for the fact that I still havent
recieved my birthday package. Maybe Ill get it today or Wednesday when I see
the district leader. All the mail has to go through this chain of people to
get to me. Although it doesnt usually take too long now since Im only one
bus from the mission offices. One of our investigators got baptized on
Saturday, and she had a cake for me on Friday when we came to visit her.
Then on Saturday I ate some delicious tacos arabes with one of the hermanas
and pizza in the evening with another of our investigators. Besides that I
celebrated my birthday working as usual. Ya! I havent made the cake Grandma
sent me yet because I dont have a cake pan but Im going to see if the
Hermana that lives below has will let us borrow one.
We have hardly anybody to teach right now. So, weve been knocking a bunch of
doors and talking to a lot of people in the street, but most people reject
us right there and the few people that say theyre interested arent there
when they tell us to come back. Its funny because a lot of people seem to
feel bad just telling us no, but I would prefer that over them telling us to
come back at a certain time when theyre not there.
Its warmed back up again. Ive been sweating a lot riding bikes all cross our
huge area filled with hills. I dont know what happened. It was cold a couple
of weeks ago. The rain has completely stopped now. We are definitely in the
dry season now. Its weird how suddenly the rainy season stops. It was
raining like everyday just a few weeks ago.
Did I already tell you I went to the center of Puebla two weeks ago with the
zone? It reminded me a lot of Italy. We went inside the huge cathedral thats
there and took some pictures and that was about it because we realized it
actually wasnt part of our zone when we got there.
One of the wards last Sunday had their primary program and the other ward
had their ward conference. It was good, but sometimes its hard to stay awake
the whole time for two full three hour services.
The members we rent from that live below us are going on a mission to
Merida, Mexico to be in the temple presidency there on Nov. 1.
Thank you for all the thoughts, Mom, Br. Evans, and everyone that has sent
me letters these last couple of weeks. I just recently got a huge flood of
letters from people in the ward and others probably thanks to you Mom. I got
a really cool letter from Br. Bates. Tell him and everyone else thank you.
Love you very much,
Brett
recieved my birthday package. Maybe Ill get it today or Wednesday when I see
the district leader. All the mail has to go through this chain of people to
get to me. Although it doesnt usually take too long now since Im only one
bus from the mission offices. One of our investigators got baptized on
Saturday, and she had a cake for me on Friday when we came to visit her.
Then on Saturday I ate some delicious tacos arabes with one of the hermanas
and pizza in the evening with another of our investigators. Besides that I
celebrated my birthday working as usual. Ya! I havent made the cake Grandma
sent me yet because I dont have a cake pan but Im going to see if the
Hermana that lives below has will let us borrow one.
We have hardly anybody to teach right now. So, weve been knocking a bunch of
doors and talking to a lot of people in the street, but most people reject
us right there and the few people that say theyre interested arent there
when they tell us to come back. Its funny because a lot of people seem to
feel bad just telling us no, but I would prefer that over them telling us to
come back at a certain time when theyre not there.
Its warmed back up again. Ive been sweating a lot riding bikes all cross our
huge area filled with hills. I dont know what happened. It was cold a couple
of weeks ago. The rain has completely stopped now. We are definitely in the
dry season now. Its weird how suddenly the rainy season stops. It was
raining like everyday just a few weeks ago.
Did I already tell you I went to the center of Puebla two weeks ago with the
zone? It reminded me a lot of Italy. We went inside the huge cathedral thats
there and took some pictures and that was about it because we realized it
actually wasnt part of our zone when we got there.
One of the wards last Sunday had their primary program and the other ward
had their ward conference. It was good, but sometimes its hard to stay awake
the whole time for two full three hour services.
The members we rent from that live below us are going on a mission to
Merida, Mexico to be in the temple presidency there on Nov. 1.
Thank you for all the thoughts, Mom, Br. Evans, and everyone that has sent
me letters these last couple of weeks. I just recently got a huge flood of
letters from people in the ward and others probably thanks to you Mom. I got
a really cool letter from Br. Bates. Tell him and everyone else thank you.
Love you very much,
Brett
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
October 6, 2010 - Communication with Brett/Elder Graham
I just wanted to let you all know that Brett does receive your letters at the address posted on the side of this blog. You can use that address or use dearelder.com. It is free and no postage necessary. Dearelder letters go into a pouch and take up to 2 weeks to arrive at the mission home. Then, he gets his mail once a week from there. So, it can be a lengthy process. Please know that Brett, as all missionaries, are very busy and don't have a lot of time alotted to write back. I have asked around those who have been out on a mission in the past and those who are now on missions. They do not have time to write much. We, as a family, receive one email a week which I try to post. Even those can be short. He is only allowed to email his family. We have not received any hard copy letters from him since he has been in Mexico. I will continue to update his blog. He is safe and has support there. His mission president and wife look after all the missionaries. His church congregation is also there for him. He's learning a lot.
Occtober 4, 2010
Ok. I really dont have that much time, but heres a little update. This week the weather has been way cold. Thats right. Mexico, cold. I never imagined I would be cold in Mexico. Its perfect during the day when the sun is out, but in the mornings and evenings, woo. I bought a jacket last week, but Im thinking I might like another one sent to me the next time you get the chance. I didnt even think to bring one.
Today we went ice skating in this huge mall with the zone. Ice skating in Mexico?! How many people can say they have done that?
Conference went well. The other english missionaries in the stake and I watched it in a little room in the stake center via internet in English apart from the Priesthood session which we watched in Spanish. The talks were great.
Dont worry too much about me. I have a good support system here. Yes, Mom, I do have a refrigerator and hot water. Haha. Its really not too bad.
Got to go, I love you guys,
Brett
Today we went ice skating in this huge mall with the zone. Ice skating in Mexico?! How many people can say they have done that?
Conference went well. The other english missionaries in the stake and I watched it in a little room in the stake center via internet in English apart from the Priesthood session which we watched in Spanish. The talks were great.
Dont worry too much about me. I have a good support system here. Yes, Mom, I do have a refrigerator and hot water. Haha. Its really not too bad.
Got to go, I love you guys,
Brett
October 4, 2010 - Marc
Thanks for the email Marc. I treasure each one of them. I really want to send you a piece of lava rock from the volcano that Im living right next to here in Puebla, but Im not sure how to send it yet. I cant believe youre only 10 and you think about such deep stuff like that in terms of God and religion. Wow. You are so smart and so spiritual. I love you, man. Dont ever feel bad for writing me long emails. I love them.
Love always,
Brett
On Sun, Oct 3, 2010 at 2:35 PM, wrote:
Brett I miss u so much I know I say that in every time but its true. I'm not wearing contacts any more! I got these things that I wear at night and they shape my eyes so during the day I can read a big sign from two feet away I'm so glad about that. Dad says I'm doing really good at tennis my serve is honorable but my forehand is good and my backhand is getting better me, Dad and sean played golf the other day an I was ok at the driving range but we couldn't play a game because I had to go to a birth day party for a GIRL named lauren. It was at the zoo we didn't go in the zoo we went on a bunch of zip lines across the zoo actually there was only two zip lines but the rest we hooked are harneses onto a line. And crossed a bunch of logs or a line it was kind of scary with the line because it was just one line with nothing to hang onto except for you're harness. mom wanted me to tell you about my testimony or something so here goes I've been wondering about things like about how god only told us about the things that we needed to know to get to the celestial kingdom and then he will teach us the rest when we get there I'm thinking about what he will teach us and stuff like what if we get two lives on earth or if he'll give us a big test in heaven or something like that. I've given you a long enough letter hope it doesn't take away from the time you get to wright us so I love you.
Love Marc
Love always,
Brett
On Sun, Oct 3, 2010 at 2:35 PM,
Brett I miss u so much I know I say that in every time but its true. I'm not wearing contacts any more! I got these things that I wear at night and they shape my eyes so during the day I can read a big sign from two feet away I'm so glad about that. Dad says I'm doing really good at tennis my serve is honorable but my forehand is good and my backhand is getting better me, Dad and sean played golf the other day an I was ok at the driving range but we couldn't play a game because I had to go to a birth day party for a GIRL named lauren. It was at the zoo we didn't go in the zoo we went on a bunch of zip lines across the zoo actually there was only two zip lines but the rest we hooked are harneses onto a line. And crossed a bunch of logs or a line it was kind of scary with the line because it was just one line with nothing to hang onto except for you're harness. mom wanted me to tell you about my testimony or something so here goes I've been wondering about things like about how god only told us about the things that we needed to know to get to the celestial kingdom and then he will teach us the rest when we get there I'm thinking about what he will teach us and stuff like what if we get two lives on earth or if he'll give us a big test in heaven or something like that. I've given you a long enough letter hope it doesn't take away from the time you get to wright us so I love you.
Love Marc
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
September 20, 2010
Well, things didnt get to crazy here September 15 and 16. We just kept working and doing the normal stuff and we didnt see too many crazy things. Although, on the night of the 15th we went over to a members house to see how they celebrated their independence day and to participate in the grito (means yell in Spanish) where they wave a flag around and yell ¡viva Miguel Hidalgo, viva (a whole bunch of other important figures in the independence movement and the revolution of 1910), viva Mexico! And I ate cow stomach, and cow feet! I didnt really like either of them. The cow stomach (mole de panza or menudo) was especially weird, but, hey, I had to try it at least once. I heard there was some big parties in the center of Cholula which is right nearby us and a ridiculous party and parade in Mexico City that was televised.
The change just ended today, but neither Elder Huss nor I are being transferred. I was glad. I like my companion and my area. Six months in the mission and I finally stayed in one place for an entire transfer (6 weeks).
As for requests for my birthday. There is this painting I saw in a Liahona that I love. Its called "Lehi´s Dream" by Greg Olsen. Its the coolest depiction of 1 Nephi chapter 8 Ive ever seen. I would really like to find a small print of it or something. Ive also been craving some american chocolate candy like snickers, twix, milkyway, 3 musketeers, etc. Oh, and pictures of the family and Dad´s GTM. Other than that I cant think of anything, maybe another cool tie or something. You can never have too many ties as a missionary.
Ive been try to stay in shape. Exercising regularyly and effectively is hard. Although riding bikes up hills everyday helps with that. Actually, we havent been riding bikes this week much because my companion fell and we still havent gotten his bike fixed yet. Having bikes makes everything so much faster. They have been really useful. Fortunately, Mexico has a way better public transport and bus system than the U.S. otherwise we would never get anywhere without the bikes. I do still try to eat healthy as well. Even though the majority of the food in Mexico is fried in a ton of oil and terribly unhealthy and I cant really control what the members give us to eat, I always buy a lot of fruits and vegetables. My companion thinks Im funny that way, but fruits and vegetables are cheaper than almost all the processed junk food here. So, it works out good.
Im glad Sean´s having a good time in college. I knew he would. College rocks. I cant wait to go back. What classes is he taking?
I did get Quin´s address. Thanks.
Good luck on your race, Mom. Let me know how you do.
Till next week,
Brett
The change just ended today, but neither Elder Huss nor I are being transferred. I was glad. I like my companion and my area. Six months in the mission and I finally stayed in one place for an entire transfer (6 weeks).
As for requests for my birthday. There is this painting I saw in a Liahona that I love. Its called "Lehi´s Dream" by Greg Olsen. Its the coolest depiction of 1 Nephi chapter 8 Ive ever seen. I would really like to find a small print of it or something. Ive also been craving some american chocolate candy like snickers, twix, milkyway, 3 musketeers, etc. Oh, and pictures of the family and Dad´s GTM. Other than that I cant think of anything, maybe another cool tie or something. You can never have too many ties as a missionary.
Ive been try to stay in shape. Exercising regularyly and effectively is hard. Although riding bikes up hills everyday helps with that. Actually, we havent been riding bikes this week much because my companion fell and we still havent gotten his bike fixed yet. Having bikes makes everything so much faster. They have been really useful. Fortunately, Mexico has a way better public transport and bus system than the U.S. otherwise we would never get anywhere without the bikes. I do still try to eat healthy as well. Even though the majority of the food in Mexico is fried in a ton of oil and terribly unhealthy and I cant really control what the members give us to eat, I always buy a lot of fruits and vegetables. My companion thinks Im funny that way, but fruits and vegetables are cheaper than almost all the processed junk food here. So, it works out good.
