Week 5: The Ups and Downs

So last week I apologize for my email problems, apparently some groups didn't get my emails last week and there are problems with the Google Drive as well (For those who did see my email), but I've came up with an idea. My mom has been taking my emails and my pics and such and uploading them to a blog that she has for me, so down in the attachments below will be a link to that Blog so in case you do not get my email at all you can find it there, and also those weekly videos I'm trying to do will hopefully be on that blog too. More will be posted next week when I find out more info.

SOOO this week has been very.. Very interesting to say the least. But it gave me a lot of lessons that were learned.

Monday in of itself was hectic, didn't even feel like a P-Day really hahaha, but it was good. We had the funeral for Randall, my first ever funeral which was interesting. He seemed like a really good guy, and one of his sisters named Wanda was there too. Wanda was a member until she was excommunicated for a reason she shouldn't have been. But we talked with her, one of the leaders felt that it was right to apologize to her for that, and hopefully we will be able to teach her again and get her re-baptized! It was also our Branch Mission Leaders Birthday on Monday so we went to his house and spoke with him and his wife and did our laundry there (Due to us not having a washer and dryer at our place yet heh.. we are still adjusting even today but it's FINE)

Tuesday was better, our Brach Mission Leader Brother Roswell brought us breakfast and I was able to try something new which was called Grits, it was pretty good with Salt and Pepper, I also had Biscuits, Sausage and Gravy which was pretty good. Then later on we visited some less actives and a person that we are teaching. We visited a less active and read the BOM to her, which was pretty cool. Then we visited a person we are teaching who really wants to come to church but is stuck with a temporary 12 hr shift schedule and she thought she would be done by now, but isn't. She also has been reading the BOM for 45 minutes before she goes to bed which is amazing. We were really happy about that. Then we visited a non-member, then went to a Empty Nester activity, ate food, and talked about Ether 3 in the Book of Mormon and his faith.

Wednesday we played Tennis which was fun, then later we visited a referall and gave her a BOM and a Bible. And we are going to visit her again this week. We also made calls for other referalls and checked up on them. Then we taught 2 kids at a members house so that was fun. Then we had dinner at the Morrisons, lovely bunch, they love Doctor Who, Star Wars, and Imagine Dragons. Also got a really cool sunset pic there too.

Thursday was Zone Conference, we shined shoes, talked about how to better present the Gospel to people, and had a Testimony meeting that went over time, which in the end made sense why. We got home, got in the truck and started driving up to a members house for dinner because we were late. Then as we were driving, a car facing our way in our lane was in the road just there, and a lady recognized our tags and got out, turned out to be a less active going through some stress with her bf, and when she went to grab her stuff her bf drove away and left her stranded. So we ended up calling a close member friend of ours to take her back to her actual home. Then we couldn't go to dinner and ended up teaching a guy who's family is members except him and he is wanting to be baptized but is going through some Word of Wisdom problems so he is pushing through. Then we were gonna try and visit Georgia but we weren't able to because of time so we had to move it to Friday. 

Friday we did some service again at the Humane Society, then having lunch at Sonic where a worker kept looking at us which was funny and weird, but we feel like we need to give her a card so next time we go we will be doing that hahahaha. Then we visited a member name Gary and helped him with a few things. Then visited his brother named Mickey. Then visited families and shared Moroni 7:40-42 and also D&C 6:36-37 which are great scriptures in the Book of Mormon. We then tried visiting Georgia again but time didn't permit it and I was kinda upset about it. I hate letting people down, and having to be late and moving dates around. But it is just what happens.

Saturday was better, got my bike, a toaster for our apartment house, got our dryer working, except a nob isn't working correctly so we use plyers to turn it. Talked about conversion, then switch into service clothes and went to Gary's. He took us to the Moores, His brothers, and his sons were we weed whacked weeds in areas, it was intense, hot, but it was cool. We also kicked a ball around with on of Gary's daughters sons which was fun and got a cool sunset and moon pic. Then we finally were able to visit Georgia, found out her dad never relayed info to her about us coming Thursday or Friday so that was kinda weird, but I felt better about it. But she has her phone back so we are able to talk to her about coming over and just fellowshipping her which is nice. She had a friend over and listened in on what we were teaching, so hopefully we can start teaching her as well.

