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