Meetko's Baptism

Dear Family and Friends,
I've been keeping a secret from everyone. Mostly just waiting for the right moment. Now its time to bring it up.
Friday, March 20th 2009 I had my first baptism. A little gypsie boy named Meetko. The older members of the family were already members. Meetko turned eight a month ago and he wanted me to do the baptism. I wanted the father to do it, but he just didn't feel ready... We've been workin with im though so hopefully hell be ready for his next 2 sons.
So I just wanted to say that there is nothing cooler than being apart of something this big. I am so happy.. a little worn though. Friday was a mess. Early in the morning we had to travel to Varna to grab the baptismal font... lost alot of time there because we didn't have all the things we needed. Then we had to carry all the stuff without a vehicle and no one else but me and my comp, i still feel wrecked.While building the font we ran into problems... first we had been missing a pole and had carried with us two unneeded awkwardly sized poles for something else. Then after some improvisation (duct tape, a chair and one of the poles) we had it.Then we didnt have a hose that could work with any of our faucets. My comp ended up filling the whole thing with buckets, poor guy.after awhile we found two holes... again duct tape became our best friend.Our heaters didnt work and eventually the flooding blew a fuse and shut out the power. Now we're running at 65% stability with some of rooms without power. Our security system is even fried.So then we were getting to about an hour left before the baptism and our font was leaking, freezing cold and our power was out.People started showing up and sitting down and getting ready and at least we got the front lighting working. After mentioning the pool was frozen cold everyone was on the fritz.. but not Meetko, he said "I can endure it." I was amazed at how well he understood the sacredness of the event even as just an eight year old boy. His brother was all about screaming and Meetko just calmly expalined to him "We can't play right now, its a special day."His fathers talk was way funny but really good. Things just went well. even with the pressure of current problems in the branch and busy work, we had this perfect moment of solice. The water didn't feel in the least bit cold, but I knew it should've been frozen and unbearable but I didn't feel it. Meetkos father then lifted his son into the font bitting his tongue in waiting for the possible painful reaction to the cold. But I knew even Meetko could feel what I felt... the warmth. He didn't shiver or complain, only smiled and said he was ready. After the dunking him and bringing him back out the cold of the water came.the meeting ended good as well with his mother speaking.
I love you all,
Elder Briggs

March 9 Varna Zone Conference

Dear parents,

Last week we had Zone Conference in all three zones. Our three-minute talk topic was, “He That Heareth You Heareth Me” (Luke 10:16); we were privileged to hear from several of our missionaries. It’s always amazing how we can all have the same topic and how varied the talks are. We were taught about leadership (by building ice cream sundaes) from our Assistants and the Zone Leaders enlightened us as to how we can use Church art to spark the interest of investigators. Conference ended with presentations from Sister and President Bennett. I hope you enjoy the attached group picture.

I also hope that your “son” (daughters always smile pretty) has a more pleasing expression as we emphasized that they should smile for their parents. There’s still room for improvement!

Warmest regards, Sister Jewell

January 26 zone conference

Dear Parents,

On 26 January 2009 we had our Zone Conference in Sofia. Our theme for 3-minute talks was taken from Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To Everything There Is A Season.” Several of the missionaries were asked to share their talks with us; they were all very inspiring. We also had wonderful presentations from our Zone Leaders and Assistants. President and Sister Bennett also enlightened us with their comments. KFC was enjoyed by all at lunchtime. All the missionaries seemed well and happy as you can tell from the attached picture. Thank you so much for preparing your sons and daughters so well and for sharing them with us. S

ister Jewell,

Secretary

Bulgaria Sofia Mission

February 2, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,
This has been some week. Thats about all I can say. Bleh! I'm just burned in my mind! I will say this much. Some of the greatest trials and efforts that I've put in with one person in particular is finally coming to resolution in restored strength and trust. An inactive girl in our branch showed up to church for the first time in a year and a half. I wanna share a story with you about her.

