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
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
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
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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
Monday, February 2, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, January 19, 2009
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
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
Monday, December 22, 2008
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
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Dear FAmily and Friends,
ok so i realize my last letter was pretty lame. I dont think you're paying your precious time and money to hear about the weather in a foreign country... But really I dont think there was a whole lot that happened that week except zone conference anyways. we did get a chewing out by the zone leaders. they think they are some kindof unstinky substance.
ok so this week has been the push and drag of a gypsie horse trollie race. We've been anciously awaiting the transfer calls... my comp is getting kicked out in Stara Zagora..lucky..I love that place. special hello: Hey sister dunn, you're gettin elder robins. Hell make laughter a different level of excitement...As for myself, im still in these sofia outskirts out in Lyulin. I gotta say i love this branch. Although we have absolutely No active youth except occansionally...we still have our rockin babas. Baba Viki is the Sofia District Cook-ichka. She can woop up some amazing manja that can throw smiles on faces that can make the joker jealous. Then Baba Gergina...a tiny little lady maybe four feet...shes got a pair of crutches as well. But shes never missed a day that i know of and she lives pretty far away. Ive said this before, or i got DE-JA-VU.The new comp will be Elder Bolton. a young chap about four months out...hes famous for being the spitting image by face and action as Superman. I talked to him a little on the phone and Even as his senior i feel im gonna get worked... which only makes me happy, I need it...Ok so the bonny young lad whose had the baptismal date still has it for the end of december i believe.. i havent seen her in a while. so lets only hope for good.What else really to say for today. Again.. as my exorting you all. Personal study is important. Ive had too many lessons with the inactives here and have only come to one conclusion on there inactivity. Obviously there are lots of reasons. but something that helps us stay Self-supported is that small amount of time we take anytime during the day just to read any amount of spiritual something. I promise you that if you can at least in your busy days get maybe one or two pondered verses in a day.. things will go much much more smoothly... I feel strongly for this because its a conscience effort of seeking. Yes its small but its more than nothing...and this effort shows our desire and because of that desire we will recieve some "fire".ok much love and the christmas countdown starts today! I got new pictures up finally... so i will have my mom tell me when shes ready with them on her site and ill put the link on here and you can all take them as you please. maybe if she can make a internet christmas card that i can send.. that would be cool... to mother: Use pictures with my last comp.. the blond haired beauty as george calls him.
MY ADDRESS HERE:
Elder Robert Briggs
ul. Marin Drinov no. 21
1504 Sofia
Bulgaria
ok so i realize my last letter was pretty lame. I dont think you're paying your precious time and money to hear about the weather in a foreign country... But really I dont think there was a whole lot that happened that week except zone conference anyways. we did get a chewing out by the zone leaders. they think they are some kindof unstinky substance.
ok so this week has been the push and drag of a gypsie horse trollie race. We've been anciously awaiting the transfer calls... my comp is getting kicked out in Stara Zagora..lucky..I love that place. special hello: Hey sister dunn, you're gettin elder robins. Hell make laughter a different level of excitement...As for myself, im still in these sofia outskirts out in Lyulin. I gotta say i love this branch. Although we have absolutely No active youth except occansionally...we still have our rockin babas. Baba Viki is the Sofia District Cook-ichka. She can woop up some amazing manja that can throw smiles on faces that can make the joker jealous. Then Baba Gergina...a tiny little lady maybe four feet...shes got a pair of crutches as well. But shes never missed a day that i know of and she lives pretty far away. Ive said this before, or i got DE-JA-VU.The new comp will be Elder Bolton. a young chap about four months out...hes famous for being the spitting image by face and action as Superman. I talked to him a little on the phone and Even as his senior i feel im gonna get worked... which only makes me happy, I need it...Ok so the bonny young lad whose had the baptismal date still has it for the end of december i believe.. i havent seen her in a while. so lets only hope for good.What else really to say for today. Again.. as my exorting you all. Personal study is important. Ive had too many lessons with the inactives here and have only come to one conclusion on there inactivity. Obviously there are lots of reasons. but something that helps us stay Self-supported is that small amount of time we take anytime during the day just to read any amount of spiritual something. I promise you that if you can at least in your busy days get maybe one or two pondered verses in a day.. things will go much much more smoothly... I feel strongly for this because its a conscience effort of seeking. Yes its small but its more than nothing...and this effort shows our desire and because of that desire we will recieve some "fire".ok much love and the christmas countdown starts today! I got new pictures up finally... so i will have my mom tell me when shes ready with them on her site and ill put the link on here and you can all take them as you please. maybe if she can make a internet christmas card that i can send.. that would be cool... to mother: Use pictures with my last comp.. the blond haired beauty as george calls him.
