Dec 14th 19th month mark!

This week was a great week for Braxton. They had a baptism on Monday and it was good. There were a few complications but everything worked out and they got it done. The family was late but they are three hours from Braxton's area so they were forgiven. They did the baptism interview in the food court at a mall and then they went to the Church. Elder King and Magadan had a baptism on Sunday and the water hadn't drained all the way so Braxton got to stand in the cold water and bucket it out for two hours. They were able to get it warm though for the baptism. The woman that was getting baptized was a big lady and so they thought that going face first might be the best idea. They tried it and she didn't go all the way under. Braxton had thought about pushing her but hadn't. They had to try again and this time Braxton did push her so that she would go all the way under. She is happy that she is now baptized.

They had Zone Conferences again and Braxton was told to prepare a talk. He prepared for it and had a talk ready that would have lasted over 1/2 an hour and again did not need to use it. The President and the assistants did everything. Braxton said even though the meeting was repetitious it was still good and he did learn from it.

Braxton then had a 2 1/2 hour bus ride home. He got on where the bus starts and off where it ends. He found a seat and got comfortable. The bus filled up pretty quick and Braxton didn't feel too bad about keeping his seat since those standing were all men. Then a young lady got on the bus and was standing by Braxton. He still didn't want to give up his seat since he gets motions sickness but he thought if she looked at him that he would. She ended up stepping on his foot and looking at him to say she was sorry. Braxton then gave up his seat to her. After standing for 45 minutes the guy sitting next to the young lady gets off and Braxton takes that seat the rest of the way. When he sat down they saw a semi and trailer completely upside down and twisted up pretty bad. When Braxton got off the bus he slipped and noticed that it was because he just stepped in someone elses throw up. (yuck!)

Braxton went to Elder Kings house to pick up some of his clothes and noticed that the place was a disaster. The Elders were at a food appointment at the time. So Braxton made their beds, folded some clothes and swept the floor, organized the desks and bought light bulbs for them and put candy corn on their beds. (Brax is a keeper!) The missionaries had told Braxton that they didn't have gas and had been showering out of a bucket. Braxton decided to buy them a tank of gas and have it hooked up. When he went out to unhook the tank that was there it was half full. So, Braxton went inside and hooked up the boiler. (the Elders just didn't know how to do it. Thank goodness Braxton did)

Braxton had a really good talk with Viridiana, the really cool lady that still isn't baptized. He feels like she will be able to make the decision to be baptized soon.

Berenice and Domitila and Jenny all want to be baptized but the husbands or fathers won't allow it to happen. That really bums Braxton out and he wished that he could talk to the men, but they are never around.

Braxton is continually learning everyday and loves how amazing it is to be a missionary and serve the Lord. He loves it!

Another Fast Week

It is scaring Braxton how fast the weeks are going by. An Elder told Braxton that he only has 23 weeks left and that didn't really make Braxton's day at all. The time is going quickly and it opened Braxton's eyes. He said "all is well" though. Braxton doesn't have any regrets about his mission so far and probably won't with the little time left.

Changes were on Tuesday and then a leadership meeting on Wednesday, Zone meeting on Thursday. Braxton didn't get back to his area until Thursday Night. He had some good news.....he got to go with the zone leaders to Ticoman and show them some of the people he had worked with a year ago. It was great seeing those people again.

President Fuentes went up to Braxton after one of the meetings and told him that he was trusting Braxton with his new comp. Even though Braxton hadn't heard much good about his comp he said the few days that he has been with him has been fine! Braxton is on fire and loves working. He is excited with this change and even has two baptisms set up, which of course is always way exciting.

Braxton doesn't have much else to share since the week just kind of blurrs together. He said that the weather is nice. A little chilly but not near as bad as last year. (I'm glad he has cool weather....I thought it would be hot all the time)

Braxton loves us all and will be talking to us in just 18 days!

Quick Week

Braxton said not much has changed since last week. The cookies that he was making for a family on Thanksgiving worked out great and now that family thinks he is a great chef. (I got a call from Braxton only because he had a ? about the recipe....lucky me!)

This last Sunday there were 34 people at church which is the most that they have ever had. Quite the change from last week! Church was awesome and the Elders Quorum's wife brought lunch for everyone so they could all eat together after Church. A few of the investigators left for awhile and showed up later with some cake that they had bought at the store. :) (ignorance is bliss at times) They haven't learned yet about keeping the Sabbath Day Holy.

After Church Braxton went to Tejupilco for a baptism of a lady that Braxton had interviewed. She wanted Braxton and his companion to go so they did and it was neat.

Today (p-day) Braxton went to see the butterflies again. This time they went with some Elders and they traveled on horse. Braxton misses horseback riding really bad and was glad for the opportunity.

