August 13, 2012
Hello Family!
It has been a great week. And a busy week! Preach My Gospel suggests that we go through the Area Book often to keep it up to date, and to go through the former investigators once in a while because that is a great place to find people who may be ready to accept the gospel. Former investigators may have been dropped for many reasons- gone on vacation, got too busy, or maybe they weren't really interested. Elder Pitre and I contacted many, many people who seemed to be very interested but dropped because they got too busy, or contact was lost. Many of these people said they would meet again! So, that is exciting for us. A weird thing just happened yesterday, the Woodstock area closed for some reason. We're not sure what for, but hopefully it wasn't too crazy. We're guessing they just shifted some missionaries around to different areas. Woodstock is probably about 40 mins southwest from Brantford. So we got taken out of our district and were placed in the Stratford District, and we have been given some responsibility over the Woodstock area's investigators. We're not sure how much or how often we will have to go out there, but our District Leader said to be open on Wednesdays so that we could be available to help with investigators that are there that are close to baptism. That should be a neat experience for us too.
As far as the training goes, that is fun. Its just one of those things that you just go out and do, and learn how as you go. I hope Elder Pitre is enjoying it. I hope he has an awesome experience! President Scott half-joked last week that we should train them to be ready in 6 weeks instead of 12. I thought he was half-joking, but Elder Pitre said that was mentioned in their first-day meeting too. So maybe he wasn't! But that would be insane if some missionaries were ready after 6 weeks! It is definitely attainable. It'll be interesting to see what happens in 5 weeks.
Well, Brantford is an amazing place. The ward is great. There have been a couple of young (20 yrs old) ward missionaries called. And an old one too. So we're excited to create some energy among the young people. The Gospel is great. It teaches people to do good, and to be good. How can you go wrong? Its true. God lives, He is our Father. He loves us! And so does Jesus Christ. Through Him, all things are possible!
I love you all so much, and I hope you all have a great week! Its going to be a great week here in Brantford, we have a lot of teaching to do this week! Can't wait to tell you how it goes. This past week was all preparation and finding, clean up, and now its time to SHARE. (Spark Happiness And Rescue Everyone- something that we found in our apartment) Anyways- love you all, you are in my prayers.
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Brantford, Week 13 (wednesday Prep-day)
August 8, 2012
Hello Family!
So, I'm sorry I caused some worries for you guys. By the end of my first 12 weeks, I was absolutely beat. No energy to do anything. Not because we worked so hard or anything like that, but because I was so emotionally drained. Anyways... there was nothing seriously wrong with me. But my first 12 weeks were extremely painful. But I will spare you of details because it was nothing physically or emotionally damaging to me, it was just painful. And it doesn't matter anymore. It was just a very discouraging start. But I learned SO much from it. And that is the beauty of life and every experience we have. So... PLEASE don't worry. I am fine.
President Scott called me on Sunday night and asked me to be a trainer! So, my new companion is Elder Pitre (pronounced Pete) from New Brunswick. He is 19 and fresh out of the MTC. It is amazing to have this new beginning. See, I told you not to worry. Maybe I will never share any negative things again :) We had our Trainer's meeting yesterday morning (Tuesday), and I got to meet and pick up Elder Pitre. I also got to see my buddies from the MTC, Elder Forsyth (my mtc comp) was also there to train for the first time, and I got to see Elder Rodee and Elder Wright who are awesome guys. It was a great day yesterday to have the meeting and bear testimony and meet my new companion. As we were leaving the Brampton Stake Center, Elder Green (one of the assistants as of this past week- but was my zone leader last transfer) gave us a hug as we left and he said to me "Go clean up Brantford, and just kill it!!" In other words, "Go change things and do awesome!!" It made me so excited! It pumped me up like crazy! It also helped me feel that he too was aware of my situation. So was President Scott. That's why I felt so good after my interview a couple of weeks ago.