MY ADDRESS HERE:
Elder Robert Briggs
ul. Marin Drinov no. 21
1504 Sofia
Bulgaria
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
November 3, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,Excuse me for the not writing last week. I've never had such a busy week... I did actually write something but the computer messed up and I just gave up on the matter.
Anyways, This week has made me a happy boy. We kept busy and we saw some good things happen. Starting with the extra things, Last monday as you may have known was me b-day. I spent the entire day with my bulgarian friends, I feel somewhat bad because I didn't really invite any other missionaries. The people there were Martin, George, Georgia, Valia(our investigator), My comp, the stray dog Elder Brooks, and myself. After watching a couple of movies we ended the night at the church in Lyulin where we played BS and Ate cake. Martin even made the cake, I never knew pinapple could work in a chocolate cake... We finished it with the Rootbeer I made. So now on for Halloween... That was a cool day here. My companion made me a costume, and it was awesome. After cruisin the gypsie market for hubcaps, strobelights, a wig and insulation we had what we needed... Then with a cardboard box, Ipod and speakers thrown in the mix of collected garbage, we turned one mans treasure into another mans masterpiece... I became brittney spears of the future with "techno house beat" coming out of my chest! The make-up was done by a good friend who happened to be in sofia at the time... a girl from Rousse, Ceci(non-member whose in love with my trainer Avrill-btw hes coming to visit dec. 26)... She was in the hospital and she was our tag along for the week.My companion, after putting all his creative energy into my costume sortof fell into disarray and put on all the left overs... a sparkly tu tu, full body red tights, and a fanny pack... We decided he was a gender confused demon. The halloween party at the church in center was way cool and we had a good show of the lyulin people we invited. Some other missionaries put a little heart into their constumes and still couldn't hold a candle to my gypsie-rigged metalic booty.
When president gave out the costume awards my companion had tears of gratitude and accomplishment as I raised the first place prize in the air and gave him that look that BFCFs(best freakin comps forever) give eachother...
Alright on the work end... Me and my comp have focused a great deal of our attention in the direction of the inactives. We have 10 babas(old ladies) coming to church and 108 people on the inactive list.. a great deal of youth too, thats where we really want to get to. They are hard people to get a hold of because we don't have the right numbers, but slowly we're finding them. We had alot of meetings that fell through but if we gave up there then whats the point right? We did meet with a man yesterday and I have no idea why he's not coming. He's a very good guy and has a testimony.. I believe he just feels inadequet and was previously offended, or at least thats what I think he was saying.. he was very honest about how its a rough subject for him, but we'll keep meetin with him and see if we can get someone musical back in our branch...(oh its bad..no one can sing, and now im stuck playing the piano)...But I love this branch. These ladies are some of the sweetest little Ol' ladies I've met, and holy cow can they teach! Its like a branch of super missionarski babis.Things are coming good with Valia, shes been a little busy lately.. but at least she was at the halloween party. I just wanna get a good lesson with her! Ok so I wanna share some love... I love this mission. I complain to my parents alot about the dullness of the food or the cobble stone streets that have destroyed my knees... But there are people here that I get to directly be apart of their lives.
I am learning the most bazaar concepts of life... There are simple things that we already know as members of the church, things I never realized I knew. I find myself having the hardest time teaching some things only just because I figure these are normal things that everyone knows... Hope is a big one, just saying hi to somebody because they are another human being, or smiling because you're happy. Just remember. We're children of our heavenly father, and as children "men are that they might have joy", the easy stuff is the most important stuff.anyways, I love you all and take it smoothly. Last item of business... I have alot of emails right now, so It might take a week or two to get caught up. just forgive me for not getting to you right away and just continue to email me normally and ill respond to the old stuff as I have time.
