Dear Family
Well speaking to you on Christmas
was very very fun! I had a wonderful time speaking to the family. I was amazed
that I didn't even get homesick or sad and depressed. It was fun to see
everyone, and I was amazed at how well I could see all of you. I am glad that
we were all able to laugh and joke with each other, and it really made me
happy. I wasn't putting on an act at all; I really was happy and positive.
Don't
worry about any of the questions you asked. I wasn't embarrassed at all. They
were all questions that I had when I first got here. I hope that I answered
some of them, and I will try to now. The member didn't think any of the
questions were cutting, and he understands. The port-a-potties in the squatter camps I'm not sure about.
I have no idea if they are even cleaned. They look pretty nasty, and I would
never use one. They stink pretty badly every time we drive or walk buy, so I'm
guessing that they don't get cleaned. The people that live in the squatter
camps I think have jobs. Most people around have jobs, and I’m not sure if
anyone gets government assistance.
I am
glad that you received the Christmas card with letters. I thought it would be
something nice to send. I took time on P-day a few weeks back to write letters,
and it really wasn't too much time. I am glad that the boys enjoyed them, and I
hope Ashley enjoyed it over the phone.
I am so glad that you have been sending letters, and I really enjoy
reading them almost every week. Your letters have really given me great
support, and helped me through.
Tell everyone thanks for Christmas letters and messages the ornaments
have been great. My wall is
covered. Thank you!!! The internet café where I am will has
slow service so I can not down load pictures so I will try to send a picture
next week.
People
aren't really returning to their homes and will not get back until after new
years. It has been hard the past few days to teach anyone. None of the people
we normally teach are around. We went out on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
These three days we had like 2 lessons a day maybe. It was hard. We went
tracking, but still didn't really find anyone home. Thank you for the
encouragement. I know we just need to keep our heads up even though these days
are hard, and just remember we are planting seeds for future missionaries.
One
thing fun we did is on Friday we went to a Buffet with a bunch of missionaries.
We went to Emperors Palace, which is a big casino like Ceasers, and ate at a
nice buffet. This was really cool, and it felt like we were back in Vegas.
We will
not proselyte Tuesday (New Years Eve), or on Wednesday (New Years Day). The
reason for this is all the people are still drunk. We are going to do things
with other missionaries in our district. Elder Raymond from Australia, and
Elder Ellison from Chicago have been really fun to hang out with over the
Holidays. There might be fireworks in Kempton Park where we stay, so we might
watch those on New Years Eve.
You
asked about our ward. We attend the same ward every Sunday. We teach a class of
investigators every Sunday. So I teach every third Sunday. Elder Robins takes a
turn, and our ward mission leader takes a turn. Our ward is doing OK, but
yesterday with the Holidays we only had like 30 people there. This was a bit
disappointing. I think as the New Year starts we will see a whole lot of
improvement with our ward and our area. Our new bishop is away on holiday right
now, so we haven't worked much with him yet.
I have
been doing very well lately with homesickness. Like I mentioned before as I am
now training and responsible I feel more like this is real. I have gotten into
the routine of things, and it all feels normal now. I hope I can help Elder
Robins through his homesickness now that I have got though mine.
It is
good to hear from you. Thank you so much for your encouragement and your
support. It really strengthens me every Monday when I read your emails. I am
still very happy about Skyping you and the family. It really uplifted me and
gave me strength. I think one thing that helped was everything is still the
same there. Everyone is doing well, and not too much has changed. I love you,
and thanks for your continued support.
Love
Elder
Mitchell Brown
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