My Mission Review at the End of my Two

Hello Everyone!

 

This is the last email I will ever send as a missionary!  Thank You for all that you have done for me in my life, in one form or another.  You have helped in some small and some big ways become the person I am today.  So, Thank You!!!  This email is long, and more for myself and others who want to remember these past two years, but please enjoy.  

These two years I have served my mission have really been the best two years of my life!  I never been so sad to leave, change, move, etc. anything in my life.  I never been so happy for something I have done.  Words cannot describe my mixed feelings and emotions right now.  I have seen countless miracles performed by the hand of the Lord, and I can see one of the biggest miracles that occurred was the change that took place in me!  I owe it all to my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ, who through His Atonement made change possible.  I have seen miracles in others' lives, change in others' lives, joy in others' lives, growth in others' lives.  Because of all these things, I have had great joy!  I have found the most joy as I have selflessly cared for others, over myself.  I can honestly say I Love People!  I love so many people, and I am so happy when others are happy.  I can kind of get a glimpse of how our Heavenly Father feels when we are happy!  I can testify of the promise found in D&C 18:15-16...that when I have brought souls unto Christ, I have had such great joy!!!  

I have learned so much on my mission; from different studies, people, areas, cultures, attitudes.  I truly have learned so much!  Each area taught me something different, and represents something different to me.

To give you a recap of my areas and Mission: 

AREA: Beckley, WV 

Duration: 4 transfers; Sep. 2014 - Feb. 2015

Companions: Elder Jared Johnson (2 transfers), Elder Boman Caldwell (2 transfers)

BECKLEY

 

Beckley is where I learned what being a Missionary is like.  Here in Beckley, I grew to love West Virginia and it's culture.  I grew to love so many people.  I grew to love the scriptures.  I grew in my testimony and in knowledge.  I learned perseverance and about enduring to the end, especially in dark, cold hours of the day, in less-than-desirable wet, cold conditions, up dirt roads to who knows where.  Here there were countless car incidents and countless good people to teach with countless miracles.  Most of all, I grew in my testimony of obedience; Obedience brings blessings. Strict obedience brings Miracles!  Beckley and that basement submarine apartment  )=  will always be in my heart. 

 

AREA: Floyd, VA

Duration: 2 transfers; Feb 2015 - May 2015

Companions: Elder Austin Olsen (1), Elder Josh Boyd (1)

FLOYD

 

Floyd is still by far the most unique place I have ever been, and ever served in.  In this County, there was one stoplight and there were more cows then people.  There were three types of people found in Floyd County: Farmers, Businessmen employed in Roanoke/Blacksburg, and Hippies!  Everyone was all about the organic, natural stuff!  In this small County, I met some of the most stalwart members with burning testimonies of the Gospel, and one of the greatest branches - only growing!  I honestly kept asking the Members, "Where did you come from!?!" [They were that great!]  Here, the members think it's the 11th Commandment to feed the missionaries, and I learned after eating Southern food every day, and not watching your portions, you can really put on weight!  I saw the growth of Spring here, and the feeling of being renewed!  Here, I faced the trial of not seeing great nor insurmountable success.  But I stayed committed.  Here, I truly began to learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and how it works differently for everyone, because Jesus Christ is our personal Savior.  I truly learned that my Father in Heaven hears and answers prayers.  I truly learned about humility here. 

 

AREA: Charleston, WV

Duration: 2 transfers; May 2015 - Aug 2015

Companion: Elder Reed Jacklin (2)

CHARLESTON

 

Charleston in the Summer!  I couldn't ask for a better place to be!  High temperatures and high humidity from being right next to the Kanawha River.  In Charleston, you got a mix of just about everything; city life, county life, wealthy neighborhoods, the ghetto, poor abandoned coal towns, hillside homes, and Hollers.  This was huge area!  I saw the power of when members come together, and what gets accomplished.  I truly learned here how to be diligent, and saw the blessings of diligence.  I almost never had a time to catch my breath.  I learned a little bit about being a leader, while going on countless exchanges, and teaching at zone meeting.  I saw great things come as we taught simply, but powerfully.  I saw many individuals enter the waters of Baptism, and receive a remission of their sins.  I learned a lot about the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in Charleston, especially the first principle: Faith.
 