Monday, October 20, 2008
October 20, 2008
Dear family and friends,
It's been three weeks in the big city and i've finally met my branch. Yesterday was a miracle of sundays. Just like any good story, we can include the weather, the traffic lights, and the blaring of alarm-clock morning symphony.
It was a beautiful atumn day. The sun shining, but the wind still reminding us that the cold is coming. Bulgarian fall is quite the sight... blankets of multi colored leaves blanketing the broken up streets, and crowds of gypsies raking it all up for possible winter insulation. Of course they still haven't given up the usual park-the-horse-and-dogs-by-the-dumpster-and-take-off-with-that-nights-dinner. Traffic lights were in our favor, and we actually made it to church on time. The sweet unimaginable smell of musaka filled the chapel as Baba Vikki was preparing an after worship tummy-fill. Martin, one of my good bulgar buddies brought with his person our new investigator! She's a nice young lady whose suprisingly impressed to come. It is amazing how ready she already is. I don't think this sunday could have been more perfect for her. The Bennetts (Mission President) were down for talks, which were spectacular. The President can sure just talk, its amazing the things he can say...His talk was about a two verse scripture. "Jesus wept" ...anyone can find it? Our investigator(whose name i wont dare to try and spell until i got martin with me), she too gave a good cry during sacrament meeting. The sunday school lesson led by Baba Gergina was pretty much the reading commitment from 3rd nephi 11 we give to all investigators, which also rocked!!Then after church, we took part in one of the coolest branch traditions i've ever seen... LUNCH!!! oh and it was soo good.This week has been the week of being fed. Everynight, Martin has made me bulgarski dinner here at our place... and on wednesday was our canadian thanksgiving by the president. Anyways I love you all, i gotta head...Elder Briggs
p.s. events: 23rd, 9 month mark
27th, B-day
It's been three weeks in the big city and i've finally met my branch. Yesterday was a miracle of sundays. Just like any good story, we can include the weather, the traffic lights, and the blaring of alarm-clock morning symphony.
It was a beautiful atumn day. The sun shining, but the wind still reminding us that the cold is coming. Bulgarian fall is quite the sight... blankets of multi colored leaves blanketing the broken up streets, and crowds of gypsies raking it all up for possible winter insulation. Of course they still haven't given up the usual park-the-horse-and-dogs-by-the-dumpster-and-take-off-with-that-nights-dinner. Traffic lights were in our favor, and we actually made it to church on time. The sweet unimaginable smell of musaka filled the chapel as Baba Vikki was preparing an after worship tummy-fill. Martin, one of my good bulgar buddies brought with his person our new investigator! She's a nice young lady whose suprisingly impressed to come. It is amazing how ready she already is. I don't think this sunday could have been more perfect for her. The Bennetts (Mission President) were down for talks, which were spectacular. The President can sure just talk, its amazing the things he can say...His talk was about a two verse scripture. "Jesus wept" ...anyone can find it? Our investigator(whose name i wont dare to try and spell until i got martin with me), she too gave a good cry during sacrament meeting. The sunday school lesson led by Baba Gergina was pretty much the reading commitment from 3rd nephi 11 we give to all investigators, which also rocked!!Then after church, we took part in one of the coolest branch traditions i've ever seen... LUNCH!!! oh and it was soo good.This week has been the week of being fed. Everynight, Martin has made me bulgarski dinner here at our place... and on wednesday was our canadian thanksgiving by the president. Anyways I love you all, i gotta head...Elder Briggs
p.s. events: 23rd, 9 month mark
27th, B-day
Monday, October 13, 2008
October 13, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,Whao... its already the next week. Its rough here really in the big old city. The butchings have increased, mostly due to the percentage of people compared to the good ol' towns. But a "keep on keepin' on" attitude keeps us... well ultimately, keepin' on.I still have not directly met my branch, we've had general conference the past two sundays. It might already be transfers before i ever do. I have met the BP, he seems kind of crazy... he talks a million miles an hour and just looks like one of those guys in those mob movies who, the only necessary thing needed to fit the part is a phatty cigar or a glass of tonic water. "Lazeroff they call me, by blabberoff they know me!" he literally said that, no lie! :pNot a whole lot with the investigators. we thought we had one when we were stopped by a macedonian who had talked to missionaries the previous week...he said he'd never heard of the book of mormon and woduld really like us to answer his questions. We agreed and he took our number. We asked for his and he made it way obvious he gave us a fake one.. trying it only proved it bummer contact.Lyulin isnt so exciting.. its not even really sofia, its the total ghetto... and english is even more a downer. But they call it tracting heaven. and It is. We've got bloks galore, great stories high full of people just ready to be explored.Everyone keep it together while im still gone. I haven't started counting down with D&C or a bag of skittles yet... so just miss me lots and reminess all the memories you've shared with me as if im dead. "Hey remember that one time when Robby was here? He always smelled kinda funny, but i miss his goofy-lookin trash"With lots of lyubov and love,yours mostly true,Elder Robert David Briggs
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Varna Zone Conference
Monday, 22 September, 2008, we had zone conference in Varna. It was a very informative conference with presentations from the zone leaders, assistants to the president, and President Bennett; Sister Bennett also demonstrated, "How to iron a shirt." It was fun for all of us to get to be together and partake of the spirit.