So, to wrap things up-- I absolutely know, without a doubt, that God is aware of us and loves us. Every experience IS for our good. I knew that all along my first 12 weeks, that's what kept me going. But it doesn't make things easy. Please remember that. When things get tough... God is absoultely aware and He loves us and He knows what experiences we need to build our character. I want to share my testimony about the Priesthood. Itis a duty we take upon ourselves as Priesthood holders, a covenant that we make to do good in the world. As much good as we can. However, we cannot speak for God or do what He would do if we are doing it for OUR glory, to look good to others, or if we are trying to control others. Having the priesthood doesn't mean I have any power or control over someone. The heavens withdraw from the priesthood holder who seeks to control others. The priesthood is a commision to love, to serve, and to lift. That is how God works, and that is how His church works. Men can fool themselves and others, but no one can fool God.
I love you all. Very much. Please, please don't worry. Look to God and live the truly abundant life. He is begging you to do it.
With God on our side, Elder Pitre and I are going to turn Brantford around. And I'm SO excited. We are ready to "kill it!" We are going to love, serve, and lift.
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
Hello Family!
So, I'm sorry I caused some worries for you guys. By the end of my first 12 weeks, I was absolutely beat. No energy to do anything. Not because we worked so hard or anything like that, but because I was so emotionally drained. Anyways... there was nothing seriously wrong with me. But my first 12 weeks were extremely painful. But I will spare you of details because it was nothing physically or emotionally damaging to me, it was just painful. And it doesn't matter anymore. It was just a very discouraging start. But I learned SO much from it. And that is the beauty of life and every experience we have. So... PLEASE don't worry. I am fine.
President Scott called me on Sunday night and asked me to be a trainer! So, my new companion is Elder Pitre (pronounced Pete) from New Brunswick. He is 19 and fresh out of the MTC. It is amazing to have this new beginning. See, I told you not to worry. Maybe I will never share any negative things again :) We had our Trainer's meeting yesterday morning (Tuesday), and I got to meet and pick up Elder Pitre. I also got to see my buddies from the MTC, Elder Forsyth (my mtc comp) was also there to train for the first time, and I got to see Elder Rodee and Elder Wright who are awesome guys. It was a great day yesterday to have the meeting and bear testimony and meet my new companion. As we were leaving the Brampton Stake Center, Elder Green (one of the assistants as of this past week- but was my zone leader last transfer) gave us a hug as we left and he said to me "Go clean up Brantford, and just kill it!!" In other words, "Go change things and do awesome!!" It made me so excited! It pumped me up like crazy! It also helped me feel that he too was aware of my situation. So was President Scott. That's why I felt so good after my interview a couple of weeks ago.
So, to wrap things up-- I absolutely know, without a doubt, that God is aware of us and loves us. Every experience IS for our good. I knew that all along my first 12 weeks, that's what kept me going. But it doesn't make things easy. Please remember that. When things get tough... God is absoultely aware and He loves us and He knows what experiences we need to build our character. I want to share my testimony about the Priesthood. Itis a duty we take upon ourselves as Priesthood holders, a covenant that we make to do good in the world. As much good as we can. However, we cannot speak for God or do what He would do if we are doing it for OUR glory, to look good to others, or if we are trying to control others. Having the priesthood doesn't mean I have any power or control over someone. The heavens withdraw from the priesthood holder who seeks to control others. The priesthood is a commision to love, to serve, and to lift. That is how God works, and that is how His church works. Men can fool themselves and others, but no one can fool God.
I love you all. Very much. Please, please don't worry. Look to God and live the truly abundant life. He is begging you to do it.
With God on our side, Elder Pitre and I are going to turn Brantford around. And I'm SO excited. We are ready to "kill it!" We are going to love, serve, and lift.
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
Love
July 30, 2012
Hello Family!
I am looking forward to next week VERY much. We had interviews with President Scott last Tuesday, the 24th. It went very well. President Scott is a great, inspired man. It was good to have a nice chat with him!