Im glad Sean´s having a good time in college. I knew he would. College rocks. I cant wait to go back. What classes is he taking?
I did get Quin´s address. Thanks.
Good luck on your race, Mom. Let me know how you do.
Till next week,
Brett
September 27, 2010
Congratulations on your race, Mom! I always brag about you to people and always acredit all my healthy habits to you. Unfortunately, Ive been kind of lazy about working out in the mornings lately. We have some really cool people we are teaching right now, seriously, theyre like my best friends. I love them and Ive learned so much from them.
Ya, I would like recent photos if youve taken any. Im so glad Austin is doing well in IB. If he thinks its hard know just wait until he gets into his Junior year. I wish I was there to help him with his spanish. Haha. Is he taking chemistry with Mrs. Brennan? Math with Mr. Vong? I know the teachers change a lot for freshman, but I might know some of them.
Sorry, I didnt have much time to write this week. Ill try to give you more updates next week.
Love,
Brett
Ya, I would like recent photos if youve taken any. Im so glad Austin is doing well in IB. If he thinks its hard know just wait until he gets into his Junior year. I wish I was there to help him with his spanish. Haha. Is he taking chemistry with Mrs. Brennan? Math with Mr. Vong? I know the teachers change a lot for freshman, but I might know some of them.
Sorry, I didnt have much time to write this week. Ill try to give you more updates next week.
Love,
Brett
Monday, September 13, 2010
September 13, 2010
Well, good thing you sent me my white pants and tie. I just used them to baptize this Senora named Maria de Lourdes on Saturday. Shes the first person for which Ive actually been the one to do the ordinance on my mission. She already knew quite a bit about the church and wanted to get baptized before we even met here. Her finanse is a member. I was actually really surprised that she asked me to baptize her instead of her finanse. He was jealous. I think she partially just felt bad about the fact that we had to come to her house and teach her at 6:45 in the morning because she worked all day and she wanted to make it up to me in some way, but who knows. She is really sweet and I think she has a stronger testimony of the Gospel than me. I got everything right the first time I baptized here. Ya! Only one thing went wrong: before the baptism we were wondering why the font was filling up so slowly and even stopped filling at one point. So we started filling it up with buckets as fast as we could. We didnt know what was wrong. Then the bishop came 10 minutes before the baptism and told us that there was a pump that had to be activated in order to fill it. By that time we already almost had it filled. So, we couldnt add that much hot water and it was a little chilly for the baptism, but still bearable. Here, nobody has constant running water. You have to fill up a tank usually on top of the house with some sort of pump that takes water from a nearby well or underground system and then the water flows from that tank to the faucet.
Other than the baptism the work here has been kind of difficult lately. We dont have any progressing investigators right now. Although, we found a couple of less active families while we were contacting and one of them really needs some help. Jeu and his family hadnt been to church for like 9 years until yesterday. They got offended one day at some comment somebody made about their clothes and they stopped going. It appears that his wife didnt get baptized for the right reasons in the first place and after they stopped going Jeu picked up a drinking problem, their three children were baptized in the Catholic Church just to make his wifes family happy, and now he doesnt have a job. He seems like he really wants to turn his life around. I hope we can help. So far this mission is quite like I imagined a mexico mission with a extremely high number of baptisms every change. But, hey, its better than Italy. Haha, right Dad? Still its almost like Utah for Catholics. I hear there are 365 Catholic Churches in Cholula alone. My area is partially in Cholula. The center of every town is centered around the Cathedral that is there. They are beautiful buildings. The coolest catholic church is the one thats built on top of a huge Myan pyramid. Its not in our area. So I havent actually been able to go to it, but you can see from our area. I feel bad for Spencer, though, because at least here just about everybody is very friendly and respectful of our beliefs. If you said hello, Good day or good afternoon, everyone says hello back. There are a few people that dont like Americans and make fun of us (usually younger people, like teenagers), but the majority are very friendly and kind.
It hasnt rained as much this week. Thats good, except that now it feels a little hotter.
I got your package! Man, you spoil me. I love it. The chocolate covered pretzels are so addicting. I was wondering about the colors of the sprinkles, too. Are they Christmas colors or Mexican flag colors? Speaking of Mexican flag. Tuesday is 15 de Septiembre, which is basically like independence day for Mexico, but this year its going to be crazy because this year marks the 200th anniversary of the independence of Mexico from Spain. YA! FIESTA!
Love you all,
Brett
Other than the baptism the work here has been kind of difficult lately. We dont have any progressing investigators right now. Although, we found a couple of less active families while we were contacting and one of them really needs some help. Jeu and his family hadnt been to church for like 9 years until yesterday. They got offended one day at some comment somebody made about their clothes and they stopped going. It appears that his wife didnt get baptized for the right reasons in the first place and after they stopped going Jeu picked up a drinking problem, their three children were baptized in the Catholic Church just to make his wifes family happy, and now he doesnt have a job. He seems like he really wants to turn his life around. I hope we can help. So far this mission is quite like I imagined a mexico mission with a extremely high number of baptisms every change. But, hey, its better than Italy. Haha, right Dad? Still its almost like Utah for Catholics. I hear there are 365 Catholic Churches in Cholula alone. My area is partially in Cholula. The center of every town is centered around the Cathedral that is there. They are beautiful buildings. The coolest catholic church is the one thats built on top of a huge Myan pyramid. Its not in our area. So I havent actually been able to go to it, but you can see from our area. I feel bad for Spencer, though, because at least here just about everybody is very friendly and respectful of our beliefs. If you said hello, Good day or good afternoon, everyone says hello back. There are a few people that dont like Americans and make fun of us (usually younger people, like teenagers), but the majority are very friendly and kind.
It hasnt rained as much this week. Thats good, except that now it feels a little hotter.
I got your package! Man, you spoil me. I love it. The chocolate covered pretzels are so addicting. I was wondering about the colors of the sprinkles, too. Are they Christmas colors or Mexican flag colors? Speaking of Mexican flag. Tuesday is 15 de Septiembre, which is basically like independence day for Mexico, but this year its going to be crazy because this year marks the 200th anniversary of the independence of Mexico from Spain. YA! FIESTA!
Love you all,
Brett
August 30, 2010
Hey, I got your package. Muchismas Gracias! That honey is delicious! I noticed you also sent me some of the booklets for the strengthening marriage and family classes. You only sent the one strengthening families book in spanish. How do I get the other materials in Spanish? Does someone in the bishopric need to contact LDS family services. The closest one is in Mexico City. I have the contact information, but I havent mentioned anything about my idea to the bishopric because I want to know exactly what to tell them. One thing Ive learned on the mission is that you have to give people very specific assignments or they wont do anything. Its not that they dont want to help. Its just the way people are, even missionaries.
Well, its been raining a lot here and weve lost pretty much every one of our investigators. Yaa . Seriously, I thought it rained a lot in Florida, but it rains like every afternoon here and extremely hard. The streets get flooded and we get totally soaked, but its all good. A little water never hurt anyone.
I got to send to send you guys some pictures of the volcano, Popocatepetl, and other cool stuff. Puebla is beautiful.
I dont know if Ive told you yet, but we go once a week to the employment resource center the church has here in Puebla and help people find jobs. Its pretty cool, but sometimes it gets a little boring.
I got to go. Ill write a little more later today. Ive only used like 30 minutes of my email time.
Love,
Brett
Well, its been raining a lot here and weve lost pretty much every one of our investigators. Yaa . Seriously, I thought it rained a lot in Florida, but it rains like every afternoon here and extremely hard. The streets get flooded and we get totally soaked, but its all good. A little water never hurt anyone.
I got to send to send you guys some pictures of the volcano, Popocatepetl, and other cool stuff. Puebla is beautiful.
I dont know if Ive told you yet, but we go once a week to the employment resource center the church has here in Puebla and help people find jobs. Its pretty cool, but sometimes it gets a little boring.
I got to go. Ill write a little more later today. Ive only used like 30 minutes of my email time.
Love,
Brett
September 6, 2010
I cant believe Im going to miss the FSU vs. BYU game. Sean will never let me live it down if they lose to FSU two years in a row. That was such an embarrassing game last year. Does Sean have season tickets to all the games or are you just going to this one game? Im glad hes enjoying it there. The college life is pretty sweet. I cant wait to go back.
Ya the employment center, thats what it is. Centro de Empleos is what its called here. The only reason I was said it was boring is because some days nobody comes in and theres no one to help. But its pretty cool besides that. Its cool just being in the huge commercial district of Puebla too.
I think some of my favorite foods are the tacos (arabes, al pastor, etc.) and the pan de dulce (pastries). They have taquerias and bakeries on just about every block here. Ill have to send you some pictures of the huge columns of pork they use for the tacos. Its hard to believe they can sell that much meat in one day. And the pastries are so delicious. I especially like the orejas (literally translated ears) and the ones filled with cream. Mmm... The other cool thing is there is always a ton of delicious fruit for extremely cheap. Ive never had a mango in florida like the mangos here. Theyre way sweeter. I also like this fruit called tuna. Yes, tuna. The spanish word for the english tuna is atun. Tuna in spanish is a fruit. The peaches are really good too.
Well, I got to go. Talk to you next week.
Love,
Brett
P.S. When I said we lost our investigators I meant they told they didnt want to listen to us anymore, either directly or indirectly (by never being there when they say theyre going to be there or not leting us set a definite return appointment).
Ya the employment center, thats what it is. Centro de Empleos is what its called here. The only reason I was said it was boring is because some days nobody comes in and theres no one to help. But its pretty cool besides that. Its cool just being in the huge commercial district of Puebla too.
I think some of my favorite foods are the tacos (arabes, al pastor, etc.) and the pan de dulce (pastries). They have taquerias and bakeries on just about every block here. Ill have to send you some pictures of the huge columns of pork they use for the tacos. Its hard to believe they can sell that much meat in one day. And the pastries are so delicious. I especially like the orejas (literally translated ears) and the ones filled with cream. Mmm... The other cool thing is there is always a ton of delicious fruit for extremely cheap. Ive never had a mango in florida like the mangos here. Theyre way sweeter. I also like this fruit called tuna. Yes, tuna. The spanish word for the english tuna is atun. Tuna in spanish is a fruit. The peaches are really good too.
Well, I got to go. Talk to you next week.
Love,
Brett
P.S. When I said we lost our investigators I meant they told they didnt want to listen to us anymore, either directly or indirectly (by never being there when they say theyre going to be there or not leting us set a definite return appointment).
Monday, August 9, 2010
August 10, 2010
So, guess what? Im in a different area now. Ya, they took both my companion and I out of Manzanilla. Not sure why. I hadnt even been there for more than one complete transfer and now were going to have to hope the new Elders can find our investigators and figure out the area using only the area book.
Now Im in Torjadores and Manatiales (two wards). I didnt really want to leave. I had some good friends there, the bishop finally called a ward mission leader, and we were just starting to pick up some more investigators. In fact, just this week Elder Lira and I were teaching this couple and right there during the lesson we got down on our knees and the wife offered a prayer to know whether our message and the Book of Mormon were true and both she and her husband received the confirmation from the Holy Ghost that they were. And they have been Catholic all there lives. In fact, the husband served as a missionary for the Catholic Church at one point in his life. It was an awesome lesson to say the least.
However, my new companion seems pretty cool. His name is Elder Huss. Hes from Ogden. And, the area, well, I have only met a few people. We just changed today. So, we havent taught anyone yet. But today was the first time I went inside a full size mall in Mexico. It was weird. This area is a lot nicer in terms of that kind of stuff compared with Manzanilla, or so it seems.
Thanks for the information on the classes. Im going to investigate it further. I think it would be cool to get something like that going.
No, I wasnt the one to baptize Fabian nor Ivan. They both had uncles who were members that baptized them.
