Dec. 16, 2013...Christmas rap & playing with horses!

 

Hey everyone!! Sounds like everyone is doing fantastic!! Dad, the jerky is sooo amazing and I am trying my hardest to make it last till at least Christmas. And I havent opened my presents yet, I'm waiting till Christmas for that too!! And Bruce is lookin pretty tough with that big gun!! Thats also a sweet watch you're wearing Bryce! Where did you get it??............... Haha yeah you can wear it. Dad I'm also trying to figure out how to send videos so I can send you some videos of the flock of about 5000 snows that landed in the pond by our place. Theres also a video of about 3000 canadians sitting on the ice too, it makes me trunky.

 

Thats good that everyone is doing better and isnt sick anymore!! So for the christmas day plan, we will be going to the Tracy home (the family that sent you the very first picture of me and Butz) between 11:30-1:00 so for you that is between 10:30 and 12:00 so be ready!! If you could have everyone there at that time, that would be great! I havent had to use the ear warmers yet because we had the car this week and also the weather here is crazy, now its really warming up. Its supposed to be 58 on wednesday, but way cold next week. Also, I've been meaning to ask about Bart and Misty, but that is so good to hear that all is going well with them!! HANK!! That is sooo awesome!! I love that name hahaha

 

Sissy, its so good to hear that you are feelin better twinner!! I miss you a lot!! I have talked to so many people about you and brag about you and tell them how flipping awesome you are!! I show them pictures and they all say, "wow you DO look like twins!!" I love you and miss you dissy doo-dah!!

 

So about my week.. Yesterday both Elder Butz and I gave talks in church and it actually went really well! I would send home a copy of the talk but I honestly just wrote down bullet points and expounded on them in the talk so it doesnt make much sense on paper. But it was all about keeping Christ the center of Christmas. Not much else happened this past week though.. Our investigator appointments basically all fell through which was sad, but we had two less actives at church again yesterday which is sooo exciting for us!! Oh, something that you guys might find entertaining is a little "I am a child of God" rap... ready for this??

 

Yo I aint never seen God but I know He's there.

I can feel his love surround me, I know he cares.

And I'll admit it I wish I could see God face to face,

but that dont mean that I got doubts, we aint wasted space.

Cause I dont need that proof to know that he exists,

The Holy Ghost speaks truth, I know I am His kid.

The greatest dad in the world and I just gotta give,

Praise to Him and His Son, I know that He lives

Died for my sins, paid with His sufferin'.

And thats word to Isaiah, fulfilled his promises.

Jesus Christ saves all no matter where you been,

so when you've hit rock bottom remember God forgives.

Remember who the rock is when you're feelin' low,

And when you're that lost sheep He'll bring you to the fold.

Leave his 99 sheep to find His missin' bro.

Cause thats what big brothers do, I love my Savior so much.

I believe that I can be healed just by one simple touch,

of His clothing I can be made whole cause his love is such,

a blessing, if you feel the same way you can sing along,

Cause you's a child of God, lets sing the song.

 

Haha I think that is sooo awesome!! That was written by an Elder who just left for home not too long ago. His name was Elder Ofahengaue (Oh-fah-hen-gah-way). Anyways, thats pretty much it for this week. Cant wait to see you all on Christmas!! I love you all!! Have a great week!!

 

Elder Trey Brimhall

 

 

They did a service project last week brushing these adorable horses!

 

 

 

 

Dec. 8,2013...metamorphisis

This was an incredible letter from our son, who has done a lot of growing since he's been gone.

There aren't adequate words to describe the joy we felt when reading his email this week,

and knowing that while our precious boy is literally "losing himself in the work of the lord"

...we can see that he is also finding himself in the process.

 

 

So things were pretty good and also pretty miserable here in the last week!! It was good in the sense that we did a ton of tracting and found 9 new investigators and gave out probably 15 copies of the Book of Mormon, but miserable in the sense that we were doing a lot of tracting... in sub-zero temperatures,that give both Elder Butz and I frostbite. But hey, I'm just glad to be doing the Lords work in any way that I can!!