If there was one message I could share with everyone, and do it in a way that they could understand it perfectly, it would be the message of God's love for His children. Luckily, that IS the message missionaries are commissioned to share with the world. God loves all of His children, and He is merciful to those that believe in Him. ALL of us are His literal children. And whether we choose to believe it or not, every commandment is based on natural laws that have existed for eternity. Commandments are not a restrictive lists of do's and don'ts, but guideposts on how to be happy and remain safe from emotional turmoil. Deep down, all of us can feel that these things are true. One important thing to remember is that we must never lose faith and hope in ourselves, or in others. The healing life-giving light of Christ's atoning sacrifice can and will shine anywhere, if we will let it.
I don't have much else to say this week. Everything is OK... like I said, I am very excited for the near future. As of now, all of my energy is gone, but in about a week, I will be in a situation where all the positive energy that's been bottled up for one reason or another will be ready to explode. Thank you for your love, and your prayers. With the situations I've been dealing with, I hope you can understand that I've tried to prayerfully consider how to handle things. And I have tried to do my best. President seemed to think I handled things well the past two transfers, so I trust that I did. Anyways- I don't know where I'd be without the love of God, and the love of my family and friends.
Laus deo.
Elder Simper
Hello Family!
I am looking forward to next week VERY much. We had interviews with President Scott last Tuesday, the 24th. It went very well. President Scott is a great, inspired man. It was good to have a nice chat with him!
If there was one message I could share with everyone, and do it in a way that they could understand it perfectly, it would be the message of God's love for His children. Luckily, that IS the message missionaries are commissioned to share with the world. God loves all of His children, and He is merciful to those that believe in Him. ALL of us are His literal children. And whether we choose to believe it or not, every commandment is based on natural laws that have existed for eternity. Commandments are not a restrictive lists of do's and don'ts, but guideposts on how to be happy and remain safe from emotional turmoil. Deep down, all of us can feel that these things are true. One important thing to remember is that we must never lose faith and hope in ourselves, or in others. The healing life-giving light of Christ's atoning sacrifice can and will shine anywhere, if we will let it.
I don't have much else to say this week. Everything is OK... like I said, I am very excited for the near future. As of now, all of my energy is gone, but in about a week, I will be in a situation where all the positive energy that's been bottled up for one reason or another will be ready to explode. Thank you for your love, and your prayers. With the situations I've been dealing with, I hope you can understand that I've tried to prayerfully consider how to handle things. And I have tried to do my best. President seemed to think I handled things well the past two transfers, so I trust that I did. Anyways- I don't know where I'd be without the love of God, and the love of my family and friends.
Laus deo.
Elder Simper
Brantford, Week 10
July 23, 2012
Hello Family!
Sorry its a late email today. I'm pretty annoyed about it, but its a long and not very important story, so I'll just leave it at that :)
I've heard there is lots of dry weather in the U.S., and there is here for sure. Or I've heard of other extreme weather, like too much rain. People are really worried about all the crops not surviving here. Be prepared!
The past week had a couple of nicer cooler days out. It was a nice change. Just last night there were thunderstorms surrounding Brantford. So in the distance you could see lightning flashing. I counted about 20-30 flashes in one minute. I've never seen anything like that before! It was cool to see. I kind of wish it was closer!
The past week I've been trying to study more about Christlike attributes. There is a chapter specifically about them in Preach My Gospel. Attributes such as Faith, Hope, Charity & Love, Patience, Virtue, Knowledge, Diligence, and Obedience. I've been reading a talk about the Atonement also. These studies have got me thinking about God's power. And about the Priesthood. Doctrine & Covenants 121:41 says "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by LOVE unfeigned." Basically that means, that no man can say "Alright, I have the priesthood! I automatically have the power of God." No man can exercise Priesthood authority if he is a brute. I cannot be a true and effective representative of the Lord Jesus Christ unless I have a true feeling of LOVE and RESPECT for people.
I've been thinking about these things a lot. And its good, because it helps me see my flaws, past and present, and it helps me want to be better. It helps to remember that God IS a God of Love. His glory is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." What makes Him happy is when we're happy. When we choose to follow the natural laws of God, when we can be together forever with our families (eternal life). All of us will live forever, that is a gift from God. But to have eternal life with our families, that takes faith, repentance, and making and keeping covenants, and enduring to the end.