Sunday, yesterday, pretty good talked during Sacrament about Trials and hardships and that was really good for what we talk to people about when we visit them. And during classes we talked about Patriarchal Blessings and what they can do for us. For those who don't know what they are, they're basically a map for our future if we keep living the best we can for the Lord. They are an amazing experience and if you don't have one yet, I say you should get one, they can do a lot. Then we later went to a members house to teach their son the Gospel because he's getting baptized on the 29th of September which is really cool. Their dad isn't a member but he's really cool, and we helped him get a dresser up to the attic because he was in pain and couldn't do much so he was very thankful for that.

As I close, I just want to give you some food for thought. All the bad spirits that try to make you down or do anything negative to you alone, most likely knew you in the Pre-Mortal life after the rebellion. That 1/3 host that fell, those close people you knew in the Pre-Mortal time are now trying to ruin you. So we you go through rough patches, fight harder because they know your weakness, be strong. I love you all, and I hope you all have an amazing week.

Much love, 

Elder Braxton Hotton

1st pic: Sunset at Morrisons
2nd pic: Sunset at Garys
3rd pic: Moon at Garys

Week 4: The Crazy Kickoff!

Hey all, what's going on??

So I'm finally here, and I'm in Holly Springs, Mississippi and it's a crazy few days already. Holy crap. I hope I can cover most of the stuff I'll be talking about today, but also I'll be doing weekly video logs to kinda give an overview of what's been going on. I apologize for the first video being mega long but it's been a long week. But I'll have the link to the Google Drive so you can watch it at the end of this email.

Wednesday: We got up early and left the MTC at 6:45 in the morning. We took a bus all the way down to Front Runner, which then we took it most of the way there. Then took Trax all the way to the Terminal. It was my first time being completely in a Airport, so yes, I've never been in a plane. I'll have some of the pics and vids that I took in the email so you guys can see haha. We had to stop in Dallas, which has a mega huge airport, then we flew all the way to Little Rock, where we met our Mission Pres and his accompanying Elders and Sisters. We went to the Mission Home, introduced ourselves, and had Ribs. That was good.

Thursday: Woke up earlier than usual because I had to meet with the Mission President. So that was nice. There was a Sister Missionary who was deaf since birth, so I downloaded a ASL app and quickly learned some things I wanted to ask her so that was a super cool experience. Then we went to a church building and did a lot of training, and I got my new companion. His name is Elder Brinkerhoff, and he's from Texas. He's really cool, and it's been a amazing experience working with him so far. He's almost done with his mission which is crazy. After all of our orientation we carpooled all the way to Memphis, Tennessee and then we took all of our stuff, threw it in our Truck that we have, and I'm the designated driver, which is crazy but I'm alive. He doesn't have a License but that's ok. It was still a cool experience to have. We got to our house.. ok it's more we live on the bottom floor, all of it, which we rent, and someone rents the upstairs. It's an older house, but it works. Elder Brinkerhoff recently just moved into it as well so we were missing a few items. But it's all a work in progress.

Friday: It was a very interesting way to kick off my mission. We were doing service for the Humane Society with the Branch Mission Leader and I met a family there as well, and I'm getting along with them really well. Then after that we went back home to change and was about to visit a less active who was expected to die soon, then once we started walking to the car our Branch Mission Leader gets a call saying the person died. So we were shocked about that. Then we did shopping for the Humane Society and then dropped it off, had Panda, talked with a person with different faith, which I enjoyed. Then we came home, did studies, and then composed a few lessons for the people we were visiting that day, which ended up working really well. We visited a few family, got to know them, a lot of them go through a lot of stuff which is crazy to hear, but it's cool that they keep their faith going.

