Round 4‏

Here goes transfer number 4 in Killeen. I'm so glad I get to still be here, because there are a lot of people that I love working with.

This past week has been interesting with the transfer. I'm the companion that knows the area, so I basically plan the days and lead out what we do. And I have to ride in front, which means I can't draft off my comp like I used to do when there was a strong head wind.

Anyway, Elder Brindley is awesome. He's from St. George, and he's been out about 15 months. I don't really know what else to say about him.

We had a couple of good days this week. Saturday was weird though. We had a ward breakfast for Pioneer Day, which was awesome, then right after that we went to help the Pitkin family pack up to move. It is so weird to think they'll be gone because we saw them a lot over the last 3 transfers. They are an awesome family and I'll miss working with them. Hopefully the missionaries in OK will get the referral we sent and find them. after we helped them we went to a Guam Liberation party thing at a park near our apartment. There were a couple hundred Polynesians there, from all over the place. The 6 white guys in white shirts and ties stuck out like a sore thumb, and everyone wanted to make sure we got enough food to eat. It was hilarious. I wish everyone could be as generous and accepting as Polynesians are. They are just awesome. Plus the food was great. Then after that, Sister Pitkin called because they were still way behind schedule and asked if we could help some more, so we gave them another hour, and then we're helping them tomorrow morning when they come back for the 2nd load.

Aaron is getting baptized on Saturday! as long as he doesn't smoke again. If he does we'll push it back, but I'm praying he has the strength to overcome it.

I'm basically out of time on the computer, the internet at the library was down for the first 15 minutes I had, so I only had 45 to do my letter to president, and reply to a couple on here, So I'm sorry for the short email.

Pictures will be on the way in the next couple weeks. P-days are just crazy.

Love you all!

Read Alma 39 and find the answer to the Question of the Soul "How can I avoid the evils that threaten my family?"

--
--Elder Braxton C Foust--

There's more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done. But that's the Circle of Life.‏

"Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead...

Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection- Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

And the shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care and sorrow...

Until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body...

The should shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame."

-Alma 40:1, 11, 12, 21, 23.
It's hard for me to put into words the emotion I am feeling right now.

I received a very difficult phone call from President Sagers last night, letting me know that my Great-grandmother had passed on. As soon as I heard his voice on the other end of the line I knew what he had to tell me. I knew what was coming. But I was able to handle it. It is very difficult to lose a loved one, especially while out here, but she is now where she is needed most.

I don't have a lot of specific memories of Grandma Anderson, but I remember she was almost always there. Christmas, Birthdays, Reunions, and any other family get together. She was always there, happy as always, ready with some witty comeback when needed. I love her so much. I realize that more now than I think I ever did before, and I know she's still around. She's in a state of happiness, peace, and rest. She is doing missionary work on the other side, working side by side Camron and me as we battle the physical elements that fight against us. She is with some of her Children now, and her parents. I am so grateful for God's Plan of Happiness. For the knowledge that comes to us through this restored gospel. She knew it was true, and So do I. I can't wait for the opportunity to wrap my arms around her again.

As I look back on this week, nothing seems to be a very significant event compared to what my family has been experiencing. Especially since we spent most of the time during the days this week getting ready for a tri-ward activity we put on this past Friday. We put a ton of hours into getting that activity ready. It was a talent show, and then a church tour. It was meant to be an easy way for members to invite friends to a church activity that would give them a chance to see the church and learn about what we believe and do. After we (the missionaries in our district) put in tons and tons of hours preparing for it, the turns out was... let's just say less than desirable. We set up about 400 chairs, and filed maybe 150 of them, and less than 10 of those people were non-members. It's hard not to be frustrated. We put out flyers and gave business type cards to the members to give to friends, but it didn't really happen. And it was 3 wards combines that gave us that tiny outcome. So it was a little frustrating. But oh well. Life goes on.

Saturday we had an awesome day. We haven't really gotten to proselyte much this week because of the demands of getting the activity ready, so the chance to get on our bikes and go do some real work was wonderful. That night we had 2 awesome lessons, one with Devan, and the other with Aaron and the Perrys.
On Sunday the Zone Leaders had an investigator, an older Pilipino woman, get interviewed for baptism. She has been investigating for over 30 years. She's been interviewed for baptism a couple times in the past, but has never passed the interview for various little reasons mostly dealing with being non-committal to some commandments. A normal baptismal interview takes roughly 20-30 minutes. Elder Warburton was in there with her for 2 hours (luckily they started right after sacrament, so it filled the rest of the church block instead of using proselytizing  time). But she passed! He didn't tell her that because she still had a couple issues she needed to take care of, but she was willing to commit and change, so he had to talk to the ZLs first. They called her that afternoon and told her. She was way excited. That afternoon we had some great lessons with Devan and then Aaron. We told Aaron that one or both of us might be transferred this week and he was pretty upset by it, because he wanted us to be there. (by the way, I know which if either, or both of us is being transferred.... but I'm not going to tell you yet....) Unfortunately we couldn't really promise him anything, but it was just the initial shock that upset him.

