Look at these missionaries. We got to meet Elder Browning at the Redlands Temple. Then we went to the Gourmet Pizza shop and had lunch with him and his regular companion and another young man who is serving a mini mission with Elder Browning and Elder Bagley. More pictures follow. Nelson looks wonderful and is doing a great job in Wright Wood. (Or however you spell it.) We met many of the youth from that ward who were at the temple doing baptisms and they all said Elder Browning was great.
Now from Nelson...
Hello family!
Well it's been a roller coaster ride of a week. Lots of good things and lots of disappointments. haha. When something good happens and our spirits are up, something bad or disappointing happens. Then when I'm starting to feel overwhelmed, something good happens. It's been hectic and I seem to have a permanent confused/concerned look on my face. haha
We continued to work hard all last week, and we taught 4 lessons all in one day on Friday. Most of our investigators or could be/should be/would be investigators aren't really progressing or showing much interest in doing so, but there was one woman that we visited Friday afternoon that we had a neat experience with. I was kind of dragging my feet about the situation since the people that had seemed more promising weren't promising after all and this woman seemed even less promising. But we went anyways. Her house situation is kind of awkward. Not like inappropriate awkward, but like... a stressful household type awkward. BUT. We taught her the restoration and it was way cool. She kept smiling and writing down notes from what we were telling her and saying "this is so cool!" We committed her to read and pray, and she said "I already know it's true. But I'll definitely pray too." It was way cool :) we're excited to visit her again tomorrow.
It's interesting how it's little things that can seem to be such a bother. I have some really cool experiences and then one or two little silly dumb things and that can ruin my whole mood. Our weekly district meetings have changed from a time to study and be taught about how we can be better missionaries to a 2 hour role play session. Role playing is probably my least favorite thing I've encountered as a missionary. I don't think there's anything that I would rather not do that I've ever been asked to do. It's one thing to learn new techniques and then do a role play applying that technique, but you can't just... play pretend trying to fake being all your investigators. I think, logically, there could be a good, more productive compromise. Like. Maybe 30 minutes worth of role playing. I dunno. We're just not sure how to fill all that time with it. haha. Oh well. Even if it's a less productive use of time, at least we're being obedient.
So today was pretty sweet. Got to go to the temple and sit by my buddy Elder Smith (from the Phelan ward) during the session and then when I was leaving the temple I ran into grandma and grandpa! I really wasn't expecting them since it was kind of last minute trying to get the info to them. That was quite fun :) we went out to lunch together as well. I'm sure you're oh so jealous mom :) haha. Grandpa commented that I "looked good." Not quite the bean pole I was before my mission. Someone just the other day looked up my facebook and said "Wow. You were way skinny." I don't think I've changed much. Maybe. I'm not complaining though. haha. Grandpa and grandma said that they'd probably see me again in October when I go to the temple next time. So that will be fun to see them a few more times throughout their missionary service.
We have a 2 week missionary with us right now. Have you heard of 2 weekers before? I don't remember ever hearing about it before I came on a mission. He's a pretty cool guy. Daniel Parisi. Elder Bagley actually served in his ward before Daniel got transferred here. He's only a day older than Megan, but he fits in like he's 18 or 19. It's been fun having a 3rd guy with us. I think it's actually easier to teach with 3 people. I definitely like not just being stuck with one person all the time. haha
Well congrats to dad for successfully completing your first triathlon! That's way cool. I really don't think I'll ever do one. Even if I learn how to swim decently, I've never been able to run far or for a long time even when I was in shape and training for it. Whenever conversations about running come up, I always say something like "I prefer races that can be done in under a minute." haha. Like the 200 meter or 400 meter.
Primary was pretty fun! Bagley is so quiet and stiff I wanted to stop playing piano and get up and lead myself. haha. I really think I would enjoy a calling in primary. I love the kids. There's a man in the ward that crushed 2 of his fingers in a dump truck door and is thus laid up for a good month or more. So, we helped him and his wife out with some things around the house that were too strenuous for her to do. They have 3 girls ages like 9, 6 and 4. They're so funny. I always make faces at them when I see them and they laugh. "You're crazy! You're the funniest person I know!" It's great. I get called weird fairly often, but I don't really care since usually the person is genuinely laughing when they say it. And if I pretend to be offended they'll usually say something like "no it's a good kind of weird!" Whatever. haha
That picture of dad in the Vader helmet is hilarous. baha. Looks like he's all fit and in shape too!
So last email I sent I had confused July with August, thinking Jeren's wedding was this next week. I still don't have a good picture of me or any recordings though. Should have taken one at the temple. Oh well. I'll try any get one today and send it Monday. And what do you want my recording to say? I can just try and come up with something, but I'm sure your (especially Jeren and even Lauren's) input would be helpful. Let me know.
Well that's the wrap. I sure miss you guys! Don't do anything I wouldn't do. But, if you do, name it after me. haha :)
Love,
Elder Browning
No comments:
Post a Comment