Week 86: COVID-19 Explosion

I think I can come back to a normal Weekly Email system. This week has definitely been something else.. ESPECIALLY when our good friend COVID-19 has entered the battlefield. And a lot of other shabang has gone down as well... soooooo let's get into it!

Monday we had P-Day and did good old stuff, it was my first NORMAL P-Day so far this transfer, so that was great to see. After P-Day we were able to have dinner with a member and talked for a little bit before we went to another members house and had a Book of Mormon study there. It was pretty good overall, then we came back home and ended the day.

Tuesday we did our studies and got things ready for the day. We actually had a pretty good day overall because we had some cool experiences with people that we are working with. We saw one of them and talked about what's been going on with them and they talked about their trials and their questions and we were able to use the Book of Mormon to answer his questions and he was really touched by it and was excited to continue to meet with us and learn more! And then later that night we were at a dinner appointment with a member and some non-members that we are trying to work with came and we had some pretty cool discussions about the Spirit World and about the Temple! It was awesome! That was pretty much the bulk of the day!

Wednesday was also a pretty good day! We did our studies and updated Area Book a good bit. Afterwards we picked up Lunch provided by a member and then we came home and ate that for a little. We then left and tried to contact a lot of people and we got a hold of a few, but not a lot. Then we decided to try this one person and he was ecstatic to see! He had a very good experience in the past with the missionaries and wanted to meet with us again! It was super cool! Afterwards we did a few others things before heading to the Church and did Institute and fellow shipped a few of the members there. Then we came home for the night.

Thursday the Hope Elders drove up early to Arkadelphia and we all got in our car and drove up to Little Rock for Zone Conference! We learned a lot and a lot of stuff happened as well. Right after Zone Conference my mom messages me "Church has been cancelled worldwide" and I honestly thought she was making a weird comment just to get my dad's attention or something. But I put it to the test and looked on the Church website and WHADDYA KNOW Church had indeed been cancelled world-wide. And that threw everyone in a loop. And then we had to figure out a few things while we were in Little Rock and then we all loaded in the car and had Chick-fil-A for a little and then drove back to Arkadelphia where I loaded my gear in Hope's car and we started exchanges where I went to Hope!

Friday we started off our day with our good old studies. We had a list to try and see how people were doing. And sadly not much happened for a good bit of it. We were able to have a good lesson with someone and found another person through that. Afterwards we had Book of Mormon study with a member and all that good jazz. Then we did a few more things, had dinner, and then drove up to a town and ended exchanges and we drove home.

Saturday was stacked like no one's business. After studies we went to the Church and helped prepare for a baptism for an 8 yr old here in the Branch. We also got Arbys in between figuring things out. Then we got things running and then had the Baptism! It was the spur of the moment so our Branch President decided to have some fun with it and had us speak on Baptism and then later have me do a musical piece (if you want me to sound good, give me a few weeks notice ok? Haha) so that was grand. Afterwards we helped clean up and we talked to our Branch President about a few items before we left and we stopped by Wal-Mart to try and get a thing or two which we were sadly unsuccessful. Then we did our Weekly Planning, had dinner and call ins, and that's about it.

Sunday was also interesting due to this whole Church called stuff. After our studies, we had lunch and then we went with a member to someone's house to do the Sacrament and that was good. Then we went and saw a couple of people and after all of that 2 people pretty much gave us dinner, so we had two rounds to go. Then we went to the Church because we had to do a few things and our Branch President was there too. And someone else showed up and we did the Sacrament for them as well. Then we talked with them a while longer then they all left and I called my mom since it was her birthday and that was always nice to hear from her. Then after we left we just came back home and ended the day.

So many changes and so many things are happening and it's insane, but I'm grateful for the Church and the amazing inspiration it has. There's no way this cannot be true. I know it is from the bottom of my heart that it is true. Stay healthy out there!

May God be with you all, and know that I am here. I love you all!

