MOLLY'S 8th BIRTHDAY!
I think Molly had a good birthday this year! She woke up to the sign Erika and I had slaved over. Then crepes for breakfast. She liked hearing everyone's favorite memories with her for study time. She LOVED the pin I got that said, "It's my birthday!" And went to school with a big smile on her face. That was a relief. I spent most of the morning making her mermaid cake which turned out really cute! Nate, Sadie and I went shopping and then we got to go to the elementary school for some lunch at the birthday tables. They did August and September together this year! So we had Jack and Molly. Pretty fun. We got Panda for Jack and Carls Jr. for Molly. Fun stuff. I had to rush out at 12:30 for Kelly's zoom appointment, but we had a lot of fun talking with our kiddos. Molly came home from school pretty happy about her giant pixie stick and then watched some Spirit until dance time. She got to wear some cute bunny ears at dance for her birthday. Then very quickly after dance, we rushed home to greet her party guests! She chose to have her friend party at South Davis Rec for some swimming. She invited eight friends, we took them all to the pool and swam for about an hour and a half. They were so funny. Very needy and wishing they could do more than they can. But I think they still had some fun. Nate and I stood in the middle of the room the entire time. Nate left a few minutes eary to grab pizza and we ate pizza, opened presents, then cake and ice cream after swimming. The girls were so cold, we had to get out lots of blankets for everyone to snuggle up in. She has some really cute friends. It was fun to see her interacting with them the whole time. I felt like a saw a different side of Molly and it hit me that I am not as in touch with her age group as I've been in the past. I need to regroup. But I think they all had fun and celebrated Molly's birthday well. After taking all of her friends home we gave her the girts from us. She loved them! She got her own scriptures and a fun remote control bird/butterfly. She loved that! Nate knows how to gift for sure! Kelly showed up in the evening which she loved and then Charity. We love Molly and are so grateful for all that she brings to our family. All the giggles and teases. All the love and support. 9-1-23
KELLY'S TELE APPOINTMENT
This ended up being the shortest call ever. Not even sure we needed a phone call for this conversation, but we were able to hear exactly what Kelly needs to do. She will need two weeks of injections and then be put out for the extraction of the eggs. That is if they can get any out of her ovaries. We shall see. I think it was cute that Kelly took the 50/50 chance so positively! I'm so proud of her and the mature way she is handling all of this heavy duty stuff. I think she has so much faith and is doing really well at hoping for the best. Me too. We got this. I thin it will be fun to raise the $10,000 and interesting to see how it all goes. 9-1-23
This ended up being the shortest call ever. Not even sure we needed a phone call for this conversation, but we were able to hear exactly what Kelly needs to do. She will need two weeks of injections and then be put out for the extraction of the eggs. That is if they can get any out of her ovaries. We shall see. I think it was cute that Kelly took the 50/50 chance so positively! I'm so proud of her and the mature way she is handling all of this heavy duty stuff. I think she has so much faith and is doing really well at hoping for the best. Me too. We got this. I thin it will be fun to raise the $10,000 and interesting to see how it all goes. 9-1-23
MOLLY'S BAPTISM DAY!
This was a beautiful day!! I was so happy for Molly and she was so excited! I spent the morning making the treats she had requested- scotcheroos, rice krispie treats, dried skittles, banana bread, and cupcakes. Then we spent a little time getting the house cleaned up. Molly got to go over to the field to play with her remote control hummingbird and spent a lot of time playing with her new toys, that was fun. We had to rush to finish getting ready and were almost late to the church. But we made it. We got pictures of Molly and with Nate. Then I rushed into the chapel to play the interlude music. The program went so well! I was so happy with all of it. I loved Elle's talk and then the best part was probably Luke and Charity's singing Peace In Christ- they sounded amazing! Then I gave a talk. It was a great program. I loved being with Molly in the dressing room before and during and after. I love that I get to be backstage and that Heavenly Father made it so that I am on the side where I can see her face and watch her as she is dunked :). The feeling that comes when someone is baptized is just so incredible. I don't know how anyone could not love that Spirit. It's just awesome. We had a sweet little moment in the dressing room with her white towel and being able to talk about how she felt in that moment. I loved it! She's so sweet! We got her dressed and then waited for Nate to be able to get dressed as well. He had to wait for Noah Barton and his dad to finish. But we listened to some nice music and then got to witness Molly being confirmed. It was a cool little bonus that we got to have Brad on Video chat with us. Unfortunately, the picture quality wasn't that great. But it was nice to feel like he was with us. Molly had Noah as the chorister, Erika and Kelly as witnesses, and Jack said the closing prayer. Such a special day! I loved that she was so prepared and felt ready for that day. She's going to be a great disciple of Christ. She had so much support from so many family members! I had no idea how many people we were going to have there. It was a great turn out! Grandpa Hatch and Jo, Grandma and Simon, STEVE! Grandma Ruthie, Becky, Jen, Nancy and her family, Dan and their family, The Taylors! It was great!! I was so happy she had so much support. I was also happy I had "gone overboard" with treats because there was plenty to eat. Such a nice day! We spent the rest of the day resting. Kelly took Molly and Erika swimming so Molly could test out her new mermaid tail and I got to have the quiet house to myself for a good hour with everyone else gone too. It was kind of nice. This was the last big thing for a while. I'm kind of relieved. So happy for Molly though!! This is a special time and I hope she remembers it forever. 9-2-23
This was a beautiful day!! I was so happy for Molly and she was so excited! I spent the morning making the treats she had requested- scotcheroos, rice krispie treats, dried skittles, banana bread, and cupcakes. Then we spent a little time getting the house cleaned up. Molly got to go over to the field to play with her remote control hummingbird and spent a lot of time playing with her new toys, that was fun. We had to rush to finish getting ready and were almost late to the church. But we made it. We got pictures of Molly and with Nate. Then I rushed into the chapel to play the interlude music. The program went so well! I was so happy with all of it. I loved Elle's talk and then the best part was probably Luke and Charity's singing Peace In Christ- they sounded amazing! Then I gave a talk. It was a great program. I loved being with Molly in the dressing room before and during and after. I love that I get to be backstage and that Heavenly Father made it so that I am on the side where I can see her face and watch her as she is dunked :). The feeling that comes when someone is baptized is just so incredible. I don't know how anyone could not love that Spirit. It's just awesome. We had a sweet little moment in the dressing room with her white towel and being able to talk about how she felt in that moment. I loved it! She's so sweet! We got her dressed and then waited for Nate to be able to get dressed as well. He had to wait for Noah Barton and his dad to finish. But we listened to some nice music and then got to witness Molly being confirmed. It was a cool little bonus that we got to have Brad on Video chat with us. Unfortunately, the picture quality wasn't that great. But it was nice to feel like he was with us. Molly had Noah as the chorister, Erika and Kelly as witnesses, and Jack said the closing prayer. Such a special day! I loved that she was so prepared and felt ready for that day. She's going to be a great disciple of Christ. She had so much support from so many family members! I had no idea how many people we were going to have there. It was a great turn out! Grandpa Hatch and Jo, Grandma and Simon, STEVE! Grandma Ruthie, Becky, Jen, Nancy and her family, Dan and their family, The Taylors! It was great!! I was so happy she had so much support. I was also happy I had "gone overboard" with treats because there was plenty to eat. Such a nice day! We spent the rest of the day resting. Kelly took Molly and Erika swimming so Molly could test out her new mermaid tail and I got to have the quiet house to myself for a good hour with everyone else gone too. It was kind of nice. This was the last big thing for a while. I'm kind of relieved. So happy for Molly though!! This is a special time and I hope she remembers it forever. 9-2-23
This was the program:
Names of children being baptized: Noah Barton and Molly Maynes
Opening Song: "I'll Walk With You"
Chorister: Noah Maynes (Molly's brother)
Opening Prayer: Char Barton (Noah's Grandmother)
Talk on Baptism: Elle Barton (Noah's Sister)
Musical Number: "Peace in Christ" Charity and Luke Maynes (Molly's sister and brother)
Performing Noah's baptism: Dallas Barton (Noah's father)
Witnesses: Emmi and Dillon Kobel (Noah's cousins)
Witnesses: Emmi and Dillon Kobel (Noah's cousins)
Performing Molly's baptism: Nathan Maynes (Molly's father)
Witnesses: Erika and Kelly Maynes (Molly's sisters)
Talk on Confirmation: Christa Maynes (Molly's mother)
Performing Noah's confirmation: Curt Jensen (Noah's grandfather)
