Off to upstate New York

The MTC adventure came to a quick end.  After only 12 days the lessons were done and Brandon and his companions were sent off to put into practice that which they had learned.

Brandon called briefly from the airport to say that he enjoyed his time at the MTC, but was excited to be heading to New York.  He said that the sisters from his District got up early to see them off with a "passionate handshake," noting it was crazy how close the District had become in such a short time.  He had especially high praise for his two companions noting that he believed their assignment together was definitely inspired. 

Brandon can be emailed at:  christensen.brandon@myldsmail.net

Or, can be mailed a letter:

Elder Brandon Christensen
New York Rochester Mission
460 Kreag Rd
Pittsford, NY 14534-3733
 

News from the MTC

He also said that his christensen.brandon@myldsmail.net doesn't have an address book so if you want an email from him you have to send him one so he has your email address.

For the next couple of days you can use dearelder.com to send him a letter for free:
Elder Brandon Christensen
Unit: 280
Mission:  NY-ROCH
Departure:  July 29th

Well! It's been crazy. 17 hour days! Study, pray, study, pray, eat food, pray, study, eat food, study and food. It's been great though! I love my companionS (I have two because we are in a trio.) It's pretty sweet because we all can contribute sooo much! They are really great Elders. It's Elder Lee who is blonde and from "North Ogden" (Haysville). He rides Bulls and stuff so he is actually packing a bit of muscle that we are all jealous of. Then there is Elder Richins who is all sports and Hunting. Good kid! He is from Lehi but actually lived in Riverton during his childhood. He went to Rosamond. But then his parents got divorced and are now both in different parts of Lehi.

We all are in the same room which has 3 bunk beds (6 mattresses total). Which is an extra set. But no, no one is on the floor. It actually doesn't feel like the MTC is THAT crowded. I even get my food pretty quick!!

The rest of my district is sweet too! We got Sister Wright-Curruther, Sister Smith, Sister Alcantar, Sister Hudson, Elder Hadley, Elder Hales, Elder Robinson and Elder Bogdon. Great group of people! Sister Wright-Curruther has a sweet English Accent so that is pretty fun to tease her about. Then Sister Smith is black and sooooooooo funny! Sister Huson is a softball player at BYU so we have talked about that a bit and Sister Alcantar has crazy stories from Nashville Tennessee! Elder Hadley is from Mesa AZ and is a good kid but we have to keep him focused ha! Elder Hales is a little bit more of your stereotypical at home gamer but we love him none the less. He's a character. Elder Robinson is just the crazy funny type from Washington. Good kid! Elder Bogdon is really funny and great but has special needs. Not too much but a little. Elder Robinson is his companion and has done a pretty great job helping him out. Sister Smith, Alcantar, Hudson, Write-Curruther and Elder Robinson and Bogdon are all going to the Salt Lake City, Utah Mission! SOOOOO keep an eye out for them! Feed them if you can! They are great! They head out next Tuesday I believe.

I'm sorry to disappoint but as of breakfast this morning I'm only at like 20 glasses of Chocolate Milk. I decided to taste the other options such as caffeine free Root Beer. We are all dying for caffeine. Or a Dr. Pepper. ha! The food is actually great, in my opinion! But then again I don't have high standards in food. I just think it's delicious because I don't have to make it and its all you can eat (not all that you should eat as I learned). The soft served ice cream is delicious!

I feel like after every class period I've just doubled in everything I know! It's crazy how much you learn! I always feel like I learn so much! Even if I start to nod off a little... But we keep each other in line! I tend to read scriptures standing to avoid that problem.

They have you commit people to baptism as a goal like the very first lesson! That freaked us out. Makes sense but is still kinda hard. Because you're still trying to get to know them and do a brief overview of the gospel and then like say "Follow Christ and be baptized." It's crazy! All in like 20 min! But I'm not real worried!

Side note, gym time is a beautiful thing. Nothing is better for relaxing and just breathing for a little bit then draining some 3's. I was actually quite impressed with my basketball skills. I swear i was at easily 50% or more on making it. I guess the Spirit helps with your basketball skills as well!

We are all just way excited to get out in the Field and just love everyone in New York! Elder Hales,Lee, Richins, Hadley and I are all going to NY Rochester. We met the other NY Elders that are going to Utica? however you spell it. One was called Mama Bear and gave great hugs and treats because he got like a package everyday from his girlfriend! I really should have invested in a girlfriend.... ;)

To the MTC

After a long night of packing, it took him about 4 hours, we all finally drug ourselves to bed.  I think everyone was stalling thinking that not going to sleep would somehow magically extend our time together.  However, that wasn't the case and amid a great deal of sniffling everyone eventually dropped off to the sweet mercy of sleep.

Morning brought more tears as the last few details were wrapped up.  Brandon spent some time handing down most of his possessions to Blake.  Then he took the opportunity to say goodbye to Chica.  I think she could sense that something big was up.

His luggage was carried out to the van and we left a little bit early so that we could make a quick stop for one last lunch at Coney's Frozen Custard in Orem.

We then went to the grass between the MTC and Provo temple for some family pictures.

And one special "before" shot as Brandon will likely be looking up to Blake when he returns home.  However, even if taller I know that Blake will always will look up to his older brother as they have a special brotherly bond.  They are the best of friends and Brandon has been a true role model for Blake in nearly all aspects of life.

Then it was a short drive across the street to the MTC and their highly efficient drop-off system.  A couple last quick hugs (that I didn't want to ever end and doesn't seem nearly sufficient to last for two years) ...

and Brandon bravely set off on his mission adventure with some expressed nervous excitement and a smile on his face.

ELDER BRANDON JAY CHRISTENSEN
christensen.brandon@myldsmail.net

New York Rochester Mission
460 Kreag Rd
Pittsford, NY 14534-3733