tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45362488351468839742024-03-13T14:34:48.844-04:00Elder Brooksby in England and WalesMichelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-29521443490020194462010-06-22T15:14:00.003-04:002010-06-22T15:19:42.179-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">Now that Brett's been home for almost two months I thought I'd put up these two pictures from right before he left Birmingham.<br /><br />This one is of mission football. His Zone didn't win this year.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPQEYxUALeGn9X_1qnsoPEBuCpZQ5tYoAO7dAhA5zpqTLyDA3wesZXZJHU4WHJLwgLIvni8KteGPV7G7_OxcZFuoQGsRe_BXANNE3rdY1QfMbjB7SRwLA8mWT_8FUMl36D3DKTk-Pi6I/s1600/159.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPQEYxUALeGn9X_1qnsoPEBuCpZQ5tYoAO7dAhA5zpqTLyDA3wesZXZJHU4WHJLwgLIvni8KteGPV7G7_OxcZFuoQGsRe_BXANNE3rdY1QfMbjB7SRwLA8mWT_8FUMl36D3DKTk-Pi6I/s400/159.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485678656259142690" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This picture is the group that was leaving the mission the same time as Brett.<br />There are 19 of them, along with President and Sister Ogden.<br />Brett is in the back on the right.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjlA4RvuNcoXi8aQr7OL8pk_EEJX-GE-RJRyCW5ohhrCdzKx2O-3BHYtk9lRyOnVqAnecaZVPOeOIYXKvAiTvwOYk-Fv_cOT3_Yc6gxRV_u8OQTG07XZfNj1KZrAFEK2YAC6woZqdRVo/s1600/IMG_5451.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJjlA4RvuNcoXi8aQr7OL8pk_EEJX-GE-RJRyCW5ohhrCdzKx2O-3BHYtk9lRyOnVqAnecaZVPOeOIYXKvAiTvwOYk-Fv_cOT3_Yc6gxRV_u8OQTG07XZfNj1KZrAFEK2YAC6woZqdRVo/s400/IMG_5451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485678536659588146" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We love having Brett at home, but I know he's missing the mission, his recent converts, and companions. Coming home is always bitter-sweet.<br /></div>Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-46009253651795724602010-05-06T16:30:00.002-04:002010-05-06T16:40:26.058-04:00Brett's Home!It's so wonderful to see him. He has an accent that is undefinable. Not English, not Irish, and definately not a New Yorker either. He arrived about an hour later than expected which left us anxiously waiting and watching at Terminal 1 in JFK. One of Brett's good friends who attends college about 20 minutes away from JFK was also able to come to the airport, which was a great surprise for Brett. We hit traffic leaving NYC and ended up getting home just after 7:00 p.m. (just when his flight would have taken off from JFK for ALB). Family and friends were waiting to greet him and hear all about his experiences.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG54T9T9H2GvkQY4C4EjZObg8LvQ87PoGtdR3SRtyPLgqoUxU7qkSsVYoKFOX32tZmlFS4Kmb7FNhK_udmPokSFryK-FbtUVoRbqFqwi_J6kjtcPNoNsrLpfnMP8RILx_cowFbd3Y-nsE/s1600/PICT0175.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG54T9T9H2GvkQY4C4EjZObg8LvQ87PoGtdR3SRtyPLgqoUxU7qkSsVYoKFOX32tZmlFS4Kmb7FNhK_udmPokSFryK-FbtUVoRbqFqwi_J6kjtcPNoNsrLpfnMP8RILx_cowFbd3Y-nsE/s400/PICT0175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468257350438126546" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We're so happy to have him home!<br /></div>Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-45472276867151237352010-05-02T09:40:00.004-04:002010-05-02T09:48:29.385-04:00THIS WEDNESDAY!!!!!We are driving to JFK to pick-up Brett. He was going to fly into Albany, but they changed his itinerary and he ended up having a six-hour layover in JFK and we knew that we could be down there and back in six hours. We asked Brett what he'd rather do and he said: "Yes, please <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">relieve</span> me from a 6 hour lay over in JFK. I would love that! It would just give me an opportunity to see good ole home again, and 6 hours to talk! That is my final answer!"<br /><br />So we're leaving at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Lauren and Jared are coming too. We are all so excited to see him and have him home.<br /><br />Three more sleeps!!!Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-4786708684813347532010-04-27T17:46:00.003-04:002010-04-27T18:40:13.339-04:00Last E-mail of Brett's Mission<div>Brett said that he thought this would be the last e-mail he'd send us. He did say that there was a possibility that he'd be able to check e-mail when he was in the office next Tuesday. But that if he didn't get a chance, this is it.<br /></div><br />In our letter to Brett we told him about how many bags he could bring home, and how much Delta charges for the second bag. I was worried because when he left he was packed to the gills. But he just laughed and said that he wasn't worried at all. He said he didn't have much left that was worth bringing home. I remember that feeling - you'd been wearing the same clothes (for me 18 months) for two years and they just don't have enough life in them to make it worth the effort to bring them home.<br /><br />I guess that we'd better be prepared for a major shopping trip when he gets home.<br /><br /><div> </div> <div>As it turns out we are going to be driving to JFK to pick Brett up. His itinerary got changed and he ended up having a 6 hour layover in JFK. We decided that we could drive to JFK in three hours and have him home in six, so that's what we're doing. I imagine we'll be home around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>. </div><br />Brett said that it is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">definitely</span> a lot harder than he though it would be to finish his mission. There are so many mixed emotions. Happiness because you're going home, but also sadness because you're leaving the country and people you've grown to love.