Hanging out in DELTA!!

Sorry, I am terrible at blogging!! Well Josh has made it to Colorado safe and sound. He is in a little town called Delta. Josh has already gone to a baptism and he loves it! His companion is Elder Bevans and he is from Carston Alberta, Canada! This is the second time Josh has had a Canadian companion. He is loving being a missionary. He gets so many perks like: free sonic and pizza and he can actually legally marry someone! He says the weather hasn't been bad except the one morning where it was 14 degrees out! He doesn't have a coat yet! Oops!! He is eating food and he is complaining he is getting fat! He is loving his ward, area, and overall mission! He is doing well and loves all of you!!

Already To Go Out and Teach!!

Sorry it has been a while since we got a new post, but we have been busy!!! Josh left for the MTC on February 4, 2009. He reported at 11:30. We dropped him off at the airport around 5:00 A.M. He just wanted to get going!! My sister and brother in law took him to breakfast then onto the MTC. He says his companion is named Willoughby from a place he can't spell in Canada. He is a good guy and Josh is excited to serve with him.
So Josh has already had an embarrassing moment at the MTC. This is what he said: In the intro meeting they asked all who had memorized the purpose to raise their hand. I had memorized it in mission prep so I did and the MTC President's wife choose me to say the purpose. I froze and it turned out bad.
He says he still has plenty to learn. He is already District Leader. He is way excited for that!! He is way excited for his chance to teach!!

Time to Go

Thank you!! I feel so blessed to be at this point in my life. I am now able to look back and see how much i really have been blessed through the last 19 years. The Lord truly has a plan for each of us and knows who we need in times of struggle. I wouldn't be the same if was not for my amazing family and close group of friends who have been there for me. I am who I am because of you. I am constantly amazed how Heavenly Father gives us blessing. I am grateful for the ability to wake up each morning and just to breath. I grateful to have a body that is able to run, jump, dance, swim, talk, sing, hug, smell, move, and live. I am grateful for the constant tender mercies that are granted daily. The lord loves us and wants us to find happiness. When we realize how dependent we are upon him but at the same time are able to control who we are, we find power. Happiness is a choice and is found when we live the way we know we are suppose too. Sometimes we forget to give credit where credit is due. I don't believe in luck but I do believe in a god who does blesses us. I wish I could put into words the feelings in my heart but sometimes words just fail me. It is now my time to go and serve my god. I get the opportunity to go out and share the most important message of our day. I get to go out and help people find happiness and joy. I am sad to leave my family and friends but I know this is the right thing for me to do. So once again thank you and enjoy the next two years because I know I will.

The Journey Begins

Today I check off one of the requirements needed to go off on a mission, The Talk. As I stood at the pulpit addressing the congregation a some what terrifying realization hit me, the time has come. I have been called to serve in the Denver Colorado South Mission on February 4, 2009. I have been called by a prophet who speaks with God to serve as a Representative of Christ to the people in the Mile High City. Looking forward to the time period of two years seems crazy long, but if I can make it through four years of high school, then two years on a mission is doable. It is only 24 fast Sundays, 104 emails home (give or take a few), 4 phone calls and 730 days (or so).
Am I crazy? No i am just Mormon. We leave life (Family, Girls, Friends, Comfort) as we know it to march the streets of foreign places to bring people to Christ. We sacrifice what the world says is fun (Movies, TV, Swimming, Ext..) to show our Heavenly Father we are worthy of His spirt. We spend all day, everyday 24-7 in church mode forgetting our worries and developing a sense of love for people we only met yesterday. We leave as boys and come back as men more prepared and more able to handle what life throws at us. So why we do it? In order to bless our own lives, the lives we leave behind, and the lives of those we come in contact with. Worth it? I say yes.

As the Journey Begins, I will be honest I am a scared little boy about to be thrown out of the nest but I trust in God to light the way before me and glory in the strength that he gives me. He has given me innumerable amounts of blessings and the least I can do is serve Him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. This blog has been created to showcase the magical moments that lay before me. The hope is that as I email home and send pictures my loved ones will keep all those who care updated. Letters are always appreciated! Till we meet again!

(Soon to be) Elder Brooks