They have changes tomorrow and Braxton's comp is being transferred. They have worked really well together and Braxton will miss him. Braxton's new comp will be Elder Escobar. Braxton is hoping he gets to stay in this area for Christmas. He's not ready to leave yet. But, he will if that's what the Lord wants. He will go where the Lord wants him to go!

*His Christmas Packages made it!

I am Thankful for......Trials?

This week wasn't the best of weeks for Braxton. Brax and his comp worked hard, taught a lot, had great lessons and had ten investigators committed to come to church. At the last minute no one could go to Church. Braxton and his comp left the house around 10:00 and found a girl name Jenny with a friend and so they picked them up and took them to church. Then the missionaries went to find more people to bring to church. The only people they could find was Jenny's parents who wanted to know where the "prayer house" was so they could take Jenny some breakfast. When Brax and comp made it back Jenny and her friend were no longer there.

11:00 rolled around when church should be starting and the only ones there were the Branch President and the two missionaries. The Branch President told the missionaries that they had better prepare some talks. At 11:15 there still wasn't anyone else there so they just started with the three of them. They took the sacrament and started giving their talks. Braxton's comp spoke first for about 20 minutes and then Braxton took another 30. Just when Braxton was finishing his talk the Branch Secretary came in with an investigator that the missionaries least expected to show up. They continued and then finished that meeting and went on to Gospel Principles class and finished up for the day.

The Branch President said that he had felt like this was going to happen. (no one showing up) but thought that it would have the week before. (Braxton didn't say why) It really hurt Braxton a lot to have that sort of thing happen. (broke his heart) It was really rough on him but he is trying to learn from it and other experiences that are hard. Braxton pleads with us to not ever take the Church for granted. He said "it really is amazing.....sure there are a handful of members that gossip or what not but what a blessing to have everyone else."

Braxton doesn't want us to worry about him though. He knows he is doing his part and that this is just a test. He knows that God will send more miracles at the right time. Braxton knows that his prayers are being heard and that no matter what God is with him. He said that from this experience it also helped him understand a part of his Patriartical Blessing that he hadn't understood before.

Braxton is Thankful for so much! He's thankful for: the plan of salvation and all the tender mercies of the Lord, the organization of the Church, for a living prophet and apostles, the scriptures, prayer, his home ward, and basically everything about the Church. But, what comes first to mind is his wonderful family!

Trichelle-for listening when he wanted to talk and teaching him many of life's lessons.

Justin-for being one of his best friends to go hunting with and goofing around with as well as all the support needed from a big brother.

Kevin-for preparing the way and giving me a righteous example to follow and watching out for him.

Jaydan-for all the little times they would play ball or go to Kaboom and for all the things he has shared with him.

Kimi-for teaching him about how to love and for all her hugs.

Jared-loved playing baseball or basketball with you and for all the love you have shown him.

Mom & Dad-can't even begin to explain all they've done for him.

Gramps (Mutt) is really like a best friend and has taught him a ton about work and selfless service.

Braxton is thankful to everyone in his family for helping him get to where he is today. (this includes Natalie, Joe, Ivy, Mya, and Zaden and all of the grandparents as well) Braxton said "I couldn't have asked for a better family and the more it grows the better it gets. Love you all. I'm so thankful for all our neighbors and all my friends and extended family". The list could go on and on.

Braxton went and visited a place that had a bunch of monarch butterflies. They are in his area and come all the way from Canada and stop there. It is unbelievable how many there are, thousands and thousands of them!

Kick to the Face

I told Braxton that I just sent off his last package. (Christmas) He thought that was weird only because it means he doesn't have much time left in the mission. That fact is both good and not so good. He has really learned to love the people he has served and wouldn't mind bringing some home with him. He knows that isn't possible since it's really hard to get Mexicans over the border. (I'm not so sure it's really that hard...just saying)

Anyway this week Braxton continued to learn a lot in a harder way. (not quite sure how?) They had Zone Conferences which are always good and uplifting and super cool and which Braxton just loves. This time Braxton had a huge power point presentation prepared and was told he didn't need to do it. (I'm sure Braxton learned a lot from it at least) At the Conference Braxton learned a ton on how to be a missionary like those in the Book of Mormon. (something Braxton has been searching for his whole mission) The missionaries are there to help teach other people what they need to do to return to God. If the people won't let the missionaries in or talk to them the missionaries let them know that it makes them sad that they are denying blessings for them and their family and then they ask again to come in and talk. Braxton is just super excited to follow the example of Christ and his Prophets of old as well as the modern day Prophets.

"I'M A REAL LIFE MISSIONARY!!"

Braxton is not a fan of Satan (good thing). He feels like Satan is trying really hard to stop the work in his area. He feels like Satan looks when they knock and doesn't do much if they even go inside, but when they invite them to be baptized and are told "yes" Satan turns on his "turbo" and really goes to work. It really frustrates Braxton but he has faith that the spirit will prevail which has helped him to calm down a bit. Some of the other Elders told Braxton that in a way it is a compliment. Satan is working so hard in his area because he's worried and upset at what can happen. Braxton said Satan is just way, way upset then. Braxton said "I've never seen him work so hard against people in my life."