Well, that's the big points of the week. Killeen 2nd has a couple of baptisms coming up soon, and this area has some more great potential coming its way.

Elder Warburton is going to Fort Worth to be a District Leader up there

and I am going.......

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To stay in Killeen 2nd ward some more! My new comp's name (transfers are on Wednesday) is Elder Brinley. Elder White (my ZL) was companions with him previously and he says he's a great teacher and hilarious. So I'm way excited.

-- --Elder Braxton C Foust--

Howdy‏

So I've caught myself saying howdy when I say hi to people. But it's not that weird since I've been hearing my dad say it all my life. Every time I do say it I realize that I'm saying it with the same intonation that my dad does. So two things you can get from this 1) I love my dad a ton and 2) your kids hear everything you say around them, so make sure you only say the right thing. even if you don't think they are listening.

So this week has been pretty slow. We have been working our tails off, but between service, flat tires, and working in K3 once a week (because one of the K3 elders got transferred mid transfer) our area doesn't seem to be growing much. We have had multiple appointments cancel on us, and several people say they will show up to something and not make it. It is discouraging, but the work goes on. The things that really matter are those people who do not give up, who do not let us down, and most importantly through that, not letting Christ down.

We have a great example of someone who does just that.

Aaron is an awesome investigator. I believe I have said something about him before, but just a reminder, he is the roommate to a less active family, the Perrys. He used to be in the army but got out due to injuries and stuff. He is just awesome. This past Saturday our ward had a triple baptism. Three nieces of Nate Helsham, who was baptized earlier this transfer, and was taught by Martinez and White. We invited all of our investigators to it, but Aaron was the only one who made it. The greatest thing about the fact that he made it is that he had the best excuse of anyone to not make it. Here's the story.

Saturday morning Aaron and Brother Perry were going to go fishing. They got in the car and were on the freeway. Aaron handed Bro Perry (who was driving) a cigarette and he dropped it (we had just taught them the Word of Wisdom the night before) They both looked down and were trying to find it and grab it. Finally Bro Perry looked back up to see the guard rail right in front of them, and he tried to correct to dodge it, but he overcorrected and in the process, managed to hit the back of the car (which I guess fishtailed a bit) on the guard rail and send them flipping through the air. They rolled the car 5 times (doing 70 mph) and finally stopped upside down. They both decided they were ok when there was literally no blood anywhere. So they got out of the car, people stopped to help, and the ambulance came, They were then in the ER for 6 hours. after all this ordeal had ended, and neither one had any serious injuries (just scratches and bruises from the seatbelts that they were wearing) they went home, rested for a minute, and then came to the baptism.

Yeah, Aaron is basically freaking awesome. They know that there was divine intervention protecting, and they both recommitted to stop smoking. And they made it to church the next day. Aaron is scheduled for baptism on the 23rd, and I know he will make it. Unfortunately that is right after transfers, so I may or may not be here.

Speaking of transfers, that is next week, so if you are going to mail me anything do it by Friday at the latest, and if you do after that, send it to the mission office address

1331 Airport FWY STE 305

Euless TX, 76040

well, I'm basically out of time now.
I love you all!

The Church is true. We have God's Authority.
--
--Elder Braxton C Foust--

I have a profile do you?

http://mormon.org/me/36YP/Braxton 

Brought to you, Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue‏

Isn't freedom just awesome? I mean, if it weren't for freedom, we wouldn't be able to practice this wonderful (and true) religion, and I wouldn't be able to be out here in the 100+ degree weather every day spreading that same true gospel. Freedom is a bi-product of the first law of Heaven, which is obedience. The more obedient we are, the more we are truly free.

The 4th of July was awesome here. I mean, it was on a p-day so it really wasn't any different than any other p-day. But we did go to the Silva's for a barbeque for lunch, and then to the Gonzales's for a barbeque for dinner. So I guess it really was different than most p-days.