Saturday: We were home most of the day due to a lot of planning we got done. Had focuses on people and families, and my companion gave me a huge rundown on families, the people, the drama (Family Fueds, and not even everyone knows the whole story), so that was a lot to take in. Then we studied and went out to visit people. It is really cool to hear stories about people and their lives, and all the people are super loving, and a note: there is a long, long road where a lot of people live, but everyone is related to each other one way or the other, so yea. I'm still learning the back stories to a lot of people, so that's fun. I ask that you pray for the people down here, it would be really appreciated, a lot of people go through a lot so it would help a lot.

Sunday: We had church, we are in a pentecostal building because we don't have our own building yet, but we're in the process of building one. Our branch is small, ranges between 60-90 people but it's a nice branch. The Branch President is determined to fatten me up, even called it out during church😣😣, they're out to get my weight. I'm 163 right now, and I'm determined to keep a range around there. But after church we came home, started doing a mass Area Book Cleanup and we texted a lot of the uncontacted people. Then we had to stop and go to the viewing, met people their, saw a dead person for the first time. His name was Randall, never had the chance to meet him, but he seemed like a really cool person. The funeral is today, and me and my companion get to say the prayers, so that's something. Then we came back home, and finished sending texts to people and then we got in contact with a person asking about it. 

In closing, I want to turn you to D&C 121:7-12, this is were Joseph Smith is in jail and is praying to God asking why, and this is the Lord's response and apply it to you:

7 My son(or daughter), peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.
9 Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.
10 Thou art not yet as Job; thy friends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job.
11 And they who do charge thee with transgression, their hope shall be blasted, and their prospects shall melt away as the hoar frost melteth before the burning rays of the rising sun;
12 And also that God hath set his hand and seal to change the times and seasons, and to blind their minds, that they may not understand his marvelous workings; that he may prove them also and take them in their own craftiness;


God loves you, and care about you, and wants nothing but the best for you. I know that he wants us to return to him again, and I'm very thankful for this chance to serve the people of Holly Springs. I know this church is true, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love you all so very much, never forget that.

Elder Braxton Hotton

1: A view from the plane
2: A pic of me, Branch President, and my companion

Week Three: Weird Towns, New Beginnings, and Cool Music!

Holy crap, how is everyone doing??

This is my final day here at the MTC, and it's crazy how much things went by, and I'm going to miss it so much. Everyone here in my district and zone has grown and changed so much. It feels like only yesterday it was Fast Sunday. But I'm thankful for all my experiences that I've had here at the MTC. So, here's a recap of what has happened!

First off, choir. Oh my lana, the song we sang kinda made me cry. But here's why. In the PDF attached in this email, it gives both the actual lyrics, and the modern lyrics I interpreted on it. And my favorite line is, 'I'm so far from home, but lead me on'. I'm far from home, but I have faith in the Lord to guide me. Times will be dark, and I will have to go through hills and mountains metaphorically speaking, but I just have to have Faith in the Lord and do my duty and I know he will bless me. And I can testify that if each of you will do the same thing, he will help you. He. Will. Guide. You. And remember, you are NEVER alone. The Lord will always be there, even if you don't feel like you deserve it.

Along the same topic, pic number two. There are a lot, and I mean A LOT of scriptures from the Book of Mormon (If you don't have one, and wish to know, you can download the Gospel Library App on your mobile device, you can go to LDS.org, or get a B.O.M from someone you know) that can help you through times of trial. I know that as you read it, and ask God for help, he will be there for you. "When there's no peace on earth, there is peace in Christ."-Peace in Christ (It's a song)

Now onto the weird stuff about my mission. Me and my Companion Elder Rich were looking at the towns there and it's pretty interesting. Towns like Yum-Yum, Forty-Five, Fifty Six, Bethlehem, Hollywood, Jerusalem, Coffeville, Gums, and other crazy towns. I'm excited for my mission hahahaha, but I know that even if the town names may be strange, I know that the people there are going to be amazing people and I'm so excited to serve them.

Also, Taco Bell. We had Taco Bell and it was amazing. That's all I have to say about that.