<br /><br />He said that he's really trying to finish strong. Which I'm sure his companion appreciates.<br /><br />His last day of "missionary work" will be Sunday, May 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nd</span>. On Monday he will pack. Tuesday he goes into the mission office for his exit interview and any other business that he needs to take care of. I imagine that Tuesday night he will have a nice dinner with all the departing missionaries. And then he catches his flight from Birmingham to Paris at 6:25 a.m.<br /><div><br />Brett thanked us for "making my mission a good one and for always giving me help when I needed it".<br /><br />Then he said he'd see us next week, which is amazing. Where has the two years gone?<br /><br /></div> <div> </div>His P.S. said: "I forgot all about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">root beer</span> till just the other day and now I'm really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">craving</span> it!"Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-27207043999387125252010-04-14T19:37:00.002-04:002010-04-14T19:54:10.168-04:00Is it Derby or Darby?<div>We got a great e-mail from Brett today. He said that he and his companion are going to Derby so his companion can get a pair of "boots" for a mission football (soccer) game they're having on the 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> of April. <br /><br />He also said this about Derby: "Well if you look at my subject you would probably wonder what I was on about? Well... I was making fun of the spelling of Derby. If I was to read this word I would read it like Derby - as in the pine wood derby. But in this country apparently Derby is pronounced Darby."<br /><br />He said that the weather has been "simply beautiful" lately. I'm sure after a long, cold winter he's really appreciating Spring.<br /><br />Brett said that this past Monday was Zone Conference #17. And that could only mean one thing. He had the opportunity to bare his testimony. He said it was a long walk to the front of the chapel and up to the pulpit. He said that he had a million thoughts running through his head like: "What am I doing up here? How can it possibly be my turn to do this? And help me know what to say!" But he said that after a split second the words just began to flow as he was prompted by the Spirit and he was able to bare testimony of the things he knew to be true.<br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div>He said: "I felt this burning in my heart and I knew that what I had spent time doing and being involved in was what God had wanted me to be involved in!"<br /><br />What a wonderful feeling to know that you've done what you were called to do, and done it well.<br /><br />Brett also pointed out that this e-mail is his 3rd to last e-mail before he comes home. He actually arrives home 3 weeks from today!!!!! But who's counting? So write those letters if you're going to. You don't have much time left.<br /></div> <div> </div>Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-84723481893122639252010-04-06T09:19:00.014-04:002010-04-06T13:19:50.301-04:00Elder Brooksby in BrooksbyHere's Elder Brooksby's letter which we received today.<br /><br />"Well Today is P-day and for P-day we had a member pick us up to go out to the town of Brooksby! And, well, it took us a while to even find it, and when we did we got there and had a look around it wasn’t very big! But nonetheless I've been to the town where the Brooksby name originates from and I've probably trod on the same ground that my ancestors have trod on! I'll include some pictures for you to have a look at! So that was the highlight of today! And the best part is we still have some of P-day left!<br /> <br />Well I'm looking to be baptizing again on the 17th of April! A Young man [who] is quite interested in the church. The first time he came he said that walking home from church was the first time in a long time that he had felt really Peaceful! So its looking good We still have to teach him more but we have taught the first 3 lessons and all has gone well so I'm looking forward to teaching the rest! Keep praying for him and for me!<br /> <br />Well serving with an Englishman is sort of interesting, because my accent kinda gets muddled up with his accent and I think I begin to actually pick up an English accent on some words and other things! So it will be interesting. I'll just hope I can manage an accent before I return! But as for everything else, things are fine. I'm really getting tired … but nonetheless I just plod on! <br /> <br />Not much else is new with me its been a pretty slow, fast, slow sorta week! I'm still alive still doing missionary work which is good. All I'm doing is just trying to last and to do my best! It's good that where we live there isn’t much air traffic because today I saw an airplane and thought just for a second "it won't be long till I get to enjoy flying again!" So I'm holding out as best I can!<br /> <br />Well that’s it for me. Nothing else really exciting. Sounds like everyone is well! And I'll tell you the thing which has been of most worth to me at the age of 19-21 has been my mission! I don't think there is possibly anything better that you can do than to go on a mission! It's not been easy and I don't think that it will ever be easy but it has been worth it for the things I've learned in my life! I love my mission and even despite all the chav's I love England!<br /> <br />Well I'll hope to hear from you next week! Love you all and thank you for all your support!