The One With Christmas in Indiana

Elder Brendan never committed to a time when he was Skyping us on Christmas.

This left me spending a good part of Christmas morning refreshing my inbox to see if he would pop on and let us know that he was ready to call in.
The time finally arrived for Elder Jayden to call in, so Sam set up the laptop, and suddenly Brendan was on!

Our two boys had arranged together to call at the same time.

Sure enough, Jayden was on about five minutes later.
This whole Christmas season was a blur for me. I feel like I never got time to sit down and enjoy it, let alone plan for this missionary call.
Brendan stuck to his mission rules and cut the call off after 30 minutes.
We were split between talking to him or Jayden, and switched back and forth, and it was all very sudden and chaotic.
I loved having them both on, but I also felt like I wanted one-on-one, personal time with each of them, and the whole experience left me feeling quite hollow.

In full disclosure, later that night, when the kids ditched me for their electronics, and Sam went to work his graveyard shift- I drew a nice hot bath and had a good cry.
I wasn't prepared for my reaction to seeing Elder Brendan again. It ripped a barely healed wound right open again- and dang, I just really miss him.

When he had been on for about five minutes, he started to pick and tug at his neckline. And finally in a burst of frustration his ripped his tie off. Then he unbuttoned his top two buttons, and sunk into the chair looking visibly more relaxed.
On the other side of the screen, when all this went down, Jayden was quietly uncomfortable and maybe a little mortified at this behavior.
"He's not even wearing his badge" Elder Jayden pointed out, and Elder Brendan said "Oh crap! That's still on my coat in the car."
I have to laugh a little over the personality differences here, and the changes that these missionaries make. One out in the field only six months, and one with barely two left.
Two years makes a big difference in so many ways.

When the tie came off.

Christmas Day with the Hess family

Elder Brendan has been spending time doing service for the actual Parks and Rec. Dept. in Indiana Brendan was a huge fan of Parks and Rec. the T.V. series, so this whole hook-up is what dreams are made of. At the close of our conversation he said "hey just by the way, me and Elder Taka might buy a pig and roast it haha the park people said we could use the park."
Internets, I have so many questions.
Stayed tuned.

The One Where Elder Brendan Makes the News

I think when you begin to be converted to the gospel there comes a point where you don't care anymore about letting your religious freak flag fly.
It is this point where you dare to be bold and let go of pride, and it is this point where missionary work happens.
I am seeing this change in Elder Brendan.
You might have noticed with my social media posts- this boy is SINGING.
If you remotely knew him before the mission, you would know that this it NOT something he does. It is not something our family does. None of us can carry a tune in the most well-crafted of buckets. I get that some people are born with certain talents, and this is not one of ours.
Elder Wadley has the same voice he has always had, but something in him now makes him want to use it, despite the lack of um, shall we say, natural talent.
Good for him!
I asked him what in the crap has happened, because HE IS SINGING and he said "mom, I have always sung, you just never listened."
I know he was joking, but it hit me a little.
I am not sure I have always listened.
I don't know that I have always seen the potential in my kids that the Lord does.
Another reason I think LDS missions are the best.
It opens them up to growth that the Lord wants for them- things that even parents can't see.
Here are his words from last week, and this week.

12/12

​hey mom this week has been really awesome we had a mission tour with elder Dyches of the seventy he is a really awesome guy and his wife is awesome as well it was a really neat experience basically all it was, was a zone conference but instead of the AP's and President giving the training's it was him, it was really cool i learned a lot from it the only issue was Elder Taka and I had to wake up at 4:30 am to get there that was pretty suck also I'm going to send you and father a package so be prepped for that. Elder Taka was sick on Thursday so we didn't get to go out which sucked because it snowed that day:( (sad that i didn't get to be in it not because of the snow itself) also the members of the greencastle branch are super awesome they are really kind to us as well as this week Elder Taka got a call from one of the Brazil elders investigators his name is Eric and he'll be baptizing him this Saturday so back to Terre Haute for the day anyways love you