AREA: Buena Vista, VA

Duration: 3 transfers; Aug 2015 - Dec 2015

Companion: Elder Braxton Johnson (3)

BUENA VISTA

 

BV!  A.K.A. Mormonville.  With 20% of the town being Mormon, it was like being back home in Utah with 300 strong at Sacrament each week, and plenty of kids.  Again, let me echo, it was like being back home in Utah.  BV is home to Southern Virginia University (you might as well call it "BYU-East," with 91% of the student body being Mormon.)  It was definitely a change from big city/big area Charleston.  Everything was within walking distance, and I got to claim being in the smallest Area east of the Mississippi River (maybe) - it was just 2 1/2 miles long!  Here, I realized the importance of Members and the role we all have to share the Gospel with our friends and neighbors.  Disappointment was daily, diligence to avoid boredom was necessary.  I learned a lot about charity here, and love a ton of people to pieces.  I also learned how to put my creative skills to use in Missionary Work; booths, parades, photo ops, Firesides, parties, etc... anything different than knocking on doors, we did it!  I also saw great miracles in the Area and in the zone I was called to help lead.  There were so many good missionaries who I got to work with, each one having a great eye of Faith!  I really enjoyed it here, and learned a lot on hope! 

 

AREA: Roanoke, VA
Duration: 3 transfers; Dec 2015 - Apr 2016

Companions: Elder John Maxfield (2), Elder Scott Jolley (1)

ROANOKE

 

The biggest city in the Mission, and I was called to be a Walk/Bike Elder here!  Right on!  Opening up the new area was a challenge, and I loved the Challenge!  I did not, however, love the biking in below freezing temperatures, with that humidity cutting right through any amount of clothing I'd throw on and piercing me to the bone.  Above all, I really learned a lot about gratitude.  I became so grateful for what I have; a testimony of the Gospel, my temporal needs, a family, a great life, education, and especially appreciating the little things.  Many people here did not have a lot - most of the people were living off not much at all.  Here, I learned how to survive the rough neighborhoods, and how to be street smart!  I saw the blessings of diligence, hard work, and patience.  I saw a love for the Gospel grow, and a love in helping others come closer to God.  The Area grew and flourished, and even though I didn't see any Baptisms while I was there, the missionaries after continued to work hard, and teach and Baptize those I found!  The Work of Salvation always requires many laborers. 

 

AREA: Botetourt County, VA

Durations: 3 transfers; Apr 2016 - Aug 2016

Companion: Elder Cade Shirley (3)

BOTECOURT COUNTY

 

Botetourt.  I bet half of y'all can barely pronounce it! (Bot-a-tot)  I have to admit, when I was first assigned to this Area, I was not excited.  With bad rumors I had heard in the past, and the little success or activity [because it hadn't been worked] that had occurred here before, I was a little skeptical.  It only took me a couple days to realize how awesome Botetourt is!!!  You can control two things on your Mission: Attitude & Effort!  With great attitude and effort, we saw so many great things and Miracles!  Here, even more than before, I saw promised blessings come true.  I saw this Area grow, and the excitement for growth as well!  The Botetourt Branch was formed, and everyone knew they had to pull together and dig in deep!  I will always proudly hold the title of one of "the first missionaries to serve in the Botetourt Branch!"  Here, I really loved everything and everyone I could!  I love each of the Branch members so deeply, that I can't even describe it.  That love came from getting to know them, serve them, praying for them, and always teaching with them!  The members in Botetourt are wonderful, and I have no doubt the Branch will grow!  Botetourt County has so much potential!  Of course, I had to face the trials of finding people to teach; everyone here was quick to tell us they have their own church, or they didn't want to talk to us.  Through constant and regular rejection, we saw the blessings of truly loving everyone we taught and found.  I saw one of the greatest miracles ever, and saw a wonderful soul come unto Christ and enter in the waters of Baptism, the last week of my mission!  A perfect storybook ending to my Mission!

 

I want everyone to know how deeply I love my Mission!  I will always cherish the memories, the moments, and the madness!  By performing the Work of Salvation, and doing it the Lord's way, I have seen the Lord change so many people, including myself.  If you want to, you can become who your Heavenly Father wants you to be.  I have grown in so many aspects that I cannot count.  

