Hello From Minnesota!

Aug 16, 2010

Hey Family,

 

So week 4 has rolled around,and I'm a little tired to say the least. The week has been another hard working week, but the work continues.

 

So my exchange took place last Wednesday-Friday - with Elder Steel and Vance. Elder Steel is a Zoneleader and is an amazing missionary! This was my second exchange and i learned so much! Just the different styles of missionaries was nice to see. I learned a couple different approaches. A Book of Mormon approach, and an authority approach. I can't wait until i have these imprinted in my brain, so i can discern what people need to hear.

 

I was in charge of my area while Elder Payne was gone. I'll admit i was a little nervous, but the Lord was definitely with me. I was in charge of all the little things, how to get there, what to teach,and how to conduct the lessons. I was also able to drive my first mission car! A Toyota Corrolla 2008 .

We've been the missionary movers! Last Thursday we helped 3 people alone move! I coughed up a few hairballs that day! (infested with cat hair.) I swear, everyone has a cat that moves! We always go at it in our dress slacks and white shirts! Serving is wonderful, and everytime someone has us help them move they need it. One person we helped will be living in her cargo trailer for a month =(  I've been given so much in my life, and it's hard to see others suffer. That's what keeps me serving with all my heart might mind strength. The Lord really does bless his people with temporal things when we follow his path.

 

Everyday i get an extra hour to study. I'm trying to make the most of it. People on the street throw a lot of curve balls at you, and a lot of it makes me think about my views. For the first 2 weeks i was thrown back on how people can come up with crazy viewpoints on religion! Elder Payne is awesome with dealing with weirdos that try to throw different stabs at us. The one thing i've learned is that the gospel can handle anything! It's so perfect, even the most brilliant men can't disown it!

 

 Well i must head out! I'll try and send some pictures!

I Have Tons to Tell You!

Aug 2, 2010

Hey Family,

 

So two weeks have flown by here in Rochester! I have tons to tell you!

 

So let me get to the good stuff. Me and Elder Payne have had tremendous success, as  far as finding goes. Everyday day we rack up a average of 8 potential investigators. This last week, we were able to get 4 new investigators! Elder Payne has never had 4 new investigators in 1 week before. (he's been here for 14 months-3 in Rochester)

We have both been working really hard, to the point where we skip meals to make our appointments. Yesterday was fast-Sunday, so i thought biking in the hot sun would be an issue for my health. But the lord provides a way some how! For example, we skipped dinner last Saturday,  (before fast Sunday) The Lord blessed us for our efforts. Our land lord invited us for dinner at 9:30. He just so happened to make to much food, and precisely at the perfect time. The Lord takes care of his servants!

 

Rochester is a pretty diverse place. Tons of Muslims,Hispanics,Blacks,Asians, anything in the world really- the Mayo clinic is a big reason for that i think. FYI the Mayo clinic is the 3rd best Hospital in the world, something of that nature. I'm in the south east part of town, and me and Elder Payne cover most of Down Town Rochester.

 

Minnesota has big things coming! The church is launching a advertising campaign here! Everything from TV ads, billboards, radio. You name it. The Church has big things coming!

And it's a  been privilege to be here right when the blast is happening, perfect timing by the Lord. The new training are showing results as well. Entern-igators  Aka investigators who are slow to be baptize, are showing progression for the first time. As long as we do our best, the Lord does the rest.

 

Our district is an awesome district. There is 9 of us. 5 sisters, and 4 elders. According to Elder Payne, Rochester has been at ground zero as far as missionary work. President Howell has stacked Rochester with really good missionaries to work up the investigator pool. The stage right now is primarily finding.

 

So i've met  tons of crazy people, and it really is sad how many people are lost. Be grateful for what you have! Shelley is a huge bubble!  We get a lot of honks and waves on the streets. The majority of the people here have respect for the LDS missionaries.

 

Well Family, i continue to mature in the gospel. I'm glade you all had a great time at the reunion. Please send pictures. and mom if you ever have the time, i could use a homemade cook book. I'm sending some mail today for you guys. Well take care until next week! Keep the letters coming, tell Emma and Preston thanks for the drawings.

 

Love,

 

Elder Browning

It's Way Exciting to be in Minnesota!

Jul 26, 2010

Dear Family,

 

 Whooho! It's way exciting to be in Minnesota!

 

It was nice talking to the family Wednesday. My head was in a million different places at the time -sorry if i was all over the place. The flight over was safe, and we had zero problems come up. The Lord was definitely  with me. I actually  had a conversation with 2 non members! And of course i sat in the middle! So i had my first REAL mission experience. I talked to Doreen for a good 2 hours. She grew up in Wisconsin, and is an older lady (50-60s). She's very kind and has respect for the LDS people. I simply told her that our church is all about the family. If you want more details on the discussion, let me know. I challenged her to read the Book of Mormon, and i was able to testify that its a book from God.

 

So we arrived in  Minneapolis around 12:00 central time. President and Sister Howell came and found us in the airport. The 9 of us missionaries felt like lost sheep in a new world until our mission parents found us! President Howell is amazing! He gave the elders massive hugs! I really felt their love and care for us. Everything from there was go go go. We were on the 12 passenger van in less than 20mins upon arrival. President Howell sat in the back seat with me and Elder Kotoa! and let Elder Hoffermin sit in the front seat. So that just kind of gives you a taste the love they both have for their missionaries. Brother Howell is very out going and funny, as well as sister Howell. 