Performing Molly's confirmation: Nathan Maynes (Molly's father)
Closing song: When I am Baptized
Closing Prayer: Kari Jensen (Noah's grandmother) and Jack Maynes (Molly's brother)
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
I taught Sunday school today, Spiritual gifts, we did the thing where you pass around an envelope for each person and write everyone's gifts. I think it went well. Not sure though. I liked that Kelly and Erika were there with us. 9-3-23
I taught Sunday school today, Spiritual gifts, we did the thing where you pass around an envelope for each person and write everyone's gifts. I think it went well. Not sure though. I liked that Kelly and Erika were there with us. 9-3-23
JACK TEMPLE AND FAMILY HISTORY CONSULTANT
We got to witness Jack being set apart in his new calling! He is very excited and I think he will love working with the people he is with and love learning the things he will learn. It's going to be great! 9-3-23
We got to witness Jack being set apart in his new calling! He is very excited and I think he will love working with the people he is with and love learning the things he will learn. It's going to be great! 9-3-23
MAYNES FAMILY LABOR DAY PARTY
Even though it was pouring rain as we left, we drove up to Day Break for some Labor Day fun with the Maynes Family. Ruth had planned a cute little get together. She had a bunch of stuff she was raffling off and fun games at the tables. The boys played basketball the entire time. The girls and I all played the games at the tables. It is fun to see how much Ruth enjoys giving her things away- we all went home with some treasures, and some toilet paper pumpkins. HA! We had a great time though! Becky, Jen, Harrises, Taylors, and even the Idaho Mayneses were there! So that was awesome! We did have to hurry home for Noah to be able to hang out with his friends. We stopped at Carls Jr. on the way home. Once we got home, my body decided it was time to relax from the past few months of STUFF and I started to get sick. I hate when I can feel it coming on. The sore throat was first, then chills and aches. It was no fun. Nate let me sleep it off a little that evening. I felt better, but still took me a few days to feel back to normal. My normal. 9-4-23
Even though it was pouring rain as we left, we drove up to Day Break for some Labor Day fun with the Maynes Family. Ruth had planned a cute little get together. She had a bunch of stuff she was raffling off and fun games at the tables. The boys played basketball the entire time. The girls and I all played the games at the tables. It is fun to see how much Ruth enjoys giving her things away- we all went home with some treasures, and some toilet paper pumpkins. HA! We had a great time though! Becky, Jen, Harrises, Taylors, and even the Idaho Mayneses were there! So that was awesome! We did have to hurry home for Noah to be able to hang out with his friends. We stopped at Carls Jr. on the way home. Once we got home, my body decided it was time to relax from the past few months of STUFF and I started to get sick. I hate when I can feel it coming on. The sore throat was first, then chills and aches. It was no fun. Nate let me sleep it off a little that evening. I felt better, but still took me a few days to feel back to normal. My normal. 9-4-23
FHE
I was out. Nate and the kids carried on. Noah taught the lesson and they played lightning before having Ice cream. I wish I'd been there for all of it. 9-4-23
I was out. Nate and the kids carried on. Noah taught the lesson and they played lightning before having Ice cream. I wish I'd been there for all of it. 9-4-23
TALKING TO ELDER MAYNES
We got to talk to Bradley today!! He called at 3:45 when everyone was home from school. It was really fun to talk to him. He looks so good!! He needs a new watch and new suit pants cuz his thighs are too big. I loved hearing about his week. Apparently it was a short one. He's starting to feel like he's in Ground Hog Day though. He will find out Friday his stateside assignment, and so he's anxious for that. When I said he might get his visa because I've been fasting for it, he said now that he's wrapped his head around going somewhere else first, it would be really strange to go right to Peru! Funny kid. 9-6-23
We got to talk to Bradley today!! He called at 3:45 when everyone was home from school. It was really fun to talk to him. He looks so good!! He needs a new watch and new suit pants cuz his thighs are too big. I loved hearing about his week. Apparently it was a short one. He's starting to feel like he's in Ground Hog Day though. He will find out Friday his stateside assignment, and so he's anxious for that. When I said he might get his visa because I've been fasting for it, he said now that he's wrapped his head around going somewhere else first, it would be really strange to go right to Peru! Funny kid. 9-6-23
NO SUBJECT
This week was actually the FASTEST week of the MTC so far. I still feel like P day was yesterday but it apparently was a week ago. This week wasn't thaat eventful but we definitely played more volleyball everyday. My comp sorta hates volleyball so it hasn't been as much as it was last week. The Spanish is starting to come along a little bit better each day too but also at the same time it's the most stressful thing. Like everyone said it to trust the process but I feel like the process isnt working right now and I am falling behind so i have started GRINDING on my Spanish work. It's crazy in 2 weeks I am going to be somewhere on the streets talking to random people about this man Joseph Smith they have never heard about. AND IN SPANISH. I dont get how other people can learn Chinese and I am over here struggling with Spanish. Nobody ever said it was going to be easy so I never expected it to be but its still crazy. I set some goals this week and they are to use Elder because I have realized how important it is that we have that title and if I am not using the title it's taking that special position away from them. I also wanted to finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the MTC and I was doing so good but I have realized it was taking away my spanish studies and making me lack in that so I am backing off of that and still trying to read a lot but not so that it takes over the rest of my studies. I am doing SOO good on my "no nap" goal and haven't caved in yet. I've gotten close haha. Also I would love to hear how everyone is doing!! I don't even know what's going on outside of the MTC right now so it would be wonderful.
This week was actually the FASTEST week of the MTC so far. I still feel like P day was yesterday but it apparently was a week ago. This week wasn't thaat eventful but we definitely played more volleyball everyday. My comp sorta hates volleyball so it hasn't been as much as it was last week. The Spanish is starting to come along a little bit better each day too but also at the same time it's the most stressful thing. Like everyone said it to trust the process but I feel like the process isnt working right now and I am falling behind so i have started GRINDING on my Spanish work. It's crazy in 2 weeks I am going to be somewhere on the streets talking to random people about this man Joseph Smith they have never heard about. AND IN SPANISH. I dont get how other people can learn Chinese and I am over here struggling with Spanish. Nobody ever said it was going to be easy so I never expected it to be but its still crazy. I set some goals this week and they are to use Elder because I have realized how important it is that we have that title and if I am not using the title it's taking that special position away from them. I also wanted to finish the Book of Mormon by the end of the MTC and I was doing so good but I have realized it was taking away my spanish studies and making me lack in that so I am backing off of that and still trying to read a lot but not so that it takes over the rest of my studies. I am doing SOO good on my "no nap" goal and haven't caved in yet. I've gotten close haha. Also I would love to hear how everyone is doing!! I don't even know what's going on outside of the MTC right now so it would be wonderful.
Wednesday- today was chill until we got back to the room at 9. 4 of the guys in my district had their room TRASHED. The mattresses were stacked in the corner and all the closets were open and ransacked. Their room was a mess and I will try to send the video of it in the email lets hope it works. We ended up staying up pretty late fixing everything.
Thursday: We were very tired today because of cleaning the trashed room. I am sorta starting to get sick and it may have been because of the lack of sleep so lets hope I dont have what's going around because EVERYONE is sick. Not cool sick but throwing up sick. So far I am the only one in my district that hasn't gotten super sick. And now I am jinxing myself whoops.
Friday-Saturday: It was Molly's birthday!! Happy birthday Molly! I got blessed with being able to watch it and it was the cutest thing. I hope she loved it because baptism is AMAZING. I still remember mine and it was so special to me. I am beyond excited. I get to bless the people on my mission and get them baptised. I was getting homesick today but then realized that these 2 years are a once in a lifetime opportunity and it would be selfish not to go out and serve the lord if I am able to. Also it was sad because our favorite teacher left us and we now have a new guy.
Sunday: GREAT! AGAIN! Sundays just keep getting better because I am starting to fall in love with having the spirit with me. This time it was fast sunday and personally it was easier. It was like I had no other option but to fast because they didn't feed us. SO basically I didn't have an option but it was still really special to me. Something I learned that in 3rd Nephi Jesus really corrected and proof read parts of it in order to include what he needs us to hear. Isn't that cool!?!?
