Week 22: Baptisms and Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Hope you are enjoying today and I hope the snow isn't as crazy! It's supposed to get up to the 55s today and tomorrow, so no snow for Christmas for me! But, there are more bright blessings that happened this week and will happen this new week also, so let's get right into it!

Monday was pretty good. After emails and such we had a lesson with Elton and we brought Brother Morrison along and he helped out with the lesson which was great. Then after that we helped move a member family in so that was exciting. Gary didn't think I could bring the Fridge out by the Dolly, but I did, with some side view help because fridges of course, but I did it. Hahaha but overall Monday was pretty good.

Tuesday was a little slow, but it was good. We had District Council and Collierville brought a Sister who is about to leave on her mission soon. So that's cool! Then after we came back home and did our studies and planning. And then we contacted people, and got ready to go to a Branch Caroling event. We sang at a Nursing home across from the Penacostal building and the people loved it. It was a cool experience to do that again.

Wednesday was kinda slow also, but in the end it was pretty good. We had studies and planned out what we wanted to do, which we did a lot of contacting. We talked to a lot of people and to some referrals, less actives, and others to invite them out to things and just to see how they were doing. Then later we had a dinner appointment with the Beckerdites, but we couldn't get in contact with them, so we shot the gap and decided to try and go over at 5, and we did and it worked out! After we ate we started talking about the Plan of Salvation and they started asking a lot of questions, even the oldest who was a member was asking questions, so we gave them all pamphlets and told them to mark and question things if you don't understand and we would come back and explain it all haha, but they were asking some really great questions, it was cool to see how interested they are!

Thursday was pretty interesting. We did studies and planned on to help Gary out with things. So we got ready and we went out to help him. We ate and then we started working, on Brandon's Truck. So back in October, he got rear-ended pretty hard, and I thought the truck was totaled. Well, after we put in shocks and other things, and a good battery charge, it started working! And then he decided to take a drive around the road for a little. I thought it was hilarious seeing a half truck driving around Lamar, Mississippi. Then we had dinner at Mockys and we got a lot of referalls to check out some houses around where they lived, we were pretty excited about that, so we will be trying that out this week.

Friday we did exchanges because we had 2 Baptismal Interviews! So we took President Hull with us because we weren't sure if we would need a member for a less active we were going to meet earlier. So we went to Elton's, and the Zone Leaders were already there interviewing Elton! After the interview we talked with him for a little and then me and Elder Nelson left to Olive Branch. Him and Elder Jorgensen got moved to Olive Branch, where Elder Jorgensen served before Southaven, so it was a half Whitewash. So we get there and they had plans to go tracting with 2 Priests in the ward. We pray, find a road, and we went out and started tracting there. I went with one of the priests and we didn't have a lot of luck, but we got some service opportunities for Olive Branch and we handed out a Book of Mormon to a curious College Student! It was really cool talking with her, but overall you can say it was successful on our end, in the end giving away a Book of Mormon and a Restoration Pamphlet. Then we came back to the apartment and then we got a text from Holly Springs telling us that Mike is at his work ready for the interview, so we get to his work and Elder Nelson interviews him and he passed! I'm really excited for him because he's come a long way! He gets baptized this coming Friday. Then after the priests told us that we should go to Pizza Hut where they worked and they would pay for our dinner. So that was really nice of them. I had a personal pizza and some really hot wings, it was good. Then we sat in the car about to do some contacting and then we got a message saying that apparently we were late for a dinner appointment. We were like oh crap, so we got over there and had dinner with them, they were really nice and told us not to worry about it haha, but it was a really cool family with a lot of talents. I was able to eat all of that stuff too, thankfully haha. Then we got back to the apartment and I helped Elder Nelson do some Zone Leader stuff, so that was cool.

