Hello Family!
I'm glad I even got an open computer today! We got to the library and they messed up my reservation, but luckily there was one open after just a few extra minuets of waiting. So, its all good. No complaints. I have been absolutely full of gratitude this past week. For my family, my friends, for all that I've learned from each of you. For being in the great Canada Toronto Mission at this time. For being able to serve in Brantford, where I have so many roots. All my life I had been looking to this time of my life. "Where will I go? Will I have to eat weird food? Will I miss my family too much? What is it going to be like wearing that name tag?" I asked myself so many questions and wondered what this experience would be like. But never in a million years did I guess that I would end up in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. A place I knew was important because its where my Mom was born. But never did I expect to serve a mission here. But it has been a very sweet surprise, and it has been so fulfilling to be here.
Random, non-spiritual highlights from this past week: the leaves are changing colors to bright yellows and reds, I ate a real poutine (fries covered with gravy, cheese, and maple-bacon) and not one from Wendy's, and its been starting to get chilly enough to wear thermals. At least, chilly enough for a guy from San Diego. But don't worry, Mom, the thermals are warm and the winter accessories will be good :)
Joseph Smith once said "Brethren [and Sisters], shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward." (D&C 128:22) I've always felt that to be a powerful thought. Be anxiously engaged in a good cause, of your own choice, and always move forward-- don't ever give up! I really, really like something that Mick sent me today in an email: "I am sure you feel small, like a pebble mixed with large boulders, but you are one strategically placed by the Lord. And once in motion will create a landslide." Many times I do feel small, and I'm constantly hoping the Lord can use me for whatever His purposes are. For the past 8 weeks, Elder Pitre and I have been working really hard to repair relationships with the Bishop, ward leaders, and with families & individuals- one at a time. We cleaned up the area book and created a system so people will not fall through the cracks. And we've been trying to work hard to find people. The past couple weeks, however, we have been needing to adjust our finding efforts to be more effective. This week, we are going to be doing a TON of tracting (knocking on doors). Its going to be awesome!! Because that is the most effective way for us in Brantford to find people to teach. Its been an interesting ride since becoming a trainer. I've had a ton of learning to do, but I think its been a great experience for Elder Pitre and for myself.
Well, I am grateful for all of you and for your goodness. One of the motivations for me to be a missionary was to try to inspire people to do good, and be good. If people will be good, then their community will be good. And so will there city, state, and country. We will never be living in a perfect world in this mortal state, but we can be good ourselves and practice for what is in store for us in the future.
Will you all PLEASE watch General Conference this weekend? "Come listen to a Prophet's voice, and hear the word of God." I love you all so very much! you are in my prayers... always.
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
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