Monday: LONG DAY HOLY! Today was sooo rainy I actually loved it. Our new teacher is pretty cool except he talks so fast. Im like BRUH please stop rapping. The highlight of today was I was trying to see how many tags I could snatch off of my district by the end of the night and I got to 10 haha. We all were in the elevator and one guy asked and then they all did so I pulled them out and they all started dying for a couple minutes. I was surprised how long no one noticed. Basically I am a pro pickpocketer. JOKING NOT
Tuesday: AHHHH TODAY WAS GOOD! We had a devotional and we were all sus because they were making the stage look super nice and making it all extravagant. Turns out it was Elder Stevenson!!! It was so cool I legit took 4 pages of notes. Him and his wife had AMAZING taks and now I am a changed man. Sister Stevenson talked about how a mission is like a relay. Like the missionary coming home is handing the baton off to me and I need to explode and go as hard as I can. She said to give it your all on your mission so that on your flight home you have no regrets because you know you did everything you could. Elder Stevenson had a lot of good points but what stood out to me was the spirit is there to guide. It isn't going to take control and fill your head with things in Spanish that you've never heard before. You need to study and learn the doctrine so that when the time comes you can let the spirit nudge you into the right direction. He also said that as you strive to become a diligent missionary you will make me qualified and ready to be a servant of the lord. Finally is that we should never underestimate the power music has to invite the spirit. I have witnessed this sooo much just by how listening to some of the songs in the gospel library make me feel. I challenge everyone to go listen to "healer" and "I can do all things through christ." They are my fav right now so i hope you enjoy.
Im going to use that last paragraph as my spiritual thought because it basically was but I wanna hear how everyone is doing. OH I ALMOST FORGOT! I get my reassignment Friday so ig you all will get to find out where I am going in a week:) Or if I am feeling generous I will make a quick lil email and tell you guys. Also shoutout to Aunt Becky because she has sent me SOO MUCH snacks and they have saved me. I love you guys!!
I dont know if these photots sent or what order but im gonna guess...
1. The trashed room
2. I found Enoch (my cousin)
3. Me and my comp after the temple
PLAYGROUP
We had playgroup again this week. It was much more eventful this time! There was a lady whose purse was stolen out of her car WHILE WE WERE ALL SITTING THERE- and her car was the first one in the parking lot! And then there was also a stabbing at the Maverik across the street!! So crazy! In west Kaysville! Who woulda thought! Sadie waited til the very end to swing!! So proud of her! 9-7-23
We had playgroup again this week. It was much more eventful this time! There was a lady whose purse was stolen out of her car WHILE WE WERE ALL SITTING THERE- and her car was the first one in the parking lot! And then there was also a stabbing at the Maverik across the street!! So crazy! In west Kaysville! Who woulda thought! Sadie waited til the very end to swing!! So proud of her! 9-7-23
LUNCH WITH MOM
Sadie and I were able to go to lunch with my mom this week. We went to the Habit. It was a really nice time! I appreciated her letting me talk the entire time :). 9-7-23
Sadie and I were able to go to lunch with my mom this week. We went to the Habit. It was a really nice time! I appreciated her letting me talk the entire time :). 9-7-23
VOLLEYBALL
We're starting back up with YW volleyball! I'm so glad I get to go do this with Erika. I know my time is limited in there and I am betting we're getting close to the end, so I'm trying to savor every last minute with her. She's so awesome and just ooozes competence!! Sis. Fox constantly wants to use her as an example of how to do things- even with the KJH volleyball team girls right there. Erika is better than them, no doubt about that. She should totally try out next year. It was fun to be back at it with Christie though and helping out with the skills clinic. Getting excited for a good season! Fingers crossed! 9-7-23
We're starting back up with YW volleyball! I'm so glad I get to go do this with Erika. I know my time is limited in there and I am betting we're getting close to the end, so I'm trying to savor every last minute with her. She's so awesome and just ooozes competence!! Sis. Fox constantly wants to use her as an example of how to do things- even with the KJH volleyball team girls right there. Erika is better than them, no doubt about that. She should totally try out next year. It was fun to be back at it with Christie though and helping out with the skills clinic. Getting excited for a good season! Fingers crossed! 9-7-23
DATE NIGHT
Nate and I had an unusual date this week- only because we had to keep changing our minds. We were going to go to the Sushi place in Centerville since our movie was in Centerville, but it was closed! Such a bummer. We tried to go to a sushi place down in Bountiful, but it was packed and wouldn't get us served in time, so we came back to Centerville and needed something quick, so we went to Tony Burgers. It was funny that Luke's friend Tate was working while we were there. It was pretty good food- can't say I was overly impressed, but it was yummy. We went over to our movie after and it was the 1950's (or whatever year) version of Murder on the Orient Express! It was super funny that that's what we were watching, but it was fun to watch. We did have to create our own special effects. Fun times though. 9-8-23
Nate and I had an unusual date this week- only because we had to keep changing our minds. We were going to go to the Sushi place in Centerville since our movie was in Centerville, but it was closed! Such a bummer. We tried to go to a sushi place down in Bountiful, but it was packed and wouldn't get us served in time, so we came back to Centerville and needed something quick, so we went to Tony Burgers. It was funny that Luke's friend Tate was working while we were there. It was pretty good food- can't say I was overly impressed, but it was yummy. We went over to our movie after and it was the 1950's (or whatever year) version of Murder on the Orient Express! It was super funny that that's what we were watching, but it was fun to watch. We did have to create our own special effects. Fun times though. 9-8-23
STATE FAIR
We were really excited for the fair this year. I feel like we get more and more excited for this tradition every year. It was a little bittersweet since we didn't have the older three with us, but we're learning to make do and adapt without them. Jack and I were a little pressed for time since he wanted to get back for his family history meeting. So we ran over to the Hands on Farm first. That is our favorite thing at the fair :). Everyone puts on an apron (not Noah this time) and we all go through the process of making food and selling it. Kinda fun :). Mainly it's just fun because we have done it every year. It's fun to see everyone making it fun for the little ones and everyone is just happy. Easily pleased :). I took lots of pictures to share with the big kids. After the farm we went over to the Fine Arts building to find Annie's art. She hasn't entered anything in a long time so this was exciting. This is the first year we haven't entered anything in a long time- our August was so full- so we didn't have any of our own to see, but looking for Annie's was pretty exciting. She did the cutest one of Cole as a baby cowboy. So cute!! Her talent is so amazing. We had a few more minutes for Jack to go pick out a souvenir- he got a sword letter opener. Then he and I made our way out to the parking lot for the wild goose chase for the Prius. It was so funny that it was so close to the van. We got him to Barabar Noriega's for his meeting right at 6:30. They were meeting before heading over to the Clemens' for a presentation. This was Jack's first time. Very exciting. I heard he did a great job. The rest of the family stayed at the fair and saw the animals and ate goodies. I think some of them even went on some rides. Sounded like they had fun. 9-11-23
We were really excited for the fair this year. I feel like we get more and more excited for this tradition every year. It was a little bittersweet since we didn't have the older three with us, but we're learning to make do and adapt without them. Jack and I were a little pressed for time since he wanted to get back for his family history meeting. So we ran over to the Hands on Farm first. That is our favorite thing at the fair :). Everyone puts on an apron (not Noah this time) and we all go through the process of making food and selling it. Kinda fun :). Mainly it's just fun because we have done it every year. It's fun to see everyone making it fun for the little ones and everyone is just happy. Easily pleased :). I took lots of pictures to share with the big kids. After the farm we went over to the Fine Arts building to find Annie's art. She hasn't entered anything in a long time so this was exciting. This is the first year we haven't entered anything in a long time- our August was so full- so we didn't have any of our own to see, but looking for Annie's was pretty exciting. She did the cutest one of Cole as a baby cowboy. So cute!! Her talent is so amazing. We had a few more minutes for Jack to go pick out a souvenir- he got a sword letter opener. Then he and I made our way out to the parking lot for the wild goose chase for the Prius. It was so funny that it was so close to the van. We got him to Barabar Noriega's for his meeting right at 6:30. They were meeting before heading over to the Clemens' for a presentation. This was Jack's first time. Very exciting. I heard he did a great job. The rest of the family stayed at the fair and saw the animals and ate goodies. I think some of them even went on some rides. Sounded like they had fun. 9-11-23
ELDER BRADLEY MAYNES
We got to talk with Brad again. This has quickly become a major highlight. This week we decided to let everyone talk to him individually instead of all together. I think everyone liked this way of doing the call. I enjoyed talking to him and seeing his cute face. We talked about his new reassignment to Portland and how that was going to go. He's excited! I'm glad he has been able to stay positive about it. 9-13-23
We got to talk with Brad again. This has quickly become a major highlight. This week we decided to let everyone talk to him individually instead of all together. I think everyone liked this way of doing the call. I enjoyed talking to him and seeing his cute face. We talked about his new reassignment to Portland and how that was going to go. He's excited! I'm glad he has been able to stay positive about it. 9-13-23
"FEAR NOT, ONLY BELIEVE"- BRADLEY'S EMAIL
Okay first of all I have come to the realization that I have been trying too hard to make the email entertaining rather than fulfilling my missionary purpose which is to invite others to come unto christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in the lord jesus christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy ghost and enduring to the end.( I actually had to look that up because I only know it in spanish haha.) So I will be trying better to make my emails more directed toward that purpose.I know I say this every week but they actually fly by. In one week I'll be traveling to Oregon which basically means a couple hours because of how fast this goes. I apologize I haven't had time to respond to people a lot but I LOVE your emails and responses
Wednesday-Saturday:
I have started consolidating what happened these days because they all start being repetitive and I don't want to do a different paragraph for each one. Our teacher Hermano Nelson has been making classes SO Interesting and involved and it has helped me grow so much. Our other teacher is not so much but I think he's really nice and genuine so I find myself taking a lot more notes during his class which is sooo beneficial for me. FRIDAY I GOT MY REASSIGNMENT! I was so stoked we had a "draft" for it where our teacher would read the state and then say they select the missionary going there. And the Portland Oregon mission selects all the way from Kaysville, utah... ELDER MAYNES. Definitely the highlight of my week. I know I was reassigned to Portland for a reason and I have witnessed many miracles and instances that have already proven this to be true. God knows me and has people that need me THE SECOND I get off that plane so I have been trying my best to prepare myself for when I get there.