Four months ago when I got into Lyulin with Elder Robins I started by flipping through the area book in the in-active section. I called a few people and got nothing really positive. One of the numbers I called was however an extended conversation that was completely awkward.. My bulgarian was horrible and I just felt stupid. The following week I decided to call the number again, having pretty much the exact same conversation. But I committed, I said, "I'm going to call this girl every thursday night until she either stops answering or something good comes from it!". So every thursday night I called and the conversation improved only slightly every week. I could never get a meeting though. For two months I only just announced church and fun nights, etc. finally after the new year we got a meeting and we brought the sisters with us by lucky chance they decided to be in Lyulin. It was awesome! we taught a message about scripture reading. The next week nothing really... but the following week we met her, and ever since then shes coming to english everytime, we're seeing her three times a week, and now finally after four months she came to church. This following sunday maybe my last sunday here, I still dont know...but Lyulin has been a place of many miracles for me to see. It has been so hard too. I cannot begin to describe the frustrastions and pains i've suffered through, mostly in the last two months with Elder Bolton. Its not him, he's an awesome missionary and probably one of my best companions and friends...just the transfer has been hard. The APs came down on splits with us and one told me that Lyulin was his hardest transfer, like a mini Zions Camp.

Anyways get out your maps of Bulgaria and guess a city, i'll tell you the results next week. Along with that every single person that gets this letter has a commitment and a challenge to look up info on one inactive person, just one... and call that person, invite them to something. Then keep doing it, once a week.

one more inactive story that happened this transfer. there was a man on the list whose a priesthood holder. we went over to him and hes been every sunday since. His stories funny too, I think i mentioned it. but theres these signs that people put on their doors..bulgarian tradition to honour dead people. this man had one on his door. "in rememberance of Evgeni who died 3 years ago". but appearantly it was his father. but this man even bears his testimony alot.. hes already our third hour teacher. ONE VISIT!!! THATS IT!!! and freak this is bulgaria where its "hard"
anyways love you all.
sorry im hurrying again this week.
much love

Elder Briggs
alright I love you all keep it real. I'll tell you the results next week.

January 19, 2008

Dear Family and Friends,
What would be a letter from me without starting first with an apology! So first things first... I am so sorry that I missed everyone last week! It was a rough and tough week full of ridiculous events. I was afraid I wasn't going to get an opportunity today but I made it.
To be honest, I am totally swamped. I've been stressing over all the millions of things to do...but oddly grateful that I get to. Its awesome to have a full week. This past week has been something I'd say. I don't believe I've ever seen so must success in my mission, especially in finding people.
I'm very grateful to have Elder Bolton as my companion. His unconquerable energy level keeps me on my feet. Its quite the stress to maintain a constant quick pace to not loose any respect, but I need a good shove.
Like I sort of mentioned, we are having a lot of success. Our week is completely full as of last week was. We have nine investigators! not just one, but nine!They aren't really progressing, but they are still people that are actually willing to see us. Our newest investigators from last week are rocking people, Two young fathers and another young man. Thats three new investigators in one week!! Also meaning Three potential priesthood holders.
I don't really know what to say, I've just been so happy, I've felt so good. In the moments of my life when I would like to express the very most, I am lost for words.
I am sorry I again am not saying much, and my pictures have taken a slope(meaning I haven't sent any). But TrulyI am grateful for your prayers and everything that you do for me. Please include this branch as well. They need it more than I do.
Love,Elder Briggs

Christmas Zone Conference

As most of you already know, last week was our Christmas Zone Conference Tour. We had a wonderful conference with everyone giving three-minute talks; the topic was "Fear Not" taken from Luke 2:10. We also had a power-point presentation by the assistants on the life of Christ. We were all uplifted by their testimonies. The senior couples came prepared to share a Christmas story and President Bennett enlightened us with information on the gifts from the three wisemen. Lunch consisted of roasted chicken, corn, potatoes, salad, and rolls. An assortment of sweets were provided by the missionaries. The day came to a close with the missionaries receiving their packages from home. It was a delightful day for all.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Also, enjoy the attached group picture!!

Sister Jewell,
Secretary
Bulgaria Sofia Mission

Our Branch in Rousse