I love you all so much, and you are always in my prayers. I'd really appreciate if you could keep me in your prayers. I feel them when you do, I know you have. I will need that extra boost for the coming weeks.
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
Hello Family!
Sorry its a late email today. I'm pretty annoyed about it, but its a long and not very important story, so I'll just leave it at that :)
I've heard there is lots of dry weather in the U.S., and there is here for sure. Or I've heard of other extreme weather, like too much rain. People are really worried about all the crops not surviving here. Be prepared!
The past week had a couple of nicer cooler days out. It was a nice change. Just last night there were thunderstorms surrounding Brantford. So in the distance you could see lightning flashing. I counted about 20-30 flashes in one minute. I've never seen anything like that before! It was cool to see. I kind of wish it was closer!
The past week I've been trying to study more about Christlike attributes. There is a chapter specifically about them in Preach My Gospel. Attributes such as Faith, Hope, Charity & Love, Patience, Virtue, Knowledge, Diligence, and Obedience. I've been reading a talk about the Atonement also. These studies have got me thinking about God's power. And about the Priesthood. Doctrine & Covenants 121:41 says "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by LOVE unfeigned." Basically that means, that no man can say "Alright, I have the priesthood! I automatically have the power of God." No man can exercise Priesthood authority if he is a brute. I cannot be a true and effective representative of the Lord Jesus Christ unless I have a true feeling of LOVE and RESPECT for people.
I've been thinking about these things a lot. And its good, because it helps me see my flaws, past and present, and it helps me want to be better. It helps to remember that God IS a God of Love. His glory is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." What makes Him happy is when we're happy. When we choose to follow the natural laws of God, when we can be together forever with our families (eternal life). All of us will live forever, that is a gift from God. But to have eternal life with our families, that takes faith, repentance, and making and keeping covenants, and enduring to the end.
I love you all so much, and you are always in my prayers. I'd really appreciate if you could keep me in your prayers. I feel them when you do, I know you have. I will need that extra boost for the coming weeks.
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
Friday, July 20, 2012
Brantford, Week 9
July 16, 2012
Hello Family!
The people of Brantford are great. There is one element to the work here that I did not expect... the church is very young and "immature" here in Ontario. Wards are fairly small, there are many smaller branches (I believe), and in general the church is very immature. I guess young would not be the right word, and I don't mean immature in a negative way. But its a funny attitude you get here. Communities in Southern California have a lot of respect for the church, and here the church has not branched out and reached out as much, so there are not many relationships or ties with the city, at least here in Brantford. We are hoping to change that. We hope the ward will do some service for the city of Brantford soon. Whether its picking up litter along the roads, repairing and fixing up parks or other public facilities, or whatever else could be of benefit. Jesus Christ lived an entire life in the service of others. From the day-to-day "going about doing good," to His infinite and eternal sacrifice for each of us. Everything He did, was for others.
That's a lesson I would do good to learn from, I know that for sure! Its one we can all learn from. I know that when I do things for MY own benefit, it is never truly fulfilling. But when I do things with other people in mind, the joy I feel lasts much longer and is truly fulfilling.
Reema, who was baptized about one month ago, is doing really well. We had some people who doubted her sincerity, but if you just heard her prayers and were able to look her in the eyes, she is one of the most sincere people you'll ever meet. Her good friend, who brought her to church was Lydia. I talked about Lydia several weeks ago. Her favorite thing to say is "God is great, all the time!" And you can definitely see that attitude in Reema. She is so grateful for the goodness that God has shown her. She is so grateful to be a part of the big extended family of the Brantford Ward.
Well... again, I want to focus in more on personal emails.
You are all in my prayers. I love you all so much. Look to God, and live.
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
Hello Family!