12/19

hey mom this week has been pretty dope we have had a good time on Monday we went fishing but the pond was frozen over so we couldn't really fish ha ha then Tuesday hit and let Me tell you it was awesome it started snowing like mad it was sick so me and Elder Taka built a snowman and guess what it got in the newspaper which i now realize you have already seen so what the point of telling you because it seems you have already figured out it kinda makes me hesitant to tell you anything cause you already know soooo ill move on Thursday we did some splits I'm sure you already knew that though ;) Friday we had district meeting it was fun we after wards went on exchanges i was with an elder Peterson he is a super cool kid and we went and helped at the park then had our branch party then on Saturday we went to Terra Haute for a baptism it was super fun! it was a kid named Eric hes super nice and not much else happened there  also i told you not to show any one else that singing video so thanks for that as well as sing all the time i dont know why its such a big surprise

Here are the photos that made the newspaper! He and Elder Taka built an 8 foot snowman with the first snow fall of the season. It was in the yard of their apartment complex.

Elder Wadley's flappy arms

Screenshot of the newspaper article

This week he sent me this photo of Elder Taka with a towel that was frozen solid.

Every day I look at Google weather.
Usually Brendan is colder than me by a few degrees (Lehi 17, Indianapolis 12), and Elder Jayden, in Colombia is always at a balmy 80. :/
I asked him what things he is doing for service there, since he is far away from Klisse's farm now.

we volunteer at the park and I talked to the people about "parks and rec" so they told me that the producer came to Indiana's park meeting for a year then made the show and one guy said one of the episodes is something he did

Elder Brendan was a huge Parks and Rec (the TV series) fan.
Further confirmation that the Lord sent Brendan to his people.

We ended our conversation abruptly, and I realized that he never committed to a time when he will be Skyping us next week for Christmas.
So, I guess that will be a surprise.
Typical of him. :)

The One With an Astonishing Duet

It took me a while to figure out how to post videos, so excuse my late blog entry. I am old and technology is hard for me now.
This is a 3 minute clip. Stick around for the last minute. It is worth your time.
Elder Brendan sends me these occasional videos without any explanation. Let's be honest, I am really not sure how in the crap Elder Taka got Brendan to sing in the first place.
Changes are happening, people.
May I present Elder Taka and Elder Wadley and what I assume are tired player piano batteries.

The One With PIGSLAUGHTER

I love my son.
I really do, but this week he was frustrating.

well this week has been pretty stupid Monday we didn't have any miles so we stayed in green castle and didn't really do much on Tuesday we went on splits which were pretty fun i went with a guy in the branch bro crafton hes super sick on Wednesday we had district meeting as well as Elder Cruz went home he finished his mission dont worry his family came an picked him up for christmas Thursday we had another split so that was fun i went with bro Dickerson hes really cool as well Friday i cant remember what we did haha and on Saturday we helped skin pigs and then we chopped alot of fire wood also i could use some more AAA AA batteries and they dont make spitz in Indiana so christmas?

In case you didn't know, "super sick" means cool, not physically ill.

"Spitz" are flavored sunflower seeds. My boys are obsessed with them and I frequently mail them to Indiana and Colombia with the PROMISE that they don't walk around spitting shells out on the ground as they go. They have to keep it classy. Do I believe they keep this promise? I dunno.

You may have also noticed another phrase that needs further clarification "we helped skin pigs."
I asked about that one, and here is how that went.

Tell me more about skinning the pigs? What is that for? Was it gross? What did they do with them?

you skin the pigs so you can eat the pigs

Well I know that you idiot! Why so many? Were they just batch processing a bunch of them? Was it hard?

no it wasnt hard cause you need meat throughout the year

You're the worst.

thank you

He didn't elaborate further and I miss Klisse.
This kid does keep me in photos though, I'll give him that.

Skinning pigs with Elder Taka. So gross.

The new haircut looks "sick"

 I am quite skeptical that he cut all that firewood.

The One Where Elder Taka is My Hero

This week I didn't milk a lot of info out of Elder Wadley because I was so taken back by his decision to finally cut his dang hair! Baby steps with this one.
Here is his e-mail, spoiler alert: it doesn't say anything.

This week has been pretty good yes i am still in a trio and i probably will be for awhile so yeah let see i guess i could tell you about my new area so my companions names are Elder Taka, and Elder Cruz, they are both super sick Elder Cruz goes home this transfer and Taka has been out the same amount of time as Eschler was. Greencastle is pretty cool so far im still getting adjusted to it but it should be easy the members here are super sick umm i dont know what else to say like always so...