We then went to take a picture at a beautiful park with a mini lake. It really is beautiful. Minneapolis doesn't have the slightest feeling its a big city. Trees, lakes, and hills make it seem open and free. After the picture we ran off to the mission home. There was a good amount of missionaries there-because of transfers. We newbies definitely felt like the special children of the mission family. We were basically escorted inside for a gourmet meal. Chicken alfredo yumm! 

After that we received letters from home! What a nice surprise that was! So much was going through my head but thanks for the letter at the mission home. We each had interviews with President Howell after lunch. Then our trainers came in! There was 9 of them. I had different thoughts run through my head, thinking to myself, " I wonder who's my trainer". President Howell read off a little about me then told me I'll be serving in the Rochester AREA with ELDER PAYNE. Elder Payne is amazing! He's from Utah. President Howell picks the best of the best to train the "goldens" that's what a greeny is around here. "golden"

 

So Rochester is about 1hour and 30 minds down from Bloomington. It's about 2 hours from the twin cities. We loaded my stuff, and went with a member down to my new area Rochester. Rochester is known for the Mayo clinic and IMB. Lots of diversity here by the way.

 

Finding has been scary! My first time was a big gangster! Elder Payne pushes me to work hard and i like it. Elder Payne obeys with exactness--Mission first. When i got to the apartment, i didn't even unpack until the next day. 

Well i love you guys. The libary only allows 1 hour, and i need to write President a weekly report. Write me back!

 

Love, Elder Browning

Second Week

 Jul 14, 2010

Hey Family,

 

My second week has come and gone, i only have one week left!

 

Thank you for the letters and the beast of a care packaged i got. I'm grateful for a family who loves me and thinks about me often! The snacks have been a hit with my roomates! They also recieve a ton of food, so we have a buffet menu in our room. I'm really enjoying the time with my disrict. All of them have different characters and styles of life. From athletic, to smart. We all play a role in the Lords work.

 

This last week has been exciting. We all have the feeling of the missionary work in our blood. As much as i want to stay here, i want to get going in Minnesota, ASAP. I feel for the Europe guys who have 4 weeks still, and have been here for 5 weeks.

 

My main focus has been the scriptures as far as study time. I didn't realize how everything comes from the scriptures. There is so much GOLD that needs to be discovered and it just takes time to realize the hidden treasures. My chapter of the week would have to be 2 Nephi Chapter 2. Dang! that's all i can say! Everything revolves around the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If you have a testimony of the Atonement, Book of Mormon, and God's love,when it comes down to it,that's all you really need for a basic foundation. Devotionals are a great addition! Yesterday was especially awesome! Elder Halverson ( i think that's the name) spoke to us. It was about giving ourselves to God and not just giving ourselves, but everything we have.We don't know our potential unless we give it our all.This week is a little scary because it's the last time i have to really dig deep into the docterine and prepare myself for the mission.

 

So i hope 4th of July was amazing. I bet the firework show at the Browning's was a hit. Everything here is go go go, so i had zero time to think about the 4th. They keep us busy.

 

So it sounds like the yard is coming around. I can't wait to see it when i get back! The grass edition will be a big hit by the tramps. I hope Tanner and Josh have been able to have a little fun with friends and family. I do miss the summer activities we once did as a family. Keep me updated on the activities!

 

What was Nathan's talk about? He actually reports at the MTC today, so maybe i'll be able to catch him and say hi.

 

So as a district we recieved our travel plans. I leave July 21st at 5am. I will be giving you a call between 6:30 and 11:00. So be ready.

 

My companion -aka- Marine has these sweet Bodylastics, thats what they call them. They are way cool. They have  packages from 50-100 bucks. Maybe for an early Christmas present you could send me some? They are called Bodylastics.

 

Well take care family. I'll have 2 hours on p-day to write on email. So i won't be rushed anymore. I love you all and wish you the best!

 

Love, Elder Browning

First Email from MTC!

Jul 7, 2010

Hey Mommy!

 

I miss you so much! I can' not believe its been a week! Continue to keep me in your prayers!

 

 

So today is my first P-day. We've been looking forward to this day as a district. It's been nice to catch up on "me" time, but really i love not thinking about anything other than the Gospel. I've grown so much this first week. All the Elders say, the first week is as long as the remaining time in the MTC. Everything goes down hill now i guess. =)

 

So hay fever season is back for me. I thought i had a cold the first couple of days, (and maybe i was right) but now i know i'm suffering from hay fever. If you have anything that could help me, please send. My nose is always plugged to the limit!

 

So I love and miss you! i recieved the letters yesterday from the fam. I enjoyed getting 5 letters. ( My district was jealous.)  Keep the letters coming!

 

My companion Elder Woolley and I had our first lesson with an investigator. The programs are sweet here. They have a bunch of actors and they play different roles and people so it seems like a real life situation. Our teacher Brother Pinilliao, watches us through a hidden camera. I'm going to try and set up a appointment again!

Everything is keep it simple here at the MTC. It's really hard to teach a lesson and have it be simplified. Elder Woolley and I gave him a little too much detail i think.

 

The food here is great! Its all you can eat and with little work out time, i think i'm gaining a few pounds in the hips! Finally a little hip action!

 

I love hearing about the small things back at home. So keep the details coming! Daze is gone huh? From Foodnetwork star? HAHA. Keep me updated.

 

Well i'm running out of time here. i love you mom, and i'll write you tonight. I'm thinking about you!