I want to send you guys pictures, but I havent been able to find an adapter for my memory card. Most of the computers here have a USB port but no drive for camera memory cards.
I was able to copy Amys songs to my ipod. WOW! HOLY COW! Tell Amy that she is an AMAZING SINGER! I couldnt believe it. I love the CD. Have you listened to it. Ask her if she composed the piano arrangements as well.
Even if no one plays the piano you should keep it tuned. Otherwise, it will be very hard to tune well later and will never sound as good as it could have.
I love you,
Brett
Now Im in Torjadores and Manatiales (two wards). I didnt really want to leave. I had some good friends there, the bishop finally called a ward mission leader, and we were just starting to pick up some more investigators. In fact, just this week Elder Lira and I were teaching this couple and right there during the lesson we got down on our knees and the wife offered a prayer to know whether our message and the Book of Mormon were true and both she and her husband received the confirmation from the Holy Ghost that they were. And they have been Catholic all there lives. In fact, the husband served as a missionary for the Catholic Church at one point in his life. It was an awesome lesson to say the least.
However, my new companion seems pretty cool. His name is Elder Huss. Hes from Ogden. And, the area, well, I have only met a few people. We just changed today. So, we havent taught anyone yet. But today was the first time I went inside a full size mall in Mexico. It was weird. This area is a lot nicer in terms of that kind of stuff compared with Manzanilla, or so it seems.
Thanks for the information on the classes. Im going to investigate it further. I think it would be cool to get something like that going.
No, I wasnt the one to baptize Fabian nor Ivan. They both had uncles who were members that baptized them.
I want to send you guys pictures, but I havent been able to find an adapter for my memory card. Most of the computers here have a USB port but no drive for camera memory cards.
I was able to copy Amys songs to my ipod. WOW! HOLY COW! Tell Amy that she is an AMAZING SINGER! I couldnt believe it. I love the CD. Have you listened to it. Ask her if she composed the piano arrangements as well.
Even if no one plays the piano you should keep it tuned. Otherwise, it will be very hard to tune well later and will never sound as good as it could have.
I love you,
Brett
Monday, August 2, 2010
August 2, 2010
Thanks for the email, Dad, and for your continual support and encouragement. I wish I could have known more about your mission before I left.
Thanks for the advice and counsel. Ill try to remember it and apply it. Thanks for everything you have taught me, Dad, and for being the father I need. Take care of Mom these next few weeks while shes recovering from her surgery, and give her a big hug and a kiss for me.
Love,
Brett
Thanks for the advice and counsel. Ill try to remember it and apply it. Thanks for everything you have taught me, Dad, and for being the father I need. Take care of Mom these next few weeks while shes recovering from her surgery, and give her a big hug and a kiss for me.
Love,
Brett
August 2, 2010
August 2, 2010
Hi mommy! I got your package last Tuesday. Thank you so much! I usually dont eat more than one full meal a day at a members house. I dont know why we dont have any food at our house, probably because my comp ran out of money quick last month because of all the buses he had to take. Sometimes Ill have a banana or something for breakfast and sometimes other people we visit give us food, but I really appreciated the beef jerky. And you sent me patience and divinity, my favorite! Im trying to control myself and savor it by eating only one slice a day, but its so good! I also got the CD from the Christensens. I havent listened to it yet, but I think I can get a CD player here for pretty cheap. I was trying to copy the songs to my ipod, but I havent figured out how yet without my computer. Im going to email my companions in Utah and see if they can send me my coat, if theyre still in the same area. I also realized I sent my white pants home in that package right before I left for Mexico thinking I wouldnt need them because there isnt a temple in my mission, but I forgot that Im going to need them when I baptize someone. I still dont have anyone lined up yet for me to personally baptize, but I think Im going to need them eventually. Maybe if you send another package you could put the pants in there too. OH, I also have to thank you for that awesome tie you sent me. I got like 5 or 6 compliments when I wore it on Sunday. 200 to 300 should be plenty for now. I hardly buy anything and I still havent run out of the money the mission gives me yet.
Im glad your surgery went well and that the nodes tested negative. I hope youre not in too much pain and that you can run again soon and be prepared for that half marathon. I was talking to a member who is preparing to run a full marathon the other day about you and your upcoming half marathon.
This past week has been going a little better. We have two baptisms lined up for this week, and I actually had several cool experiences finding new investigators. I was like wow, its actually true, the Lord really does place the people who are ready to accept the Gospel in your path. We are planning an activity this week for the ward to try to obtain some more references and unify the ward a little more. Its going to be kind of like a family home evening for the whole ward and their non member friends that we hope they invite with a desert contest and everything. Elder Lira and I are going to be the judges of course. Mmmmm. I did play piano in Church on Sunday. We got there a little early so I could practice a little bit. I went pretty well. I was the first time that ward has had someone to play the piano during sacrament meeting in a while. They seemed appreciative. Ill probably keep playing every week while Im here. The transfer ends this week. Im guessing that my comp is going to get transfered because he has been in this area for so long. I dont really feel like I know the area well enough yet to get a new companion, but Im sure I can rise to the occasion.
Mom, I keep forgetting to tell you, but in Utah we ate with this woman, Susan Edmunds, every week. I tell you this because she is like a professional cook and she has her own cook book and TV show on BYU TV. So, buy her cook book because her food is really good and really simple. And, watch her on BYU TV and tell me if she is as crazy and energetic on TV as she is in real life. Haha. I think she goes by the Food Nanny on her cookbook and tv show.
I had a question about the Strengthening Marriage and Strengthening Family classes you were in charge of organizing. Could you just tell me a little more about how they work and where I can find more information about them? I was thinking maybe I could help get some started here in Manzanilla and maybe even open it up to those who are not members. I dont know exactly how Im going to do it. Just a thought. If you have any information that could help me please let me know. Theres a lot of inactivity in this ward and poor organization. A few families basically carry the whole ward. For a while the Bishop didnt even have a second counselor nor secretary, and we are trying to get him to call a new ward mission leader because the one that is called now doesnt want to do anything. He doesnt even come to church.
I think the scripture that describes my mission the most is Alma 26:27.
I love you so much,
Brett
Hi mommy! I got your package last Tuesday. Thank you so much! I usually dont eat more than one full meal a day at a members house. I dont know why we dont have any food at our house, probably because my comp ran out of money quick last month because of all the buses he had to take. Sometimes Ill have a banana or something for breakfast and sometimes other people we visit give us food, but I really appreciated the beef jerky. And you sent me patience and divinity, my favorite! Im trying to control myself and savor it by eating only one slice a day, but its so good! I also got the CD from the Christensens. I havent listened to it yet, but I think I can get a CD player here for pretty cheap. I was trying to copy the songs to my ipod, but I havent figured out how yet without my computer. Im going to email my companions in Utah and see if they can send me my coat, if theyre still in the same area. I also realized I sent my white pants home in that package right before I left for Mexico thinking I wouldnt need them because there isnt a temple in my mission, but I forgot that Im going to need them when I baptize someone. I still dont have anyone lined up yet for me to personally baptize, but I think Im going to need them eventually. Maybe if you send another package you could put the pants in there too. OH, I also have to thank you for that awesome tie you sent me. I got like 5 or 6 compliments when I wore it on Sunday. 200 to 300 should be plenty for now. I hardly buy anything and I still havent run out of the money the mission gives me yet.
Im glad your surgery went well and that the nodes tested negative. I hope youre not in too much pain and that you can run again soon and be prepared for that half marathon. I was talking to a member who is preparing to run a full marathon the other day about you and your upcoming half marathon.
This past week has been going a little better. We have two baptisms lined up for this week, and I actually had several cool experiences finding new investigators. I was like wow, its actually true, the Lord really does place the people who are ready to accept the Gospel in your path. We are planning an activity this week for the ward to try to obtain some more references and unify the ward a little more. Its going to be kind of like a family home evening for the whole ward and their non member friends that we hope they invite with a desert contest and everything. Elder Lira and I are going to be the judges of course. Mmmmm. I did play piano in Church on Sunday. We got there a little early so I could practice a little bit. I went pretty well. I was the first time that ward has had someone to play the piano during sacrament meeting in a while. They seemed appreciative. Ill probably keep playing every week while Im here. The transfer ends this week. Im guessing that my comp is going to get transfered because he has been in this area for so long. I dont really feel like I know the area well enough yet to get a new companion, but Im sure I can rise to the occasion.
Mom, I keep forgetting to tell you, but in Utah we ate with this woman, Susan Edmunds, every week. I tell you this because she is like a professional cook and she has her own cook book and TV show on BYU TV. So, buy her cook book because her food is really good and really simple. And, watch her on BYU TV and tell me if she is as crazy and energetic on TV as she is in real life. Haha. I think she goes by the Food Nanny on her cookbook and tv show.
I had a question about the Strengthening Marriage and Strengthening Family classes you were in charge of organizing. Could you just tell me a little more about how they work and where I can find more information about them? I was thinking maybe I could help get some started here in Manzanilla and maybe even open it up to those who are not members. I dont know exactly how Im going to do it. Just a thought. If you have any information that could help me please let me know. Theres a lot of inactivity in this ward and poor organization. A few families basically carry the whole ward. For a while the Bishop didnt even have a second counselor nor secretary, and we are trying to get him to call a new ward mission leader because the one that is called now doesnt want to do anything. He doesnt even come to church.
I think the scripture that describes my mission the most is Alma 26:27.
I love you so much,
Brett
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
July 25 - 14 missionaries in a Van
Hey, guys!
Thinks are going good here, except for the rain. It has been raining like every day non stop this past week and I left my raincoat in Utah on accident. What really stinks about the rain is that we cant dry our clothes. (No one around here has a dryer. We have to hang our clothes up to dry.) At least its not hot though. The temperature has been really nice.
Im getting to know some of the members better and making more friends, but we are still not having much success in terms of finding people to teach. However, we recently recieved several references of people in our area who already want to be baptized. We just have to teach them, or so they say. Honestly, I dont really care how many people we teach or baptize or anything. Its just that I dont feel like Im doing everything I can as a missionary. Its hard for two reasons primarily. One: my companion has been in this area forever and sometimes doesn't want to work extremely hard and Im not good at confronting him, my senior companion, about things like that. Two: I still feel like there are things holding me back, like doubts and worries and stuff. I still feel like I'm lacking the faith I need to be the missionary I want to be. However, I've kind of just decided to be happier and, therefore, I'm feeling better, although, I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be.
I think Im going to start playing the piano for the ward on Sundays because there's no one else who knows how to play, even though its terribly out of tune. We'll see how that goes. I havent been able to practice much.
Today we put 14 or 16 missionaries (I cant remember) in one little van so that we could get the whole zone to a training meeting (and to play soccer after). You have to see the pictures. The van was bottoming out at every little bump.
I still can't think of my favorite scripture. I'll decide by next week for sure. Sorry.
I dont have much time. Sorry. Tell Marc and Austin thanks for writing me. Ill try to write something more specific to them next week.
Love,
Brett
Thinks are going good here, except for the rain. It has been raining like every day non stop this past week and I left my raincoat in Utah on accident. What really stinks about the rain is that we cant dry our clothes. (No one around here has a dryer. We have to hang our clothes up to dry.) At least its not hot though. The temperature has been really nice.
Im getting to know some of the members better and making more friends, but we are still not having much success in terms of finding people to teach. However, we recently recieved several references of people in our area who already want to be baptized. We just have to teach them, or so they say. Honestly, I dont really care how many people we teach or baptize or anything. Its just that I dont feel like Im doing everything I can as a missionary. Its hard for two reasons primarily. One: my companion has been in this area forever and sometimes doesn't want to work extremely hard and Im not good at confronting him, my senior companion, about things like that. Two: I still feel like there are things holding me back, like doubts and worries and stuff. I still feel like I'm lacking the faith I need to be the missionary I want to be. However, I've kind of just decided to be happier and, therefore, I'm feeling better, although, I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be.
