For Jenna
The "For Jenna" part is at the end of this email, but for now it's just a normal email.
Feb 25, 2020 Tues
Today was weird. Because we were in our temporary trio companionship, I felt like I wasn't needed or supposed to be there most of the day. Which stunk, but I tried to focus on the fun parts or the interesting parts, like how we gave four blessings all in one house. Despite my efforts by the end of the day I kinda felt alone. But a prayer was said and that really went a long way.
I've come to realize one of the perks of being 6 ft in Uganda is you hit your head on mostly everything. It's great for those times you just want to get angry at a door frame or a taxi door or even a low roof.
Feb 26, 2020 Wed
Today the trio worked a bit more in sync. At noon we had a zone training meeting which was very enlightening on 2 things: How I can be a better leader in the future and how some missionaries are more serious about the work than others. Then we had lunch, went and taught some people and gave a blessing. After that we got dinner and headed back to the apartment. I meet Elder Maughan TOMORROW!
Feb 27, 2020 Thurs
Today started out like any other day with the trio in the morning and into the afternoon. Then while we were walking, a mission vehicle passed by honking and I hopped in and went back to the apartment with Elder Maughan. I helped him get settled and we talked for hours. We get along super well and he is really cool. He's from Nevada in a city just above Vegas.
Feb 28. 2020 Fri
Today was a very productive day. Elder Maughan and I spent most of the time finding and had success. We taught well together but there's easily room for improvement. What can you expect from only two days as companions? Funny story; we went to go get our allotments for the next couple weeks, and on our way back this guy with basically no shirt starts walking towards me with open arms. He freakin hugs me, kisses my neck, and does the same to my companion. He wanted a book so we gave him a Chastity Pamphlet and he holds it up and yells "Hallelujah" and runs off yelling. This place reminds me of San Francisco or LA in that way.
Feb 29, 2020 Sat
Today was slow but powerful. We had a nice morning of prep for the day, a good lunch and got bounced by our early afternoon appointments. Then closer towards the evening we had a powerful lesson with this past investigator who had been taught by 6 companionships over 2 years, and is ready for baptism I can see it. After that we had a meeting with another investigator and gave him a baptism date! It was an awesome day!
Mar 1, 2020 Sun
Today was Fast Sunday which went by fast. Wow imagine that! We started our fast last night so we only had to make it to lunch. We had a solid church service, and after church Elder Magill had his first baptism. I was asked to give a talk for it 5 mins before it started. Afterwards we had a delicious lunch, we did our daily planning, rested, then went to this mzungu family in the ward for dinner and that was awesome in so many ways. The house was so nice. Their view was beautiful from the house. The food was american (burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, tortilla chips, and chocolate chip cookies). And the family is so awesome! I had a blast, so did the other Elders. Such a great day for food which is ironic for Fast Sunday.
Mar 2, 2020 Mon
Today was P-Day! We had a nice morning. We went and got haircuts, had a nice lunch, and emailed. We also had a nice FHE (Family Home Evening) with the ward. I love it here.
So this last week my Aunt Jenna passed away and I felt that I should say something. Jenna had been fighting breast cancer that was spreading throughout her body for many years. She had fought courageously for so long, but I guess it was her time. Something I noticed about her in those times was that she was always asking about me. She was suffering and yet she wanted to know how I was doing. How could someone have that level of love for anyone?
Something else I noticed was that she was always positive. I can't say I know she didn't have bad days, but every time I was around she was positive. She put a smile on my face she wanted me to be happy and help me out.
The more I think of her example the more I realize she is saved because she endured to the end. She followed Christ's example to the end and she is now in the spirit world rooting for us, rooting for me. I won't forget her, and I'll try to follow Christ as she did. Goodbye, Jenna. I'll see you later.
Love, Elder Bradford
***Parental Notes***
During our instant messaging this morning, we mostly talked about our grieving family. But I did get a little more information about his new companion. He says that they get along really well and that they have a lot of things in common but the two most noteworthy were that Elder Maughan and his family are big Disney fans too. He also loves movies and movie soundtracks which is right up Sean's alley as well. Elder Maughan has only been out 3 months longer than Sean and was previously in Busia which is in the bush and near the border of Uganda and Kenya.
He says that there are no concerns right now regarding the coronavirus but that they will wash their hands often and be careful. They have been working hard and when he gets tired he motivates himself by singing a little bit of Battle Hymn of the Republic. He says that being a missionary ages them fast. He's already noticed a few gray hairs. hahaha! I think that's just genetics. Sorry kiddo.