And then the photos rolled in!
And along with the photos, a video clip of his companion who committed Elder Wadley to cutting his gross hair. (The video clip is on my Facebook and Instagram account!)
I am going to say this, and please know that I mean no offense to anyone- but occasionally when he was home Brendan would let his hair grow out sort-of shaggy, and in hopes of getting him to cut it, I used any tactic I could think of.
To be fair, when his hair grows out, it lays nice, it's thick, it feathers, and curls under.
Anyway, one day I told him that his longish bobbed hair made him look like "a really nice lesbian."
He cut it soon after.
So here he is looking like "a really nice lesbian" on his mission, and Elder Taka fixed that for me.
You can bet a package of gratitude is winging its way to Greencastle.

 Here is the after, (cropped out of his Thanksgiving dinner photo.)

Here is his Thanksgiving:

Bless this family who invited these Elders into their home to share this holiday! I didn't even ask Brendan the details of the day. Like I said, the hair was the main shocking event this week.
It looks nice, right?
Kinda like a missionary.

The One Where My Heart Melts

Elder Brendan is being transferred to a new area (Greencastle) early tomorrow morning where he will be paired up with a new companion as well. He has a lot of good-byes to give today, and his online time was short.
He had some more adventures on the farm.
He had a few appointments.
He and I had our usual good-natured banter this p-day.
But I am skipping over all of this.
Something this sweet from your 18 year old boy needs to stand alone- like a limited edition Lambo, or the Crown Jewels.

 So hey Mom you know i love you right? Im so grateful for all you do for me and i know i dont say it a lot but you're the best!!! :)

This boy of mine has been gone for five months now.

I miss him so bad sometimes my chest aches.
Despite his outward goofiness I can see him changing. I can see him doing the things that allow him the constant companionship of the spirit. This is the miracle of the missionary program. The change it brings in these young kids- totally worth missing them. The most important person they will ever convert is themselves.
When you desire to serve the Lord, it brings  a whole lot of  opportunities and blessings.
When you recognize the blessings, you cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
When you choose to be grateful, you see more blessings, and even in the midst of trials- you can see the Lord's hand in your life.
This peace and hope can get you through anything.

The One With CHICKENSLAUGHTER

Brendan's blog posts are truly a labor of love.
After I wrote him a lengthy, entertaining, possibly award-winning and heartfelt e-mail summarizing our week at home, this is what I got in response.

um this week has been pretty good out here im getting transferred i dont know where too but i know im leaving yeah i slit some chickens throats it was a good time haha i dont really know what to say haha so this will do i guess

Sigh.
So thus begins my efforts to pry literally anything else out of him.
Here is how that usually goes down.
I ask him a question, and he ignores it for three or four times of me asking and then he finally gives me a sentence or two about whatever it is that I asked.
So let's revisit his "e-mail" and highlight a possible subject of interest- you know, that HE COULD HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT IN THE FIRST PLACE. Keep in mind, each line is a separate e-mail. By the time his p-day is done, we have a chain of about 47 back and forth e-mails.

um this week has been pretty good out here im getting transferred i dont know where too but i know im leaving yeah i slit some chickens throats it was a good time haha i dont really know what to say haha so this will do i guess

Tell me more about your CHICKENSLAUGHTER Also did you take pics? Did you take one of you and your guitar?

nah

okay maybe in a second

What are your plans today?

play games i dont really know

Tell me about the dang chickens! I want a descriptive paragraph about the whole process.

we got a knife stung them up by there feet slit their throats and cut the heads off with scissors then skinned them

Aaaaand then he was gone.
I got a better e-mail from Klisse. She described what happened at the farm this week and she sends photos too!

I guess we can clearly see who my favorite Hoosier is this week.
From Klisse:

the next order of business was smiting chickens, 3 to be exact, as the others were too small to bother with. Inquiries to Eschler and Wadley showed that they could come out that morning and do it, so I would have time to cook them down for dinner on Saturday. They were able to “git-r-dun”, even though I discovered that while Wadley had gone hunting before, he had never dressed anything out (shame, shame!!) and Eschler hadn’t done any of that. Wadley was great with the smiting and Eschler was a little more cautious, but still did it.

I was niggling a little bit at Wadley when he came to smite chickens about his hair. After being questioned about requirements of hair, and even asked if "he would feel better if he was just obedient", he said the hair band kept the hair off his ears and there wasn't anything in the book about how long it was in back.