I, above all, have grown in perspective of how perfect our Heavenly Father's plan is for us.  He is perfect, and loves us perfectly.  He answers our prayers.  He sent His perfect Son, Jesus Christ, to teach His perfect Gospel, and perform His perfect Atonement.  All this, so that all of us could perfectly return, with our families, to Heavenly Father's presence.  I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  I know He restored His Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that the Church remains today!  It is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  This is possible because I know the Priesthood of God was restored so Christ's Church could be on the earth today, and be led by Him.  The Priesthood was restored so families can be together forever!  I know the Book of Mormon is true with all my heart!  I have read it and read it.  The Spirit has testified to me it is true!  I know the Holy Ghost is real, and by the power of the Holy Ghost we can know the truth of all things! (Moroni 10:3-5)  Jesus Christ leads His Church through his servants, and a Prophet of God, Thomas S. Monson, is a living prophet today.  I know he and the Apostles are witnesses of Christ.  I know I am called to help fulfill The Apostles' commission from Jesus Christ found in Matthew 28:19-20.  I know I have labored to do just that!  I know, for a fact, I've been called to the West Virginia Charleston Mission for many specific purposes and reasons!  I know I have been engaged in the Lord's work, and I have seen blessings through obedience and diligence.  I know, as I have followed the counsel of my Mission President, I have been led to do good, and be good.  I know President Salisbury is called of God to be my Mission President.  I know this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I know it can help us change, and not just change, but change to become a Disciple of Christ!  I know our Heavenly Father seeks to bless us.  Obedience to commandments brings blessings.  Heavenly Father's plan is perfect, and Jesus Christ's church and Gospel is perfect!  I do stand as a witness of these things and offer this testimony with power and conviction from my soul!  I KNOW!  And like my favorite Hymn states: "I'll never, no never, I'll never, no never, I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen


Love You All!
Love, Elder Ryan Matthew Brenchley
West Virginia Charleston Mission, Aug 2014 - Aug 2016

Alma 57:26-27
Romans 1:16
Alma 7:24
Alma 34:31-32
John 14:15
Romans 8:16-17

The Mission Life is Good! (Baptism, Branch Life, and Dragon's Tooth)

Hey Everyone!

I can't express how much news I have to share with y'all this week!  A lot of things happened over the last couple of days, and it has been so exciting.  So, I'll give a quick recap before the day by day summary!

1. We found 4 new investigators this week!  Including a family who is seeking the truth!
2. I got notified late Thursday night, that Sister Debbie French from BV was getting baptized Saturday!  I got permission from President Salisbury to go, found a ride on Friday - Brother Allred was so nice to take us, and on Saturday, we got to drive up to BV and go and watch the Baptism!  I am so happy and proud of her!  She has worked hard for this, and she and Sister Betty McGowan were so excited to see me!  I feel so blessed that I was serving in an area close enough to be able to attend the Baptism! 
3. There was a special meeting held this Sunday night, and the whole Stake was invited to attend (at the Stake Center or via broadcast).  No one knew what it was about, so there was a lot of buzz (Was it a reproving for not doing Home Teaching?  A temple in Virginia?  A boundary realignment?  New Church policy?)  It turned out to be boundary realignments....AND Botetourt County has seceded from the Roanoke 1st Ward!  That's right, the Botetourt Branch was formed, and Elder Shirley and I are the first missionaries in history for the Botetourt Branch!  We are so excited!  We can feel the members’ excitement, as well.  President Cummings was called as the new Branch President, and he said he will put us to work! 
4. For Memorial Day, our district hiked this trail called, Dragon's Tooth; it was really fun, and sometimes scary (just kidding) and it had beautiful views! 

LOOK OUT FOR PICTURES THERE ARE PLENTY OF THEM!

Mon. May 23: 

P-Day, and we played chair soccer at the church. 

Our appointment with the Harris family cancelled. :(

Tues. May 24:  Our investigator, Peyton, cancelled our appointment and said he's really busy and he'd prefer to spend any free time he has relaxing rather than meeting with us.  We were still inspired to work his neighborhood though, and we got a referral from one of the neighbors.  The referral ended up being Peyton's next door neighbor.  It was the Davis Family.  Jim, the dad, asked if we could come back later that day, which we definitely agreed we could! ;) We came back and we were able to have a good first lesson with him and his 17 yr. old son, James.  They are both really well educated in the Bible, but they currently don't attend a church because time after time, they see Men making up their own doctrine or teaching doctrine that doesn't line up with the Bible.  They are truly Truth Seekers.  They currently abide by the whatever the Bible tells them.  James is home schooled, and through that, he has met a really good friend who joined the Church last year, and is now serving a mission this September.  So, they have definitely been prepared.  We hope to teach the remainder of the family (mom & 3 kids) next time. 