Saturday was a long but rewarding day. We got up really early and packed all my gear and we drove up to Memphis and did Toys for Tots service project, and a lot of missionaries were there helping out, we were grabbing bags with the numbers called out and throwing them down the line, we made it a lot of fun. We did it for like 5 hours. Then after we drove to Byhalia and Un exchanged and drove back to Holly Springs and started getting ready for Elton's Baptism. Then Brother Roswell went with us early to set up for the baptism. And the baptism was really good! Nice enough the Sisters in Collierville had a baptism as well earlier that day and the members left us treats for our baptism so that was nice for them to do that. So the water apparently got cold after we refilled it and Elton doesn't like cold water haha, but we were able to do the ordinance. But yay, another one in! So exciting!

Sunday was pretty good! We had a Musical Program and I talked about Frankincense and what the symbolism was to it. It's amazing how the little things makes a huge difference in the Gospel. It just shows how true it is and how much I can't deny any of it. Then after church we got a ride up to Bartlett for the Musical Tribute, and that was really powerful. I cried a little a few times during it again. I love singing, it really speaks what words cannot usually. That's why I've always been listening to music, because it helps me explain myself a lot. Yay for music.

This week was just more miracles and blessings. And I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas Eve and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas as well! I love you all so very much, and I miss y'all. My prayers are with each of you.

Elder Braxton Hotton

Attachments:
-The half truck
-A Deer Gary killed

-Cat fits and sits in Animal Shelter

-Elton's Baptism!

Week 21: Singing and Baptismal Dates!

Hey all! How are y'all doing? Hope Finals was pretty good for you all. If it's still happening then good luck. And I hope y'all are excited for Christmas, it's going to be fun, Christmas will make 5 months since I've been out, that's crazy, and Transfers are happening this week, and me and Elder Jackson are staying! So it'll be 6 months January 25th since I've been in Holly Springs, and out on my mission! It keeps on getting better, and harder, but mostly better. Let's get into the week!

Monday was pretty interesting. Most of the day was service really. We did service with a church called Davis Temple, at a Multi-Purpose Center and we served a lot of people, we took carts from Wal-Mart, filled it with food, and took them to vehicles lined up, there was a lot of them haha, but it was fun doing service with them! They loved us helping out and always reminding us for other dates. Then the other part of the day we got picked up by Gary and Mac and went out and helped them with a few things, then got a call to give a blessing to a less active who was in the Hospital in Olive Branch, MS. So we went up there, gave him a blessing, and talked with, got to know him a little, and we left. We got dropped off at the Morrisons where we had dinner, and got our haircuts, it went pretty well without my mom reminding me what numbers we usually did haha. But it was fun.

Tuesday we had Exchanges, and we took a member with us. Brother Wilson took us to District Council, and I'm glad he came because he gave some good input for some of our people. Then I went on Exchanges with Elder Jorgensen and stayed here, so we tried visiting Cheryl, but she ended up not being there, so we went to a less active members house and raked her leaves with help of Brother Wilson, we did 15 13 gallon bags of leaves, and it was still a work in progress haha. Then we came back home, and Brother Roswell picked us up and we went to a party for the Humane Society we do service for every Friday. It was a lot of fun and got to know some of the people more.

Wednesday was Miracle-day. We were doing studies and we decided to call this person who we haven't been able to make contact with and contact was made, it was really surprising! We talked with him for a little and invited him out to church. It was really cool. Then we got ready and I packed my gear because we were staying overnight in Southaven, and Brother Moore picked us up and we went to Byhalia and tried visiting a less active. She ended up not being home but she left a note! I was really happy about that, so we wrote what she wanted and we left, and we drove up to a gas Station where we were meeting and we got to know Brother Moore better, and it was really cool. Then Southaven showed up and we loaded our stuff and drove up to Southaven. We decided to Blitz the area for a little, and we found 3 people within a hour span, it was crazy. Then we sat in their coloration meeting and then went to a pizza place with a rm who served in Provo, Utah. He was really cool. Then when we got to the apartment, and we were settling in and figuring out rides for the next day, we got a text from Mike because the day earlier we sent Hebrews 11 and we got a text from him saying, "By Faith y'all can choose my date." I dropped my journal and I told others and we were all excited! It was crazy! Miracles!