Sunday:
Go and Do this week was amazing. I re-read a topic I studied the week I got here and it helped me deepen my conversion to Christ and understand him more. We then had the blessing to have a devotional but they only played music. I LOVED IT! I can't remember her name but she is Elder Oaks' daughter so you'll probably know her haha. It was definitely amazing how much passion and spirit she and her family put into the music. "Never underestimate the power music has to invite the spirit."
Monday-Tuesday:
Mondays are actually a struggle because it's in between the two best days which are Sunday and Tuesday. Tuesday was devotional day YAY! If you are about to come to the MTC look forward to Sundays and Tuesdays because they are SO COOL! This week we had brother and sister nattress. They taught about the power of testimonies and that we need to, "Fear not, only Believe." They then showed a video of Christ's life and I had the realization that I should've had earlier but Christ dedicated his ENTIRE life to healing, serving, and helping others. 30+ years of him doing nothing but that! I have the next 2 years specifically dedicated for me to do that EXACT thing. I have no other commitments besides this and that's what I am going to do. I love Christ and I love this Gospel. I know with a surety in my heart that this is a good work and I know that the gospel of christs church is the key to a joyful life. Christ is the answer.
Wednesday: We started SYL (I am only allowed to speak Spanish until I leave the MTC) today and I have already improved my Spanish exponentially. It is so much easier to retain and remember information when you can ONLY speak spanish. I got to call my family and I LOVE them and every minute I get to spend talking to them.
Spiritual thought: Who can you help this week? I stumbled across 1 John 3:17-18 recently and have been thinking a lot about it. It says "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does god's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth." This one hit me hard because I feel like I underestimate how much of a head start I have been given in life; not because of anything I've done or worked for but for what I have been born with. Ex: a loving supportive family, house with water and a roof, clean clothes, never having to worry where the next meal would come from, never having to work to pay bills... etc. There are people you come across EVERY DAY with multiple of these circumstances and we turn the other way and act as if we didn't see them. I want everyone that reads this to find something they can do "in deed and truth" to help someone this week. God puts people into our lives for a reason so put yourself in a position where the spirit can guide you where you need to be. I promise that as you are willing to sacrifice something small to you will be something huge to someone else and you will witness the blessings of it throughout the entire week! I would love to hear how it goes and love you guys so much.
-Elder Maynes
(pictures will come in later today)
1.Me and elder Platt my bestie
2.Me and elder cam Wilson who is the nicest person I've ever met
3. Don't ask-we stacked the chairs
4. Our temple trip
5. Vogue
9-13-23
LUNCH WITH MARIANNE
We haven't done anything in so long, it was time for lunch. We were going to go to Everbowl but they were out of acai so we went over to Blaze Pizza instead. It was just as yummy as last time. Sadie and Addie did pretty good! I really enjoy talking with Marianne. She's fun to get to know. 9-14-23
We haven't done anything in so long, it was time for lunch. We were going to go to Everbowl but they were out of acai so we went over to Blaze Pizza instead. It was just as yummy as last time. Sadie and Addie did pretty good! I really enjoy talking with Marianne. She's fun to get to know. 9-14-23
YOUNG WOMEN VOLLEYBALL
We had our first games tonight. It went pretty well, had a good turn out, but we lost both games. Kind of a bummer. But everyone had fun. 9-14-23
We had our first games tonight. It went pretty well, had a good turn out, but we lost both games. Kind of a bummer. But everyone had fun. 9-14-23
FUN RUN COLUMBIA
We had our annual Fun Run Friday. I was surprised at how excited/nervous Jack and Molly were. Not quite like the older kids used to do, but close. Nate, Sadie and I all went to watch and cheer the kids on. I had signed up to pass out churros but there were about a million parents doing that, so I cut off tops of otter pops and squirted kids as they went through the "jungle cruise" instead. Erika had begged and begged enough that I let her check out and come over to run with the kids. That was pretty cool of her. I think they like having company. Jack and Molly both ran the entire route! Three miles for Jack, One and a half for Molly. So cool. They did a Disney theme so there was lots of fun costumes everywhere. Fun stuff. We were glad we got to go this year after missing last year for the Florida trip. Good stuff though. 9-15-23
We had our annual Fun Run Friday. I was surprised at how excited/nervous Jack and Molly were. Not quite like the older kids used to do, but close. Nate, Sadie and I all went to watch and cheer the kids on. I had signed up to pass out churros but there were about a million parents doing that, so I cut off tops of otter pops and squirted kids as they went through the "jungle cruise" instead. Erika had begged and begged enough that I let her check out and come over to run with the kids. That was pretty cool of her. I think they like having company. Jack and Molly both ran the entire route! Three miles for Jack, One and a half for Molly. So cool. They did a Disney theme so there was lots of fun costumes everywhere. Fun stuff. We were glad we got to go this year after missing last year for the Florida trip. Good stuff though. 9-15-23
DATE NIGHT
Nate and I were able to get sushi this week. After being let down last week, we needed it! We went to Sushi Monster and then saw the Mission Impossible movie again- Dead Reckoning. I was so beyond tired I even dozed off a couple times, which was a huge bummer, but it was fun to get out- we still need this little respite each week it keeps us alive. 9-15-23
Nate and I were able to get sushi this week. After being let down last week, we needed it! We went to Sushi Monster and then saw the Mission Impossible movie again- Dead Reckoning. I was so beyond tired I even dozed off a couple times, which was a huge bummer, but it was fun to get out- we still need this little respite each week it keeps us alive. 9-15-23
SATURDAY
Saturday was full of three soccer games, Primary Program Practice, and Noah's cross country race. Everything went really well. The kids all scored at least once, the practice was fun even though Molly didn't feel like it was necessary since she already knows all the songs. Noah did well at his race, even though he says he was super tired and just trying to help pace someone else. It was nice to relax that evening a little. Erika went to a "fancy" Fall Dinner Party at Lexie's, Noah got all dressed up for a girl's birthday party, and Luke was home most of the night with me and the littles. Erika left the party early to go to the Regional dance. It was a full day. I was grumpy and tired by the end of the night. 9-16-23
Saturday was full of three soccer games, Primary Program Practice, and Noah's cross country race. Everything went really well. The kids all scored at least once, the practice was fun even though Molly didn't feel like it was necessary since she already knows all the songs. Noah did well at his race, even though he says he was super tired and just trying to help pace someone else. It was nice to relax that evening a little. Erika went to a "fancy" Fall Dinner Party at Lexie's, Noah got all dressed up for a girl's birthday party, and Luke was home most of the night with me and the littles. Erika left the party early to go to the Regional dance. It was a full day. I was grumpy and tired by the end of the night. 9-16-23
PRIMARY PROGRAM
We had our program today! The kids all did so good!! Jack had a bunch of parts, kept getting up and killing it with his parts. He and Molly got to play the bells in a special song. They did a great job! Molly said her part perfectly and was SO GOOD at singing every word to every song. The sign language song was really cool too- it was I'll Walk With You and Molly and Sadie knew every single sign! So well!! Sadie was adorable the whole time, sang a lot of the words, looked so cute/bored sitting on the stand the whole time, she waved a lot, smiled a lot, did her cute little wave with Richelle a few times, she said her part perfectly even though we couldn't even see her :). Nate had found us the perfect seats so that we could see everyone at once. It was fun to be able to see Jack in his last one and get excited afor at least a few more years of this! 9-17-23
We had our program today! The kids all did so good!! Jack had a bunch of parts, kept getting up and killing it with his parts. He and Molly got to play the bells in a special song. They did a great job! Molly said her part perfectly and was SO GOOD at singing every word to every song. The sign language song was really cool too- it was I'll Walk With You and Molly and Sadie knew every single sign! So well!! Sadie was adorable the whole time, sang a lot of the words, looked so cute/bored sitting on the stand the whole time, she waved a lot, smiled a lot, did her cute little wave with Richelle a few times, she said her part perfectly even though we couldn't even see her :). Nate had found us the perfect seats so that we could see everyone at once. It was fun to be able to see Jack in his last one and get excited afor at least a few more years of this! 9-17-23