The people of Brantford are great. There is one element to the work here that I did not expect... the church is very young and "immature" here in Ontario. Wards are fairly small, there are many smaller branches (I believe), and in general the church is very immature. I guess young would not be the right word, and I don't mean immature in a negative way. But its a funny attitude you get here. Communities in Southern California have a lot of respect for the church, and here the church has not branched out and reached out as much, so there are not many relationships or ties with the city, at least here in Brantford. We are hoping to change that. We hope the ward will do some service for the city of Brantford soon. Whether its picking up litter along the roads, repairing and fixing up parks or other public facilities, or whatever else could be of benefit. Jesus Christ lived an entire life in the service of others. From the day-to-day "going about doing good," to His infinite and eternal sacrifice for each of us. Everything He did, was for others.
That's a lesson I would do good to learn from, I know that for sure! Its one we can all learn from. I know that when I do things for MY own benefit, it is never truly fulfilling. But when I do things with other people in mind, the joy I feel lasts much longer and is truly fulfilling.
Reema, who was baptized about one month ago, is doing really well. We had some people who doubted her sincerity, but if you just heard her prayers and were able to look her in the eyes, she is one of the most sincere people you'll ever meet. Her good friend, who brought her to church was Lydia. I talked about Lydia several weeks ago. Her favorite thing to say is "God is great, all the time!" And you can definitely see that attitude in Reema. She is so grateful for the goodness that God has shown her. She is so grateful to be a part of the big extended family of the Brantford Ward.
Well... again, I want to focus in more on personal emails.
You are all in my prayers. I love you all so much. Look to God, and live.
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
Brantford, Week 8
July 9, 2012
Hey family!
I hope everyone had a good 4th of July and a good week! It has sure been hot up here. I didn't know how hot and humid it gets here. A few of the days were about 40 degrees C, which you double and add 30 and get approximately what it is in F. So thats about 110 degrees. But it just felt like 110 with the "humidex" which is like a wind chill, but the opposite... and with humidity, not wind... obviously. So yeah, for some reason I was expecting more mild summers. But that's not the case! I've never sweat more in my life. But that's okay. Its been a pretty good week. Most of our teaching appointments cancelled, so we spent most of our time trying to find new people to teach through street-contacting. But its been good for me. I'm pretty sure I've lost a few pounds just this week alone. I've been eating a lot of salads too, which, I know-- is not like me. But its been helpful. I was also glad to get out and talk to people more this week. We did not do as much finding in the weeks before, partly because we had lots of appointments, which is good... but it was still good to see that my talking-to-people skills were not as rusty as they, for some reason, felt.
I think I said I would try to take pictures this week. I failed... sorry! I will try again.
I've been thinking a lot this past week about unity, and happiness. And I think part of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" says it best: "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." These principles can be applied to individuals, marriages, entire families, single parents, any and all relationships. It takes work to achieve unity. Sometimes it feels like we will never be able to reach our goals, or it feels like we are stuck in situations that we cannot get out of. But living these principles will always make you free. But you have to want it, you have to work for it. All things of value require that you work for it.
I want to spend a little more time with personal emails this week... so I'm ending this shorter than usual.
I love you all. You're all in my prayers.
Love,
Elder Simper
Hey family!
I hope everyone had a good 4th of July and a good week! It has sure been hot up here. I didn't know how hot and humid it gets here. A few of the days were about 40 degrees C, which you double and add 30 and get approximately what it is in F. So thats about 110 degrees. But it just felt like 110 with the "humidex" which is like a wind chill, but the opposite... and with humidity, not wind... obviously. So yeah, for some reason I was expecting more mild summers. But that's not the case! I've never sweat more in my life. But that's okay. Its been a pretty good week. Most of our teaching appointments cancelled, so we spent most of our time trying to find new people to teach through street-contacting. But its been good for me. I'm pretty sure I've lost a few pounds just this week alone. I've been eating a lot of salads too, which, I know-- is not like me. But its been helpful. I was also glad to get out and talk to people more this week. We did not do as much finding in the weeks before, partly because we had lots of appointments, which is good... but it was still good to see that my talking-to-people skills were not as rusty as they, for some reason, felt.