<br /> <br />Love and cheers!<br /> <br />Elder Brooksby<br /> <br />P.S. I got Melissa's Package! Tell her thank you! And tell her its okay if she smells of Africa. I quite like the idea anyways!<br /> <br />P.P.S. The last picture is of Brooksby Hall! I should have looked into whether or not I could have inherited it! ;)<br /><center><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fgbrooksby%2Falbumid%2F5457011931578984753%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /></center><br /><br />If you too would like to (virtually) visit where Elder Brooksby stood, visit the map below. Drop the street view icon (it looks like a little man) at the intersection of Thrussington Rd., Brooksby Rd. and Main St. and turn around for a bit. It's like you're right there with him! (Even more fun in "full screen" mode.) You can even don your 3D glasses and view it in 3D for the full effect.<br /><center><br /><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=54+Paradowski+Rd,+Schenectady,+New+York+12302&ll=52.748451,-1.010442&spn=0.004864,0.012006&z=17&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=54+Paradowski+Rd,+Schenectady,+New+York+12302&ll=52.748451,-1.010442&spn=0.004864,0.012006&z=17&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small><br /></center>Glen Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157527238376299217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-4430809366296669422010-04-05T17:27:00.005-04:002010-04-05T17:35:53.209-04:00The latest - from Elder Brooksby's LAST areaThis week was transfer week for Brett again. This was his last transfer in the mission. His companion was transferred to his old area in Wolverhampton. His new companion is Elder O'Brien, and he is an English native. He will be Brett's first and last British companion. Brett said that on P-Day a member will be able to take him to the town of Brooksby, so he may finally get to see it after all. He said, "I Am sooooo sooo excited. I've wanted to go for a really long time and now I get to go. So I will take lots of pictures and I will also go and look at the town parish records and try and see if I can get any rubbings from and grave stones!"<br /><br />Time is getting very short for Brett. If you've been waiting to write to him, wait no longer. You've only got 30 days!Glen Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157527238376299217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-64014959229305059432010-03-22T15:52:00.005-04:002010-03-22T16:01:01.735-04:00Happy Birthday Elder Brooksby!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">Today is Brett's 21st birthday.<br />It's the second one he's been gone for.<br /><br />Here's last years picture of us at home celebrating Brett's birthday.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAOEDhNzDmqE8ThjUwIWvsdBevURBGWnTmW6__N8qzvAx12eBkAc7E8iFKhvdu_KEvPxy3XNr25rUHXJUWhIH6RX5QsddwXPoA48000XfNWDy6fAkAMMvZxUPRjmXxAitu0IpitnCSas/s1600-h/PICT7871.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAOEDhNzDmqE8ThjUwIWvsdBevURBGWnTmW6__N8qzvAx12eBkAc7E8iFKhvdu_KEvPxy3XNr25rUHXJUWhIH6RX5QsddwXPoA48000XfNWDy6fAkAMMvZxUPRjmXxAitu0IpitnCSas/s400/PICT7871.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451549025166582274" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This one is the family celebrating without him.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRlNVcpdxbP0CiEmzd0qy1lEt37P7h1WtmoPsUzaCqaQYI_shp3lsnIbl3jOoTtmJtHaCEbVBKv8Z2qa7A5RqEMR2OHr6i7BX800YsL3cBMJKE3Mep63bslnXCOrp1A4UT15RCj5WmOo/s1600-h/Brett's+20th+birthday+cake.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRlNVcpdxbP0CiEmzd0qy1lEt37P7h1WtmoPsUzaCqaQYI_shp3lsnIbl3jOoTtmJtHaCEbVBKv8Z2qa7A5RqEMR2OHr6i7BX800YsL3cBMJKE3Mep63bslnXCOrp1A4UT15RCj5WmOo/s400/Brett's+20th+birthday+cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451549564937279586" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here's his cake he made in the mission field.<br />We sent him a package with a cake,<br />frosting, and candles for him to make.<br />Unfortunately he didn't remember to take<br /> a picture until after they'd eaten a piece.<br /></div>Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-50481121728555820682010-03-11T15:20:00.003-05:002010-03-11T15:30:40.464-05:00Nottingham Today!<div>Brett didn't write too much in his e-mail this week. He said that he had to keep it short because they were going to Nottingham to play some District basketball. He said that it takes an hour to get there on the bus, and then they have to catch a tram to get the rest of the way there.<br /><br />Brett's been working hard finding people to teach and working with some of the less active members of the ward. He said he always thinks of it as bringing the lost sheep back to the fold.<br /><br />Brett said that he was able to talk to a sister missionary who is serving in the Wolverhampton branch. She told him just how much the members there liked him and that they wished he could come back and serve there again. He said that was nice to hear.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div>He also said that he's working really hard on not being <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">trunky</span>, which can be difficult when you only have 55 days left in the mission field.<br /><br />It's so great to hear from him. He loves his mission and the English people so much. It's with mixed feelings that he approaches the end of his mission.<br /></div> <div> </div> <div><br /></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div>Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-85309950605277956872010-02-23T15:43:00.001-05:002010-02-23T15:43:46.458-05:00Mission life in EastwoodWe 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.