FHE
We decided to go to Barnes Park this week for FHE. We fed the ducks our frozen peas and then played on the playground the rest of the time. It was a lot of fun and felt like a good condensed family activity. We came home to ice cream and cookies courtesy of Nate and Sadie I think. 9-18-23
We decided to go to Barnes Park this week for FHE. We fed the ducks our frozen peas and then played on the playground the rest of the time. It was a lot of fun and felt like a good condensed family activity. We came home to ice cream and cookies courtesy of Nate and Sadie I think. 9-18-23
GOFUNDME
Kelly's friend Maddie created a Gofundme for Kelly's egg retrieval costs. We humbled but teared up a few times as well watching the total climb! She was up to $3,000.00 in just a couple days. I'm glad Kelly has this- I think it eases her mind. It is very generous of everyone to donate and we do really appreciate the help. Hopefully we can get some good viable eggs!! 9-19-23
Kelly's friend Maddie created a Gofundme for Kelly's egg retrieval costs. We humbled but teared up a few times as well watching the total climb! She was up to $3,000.00 in just a couple days. I'm glad Kelly has this- I think it eases her mind. It is very generous of everyone to donate and we do really appreciate the help. Hopefully we can get some good viable eggs!! 9-19-23
ELDER MAYNES CALL
Brad called a few times this morning, tried once while he was in line at breakfast, but the cafeteria was so loud we could barely hear him. Then he called again as we were getting the elementary kids off. I loved talking to him about his last few days in the MTC and hearing about Lucia and Seth emailing him about visiting him in Portland and then their "P.S. You're still our favorite athlete". That would be really cool if they could meet up with him somehow. He sounded nervous, but also excited to go to Portland in a couple days. I got to show him Sadie on her new scooter and she talked to him for a few seconds. Noah and Erika took turns talking to him while I took the kids to school and later and then Bradley called a little later so that he could talk to Nate, Charity and Kelly. Things were hectic so he might call again tomorrow on his self appointed extra p-day. 9-20-23
Brad called a few times this morning, tried once while he was in line at breakfast, but the cafeteria was so loud we could barely hear him. Then he called again as we were getting the elementary kids off. I loved talking to him about his last few days in the MTC and hearing about Lucia and Seth emailing him about visiting him in Portland and then their "P.S. You're still our favorite athlete". That would be really cool if they could meet up with him somehow. He sounded nervous, but also excited to go to Portland in a couple days. I got to show him Sadie on her new scooter and she talked to him for a few seconds. Noah and Erika took turns talking to him while I took the kids to school and later and then Bradley called a little later so that he could talk to Nate, Charity and Kelly. Things were hectic so he might call again tomorrow on his self appointed extra p-day. 9-20-23
HEATHER SCOTT
I had a nice long talk with Heather about Kelly's situation and got some really good feedback from her. Apparently we have the best doctors in the state. Kelly's a very rare case. The chances of all of this working- the egg retrieval, storage and IVF working are slim. Miracles happen. We can pray for miracles and we can expect them. It was nice to get her opinion on all of it. 9-20-23
I had a nice long talk with Heather about Kelly's situation and got some really good feedback from her. Apparently we have the best doctors in the state. Kelly's a very rare case. The chances of all of this working- the egg retrieval, storage and IVF working are slim. Miracles happen. We can pray for miracles and we can expect them. It was nice to get her opinion on all of it. 9-20-23
BRAD'S MISSION PRESIDENT
Elder Benjamin N Botchway, Brad's new MP in the Portland mission called today. Called me first, but I was on the phone with Heather, so he called Nate. He wanted to know a little about Brad and let us know he'd be in good hands. I'm really excited to hear about this MP- he sounds really cool. I'm glad that they will be picking him up and giving him a tour of the mission and that he will be taken care of. 9-20-23
Elder Benjamin N Botchway, Brad's new MP in the Portland mission called today. Called me first, but I was on the phone with Heather, so he called Nate. He wanted to know a little about Brad and let us know he'd be in good hands. I'm really excited to hear about this MP- he sounds really cool. I'm glad that they will be picking him up and giving him a tour of the mission and that he will be taken care of. 9-20-23
ERIKA'S WARTS
Another visit to do away with the warts. They sliced one of the big ones off at the last one and it looked like it worked okay so they did the other one this time. Then froze off a million other little ones. We're hoping this works. It's a little crazy how long this has taken and how weird this PA has been. We really like her- she's nice and fun, but we're losing faith in her with each visit. But anyway- hopefully this worked. 9-20-23
Another visit to do away with the warts. They sliced one of the big ones off at the last one and it looked like it worked okay so they did the other one this time. Then froze off a million other little ones. We're hoping this works. It's a little crazy how long this has taken and how weird this PA has been. We really like her- she's nice and fun, but we're losing faith in her with each visit. But anyway- hopefully this worked. 9-20-23
DATE WITH LUKE
I was really happy we finally made this happen! Luke and I went to Monster Sushi for our favorite Vegas Roll and two others- Surf n Turf (deep fried) and the Mango Tango. It was so yummy!! I love that Luke just talked the entire time. Mostly about his friends and their situations, but I just love hearing him. He's such a good kid. I'm so proud of him. I hope he is doing alright. Seems just a little off for some reason, but hopefully that's just my mom-ness worrying. 9-20-23
I was really happy we finally made this happen! Luke and I went to Monster Sushi for our favorite Vegas Roll and two others- Surf n Turf (deep fried) and the Mango Tango. It was so yummy!! I love that Luke just talked the entire time. Mostly about his friends and their situations, but I just love hearing him. He's such a good kid. I'm so proud of him. I hope he is doing alright. Seems just a little off for some reason, but hopefully that's just my mom-ness worrying. 9-20-23
CALL FROM ELDER MAYNES
Brad called again while I was on my way to Olive Garden. It was so fun to talk to him. He is so close to leaving- it's getting really real. He had packed his bags and knew they were pretty close to the 50 lb limit. Hopefully that goes okay for him. It was fun to talk with him alone as I drove. We can talk about anything these days- it's so nice. He had just heard from Brandon about getting robbed at gunpoint so I think he has that on the brain and knowing that Porland has some sketchy areas he seemed a little anxious that something like that could happen to him there. He wouldn't mind having a story when he gets home though. Grandpa got to say hi. Then he called everyone else while I was at volleyball. I hate missing his calls. I've been praying so hard for him to get to Portland okay! 9-21-23
Brad called again while I was on my way to Olive Garden. It was so fun to talk to him. He is so close to leaving- it's getting really real. He had packed his bags and knew they were pretty close to the 50 lb limit. Hopefully that goes okay for him. It was fun to talk with him alone as I drove. We can talk about anything these days- it's so nice. He had just heard from Brandon about getting robbed at gunpoint so I think he has that on the brain and knowing that Porland has some sketchy areas he seemed a little anxious that something like that could happen to him there. He wouldn't mind having a story when he gets home though. Grandpa got to say hi. Then he called everyone else while I was at volleyball. I hate missing his calls. I've been praying so hard for him to get to Portland okay! 9-21-23
LUNCH WITH PAPPY
We had our monthly lunch :). On the day we said we were going to have it if you can believe that. Nate worked the mid so he was home to watch Sadie so it was just me and my dad finally! That was fun. We talked extra long about family search. He's headed to Ireland tomorrow and wanted to be more familiar with his irish ancestry. Hopefully he got the app to work and found his ancestors. 9-21-23
We had our monthly lunch :). On the day we said we were going to have it if you can believe that. Nate worked the mid so he was home to watch Sadie so it was just me and my dad finally! That was fun. We talked extra long about family search. He's headed to Ireland tomorrow and wanted to be more familiar with his irish ancestry. Hopefully he got the app to work and found his ancestors. 9-21-23
"FAN THE FLAME OF YOUR FAITH" -BRAD'S EMAIL
I am writing this on Thursday because I definitely didn't have enough time yesterday because my entire district is heading off to the field! This week was actually one of the slowest because I have been hyping up getting to Portland and anticipating it the entire time. I also dont have my journal this time while writing my email because its packed away soo I am trying my best to remember what happened this week.