Monday, September 15, 2008
September 15, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,So its been raining all day... We wanted to go to Tsarovets (its a big cool castle) and it didnt happen... instead we just sat around wasting our P-day watching movies waiting with hope..but yeah... The week has been a little more than a drag really, but still better than some missionaries from what ive heard. (elder jacobsen in pernik got beat up).
My week went as such. Tuesday we had our pleven elder friends stay to interview Nedelcho for his baptism. I went on splits with the greenie of the district while the others waited for the Del-cho to show up for his meeting. Elder Beer(our german of the mission) interviewed him. He didnt make it sadly. apparently he didnt know who our prophet was and that we had a living one at all... Beer said hes ready, he has a testimony and hes keeping his commitments. he just doesnt really know alot of stuff. So we moved his Baptism to the 27th.. now we have a couple weeks to work with. He might have that old man forgeting disease... he showed up saturday during english... and we had the awkward oppurtunity to remind him that we canceled it and moved the date...poor old man was already to get baptized...English was once again humbling...i dont know if i mentioned but i feel all the pain i caused my teachers haunting me. It sucks when people are late, it throws the entire class off cause they ask dumb questions and our timing gets off. After the class we invited everyone to our mexican party the following friday.
Friday: I grueled over perfection of the meat. And then a beautiful bulgar style mexican fried rice. (lyutenitsa, corn, rice and other things). and a few hours making the refried beans. the piniatas were made the week before(that day was a flop if anyone read it... nikolai responded to the activity.."im not five").so to just get to the point... i put my heart and soul into this... ill go as far to say that my companion just helped warm it up when we got to the church.. oh yeah and he put the candies in the piniata... just kidding he did alot.. but it makes the next part more expressive if you feel that i did it all.
we had four people show up... krassy and nikolai of course.. and two old ladies from english. I was torn, you should of seen me. big mess of tears and snot... nasty nasty...It was still fun nontheless. but i met my opponent just outside. They call it a houseparty. Center was filled with every bulgar across the city.. loud techno crap music and drunks.... everyone from the cops playing russian roulette to the six old gypsie boy playing in the fountain....drunk...anyways i should get going.
to end with something nice so my mom doesnt think her son is at hell's gate. "Wierd creepy guy" as hes become to be known as..showed up at church. we can consider him a new investigator, but its becoming clear he just either wants a place to stay our a ticket to the states.
just kidding...my special thought can be that our branch president is really just kicking trash right now.. hes been meeting with us and planning what we can do to start activating the 40 out of the 50 on our list. yes its sad we have an activity rating of 10/59 ..9 is the ones who most likely will kill us if we try to contact them.much love too all,
elder briggs
My week went as such. Tuesday we had our pleven elder friends stay to interview Nedelcho for his baptism. I went on splits with the greenie of the district while the others waited for the Del-cho to show up for his meeting. Elder Beer(our german of the mission) interviewed him. He didnt make it sadly. apparently he didnt know who our prophet was and that we had a living one at all... Beer said hes ready, he has a testimony and hes keeping his commitments. he just doesnt really know alot of stuff. So we moved his Baptism to the 27th.. now we have a couple weeks to work with. He might have that old man forgeting disease... he showed up saturday during english... and we had the awkward oppurtunity to remind him that we canceled it and moved the date...poor old man was already to get baptized...English was once again humbling...i dont know if i mentioned but i feel all the pain i caused my teachers haunting me. It sucks when people are late, it throws the entire class off cause they ask dumb questions and our timing gets off. After the class we invited everyone to our mexican party the following friday.