I made the guys some fresh bread when they came out for smiting, and your son allowed that "you were a keeper", as far as moms go. He seemed more at ease and seems about 100% certain he will be leaving and Eschler staying. So whatever happens, happens, but I always miss them all.

Isn't she great! She is the only reason I know anything that is going on in Indiana!
This week brought us another surprise.
We got a package in the mail from Indiana.

At first I thought that a package I had mailed Brendan was returned to us. It was the same computer printed labels that I use. Then I realized Brendan had cut them off of one of the packages he got from us, and just slapped them on a new box.
I collaged this box and the contents in the above for his mission book, you might want to click on it to see it larger. He sent us all a bunch of treasures. Most of it was items he had found on his p-day adventures. All of the items in the package had our names labeled on them with athletic tape, and the box was padded with Walmart bags and strips of what looked like torn sheets?
I am afraid to ask.
The package contained a letter, explaining who was supposed to get what and that this package was supposed to be our Christmas presents!
For me?
I got his daily planner from the first four months of his mission.
I had a good time going through it, and seeing what he did every day and what some of his goals were. I can say, that it appears that he is actually doing some missionary work!
His planner also had his mission cell phone number, that idiot.
I have been tempted to randomly text dirty pictures.

Screen shots from the video clip he sent us of him playing the guitar.

Terre Haute, Indiana

The One That Could Be Graphic To Sensitive Readers

Rather than do a whole lot of explaining about Elder Brendan's adventures this week, I am just going to copy and paste from the weekly e-mail that I get from Sister Klisse Foster. She is a very descriptive and colorful writer- she almost makes you want your own farm. Almost.

She has award winning show goats- the whole process is fascinating to me. It is the season for sperm collection. (I don't know why it makes me blush to type that.) They collect, process and freeze the sperm. From what I understand people line up to buy it from them to cross breed with their goats.

I swear, life is funny- I never knew any of this, and now I know probably more than I want to. Ha! Here are portions from Sister Foster's group e-mail:

Saturday was a beautiful day for collecting, not cold or hot or rainy. I offered the remaining 4 people to help with the strawing, which involves putting a couple of the empty straws down into the extended semen and using your mouth to suck the semen up into them, kind of like sucking a roach of marijuana or small cigarette (as seen on tv, of course!!!!) till you hear the semen pop against the cotton plugs in the end. NOTE: there is NO way of getting this in your mouth- it just sounds and looks very, very bad!!! Then you take the straws and put them on a bubbler comb to put an airspace so it doesn’t explode when frozen, dip the open end in sealant, then into the goblet, on the cane, and wrapped up in the fridge, to cool for the night. I have offered to let missionaries suck before, which they have always declined. This year, though, when I asked, Sister Peterson volunteered right away, thus gender shaming the elders! You go, Sister P!
She did a couple of straws, while the elders watched avidly.  They finally gave in when they saw that Sister Peterson didn’t drop over dead (or worse!).  They ended up each trying some- Eschler, Wadley and Wallace. I got pics of each one, too!

From a personal e-mail that Sister Foster sent to me:

Here are a few more pics from Saturday. I decided not to post the "sucking" ones to FB- just sent a few out with the email and holding the others for slow weeks/cookbook pics/potential blackmail.
   I asked him several times if I could cut his hair, and even told him that you wanted me to, and he politely declined with that phrase he said you taught him, saying you were going to love your words coming back to haunt you.;-)  I told him that I was a professional groomer- 200+ goats a year, plus my family- and would have no problem doing his hair while we were waiting for the centrifuge to finish. The sisters said he is trying to see how long he can get away with his hair.
    He liked my chicken sign, ("Don't Trust Chickens They Can Be Real Peckers") and when Sister F left the barn to search out Scooter (a baby goat), guess where I saw him?!? Over Wadley's shoulder while everyone was watching the fire get going.:-) I didn't have my phone out there- too afraid I will lose it when feeding hay or the goats will slam into me when milking and shatter the glass- but told him he should take a pic of them together.
   I don't think he would have done the strawing if everyone else there hadn't done it, too. He was the last one to go of the four in there. Sister Peterson said the elders have been giving them flack for being girls, so when she had the chance to show them up, she jumped on it. She didn't even hesitate when I asked. Wadley just kept repeating over and over, "This feels so wrong," and Eschler was doing nothing, so my friend Evy had him gather up all the straw ends that I was cutting off. He would pick some up, throw them away, and wash his hands (the semen made them a little wet!! Hahaha!), just to do another batch, so he was a little freaked out by it as well.
   I need to see when they want to smite chickens- since Bruce is out of town again, they will have to come with the car and use some of their miles. The rest of the little roosters (too little to be worth the trouble of butchering- google "Japanese bantams" and see- they are very pretty, too- the ones getting butchered are a full sized Buff Orpington guy and two Cochin bantams) will be going to the sale barn on Saturday morning. Will get pics of that, too.
    Anyhow, have a great week