I think Im going to start playing the piano for the ward on Sundays because there's no one else who knows how to play, even though its terribly out of tune. We'll see how that goes. I havent been able to practice much.
Today we put 14 or 16 missionaries (I cant remember) in one little van so that we could get the whole zone to a training meeting (and to play soccer after). You have to see the pictures. The van was bottoming out at every little bump.
I still can't think of my favorite scripture. I'll decide by next week for sure. Sorry.
I dont have much time. Sorry. Tell Marc and Austin thanks for writing me. Ill try to write something more specific to them next week.
Love,
Brett
July 19 - Week 2 in Mexico
Well, this week was kind of lame because my companion is district leader and was gone Tuesday through Friday from 8 to 5 for a training for all the leaders while I went to another area with two other elders who are really cool, but our numbers were terrible. Missionary work is a little different here than in Utah. We have basically no investigators right now and I havent gotten the opportunity to teach that many people. Well, we did visit a lot of recent converts and less active members, but my companion always ends up doing most of the talking during those lessons. I dont know. I guess things are going okay. Im just not enjoying it as much as I had hoped. I just dont feel like the missionary I want to be nor the missionary the Lord needs me to be. I feel like everyone else has so much more faith and is so much more sensitive to the Spirit than I am. My companion always seems to know what to say, and I just feel like I have no idea how to help these people or what they're really thinking or what their problems are or anything. Im just always worrying about something or someone. Sometimes I drive myself crazy.
At least it sounds like everything is going well over there. I cant believe that Brittany still remembers me. Tell her that I said hi and that I miss her too and that I owe her a hug when I get back. Shes so awesome. I hope shes doing well in school and everything.
Marc, give muffin a snuggle for me, ok? and have fun at rock climbing camp. Keep practicing tennis so I have someone to play with when I get back. I played soccer with a bunch of missionaries today, almost the whole zone it seemed like. It was pretty fun. We werent allowed to play soccer in Salt Lake. And down here, Marc, soccer is the only sport anyone cares about. Everyone is always playing everywhere. Tell Sean and Austin that if they dont treat you nicely theyre going to have to answer to me in 2 years.
Its still been raining here almost every afternoon. So, Ive been getting a little wet, but I try remember my umbrella or my poncho before we leave in the morning even if its bright and sunny out. Other than the rain, though, the weather is perfect, not too hot and not too cold. Sorry, you guys in Florida. Its probably over 90 degrees right now over there.
How is Grandpa Graham doing? Is he recovering from his heart attack ok. Tell him that Im sorry I havent written him yet.
Let me think about my favorite scripture. Im not entirely sure right now.
Love you all,
Brett
At least it sounds like everything is going well over there. I cant believe that Brittany still remembers me. Tell her that I said hi and that I miss her too and that I owe her a hug when I get back. Shes so awesome. I hope shes doing well in school and everything.
Marc, give muffin a snuggle for me, ok? and have fun at rock climbing camp. Keep practicing tennis so I have someone to play with when I get back. I played soccer with a bunch of missionaries today, almost the whole zone it seemed like. It was pretty fun. We werent allowed to play soccer in Salt Lake. And down here, Marc, soccer is the only sport anyone cares about. Everyone is always playing everywhere. Tell Sean and Austin that if they dont treat you nicely theyre going to have to answer to me in 2 years.
Its still been raining here almost every afternoon. So, Ive been getting a little wet, but I try remember my umbrella or my poncho before we leave in the morning even if its bright and sunny out. Other than the rain, though, the weather is perfect, not too hot and not too cold. Sorry, you guys in Florida. Its probably over 90 degrees right now over there.
How is Grandpa Graham doing? Is he recovering from his heart attack ok. Tell him that Im sorry I havent written him yet.
Let me think about my favorite scripture. Im not entirely sure right now.
Love you all,
Brett
July 12 - FINALLY IN MEXICO
Well, I finally made it to Mexico. It´s going pretty good so far. I havent taught that many lessons to non members yet, which kind of makes me disappointed, but I have been contacting people in the street and getting to know the ward. My companion is pretty cool. I still dont know him that well, but he's super chill and easy to get along with. He's from Mexico City. Im going to try to help him learn english. Theres so much good food here. Tomales, mole, fresh homemade tortillas, its all delicious and dirt cheap too. I think my least favorite part about the area is how dirty everything is. Well, its a tie between that and the fact that our area is separated by this gorge and we always have to go way out of our way to cross the only bridge across it and then circle back around. It takes forever. We played some futbol today with another companionship and a whole bunch of other people I didnt know. Today is our P-day, just like in Salt Lake in case you didnt already figure that out. I havent taken that many pictures mainly just because I dont want to look like a tourist and I dont want my camera to get stolen, but I wll send some eventually. Its really not that pretty, anyway. Just a grubby little city. Although, once in a while you'll come upon these gorgeous trees full of bright colored flowers. Its been raining a lot. Friday, my first day, (I stayed in the Mission Presidents home on Thursday night before going to my area) I got totally soaked. We walk or ride buses everywhere. No cars, unfortunately. The mission president seems pretty cool, and ya theres a few things that are less strict here than in Utah, but all the rules are pretty much the same. I like it here even though I dont get all the comforts of home. Its just a nice change to be in a place where people live in more humble circumstances. It makes you appreciate certain things a lot more. I cant drink the tap water, but my water bottle filter thing the MTC gave me seems to be working so far. I havent gotten terribly sick yet.
Tanner is already engaged?!!! What?!! That was fast.
Thanks for telling me about Grandpa. Did this happen recently? I had no idea.
Im so jealous of you guys, going to Puerto Rico. Marc looks so tall in that picture you sent me. What happened?
I love all the people here, but Im still struggling to feel like Im actually helping them. I dont know. Im trying to, but most of the time I just feel like I dont know what to do or what to say to people. I just feel like Im there and thats it.
Love,
Brett
Tanner is already engaged?!!! What?!! That was fast.
Thanks for telling me about Grandpa. Did this happen recently? I had no idea.
Im so jealous of you guys, going to Puerto Rico. Marc looks so tall in that picture you sent me. What happened?
I love all the people here, but Im still struggling to feel like Im actually helping them. I dont know. Im trying to, but most of the time I just feel like I dont know what to do or what to say to people. I just feel like Im there and thats it.
Love,
Brett
Friday, July 9, 2010
Write Elder Graham at:
Calle 25 Sur#907
Colonia La Paz
72160 Puebla, Puebla
Mexico
That is the mission address, so he probably would get these weekly. You can also use dearelder.com. There is a charge to Puebla, only 44cents. The letters from dearelder.com go into a pouch that is delivered every 10 to 14 days.
We talked to him for several hours yesterday. Great! He is happy and excited to do Heavenly Father's work. The mission president contacted us and like him and are happy to be working with him. They are sending him to the Manzanilla area. I looked that up. It appears to be a small, beach town. But, I am sure there are outskirt areas as part of it. Excited to hear more each week. What a great thing our missionaries do. To sacrifice 2 years to serve the Lord and bless many.
Calle 25 Sur#907
Colonia La Paz
72160 Puebla, Puebla
Mexico
That is the mission address, so he probably would get these weekly. You can also use dearelder.com. There is a charge to Puebla, only 44cents. The letters from dearelder.com go into a pouch that is delivered every 10 to 14 days.
We talked to him for several hours yesterday. Great! He is happy and excited to do Heavenly Father's work. The mission president contacted us and like him and are happy to be working with him. They are sending him to the Manzanilla area. I looked that up. It appears to be a small, beach town. But, I am sure there are outskirt areas as part of it. Excited to hear more each week. What a great thing our missionaries do. To sacrifice 2 years to serve the Lord and bless many.
Hi Mommy!
It pains me to hear about your cancer diagnosis. I'm just glad I have a cancer specialist for a father who can reassure me that everything should be ok and that the risk for any life-threatening issues is low. I would be a lot more worried without his reassurance. However, I still worry about how having surgery is going to affect your health and your high goals of running marathons and stuff. Do you think you'll still be able to run that half marathon that's coming up? I think I worry most about how this second cancer diagnosis is going to affect you emotionally, but I know you're strong and you've gone through this before. So, I'll try not to worry too much myself if you promise to not worry too much either. The most I can do for you is tell you the three simplest and yet most powerful words in the english language: I love you.
DON'T SEND ANYTHING ELSE TO THE ADDRESS FOR THIS MISSION!!!! Why? Because I finally got my visa Wednesday!!!! They still haven't told me when I'm leaving, but it should be by the end of this week. I think I should be able to call you when I find out, but if not be expecting a call thursday or friday. Will you be in Puerto Rico this whole week?
I can't believe little Marcy Poo is using my bed! Haha! Just kidding. I guess he must be growing if he's tall enough to ride the rollercoasters at islands of adventure now. Wow! I probably won't even recognize him when I come back. That's cool that you're getting better at Tennis. I was able to play a little tennis last Monday at a zone activity, but everyone was terrible. So, it wasn't that fun.
I have a lot of favorite scriptures. I wouldn't even know where to start. I love having companionship study every morning and hearing what everyone else learned during their personal study. I'm getting close to finishing Jesus the Christ. It's taking me forever because I'm following along in the New Testament and marking all the scriptures I like that he references. That book is amazing. I'm learning so much more about the life of Jesus Christ and just how amazing he was and just how significant his sacrifice really was for the entire human race. One of my favorite scriptures has always been 2 Nephi 26:24 and 33. I also like D&C 58:2-4. Those are just two that first came to my mind.
I'm kind of sad to be leaving Kamas. I love it here, but I'm excited to finally be going to Mexico, too. I'm still a little scared, but a lot less than I was when I first left the MTC. My confidence has grown a lot since I left the MTC. I love my companions. They're so awesome, and being in a foursome is so much fun. We're always laughing and having a good time.
So, I don't think those tomatoes will make it to Mexico. Maybe the beef jerky will make it ok though.
I still haven't gotten yours or anyone's dear elders. I don't know what the deal is. I'll ask tomorrow when we go down to the mission office.
I love you guys,
Brett
It pains me to hear about your cancer diagnosis. I'm just glad I have a cancer specialist for a father who can reassure me that everything should be ok and that the risk for any life-threatening issues is low. I would be a lot more worried without his reassurance. However, I still worry about how having surgery is going to affect your health and your high goals of running marathons and stuff. Do you think you'll still be able to run that half marathon that's coming up? I think I worry most about how this second cancer diagnosis is going to affect you emotionally, but I know you're strong and you've gone through this before. So, I'll try not to worry too much myself if you promise to not worry too much either. The most I can do for you is tell you the three simplest and yet most powerful words in the english language: I love you.
DON'T SEND ANYTHING ELSE TO THE ADDRESS FOR THIS MISSION!!!! Why? Because I finally got my visa Wednesday!!!! They still haven't told me when I'm leaving, but it should be by the end of this week. I think I should be able to call you when I find out, but if not be expecting a call thursday or friday. Will you be in Puerto Rico this whole week?
I can't believe little Marcy Poo is using my bed! Haha! Just kidding. I guess he must be growing if he's tall enough to ride the rollercoasters at islands of adventure now. Wow! I probably won't even recognize him when I come back. That's cool that you're getting better at Tennis. I was able to play a little tennis last Monday at a zone activity, but everyone was terrible. So, it wasn't that fun.
I have a lot of favorite scriptures. I wouldn't even know where to start. I love having companionship study every morning and hearing what everyone else learned during their personal study. I'm getting close to finishing Jesus the Christ. It's taking me forever because I'm following along in the New Testament and marking all the scriptures I like that he references. That book is amazing. I'm learning so much more about the life of Jesus Christ and just how amazing he was and just how significant his sacrifice really was for the entire human race. One of my favorite scriptures has always been 2 Nephi 26:24 and 33. I also like D&C 58:2-4. Those are just two that first came to my mind.
I'm kind of sad to be leaving Kamas. I love it here, but I'm excited to finally be going to Mexico, too. I'm still a little scared, but a lot less than I was when I first left the MTC. My confidence has grown a lot since I left the MTC. I love my companions. They're so awesome, and being in a foursome is so much fun. We're always laughing and having a good time.