Friday: I grueled over perfection of the meat. And then a beautiful bulgar style mexican fried rice. (lyutenitsa, corn, rice and other things). and a few hours making the refried beans. the piniatas were made the week before(that day was a flop if anyone read it... nikolai responded to the activity.."im not five").so to just get to the point... i put my heart and soul into this... ill go as far to say that my companion just helped warm it up when we got to the church.. oh yeah and he put the candies in the piniata... just kidding he did alot.. but it makes the next part more expressive if you feel that i did it all.
we had four people show up... krassy and nikolai of course.. and two old ladies from english. I was torn, you should of seen me. big mess of tears and snot... nasty nasty...It was still fun nontheless. but i met my opponent just outside. They call it a houseparty. Center was filled with every bulgar across the city.. loud techno crap music and drunks.... everyone from the cops playing russian roulette to the six old gypsie boy playing in the fountain....drunk...anyways i should get going.
to end with something nice so my mom doesnt think her son is at hell's gate. "Wierd creepy guy" as hes become to be known as..showed up at church. we can consider him a new investigator, but its becoming clear he just either wants a place to stay our a ticket to the states.
just kidding...my special thought can be that our branch president is really just kicking trash right now.. hes been meeting with us and planning what we can do to start activating the 40 out of the 50 on our list. yes its sad we have an activity rating of 10/59 ..9 is the ones who most likely will kill us if we try to contact them.much love too all,
elder briggs
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
September 8, 2008
Dear Family Friends,.
Today is a beautiful pre-fall day. probably the only "autumn" ill get. Seasons here are Really Hot Summer, and Freakin Cold Winter.
One of the most important hours of a missionarie's day is his excersise time. Its the energy boost for the day, capatilized upon by a delicious breakfast this missionary becomes unstoppable even against the unbearable stench of an angry gypsy shaman.
All is still in order for our baptism this weekend. Well have his interview tommorrow to know whether or not we move his date later. On a continuing bright note we've picked up two more investigators. Konstantine technically already was one, but I finally met him! Nice guy too. Our other, Elo, is very knowledgable in the scriptures. His life is pretty much the joseph smith story. Going from one church to another knowing that he hasn't found the truth yet. We showed him the Restoration Film and he loved it.The only problem is that he wants to borrow it and do some preaching himself(hes a preacher), so now we have to cool his jets and let him know theres some things he doesnt know yet, I can assume he'll eventually struggle with the one true church concept, but we'll see. My comp doesn't really like him, which doesn't help. I can understand though, the guy can be creepy sometimes.Other than those messes, not a whole lot else I can say. if you want to see my pictures my mom might have that deal all set up now. Shes such a nice lady, everyone should give her love when they see her. I got a little hand out here and took the awesome Mom and may have made up stories. I dont call it an exageration becuase augmenting her coolness only is truth. A mommy with growing awesomeness. Anyways just email me if you want the link, i seem to have lost it and have no willpower to look.(No pushups or eggs in a basket this morning).
With all my love,Elder Briggs
Today is a beautiful pre-fall day. probably the only "autumn" ill get. Seasons here are Really Hot Summer, and Freakin Cold Winter.
One of the most important hours of a missionarie's day is his excersise time. Its the energy boost for the day, capatilized upon by a delicious breakfast this missionary becomes unstoppable even against the unbearable stench of an angry gypsy shaman.
All is still in order for our baptism this weekend. Well have his interview tommorrow to know whether or not we move his date later. On a continuing bright note we've picked up two more investigators. Konstantine technically already was one, but I finally met him! Nice guy too. Our other, Elo, is very knowledgable in the scriptures. His life is pretty much the joseph smith story. Going from one church to another knowing that he hasn't found the truth yet. We showed him the Restoration Film and he loved it.The only problem is that he wants to borrow it and do some preaching himself(hes a preacher), so now we have to cool his jets and let him know theres some things he doesnt know yet, I can assume he'll eventually struggle with the one true church concept, but we'll see. My comp doesn't really like him, which doesn't help. I can understand though, the guy can be creepy sometimes.Other than those messes, not a whole lot else I can say. if you want to see my pictures my mom might have that deal all set up now. Shes such a nice lady, everyone should give her love when they see her. I got a little hand out here and took the awesome Mom and may have made up stories. I dont call it an exageration becuase augmenting her coolness only is truth. A mommy with growing awesomeness. Anyways just email me if you want the link, i seem to have lost it and have no willpower to look.(No pushups or eggs in a basket this morning).