This week was definitely another repeat of last week almost exactly minus that I had the opportunity to participate in SYL. SYL is Speak your language week where I am only allowed to speak Spanish until I leave. It was crazy how good I got and how smooth I was able to speak to other missionaries in Spanish. We eventually got worse and worse at it because we wanted to have our last few days and good convos in English before we left. Sad day. I think this week alone actually made my Spanish increase so much and I am excited to head into the field and teach the people of Portland in Spanish in less than 24 hours. Actually terrified but I fear nothing and so I am going to try everything and work as hard as I can. We took the Spanish language assessment this week which is also known as the EI. They have been hyping this test up all year and I have actually been terrified because they expect the Missionaries to be at a 4 which is intermediate and can survive in the field. Welll I dont know how but I got a 4.5 which was pretty amazing because I came into the MTC with zero Spanish knowledge whatever. Which I know there is SOO much to improve on this because I still feel like I dont know very much at all but I am excited to learn and progress with it in the next 2 years.
Also just gotta put this out here but me and elder Nichols are undefeated in Spikeball and we actually destroyed. It was 25% me and 75% elder Nichols because for some reason he's cracked at the most random sports.
The MTC is actually crazy because I've literally grown so close to so many elders here and I can picture a lot of me and my district becoming really close after the mission but then we all just go to complete different parts of the world and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am actually gonna miss a lot of these elders but I am beyond excited for the memories and growth I will receive and most importantly the lives I have the opportunity to change.
Today is packing day and last night my entire district left besides me and 3 other elders. They all left at different times in the middle of the might so I got woken up probably every hour of the night so I am running off of a few hours of sleep right now. They also all decided me and Elder Erickson got to clean the room so they left all their food and junk for us to get rid of. But I also got blessed with getting an extra day to pack so thats a perkkk. I actually wanna thank everyone for the packages and letters so far because they actually make it feel like Christmas every time.
Sunday: Last sunday and last day of Go and Do. Definitely am going to miss it because it seriously has given me so much time each Sunday to ponder and study and strengthen parts I lack in my testimony.
Spiritual thought: OK I wanna first put this out here that the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a perfect church. Although it is a perfect church it is ran by imperfect people. If you are struggling with the gospel because of people or policies the church DID have; do not let those doubts or questions diminish the faith you do have and have spent who knows how long to build. Before my mission I randomly came across questions or comments directed towards members of the church to make them question their own Faith. It actually filled my head with doubts and questions and made me doubt my own faith for a while. I ended up coming across the talk "Lord, I believe." Jeffery R holland emphasizes the importance of standing true to the faith you have grown in times of doubt or fear. "be true to faith you do have... Sometimes we act as if an honest declaration of doubt is a higher manifestation of moral courage than is an honest declaration of faith. It is not! So let us all remember the clear message of this scriptural account: Be as candid about your questions as you need to be; life is full of them on one subject or another. But if you want to be healed, comforted, strengthened, have hope, peace, lifted up... Don't let those questions stand in the way of faith working its miracle." This really saved me and helps me when doubts and questions appear because it is okay to have questions! That's how we grow and learn in this life! I know the Church of Jesus Christ is the true church on this earth and I testify that our savior loves us. He supports us and he died for us. I love you all and I promise that next week I'll have some better stories to tell about Portland and be hype.
1. Me and Elder Jex before he left he next morning. Sad day
2. us at the last devotional
3. elder platt with his bug friend
4. somehow my hair got long enough for me to need a haircut
5. first day pic I just found
6. the district sorta
7. Me, Elder Cloward, Elder Platt, and Elder Erickson
9-21-23
VOLLEYBALL
We had an awesome turnout- 10 girls last night! And we won both games!! The girls are getting really good! It's fun to watch them!! So proud! 9-21-23
We had an awesome turnout- 10 girls last night! And we won both games!! The girls are getting really good! It's fun to watch them!! So proud! 9-21-23
ELDER MAYNES' DEPARTURE DATE
I got up this morning to wake up Erika for Open gym and had to text Brad a little good luck text for his big adventures today!! As if flying to another state wasn't exciting enough, they make the whole trip to the airport a big adventure as well!! He has like four transfers to get there. I hope they all go well and he makes it in time. He will have 28 other elders with him so it shouldn't be too hard. I hope they are safe and protected. Heavenly Father is in charge. What happens happens for a reason. It's taking some faith today. But I'm excited for him to get out in the field. I really think he will thrive out there. I'm so proud of him!! 9-22-23
I got up this morning to wake up Erika for Open gym and had to text Brad a little good luck text for his big adventures today!! As if flying to another state wasn't exciting enough, they make the whole trip to the airport a big adventure as well!! He has like four transfers to get there. I hope they all go well and he makes it in time. He will have 28 other elders with him so it shouldn't be too hard. I hope they are safe and protected. Heavenly Father is in charge. What happens happens for a reason. It's taking some faith today. But I'm excited for him to get out in the field. I really think he will thrive out there. I'm so proud of him!! 9-22-23
DATE NIGHT
We got to go out again this week- I'm counting all these as blessings because life gets pretty hectic, but at least we still have our date nights. We went to Zupas and then decided to go home for games with the kids because Kelly was in town!! I ran into Kathy Tonge at Zupas which was kinda fun. She said she's going through a divorce because her husband is leaving her for his high school girlfriend. So strange. I felt bad for her, but it was good to see her and think about the things she reminds me of. 9-22-23
We got to go out again this week- I'm counting all these as blessings because life gets pretty hectic, but at least we still have our date nights. We went to Zupas and then decided to go home for games with the kids because Kelly was in town!! I ran into Kathy Tonge at Zupas which was kinda fun. She said she's going through a divorce because her husband is leaving her for his high school girlfriend. So strange. I felt bad for her, but it was good to see her and think about the things she reminds me of. 9-22-23
SOCCER GAMES
Molly and Noha's games overlapped and so I didn't get to see Molly play this week, but she did score! So proud of her! Noah's game was great but then it took a turn for the worse as the ref started yelling at him for things he didn't do. "If there's a call to be made it's going to be on you!" So rude. Noah handled it so well. I was really proud of him. Then Erika's was really good too. They basically killed the other team. So proud of that girl! She also scored a few times. 9-23-23
Molly and Noha's games overlapped and so I didn't get to see Molly play this week, but she did score! So proud of her! Noah's game was great but then it took a turn for the worse as the ref started yelling at him for things he didn't do. "If there's a call to be made it's going to be on you!" So rude. Noah handled it so well. I was really proud of him. Then Erika's was really good too. They basically killed the other team. So proud of that girl! She also scored a few times. 9-23-23
HOMECOMING NOAH AND LUKE
I had the privilege of being part of Noah's Homecoming night. We took the food to Will's house, came back home to get Noah's stuff. Went back up to Will's to get the boys and then drove around picking up the girls. Then we went and took pictures in the Timothy's backyard. This was a lot of fun. I was happy Kelly was with me and made all the big decisions. She's got a good eye. I think they turned out pretty good. Then we drove them back to Will's for dinner and then picked them up to go to the dance after. I had a lot of fun listening to them talk in the car and hearing all the nerves but also all the sweet boys and how they wanted to take care of those girls. REALLY cool!! I think Noah has some awesome friends. I got to take Luke to go get his corsage in Bountiful and then I got to hear about the night after- sounded really great. I think he was happy with how it went. Noah took Kallista Wright and Luke took Sarah Norton. I was really proud of my boys!! So much fun. 9-23-23