Klisse

I just love her! Elder Brendan has been in Terre Haute now for about 4.5 months, which is a long time for a missionary to be in one area. Transfers are coming up on the 22nd. I know he would like some change, and it would be good for him- but I also know he is going to miss this farm, and this sweet second mama to him.
Klisse has been such a blessing to him, and to me.

As far as e-mails from Elder Brendan- this one was short:

hey mom this week has been really interesting we went on a 2 and a half day exchange i was with elder Wallace hes a cool guy it went really well we taught a lot of people and had a good time other then that its been a typical week oh also i accidentally deleted all of elder darringtons pictures :/ anyways love you and stuff

Elder Wadley, Sister Peterson sucking straws.

You sent a photo of a goat. Is that before it gets um, injected?

nope thats the bait goat male goats come up to it and when they go in for the business brother foster puts their little goat erections into an artificial vagina and yeah 

(Nervous laugh)
Farm life, huh? 

Elder Darrington, Elder Wadley climbing some trees at the Foster's Farm

While mama is at home praying for him to be "watched over and protected"

[November]  Terre Haute, Indiana

The One With Advil

We've been praying extra for Elder Brendan this week.
I didn't exactly know *what* to pray for.
I have faith that the Lord is giving him what he needs, so I just prayed, and left it up to Him.
I think prayer is a lot like taking Advil when you hurt.
I don't understand medical science enough to explain how you can take a pill, and somehow that pill knows exactly where it needs to go to ease the pain.
Prayer works in the exact same way.
The Lord didn't take away the problem that Elder Wadley is having, but I think our prayers were answered in a different way.
He seems more upbeat, strengthened to endure, and his sense of humor is alive and well.

Elder Reese, Elder Wadley

Here is our e-mail conversation from this week:

Well this week has neither been better nor worse but this weeks was really interesting  the Brazil elders had a girl get baptized this week and during the baptism her boyfriend of three weeks proposed it was really awkward also i got the guitar

Yasssss!! How does it look? I want a photo of you with it. :) Hey- I did some poking around on Pinterest for Terre Haute. I would like you to take some pics of your apartment inside and outside. The building you are living in has a really cool history and I think you will want to show your kids one day.

So after this little request, there was radio silence for about 30 minutes, and then he sent me the photos I requested! Haha! I think he went right then and took them. (I think this boy is learning obedience.)
He is currently living in what used to be a hotel in Terre Haute, and quite a prominent hot spot in the 1920's.
Fun Fact: We had a hard time getting Elder Wadley's guitar delivered and had to speak to a UPS employee in Terre Haute at one point. How do you pronounce Terre Haute when you read this blog? (I say Terry Hawt in my head.) Well, this UPS guy said "Tara Hoot."
I am going to need clarification from someone who knows.
I guess it is like some of the weird towns in Utah. Tooele anyone? (too-ill-ah)

 
The Deming was renovated and converted into apartments in the early 80's. It was updated again in 2014. Here are the Elder Wadley pics:

Stained concrete floors, and a studio floor plan, galley kitchen, with a separate bedroom area.

(It looked kinda clean in these impromptu pictures too, so bonus!)
Back to our conversation:

Well. I want you to know that you have a lot of support. I was really overwhelmed by the people who are praying for you and concerned about your happiness.

I got a package this week from the Lemmon's it was super nice of them, can you please tell them thanks

I just wanted to throw out some very weepy, heartfelt gratitude for the prayers and letters from all of you who support Elder Brendan.
The Lemmons have a daughter, Kariane, serving in Brendan's exact mission. They haven't served in the same area yet, but my heart is very tender that they would think of my boy, when their own daughter is serving there too.
Speaking of Advil. I kinda cry a lot now.
We sure have been blessed with good people in our lives.

