Army of God

This was a great week for Braxton. He was able to teach a lot of lessons, 29 in fact. Twenty two of those were about the restoration of the Gospel and he said that his testimony grew so much from testifying of it. It was a neat experience for him.

They were able to go to the Temple this week. Braxton thought it was the best experience he has ever had in the Temple. He learned so much and had some neat experiences. While he was in the Celestial room and thanking Heavenly Father for his family, he was able to see how each member has helped him in his life in a specific way. It was a great experience for him. He loves how Heavenly Father works and teaches us. Braxton is so thankful for everyone in his family, including the in laws and extended family. (he also included Daniel and his family, which will always be important to us and loved by us) He just feels that he has "flat out been blessed with the best."

As he sat in the Temple and looked around at all the missionaries he thought of the Army of God. All those missionaries were called of God to bring the Gospel to the World. What a blessing to be a part of that. Braxton loves it!

He loves being in the Temple and how different it is from the outside world. It's calm, peaceful, and perfect. Just outside the doors is the biggest city in the world, full of corruption and noise, but inside it is Heaven on Earth. No noise, just perfect silence......So Amazing!

He also met Temple workers that were from Hooper. They have lived in California for like 40 years. Their names are Annette Beus Christensen and Allan Christensen. Annette went to school with Braxton's grandma Donna. (small world)

Brax says the days and weeks are flying by. It scares him in a way that this will all be over soon. Even though he is excited to come home and be with everyone again.

He loves everyone more than you'll ever know.

Plant of Mexico

There is a rope caught on the burro and Braxton is helping get it unstuck. Then I think he tried riding the little guy. The picture was blurring and he referred to it as "fetchin burro."

Vive La Mexico

Braxton has to cross this stream and go through the forest to get to a members house.

Skinny little masks. Braxton thinks it makes his face look fat even though he is loosing weight.

This is the view from their home. (I like it! I also like their treats!)

Lots of money to pay the bills. Notice the lonely American bill?

Where's Washington?

These are toilets. Braxton said his "Kamp Kaboom" had better toilets.

Peace and quiet and absolutely nothing. Braxton loves it.

Braxton just loves the country. He really is a country boy.

Oh, the beautiful country side.Mexican transportation! You gotta love it!

So many adventures being a missionary!

Good and Busy

Even though Braxton was only in his area for just 2 1/2 days they were busy. They taught 23 lessons and found 13 new investigators. (he said actually God taught 23 lessons and He found the 13 investigators through the missionaries) That is a lot more than normal. The First Presidency recently sent out a new way to work with members and told the missionaries to teach at least 20 lessons. Brax and his comp taught 7 in the two days they had and when Braxton came back from meetings that week with his zone leader they needed to teach 13 lessons to reach that goal. He said it wasn't an option to not reach it. (even thought they had been gone to meetings and didn't have the usual amount of time) They were only able to teach 11 lessons on Friday. (still darn good) So, on Saturday before English lessons they went and taught some more people and in English class Braxton taught another lesson. On Sunday they taught 2 more. They were able to finish their goal for the week and said it was pretty amazing. It has helped Braxton to realize that there are no limits to the mission, and that setting goals is very important.

Braxton was able to hear the Priesthood Session of Conference on Saturday, but that was all the Conference they were able to get. The other sessions were recorded and are being sent DVD this week. There wasn't any way to transmit it to Valle de Bravo. Brax said the Priesthood session just blew him away and that the Church is so TRUE! Again he can't begin to describe or explain his feelings about the Church and his testimony of it. He feels such an overwhelming of joy and happiness and something else. (can't put a word to it) There is no room for doubt of the truthfulness of the Gospel and the Church. "I LOVE IT"

On Sunday, fast Sunday, Braxton fasted for a new member that hasn't been to Church for awhile. He was going to fast for another family too, but felt like he should just for Jose Granados. Low and behold, Jose came to church and was able to bless the sacrament for the first. Braxton thought the day was great.

They had zone conferences on Thursday and as always they were amazing. They talked a lot about commitment. (which is obligating yourself to fulfill a action and follow forward diligently with that decision... from preach my gospel) Braxton said it really is time that we start committing ourselves to do something. Something without being told to do it. The church would grow so fast and so would we. Some times we don't act on things unless we are told. We need to take the extra step and do things on our own so the leaders don't have to waste so much of their time telling us what we should already be doing. We could all then learn more of the things that would make us even happier. ("just grow up a little and take upon the responsibilities we have as members of the Church")

Braxton also sends his love to all!

sombrero

time is flying

Things are still going good for Braxton. This week he had a neat experience with the Book of Mormon where the spirit penetrated his heart. It was a really neat experience for him. Then after that great experience they watched the video of physical evidence about the Book of Mormon being true called "journey of faith". Braxton said it was cool and his testimony was strengthened more by the spirit.

Braxton just loves the church!

Braxton had been talking to a really smart Jehovah witness this week and is so glad for his testimony so that he wasn't caught up in the "craftiness" of man (or satan). He absolutely knows our church is true!

Would love Letters!

Braxton would love hearing from you, so drop him a line or two. :)

Braxton was able to spend some time with his zone leader this week and had a good time. They cooked good food (hamburgers and pasta), played games, got some sweet deals (Brax got a sweater for $7) and taught some people.

Braxton lost his knife that he got a year ago and wasn't happy with that at all. It kind of ticked him off. But, oh well "life goes on."

They were teaching a lady this week and saying everything very clearly to her. They constantly were explaining things over for her to make sure that she was understanding. Right before they started explaining the Restoration they asked her "so how does God put an end to the apostasy?....by calling what?" (correct answer being: a prophet, or someone to guide us) Her answer was "little birds". (that cracks me up! ha, ha) Braxton was wondering where in the crap did she get that idea. His zone leader had to put a pamphlet in front of his face because he was laughing. (I thought Braxton and the other missionary would just look at each other and bust up) Brax said she was a good lady though. (I'll be the one to say it then....she's a little off her rocker)

Brax found a family last week. A mom and two daughters. The dad usually doesn't allow anyone in their house to talk with them. It made Braxton a little nervous but the mother told him it was okay. The lesson went really well and they scheduled another one. That went great too and on the third lesson the father walked in. Braxton was sure they were in for it, but the dad just sat and listened. The father was fine with everything and even told the missionaries they could come back any time they wanted. (whew, Braxton was relieved)

Braxton gets a lot of girls yelling out "hey, boyfriend" and whistling at him but this week things went to far. Him and his zone leader where riding on a bus and a few girls got on and one dropped a bag of chips right by Braxton and slowly bent down to pick them up. (Brax looked away) The girls were sitting a few rows behind them and then moved up so they were sitting by them. The girl dropped her phone across the aisle, not once but twice. (crazy girl) Then Brax and his comp decided to go to sleep for awhile (it was a long bus ride). When they woke up the girls were taking pictures of them. You'd think that was enough. But an hour later just before the girls were going to get off the bus they moved forward and then turned around so they were facing the missionaries and just stared at them. Braxton thought that was about the weirdest experience. Not one word was ever spoken. (I'm just glad our prayers are being heard and answered and that Brax is being protected. Yes, even from girls)

It was a good week though. They taught quite a bit and had good experiences while they did. Brax has a leadership meeting this week and even though he looses a day in the mission he likes hearing from his Mission President.

Braxton still loves being a missionary! He loves his family too! We love him too!

pics