Mission life in Eastwood

We got an e-mail from Brett today. It was funny - we ended up being on computers at the same time. I realized when I got up with Jared for Seminary this morning that I had forgotten to e-mail Brett. And I know that by around 8:00 a.m. our time we usually have an e-mail - sometimes sooner. So at 6:00 a.m. I e-mailed a short e-mail telling Brett that I was typing right then. The I typed an e-mail in two parts, so he'd at least get one. I know that he got the first one because that is what he replied to. I have no idea if he got part two of my e-mail. But at least he got something from me.

He said that he's loving being in Eastwood. He said that he's working hard and that there is no place he'd rather be. He said: "I've never loved anything more, I don't think, than doing what I'm doing here and serving the Lord! I love it, and really, I don't want to go home.....sorry mom. I know I have to because President Ogden doesn't let people extend their missions, but I don't want this to end. And like the apostles say, it doesn't you just continue on a different plane of thought and lifestyle!"

Brett is trying to find a way to get down to the town of Brooksby before he leaves England. Hopefully he'll find a way. A picture of Elder Brooksby by the sign for the town of Brooksby would be awesome.

Brett's bike was damaged during his transfer ride on the bus last week. So it was good to hear that he was able to "jimmy rig" his bike to the point where it works after some fashion. He said that it's not a very nice ride, but it gets him from place to place.

Transfers!

We got an e-mail from Brett today telling us that he's been transferred to a place called Eastwood. He said it's by Nottingham. And looking at a map, it's only about 18 miles from the town of Brooksby. So maybe Brett will get his picture by the sign for the town of Brooksby yet.

Brett is with Elder Williams from West Valley City, UT. He said that his companion hasn't been out quite a year. In fact Brett said that he's the oldest missionary (in serving time) of all in his district. Brett said that Elder Williams has been in the area for three transfers, but that he is still willing to work hard.

Brett also said that his bike was damaged on the bus for the transfer. He said he was going to try to make repairs that would hold it together for the next two months. He said if he couldn't then they'd walk everywhere.

Brett said: "I was recently given a gift from the Bishop in Merthyr Ward, who thanked me for the hard work I've done in Merthyr and wished me the best for the rest of my mission! But he gave me a book called The Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley. I was reading about how President Hinckley just gave the last bit of his mission the best he could and he wasn't at all worried about how many people he'd baptized on his mission, or how many people other missionaries had baptized on their missions. He just remembered the hard work and the satisfaction that came from that! So that's what I'm going to try to implement!"

Brett ended by saying that he was just going to roll up his sleeves and get dirty and do the best he can with the time he's got left!

Transfers are coming up!

We got an e-mail from Brett today. He said that in his interview with President Ogden he got asked where he wanted to go. He said that he told President Ogden that he would like to serve in a big city. Then President Ogden asked Brett if there was anything else that he wanted, and Brett said: "My whole mission I've always wanted to have a picture of the sign for the town of Brooksby out in Melton Mowbry near Liecester. And President Ogden said well Elder Brooksby do you have a camera? I said yes, he then said, well you never know, you could be serving in Liecester next transfer." So Brett is pretty sure he's going to be transferred this next transfer. And who knows, maybe he'll get to see the town of Brooksby after all.

Brett also said that one of his converts is engaged to be married in the temple this coming August. That made him really happy. He hinted that he'd love to attend the wedding - but that would mean a trip back, and a lot of $$$$.

Playing catch-up on Brett's blog

In Brett's last two e-mails he's sent pictures.
I've just been slow about putting them on his blog. So here they are:

When you're from upstate New York, this snow is nothing. But when you're getting it and
you're in Wales - it's a big deal. They're getting weather more like what we're used to in NY,
and we're getting their weather - hardly any snow.

Brett sent this picture of him in his snow hood.
He said it makes him look like a Sith Lord from Star Wars.

Brett says this is the nicest chapel in the UK.


If you look closely at the picture Brett is standing next to a sign that says: "The Elders". He didn't say anything about where he was or why the sign was there.
Something to ask in another e-mail.

Brett sent this picture of him climbing a 10% grade hill.

And another by a stream in Merthyr Tydfil.

Brett is with Elder Worthington in Merthyr Tydfil.
He's been there for seven or more months now. They are working hard and having a good time.

The last letter we got from Brett was a day late because they had District P-day down in Cardiff. He said they went bowling and that it cost 3£ for 3 games, which he thought was a good deal! He said they had a good time. He also said that he got to see Elder Burri again (his previous companion), and he thought that was a great deal of fun! He also said that he beat the district all three times in bowling. He had a 135, 138, 137.
He thought that was pretty consistent!