Braxton knows that with prayer, fasting and working diligently the work will go forth rapidly. Braxton said that he has learned a lot this week and is thankful to his "Padre Celestial" (Heavenly Father). He loves how Heavenly Father gives him so many opportunities to grow and help others on their way.

I love you all! (everyone included)

The family is just the best and mine is the best of the best! (I agree(:)

WoWzeRs

This week I am just going to type Braxton's letter the way he sent it. It was just cool the way it was.

"Holy Cow, the mission is just flying. I just love it! It's weird to think that I only have months six left and maybe it's because I'm only in my third area and I feel like I just got here. But, by all means it is just great!

Elder Tenorio from the Seventy came and spoke with us and it was just awesome!!!!!! I loved it! Elder Tenorio also interviewed me which was way cool. He only interviewed four people from the two zones that were present. When the assistants told me he was going to interview me I was way excited but way, way nervous. That is up until the time I walked into the room with him, all the nerves and fear were immediately gone. The interview was just absolutely wonderful! I've never talked one on one with a General Authority before, and it was a great blessing for me. As he said the closing prayer he prayed specifically for all of you. I thought I'd share that so that you would know a General Authority prayed specifically for a small little family in Hooper. (well at least now I know my mission has been a little of a blessing to you. ha, ha)

I want you all to know that I know this is the True Church and I promise you all that as we come closer to the Gospel and make it more fully a part of our lives, the Lord will be able to bless us more and more. Family problems will be resolved automatically as we strive to obtain Christlike attributes. Don't ever fear or doubt! Keep looking forward and do all you can and nothing bad can happen.

In my interview, Elder Tenorio asked me if there had been any undesirable experiences in my mission. As I thought about it....I realized that every experience has been for my good. Sure there have been hard experiences but after looking back on them I've only learned valuable principles from them.

Know that God loves you and that when trials arrive, thank the Lord for the chance to learn and grow. The Church is just absolutely amazing and perfect. The more involved we are with the Church the closer we become to God. The closer we get to God makes us a few steps closer to an Eternal Happiness with our Eternal Family.

I love you all more so now than when I left. I've learned things about each of you that have helped me get to where I am now. Things which before I took for granted. I'm excited to talk to y'all next month.

Don't worry about me. All is well, or even better than well. I've figured out that if I just teach really spiritual, powerful lessons that we get food. Just another incentive to be worthy of the Spirit. (haha) But seriously, we had one of the best meals ever a few nights ago with a Viridianas Family, almost all of which are now listening to and loving the Gospel. The families name is Gomeztagle. Weird I know, but cool.

Take care my beloved family and whoever else may read this. I love you all! I invite everyone to share the simple message of truth with someone who is still in darkness. May the Lord bless you as you strive to serve Him in this great work of love!

Your Mexican friend, son and brother.......Elder Ropelato"

Valle de Bravo is Super

Things are going great for Braxton and Elder Flores. They are teaching a bunch of really great people. They should have two baptisms on Saturday. Braxton is just really excited about them and says that their are others who are close.

On Saturday a lady named Viridiana went to the English classes. She lives really close by and so Braxton plans to teach her and her family this week. Braxton said "things have just turned around from good to........gooder."

Braxton was thinking about all the things that he is thankful for. Since being in the mission he realizes the many things that he just took for granted that are such a huge blessing to him. Like: all the Firesides in Utah, the size of the Wards, the help and love from the Ward, the church building.....so many things. He appreciates his family and friends more. And the mission itself has been one of the greatest blessing ever. Everything he learns makes him realize how much better the future will be for him and how much he will appreciate everything more too. Like his
children and "smoking hot" wife.

A fun thing that happened this week is that Braxton bought some tootsie rolls. He made a duck out of them. (you know, you should always play with your candy first.....it last longer that way) Actually, he remembers when Grandpa use to bring tootsie rolls to church and Justin had made a duck out of some. (I just remembered that the other day myself) Braxton was quite impressed with his little brown tootsie roll duck. :)

This week for a few days there wasn't water, gas, electricity, money or clean clothes. Braxton didn't like that at all. (aren't we spoiled by all the conveniences we have) Life goes on though with all those thing or not. Brax was glad when they got all those things back.

Braxton ran across a lady that owns a ranch in Valle de Bravo and also a huge one in New York. The lady is loaded in fact after Braxton had met her she called him and told him that she bought another ranch and 4 green houses. They talked about landscaping them since that is what Braxton is interested in when he gets home. They had a good conversation and it kind of got Braxton excited and thinking. He is putting those thoughts and ideas away though for now and is going to continue to concentrate on his mission. He is loving his mission. Life is good!