Elder Braxton Hotton


Attachments:
-Kit-Kat fun

-Huge Ranger thing

Week 85: Improvement

Hey! How are y'all this day? I hope each of you are doing well. This week was a little better, but still not much happened either. But let's get it into what happened!

We had District Council on Tuesday here in Arkadelphia and then afterwards Elder Cleverly and Elder Nelson switched out with me as we worked today. Sadly not much happened but it was good to get out. Then the rest of the week was on and off. We did minor things and saw a couple of people throughout the week. Yesterday we were out for a good couple of hours working around and visit a couple of people which was really nice. We were also able to do a few other things throughout the week and cleaned up the Apartment. 'Cleanliness is Close to God' is a quote I hear a lot and it feels nice to have a clean apartment.

That's pretty much it for this week. Though there is something else I want to talk about. We watched a video about Revelation by David A. Bednar and it was just amazing. One of the things that was talked about was about Lehi and his family. During that journey and how they got the Liahona. Even though they had that guidance, the distance of the travel didn't shrink, the struggles didn't get easier, but they had that guidance. Much like the Gospel. Life isn't easier and all these things aren't better, but we have that guidance and peace from what the Gospel gives us. And it's really a blessing. I'm thankful for it in my life.

You can watch the video (it's a little over an hour, but it's worth it) at: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/video/an-evening-with-a-general-authority-2020?lang=eng

May God be with you all, and know that I am here. I love you all!

Elder Braxton Hotton

Attachments:
-Zone P-Day
-Elder Roberts in a taco
-Clean Apartment

Week 84: Discharge

Hey! How are y'all? Are y'all doing well? I hope so. This week was long again and a little bumpy. But things are slowly improving. I'll just do a short recap again.

So Elder Roberts little procedure went well. We were in the Hospital until Thursday. I was able to go out with the Zone Leaders on Wednesday which was good. But then we got discharged Thursday and been in our apartment since. We went to a place or two for a few things but overall we haven't done a lot. It's been rough honestly, but I'm pushing as much as I can. Things happen for a reason, but sometimes the things are very difficult.

It's been a week for sure. But we're hoping things will slowly pick up from here. I appreciate all the support and love, and I hope y'all know that each of you are in my prayers too❤️

May God be with you all, and know that I am here. I love you all!

Elder Braxton Hotton

P.S. I apologize it's a small email, not much truly happened. Just a lot of growing and persevering. I hope y'all can forgive me❤️

Also, if y'all ever want to send me something, send it to this address:

905 Kierre Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72116

Attachments:
-Quality Video
-Getting Discharged
-Me at the apartment and at Church

Week 83: Round 2

I'm just sighing right now in tiredness and many adventures. I'll just summarize what went down this week.

So pretty much after Monday we were just recovering, swapped in and out with our leaders. Had some visitors. Wednesday rolls around and we finally get discharged in the afternoon. We left Hot Springs in the evening and got back to our Apartment. Thursday, Friday, Saturday we just rested, walked a little, members helped us out with food. The Office Staff came down and visited us and helped us out a little bit on Saturday. And during all of this(Thursday-Saturday) Elder Roberts temperature is fluctuating up and down. Sunday rolls around and we actually went to Church. He survived through it but was a struggle. Come home and we talked to one of our nurse leaders and she called someone else... AND we are back here in Hot Springs. He ended up having an infection the size of a grape fruit where his appendix used to be. He's just left for procedure so I'll let y'all know how it went next week.

This has definitely been a trial of our faith and a growing testimony of knowing that God knows what he's doing. It's been hard, but it's been a blessing too. You are never alone and God will be with you every step of the way.❤️

May God be with you all, and know that I am here. I love you all!

Elder Braxton Hotton

Also, if y'all ever want to send me something, send it to this address:

905 Kierre Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72116

Attachments:
-Getting Meds at Walmart
-Elder Roberts looking at me weird(he wasn't actually)
-Me this morning

Week 82: Appendix Adventures

So you know how last week I said I'd stop screaming? Well.. That was a lie... AHHHHHHHHHH.. Ok NOW I'm done. This week was definitely something else. But, nonetheless a huge learning process. Let's get into it! 

