Sorry, about last week. The truth I simply did not have time to write last week. It´s pretty lame because I´m only given an hour to email, but I have to write a brief report with the numbers for the week to the President, I have to upload the contacts I made with people who accepted a visit from the missionaries but live outside my area so that the missionaries where they live can visit them, I have to check to see if we received referrals on the same internet site, and now the stake president also wants a weekly report from us. By the time I can write to you guys I´m nearly out of time. But, I managed to finish a little faster this time.
I sent a package home with a photo album, a few books, and a cool volcanic rock I found here (it´s for Marc). I read some of that book you sent me about David O. Mckay and I love it, but I don´t think I´m every going to have time to read it. So, I sent it home. I want to read it when I return. I think this will be the last package I send home because it´s a complete rip off, even using the Mexican mail system and not a private shipper.
Poor Kendric, I remember being a missionary in Utah too. We hardly ever knocked the door of a person we didn´t know. We at least always knew beforehand if the person that lived there was a member or not. We drove around in a new car everywhere, and we lived with a member who let us take whatever we wanted out of their fridge. Oh ya, and we went to the gym to workout in the morning. It´s tough. Haha. But all sarcasm aside, it still had it´s difficulties. A mission no matter what part of the world your in I think will always be more hard mentally and emotionally than it is hard physically. I can´t believe Kendric already came back. Wow! I can´t believe I already almost have a year in the mission.
It´s still been hard to find new investigators and even harder to find new investigators that want to do more than just listen to us, but yesterday I was given some motivation when the husband of a lady that was baptized in the first week after I arrived to this area accepted an invitation to be baptized March 6. It´s amazing the change that he has undergone. He was strongly against his wife being baptized and was very critical of the church, but now he´s gone like 4 times to church, is reading the book of mormon, loves talking to us, and is striving to change his life by obeying all the commandments. It would fill my soul with joy to see him be baptized before I left this area. Hopefully, it will happen. March 6 is the Sunday before transfers and I could very well be transfered the following day.
Well, I got to go. I love you Mommy and hope you feel better soon.
Love,
Brett
Monday, February 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Christmas and Jan. 24, 20111
We had a great 1-hour phone call from Brett on Christmas Eve. It was nice to finally hear some of the details he hasn't had time to share with us like his transportation, the culture and area. Also, the food and weather, etc. Boring, but interesting for us. He got all of our Christmas packages except grandma and grandpa Graham's. He just got that a few days ago. Have to send it priority mail or it may take 2 months apparently. Ha ha. Oh well. He sure is enjoying grandma's delicious treats. He had a sinus infection, and we reminded him we sent him with anitbiotics. He thought they were just for tummy issues. So, I am sure he is all better now that he took his antibiotics. Sounds like he is pretty healthy and happy. He's getting skinny from not being able to pump the iron though he says. He seems pretty comfortable with the language and is getting into the swing of things. I am sure there is a learning curve. The discipline and sacrifice will be a priceless experience. We noticed he sort of had an accent and used sort of words in english that meant something different in spanish.
Brett wrote on Jan. 24 to mom: Sorry I didn`t write last week. I had some issues with the Internet. Happy Birthday MOMMY! I`m so glad you reminded me. Hihi. Transfers were today. I remain in Tlaxcala for another 6 weeks but I got a new companion, Elder Nuncio. He has about 3 months in the mission, he has only had one other companion. That means I`m now the senior companion. I really hope I can handle to new responsibility. Until now, my companions have pretty much been the ones to decide what to do but now it`s up to me. I`m kind of glad because I was a little bit sick of my old companion bossing me around, but at the same time I`m really not sure I`m ready to be entrusted with the responsibility. I still feel like I`m lacking so much, but my new companion seems really cool and at least I don`t have to teach him spanish.
On sunday I baptized an 8 year old boy named Diego. My companion, Elder Hurtado, baptized his Mom, Patricia. It was great. Patricia is super awesome. She is a single mom who has comitted some major mistakes in her life but she is determined to follow the Savior and obey all the commandments. She is going to be a solid member and a great mom for her three sons. I was super sad yesterday when the sacrament was being passed because she still hadn`t arrived to church and her baptism was to occur immediately following the services. I was worried she wasn`t going to come. Fortunately, she arrived right before the first speaker went up. And to add to my joy and hope for her she told us that she had walked all the way to church (like 45 minutes away walking) from her house because the highway that leads to the church was closed. So she crossed a freeway to try to catch a combi there but one never passed. So, she finally decided to just walk with her 8, 5, and 2 year old. That`s why she arrived late. She and her son were the only baptisms we had this trandsfer but they were more than worth it.
Mom, could you tell me how you have been blessed by keeping the commandments specifically as you have kept the sabbath day holy, paid tithing, read the scriptures, prayed, attended church, attended the temple regularly, listened to the counsel of modern day prophets, kept the law of chastity, and kept the word of wisdom. I like to promise people specific blessings for keeping the commandments but sometimes I can`t think of really specific ones, maybe you can help me.
I hope and pray you get better soon. I love you.
Brett
Brett wrote on Jan. 24 to mom: Sorry I didn`t write last week. I had some issues with the Internet. Happy Birthday MOMMY! I`m so glad you reminded me. Hihi. Transfers were today. I remain in Tlaxcala for another 6 weeks but I got a new companion, Elder Nuncio. He has about 3 months in the mission, he has only had one other companion. That means I`m now the senior companion. I really hope I can handle to new responsibility. Until now, my companions have pretty much been the ones to decide what to do but now it`s up to me. I`m kind of glad because I was a little bit sick of my old companion bossing me around, but at the same time I`m really not sure I`m ready to be entrusted with the responsibility. I still feel like I`m lacking so much, but my new companion seems really cool and at least I don`t have to teach him spanish.
On sunday I baptized an 8 year old boy named Diego. My companion, Elder Hurtado, baptized his Mom, Patricia. It was great. Patricia is super awesome. She is a single mom who has comitted some major mistakes in her life but she is determined to follow the Savior and obey all the commandments. She is going to be a solid member and a great mom for her three sons. I was super sad yesterday when the sacrament was being passed because she still hadn`t arrived to church and her baptism was to occur immediately following the services. I was worried she wasn`t going to come. Fortunately, she arrived right before the first speaker went up. And to add to my joy and hope for her she told us that she had walked all the way to church (like 45 minutes away walking) from her house because the highway that leads to the church was closed. So she crossed a freeway to try to catch a combi there but one never passed. So, she finally decided to just walk with her 8, 5, and 2 year old. That`s why she arrived late. She and her son were the only baptisms we had this trandsfer but they were more than worth it.
Mom, could you tell me how you have been blessed by keeping the commandments specifically as you have kept the sabbath day holy, paid tithing, read the scriptures, prayed, attended church, attended the temple regularly, listened to the counsel of modern day prophets, kept the law of chastity, and kept the word of wisdom. I like to promise people specific blessings for keeping the commandments but sometimes I can`t think of really specific ones, maybe you can help me.
I hope and pray you get better soon. I love you.
Brett
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
December 20, 2010 - Only 5 days till Phone Time
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
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 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
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