Autumn in Terre Haute, Indiana

The One with the Refiner's Fire

Sending an 18 year old out into the world is very hard on a mom, for any reason. Sending a boy out to serve the Lord makes it a little easier in some ways (having the faith that they are taken care of), but in other ways (no phone calls, weekly e-mails only) makes it hard.
I am not going to sugar-coat it, Elder Brendan is struggling a little.
He doesn't open up much, so it was pretty significant this week when he admitted to me that he was not super happy, and missed us a lot. There is only so much that a mom can do via e-mail, and from a few thousand miles away.
I am not worried about him- I know he is determined, and just stubborn enough to push through this rough patch- but it still hurts my hearts to know that he is unhappy at the moment.

Every missionary hits what is referred to as "the refiner's fire."

1Peter1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

The training period, newness and excitement wears off and they are left with the reality that "this is my life now, for the next two years." He is right on schedule. It hits around the 4-5 month typically.
He could probably use some extra support and prayers, if you feel so inclined. (His pride is going to be angry at me for posting this!)

I think we all go through this "refiner's fire" at different stages in our lives.
I remember when I was knee-deep in diapers, Cheerios, and carpet stains with four littles, and periodically my mom would remind me that "these are the best years of your life!" and it made me a little want to kill myself, because IT HAD TO GET BETTER THAN THIS.
I know what she meant, the memories I get to keep now that I have passed that stage really are the best- but that particular "refiner's fire" was one of endurance.

I went through another "refiner's fire" a couple of years ago, when I went from a busy mom who was stretched a million ways with kids who needed me for everything, to a mom who was no longer needed at all. Suddenly I had free time to spare, and a quiet house. This "refiner's fire" was one of loneliness.

Each stage in our lives shapes us, and tries us. Each change that comes from moving to the next chapter is hard. Change requires us to assess ourselves and determine if we are going to adapt and grow, or resist and wither.

I don't have a lot of e-mail to post from Elder Brendan this week, since a good part of it was private. Brendan, if you read this- I am proud of you, and I think you've got this.
I mailed your guitar. Write a terrible country song about your situation, and get to work!
Here is his e-mail:

hey i dont really know what to talk about this week kinda sucked we had interviews with president which was good but this week kinda sucked also i got the Halloween package so that was cool i didnt take any pics this week sorry

I got a photo from his interview with the mission president and noticed that his hair looks suspiciously like it is fairly long and maybe even tucked behind his ears a little.

What are your plans today? Haircut? Lol

no haircut passed interviews so it'll be Christmas when i maybe cut it haha

You idiot. Lol

Remember when Jayden had long hair and Bishop Smith said "when he cuts his hair, you will know that he is ready for a mission, it is a sign of obedience and compliance." I want you to think about that for a minute

lol okay hey the fudge you mailed me was delicious by the way hey but i think im done emailing today so i love you and miss you 

I love you too. Good luck this week, I will pray for you.

Elder Wadley with the backpack. Terre Haute zone.

The One With Mike Pence and the Secret Service

This week I broke it to Elder Brendan that I sold the family pet turtles on a yard-sale site.
Listen, they started to get pretty stinky. I am not sure what the life expectancy is on domesticated red-eared sliders, but given my commitment to pets, they had outlived their welcome, so really it was their fault.
So here was my e-mail from Elder Brendan:

well im super upset because you sold the turtles

That was it.
I caught him online and got a little more out of him.

well this week was actually really cool we had an exchange i went with Elder Darrington to Brazil and we went on an adventure i found a dope sewing kit also the Griffin Bike Park opened this week its a member in our wards and vice president candidate Mike Pence was there also i shook hands with a member of the secret service so that was pretty cool oh and also i went to a Pentecostal church it was very interesting

I really like Mike Pence! That sounds pretty awesome! Did you take pictures? I hope he is our Vice President. He has some good values. What is the bike park? Like a skate park for bikes?

i dont know how to explain it but its like a ton of biking trails and stuff

Griffin Bike Park, Vigo County, Indiana

Looks like some fall color is coming to Indiana.

Governor Mike Pence at the Griffin Bike Park Opening. (Google borrowed image)

Elder Brendan takes some surprisingly scenic photos.

Another good one. But where is his face? Mama wants to see your dumb face.

I'm sending you a package tomorrow. Any requests?