Brother Turner came with us to see Angie, and she ended up not being at our appointment.  However, the Lord did want us in that area because with Brother Turner, we were able to go meet the boyfriend of a less-active, and give him a Book of Mormon.  Then we were also able to go across the street and have a short, but good, lesson with Chuck Wilde.  He was really impressed we pray to God (not Jesus) - we left him with a Book of Mormon, after sharing with him Moroni's Promise. 

Brother Turner

Then Brother Turner, him being so kind and awesome, took us out to dinner at 3 Lil' Pigs in Daleville – it’s probably one of the best places I've eaten at on my mission.  I definitely will have to take my family here when we come back next Summer. 

Wed. May 25:  We had some good success on Coaling Road today, finding some potential investigators.  We felt inspired to knock this one house, even though it looked barren with no cars in the driveway.  It turns out the kids were home, including an 18 year old son. We were able to talk to him, and he said his family had not been to church in a while, and he would really appreciate it if we came back to teach his family. 

We taught Sister Debbie Day for the first time.  She's a former investigator, and is so nice.  She has a 30 year old daughter, named Sarah, who has Cerebral Palsy.  Brother Richardson came with us, and we had a really good lesson on knowing the truth of the Restoration.  I really felt the Spirit as I was reciting The First Vision, and I could tell Debbie was, as well.  I think her response to The First Vision is what made me get emotional, just as I saw the Spirit touch her heart. 

We had dinner at the Morse's home, and then Ward Missionary Coordination meeting.

Thur. May 26:  We did our weekly planning. 

Brother Plaster came with us to see Misty, but she had to reschedule, so he still drove us around.  He talked to the Overby's for a bit; they were busy, so they couldn't sit down and have a lesson, but Brother Plaster and Glen Overby really got along, so we found a pretty good fellowshipper for them! 

I also saw a angry Snapping Turtle!  

I got notified from the Roanoke zone leaders (who got notified from the BV zone leaders) that Sister French was getting baptized on Saturday.  I texted President Salisbury and I got permission to go, since I am within an hour of BV. 

Fri. May 27:  There was a really powerful, Spirit-filled District Meeting focused on the Atonement of Jesus Christ today.  

District Photo (Sister Ward, Sister Kirkby, Elder Young, Elder Hepworth, Elder Brenchley, Elder Shirley)

The appointments we did have set up today all had to cancel..... 

We were able to drop in and have a good lesson with Brother Keeton and The Smith's.

Sat. May 28:  It was a hot and humid day! 

We tracted on Orchard Drive. 

Later, we met up with Brother Allred, who drove us to BV.  

Brother Allred acting as our chauffeur to Buena Vista

I was excited to see everyone, and everyone was excited to see me.  It was a wonderful service.  The Spirit was strong.

Debbie French with The Elders: Elder Wasden is on the far left (he replaced me back in BV in December and is currently serving in Lynchburg - still in the BV zone, so was also close enough to come).  Then there's Elder Maloy and Elder Barazoto (the current BV Elders) and me.

  

Debbie French, and her mother, Betty, and the two Brothers from the BV ward, and all the Elders

  .

Of course, it wouldn't be Debbie's Baptism, though, if there wasn't some of her sass involved. :)  Brother Butler was the one to actually baptize her, but Brother Turman also went in the water to help her go under the water.  The first time, her hand did not go all the way under. 

When she came back up, and was told they had to do it again, she yelled, "WHAT?" 

Then she said, "They're trying to kill me!"

Brother Butler jokingly said, "Well, we failed!"

Then Sister French said, "I thought my hand went under!?"

Brother Turman responded: "Well the referee said, ‘No!’"

Haha, she was still a good sport about it. 

I made sure to get plenty of pictures with everyone there.  

Walker Family

Bishop and Sister Doxey

 

Brother & Sister Butler with their adopted son, Matthew

 

Brother Turman

 

Sister Betty McGowen and our newest Baptized member, Sister Debbie French

 

Then we were able to have dinner at the Diviney's - they were throwing a Memorial Day weekend BBQ, it was plenty fun and tons of people came.

Look who I ran into at the Diviney's BBQ - The Hall's from Floyd Branch!

There was plenty of Bluegrass music and dancing and good food. 

We found a really cool potential family, the Kirby's. 

Sun. May 29:  Elder Shirley and Sister Ward spoke today in Sacrament meeting, as well as the Relief Society President, Sister Cummings.  All the talks were about Service, and reaching out to those in need, and going to the rescue!  I really enjoyed all of them! 