I think I said I would try to take pictures this week. I failed... sorry! I will try again.
I've been thinking a lot this past week about unity, and happiness. And I think part of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" says it best: "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." These principles can be applied to individuals, marriages, entire families, single parents, any and all relationships. It takes work to achieve unity. Sometimes it feels like we will never be able to reach our goals, or it feels like we are stuck in situations that we cannot get out of. But living these principles will always make you free. But you have to want it, you have to work for it. All things of value require that you work for it.
I want to spend a little more time with personal emails this week... so I'm ending this shorter than usual.
I love you all. You're all in my prayers.
Love,
Elder Simper
Brantford- Week 7
July 2, 2012
Dear Family,
I need to apologize for last week's email. It wasn't consuming me, but
it at least bothered and nagged at me all week! It was not a very good
day last Monday, but its no excuse for me to be so negative. No one
wants or needs to read things that are as bitter as it was. I am weak,
but I'm glad the Spirit was nagging at me and reminding me of my
weakness, and I hope you can forgive me for my weaknesses.
Transfers are the time periods we go by on a mission, and they are
periods of 6 weeks. I say that because I had no idea how transfers
worked before I got out here. Anyways- I am one week into my second
transfer. I am more than half way through my training. The church has
a new program where new missionaries are to be trained and ready to be
a trainer by the end of their first 12 weeks. My first 7 weeks have
been full of experiences. Many positive and happy ones, as well as
some negative and bitter ones. As I have thought a lot about these
experiences over the past couple of weeks, I have realized that I'm
learning so much. I'm learning about how choices we make affect the
people around us. I've learned what to do, and what not to do. I think
one of the most important things I've learned regarding these things
is the idea that experiences we have, are 10% what happens to us, and
90% is how we react to things. And much of our experience depends on
our ATTITUDE. For example... last week, I made the choice to be
offended, to be bitter, to be hurt by someone. I didn't hate them, I
didn't have any feelings of malice towards them, but I was angry and I
wanted to prove them wrong. (I didn't in person, but I did in my mind
and in my email). But I should've reacted in a completely different
way. I should've just let it go. Sure, the things could've still
bothered me at the time, but after it passed I should have just let it
go. Learn from it, and move forward!
As I've been reflecting on the past couple of weeks as I've typed this
email, I've thought about the name I wear on my name tag. I am
supposed to represent the Lord Jesus Christ. And I must live in a way
and act in a way, and have the appropriate attitude, so that I can be
recognized as such. And another huge lesson I'm learning is that every
thing we do as missionaries must be done to glorify God, not self. I'm
learning that's a complicated thing to do. Its not like I go about
every day seeking to glorify myself, but at the same time- with an
email like last week's it was very much about me, myself, and I.
Nevertheless, I need to remember, as we all do, to be patient. To be
patient with our experiences, with other people, and with ourselves.
Each day is a new day, a day to decide to be better than yesterday. We
all are trying to have a good day every day. And much of that depends
on our attitude.
-----
Brantford is a beautiful place. The eastern part of the continent is
so old, and rich with history. Most of the buildings and houses here
are over a hundred years old. All old brick homes. Our house is not
though... its probably old, but its not brick. It is so green, and so
pretty in the country areas. I will have to take some pictures of some
of the places we have traveled. The scenery is nothing like the south
western U.S.--- On the Indian Reserve and country areas between
cities, there is a ton of green rolling hills. Big corn fields. And
some cities look like old Europe. It's really neat. I figured I should
say some things like this, since I haven't done much explaining of
those little things that make me smile. There are tons of squirrels
here too. Even different colors! Not just the reddish-brown we are
used to, but there are gray and black squirrels. They climb on all the
trees, and power lines, and all that stuff I've never really seen them
do before. Except the tree part, I've seen them do that. But most the
time it seems like they are on the ground all the time in California.
I will take some pictures today, and maybe send them next week.