Monday was really stressful. Got a good chunk of packing done and did a crap ton of other things. It was insane. But then after P-Day we saw a couple of other people. Said goodbye to them. Then I came in and had a great final call in with the Starkville Sisters. I enjoyed being District Leader a lot. I have grown to love more and listen more as well. It was a great blessing to have in my life.

Tuesday we got up really early (4am) and got final things ready. We loaded up the car and drove up to Booneville where I finally said Goodbye to Elder Rich. I grabbed Elder Draper and we drove up to Bartlett where I loaded up my gear and got transported to North Little Rock! When we got there, I got to see Elder Phillips and Elder Spear which was great to see them again. Then I got to see my glorious 2nd cousin of a companion Elder Roberts! Then we started figuring out a few things and also got to see Elder Ferrell again, the Elder is a legend. Afterwards we finalized a few things and got some lunch at Arbys and drove all the way down to Arkadelphia! There I got some things situated and we had a lesson with someone which was pretty good! Then we went and did some minor shopping out of the way and we went and I got to meet a member and chatted with him for a little bit, then we saw another member and visited for a minute. Then we came back home and had dinner.

Wednesday was Elder Robert's 20th Birthday! We did our studies and a some members took us to a restaurant to eat at. Afterwards President Hansen called and wished Elder Roberts a Happy Birthday. Then we had a big contacting spree and sadly we didn't see much out of it, but it was good for me to learn more about the area. Then afterwards we came to the Church building and attended Institute! It was really good and I was able to meet a lot of the members! It was a cool experience! Then we came home for the day.

Thursday we did our studies and such. And then after lunch we had another contacting spree and we again didn't see much success out of it either. It was rough. Then we had dinner with some members at a Chinese place and got to know them a little bit. Afterwards we talked about a few area things and tried visiting two people but no luck with that so then we ended the day.

Friday is where the title of the weekly starts. We had to take it a little slow because Elder Roberts Stomach was feeling too great. We did our studies and our Weekly Planning and that was pretty good. Afterwards we went and had a good lesson with someone who is close for Baptism and we talked about the interview questions to help him show that he's ready. Then we had a few calls and came back to our apartment to have Elder Roberts rest. That was pretty much the day.

Saturday is where the fun begins.. Ok fun is not the greatest word but it's ok. We took it easy again. We had some minor things to do throughout the day. I finished up my talk that I was asked to speak on for Sunday. Also had a Zone Zoom Call and that was good. Later on during the day we were trying to figure out one of our tires and Elder Roberts pain started to get a little worse. We went to the apartment and rested more. And then it got worse and we made a call and got told to go to the ER.. And now at 8pm we get to the ER, and after a while and a CT, we find out his appendix ruptured and we are going to get transferred. And during all of this I was making call.. After call... Figuring things out... After call... After call... Figuring more things out... And then we get into the ambulance and drove up to Hot Springs, got there around 11:30, and then a lot of other things happened and we didn't go to bed till 1:30 that morning.

Sunday of course we weren't at Church, so I'm probably going to speak sometime in the future. But the surgery happened in the morning. The surgeon spoke to me after and told me what went down. Apparently it was his most difficult Appendix surgery he's done. But it was a success. Then we got sent back to our room and after a little the Zone Leaders showed up and one of them took my spot while I actually went to the Hot Springs apartment and ate some food and took a fat hour and a half nap and then came back to the Hospital and did some other stuff there for the rest of the day

"Welcome back to Arkansas!" Is something I've been telling myself a lot lately. But, this has definitely been a learning process and I'm thankful I'm with him going through this. It's tiring.. I'm drained.. But I am just glad that he's doing ok. That's what is more important. Things will workout the way they need to. But yea.. I'm signing out. I love each of you. Keep smiling. And if any of you need someone to talk to.. I'm right here.