Thanks for all your support and prayers. I know he feels them.
Feb 25, 2020 Tues
Today was weird. Because we were in our temporary trio companionship, I felt like I wasn't needed or supposed to be there most of the day. Which stunk, but I tried to focus on the fun parts or the interesting parts, like how we gave four blessings all in one house. Despite my efforts by the end of the day I kinda felt alone. But a prayer was said and that really went a long way.
I've come to realize one of the perks of being 6 ft in Uganda is you hit your head on mostly everything. It's great for those times you just want to get angry at a door frame or a taxi door or even a low roof.
Feb 26, 2020 Wed
Today the trio worked a bit more in sync. At noon we had a zone training meeting which was very enlightening on 2 things: How I can be a better leader in the future and how some missionaries are more serious about the work than others. Then we had lunch, went and taught some people and gave a blessing. After that we got dinner and headed back to the apartment. I meet Elder Maughan TOMORROW!
 |
| Came across this view during one of his outings |
Today started out like any other day with the trio in the morning and into the afternoon. Then while we were walking, a mission vehicle passed by honking and I hopped in and went back to the apartment with Elder Maughan. I helped him get settled and we talked for hours. We get along super well and he is really cool. He's from Nevada in a city just above Vegas.
 |
| Elder Maughan and Elder Bradford |
Today was a very productive day. Elder Maughan and I spent most of the time finding and had success. We taught well together but there's easily room for improvement. What can you expect from only two days as companions? Funny story; we went to go get our allotments for the next couple weeks, and on our way back this guy with basically no shirt starts walking towards me with open arms. He freakin hugs me, kisses my neck, and does the same to my companion. He wanted a book so we gave him a Chastity Pamphlet and he holds it up and yells "Hallelujah" and runs off yelling. This place reminds me of San Francisco or LA in that way.
Feb 29, 2020 Sat
Today was slow but powerful. We had a nice morning of prep for the day, a good lunch and got bounced by our early afternoon appointments. Then closer towards the evening we had a powerful lesson with this past investigator who had been taught by 6 companionships over 2 years, and is ready for baptism I can see it. After that we had a meeting with another investigator and gave him a baptism date! It was an awesome day!
 |
| A picture of one of the neighborhoods |
Today was Fast Sunday which went by fast. Wow imagine that! We started our fast last night so we only had to make it to lunch. We had a solid church service, and after church Elder Magill had his first baptism. I was asked to give a talk for it 5 mins before it started. Afterwards we had a delicious lunch, we did our daily planning, rested, then went to this mzungu family in the ward for dinner and that was awesome in so many ways. The house was so nice. Their view was beautiful from the house. The food was american (burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, tortilla chips, and chocolate chip cookies). And the family is so awesome! I had a blast, so did the other Elders. Such a great day for food which is ironic for Fast Sunday.
 |
| The view from the family's house |
Today was P-Day! We had a nice morning. We went and got haircuts, had a nice lunch, and emailed. We also had a nice FHE (Family Home Evening) with the ward. I love it here.
So this last week my Aunt Jenna passed away and I felt that I should say something. Jenna had been fighting breast cancer that was spreading throughout her body for many years. She had fought courageously for so long, but I guess it was her time. Something I noticed about her in those times was that she was always asking about me. She was suffering and yet she wanted to know how I was doing. How could someone have that level of love for anyone?
Something else I noticed was that she was always positive. I can't say I know she didn't have bad days, but every time I was around she was positive. She put a smile on my face she wanted me to be happy and help me out.
The more I think of her example the more I realize she is saved because she endured to the end. She followed Christ's example to the end and she is now in the spirit world rooting for us, rooting for me. I won't forget her, and I'll try to follow Christ as she did. Goodbye, Jenna. I'll see you later.
Love, Elder Bradford
***Parental Notes***
During our instant messaging this morning, we mostly talked about our grieving family. But I did get a little more information about his new companion. He says that they get along really well and that they have a lot of things in common but the two most noteworthy were that Elder Maughan and his family are big Disney fans too. He also loves movies and movie soundtracks which is right up Sean's alley as well. Elder Maughan has only been out 3 months longer than Sean and was previously in Busia which is in the bush and near the border of Uganda and Kenya.
He says that there are no concerns right now regarding the coronavirus but that they will wash their hands often and be careful. They have been working hard and when he gets tired he motivates himself by singing a little bit of Battle Hymn of the Republic. He says that being a missionary ages them fast. He's already noticed a few gray hairs. hahaha! I think that's just genetics. Sorry kiddo.
Thanks for all your support and prayers. I know he feels them.
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