Thursday was the P-Day and our Mission Social! We played a lot of games, I almost got a Bob Ross poster that said Happy Trees, then I got robbed by another missionary during the exchange. I was sad. But it was hilarious. I sent out the weekly for Week 20. We watched Mr. Kreugers Christmas, which is a classic I love. It was a lot of fun. And we also prayed about Mike's Baptismal Date, and we have it for next week! So close but yet so exciting! That was basically Thursday haha

Friday was pretty good. We had the Animal Shelter and we helped clean up some more, and moved things around. Then we came back home, studied, did contacts for a little, and then we went tracking around our neighborhood, and we had some success, met a few people, and someone who has connection with the Humane Society so that was cool. Then we came back and Gary picked us up because we wanted him to come with us to have a lesson with Mike for his date, and we had that lesson, it was really cool and Gary opened up and I was proud of him. We are excited for Mike being baptized!

Saturday we had studies and did some contacting for church the next day. And then we wanted Brother Roswell to come with us for 2 lessons so he went with us and we taught Elton, which was really good, he gets baptized this week! Then after we met a less active and his family and that was really good. After that we came back home, worked on the Branch Report, met a lady, gave cookies to someone, and did Weekly Planning. Saturday was pretty good overall. 

Sunday was crazy. The Beckerdites came to church, a less active came, Garys older brother came, Elton came, it was really amazing. I sang What Child Is This, and everyone said I did awesome, and we also ate food. So that's good haha, then we talked about the new Come, Follow Me manual. Then after church we got a ride up to Walnut Grove for the Musical Tribute, and that was really powerful. I cried a little a few times during it. I couldn't help it. But it was a lot of fun.

This week was just full of miracles. And I'm thankful to be able to witness all of it. I love you all, and I will talk to y'all on Christmas Eve!

Elder Braxton Hotton

Attachments:
-We got into a long conversation about Ether chapter 2 about how the barges (Ships) were built, so that's what happened
-Gallifreyian Language of Choose The Right (Doctor Who Fans)
-Pic of my haircut
-Me and Elder Jackson eating

Week 20: Miracles and Care!

Hey all! It's been a while! This week's email I'm going to cover all till this past Monday, I'll cover the rest of what happened this week on Monday! So let's get right into it!

Monday was pretty good. After emails and all that we had a dinner at the Morrisons again. You know, it's really cool to see what type of impact you make on a lot of lives. These kids are home schooled and when we go over, they always have cool stories or projects to tell that they've been doing the past week. I just love it.

Tuesday was actually pretty good. We had District Council and then after we decided to try and visit a few people we haven't yet. So we went to an area where a potential is, and we were looking for the house. Then as we get closer, we ask a neighbor of the potential where she lives. And we got talking and then we showed the video 'The Savior Understands Me' and it was powerful. Then we tried her house but she wasn't there. Then we went to a grandsons of a members house, but he wasn't there. Then we tried his parents, but they weren't there, but there were rakes, so we raked their leaves for a while, and then they came home and we talked with them for a little and we left. After we had The Restoration Lesson with Arian and Lillyanna and answered some of the families questions. We tried after a less active but no luck, then we got in contact with a referral. It was pretty good.

Wednesday was also really good. We went over to the Animal Shelter and did a lot of cleaning and taking out a lot of things, it was really cool and we broke glass that they didn't need haha. I'll have to send the video somehow and have my mom post it for this specific week. But that was fun. Then after we got back and got ready for the lesson with Elton. We taught the Word of Wisdom and the Plan of Salvation, and he took it all in. It's really exciting. Then after we drove up to more center Byhalia and decided to tract near President Griffiths house, and we met someone and she asked us to come back when her son is home. So then we ate at Subway, then we tried again but she wasn't awake. Then we went over to Presidents and helped him with a playground that he's building and had Hot Chocolate.