May God be with you all, and know that I am here. I love you all!

Elder Braxton Hotton

Also, if y'all ever want to send me something, send it to this address:

905 Kierre Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72116

Attachments:
-Saying Goodbye to Elder Rich!

-Elder Robert's Birthday!
-E.R. Adventures

-Quality Video

Week 81: Roller-Coaster

AHHHHHHHHHH..... Ok I'm done. How are y'all?? This week was literally a roller-coaster of events. It has been something. But, nonetheless it was good. So, let's get right into it!

Monday we had the glorious opportunity to have District P-Day ft. The Tupelo Elders. Some members took us to Umi's and that was pretty good, and I got ratted out about it being my birthday and APPARENTLY I look like I'm in my mid-20s hahaha. Then afterwards we went to the Church Building and played games for a while. Then we came back home and finished up P-Day. After which we went out and tried visiting people but yet again things fell through. Then we came home and had Call-Ins with the Starkville Sisters and ended the day.

Tuesday was a very interesting, but good day. We got things ready for the day and we headed out to District Council in Starkville. The Sisters had the bright idea to surprise me early for my Birthday the next day, it was really awesome. It was definitely something I didn't see coming and I appreciated it a lot. And we needed up having a super good District Council about Missionary Work and how we need to keep ourselves encouraged by it. It was awesome. Then after we went out to Cookout and ate there. Then we came back and did a few things at the Library before having a lesson with Chong. It was a very interesting lesson and learned a little more about her. Then we found out exchanges were starting a little earlier so we rushed home and I packed up and we drove up to Okolona to start exchanges and I went to Tupelo with Elder Gomez Perez and went to a dinner appointment at a pretty cool restaurant and ate Buffalo and Elk. It was super good. Then we had a lesson and came home for the night.

Wednesday was my Birthday and I had the privilege of turning 20! We started off the day by doing studies and getting things ready for the day. Then after that we had lunch at Taco Bell for Lunch and President Hansen called and sang to me. Then afterwards we went out and visited people. We had some success in a few things and then we came back and got things ready to end exchanges. It was pouring rain so that was a lot of fun too. Then we drove to Okolona, ended exchanges, and drove to Aberdeen to a Mexican Place where we had dinner with the Browns and celebrated mine and their sons birthday and that was really cool. Then we drove home and ended the day.

Thursday was a hard day for me. Slight back-story: for those who have been to my house before or followed me on Instagram, you knew my chihuahua mix, Penny. Lately she hasn't been doing well whatsoever and they had to put her down on Thursday. It was very hard for me but it's just apart of life. But overall the day was pretty good. We did some service for a while and that was really good. We were able to go visit people afterwards and all that stuff. Then we ended up going in for the day.

Friday we went to the Food Pantry and did stuff there. Then afterwards we came back and finished up a few things and we started doing Weekly Planning. After that we did a few other things and then we went out and visited people. We saw Betsy and John and talked with them for a little each. And then we came home and ended the day.

Saturday we were able to take care of our calls that we each had. Then we got on our Bikes and contact John and Vernita, which we were able to do both which was awesome. Then we came back home and made cookies for the Potluck on Sunday. Then we went to the Church and did Correlation Meeting Prep and then we got Taco Bell, came home, and had a Zone Call and got Transfer News. I got released as a District Leader and I'm getting kicked to Arkansas in an area called Arkadelphia and I'll be companions with my 2nd Cousin Elder Jacob Roberts! I'm super pumped for it!

Sunday we were able to have Chong at Church and it was Branch Conference! We also had Potluck afterwards and it was super cool! Then after all of that we came home and did our studies and then went out and said goodbye to a few people and then we came inside and had Call Ins and dinner!

Overall the week was awesome! But a lot of learning and struggles. Things happen for a reason.. But God is with me.. Oh I so hope he is. Each of you are loved. See y'all in Arkansas!