<br /><br />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 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lifestyle</span>!"<br /><br />Brett is trying to find a way to get down to the town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Brooksby</span> before he leaves England. Hopefully he'll find a way. A picture of Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Brooksby</span> by the sign for the town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Brooksby</span> would be awesome.<br /><br />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.Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-81872277447196856612010-02-18T09:11:00.002-05:002010-02-18T09:22:51.202-05:00Transfers!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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brooksby</span>. So maybe Brett will get his picture by the sign for the town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Brooksby</span> yet.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Brett said: "I was recently given a gift from the Bishop in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Merthyr</span> Ward, who thanked me for the hard work I've done in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Merthyr</span> and wished me the best for the rest of my mission! But he gave me a book called <span style="font-style: italic;">The Teachings of Gordon B. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hinckley</span></span>. I was reading about how President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hinckley</span> 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!"<br /><br />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!Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-49928440144180062452010-02-09T16:24:00.002-05:002010-02-09T16:36:10.762-05:00Transfers 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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brooksby</span> out in Melton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mowbry</span> near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Liecester</span>. And President Ogden said well Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Brooksby</span> do you have a camera? I said yes, he then said, well you never know, you could be serving in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Liecester</span> next transfer." So Brett is pretty sure he's going to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">transferred</span> this next transfer. And who knows, maybe he'll get to see the town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Brooksby</span> after all.<br /><br />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 $$$$.Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-71026086370384345812010-02-08T10:06:00.007-05:002010-02-08T10:38:50.558-05:00Playing catch-up on Brett's blog<div style="text-align: center;">In Brett's last two e-mails he's sent pictures.<br /> I've just been slow about putting them on his blog. So here they are:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStkgy0x8uGdOyqU484_uXADjDKCmtELF2GuwRu-hq1n0DdiI2TUuzdrnhYFNB5nPpU9mKDsvG0_MUxhJ3CSEgG7EERprG98Hb3EDQ5_24VGmhIsGTqCyFWuYI5lHiOQIlLa69wMu6iSM/s1600-h/DSCF0346_Merthyr_Brett+in+the+snow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStkgy0x8uGdOyqU484_uXADjDKCmtELF2GuwRu-hq1n0DdiI2TUuzdrnhYFNB5nPpU9mKDsvG0_MUxhJ3CSEgG7EERprG98Hb3EDQ5_24VGmhIsGTqCyFWuYI5lHiOQIlLa69wMu6iSM/s400/DSCF0346_Merthyr_Brett+in+the+snow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435892996020239426" border="0" /></a><br />When you're from upstate New York, this snow is nothing. But when you're getting it and<br />you're in Wales - it's a big deal. They're getting weather more like what we're used to in NY,<br />and we're getting their weather - hardly any snow.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9uuyONhgHEUtkCQFNov6G5K_oRlWWc_WVi1MIatZoqCggyOdzEvce4SntU_9KCrsxfe52vdiXOwRLCAFEcP53uRiE_YCAMLtoCyTme_sy5WQEYN2vtzI6ufaoSmP9h25AbFlUNC3plg/s1600-h/DSCF0385_Merthyr_Brett+as+sith+lord.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9uuyONhgHEUtkCQFNov6G5K_oRlWWc_WVi1MIatZoqCggyOdzEvce4SntU_9KCrsxfe52vdiXOwRLCAFEcP53uRiE_YCAMLtoCyTme_sy5WQEYN2vtzI6ufaoSmP9h25AbFlUNC3plg/s400/DSCF0385_Merthyr_Brett+as+sith+lord.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435892776342552754" border="0" /></a><br />Brett sent this picture of him in his snow hood.<br />He said it makes him look like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sith</span> Lord from Star Wars.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4RVGxSSjry8i0bsjqs3d_xEM7wuwLKaHNZ8sWlFwCVkcogl6bFzg9eg6oNILv33F1d4U8Pg7ht7gOAB8XGSkTcKqpRjgJKG0Bc5VEZ838k52bDo3vT7pZv431JHEjl47nfUAcPKpyC0/s1600-h/DSCF0366_Merthyr_Nicest+chapel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4RVGxSSjry8i0bsjqs3d_xEM7wuwLKaHNZ8sWlFwCVkcogl6bFzg9eg6oNILv33F1d4U8Pg7ht7gOAB8XGSkTcKqpRjgJKG0Bc5VEZ838k52bDo3vT7pZv431JHEjl47nfUAcPKpyC0/s400/DSCF0366_Merthyr_Nicest+chapel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435892871693670578" border="0" /></a><br />Brett says this is the nicest chapel in the UK.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVrXhbJYmHnWglUfhin9nlcIshUggvqmWX0OZHUgVBh-RSWjrGNkMnFJGzk_YrH8Ai3xGT8P3N98-2LkZjq51V6harvW07qubpwryW9zTwLmjlVA-sw8oLUlc4a-vnyAEQRTzGnVGrPM/s1600-h/DSCF0397_Merthyr_Brett+by+the+elders+sign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVrXhbJYmHnWglUfhin9nlcIshUggvqmWX0OZHUgVBh-RSWjrGNkMnFJGzk_YrH8Ai3xGT8P3N98-2LkZjq51V6harvW07qubpwryW9zTwLmjlVA-sw8oLUlc4a-vnyAEQRTzGnVGrPM/s400/DSCF0397_Merthyr_Brett+by+the+elders+sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435892221003985010" border="0" /></a>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.