I had the privilege of being part of Noah's Homecoming night. We took the food to Will's house, came back home to get Noah's stuff. Went back up to Will's to get the boys and then drove around picking up the girls. Then we went and took pictures in the Timothy's backyard. This was a lot of fun. I was happy Kelly was with me and made all the big decisions. She's got a good eye. I think they turned out pretty good. Then we drove them back to Will's for dinner and then picked them up to go to the dance after. I had a lot of fun listening to them talk in the car and hearing all the nerves but also all the sweet boys and how they wanted to take care of those girls. REALLY cool!! I think Noah has some awesome friends. I got to take Luke to go get his corsage in Bountiful and then I got to hear about the night after- sounded really great. I think he was happy with how it went. Noah took Kallista Wright and Luke took Sarah Norton. I was really proud of my boys!! So much fun. 9-23-23
EMOJIS
Today was the first time Brad responded with emojis and it happened to be the first communication we had received from him since he shipped off to Oregon. He had hearted my text that I sent right before he left of "We love you!". So I texted back, "Yay! You're alive!" and then he gave me the fingers showing an inch- like "Barely". So then I was worried and asked a few more questions about how he was doing. I got some shrugs and some tearing up eyes. It was so hard to hear and not really hear!! I sent him a little motivational thing that I had seen on facebook a few minutes before, and he loved that. But it was another two days before we were able to hear about that day. I ended up really struggling all day Sunday wishing I knew how he was and why he wasn't great. It was kind of hard. I started to think that this whole being able to communicate thing is a little tricky! Because ultimately, he was able to pull through it and felt good the next day and if I hadn't responded or asked him anything, I wouldn't have even known he was having a hard time. He would have gotten through it and it would have been one sentence in his email. So I think I need to step back a little and recognize this. It's going to be hard, but I think it is better. 9-24-23
Today was the first time Brad responded with emojis and it happened to be the first communication we had received from him since he shipped off to Oregon. He had hearted my text that I sent right before he left of "We love you!". So I texted back, "Yay! You're alive!" and then he gave me the fingers showing an inch- like "Barely". So then I was worried and asked a few more questions about how he was doing. I got some shrugs and some tearing up eyes. It was so hard to hear and not really hear!! I sent him a little motivational thing that I had seen on facebook a few minutes before, and he loved that. But it was another two days before we were able to hear about that day. I ended up really struggling all day Sunday wishing I knew how he was and why he wasn't great. It was kind of hard. I started to think that this whole being able to communicate thing is a little tricky! Because ultimately, he was able to pull through it and felt good the next day and if I hadn't responded or asked him anything, I wouldn't have even known he was having a hard time. He would have gotten through it and it would have been one sentence in his email. So I think I need to step back a little and recognize this. It's going to be hard, but I think it is better. 9-24-23
LUNCH WITH EMILY
We FINALLY made it to lunch! It was fun to be able to talk a little. Even with Sadie there. Then we got to go to the lifetime photo shoot that evening and talked a little there too. Kinda nice. It's been too long. 9-25-23
We FINALLY made it to lunch! It was fun to be able to talk a little. Even with Sadie there. Then we got to go to the lifetime photo shoot that evening and talked a little there too. Kinda nice. It's been too long. 9-25-23
DOLORES
Sadie and I went and helped Dolores a little with unpacking her sewing room. We're the thread girls. We organize the threads. It has been kind of fun and even Sadie has been pretty good for the most part. The second day we went she whined a little and then ended up falling asleep in my arms while I chatted with Dolores. It's so fun to talk to her!! She has a lot of cool stories and I love to get to know her. We didn't get a ton done, I'm hoping to go back over, but it's been a fun time for me. 9-25-23
Sadie and I went and helped Dolores a little with unpacking her sewing room. We're the thread girls. We organize the threads. It has been kind of fun and even Sadie has been pretty good for the most part. The second day we went she whined a little and then ended up falling asleep in my arms while I chatted with Dolores. It's so fun to talk to her!! She has a lot of cool stories and I love to get to know her. We didn't get a ton done, I'm hoping to go back over, but it's been a fun time for me. 9-25-23
ERIKA AND KATE LIFETIME PHOTO SHOOT
Erika and Kate got asked to do a basketball photoshoot. This was fun. Only took about a half hour. They each get $50!! Pretty awesome! Emily and I just sat there talking the whole time. Pretty chill. 9-25-23
Erika and Kate got asked to do a basketball photoshoot. This was fun. Only took about a half hour. They each get $50!! Pretty awesome! Emily and I just sat there talking the whole time. Pretty chill. 9-25-23
ELDER MAYNES
We got to talk with Brad for the first time in Oregon today. That was pretty exciting and much anticipated. He wasn't sure how much time he would have, so we weren't either. We decided to do a whole family call again. Nobody likes it this way, I don't know why we do it but we wanted all the details. May have been a selfish decision on mine and Nate's part. Although, I did get to text him quite a bit all day and that was nice. So he's doing okay! A little green and had some rough days in the beginning there, but it sounds like he might get the hang of it. The area he is in is interesting. We'll see how that goes. I'm happy for him to be out in the field and teaching! Even his companion said he is doing great! So proud of him. We got to hear about all the mean people who yell at him. He likes his companion and the guys in his apartment. He loves the trees. I loved hearing him trying to talk Charity into dating Ty. He looked so tired. I hope he has enough food. I did send him some groceries and because he gave me the wrong address, they went to a different place, but it just so happened to be another apartment with missionaries!! So they gave them to Bradley! Pretty awesome. 9-26-23
We got to talk with Brad for the first time in Oregon today. That was pretty exciting and much anticipated. He wasn't sure how much time he would have, so we weren't either. We decided to do a whole family call again. Nobody likes it this way, I don't know why we do it but we wanted all the details. May have been a selfish decision on mine and Nate's part. Although, I did get to text him quite a bit all day and that was nice. So he's doing okay! A little green and had some rough days in the beginning there, but it sounds like he might get the hang of it. The area he is in is interesting. We'll see how that goes. I'm happy for him to be out in the field and teaching! Even his companion said he is doing great! So proud of him. We got to hear about all the mean people who yell at him. He likes his companion and the guys in his apartment. He loves the trees. I loved hearing him trying to talk Charity into dating Ty. He looked so tired. I hope he has enough food. I did send him some groceries and because he gave me the wrong address, they went to a different place, but it just so happened to be another apartment with missionaries!! So they gave them to Bradley! Pretty awesome. 9-26-23
"YOU CAN TAKE THE HOOD OUT OF E MAYNES, BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE E MAYNES OUT OF THE HOOD"- EMAIL FROM BRADLEY
This week was crazyyyy and it hasn't even been a full week. I'm sure nobody really wants to hear how the last few days of the MTC were and I did basically nothing haha. It was just a ton of packing and getting ready for my travel to Oregon. First day we caught a bus at 5:30 and then got on the front runner and then got on another front runner and then made it to the airport. Me and elder McNeil hangout for most of it and went and ate real food for the first time ahhhh. On the flight I sat in between this 70 year old Indian lady and some other woman. We ended up talking the ENTIRE time and I taught them about what a missionary is and why my purpose is here as a missionary. We shared some cool experiences we had in our lives and I taught them a little bit about the gospel. We're besties now. Also I wanna first apologize this will be a long email
I met my comp and he was so cool and it was surreal to me how good he was at Spanish and how well he could find and teach people so fast. I Def have a lot to learn from him before I head to Peru. Also he's 5' 6 again rip.