With all my love,Elder Briggs
August 25, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
This week can be said as fantastic. Where to start! Alot of it was spent in Veliko Turnovo, i think you all got that part. We went to a members house down there for home teaching.. only the mother is member. She showed us pictures and all sorts of things. She used to be an olympic athlete way back in the day. it was so cool. then the son cam in and we talk to him a while. really nice guy, he works with compouters and things... and then this skinny hairy half naked stinky man came in... Way nice, way cool. he picked up his guitar and played probably the most amazing guitar playing ive ever seen. his fingers just shoot across the strings like a dolphin in water. so im not good with the visuals.
later on in the week. my saturday id say. i had english. we can count it as our first lesson because it was a crash course getting started and i started with the first lesson. my comp taught level one and i level two. It was so fun, ive never had that much fun teaching english before. i taught them about the days of the week, months, etc. then after a quick break.. gabriel was having a hard time, he probably belongs in the first, but his wifes in second so i think ill give him some private lessons... anyways after the break i did some games to see how they all learn. we played simon says and head shoulders kneees and toes..it was a hit so im going to do a game every class now.
saturday night just before contacting i was feeling roughed because we hadnt had a referral ever... our investigators are progressing..its just rough, so i said a little pray inside and we went right outside and the first person we saw we talked to for about an hour and a half. He said everything right.. i cant call him Golden, cause no one in bulgaria is golden, but at least hes silver. He said that he wants to read the book of mormon because he believes in the scripture in the bible saying we should search for the truth. and he understood the scriptures very well. he was a little intense about the sabbath though. saying it should be on saturday.. (in bulgarian, Subota, or saturday means sabbath...its always a toughy)sunday was nice two.. i got my cut. i only had to be deacon and give a talk. im glad to have kraci back.
ok so my dad wants to learn about my comp a little. Hes a way nice guy, not a mean bone in his body. Kindof a video game nerd, and comics andall that jazz...but a good guy nonetheless. Im sort of just sick of all the random invisible gernades being thrown about. but i definitly get along with him and we work good together. he language is struggling on the accent and grammer, but at least i can increase vocab with him. He definintly lets me have my piano time too, and we lift eachother there too.
love you all and may the ghost be with you
This week can be said as fantastic. Where to start! Alot of it was spent in Veliko Turnovo, i think you all got that part. We went to a members house down there for home teaching.. only the mother is member. She showed us pictures and all sorts of things. She used to be an olympic athlete way back in the day. it was so cool. then the son cam in and we talk to him a while. really nice guy, he works with compouters and things... and then this skinny hairy half naked stinky man came in... Way nice, way cool. he picked up his guitar and played probably the most amazing guitar playing ive ever seen. his fingers just shoot across the strings like a dolphin in water. so im not good with the visuals.
later on in the week. my saturday id say. i had english. we can count it as our first lesson because it was a crash course getting started and i started with the first lesson. my comp taught level one and i level two. It was so fun, ive never had that much fun teaching english before. i taught them about the days of the week, months, etc. then after a quick break.. gabriel was having a hard time, he probably belongs in the first, but his wifes in second so i think ill give him some private lessons... anyways after the break i did some games to see how they all learn. we played simon says and head shoulders kneees and toes..it was a hit so im going to do a game every class now.
saturday night just before contacting i was feeling roughed because we hadnt had a referral ever... our investigators are progressing..its just rough, so i said a little pray inside and we went right outside and the first person we saw we talked to for about an hour and a half. He said everything right.. i cant call him Golden, cause no one in bulgaria is golden, but at least hes silver. He said that he wants to read the book of mormon because he believes in the scripture in the bible saying we should search for the truth. and he understood the scriptures very well. he was a little intense about the sabbath though. saying it should be on saturday.. (in bulgarian, Subota, or saturday means sabbath...its always a toughy)sunday was nice two.. i got my cut. i only had to be deacon and give a talk. im glad to have kraci back.