So, I don't think those tomatoes will make it to Mexico. Maybe the beef jerky will make it ok though.
I still haven't gotten yours or anyone's dear elders. I don't know what the deal is. I'll ask tomorrow when we go down to the mission office.
I love you guys,
Brett
HOLA!
Things are still going pretty good here. I felt really sick a couple of days ago, but now I'm fine. The weather here is great! It's always sunny, but never hot because it's pretty high elevation. I'm so glad I'm up here instead of down in the valley. I'm not a big city person. We got another visa waiter, named Elder Ferrin. So, now were four missionaries all living together and all technically part of the same companionship. We usually split up during the day. Two go in the car we have and two others either walk or ride around with a member. Things seem to be slowing down a little bit. We have a ton of people who say they are willing to listen to us and that we have appointments with but then when we show up they aren't there or they're busy. We had like 11 appointments on Sunday, but only a few of them worked out. Nevertheless, we have quite a few people with baptismal dates and others who we are continuing to work with. It does seem to be getting a little hard to find new people though. There's some places around here where just about everyone is a member, and just about everyone has listened to the missionaries before. Therefore, a lot of people we meet already have preconceptions and personal opinions about the missionaries and our church. Plus, there's just not that many people in Kamas. In fact, I'm almost certain there's more cows and horses than people. Haha! But it's still going good. It's just weird to me sometimes to be a missionary in a place with so many members. I love my companions. They have taught me so much, and they always manage to be obedient without being as uptight as some other missionaries. I still don't feel like I really know what to say a lot of times, and sometimes I wonder if anything I'm doing or saying is really having any effect on the people. I feel like just an extra or backup sometimes. At least I don't feel like it's my spanish that's holding me up. I can usually express myself pretty well and understand people. Everything just happens so fast and if you don't jump in quick especially with spanish speakers you miss your opportunity to say what you wanted to say. Oh, I got the harshest rejection yet on my mission this past week. I knocked on this one door like less than a block away from the church and this guy answered and told me he blank blank hated Mormons and that he wasn't buying any souls today. At first I almost thought he was joking, but then he slammed the door. I didn't even get to say a word before he shut the door. I actually felt kind of sorry for him. I mean if he really hates Mormons then that means he hates half of his own neighbors.
Mom, what happened with those kidney stones you said you had? I forgot to ask you last time. I hope your surgery goes ok. You are one tough Momma to try to run a marathon with all these health problems always getting in your way.
Dad, you can email me pictures now if you want because I just use a computer at a public library. So, I should be able to see them. I want to see all this stuff you're doing to the cars and, I want to see that GTM. Mom, you could probably email me that music I was asking for too if you ever find it. I don't an opportunity to play often, but I would still like it eventually.
Ya, tell Sean to write me. I want to know what his college plans are and how things are going for him. Also tell him I said Happy Birthday! I know it's a little late, but I think he'll forgive me.
I wish I could tell you about every single person I'm teaching, but that would take forever.
Have fun at Universal and Puerto Rico. Dad, don't worry too much about about the politics at work. I think part of what makes you a good doctor and a good person is that you never get too involved with all that stuff. I mean I know you have to sometimes, but just remember that God is always with you and that your son loves you and misses you more than you can imagine. And that goes for all of you.
Love,
Brett
Things are still going pretty good here. I felt really sick a couple of days ago, but now I'm fine. The weather here is great! It's always sunny, but never hot because it's pretty high elevation. I'm so glad I'm up here instead of down in the valley. I'm not a big city person. We got another visa waiter, named Elder Ferrin. So, now were four missionaries all living together and all technically part of the same companionship. We usually split up during the day. Two go in the car we have and two others either walk or ride around with a member. Things seem to be slowing down a little bit. We have a ton of people who say they are willing to listen to us and that we have appointments with but then when we show up they aren't there or they're busy. We had like 11 appointments on Sunday, but only a few of them worked out. Nevertheless, we have quite a few people with baptismal dates and others who we are continuing to work with. It does seem to be getting a little hard to find new people though. There's some places around here where just about everyone is a member, and just about everyone has listened to the missionaries before. Therefore, a lot of people we meet already have preconceptions and personal opinions about the missionaries and our church. Plus, there's just not that many people in Kamas. In fact, I'm almost certain there's more cows and horses than people. Haha! But it's still going good. It's just weird to me sometimes to be a missionary in a place with so many members. I love my companions. They have taught me so much, and they always manage to be obedient without being as uptight as some other missionaries. I still don't feel like I really know what to say a lot of times, and sometimes I wonder if anything I'm doing or saying is really having any effect on the people. I feel like just an extra or backup sometimes. At least I don't feel like it's my spanish that's holding me up. I can usually express myself pretty well and understand people. Everything just happens so fast and if you don't jump in quick especially with spanish speakers you miss your opportunity to say what you wanted to say. Oh, I got the harshest rejection yet on my mission this past week. I knocked on this one door like less than a block away from the church and this guy answered and told me he blank blank hated Mormons and that he wasn't buying any souls today. At first I almost thought he was joking, but then he slammed the door. I didn't even get to say a word before he shut the door. I actually felt kind of sorry for him. I mean if he really hates Mormons then that means he hates half of his own neighbors.
Mom, what happened with those kidney stones you said you had? I forgot to ask you last time. I hope your surgery goes ok. You are one tough Momma to try to run a marathon with all these health problems always getting in your way.
Dad, you can email me pictures now if you want because I just use a computer at a public library. So, I should be able to see them. I want to see all this stuff you're doing to the cars and, I want to see that GTM. Mom, you could probably email me that music I was asking for too if you ever find it. I don't an opportunity to play often, but I would still like it eventually.
Ya, tell Sean to write me. I want to know what his college plans are and how things are going for him. Also tell him I said Happy Birthday! I know it's a little late, but I think he'll forgive me.
I wish I could tell you about every single person I'm teaching, but that would take forever.
Have fun at Universal and Puerto Rico. Dad, don't worry too much about about the politics at work. I think part of what makes you a good doctor and a good person is that you never get too involved with all that stuff. I mean I know you have to sometimes, but just remember that God is always with you and that your son loves you and misses you more than you can imagine. And that goes for all of you.
Love,
Brett
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
June 21, 2010
Hi Mom! Hi Dad! Hid Marc! Hi Austin! Hi Sean! Hi everybody else who might be reading this!
Thanks for your Dear Elder letter, Dad. I got it just before you left. I can't believe you're already switching out your cars. You'll probably have a Formula 1 Race Car by the time I get back.
Austin's Allstar team went to the state championship? Did they win? Is Austin totally tired of baseball yet? There's no way I could play that much baseball. When is Mom running her half marathon? Where? How is she training for it?
Well, I've only been here a week, but I already love it here. Although it's nothing like what I was expecting when they told me I was going to the Salt Lake City South mission. I'm serving in Kamas, a little rural area beyond Park City. It's actually quite beautiful with the hills and farms and not a single building more than two stories tall. It's one of, if not the furthest area, from the Mission office, which is in Sandy.
I'm serving with two other Elder other elders, Hernandez and Torres, who are both originally from Mexico, but now live in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. They're great! They both have a lot of experience and are teaching me a lot. We are the only missionaries in our area. So, we teach both English and Spanish-speaking investigators. However, we have more Spanish-speaking than English-speaking investigators usually. We are working really hard and teaching a lot of people. I think we taught over 30 lessons with members present this past week. I've already been a part of 3 baptism, athough I don't feel any of them was a result of my efforts since I just got here last week. But I know the little girl who we most recently baptized pretty well.
My Spanish is coming along. My companions always try to involve as much as possible even though I'm brand new, and we're in a trio. I'm very grateful for that. But, ya. We are always crazy busy, racing from one appointment to the next. I don't know what we would do without a car because our schedule is always tight, and everything is really far apart here. We live with a member, and we get fed at a member's house every night. So, that's pretty cool. I got to take advantage of all the comforts while I'm still in the US. Some restaurants around here even let us eat for free because they are owned by a member. I love being a missionary in Utah! Haha! Usually, we barely have time for lunch, so we don't go that often. I still feel like a noob sometimes when I'm teaching and even more so when I'm contacting random people, but I'm learning pretty fast.
I'm not sure exactly what else to write because I still haven't gotten any mail or dear elders anyone may have sent me since I got here. We only pick up mail once a week from the mission office. So, if you did send me something, I should get it tomorrow when we go down there for our district meeting. The mission office is like an hour away. I think that's the worst part about being here. But, other than that, I love it here! Which is so good because I have no idea when I'm going to get my visa.
I love you all! May God continue to bless you.
Brett
Thanks for your Dear Elder letter, Dad. I got it just before you left. I can't believe you're already switching out your cars. You'll probably have a Formula 1 Race Car by the time I get back.
Austin's Allstar team went to the state championship? Did they win? Is Austin totally tired of baseball yet? There's no way I could play that much baseball. When is Mom running her half marathon? Where? How is she training for it?
Well, I've only been here a week, but I already love it here. Although it's nothing like what I was expecting when they told me I was going to the Salt Lake City South mission. I'm serving in Kamas, a little rural area beyond Park City. It's actually quite beautiful with the hills and farms and not a single building more than two stories tall. It's one of, if not the furthest area, from the Mission office, which is in Sandy.
I'm serving with two other Elder other elders, Hernandez and Torres, who are both originally from Mexico, but now live in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. They're great! They both have a lot of experience and are teaching me a lot. We are the only missionaries in our area. So, we teach both English and Spanish-speaking investigators. However, we have more Spanish-speaking than English-speaking investigators usually. We are working really hard and teaching a lot of people. I think we taught over 30 lessons with members present this past week. I've already been a part of 3 baptism, athough I don't feel any of them was a result of my efforts since I just got here last week. But I know the little girl who we most recently baptized pretty well.
My Spanish is coming along. My companions always try to involve as much as possible even though I'm brand new, and we're in a trio. I'm very grateful for that. But, ya. We are always crazy busy, racing from one appointment to the next. I don't know what we would do without a car because our schedule is always tight, and everything is really far apart here. We live with a member, and we get fed at a member's house every night. So, that's pretty cool. I got to take advantage of all the comforts while I'm still in the US. Some restaurants around here even let us eat for free because they are owned by a member. I love being a missionary in Utah! Haha! Usually, we barely have time for lunch, so we don't go that often. I still feel like a noob sometimes when I'm teaching and even more so when I'm contacting random people, but I'm learning pretty fast.
I'm not sure exactly what else to write because I still haven't gotten any mail or dear elders anyone may have sent me since I got here. We only pick up mail once a week from the mission office. So, if you did send me something, I should get it tomorrow when we go down there for our district meeting. The mission office is like an hour away. I think that's the worst part about being here. But, other than that, I love it here! Which is so good because I have no idea when I'm going to get my visa.
I love you all! May God continue to bless you.
Brett
June 10, 2010
We got a call this evening from Brett. Gary, Cherise and Marc got to talk to him for a few minutes. He called to tell us he was being temporarily transferred to the Utah South mission while he waited for his Visa. The consulate is right there in Salt Lake, so it will be easy to leave quickly when it arrives there. He leaves Tues, June 15. We can contact him through dearelder.com at the Utah South Mission.
His address at the mission home in Utah is as follows:
Elder Brett Graham
8060 S 615 E
Sandy, UT 84070
He only get his mail once a week, as it goes directly to the mission office.
He was pretty happy to be heading out. He had been doing work in the Referral Center at the MTC on the phones and chat discussion on the internet. He enjoyed that and was able to get some experience there. He will be really working now. He's glad. We will be sure to update when he heads out to Puebla.
His address at the mission home in Utah is as follows:
Elder Brett Graham
8060 S 615 E
Sandy, UT 84070
He only get his mail once a week, as it goes directly to the mission office.
He was pretty happy to be heading out. He had been doing work in the Referral Center at the MTC on the phones and chat discussion on the internet. He enjoyed that and was able to get some experience there. He will be really working now. He's glad. We will be sure to update when he heads out to Puebla.