I love being on my mission, and I am so grateful everyday to be here
in Brantford. I'm grateful for Jesus Christ, and His prophet Joseph
Smith, who taught that "The worth of every soul is great in the eyes
of God." And when asked, "How do we 'endure it well?" He said, "We
trust in God... and go on." I know these principles are true. God
knows each of us personally and loves us. Each experience we have is
for our good.
I love you all so much. I hope you have a good week!
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
Dear Family,
I need to apologize for last week's email. It wasn't consuming me, but
it at least bothered and nagged at me all week! It was not a very good
day last Monday, but its no excuse for me to be so negative. No one
wants or needs to read things that are as bitter as it was. I am weak,
but I'm glad the Spirit was nagging at me and reminding me of my
weakness, and I hope you can forgive me for my weaknesses.
Transfers are the time periods we go by on a mission, and they are
periods of 6 weeks. I say that because I had no idea how transfers
worked before I got out here. Anyways- I am one week into my second
transfer. I am more than half way through my training. The church has
a new program where new missionaries are to be trained and ready to be
a trainer by the end of their first 12 weeks. My first 7 weeks have
been full of experiences. Many positive and happy ones, as well as
some negative and bitter ones. As I have thought a lot about these
experiences over the past couple of weeks, I have realized that I'm
learning so much. I'm learning about how choices we make affect the
people around us. I've learned what to do, and what not to do. I think
one of the most important things I've learned regarding these things
is the idea that experiences we have, are 10% what happens to us, and
90% is how we react to things. And much of our experience depends on
our ATTITUDE. For example... last week, I made the choice to be
offended, to be bitter, to be hurt by someone. I didn't hate them, I
didn't have any feelings of malice towards them, but I was angry and I
wanted to prove them wrong. (I didn't in person, but I did in my mind
and in my email). But I should've reacted in a completely different
way. I should've just let it go. Sure, the things could've still
bothered me at the time, but after it passed I should have just let it
go. Learn from it, and move forward!
As I've been reflecting on the past couple of weeks as I've typed this
email, I've thought about the name I wear on my name tag. I am
supposed to represent the Lord Jesus Christ. And I must live in a way
and act in a way, and have the appropriate attitude, so that I can be
recognized as such. And another huge lesson I'm learning is that every
thing we do as missionaries must be done to glorify God, not self. I'm
learning that's a complicated thing to do. Its not like I go about
every day seeking to glorify myself, but at the same time- with an
email like last week's it was very much about me, myself, and I.
Nevertheless, I need to remember, as we all do, to be patient. To be
patient with our experiences, with other people, and with ourselves.
Each day is a new day, a day to decide to be better than yesterday. We
all are trying to have a good day every day. And much of that depends
on our attitude.
-----
Brantford is a beautiful place. The eastern part of the continent is
so old, and rich with history. Most of the buildings and houses here
are over a hundred years old. All old brick homes. Our house is not
though... its probably old, but its not brick. It is so green, and so
pretty in the country areas. I will have to take some pictures of some
of the places we have traveled. The scenery is nothing like the south
western U.S.--- On the Indian Reserve and country areas between
cities, there is a ton of green rolling hills. Big corn fields. And
some cities look like old Europe. It's really neat. I figured I should
say some things like this, since I haven't done much explaining of
those little things that make me smile. There are tons of squirrels
here too. Even different colors! Not just the reddish-brown we are
used to, but there are gray and black squirrels. They climb on all the
trees, and power lines, and all that stuff I've never really seen them
do before. Except the tree part, I've seen them do that. But most the
time it seems like they are on the ground all the time in California.
I will take some pictures today, and maybe send them next week.
I love being on my mission, and I am so grateful everyday to be here
in Brantford. I'm grateful for Jesus Christ, and His prophet Joseph
Smith, who taught that "The worth of every soul is great in the eyes
of God." And when asked, "How do we 'endure it well?" He said, "We
trust in God... and go on." I know these principles are true. God
knows each of us personally and loves us. Each experience we have is
for our good.
I love you all so much. I hope you have a good week!
Love,
Elder Brett Simper
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