ok so my dad wants to learn about my comp a little. Hes a way nice guy, not a mean bone in his body. Kindof a video game nerd, and comics andall that jazz...but a good guy nonetheless. Im sort of just sick of all the random invisible gernades being thrown about. but i definitly get along with him and we work good together. he language is struggling on the accent and grammer, but at least i can increase vocab with him. He definintly lets me have my piano time too, and we lift eachother there too.
love you all and may the ghost be with you
August 20, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
Sorry for another inconvinient lateness on my part. but heres the weekly news.Dobur Den! Not a whole lot happening up here in Rousse.. actually at this point im in Veliko Turnovo on splits. We were here for P-day and I came back again today for what we call extended splits. ill be here till friday. Its me and my Groupie, Rice. We;re tearin it up in V town. we're on our lunch hour so im not going to take more than five mintues here..just writin this. Workin with a Groupie is fun because we push eachother more than our other comps do. we did a pre lunch tracting hour and a another hour and spent a little time in the park. I wish i can update you on investigators..not a whole lot of info there. we did have lessons with the old guys finally..the three that came to church, two of them anyways. Yanko is a good guy, really loud, we might even already challenge him to be baptized...seeing is that hes more active than everyone else. He even came to the firside in Varna(last week after we had zone conference) at the zone conference and the fireside we had Elder Wolfgang Paul of the seventy talk to us. Funny german guy. ooo ok... butch boy story...we call them butch boys, cause they butch us... So last week me and my comp were contacting in the park. two drunk kids on a bench... cigarette in one hand and beer in the other..shirtless and stinky... they started to give us a raze as we passed by. Secta! they said and we just slow down and turn around..it was wierd, usually we keep walking... one of them is yellin at us and tellin us not to come closer, but the other kid says for us to come over... and he was sincere too.. he wanted to know why people know us as sect or other bad names... the yelling one continued to call us terrorists and al-quiada... but we started to talk to the one asking qwuestions... the yeller stopped and listened.. and then kept saying sorry "I always say stupid things, sorry" so i said everyone says stupid thjings and then he said"but i say the most". their butching just turned into an hour long conversation about who we are why were there.They were excited about the free english lessons and we just became simply friends.
anyways, heres my love...everyone stay happy..
Sorry for another inconvinient lateness on my part. but heres the weekly news.Dobur Den! Not a whole lot happening up here in Rousse.. actually at this point im in Veliko Turnovo on splits. We were here for P-day and I came back again today for what we call extended splits. ill be here till friday. Its me and my Groupie, Rice. We;re tearin it up in V town. we're on our lunch hour so im not going to take more than five mintues here..just writin this. Workin with a Groupie is fun because we push eachother more than our other comps do. we did a pre lunch tracting hour and a another hour and spent a little time in the park. I wish i can update you on investigators..not a whole lot of info there. we did have lessons with the old guys finally..the three that came to church, two of them anyways. Yanko is a good guy, really loud, we might even already challenge him to be baptized...seeing is that hes more active than everyone else. He even came to the firside in Varna(last week after we had zone conference) at the zone conference and the fireside we had Elder Wolfgang Paul of the seventy talk to us. Funny german guy. ooo ok... butch boy story...we call them butch boys, cause they butch us... So last week me and my comp were contacting in the park. two drunk kids on a bench... cigarette in one hand and beer in the other..shirtless and stinky... they started to give us a raze as we passed by. Secta! they said and we just slow down and turn around..it was wierd, usually we keep walking... one of them is yellin at us and tellin us not to come closer, but the other kid says for us to come over... and he was sincere too.. he wanted to know why people know us as sect or other bad names... the yelling one continued to call us terrorists and al-quiada... but we started to talk to the one asking qwuestions... the yeller stopped and listened.. and then kept saying sorry "I always say stupid things, sorry" so i said everyone says stupid thjings and then he said"but i say the most". their butching just turned into an hour long conversation about who we are why were there.They were excited about the free english lessons and we just became simply friends.
anyways, heres my love...everyone stay happy..
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