<br />Something to ask in another e-mail.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSPu_m2SHi3iMllCo92d36NGZ6wE46_khExfWEOAot17YlTtN6ffbC5ts1R7uQSTrFNW7m0Wwo8XW9bhtF60n_JQiCBCwRMZvoDbY3tVkl6xOA4eXYfsPJ-V4bxq0UOO6U6_duURj8Ks/s1600-h/DSCF0414_Merthyr_Brett+by+sign.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSPu_m2SHi3iMllCo92d36NGZ6wE46_khExfWEOAot17YlTtN6ffbC5ts1R7uQSTrFNW7m0Wwo8XW9bhtF60n_JQiCBCwRMZvoDbY3tVkl6xOA4eXYfsPJ-V4bxq0UOO6U6_duURj8Ks/s400/DSCF0414_Merthyr_Brett+by+sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435891759338553010" border="0" /></a>Brett sent this picture of him climbing a 10% grade hill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ia5lVbyhcGSZs_Cu5iBia0MZZlZ-nOSQl5CciVILbSoUyHrHOk3wsqPEb_6nmx2CTo9K2O-DSMXjL0yONkn0a8X3uq72XpAi5fmmAmFeKESGZ4TU64q4Q-w05kdHKOdsR-th5IMU0fE/s1600-h/DSCF0422_Merthyr_Brett+on+rocks+by+stream.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ia5lVbyhcGSZs_Cu5iBia0MZZlZ-nOSQl5CciVILbSoUyHrHOk3wsqPEb_6nmx2CTo9K2O-DSMXjL0yONkn0a8X3uq72XpAi5fmmAmFeKESGZ4TU64q4Q-w05kdHKOdsR-th5IMU0fE/s400/DSCF0422_Merthyr_Brett+on+rocks+by+stream.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435891617842997666" border="0" /></a>And another by a stream in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Merthyr</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tydfil</span>.<br /><br />Brett is with Elder Worthington in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Merthyr</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tydfil</span>. <br />He's been there for seven or more months now. They are working hard and having a good time.<br /><br />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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Burri</span> 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. <br />He thought that was pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">consistent</span>!<br /><br /></div>Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-35162823710545483882010-01-26T10:10:00.002-05:002010-01-26T10:14:04.422-05:00Glen in CheltenhamNot much to blog about yet, but just wanted to record that I'm sitting just a few miles East of Brett right now. Business has brought me to Cheltenham, England and, coincidentally, very near to where Brett is living. No, I will not be visiting him, but it is fun to see what it's like where he is. Driving on the left is a very disconcerting experience the first time. Roads with no speed limits are also new. I believe I touched 90mph on the way here today which feels pretty weird when your already just a bit freaked out by driving on the left with the stick on the right. Fun times.Glen Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157527238376299217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-16964720474601465412010-01-20T19:15:00.004-05:002010-01-20T19:53:13.053-05:00Crash!We received an e-mail from Brett Tuesday telling us that he'd been in a bike crash. He said that a council van (whatever those are) ran him off the road. He's got a bruise on his thigh from the phone in his pocket and both his knees are black and blue. He was coming down a hill at a moderate rate of speed and then the council van came in front of him and pushed him off the road and onto the shoulder, where there was snow. He said he did a "Superman" and flew forwards sliding on his stomach. He said he tore a hole in his new rain jacket - but that he was going to fix it with black duck tape.<br /><br />He and his companion had a great day Monday. They found six new investigators. They also have an investigator coming to church on Sunday. They also found a family of five who speak <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Portuguese</span>. Fortunately the mother speaks English, so she's been able to translate for the others.<br /><br />Brett ends his e-mail by saying: "Well I think that's about it for me. I love you and I'm glad to be where I am at this moment! I love the mission and I love everything about England and Wales. I'm very happy to be here!" <div> </div>Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-35799478331218679602010-01-16T17:07:00.003-05:002010-01-16T17:28:34.421-05:00MAY 5th!!!!!<div>We just got an e-mail from the Birmingham mission office saying that Brett's release date is May 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>! It is great to finally know when he's coming home. It will make future planning much easier.<br /><br />In Brett's e-mail this week he said that it has been rather snowy and really rather cold in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Merthyr</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tydfil</span>! He said that it has been around -4 degrees C on a normal day for the last two weeks. And that it dips down to -8 degrees C with a windchill of -20 degrees C overnight. He said that there is a high pressure system that is stuck over the UK and because of that they are getting their weather from Siberia, which tends to be pretty cold. He said that in the UK it only takes two or three inches to shut down the whole of the UK. He said that everyone thinks it's a huge disaster and that it's going to be the end of the world! But he said that it's really not that bad <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">compared</span> to the NY winters that he remembers from his childhood. He's still riding his bike in the snow to get around! He loves the snow and couldn't be happier that it's there. He said that it makes it feel a little more like home. He did say that he'd skip the snow altogether if it meant that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">chavs</span> couldn't through snowballs with rocks in them! But he said that it's all part of the experience! </div> <div> </div>Brett said that for P-day he was going to sew one of his mittens that has a hole in it, go food shopping, and have a nap. Sounds like an exciting day!