June 15, 2010
Hi guys, I'm feeling a lot better this week. I'm beginning to realize a lot of things about prayer and faith that have helped me recognize the answers I've already been give as well as trust more fully in God and His wisdom. I love the fact that I'm able to attend the temple every week here and participate in all of the ordinances. I've had many answers to prayers and person revelation there. I especially love participating in sealings. That's really cool, Mom, that you get the chance to work in the temple. Are you going to be an ordinance worker? What are you going to be doing at the temple? for long? I'm still nervous about going to Puebla. I still feel inadequate as a teacher, and I don't feel like the Spirit always tells me what to say when I don't know what to say like everyone talks about, but I'm also excited. I love this Gospel, and I'm beginning to understand more and more that it's more than just another Christian church. I still haven't heard anything about my visa yet, but one of the Elders in my district was also delayed with me finally got his and is leaving Friday. Some others that are going to Mexico have also gotten theirs. They're coming in slowly, but they're coming. You can pray for my visa to come if you would like, but like I said, I'm not too worried. Whatever is the Lord's will. I hope I get it soon.
Mom, I think that music I was asking for may actually be in my external hard drive, not my laptop. I deleted almost everything off of my laptop before I left.
I wrote Austin a letter today. He should get it by the end of this week. Once again, thanks for the pictures. My companion thinks I'm even cooler now, and he can't wait to go on adventures with me after our missions.
Oh! Guess who I saw at the temple today, totally unplanned. AMY WHITCOMB! It was cool even though I didn't get to talk to her for very long.
Love you all,
Brett
Mom, I think that music I was asking for may actually be in my external hard drive, not my laptop. I deleted almost everything off of my laptop before I left.
I wrote Austin a letter today. He should get it by the end of this week. Once again, thanks for the pictures. My companion thinks I'm even cooler now, and he can't wait to go on adventures with me after our missions.
Oh! Guess who I saw at the temple today, totally unplanned. AMY WHITCOMB! It was cool even though I didn't get to talk to her for very long.
Love you all,
Brett
May 25, 2010
As Mom was coming home from Ireland she read a post on Facebook that said Brett had left the MTC and was serving in Puebla. She was concerned something happened while she was gone and followed up. Apparently, a fellow missionary was under the impression that Brett had left and passed it on, so it was posted on Facebook. Brett's clarification letter follows:
OKAY... First of all, just to clarify to everyone, I am still here at the MTC and I have absolutely no idea when I'm going to get my visa and be able to leave. Mom, I should be able to call you once I find out. So, until I call you or contact you in some way, I will still be here. Can you please make sure everyone else knows that I'm still here? Also, when I do leave and you do find out, can you please let everyone else know through facebook or email? Than you very much. I know this whole not having my visa thing is confusing, but it's seriously happening to nearly all of the missionaries going to Mexico. I'm not sure why. My companion and two others in my district are still here with me. So, it's okay. I don't mind too much staying a little longer. There's always more that I can learn. I mean I really want to go to Puebla and get out there and serve the Lord and the people, but I know I'll get there eventually. If I don't get my visa within the next few weeks, they'll probably be giving me a temporary assignment here in the US until I do.
It sounds like you had fun in Ireland. I'm glad you guys were able to do that trip. Tell Grandma I miss her and lover her.
Too bad about the Magic. Oh well, you guys enjoy those season tickets next year. That will be awesome in the new stadium, but who's going to use them? Just Austin, Marc, and Dad? Sean will probably be at college most of the time, right?
So, is Austin going to play baseball at Seminole?
Things here have been going good. I miss the missionaries in my district that have already left, especially Elder Faulkner but those of us that are left are growing closer and still having a good time. So far, we've been able to stick with our same teachers, but I'm not sure what will happen tomorrow because they're getting new missionaries.
I love all of you,
Brett
OKAY... First of all, just to clarify to everyone, I am still here at the MTC and I have absolutely no idea when I'm going to get my visa and be able to leave. Mom, I should be able to call you once I find out. So, until I call you or contact you in some way, I will still be here. Can you please make sure everyone else knows that I'm still here? Also, when I do leave and you do find out, can you please let everyone else know through facebook or email? Than you very much. I know this whole not having my visa thing is confusing, but it's seriously happening to nearly all of the missionaries going to Mexico. I'm not sure why. My companion and two others in my district are still here with me. So, it's okay. I don't mind too much staying a little longer. There's always more that I can learn. I mean I really want to go to Puebla and get out there and serve the Lord and the people, but I know I'll get there eventually. If I don't get my visa within the next few weeks, they'll probably be giving me a temporary assignment here in the US until I do.
It sounds like you had fun in Ireland. I'm glad you guys were able to do that trip. Tell Grandma I miss her and lover her.
Too bad about the Magic. Oh well, you guys enjoy those season tickets next year. That will be awesome in the new stadium, but who's going to use them? Just Austin, Marc, and Dad? Sean will probably be at college most of the time, right?
So, is Austin going to play baseball at Seminole?
Things here have been going good. I miss the missionaries in my district that have already left, especially Elder Faulkner but those of us that are left are growing closer and still having a good time. So far, we've been able to stick with our same teachers, but I'm not sure what will happen tomorrow because they're getting new missionaries.
I love all of you,
Brett
June 8, 2010
Thanks for finally sending pictures! Haha. I'm looking forward to seeing them. I wish I could be there for Sean's graduation ceremony. He's going to love college. It's a million times better than high school. Just tell him to make sure that he actually studies and doesn't have too much fun. It can be difficult sometimes to study when everyone else around you is just hanging out or wants to do something fun. Has he signed up for classes yet? Does he know what kind of stuff he wants to study? Tell Sean I miss him and being able to hang out with him.
So, Dad, you finally decided to stop being a cheapskate and become a member of the Heathrow Tennis Club.:) So, who are you planning on playing with? Have you found anyone who's up for the challenge? Hope you are taking care of my baby, and by baby I means the S2000, and Muffin, of course. How are the workouts going with Kenny? Are you more buff than when I left? I think I actually weigh over 165 now because I eat so much more here than I did at home, but my waist size is still the same so it must be muscle mass, right?:)
Marc, how are you my man? Are there any cool new xbox games you've been playing lately? Did you see Iron Man 2? I heard it was pretty awesome. I knew I had been here a long time when new missionaries started telling me about that movie. I don't even remember seeing previews for it. How's Muffin? I she her normal fluffy self? Is Mom still her favorite person? I wish I could talk to you. Don't worry. I will sometime within the next month, hopefully.
This past week has been extremely difficult for me. I've just been reconsidering everything I believe again and whether or not I can really serve this mission. It kind of worries me that I am still questioning things after being here 11 weeks. It's just that I worry that it's not enough to just believe it, you have to know it. And it's so hard for me to distinguish between the two. I know it's for my own benefit to have to reach for the answers.
I love you all,
Brett
So, Dad, you finally decided to stop being a cheapskate and become a member of the Heathrow Tennis Club.:) So, who are you planning on playing with? Have you found anyone who's up for the challenge? Hope you are taking care of my baby, and by baby I means the S2000, and Muffin, of course. How are the workouts going with Kenny? Are you more buff than when I left? I think I actually weigh over 165 now because I eat so much more here than I did at home, but my waist size is still the same so it must be muscle mass, right?:)
Marc, how are you my man? Are there any cool new xbox games you've been playing lately? Did you see Iron Man 2? I heard it was pretty awesome. I knew I had been here a long time when new missionaries started telling me about that movie. I don't even remember seeing previews for it. How's Muffin? I she her normal fluffy self? Is Mom still her favorite person? I wish I could talk to you. Don't worry. I will sometime within the next month, hopefully.
This past week has been extremely difficult for me. I've just been reconsidering everything I believe again and whether or not I can really serve this mission. It kind of worries me that I am still questioning things after being here 11 weeks. It's just that I worry that it's not enough to just believe it, you have to know it. And it's so hard for me to distinguish between the two. I know it's for my own benefit to have to reach for the answers.
I love you all,
Brett
June 1, 2010 -Letter from Brett
How's everyone doing? Everyone must almost be out of school by now. Have you guys planned any crazy awesome trips for this summer yet? Did Austin ever decide where he wanted to go with Dad? How is Sean feeling about graduating? I hear he wants to have a big party with like 50 people. Sweet! Would that be at the house? Is Sean going to work more at Parker Boats this summer?
Have you guys been using the boat at at all in that nice, warm weather? I hope someone has. I miss wakeboarding so much. What about the jet ski?
I did see Sean Salisbury a few times, but I never got a picture with him. We were never able to coordinate it. It was weird because it seemed like one day he was here and the next day he wasn't. I guess I just forgot that not everybody stays here for 2 months.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke at last week's devotional. He's always such a powerful speaker, especially when it comes to missionary work.
Marc, how are you doing buddy? Mom told me you were thinking about playing baseball again in the fall. Is that true? Are you still playing tennis? I hear you have a lot of sports camps you're planning on doing this summer?
Hey, how are the Magic doing in the playoffs?
I'm not sure how much longer I'll be here. So, until you hear otherwise, just keep sending stuff to the same address.
I love all of you guys!
Brett
Have you guys been using the boat at at all in that nice, warm weather? I hope someone has. I miss wakeboarding so much. What about the jet ski?
I did see Sean Salisbury a few times, but I never got a picture with him. We were never able to coordinate it. It was weird because it seemed like one day he was here and the next day he wasn't. I guess I just forgot that not everybody stays here for 2 months.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke at last week's devotional. He's always such a powerful speaker, especially when it comes to missionary work.
Marc, how are you doing buddy? Mom told me you were thinking about playing baseball again in the fall. Is that true? Are you still playing tennis? I hear you have a lot of sports camps you're planning on doing this summer?
Hey, how are the Magic doing in the playoffs?
I'm not sure how much longer I'll be here. So, until you hear otherwise, just keep sending stuff to the same address.
I love all of you guys!
Brett
May 18, 2010 -Letter from Brett
Hey everybody, I didn't get my visa yet. So, I have no idea when I am going to be leaving. It could be this week or it could be in a month. My companion and two other Elders in my district haven't gotten their visas yet either. I'm going to come back later today to send a longer email, but if anyone wants to tell me anything you can reply to this email, and I'll reply later today. Thanks for the package, Mom, and for the protein bars in addition to the shaving cream. I think I'm going to need another carryon bag/suitcase to get my two large suitcases under 50 lbs. So, I might buy a small suitcase here, ok? Mom, can you find a piece of sheet music for me on my computer and print it out and send it to me? It's called How Firm a Foundation. It should be on my laptop under My computer/My Music/Sheet Music. I thought I brought it with me, but apparently I forgot. Sorry I wasn't able to get a hold of you when I called last week. Don't worry. I'm sure I"ll talk to you soon.
Love, Brett
Love, Brett
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
May 4 Letter
First of all, can I just express to everyone how grateful I am, for everything. I am grateful for the opportunity to be here. I'm grateful for the scriptures and the inspired words in them. I'm grateful for this earth and everything that's on it. It is so beautiful and good. I'm grateful for the sun which graciously shines its rays upon this earth everyday and gives life to everything on it. The oribits of the planets, the contents of our atmosphere: It's just amazing to me how perfectly everything has been organized and designed. I'm grateful for my family which has supported and loved me since I was born. I'm grateful for all the friends, teachers, and other influential people in my life that have helped me become who I am today. I'm grateful for sufficient food to keep my body running well. I'm grateful for clean, running water whenever I want it. I'm grateful to have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep on at night. I'm grateful just to be alive. I'm grateful for the love God has shown me by giving me all these things and by gently leading me along the path He wold have me walk, the path He knows will give me the most joy and lead me to realize my full potential as a child of God. Just had to get that out there.
And, semirelated, if whoever reads this is wondering if God really cares about him or her I would recommend to that person to pray to God. But when you pray, just express gratitude for anything and everything you can think of that you consider yourself fortunate to have. Don't ask for anything. Then, you will begin to realize the depth and breadth of God's love and concern fo you. I know from personal experience, not just here at the MTC, that oftentimes these types of prayers can be the most comforting, powerful and spiritually uplifting prayers of all.