May God be with you all, and know that I am here. I love you all!

Elder Braxton Hotton

Also, if y'all ever want to send me something, send it to this address:

905 Kierre Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72116

Attachments:
-My Birthday!
-The District
-Penny😔
-District P-Day

Week 80: January's Gone??

Hey y'all! I hope each of y'all are doing well! This week we were busy busy busy, but nonetheless it was a learning experience for me. Let's get into it!

Monday we had Zone P-Day up in Tupelo and had a lot of fun. We played a lot of games and even played Chair Soccer.. Lemme tell you.. I'm a hot mess during that game. But hey, it's fun XD. It was a great time bonding with the Zone. After that we came back home and finished a few things and got ready for the rest of the night. We stopped by Betsy and talked with her for a little bit and then we came back home where we had dinner and I had Call Ins with Starkville.

Tuesday we had District Council in Starkville and talked a lot about Confidence and Faith, it was a very good discussion. Afterwards we had District Lunch at Chick-fil-A and did a thing a member wanted me to do, photo provided below. Afterwards we came back and switched into services clothes and went to a place called The Mission here in town. We helped Cole and his friend move a bunch of furniture around for their organization that they are creating, and they really appreciated it a lot. Afterwards we switched back and had dinner at No Way Jose with the Browns which was pretty good. Then we came back home and had our Studies for the rest of the night.

Wednesday we did our normal studies and got things ready for the day. After all of that we went out and made attempts to contact a few people. Sadly a good bit of them fell through just because that's just what happens some days, but then we were able to drive up to Houston and check out the Wal-Mart there (which, let me tell you, is one of the smallest normal Wal-Marts I have ever seen... The isles are a little closer than normal ones) and then after that we had dinner at a members house which was really good. Then we drove home and ended the day there.

Thursday we got up at like 5am (note, 4 am Utah time, best be blessed) and got things ready and drove up to Tupelo and met up with some other Missionaries. Then we all hopped in the Zone Leaders Van and drove all the way up to Memphis for Leadership Training Meeting. It was really good, I learned a lot about how the mission can improve, another reason why the Trinity is false Doctorine, and about how we can best work with members! It was super good. Afterwards me and Elder Rich had Interviews with President Hansen, and they were really good! Then we got Arby's, and we all drove back to our perspective areas. We didn't get back home till about 10:20 XD, it was a long, but very good day.

Friday we went to the Food Pantry and did our studies. Then afterwards we started Weekly Planning and got it all done. And then we went to Staffords to celebrate Lewies Sealing Party and had King Cake which was pretty good. And I got the baby too. Aghh haha. Afterwards we had a good lesson with Betsy, talked with John for a little, and then had a, really good lesson with Chong. We invited them to Church and we were able to figure things out for it to work. Then we came home.

Saturday we had our normal studies and calls. We got all that done. Then after which we helped Neely and a few others build a fence for some dogs, and that was fun. After that we came back and got things ready and went up to Aberdeen. We were able to get in contact with Keondrick and chat with him for a little bit. We weren't able to get in contact with anyone else sadly. Then we came back and did Coorelation Report stuff and then we had Wendys and ended the day.

Sunday it was slightly stressful, but we were able to see Chong at Church! It was great. She loved it. Then after Church we came home and did our studies. Then afterwards we went and had some good visits with people and was able to find a person too. Then we came back in for the night to finish things and had Call Ins.

Overall it was a pretty good week. It was crazy that January just blew by, and now this week I turn 20... It's just mind boggling. I'm thankful for each and everyone of y'all. Keep being you. You are loved.

May God be with you all, and know that I am here. I love you all!

Elder Braxton Hotton

Also, if y'all ever want to send me something, send it to this address:

905 Kierre Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72116

Attachments:
-Chick-fil-A Quality
-A King Cake

-The Baby from the Cake
-Celebrating Lewies Sealing Anniversary
-Mardi Gras

-Zone P-Day