<br /><br />He said that he's starting to feel old in the mission. His companion, Elder Worthington has been out 8 months less than him, and he's starting to feel the distance apart. He said that he's not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">trunky</span>, but he's having to work harder to fight it off.<br /><br />He has been in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Merthyr</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tydfil</span> longer than any of his other areas, and he's having to fight the thinking that says "I've already talked with him 9 times and he's told me to go away in lots of different words I'll never repeat! Why should I stop him again!" He said that at the end of this transfer he will have been in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Merthyr</span> for 7 and a half months. And he feels like he has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tracted</span> the whole of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Merthyr</span> 3 times!<br /><br />I know how he feels having spent nine months of my mission in the same area.<br /><br />He said that they're working on building up their teaching pool, and praying to find people to teach.<br /><br />All in all it sounds like he's doing well.Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-9213642344872970332010-01-09T21:18:00.002-05:002010-01-09T21:32:30.998-05:00Brett's back in Merthyr Tydfil<div>We got an e-mail from Brett telling us that he was going back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Merthyr</span> again for a 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> transfer. It's funny, but it looks like he will have spent his mission in only three areas - Birmingham, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Merthyr</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tydfil</span>, and where ever they send him to finish up.<br /><br />Brett said that it had snowed and stopped the travel plans for transfers. The mission president told him that because it was p-day he wanted them to stick close but he told Brett that he could go visit some recent converts in his old areas. He said that he was going to Sheldon to see who he could catch at home. He seemed very excited for the unexpected opportunity to see people dear to him from earlier in his mission.<br /><br />Brett said that he is getting a new companion named Elder Worthington, who has been out about a year.<br /><br />Brett got to spend New Year's Eve at President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Odgen's</span> house and said he enjoyed it very much.<br /><br />He said that he had to get off the computer because all of the missionaries who were leaving to go home this transfer got snowed in and their flights got canceled so they all had to e-mail their parents to tell them that they'd be delayed getting home.<br /><br />It was good to hear where Brett is, and know that things are more settled than they had been for the last little while.<br /></div>Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-83794909099482375422009-12-30T09:21:00.004-05:002009-12-30T09:26:32.577-05:00The Latest from BrettWe had a very nice call with Brett on Christmas Day. We've known that they were planning on moving to a new apartment in Merthyr Tydfil and the move finally happened. Sadly, in the midst of the move, Brett's companion injured his knee and required surgery. This left Brett a lone Elder for a few days as his companion was confined to hospital. But he was well cared for by the church members in Merthyr. Transfers are coming up on January 6th, so in order to keep things simple while his companion's knee heals, Brett and his companion have both been transferred to the mission home. So cards, letters, packages, etc. should all go there for the next week or so. We expect Brett will have a new address after Jan. 6th. Whether it will be a new one in Merthyr Tydfil or elsewhere we cannot tell. It's been a crazy week or so for him so keep him in your prayers.Glen Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157527238376299217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-14159872932353076802009-12-22T22:18:00.003-05:002009-12-22T22:24:50.271-05:00Hi!<div>Our e-mail from Brett was short this week. I'm sure in part because we'll be talking to him soon. He said that he didn't think he would be able to send Christmas presents home, but thanks to a member where he is serving he would be able to after all.<br /></div><br />He said that he has received the package we sent to him. And it sounded like he'd already opened it. So much for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">surprises</span> on Christmas.<br /><div><br />He said that we are supposed to call him at 6:30 p.m. his time (1:30 p.m. our time) on Friday. He's going to be at a members home for Christmas dinner and then their phone calls.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div>He said that he's all caught up on the mail he was supposed to return. So hopefully if you've written Brett recently you've received his reply by now.<br /><br /> <div>He ended by saying: "Well I love you all enjoy your week and speak to you in week!"