We are in a Spanish speaking area and there's actually soooo many Hispanics here I was not expecting. They're all mostly in apartment complexes or trailer parks so we just hop between those which sycks because they're the scariest places.
We are in a Spanish speaking area and there's actually soooo many Hispanics here I was not expecting. They're all mostly in apartment complexes or trailer parks so we just hop between those which sycks because they're the scariest places.Saturday: first full day in the field and I already am soooo dead holy. We got stuck at the mission home for 6 hours because our ride left so we just studied and talk with everyone there for a FAT minute while we waited for our ride. That night we ate dinner with the Campbell's and they are this adorable little couple that made us chicken and rice. Later that night we went knocking and came across Francisco! My comp turned to me middle of his talking and I froze for like 30 second because it was my first time ever knocking and had no clue what we were even supposed to say hahaha. It all worked out because he wants to meet with us again.
Sunday: today was hard because the Spanish group in the ward is all Venezuelan so they speak sooooo fast and I don't understand any of it. They are all very nice and friendly. We met with Francisco again and taught him! It was my first lesson in Spanish so I just taught him about the apostasy and a little about the book of Mormon. It was amazing to see how genuinely he was involved and how much he was listening. We challenged him to read a chapter in the book of Mormon and pray about it's truthfulness. I was peeing my pants the whole time it was scary. Later we went to this apartment complex and some sketchy dude came up behind me and put his fingers in the shape of a gun and put them to my back. He repeatedly said, "give me all your money." Lowkey was terrified but somehow I just turned around and stared at him and he then went on to bash us for a little bit before we left. Kinda scary because I didn't know what his intentions were but glad we were safe and it wasn't a real gun haha!
Monday: Today started off awful and I just wanted to get to Peru already. I don't remember what happened for the first half but I was just depresso and home sick. We then had this lesson with some Venezuelans we met drinking beer outside on their porch Sunday. The lesson was with Darwin, his wife Erika and Darwins family. We started teaching them about the gospel of Jesus christ and I ended up teaching around half of it! I don't remember what I said but I do remember God was guiding me and the gift of tongues is real! The spirit was so strong and you could really tell how engaged this family was into the lesson. They told us about an experience they had crossing the Venezuelan border and how he had all the documents In his satchel and as he was crossing the fell off and were gone. ALL of their information, money, and other documents were gone. His family kneeled down and prayed although they never had before. They made it to Panama and some guy had their satchel with everything in it! It was actually amazing and I'm happy they were able to share that experience with us. We taught them a little more and invited them to watch general conference with us. They said yes! If he doesn't have to work so hopefully he won't be working haha. I truly felt the spirit and know they did too. After My comp told me he's never seen a greenie talk as much and teach so much of a lesson in their first week. He told me he's very impressed with my Spanish and I know it's because God is guiding me in what to say and how to say it. Gift of tongues is real!
Guys Portland Oregon is crazy. Im in uptown Portland so low-key in the hood and last night definitely heard some gunshots hahaha! There's graffiti everywhere you go and so many homeless people and trash everywhere. I'm pretty sure everytime I get out of the car someone wants to kill me and actually threatens us hahaha. But besides that the Hispanics are all so genuine!! They all love christ and are way more respectful than everyone else. Oh and the trees are super pretty here too so that's a plus. There is like a lot of people that just decide to walk around in their underwear which is confusing but other than that Portland is lit haha. It's not as bad as I was expecting so that's v exciting. Also the sun hasn't been out at all and it's been dumping this entire time. I doing the best with the 2 sweaters I have hahaha. Also we are actually starving lowkey so I've been eating all my snacks I brought for the plan and I'm pretty sure I've lost weight already and don't know how these guys gain so much weight here.
Spiritual thought: the power of the holy ghost is amazing and is the converting power. Nobody would listen to me if they couldn't feel the spirit because they could probably barely understand my gringo speaking haha. God is amazing and knows your circumstances so don't let anyone or anything diminish your faith and your title as a disciple of Jesus christ. Remember who you are and what you stand for!
I've actually taken like 0 photos because I didn't have a phone for half of it haha. But me and my comp got thus lasagna from a member and it was AMAZING
9-26-23
LUNCH DAY
Luke's friends, Austin, Sadie (not Caldwell), and Tate Hansen all showed up while we were eating our Chick-fil-a :). Kinda funny. They were fun to talk to though. Luke was hilarious. I love having them home during the day- so fun! 9-27-23
Luke's friends, Austin, Sadie (not Caldwell), and Tate Hansen all showed up while we were eating our Chick-fil-a :). Kinda funny. They were fun to talk to though. Luke was hilarious. I love having them home during the day- so fun! 9-27-23
SADIE'S "TOE"
So during Bradley's phone call, Sadie came home (Molly had pushed her on the scooter thing and then Nate carried her in the front door) screaming. She was really upset. She had said she hurt her toe so I looked at it and it looked all red and puffy, so I thought she had stubbed it and with it being a little ingrown with the toenail, I thought that was it. Didn't think much of it. She fell asleep during the phone call. She had a cough and the hurt toe so I let her sleep with me that night (Nate was working the mid). Then all day Wednesday she had to be carried everywhere and wouldn't walk on her "hurt toe". It seemed extreme but she's kinda like that so it was okay. Then Wednesday night she woke up screaming a few times about the pain and then couldn't make it to the bathroom because she couldn't walk. So Thursday, I decided to really investigate this toe- there's no way this is all because of an ingrown toenail. Sure enough, the pain was not near her toenail. It was just below her big toe. That was the only place. We tried walking with shoes, tried standing and she just couldn't. She screamed like crazy every time I tried to get her to stand up on it. So I scheduled a doctor appointment. While we were sitting there waiting, I played around with her leg and foot again. Found out pushing on the back of her knee makes her flinch pretty bad and she won't allow you to do it very long. So we told the doctor about it all, he figured we better x-ray. We went and got some pictures of her foot and knee and then found out everything was totally normal looking. So who knows. I love when they follow it up with "if it's still hurting in 1-2 days, bring her back in". Ugh. But of course, the next day, she's braving walking now. Kind of annoying, but I'm glad she's okay and I'd rather not have a cast or boot. 9-28-23
VOLLEYBALL
Still doing great!! Won both games today!! Less subs, but some of them like that better. Good stuff. 9-28-23
Still doing great!! Won both games today!! Less subs, but some of them like that better. Good stuff. 9-28-23
HARVEST DANCE FOR NOAH
Noah got asked to Harvest dance already!! His friend Molly wanted to ask him before he got snatched up by someone else! I think it's so flattering to get asked so early on. He seemed happy about it. It wasn't the annoying girl he didn't want asking him. Super cute!! I'm excited and happy for Noah. 9-28-23
Noah got asked to Harvest dance already!! His friend Molly wanted to ask him before he got snatched up by someone else! I think it's so flattering to get asked so early on. He seemed happy about it. It wasn't the annoying girl he didn't want asking him. Super cute!! I'm excited and happy for Noah. 9-28-23
DATE NIGHT
We got to go see Nate Bargatze for our date night this week!! We grabbed some yummy philly beef and swiss subs before heading to our awesome seats! Nate spoiled me extra this week! This was a very funny show!! Even the openers were pretty good! I LOVED that he said, "This is what they promise us..." Talking about a clean comic coming to Utah. Pretty funny. "This is our hollywood". HAHAHA!! Then he thanked us for making time to be there on our busy weekend (General conference) HA! Funny guy. He had a lot of funny material. I loved him talking about reading. I could totally relate. He's funny. I loved having the time with Nate and glad he could laugh about the annoying laugh next to me, with me, she had THE MOST ANNOYING LAUGH!!! So funny. 9-29-23
We got to go see Nate Bargatze for our date night this week!! We grabbed some yummy philly beef and swiss subs before heading to our awesome seats! Nate spoiled me extra this week! This was a very funny show!! Even the openers were pretty good! I LOVED that he said, "This is what they promise us..." Talking about a clean comic coming to Utah. Pretty funny. "This is our hollywood". HAHAHA!! Then he thanked us for making time to be there on our busy weekend (General conference) HA! Funny guy. He had a lot of funny material. I loved him talking about reading. I could totally relate. He's funny. I loved having the time with Nate and glad he could laugh about the annoying laugh next to me, with me, she had THE MOST ANNOYING LAUGH!!! So funny. 9-29-23