Anyway, thanks for the addresses, Mom. Although, if you talked to Stephanie to get Jonathan's address you should have gotten hers too. Haha. Oh well, if you could get it sometime that would be nice.
Elder Cousino is back to normal now. I don't know what happened. he just stopped taking all the medication, and he was pretty much fine again. Thank you for your prayers.
Awesome that the Magic are doing good. Let me know what happens.
Ya, the weather in Utah is so wierd. So, you know how those most recent pictures looked like Spring have finally taken over? Well, on May 1, it randomly started pouring down snow again. And now, it's warm and sunny again. I don't get it.
If everything works out like its supposed to, I should be leaving May 17. Only two more weeks! I can't believe it. I might get stuck here a little longer though, because of recent Visa troubles with missionaries going to Mexico.
Tell Marc good job at the race!
Love, Brett
And, semirelated, if whoever reads this is wondering if God really cares about him or her I would recommend to that person to pray to God. But when you pray, just express gratitude for anything and everything you can think of that you consider yourself fortunate to have. Don't ask for anything. Then, you will begin to realize the depth and breadth of God's love and concern fo you. I know from personal experience, not just here at the MTC, that oftentimes these types of prayers can be the most comforting, powerful and spiritually uplifting prayers of all.
Anyway, thanks for the addresses, Mom. Although, if you talked to Stephanie to get Jonathan's address you should have gotten hers too. Haha. Oh well, if you could get it sometime that would be nice.
Elder Cousino is back to normal now. I don't know what happened. he just stopped taking all the medication, and he was pretty much fine again. Thank you for your prayers.
Awesome that the Magic are doing good. Let me know what happens.
Ya, the weather in Utah is so wierd. So, you know how those most recent pictures looked like Spring have finally taken over? Well, on May 1, it randomly started pouring down snow again. And now, it's warm and sunny again. I don't get it.
If everything works out like its supposed to, I should be leaving May 17. Only two more weeks! I can't believe it. I might get stuck here a little longer though, because of recent Visa troubles with missionaries going to Mexico.
Tell Marc good job at the race!
Love, Brett
April 27 Letter
I probably can send more photos soon. I can order prints anytime I want at the bookstore straight from my memory card.
I guess you could send me a phone card to call in the airport. Or I could just call you collect and then tell you the number of the payphone and then quickly hang up and have you call back. It's probably safer to have a calling card just in case. Less than three weeks now before I leave. I can't believe how the time has flown by.
My spanish is coming along fine. I don't really feel like my spanish-speaking abilities have improved that much since I've been here, although I'm definitely more confident and actually willing to speak it now. I know way more than any of the other gringos in my district. My teacher often asks me about spanish grammar principles or how to say a certain word in english. It's funny. Not to brag or anything.:-)
Had another great devotional last week from Kevin W. Andersen of the Seventy.
One of the Elders in my district, Elder Cousino, has been really sick for the past couple of weeks almost. He's been having sharp chest pains, feeling dizzy and throwing up a lot, and no doctor can figure out what's wrong with him. He's already been to the hospital twice. Any prayers for him are greatly appreciated.
Sory my email is so short this week. I don't know where the time goes.
Love all you guys
I guess you could send me a phone card to call in the airport. Or I could just call you collect and then tell you the number of the payphone and then quickly hang up and have you call back. It's probably safer to have a calling card just in case. Less than three weeks now before I leave. I can't believe how the time has flown by.
My spanish is coming along fine. I don't really feel like my spanish-speaking abilities have improved that much since I've been here, although I'm definitely more confident and actually willing to speak it now. I know way more than any of the other gringos in my district. My teacher often asks me about spanish grammar principles or how to say a certain word in english. It's funny. Not to brag or anything.:-)
Had another great devotional last week from Kevin W. Andersen of the Seventy.
One of the Elders in my district, Elder Cousino, has been really sick for the past couple of weeks almost. He's been having sharp chest pains, feeling dizzy and throwing up a lot, and no doctor can figure out what's wrong with him. He's already been to the hospital twice. Any prayers for him are greatly appreciated.
Sory my email is so short this week. I don't know where the time goes.
Love all you guys
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
April 20 Letter
Hey,
I did get the exercise equipment. Thanks. I've already been using it a lot because they just recently closed the gym temporarily for repairs, and it won't be open again until after I'm gone. So, it was like perfect timing. I don't how I'm going to get it to Mexico, though. It's too heavy to pack. I'll probably have to ship it or something.
Elder Glenn L. pace gave an amazing talk at last week's devotional. I really felt like it was at least a partial answer to my prayers. It was so personal and sacred that he actually requested the MTC not record it. It was about the love of God, nothing I haven't heard about before, but he spoke so sincerely and shared some very personal experiences. I'm still not feeling super comfortable with sharing the Gospel with everybody, but I think I'm getting closer. It's hard for me to deny the feelings and experiences I've had.
Learning the language and the doctrine has been the least difficult part, by far, of this whole MTC experience. The emotional and spiritual things have been far more challenging. I just keep pressing forward with as much faith as I can. I have learned so much here at the MTC.
I just sent you guys some pictures today. So, you should get them by Friday or next Monday. I think it takes about 5 business days for regular mail. I feel like I never have much time to write very much to you guys. If you want me to write a more detailed letter, let me know.
Oh, actually, mom, I can't call on Mother's Day. They don't let you do that while you're in the MTC because there are just too many missionaries. I'll get to call you like a week later though, from the airport.
Tell me more what's going on with the family. How was Jamaica? Is Sean excited for FSU? How is everyone doing in school? What sports is everybody playing? What are you guys planning on doing this summer?
P.S. Tell Dad he better not mess up the Honda before I get back. I want to drive it so bad!
Love you all,
Elder Graham
I did get the exercise equipment. Thanks. I've already been using it a lot because they just recently closed the gym temporarily for repairs, and it won't be open again until after I'm gone. So, it was like perfect timing. I don't how I'm going to get it to Mexico, though. It's too heavy to pack. I'll probably have to ship it or something.
Elder Glenn L. pace gave an amazing talk at last week's devotional. I really felt like it was at least a partial answer to my prayers. It was so personal and sacred that he actually requested the MTC not record it. It was about the love of God, nothing I haven't heard about before, but he spoke so sincerely and shared some very personal experiences. I'm still not feeling super comfortable with sharing the Gospel with everybody, but I think I'm getting closer. It's hard for me to deny the feelings and experiences I've had.
Learning the language and the doctrine has been the least difficult part, by far, of this whole MTC experience. The emotional and spiritual things have been far more challenging. I just keep pressing forward with as much faith as I can. I have learned so much here at the MTC.
I just sent you guys some pictures today. So, you should get them by Friday or next Monday. I think it takes about 5 business days for regular mail. I feel like I never have much time to write very much to you guys. If you want me to write a more detailed letter, let me know.
Oh, actually, mom, I can't call on Mother's Day. They don't let you do that while you're in the MTC because there are just too many missionaries. I'll get to call you like a week later though, from the airport.
Tell me more what's going on with the family. How was Jamaica? Is Sean excited for FSU? How is everyone doing in school? What sports is everybody playing? What are you guys planning on doing this summer?
P.S. Tell Dad he better not mess up the Honda before I get back. I want to drive it so bad!
Love you all,
Elder Graham
April 13 Letter
I couldn't believe you called the MTC. Haha. I've been gone for like three weeks, and I didn't write to you one week. That's ok. At least I know my mommy loves me. Im actually feeling much better now, although still trying to figure some things out. Thanks for recommending D&C 6. Those verses, 22 and 23 are some of my favorite scriptures.
My new companion, Elder Garcia, is great. He's also my district leader. Well, at least until Friday, I think. Im getting to know him a lot better now that we're companions, and he's really cool. He's just a down to earth, cool guy, and he's always so full of energy. It's hard not to laugh and be in a good mood around him. It's amazing how close you can get to someone when you spend every minute of every day with him. I miss my friend from Mexico (Elder Banuelos), though. He already left and is serving in California. He told me I have to come to Mexico with him after our missions. He's hillarious. I miss my old companion too, but hey I'm going to have lots of companions. I'm glad the ones I have had so far have been good.
Everyone who's served a mission and has written to me seems surprised that we can't ever leave the MTC anymore, but I guess its not that big a deal to me just because I never had the opportunity to. We actually can walk around the temple on Sundays if we want. I am starting to feel a little isolated, but its not too bad. I've got pretty much everything I need here. The days are long and pass slowly as we pretty much sit around studying all day, but the weeks fly by. I can't believe I'm into my fourth week, or fifth Hmm... Im not even sure. See what I mean?
Please apologize for me to anyone that has written to me and hasn't received a letter back from me yet. P-days seem to just fly by so fast.
I did get your beef jerkey and your cookies and your easter goodies. I wish I was hungrier, and the MTC didn't stuff me so much. I actually gave a whole bag of beef jerky to my old companion that he took with him to Peru because he liked it so much. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for all the yummies.
Shoot! They really don't give us enough email time. Can you plese have Marc write something to me. I really want to talk to him, but I'm not sure what to ask him about. Just tell him I miss him so much, and I think about him every day.
Love, Brett
My new companion, Elder Garcia, is great. He's also my district leader. Well, at least until Friday, I think. Im getting to know him a lot better now that we're companions, and he's really cool. He's just a down to earth, cool guy, and he's always so full of energy. It's hard not to laugh and be in a good mood around him. It's amazing how close you can get to someone when you spend every minute of every day with him. I miss my friend from Mexico (Elder Banuelos), though. He already left and is serving in California. He told me I have to come to Mexico with him after our missions. He's hillarious. I miss my old companion too, but hey I'm going to have lots of companions. I'm glad the ones I have had so far have been good.
Everyone who's served a mission and has written to me seems surprised that we can't ever leave the MTC anymore, but I guess its not that big a deal to me just because I never had the opportunity to. We actually can walk around the temple on Sundays if we want. I am starting to feel a little isolated, but its not too bad. I've got pretty much everything I need here. The days are long and pass slowly as we pretty much sit around studying all day, but the weeks fly by. I can't believe I'm into my fourth week, or fifth Hmm... Im not even sure. See what I mean?
Please apologize for me to anyone that has written to me and hasn't received a letter back from me yet. P-days seem to just fly by so fast.
I did get your beef jerkey and your cookies and your easter goodies. I wish I was hungrier, and the MTC didn't stuff me so much. I actually gave a whole bag of beef jerky to my old companion that he took with him to Peru because he liked it so much. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for all the yummies.
Shoot! They really don't give us enough email time. Can you plese have Marc write something to me. I really want to talk to him, but I'm not sure what to ask him about. Just tell him I miss him so much, and I think about him every day.
Love, Brett
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Brett's 2nd Letter, April 6
Sorry for not writing to you last week. In all honesty, I've just had a lot of things on my mind lately.I still dont feel ready to go out and preach the gospel. Good thing I am in here for another 5 or 6 weeks. Everything else is going great though. I love my companion and my district. We have way more fun together than I would have expected. I'll try to send some pictures home within the next couple weeks. My companion is leaving tomorrow for the MTC in Lima, Peru, which really stinks becasue he's so much fun and we teach really well together. Plus, noone else speaks Spanish as well as him in the district, and all the native Spanish speakers that were only here for three weeks are leaving too. So, I"m not going to be able to practice as well. They definitely keep you busy here at the MTC, and they feed you so much! I definitely see how a lot of missionaries gain weight while there at the MTC. Tell Kenny to not worry though, I work out almost everyday with one of my roomates. He's really into fitness and health. But speaking of staying in shape, I would really like it if you could send me one of the resistance band things with the handles on the ends and my pull up bar (I forgot it at home). Everyone tells me Puebla is nice. One of my friends, Elder Banuelos, is from Mexico and he says he loves Puebla. I"m not sure I"ll get to go there as soon as scheduled (May 10) though because they've been having a lot of problems lately getting Visas for Mexico. All the Elders assigned to Mexican missions in my branch that were only here for threee weeks and are leaving tomorrow are all going to different places in Utah for now because they haven't gotten their Mexican Visas yet. My time's almost up. Se y later!
