We’ve Had Two Weeks of Sun Already!

We got a long e-mail from Brett. It was good to hear from him. He said that they've had two weeks of sun and that he's not only burning, but dying. He said that it makes him sweat a lot more when it’s humid and he's peddling his bike! He also said that the food isn't as rich there in the summer and that he's a lot more active in the summer time. He also said that he thinks all the vitamin D he's getting helps him be happier and healthier.

Brett also said that he and his companion get up at 6:00 a.m. to go and play football (soccer) with four other missionaries. He said that they usually play a good game to wake them up. He mentioned that he's loosing weight because he's getting so much exercise. We thought that was great. He said that being on a bike since the beginning of his mission has really helped him get more fit. He said that he'd like to continue riding a bike when he gets home. We'll see how he feels about that in the winter!

We asked Brett how he'd feel if we were able to come pick him up from his mission. He said that he thought that would be great because all the other missionaries that are leaving at the same time as him have a direct flight from Paris to SLC. He on the other hand would be the only missionary flying from Paris to JFK. It's kind of sad - he left by himself and he flies home by himself. We'll have to see how his new mission president feels about us coming to pick him up. Then if it's OK with him, we'll have to see if we can do it financially. Who knows what will happen - but it's fun to think about going over.

It's always great to hear how Brett's doing. I can see the growth in him and am so glad he's having this opportunity.

How's it going?

Brett sent some pictures in his e-mail this week. This is a picture of Brett's former companion - Elder Hart.

Elder Hart just finished his mission and left to go home. Brett said that sending him home was one of the hardest things he's done. Not because Elder Hart was trunky but because they'd been together for so long. Elder Hart was Brett's District Leader for 4-1/2 months when he was in Wolverhampton and then they were companions for 4-1/2 months in Wednesfield B. Brett said that he was "gutted" when Elder Hart left and went home.

Here's a picture of mission football (soccer). Brett's the one in the wild hoodie - the second from the right. Elder Hart is also in the front row. He's the second one from the left.

A close-up of Brett and Elder Hart apparently trying to look cool.

Meanwhile Brett's still in Wednesfield B with a new companion, Elder Anderson from Oklahoma. Even if Brett were to be transferred on the next transfer he will have been in Wednesfield for six months. That's a quarter of his mission.

Brett said that his mission president, President Moffat goes home on the 30th of June. He's looking forward to his new mission president, President Ogden's arrival.

Brett ends by saying: "My mission is everything to me! And the English people are the most lovely people I have ever met! I almost prefer them to Americans! (sorry mom and dad)." So you see, he's obviously learning to love the people where he's serving - an important step for any missionary.

Short letter from Brett

We got a letter from Brett today saying that the investigator they had been teaching was baptized on Saturday.

In the continuing saga of the bike Brett said that he "found a place that does discounted bike repairs. He's an old timer, but he really knows his stuff and a lot of things he'll do for free! He also understands we don't have a lot of money, and so he gives us a 10% discount!"

He also said that his companion leaves this next week. He said that he'll have to wait a day with another district member whose companion is also going home until transfers actually happen!

So in our e-mail next week we should learn if Brett is getting transferred, or just getting a new companion and staying in the same area!