Thursday we had our studies and also called Gary to see what he's doing and if he needs any help (as usual). Turns out he did, so we went over to the new church site where he was located at and we helped put in dirt around the church site where the floral will be. And cleaned it up a little bit as well. Then we changed and went up Clear Creek and tried visiting people, but we were only to be able to get in Pat and Floyd and we visited with them for a little and answer some more questions about stuff. Then we had dinner at Mockys and talked with Mickey (Gary's older brother) about taking the lessons because he wants to be baptized! It was really exciting to hear. And then also I got myself into a stickler, I'm singing this Sunday (12/16) and I'm singing What Child Is This? So that's happening. Then we were able to visit the Rogers and gave the wife a blessing and talked about hunting and everything. It was really good.

Friday we did the Animal Shelter and talked about Light The World with everyone. Then we came back home and cleaned up a little and then had a apartment inspection, which was really good. Then we did studies, had a lesson over the phone with a potential, and I liked it. Then we had dinner at the Hardmans and I got some sheet music idea of what I'm going to be singing. And then we came back and did some contacting.

Saturday was kinda up and down. We did planning and studies, and got ready to go with Brother Roswell to try and visit people. It was little to no success, BUT we were able to meet a less active who's records are not in the branch yet. And she was really nice and invited us back Wednesday. Then we came back, talked to Cheryl on the phone for a little, and then had dinner at the Roswells.

Sunday was perry good. We had a good Christmas Primary Program and good potluck food after haha. Then after church we got a text from a member to go give a blessing to someone, so we went up to the Hills and talked with Sister Byrd for a little and gave her a blessing. Then after that we tried contacting someone we've been trying to get into for a while. No luck sadly, then we talked with Mickey again for a little, and got to know him more. It was really cool, then we had dinner at the Roswells and talked about a lot of things.

This week has been really something, but there is so much more that's happened this week.. Buuutttt I'll leave it till Monday. ;) I love you all, I hope you all have had a good week.

Elder Braxton Hotton

Attachments:
-Photos of me

Week 19: Miracles and Miracles!

Good Afternoon one and all! How is everyone doing? I hope everything has been good, because this week was a miracle week! It was crazy what has happened, so let's run through it shall we?

Monday was pretty good. After emails and all that we had a dinner lesson at the Morrisons again. Before the Spiritual thought, we checked out their projects in their shop that they are doing, like fixing a motor on a boat and looking at their welding projects. Then it gave me a inspiration on what to talk about. I've mentioned this video before but we watched 'The Refiners Fire' video and it was a really good discussion about helping people all the time. Because no one will know what people are going through until they do something nice for them. It can really make a difference, and I can testify that.

Tuesday was literally a miracle day. Exchanges were that day, and also we planned on doing a Blitz with the Collierville Sisters after District Council, so after District Council, we ate Subway, and came back to the church and the Sisters assigned me and Elder Nelson to an area to go to. Elder Jackson and Jorgensen had to leave early so we just went out on the Blitz. So we get like a street away from the area, and we park. We say a prayer to know where we need to go, and as I look at the area book after the prayer, Elder Nelson see's a woman and says, 'her' and we get out the car and ask her if she needs help bringing in groceries. She said she didn't but we talked with her longer. Come to find out her and her daughter take care of a 93 year old lady that they have no relation to so that was cool. And we showed the girl our card and she brought us in. And within a conversation that turned into a Plan of Salvation and some tears shed, we were able to set a Baptismal Date for both the mother and daughter for Dec 15th! And after that lesson we got into the truck, called the Sisters (by this time the hour is up) and we ask how it went for them and then they ask, and I ask, 'So, what are you doing the 15th?' and they weren't sure and asked why, and I said, 'How about 2 Baptisms?' Let's just say we made them cry because they were so happy. It made me really happy because they were struggling a little. It was a tender experience. Then after that we left Collierville and went out on 311, and decided to try this potential. She wasn't there, but we were able to get into the next door neighbors and was able to give a Book of Mormon, which was really cool and set up to meet again Saturday. And tried another house but they weren't home. So we came back to the apartment and started studying for the Book of Mormon class we had that night. But sadly, when we got there, no one showed up for the class. So then we talked with President Griffith, President Hull, and Brother McCullough about this Branch and the people we are teaching. And then we went to Brother Roswells and Elder Nelson was initiated into the Branch as family. It was a really good day.