That guitar?? and like some AAA, AA batteries

I sent him a photo of the package I was mailing.

that doesnt look like a guitar lol jk

The One With Dreadlocks and a Laundry Issue

Another week, another cryptic e-mail from Indiana.

so i didn't get transferred I am still here in Terre Haute so nothing has changed this week went really well we went on like a twoish day exchange with elder Darrington and elder Wallace it was really fun me and elder Darrington went and we probably walked around 10 miles that day it was a good time we also talked to this crazy black dude named Larry who tells us that god is a woman and Jesus and Moses were black his whole argument with Moses being black is somewhere it says that he cut off two of his locks and what are locks you may ask?? well they're dread locks no ifs, ands or buts about it that's the only thing that makes sense to him and he was to prideful to admit any different.

I think found the scripture that I think this convo is loosely referencing:
Numbers 6:5
 All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

That was all I could find. 
Elder Brendan sent me some super covert (fingers over the lens) video files of this Larry, and I have to say, he really might be short a can or two.
 I also got this:

i may or may not have turned my clothes a little bit blue 

How did that happen? Your white stuff? Have you tried soaking them in oxy clean?

no i havent tried that there not that blue so dont worry about it

Well, okay then.
Here are his photos from this week:

"pirate themed district meeting"

"Elder Darrington and a dead dove."

Terre Haute, Indiana

I have to say, Indiana has some beautiful sunsets. I am hopeful that Elder Brendan appreciates sunsets. I pray every day for my boys to be aware. Be aware of opportunities for service, and just generally pay attention to what is going on around them.
Sunsets count, right? Like if he is noticing the beauty of a sunset, he is noticing other things too?
Like maybe a pair of jeans in with the whites?
Ugh.

The One With Foster Kids and a Baptism

This week I got an actual e-mail from Elder Brendan. And some photos with his face in them! I also made a new Facebook friend. The farm that the Elders and Sisters go to on p-days is called "Foster Farms." I am now friends with Klisse Foster, the sweet member who puts up with all of the animals, both human and otherwise. My heart is always so full when I see other mamas feeding and loving my boys. This is not Klisse's first rodeo. She writes a newsletter about what is happening on the farm, and takes pictures of the missionaries- she refers to them all as her "Foster Kids." I love that. I hit the missionary mom jackpot with Klisse! She spoils them quite thoroughly with made-from-scratch home cooking. We should've sent Brendan with elastic-waisted maternity pants.
She sent me this last week:

"Wadley is playing with an erector set and when Darrington wanted to play, he got his hands slapped, so Darrington got the K'nex set with the motors."

That sounds about right.
Here is Elder Brendan's e-mail this week:

hey this week has been really good!! conference was pretty good we did have a baptism this week her name is XXXX she is super cool! i had to give the talk it was pretty bad also we sung amazing grace so that was fun but yeah i don't really know this week has been a lot of prep for the baptism oh i went to the temple this week it was really cool

Indianapolis, Indiana LDS Temple

Our ward mission leader took us and hes really funny we were in the telestial room which is super pretty just btw and he leans over to me and in the loudest whisper ever he says " guess how many geese are on the wall" everyone turned and looked at us it was really funny but idk what else to talk about so i have some pics

Elder Eschler, XXXX and her husband, Elder Wadley

Eschler and i were tracting and no one had answered so he sat down and gave up haha and the shriners circus is in town so they had elephants but nothing else was set up at the time so literally all we saw were these two random elephants just chillen in this field it was really funny

the skull i got from an investigator he made it while he was in prison the circle thing thats the gate doors to the temple- it is Indiana's state flower its super sick

A couple of e-mails ago Elder Brendan talked about some investigator asking his companion to "unhook his echo." I forgot to ask him what in the crap that meant, and I remembered this time so here was that riveting and really strange conversation:

What was the deal with the guy that wanted Eschler to turn off his echo?

oh thats XXXXX hes an investigator he is really interesting but eschler said he couldnt turn it off so XXXX said he'd ask his pastor haha but hes just a typical person in Indiana: crazy

 What is an echo?

an echo? when you yell and you can hear your voice back at you

What the heck? He wanted him to unhook his echo? How did he want him to do that?

mom i dont know the really question should be how did you not know what an echo was

I thought it was maybe a car thing like a governor

its cool dont worry about it