Not Much This Week

Braxton didn't have much to say this week. He had just played soccer with their zone and he said he was "pooped." He also added that the Americans won the Mexicans. :)

He loves his new area. It gets kind of cold (they need sweaters). Braxton thinks it's because they are in the mountains. But it doesn't really bother him, he's enjoying it. Braxton thinks they should have a baptism this week and more this change.

He is drinking a drink made from water, hay leaves, alfalfa, and sugar. He said it's "pretty good."

That's about it for this week. He said "I hope you know how much I love you. Take Care!"

Pictures from Brax

I'm Home!

Braxton absolutely LOVES his new area! (this is only his third) It is like being home. He's in the middle of nowhere. He says it's the most beautiful place he's ever seen. There are farms, tractors, horses, sheep, cows, and everything else he could want in a mission. They even have pyramids there. He already just loves his new area. His area is HUGE and there are 26 villages in his area which will make it hard to get people to come to church. The church is far away from a lot of the people. He said it would be like us having to drive past Salt Lake to get to church.

His companion is really good. His comp is Elder Cabrales and he is from Tampico. Brax said that his comp is a great teacher and this is his last change before going home. Brax said that his comp is also a little worn out from the mission so Braxton is the senior companion. Braxton said that basically he just wants to motivate him and then learn from him.

Braxton has already messed his bike up. They were riding down a cement hill that had speed bumps and Braxton had forgot about those speed bumps until it was too late. His brakes didn't work and he was really going fast and just hit it hard. He bent the rim on the tire and the tube just exploded. He said "luckily I didn't fall, cause basically if I did I would be in Utah in a hospital or dead." (yikers, I'm glad he stayed on too) He said everything is good though and mission bikes suck. The very first day he got to his new area the missionaries were riding in the rain and Braxton's handle bars came undone and he almost fell. His bike also has automatic gear shifts. It will just change gears on it's own when it wants. He said that he doesn't have a pedal on the left side either and so it really stinks. With the bike problems they have been using the bus system more than they should be and Braxton is worried because he doesn't have extra money for that. But, oh well he says "all is well."

Braxton said he is getting fat again because they do a lot of home style cooking here. (he's only been there a week, and he can already tell he is getting fat? oh, no)

"I love you all. I love the work. I love the Lord. Take Care and do all the things that need to be done at home to grow and prosper." "Take care, your son, brother, and friend in Mexico."
Elder Ropelato

forget the city, I'm going to Atlatlahuaca

Braxton was transferred today and even though he expected it he said it was really hard. He has gotten to know so many people in this area and has really grown to love them. Braxton said it was harder saying good-bye to them than it was when he left home. He said at least when he left home he knew he'd see all of us again. He doesn't know if that will happen with these people.

Braxton also said..."I'd like to think I will be able to come back after the mish, but who knows with money, time, school, my wife and 12 kids. (hahaha)"

They had four baptisms on Saturday and it was great! Braxton said he loves all four of them and they will all be great members. In fact they are already great members.

From the mouth of Brax "The Church is so flipping true. I never expected to get this far spiritually in my mission. I am receiving more than I could ever ask for. I'm sorry but I flat out don't have words for it all. As much as I hate the city, I LOVE it here. (which says a lot for anyone who knows me)

Braxton has been drinking tap water and since he hasn't gotten sick, he decided to share that with us now. (;) funny kid)

One of the ties he bought for 50 cents had porn inside the back of it. Braxton didn't know it until he was at a zone meeting. He burned it after. (he said that was a good thing since he didn't burn one at the 6 month mark) He also sent pics, but just of the face. (woooo) burn, baby burn!

"Anyway, I'm doing great. The Lord is using me to do His work and I'm lovin it."

"I love you all a lot! A Whole Lot!"

(future missionaries)

Drugs Legal?

Braxton was talking to his buddy Cosme. Cosme is a taxi driver that needs to get divorced, married and then baptized. Cosme was telling Braxton how someone had left some cocaine in his car. He then told Braxton that marijuana is legal to use in Mexico and they are going to make it legal to use cocaine too. "Ridiculous, I know." Cosme's wife (if they would get married) got rid of Braxton's in grown toenail. Brax said it hurt really bad, but is feeling great now.

Braxton taught a great little family of three on Saturday. (it consists of a 8 year old, a 13 year old and a mom) The family came to church on Sunday (they've been before). Braxton and his comp had a sweet family home evening with them yesterday (Sunday) and they all agreed to get baptized this Saturday. "Cool beans, huh?" They all received answers to their prayers the first day. "The power of promising answers is so awesome." "The church is so flipping true!"

"I am still learning a ton all the time. I love being here in the mission. It's the greatest! It's fun, but it is way hard. It's not comparable to anything else I have ever experienced."

"Love you all!"

PS "I am always thinking about our neighbor who would get upset when I would drive the tractor in the field at 10:00 pm. Here there are diesels with their engine brakes, car alarms, horns, barking dogs, police sirens, parties with loud music every night and all night long. Ummm, maybe I should bring him over here some day so that he will be thankful for what he has." hahahaha ("I was just thinking about it.") Wow, we are so blessed!

Not Much of Anything

Braxton said that not a whole lot happened this week. They did have zone conferences which he thinks are always sweet. The zone played soccer and had a good time.

Braxton lost his camera at a baptism and so the ward is buying him a new one. They really like Brax and take good care of him. They always treat the missionaries so well. They don't have a lot of money, but they still give so much.

Braxton learned about forgiveness and patience this week. It was with a member. Braxton said he learned his lesson and won't make the same mistake again. He says it's all good now though.

Braxton spoke in Church yesterday and said it went really well.

Braxton did learn how to wink both eyes. That is one at a time, but can do it with both.

Brax said "all is super duper dandy, and I love the mission." "It's going way fast. :(" He says "Hi" to everyone and that all is well.