Wednesday was also really good. As we were planning we get a call from some Online Sisters about a referral they got and talked about it with us, who was an interesting character named Elton who wants to do Gods will and preach his word. So we call him and set up a time to meet with him at 1:00. So after studies and eating, we drive down there, and come to his house, who has a lot of dogs, it was quite crazy. We meet him, and taught him the Restoration, and was able to set up a Baptismal Date for Dec. 22nd! It was really cool, very open guy willing to learn about the restored Gospel! Then after we visited Brother Wilson, who lives down the street from Elton, and made sure that Elton has a ride for Sunday. And we Unexchanged there, Brother Wilson showed us some houses that he's been talking to, and then we left and went up to try and visit Tanya. She wasn't there, so we called up President Hull before dinner and we went out and visited a few people with him at a few houses, we got more information for 2 of the places, which was good. Then we came back and had dinner with the Hulls and talked about Light The World. And that was all on Wednesday.

Thursday we did our studies, found out more stuff about Amanda, which helped us out a lot with some stuff. Still have the Book of Mormon to give her. Agh. I'm praying we are able to visit her soon. We also talked with Elder Billman, who was formerly here with Elder Brinkerhoff before I came, and got information about a few people we didn't know about. Then we went up to Lamar, tried 2 people, no luck, then we visited Pat and Floyd and talked with them for a while, helped them understand anything. After we talked with Gary for a little, then we had dinner with him, and then visited Lisa Yeager for a while. Her health is not at the best, but is very thankful we stopped on by.

Friday we helped with the Animal Shelter again, moved a few things to a truck, and then we drove up to Byhalia and helped Jasper (One of the dogs) get some shots to see if he's heart worm clear, and he was! So that is exciting, he left to his forever family that Sunday (Yesterday). Then we came back, did studies(And most of the time it was mega raining), and then went out to try and visit people. We talked with James for a little, and set up to visit with him the next day, and we tried another person, who wasn't there, but met someone in relation and gave a Book of Mormon to and hopefully send her information to a set of missionaries. Then we got pizza and came back and did Weekly Planning, which was good.

Saturday was pretty good also. Half of the day we had contacts over the phone to make, and some answered and some didn't, but we got what we needed done from that, also Elder Jackson made cookies for people that day. Then we went with Brother Roswell, gave him cookies, and then went out to visit Angela, who ended up not being home and left cookies at the door with a note. Then we visited the Beckerdites and gave Arian cookies for his late Birthday gift, and chatted with them for a while, and met the oldest son which was cool. Then we left and came back home. Then when we were making some extra calls, we tried calling Elton, but he didn't answer, but his voice message consisted of, 'Hello you've reached Reverand Franklin, from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' and I started laughing, it was really a funny moments, he's just great. Then later that night we went to the Roswells and had a Zone Skype Call which was really good, a lot was learned from it so that was exciting.

Sunday was pretty great also. Elton and Lillyana came to church! Elton asked a lot of questions and helped him understand a lot. I also got to bear my testimony which was always fun to do. We also talked about the Priesthood in Priesthood and he's excited to get the Priesthood after he is baptized! He's literally great haha. After church we came home and did our studies, and planned to visit the Grays, so we went down, and they weren't home, so we talked to their next door neighbor and was able to give him a Book of Mormon and we are going to visit him next Sunday. Then we had dinner at Roswells with Anthony and watched the Christmas Devotional!

I hope you all watched the Devotional, if not, I challenge all of you to watch it! It was super spiritual and very amazing. I loved every bit of it and I know it will help any of you who need some love and support. I love you all so much. Have an amazing week.

Elder Braxton Hotton

Attachments:
-I had to 'try and stop' Anthony and Elder Jackson from wanting to fight because Anthony challenged Elder Jackson to a Taco Eating Contest (Hopefully this week)
-Squirrel