To close, I want to thank my District, my roommates, my companion, my teachers, my Pre-MTC guide, my friends, and of course my family. They all have helped me learn so much about the Gospel, and I'm thankful for their love and friendship they've given me. And I know that each of them will do amazing things. And I'm thankful for everyone in my life who has helped me become who I am today. I cannot thank you enough and I love each and every one of you so much. And always remember that you are not alone. Stay strong loves, see you next time.

Elder Braxton Hotton

Pics:

1: Me happily eating a taco from Taco Bell

2: Scriptures of Peace

3: My District and teachers, thank you all again

4: What I like to call Pride Rock, I always see it when I walk around the MTC, it's great

5: Lead Kindly Light 

WEEK 2 Family History and Transfers

Hey all!

How is everyone doing?? I hope you all are doing well! This week has been pretty good! We got new a new TRC guy this week and he's pretty cool! It's amazing to see how teaching people can really change their lives! I'm excited to see how it goes this week. Last week our lessons went pretty well, some better than others but that's ok! It's just what happens out in the mission field! But I'm thankful for improving and being a better Missionary!

Yesterday night we had Chick-fil-A for dinner and it was amazing! Sadly we couldn't get the Spicy but it was still great! I love Chick-fil-A!

I've been doing choir here at the MTC with my companion and the Director is amazing! He's funny and very insightful, he tells all the stories behind the songs we sing and it's honestly amazing! I love it.

On Sunday, we had Jenny Oaks Baker come, who was the daughter of President Dallin H. Oaks which was really cool. His whole family is musically talented so they played some church songs for us which was amazing! The blessings they've received by acting in faith is amazing!

Lately a lot of us in our Zone wanted to know how related we are, and it's crazy how much closely related some of us are! And the big challenge, making the line go all the way back to Adam and Eve! It took me A LONG TIME to get there, but I did it and it's so cool! Family History can do a lot!

And just early this morning a big chunk of our zone left and it was sad to see them leave, but I know they're going to be great Missionaries! They were all amazing examples and a lot of fun!

Most of our District went to do Endowments today and it was an amazing experience as usual! I'm thankful for those blessings to do works of others!

Hope all of you are doing well and I hope the Lord will always be with you all! Love you all! <3

Elder Hotton

Here are the photos in order:

1: Adam and Eve on my line!

2: People in my zone and district related to me!

3: Me, Elder Gardner and Elder Bracken in the background

4: Me and Elder Rowley!

5: Me and Elder Stubbs!

6: Me and my Old Zone Leader, Elder Lake!

7: Me and Elder Rich at the Temple this morning!

WEEK 1

Hello everyone!

How are all of you lovely people doing? I hope you all are doing great and amazing!!

I'm thankfully alive, and I'm glad I am. The MTC experience here is an amazing place to be! My district is actually quite a party, and I love it. My companion is Elder Rich, he's from Wellsville, UT and he's an awesome companion. My zone is literally the best, so funny and so amazing I love each and every one of them.

All the classes I've been taking have been so amazing, and doing our practice teaching with our teachers is great! We have our first person in TRC (Which is basically teaching the Gospel to people) and he's pretty cool. I'm excited to teach more and share the Gospel.

Since today is P-Day, we went to the temple and did Initiatories and it was great. It's so cool helping others becoming members of the church who are dead, and even alive and well! I'm thankful that we have that chance!

God loves each and every one of you, and he wants nothing but the best for each of your lives. I know it's true and I know that through this Gospel, we can be blessed beyond measure!

Elder Braxton Hotton

1st Photo: Me and my Companion, Elder Rich

2nd Photo: Elder Labram and Elder Abram (Top to Bottom) Really cool guys

3rd Photo: Our Bunk

4th Photo: Elder Cleaverly and Elder Whitaker (Left to Right)

5th Photo: Me with a cool tie

6th Photo: Me and an Elder from our Zone almost have the same ties, just different color patterns

7th Photo: Last night a big group of Elders and Sisters who left today went in a circle

8th and 9th Photo: Tag Photos (You're welcome Mom😘)

Love you all!!