Hey guys!
So, I have had the flu for the past few days. Doesn't that sound fun!
Haha, well it's not. Elder Witbeck also has the flu. I have been
throwing up and he has had a lot comin out the other end. We think
it's something that someone is our ward fed us, but I think we are
just jumping to conclusions. Needless to say, the past few days have
been awful because of that reason.
We are doing so much more now! We taught 16 lessons last week! It's
not a whole lot, but it's way more than usual. We have been doing a
lot of less active work, like you were saying, the whole country is
doing that. I knew that from the elders before I left so I kinda
expected it. But, Elder Cloward and I have been teaching a lot of
people in nursing homes and in hospitals. Not my top choices of places
to be (that's probably why I'm sick) but the people we teach are
great! It's so fun to teach someone who doesn't like to come to church
because they were either offended, had doctrinal issues, didn't like
the people, etc...And then we come in and just put the puzzle back
together! The other day, we taught this older guy in a VA hospital.
His name is Richard Fink. He had some issues with drinking coffee and
tea. A couple of weeks ago we taught him the Word of Wisdom. He
committed to not drinking either of those which is awesome! This past
week, we felt inspired to teach him the Law of Chastity. Now if you
think about it, he is a old man in a VA hospital with like no women.
He doesn't really need to be taught the Law of Chastity, right? Wrong!
When we taught him about the blessings that come from being chaste, he
jumped and went: "duh! That all makes sense now!" It was so cool. The
spirit works wonders in the oddest ways. It was really funny when we
got there. We sat down and got settled and Brother Fink asked us how
we were. Elder Cloward wanted to pull a little joke on him and replied
with: " I'm getting married next week." Brother Fink's eyes popped out
of his head and he said: "You're getting married? Man, you're taking
this companion thing too seriously." Haha, then later on, after we
asked how our weeks went, Elder Cloward gave Brother Fink a Chastity
pamphlet. Brother Fink adjusted his glasses to look at what it was and
then he looked at Elder Cloward and said: "Whoa, you need this more
than be buddy!" Hahahaha! It was pretty hilarious.
So, Elder Johnson from you ward emailed me....It was nice of him to do
so, but I don't know who he is D: haha. He was like: "So, your parents
said you were having a rough time and I just wanted you to know that
it's okay." I was a little surprised when I got that. Who are the new
Elders? Are they weird? Where are they from? Let me guess. Elder
Johnson is from Utah? Lol I hope they're teaching you guys lessons and
not just eating your food! That's so important. Now when I look back,
we have had elders that didin't teach us, they just ate. Missionaries
are suppose to go over to members homes, not just to eat but to get to
know them and to teach them and help them in their own lives. It's a
sacrifice for some people to feed 4 missionaries! I would feel
horrible if I arrived, ate, then left. So I hope they're good
missionaries.
Elder Cloward and I taught this Italian man the other day. He is so
Italian! Man I'll tell ya. I swear his house was imported from Italy.
I'm glad I've been there so I can actually say that, haha. But, he is
a hardcore Catholic. He isn't interested in the church at all, but his
wife is. Every time we asked him if we could teach or share him a
lesson, he would be like: "no no no, I don't want to be taught from
you guys." So, no luck on him. Hopefully his heart will be softened.
He thinks every church is wrong. Including his own, haha. He said he
wanted to make his own church. I was like: "No! That's how the
apostasy started and you're just fulfilling it!" Haha.
So, we used to talk about me coming back with an accent, right? Yeah,
I wouldn't be too surprised. Most of the people in our ward are the
epitome of a New Yorker. They seriously say: "Forget about it, pizza
pie, get outta here" and way more. It's so funny to hear them talk
sometimes. It reminds me of Mobsters and Mormons. If you watch that
movie, that's how the people up here talk.
So, there is this town called "Beacon" about 20 minutes south of
Wappingers a Falls. Dad might get a kick outta this, but Pete Seager
lived there until he died just recently! I wanted to go teach him but
then I found out he just died. Pretty cool though.
We have about 3 State Trooper stations within 5 miles of our house.
It's awesome. They basically run Wappingers Falls. I see them
everywhere. Although, there is a massive correctional facility here
too. So that's probably why. Our neighbor, the ones who actually share
the house with us, so on the other side if the wall. They have
domestic calls all the time. Probably once a week. So, we have state
troopers in front of our house all the time! I took a picture with my
camera. I was thinking if sending my SD card every transfer. I think
that'll work out.
I signed up for a Planet Fitness pass. It's 15 a month and it's billed
every 17th of the month. But it's so worth it. Exercising is required
on the mission, so it way worth it. Why not lose weight and get buff?
Haha.
I don't think any of us will be transferred this cycle. Maybe Elder
Witbeck cause he goes home in May. President Morgan sometimes gives
missionaries "a dying wish" and that means that they can pick where
there last area is. Of course everyone picks Harlem. That's like, the
place to be, haha.
Dude, mom. You should most definitely study preach my gospel!! Elder
Bednar said: "Preach my gospel is not just a book you read. It's a way
of life." The things that preach my gospel teaches are ways that we
can improve our life in coming unto Christ. It also will help you and
give you the confidence to open your mouth. Speaking of opening your
mouth. Us 4 missionaries taught relief society last week and we talked
about how we all need to trust in The Lord and just open our mouth. If
we do so, he will put the words in our mouth of what we should say. I
can testify of that as a missionary. It's pretty dope.
I'm so excited for Brenn and Nate. This is a whole new chapter in
their lives and it sounds like they want the best for Aria. Moving to
Reno would do them a whole lotta good. Staying here and working at
Walmart probably wouldn't be the best. So, good for them :)
Man, this is a long email. I'm sure you don't mind haha. I have time
since I'm sick. I'm just lying in bed typing on my awesome iPad. I'm
spoiled. Oh! So, that picture you sent me of Elder Kelly. It looks
like he has an iPad on his lap. Does his mission have them too! I'm
gonna have to email him. I don't know why I never thought of emailing
him yet. Filipe too! I'm also sorry I haven't sent pictures. I'll be
better at that. I took one for you just like you wanted, but the way
elder Witbeck took the picture is stupid. So, I'll send it to you, but
you can make the call on if it's worthy to be in the plaque. I still
think you should use that one with the black shirt. But, I also just
got a haircut, so maybe I'll take another. I send it, it just may be
another week or so.
Oh! I also never told you about one of our investigators dog. His name
is Kingston and he is an exact replica of Toby. Like identical. Same
color of hair in ever part of his body. White, brown and black. He is
so adorable. It makes me miss my tobes. You should send me a picture
of him :)
I have a couple more things to just randomly say. So bare with me.
Our organ in our chapel is awesome! You would love it mom. It plays
hymns by itself! But a human can still play it as well! It's really
neat.
And, 3 out of the 4 elders here in our apartment have their first name
start with BR. Branndin, Brett, and Bradley. Also, Bradley aka, Elder
a Witbeck. His name is Bradley Taylor Witbeck. I just find it funny
cause Nates middle name is Bradley. So Bradley Taylor is like Nate.
Anyway. That's enough randomness for me.
I miss and love you all and hope that your week goes well! Stay in
tune with the spirit as much as possible, it will make you happy and
joyful!
Love,
Elder Branndin Brian Long
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