We attended the Special Meeting: we learned of some changes in the Stake.  Botetourt Branch is going to be exciting!  President Cummings was called as the Branch President, Brother Moore was called as 1st Counselor, and Brother Allred was called as 2nd Counselor. We were going to go razz Brother Allred, and ask why he didn't tell us yesterday while we were driving all the way to BV and back.  But, it turns out, he didn't even know until Sunday at 4:30 p.m. - an hour and a half before the meeting!  Our Botetourt Branch also took a chunk from the Vinton Ward (still in  Botetourt County, just on the other side of the Mountain Range), so we are excited to go work those areas, and we met a few members that will now be in our Branch.

Mon. May 30: Memorial Day and P-Day.

We hiked Dragon's Tooth as a district.  It was super fun! 

Also, I was able to go to the batting cages.

We met a nice guy named, Josh, who was really excited to take a Book of Mormon.

Well, Elder Shirley and I are really excited to be working hard to help the Botetourt Branch grow and flourish.  The members up in Botetourt are solid members, and I can feel their excitement with this change.  They will be driven and motivated to help the Branch grow, by bringing their friends into the Gospel, and also bringing less-actives back to church.

And again, I can't say how wonderful it was to attend Sister Debbie French's Baptism.  My joy was full, and it was incredible to see the change that has taken place in her since I last saw her almost 5 months ago.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true; change through Him is real, and Sister Debbie French is a living example of that! 

I love you all!

Love, Elder Brenchley

P.S. By way of reminder, next week is Transfer week, so I will not being emailing until Wednesday.  With the recent opening of the Botetourt Branch, Elder Shirley and I feel pretty confident that we will both be staying. 

P.P.S.  It appears we will be in the Salem house for another couple of weeks, unless a miracle happens.  We are just not finding anything suitable for the Mission Department standards or budget.  Nothing in Botetourt County, at least.

Short Sleeves in December!

Hey Everyone! 

Again, Merry Christmas!  

And as you may or may not have heard...I'm getting transferred to Roanoke.  My area will be "Roanoke Walk." (Yep, without a car again). 

I'll be in the heart of downtown Roanoke (the biggest city of our mission).  My new companion will be Elder Maxfield; I've talked to him once before, and it was just small talk, but he seems really cool.  So, I was released as a zone leader, which I'm a bit sad; I think more sad because I have to leave BV a week before Christmas, but I will be all right.  I have been called as a District Leader down there. 

So, I've had the wonderful opportunity to be able to go say goodbye to tons of people I've worked with!  So, expect a lot of pictures with this email! 

The Siegels'

Bike helmet head with the Furler's

 

The Gordon's

The Flores'

 

Brother Adams (Davis County native, fellow Viking, Go Utes!)

 

Randy Redcross

It was so warm this week - most of the week we were out in short sleeve shirts.  It hit 70 degrees on Sunday.

Mon. Dec.7:  P-Day. 

It's week 6 of the transfer - where did it go?!  

We had dinner with Brother Thompson.  Then Brother Thompson came with us to see the Barrientos', and we shared with them #asaviorisborn. 

Joe & Ashley cancelled on us, so we were really sad about that.

But, we were able to find a new investigator named, Shandellia.

Tues. Dec. 8:  We were busy all day, trying to see people.  We even had Brother Hilburn come with us to our appointment with Jose. (We are blessed with many RM's here in BV.)  However, Jose wasn't there. :(   

We had dinner at the Lowry's.

We contacted a referral from the Mann's; her name was Cathy.  She is such a nice lady. We've downloaded the #asaviorisborn video on our phone, so we've been showing everyone that!  Cathy was appreciative, and commented on how good her Mormon neighbors are, but she's not ready to get up and leave her Catholic faith. 

Wed. Dec. 9:

We went on exchanges with the Clifton Forge Elders; Elder Higgins came with me to Buena Vista.

We felt inspired to stop our bikes, and talk to this great guy named Keith.  It turns out, he's in a Christian Heavy Metal Band.  I didn't know they had those.  But, we related to him; his love for his son with the love Heavenly Father has for us, and the biggest expression of that love was #asaviorisborn.  He loved it, and he wanted us to stop by.

We spent a good chunk of time today preparing for Specialized Training and Stake Correlation meeting.

We had dinner with the Edwards'. (I think I mentioned he's Lavell Edwards' grandson).

