Nelson's 1st letter from the field

Hey fam!

Well. You're probably curious about how my first week has been eh? You can be relieved to know that I really like my area. I'm in Wrightwood, which is at about 6000 feet. It snowed the day I arrived haha. It's a small skiing town that reminds me of Snoqualmie area. My companion is Elder Wadsworth. He's been out 21 months and is an awesome guy. We get along really well. We're living with a family called the Zorads. They're a nice family, with all their kids grown up and out of the house besides one who's just been down on his luck lately. The ward here is really nice (I've never had to try and learn so many names so quickly). Wadsworth and I have really focused on the many less active members in the ward, several of which are improving - we had like 4 less active families show up yesterday which was awesome. We're in a 2010 Subaru Impreza (sweet!) and it's sure nice since it stays mostly in the 40s here.

On that temperature note, interesting new mission rule: whenever it is below 75 degrees and at all meetings (church, ward council, district meetings, etc), we're supposed to be wearing a suit. So, I'll end up wearing a suit probably about half of my mission. I don't mind it, but my navy suit is not going to last much longer (it's already fraying in a few areas). I'll deal with getting another suit probably next fall ish.

Wrightwood is a very friendly community. Everyone (members and nonmembers) pretty much no at least about the missionaries. So, tracting is... interesting. If and when people answer, it's usually something like "oh. hey. yeah... I'm really not interested." Haha. Haven't had a slammed door yet though!

We're working on a part member family - the Brooks. Diane Brook and her daughter are members (she is the one with the sister in Suzanne's ward). Her husband (3rd husband) isn't a member but is interested in the Book of Mormon particularly and we're hoping to commit him to baptism at our next visit. He was at church yesterday with his family.

I've been pretty healthy. Runny nose from the cold weather, but not bad. My quad is better. My appetite has gotten HUGE. Had oatmeal and made like 4 cups of the stuff and ate the whole thing. I eat second helpings. I got served the BIGGEST piece of chicken I've ever seen and ate the whole thing along with beans, salad, noodles, and a big dessert. I'm gaining a little weight (I broke 150! lol) but i think it's going to muscle since I've been working out. Did 104 pushups the other day (in like 5 sets... but still lol). So. Yeah :) life is pretty good all around.

I am a little homesick... but not too bad. At church yesterday and at other times when I've been called to bear testimony or share a thought, Wadsworth always smiles and nods and says "yeah. We'll keep him." Haha. He's a funny guy. We sing together every day and it sounds awesome (we rotate parts).

So that's my life. We both have been cooking (tacos, breakfast burritos, chicken and rice, pancakes, etc), which has been nice. Had cereal ONCE so far and when we had top ramen we added corn and green beans to make it a little nicer.

I sure love you guys :) the church is true.

Love,
Elder Browning

2nd and Last MTC Email

Hey fam!
It's true. Dad is a great writer :) haha.
I've been to the temple twice; once doing initiatory last week and I did an endowment session today. They've both been good experiences.
Elder Perry is gone now and recovering at his grandparents' since his tonsils are now no longer in his mouth. haha. So, I'm back with Elder Monk and Elder Loose. We've started calling Elder Monk "The Eldermonk." Sounds super cool.
MTC life is pretty much the same. Especially the food. Not sure what I'm eating any more haha. I'm a little happier now that my study habits are better and since I'm starting to become (a little) more comfortable with teaching.
 
Dad, my flight on Tuesday leaves sometime in the late morning. Around 11. Probably won't end up running into each other, but I hope you have a good trip to Seattle :) your spiritual firehose analogy is very true. I'm learning a ton, but not nearly as much as they're teaching.
 
I haven't heard from Jeren yet... but hey. I didn't write him more than once a month so I guess I deserve it eh? lol. So I don't know when I'll email next... maybe when I'm at the mission home? If you don't get an email next week, don't say I didn't warn ya ;) haha. I'm getting healthier. I've only blown my nose twice today!
 
I did a crazy workout the other day. One of my teachers is a seargent (Dan Warner. He actually led the team that first invaded Iraq in like 2003) in the army and a total stud. He had me do a tabata (sp?) workout where I did as many squats as I could for 20 seconds and then rested for 10 seconds, repeating that 30 second set 8 times. That was monday. And I can still barely walk. Lol. If I find the time I'll write a letter with some of his stories that are way cool (I'm sure Jeren will appreciate it haha).
 
I had a neat experience Sunday evening: I taught a lesson on prayer to our district (it ended up being about 20-30 minutes long) and I felt like it went really well. Afterwards, the branch president who'd been there presiding came up and shook my hand and said "I think that was the best lesson that's ever been taught in the history of lessons." I wasn't really sure what to think about that statement, since I'm continually striving to stay humble. But it was neat; some of the missionaries shared with me one on one later that it was really touching for them personally. What I've taken from this whole experience is that I LOVE watching the Spirit work through me. Feeling unfit and unready to give or teach a lesson and then ending up saying exactly what someone needs to hear... I know it's the Spirit speaking and not me.

Remember, the church is true. When we are obedient and treasure up in our minds the words of Christ, the Spirit will guide us and tell us in the very moment what we should say.
 
I love you! :)
Elder Browning