Love, Brett
Love, Brett
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Brett:s First Letter
Hey Everybody! I spent most of my 30 minutes of email time today just trying to set up this account. So, I'll be brief. First of all, you should know I am only allowed to write and email letters on my preparation day, which is Tuesday. So, if you don't get a response from me right away that's why. Anyway, the MTC is okay.The days are long. Most of the time I'm in a classroom or studying on my own somewhere. I leave my room at 7 am and return at 9:30 pm. It's gotten better as the week has gone on though. My companion is Elder Samuelson from Sandy, UT but his mom is from Lima Peru. Im really glad I got paired up with him because he is the only other one who speaks spanish in my district. They put me in the Intermediate Spanish district which means Im gonna have to be here for 9 weeks, but my companion leaves in 3 weeks to Lima, Peru to the MTC in Peru. So, I am not sure what they're planning on doing with me once he leaves. My other two roomates might be my companions. All of our roomates and I (there are 4 of us in a room) get along really well. We're always laughing and having fun together. My whole district gets along well actually. There is a Spirit of love and unity here at the MTC. Having a ompanion 24/7 is hard. I would like some alone time. I gave my companion a blessing last night because he was feeing really sick. Fortunately, he's getting better very fast. Enough about me. What's everybody been up to lately? My old BYU roomate who works at MTC told me BYU beat Florida in overtime. YA!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Brett's Farewell Talk
Brothers and Sisters, we have a Heavenly Father who loves each and every one of us more than we could possibly imagine. We are his literal spirit children, we were with him before this earth, and we can be with him again after this life. We each have something divine within us and, therefore, we are each capable of far more than we can comprehend. This is the message I want to share with you and with the world. It is the message that lifts spirits, mends broken herts, and gives hope to those who have none. It is the message which fills one's life with purpose and a desire for continual self-imporivement. And, if applied properly, this message can be a source of great strength and power in dealing with life's many challenges.
Once again, I tell you that God loves you more than our human minds can comprehend. He loves us so much that he created this beautiful earth and all life on it for us to enjoy. He has blessed us with physical bodies similar to his own. He allows us to feel pain so that we can know peace and sorrow, so that we can know joy. He has given us the ability to act for ourselves and the freedom to choose good or evil so that we can increase in understanding and knowledge and learn that we are happiest when we choose good over evil. This gift is so sacred and so central to our Heavenly Father's plan for us that he will usually not even prevent another from misusing his free will to oppress, abuse, or otherwise harm another person. He will, however, always strengthen the victims of another's bad choices if they will but ask. Though we reamin physically separate from him in this life, our loving Heavenly Father pleads with us to come unto him spiritually through prayer and he stands ready to answer the questions we cannot seem to answer for ourselves and to bless us with the things we need most when we humbly and sincerely ask. He ofers the promise of a glorious and infinite existence and has provided a way for us to learn and grow in this life and the next until we become like HIM, our Heavenly Father. He has promised us all that he has and is. But the greatest expression of the love our Heavenly Father has for all of his children was given when he allowed his Only Begootten Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer on behalf of every person that had and that ever would live on the earth and to be crucified in complete innocence. Without this miraculous expression of divine love, there would ultimately be no purpose to our existence and no way to experience true happiness as there would be no resurrection and we would all remain in sinful states, unable to ever have our sins forgiven and return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In addition, we would have nowhere to turn for relief beyond our mortal capacities in times of distress, poor health, or weakness. Christ not only took upon himself our sins; he also suffered every pain, affliction,and sorrow that would be felt by anyone in this life. It is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that God is able to comfort and stgrengthen us.
"And he shall go forth , suffering pain and affliction and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upom him death, thay he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities" Alma 7:11-12
What I'm tryimg to demonstrate to you is that love is at the center of everything God does and is. Even his commandments are manifestations and testimony to his love for you. Many believe that if God truly loved them, he would be pleased with them regardless of whether they choose good or evil and that he would not allow them to suffer the natural consequnces of their own sins. These people do not truly understand God's love. While God loves all of his chilren, even the wicked and rebellious ones, true love never supports self-destructive behavior, and God is not pleased with us if we stray from the path of our eternal progression and thwart the very purpose of our coming to this earth. His purpose is not to reward and punish merely for his pleasere; his only goal is to help us along the path to becoming perfect, as He is. That is his work and his glory regardless of what we think we need or desire. I like the way C.S. Lewis described it:
"We are a Divine work...something that God is making, and therefore something with which he will not be satisfied until it has a certain character. It is natural for us to wish that God had designed for us a less glorious and less arduous destiny; but then we are wishing not for more love but for less...To ask that God's love should be content with us as we are is to ask God that he should cease to be God: because He is what He is, His love must, in the nature of things, be impeded and repelled by certain stains in our present character, and because He already loves us, He must labor to make us loveable...We are bidden to put on Christ, to become like God. That is, whether we like it or not, God intends to give us what we need, not what we think we want...He gives us the happiness that is...To be God-to be like God and share his goodness...These are the only...Alternatives. If we will not learn to eat the only food that the universe grows...then we must starve eternally.
Nevertheless, sometimes we get so caught up in all the specific shoulds and should nots that we miss the bigger picture and the key to becoming more like our Heavenly Father. Christ criticized the religious experts of his day for this very reason. We can avoid this problem and rest assured that we are doing God's will if we remember to focus, once again, on love. Jesus declared the first and greatest commandment to be "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" God did not give this commandment because he needs us to love him: he gave it beause it is the key to becoming like HIM. As President Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, said "His power nad glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny or even defile his name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration. No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh how do we need to love God! For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are and who we will become." Coupled with the second great commandment, which Christ declared "thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," much of the confusion and disagreement over God's will should clear. For "for on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." They should be at the center of everything we do if we wish to be true disciples of Christ. President Uchtdorf also said, "When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ become more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavnely Fatehr becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden." A passge of scripture in Moses, Chapter 7 illustrates how dissapointed God is when when we fail to obey these two commandmdnts, especially the second one...
But we don't have to be perfect today. As long as we are giving our best effort the Lord will bless us right now with peace of conscience, comfort in our trials and strength in our adversity, guidance for our lives, answers to our prayers, and true joy. He will also bless us with eternal life and exaltation when we have moved on from this mortal realm. We should be grateful that the Atonement of Jesus Christ has made it possible for each and every one of us to have these blessings as well as countless others and to become like our Father in Heaven, even when we repeatedly sin. God's love is so great that he, who is perfect and omnipotent willingly forgves our sins, pays our debts, and makes our weaknesses srengths when we come unto him through humble prayer and then strive to do what is right. No matter how others feel about us or how we feel about ourselves our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ stand ready to lovingly and mercifully receive us if we but do our part and seek them. Nothing can ever separate us from the love of God (Romans8:35)
Once again, I tell you that God loves you more than our human minds can comprehend. He loves us so much that he created this beautiful earth and all life on it for us to enjoy. He has blessed us with physical bodies similar to his own. He allows us to feel pain so that we can know peace and sorrow, so that we can know joy. He has given us the ability to act for ourselves and the freedom to choose good or evil so that we can increase in understanding and knowledge and learn that we are happiest when we choose good over evil. This gift is so sacred and so central to our Heavenly Father's plan for us that he will usually not even prevent another from misusing his free will to oppress, abuse, or otherwise harm another person. He will, however, always strengthen the victims of another's bad choices if they will but ask. Though we reamin physically separate from him in this life, our loving Heavenly Father pleads with us to come unto him spiritually through prayer and he stands ready to answer the questions we cannot seem to answer for ourselves and to bless us with the things we need most when we humbly and sincerely ask. He ofers the promise of a glorious and infinite existence and has provided a way for us to learn and grow in this life and the next until we become like HIM, our Heavenly Father. He has promised us all that he has and is. But the greatest expression of the love our Heavenly Father has for all of his children was given when he allowed his Only Begootten Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer on behalf of every person that had and that ever would live on the earth and to be crucified in complete innocence. Without this miraculous expression of divine love, there would ultimately be no purpose to our existence and no way to experience true happiness as there would be no resurrection and we would all remain in sinful states, unable to ever have our sins forgiven and return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In addition, we would have nowhere to turn for relief beyond our mortal capacities in times of distress, poor health, or weakness. Christ not only took upon himself our sins; he also suffered every pain, affliction,and sorrow that would be felt by anyone in this life. It is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that God is able to comfort and stgrengthen us.
"And he shall go forth , suffering pain and affliction and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upom him death, thay he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities" Alma 7:11-12
What I'm tryimg to demonstrate to you is that love is at the center of everything God does and is. Even his commandments are manifestations and testimony to his love for you. Many believe that if God truly loved them, he would be pleased with them regardless of whether they choose good or evil and that he would not allow them to suffer the natural consequnces of their own sins. These people do not truly understand God's love. While God loves all of his chilren, even the wicked and rebellious ones, true love never supports self-destructive behavior, and God is not pleased with us if we stray from the path of our eternal progression and thwart the very purpose of our coming to this earth. His purpose is not to reward and punish merely for his pleasere; his only goal is to help us along the path to becoming perfect, as He is. That is his work and his glory regardless of what we think we need or desire. I like the way C.S. Lewis described it:
"We are a Divine work...something that God is making, and therefore something with which he will not be satisfied until it has a certain character. It is natural for us to wish that God had designed for us a less glorious and less arduous destiny; but then we are wishing not for more love but for less...To ask that God's love should be content with us as we are is to ask God that he should cease to be God: because He is what He is, His love must, in the nature of things, be impeded and repelled by certain stains in our present character, and because He already loves us, He must labor to make us loveable...We are bidden to put on Christ, to become like God. That is, whether we like it or not, God intends to give us what we need, not what we think we want...He gives us the happiness that is...To be God-to be like God and share his goodness...These are the only...Alternatives. If we will not learn to eat the only food that the universe grows...then we must starve eternally.
Nevertheless, sometimes we get so caught up in all the specific shoulds and should nots that we miss the bigger picture and the key to becoming more like our Heavenly Father. Christ criticized the religious experts of his day for this very reason. We can avoid this problem and rest assured that we are doing God's will if we remember to focus, once again, on love. Jesus declared the first and greatest commandment to be "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" God did not give this commandment because he needs us to love him: he gave it beause it is the key to becoming like HIM. As President Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, said "His power nad glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny or even defile his name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration. No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh how do we need to love God! For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are and who we will become." Coupled with the second great commandment, which Christ declared "thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," much of the confusion and disagreement over God's will should clear. For "for on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." They should be at the center of everything we do if we wish to be true disciples of Christ. President Uchtdorf also said, "When we truly understand what it means to love as Jesus Christ loves us, the confusion clears and our priorities align. Our walk as disciples of Christ become more joyful. Our lives take on new meaning. Our relationship with our Heavnely Fatehr becomes more profound. Obedience becomes a joy rather than a burden." A passge of scripture in Moses, Chapter 7 illustrates how dissapointed God is when when we fail to obey these two commandmdnts, especially the second one...
But we don't have to be perfect today. As long as we are giving our best effort the Lord will bless us right now with peace of conscience, comfort in our trials and strength in our adversity, guidance for our lives, answers to our prayers, and true joy. He will also bless us with eternal life and exaltation when we have moved on from this mortal realm. We should be grateful that the Atonement of Jesus Christ has made it possible for each and every one of us to have these blessings as well as countless others and to become like our Father in Heaven, even when we repeatedly sin. God's love is so great that he, who is perfect and omnipotent willingly forgves our sins, pays our debts, and makes our weaknesses srengths when we come unto him through humble prayer and then strive to do what is right. No matter how others feel about us or how we feel about ourselves our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ stand ready to lovingly and mercifully receive us if we but do our part and seek them. Nothing can ever separate us from the love of God (Romans8:35)
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