We went and saw the Ramirez', and it was one of the better lessons we've had with them  We showed them #asaviorisborn and discussed why a Savior is born - which led to the Sacrament.  Brother Flores, who was with us, invited them to the Gospel Principles class he teaches and said he would do it in Spanish.  Sister Ramirez liked the idea and said she'd come to Church when she didn't have work.  Brother Ramirez really opened up, and expressed how he didn't want to be pushed into coming to church.  He wants to get it in his heart first before he does anything.  We told him we wanted to help him get there.  Little steps.

Thur. Dec. 10:

We had Specialized Training in the morning, which we headed up setting up!  It was a special Christmas one.  So, President Salisbury & Sister Salisbury each gave us their Christmas cards and presents (golden thought journals).  We watched Meet the Mormons as part of it, and the BV Relief Society fed us lunch.  As always, we sing West Virginia "Called To Serve" for those who feed us. (see video)  

After Specialized Training, we had Stake Correlation with President Jones and President Salisbury.

{Post Mission Coordination meeting selfie with Brother Turman and the Flores'}

We were able to have a lesson with Sister McCowen, and Brother Turman took us.  Sister Hilburn was already there when we got there.  We were able to teach her the Restoration, and show her the four minute video clip of The First Vision.  It was the first time she saw it, and she was really touched by it.

We had dinner at the Hilburn's. 

The Hilburn's

I had the worst headache come on, so I had Elder Johnson and Brother Hilburn give me a blessing.  I was ordered by Elder Johnson and Sister Salisbury to get some rest. 

Fri. Dec. 11:

  We had weekly planning.

We had a discussion with Mark Tomlin; he can't really progress, and doesn't want to.  He doesn't believe that we are children of God.  He does believe in prayer, including sometimes it takes years of praying to receive your answer, so I felt inspired to ask/commit him to pray for an answer to if he was a son of God.  And he said he would.  We tried to leave on good terms, but he kept spitting out anti to us.  Here's a new one: The Book of Mormon is plagiarized!  Never heard that one before.

We had a great dinner with the Hand's.  At one point, in the prayer over the food, I said, "And please bless the hands who prepared this food."  I started cracking up after.

George

Also, had a good lesson with George on prophets, and how that is one of the reasons why this is Jesus Christ's true church.  He seemed really interested.  

Sat. Dec. 12: 

Well, we were running around out of our minds today.  Correction: biking around out of our minds today.  We've received a couple of referrals from members, asking who we can share #asaviorisborn with.  No one has been that interested yet, but some have let us at least share the video with them.

The Roberts' with Bri & Jimmy

We saw the Roberts and Bri & Jimmy. (ages 10 & 11)

We had dinner at the Bowen's - that's where we looked up the email, and saw that I was going!

Our lesson with George fell through.

JB & McKayle had to reschedule to the morning.

We also had a great lesson with Sister McGowen and explained more to her.  

Going to an appointment with Brother Monson

Brother Monson came with us. 

Sun. Dec. 13: 

We had a long lesson with JB & McKayla.  The Jacobsen's came with us, and they invited them over for dinner with us on Wednesday.  JB's not sure he can change religions or beliefs. McKayla seems fine doing whatever.

Church was really good.  Since I was leaving, I became the number one option to fill the opening prayer that day. 

Church was wonderful - it seemed like it flew by.  It was the Ward Christmas program.  They made an announcement in Relief Society that I was leaving, so I had like seven Sisters in a row tell me, "Thank You," and they were sad to see me go.  I felt like a celebrity there for a little bit.

{Ian Olerich, he's the man!}

We had dinner at the Fuentes' house.  

The Fuentes'

Me and Elder Johnson split a foot long Chilean steak sandwich - so good! 

Mon. Dec. 14:

  We had district meeting in the morning.

Then had a good visit with Severin (see picture).

Severin

He's stopped investigating for now, but it's good for us to keep contact with our former investigators - plus I had to get a picture of him!

We had dinner at Carrol's, then

visited with the Stoneman's.
 

Langford's

Howard's

I said goodbye to the Howard's and Langford's.

Tues. Dec. 15:

We were busy seeing everyone, including the Stanton's, the Lowry's, the Hand's, the Walker's, the Camden's and the Mahaffey's.

The Lowry's

 

The Walker's

The Hand's

 

The Camden's

 

The Mahaffey's

Well, you may have noticed that I mentioned #asaviorisborn a lot!  It is so powerful! 

I know that a Savior is and was born.  He loves each of us!  As I have continued to discover why a Savior was born, my appreciation has grown for the Christmas season.  I have had literally just contact with the true meaning of Christmas.  It has been wonderful!  Merry Christmas! 

Love, Elder Brenchley! 

I have to go pack....