<br /><br />We can hardly wait!!!!!<br /></div>Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-30286815881086934092009-12-09T21:19:00.003-05:002009-12-09T21:41:57.579-05:00Brett's e-mail got lost!We got a short e-mail from Brett today because after typing a longer one, it got lost. So then he didn't have a whole lot more computer time. Oh well!<br /><br />Brett said that he's going to be moving into a different apartment. He said the one he's in now isn't very nice at all. We'll be sure to update his address when he moves. He did say that he's helped other people move during his mission so he knows to get things done before people show up to help, and that he needs to have everything cleaned so others don't have to do it. That's a valuable lesson learned.<br /><br />Brett also said that his watch is broken, and he's not sure it's fixable. He has another watch, but the watchband stinks because it soaks up all the rain. One way or the other he'll either get one of his watches fixed or get a new one.<br /><br />Brett said that it sounds like everyone has been busy at home. He said that was good because it makes the time go fast.<br /><br />Brett said for us to call him around noon or 1:00 p.m. our time on Christmas day. He's going to be at the home of members of the church and they said he could use their phone. We're way excited to talk to him. It's always so good to hear his voice.<br /><br />Sometimes when I'm missing him I'll use the GPS to go places I know well, just to hear his voice telling me directions on my GPS (he and Glen's present to me last Mother's Day).<br /><br />He ended by saying that he didn't have much else to say (or time to type it), but that he was excited to talk to us in a few short weeks.Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-36727003461513201252009-11-14T16:28:00.000-05:002009-11-14T16:29:20.093-05:00Congratulations!Wow, congratulations Brett. You've been out for 18 months now. You'll be home before we know it!Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-17390531191525149292009-11-10T10:04:00.004-05:002009-11-10T10:38:40.252-05:0018 months is pretty weird!Brett's letter this week was great. I can't believe that he's been on his mission for 18 months!<br /><br />He sent us a couple of pictures. This one is of him and his current companion. His companion is from Switzerland. He has been out one transfer (six weeks) longer than Brett has. Brett said that he's hoping that they'll stay together for another transfer. That would also mean that he will have been in Merthyr Tydfil for six months, but he said that would be OK.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJSwjYRgxD3Lq8p-LS7oHRiJeOjvIKcx2rbZoAgzyuQ2mMbi_EBOgFZ3LMGMO8BnMcP4yUV3-xGOLYzcJuSgcS9khBYwMcT_ssCoIJHgm95F12QN296F3GnoVtyWE4rWwFrRHFW-gQf4/s1600-h/Elder+Burri+and+Brett+-+Merthyr+Tydfil.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJSwjYRgxD3Lq8p-LS7oHRiJeOjvIKcx2rbZoAgzyuQ2mMbi_EBOgFZ3LMGMO8BnMcP4yUV3-xGOLYzcJuSgcS9khBYwMcT_ssCoIJHgm95F12QN296F3GnoVtyWE4rWwFrRHFW-gQf4/s320/Elder+Burri+and+Brett+-+Merthyr+Tydfil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402491519904817362" border="0" /></a><br />He also sent this picture. It's of a fire on Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes night. You can go to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes</a> if you want to find out more about it.<br /><br />One of the British Mums said that the event takes place almost everywhere. She said that some people have a bonfire and fireworks in their garden, and that there are many public firework displays to go to. She said that whatever they do, they always have bonfire night food - hot dogs, baked potatoes, soup, ginger parkin, cinder toffee and toffee apples. I had to wonder what ginger parkin and cinder toffee were. I'll have to ask Brett sometime.<br /><br />Brett said this about the picture: "This is a picture of the bonfire behind our house that neighborhood youth did for bonfire night (Guy Fawkes night) on November 5th! The pile of things they were burning was like 25 feet high!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2kSEZx54tFz7drnrPLVu1c1lKkDViy8jXKo5iGkyYNQeqaBgE8xKcfiFwvm31HgSjJGiQR2eduLXZKHmBTF-FKxad5bSN9QHEbyqHTYUsfIL1yEj-Do5YduKFa1jvmuXEXQdwSd7XsM/s1600-h/Guy+Fawkes+Bonfire+-+Merthyr+Tydfil.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2kSEZx54tFz7drnrPLVu1c1lKkDViy8jXKo5iGkyYNQeqaBgE8xKcfiFwvm31HgSjJGiQR2eduLXZKHmBTF-FKxad5bSN9QHEbyqHTYUsfIL1yEj-Do5YduKFa1jvmuXEXQdwSd7XsM/s320/Guy+Fawkes+Bonfire+-+Merthyr+Tydfil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402491319185649186" border="0" /></a><br />I'm just glad that that fire wasn't in MY backyard!!!!<br /><br />Brett said that he's amazed at how much he's learned in the last eighteen months. He said: "Coming out here to England has taught me a lot about bring up children and how it is vital to bring them up, not drag them up. And not to spoil your children. And to actually make them work for the things they actually want (sort of like you did with us as kids). I've learned how important an education is and that now a days you can’t get on without an education! I've learned everything in life that is worthwhile is a lot of work!"<br /><br />I'd say just that knowledge alone is worth the eighteen months.<br /><br />He also said that the postal strike has been postponed until after Christmas. So for any of you who'd like to send him a package, go right ahead. We were told to send Christmas packages to the Birmingham mission home because there will be transfers between now and Christmas. That address is on his blog below the address where he's currently serving in Merthyr Tydfil.Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-26699403717453896002009-10-27T21:21:00.007-04:002009-10-27T21:47:04.136-04:00Happy Halloween!!!!!Brett said that he's happy it's going to be Halloween because there is a ward ward "safe" Trunk or Treating activity at the church where he might meet some new friends.<br /><br />He also said that a family in the ward is taking them to a place called the Great Pit. It's a coal mining museum. He said that they'll get to go down into the shaft with hard hats with the little light on top. Apparently at one time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Merthyr</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tydfil</span> was the largest coal producing city in the world.<br /><br />He also said that tomorrow is Zone Conference, so he thought the week would be pretty nice.<br /><br />Brett said "I've been stoked to learn the piano again! I think I could really stick with it this time. I'm just so sick of singing a<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"> capella</span> all the time in different units. If I could learn some songs I could play in church then I could keep on improving from there!"<br /><br />I told him that I ordered the book Hymns Made Easy from the Birmingham distribution center. They said he should get it in about three weeks. Although I've heard that they're having a postal strike in England so he might not get it as soon as I'd hoped.<br /><br />I also told him that I'd sent a package. Brett said that his companion really loves wintergreen lifesavers. Apparently they used to have them in Switzerland, but don't any more. He said if I send another package to stick some of those in there for his companion.<br /><br />Brett ended his letter by saying "I really can not think of anything I need, except if you can find some kind of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">chav</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">repellent</span>, then that would be nice."Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-7731950700485785242009-10-20T19:21:00.002-04:002009-10-20T19:46:24.231-04:00This week has been crazy!!!! But it has been crazy fun!We got a great letter from Brett today. He said that he is loving being with Elder <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Burri</span>. He's from Bern, Switzerland. They were in the same District before transfers put them together. He said that he and Elder <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Burri</span> are co-senior companions. They alternate weeks being the senior companion.<br /><br />He said that they just found out that their investigator is in another ward's boundaries. So they will be turning him over to other missionaries. He said that he is just glad he's still getting baptized. Brett also said that they have another baptism coming up soon.<br /><br />We told Brett that we're going to send him a box and asked if there was anything in particular that he wanted or needed. He asked for some American candy. But he said "just not Hershey's waxy chocolate". He assured us that once we'd tried English or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">European</span> chocolate we'd never like Hershey's again. He also mentioned that one of his recent converts loved Twinkies and that maybe we could send some of those too. He said she thought they were 'lush"!<br /><br />Brett also said that he's fixed up his bike again and that with any luck "it will now last me until my dying breath as a missionary". He only has 7 months left. Wow, where does the time go?Michelle Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07604925870238292421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4536248835146883974.post-36877916215691595982009-10-04T21:18:00.005-04:002009-10-04T21:51:17.576-04:00The Latest from WalesThis week we got a very nice letter from Brett. The work is going well and not surprisingly he's had more bike repairs to make. I guess missionaries not only wear themselves and their clothes out, but also their bikes. It's a good indication that he's working hard. Here's an excerpt from his most recent letter:<br /><br />"Well, not much else is new. You can always tell when you've hit the later months in your mission because alot of people give up writting to you. Even if you send them letters back I think they just get sick of trying to [write] things down like Twynyrodyn or Wolverhampton or something like that. ... Yeah pretty much my post has completely stopped! Minus Dad but even that has slowed....its okay Dad everybody is doing it!* ... I just think its funny how everyone said eventually your post will stop and people will quit writting you and then you will realize you've been on your mission a really, really long time! And thats kinda what I've realized just lately. I am a really really old missionary in the mission! But thats okay I'm still doing well and I'm not dead [yet]."<br /><br />(*Dad's disclaimer: I've mailed Brett 49 letters and at least one e-mail in the last year, so it's not as bad as it may seem.)<br /><br />So come on everyone, if you're reading this post, you have some interest in Brett. And I know your reading here because that hit-counter can't be all web-crawlers. Whaddaya say to sending Brett a note to let him know you're thinking of him. Columbus Day is just around the corner. You could send him a nice post card of the Niña, the Pinta or the Santa Maria! I'm sure he'd be happy just to hear from you. His address (for letters and packages) is always maintained here.Glen Brooksbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157527238376299217noreply@blogger.com0