In Alma 46:12-13 we read about Moroni rending his coat, and making the Title of Liberty. Today, we have our own title of liberty, the American Flag. and just like Hymn 5 says, "Ye nations now look up it waves to all the world".

Well, this we I really slacked on my journal writing, so I don't really have much detail to give everyone, because I don't really remember a lot of it. sorry about that. But I'll do the best I can from my planner.

On Tuesday we met this lady, Beverly, that was very apprehensive at first. She told us that everyone who goes around telling people about God is just trying to confuse people so they lose their opinions and freedom. We talked to her a little bit about the Book of Mormon, and the promise that comes with it (found in the introduction and Moroni 10:3-5) That if you read it, and pray about it with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ, you will receive an answer by the power of the Holy Ghost. After we told her that we didn't want to force anything on her, but rather invite her to learn about it and then ask God if it's true. Because God will not lie. After we explained that to her, as well as gave her some background as to what the Book of Mormon is and why it is important, she accepted a copy and told us that she would read and pray about it, and that we could come by later (this coming Saturday) when she gets back into town. That night we had this awesome dinner with the Saxton Family. Sister Saxton made this cajun dish, I don't know how to spell it but it was pronounced "Ay-too-fay". It had rice, shrimp, and crawfish in it. It was dang good.

Wednesday we had a great district meeting about teaching people by the spirit and about following up on commitments. we had a couple good lessons that night with Aaron and with the Lopezs.

Thursday we did some tracting and got a couple potential investigators out of it. and then as we were waiting for our ride to dinner to get there this older guy, vincent, walked by with a brown paper bag (with a bud light in it) and a grocery bag full of cigarettes and stuff. He walked past us, but after 2 or 3 steps he stopped and came back to us and asked if we were from a church. After we said yes he told us that his life sucks, being an alcoholic, smoker, and addicted to illegal drugs and he wants to change. He told us that he grew up in the catholic church, but based on their works he doesn't feel like they are the true church. We taught him the Restoration and gave him a Book of Mormon. We promised that if he read the book of Mormon and applied it to his life he would change for the better. He was very excited to get it and we got a return appointment with him. He has a real desire to change, but lacks the resources, so I'm excited to help provide those resources and help from the spirit.

Friday morning Elder Clement (the 3rd ward guy with no companion that has been with the ZLs) joined us because the ZLs had a meeting up north today. we tracted a bit and got 2 new investigators. After we finished that and lunch, we decided to ride our bikes to Killeen 3rd ward, because it hasn't gotten much work since one of the elders was ET'd (emergency transferred, and nobody knows the details of why he was, so that sucks. He may have gone home even, I do not know and neither do the ZLs, but it's not really any of our business) So we rode our bikes to the 3rd ward. In order to get to the third ward we had to ride through the 1st ward. And the wards here are bigger geographically than the stakes in Utah, so it took a while. plus elder Warburton got another flat on the way there. Luckily we had patches and a pump so it was alright. Anyway, we tracted in K3 for a while, then we had to haul back to K2 to get to our dinner appointment. we did roughly 27 miles, but unlike last time we did that much this was mostly in 2 really big chunks, so we were hurting. That night we did an exchange and I went with the ZLs and Warburton and Clement went to K3 to work it all of Saturday.

Saturday was fun with the ZLs, I learned a lot about the Atonement, and about receiving personal revelation. After dinner we switched back and WB and I headed to Aaron's. And I got a flat on the way. So we had to call and cancel with them so that We could go home and fix it, which took forever. (I never did actually get it working again, so I bought a new tube on Monday). But that ended that Night.

Sunday was great. Fasting is wonderful as a missionary because you are less thirsty and hungry while you're out working than you normally are. Except by the time you get to dinner you are about ready to pass out.

So I already told you about Monday. We didn't get to watch fireworks because they went off after our curfew. We got to see the beginning from a distance as we were riding home from our appointment with Aaron.

Anyway, that's my week. It turns out using my planner was pretty effective in remembering what went on.

Read Alma 7 to know what the atonement does for us, then 2 Nephi 31  2to know what we need to do to fully use the atonement.

"Oh Lord my God when I in

Awesome wonder about that man on the cross

And Everything that I must have put him through

And everything that I still do.

Which drop of blood Did I make him shed?

Did I put the thorns onto his head?

I try to do what the savior said,

But I slip on the path that he led.

And I'm wondering...."

"And just when I think these prayers are in vain,

I feel a power in my head that relieves my pain,

So please let these words get past your brain,

Stop wondering, Stop Wondering."

-Wondering by Sean McDonald