 

 Okay so I know this sounds bad, but before my mission, I never really read in my scriptures or in the Book of Mormon nearly as much as I should have. I always knew it was true and that I loved it, but my testimony of it just wasn't that strong. Now that has completely changed. I cant put it down. It truly is so amazing... It is so crazy how much a person can relate to the Book of Mormon when they really read it with the intent of learning something new from it. In 1 Nephi 1:1, I made a great connection there.. in the first verse of the entire book!! That alone told me how special it was.

 

I want to bear my testimony to you all of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon. There is no other book on this planet that testifies of the truthfulness of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ like this book. It was written by prophets of old who were called of God who preached the correct Gospel principles. It was put away for this last dispensation. Joseph Smith was a true prophet of the Lord who translated that book by the almighty power of God. I know that it is true. I know that if we abide by its precepts, as we are constanly told by prophets and church leaders, we can and will obtain everlasting life and we will inherit the very Kingdom of God. As if that isnt great enough, we can do that as a family. I will stand as a witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon until the end of time. I will let my light shine forth unto all men and let all men know of its greatness whether they will accept it or not. I know it is true. I have been on my mission for 42 days now and I already have a testimony that is unbreakable and cannot be turned over. I believe in this church and Gospel more than I have ever believed in anything in my life. I love it with all my heart. How grateful I am to have so many great examples in my life. My entire family is one that will enjoy everlasting peace and happiness together. It is very sad that so many families will deny that privilege throughout time, but I am happy that my family will not. I am so proud of all of you. Stay strong and continue to learn more of this gospel and grow closer to our savior and redeemer.

 

If this is posted on my blog, then to all who read this who have not had the opportunity to read the Book of Mormon and even those who have: I invite you as an Elder in this church, An ambassador of Christ, a minister of the true and restored Gospel of our beloved Savior Jesus Christ, and as your humble brother and child of our loving Heavenly Father, seek out the Book of Mormon. If you do not have a testimony of the Book of Mormon or this Gospel, then lean on my testimony. I know it is true. I have seen the works of God brought to pass by the power and divintiy of this book. Seek out the missionaries. Visit mormon.org. Obtain a Book of Mormon and find out whether its true or not. Go onto youtube.com or google.com and search "Safety for the soul" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Focus on what you feel. I promise you in the Sacred Name of Jesus Christ that you will receive an answer or witness of the truthfulness of this Gospel if you will just simply ask God if it is true. I invite you all to do so.

 

I love you family!! Thank you all for the love and support!! Have a great week!!

 

 

Serving proudly,

Elder Trey Brimhall

Dec. 2, 2013...thanksgiving!

Hey Guys!! Sounds like a pretty crazy week for you!! Broken water main, dad with strep, black friday shopping, bruce buying a freakin 9mm, etc... Makes me miss home!! I feel like I'm missing all the action!! Bryce I might need you to send that gun out here.. hehe and I'll tell you all why in a bit;) But over all it sounds like you had a decent week!! Dad i cant wait for the jerky!! Everyone out here is hunting and killing deer and every time we talk to someone about hunting, i think about jerky and how much I miss it and crave it, so that will be perfect!!

So for thanksgiving, we went to the Wise's home to eat and we ate soooo much food. We had a contest to see who could gain the most weight from dinner so we weighed ourselves before and after annnnnd........ I WON!! I gained 3.8 pounds from dinner!! Sick, I know... im fasting for the next two weeks... hahaha just kidding! Oh Dad, just fyi, I'm now at about 158 so I'm definitely gaining weight. How was thanksgiving for you guys?? Ugh, I miss your thanksgiving dinners mom.. Like really bad. And then with Christmas coming up, its going to be soooo weird being away from home during Christmas for the first time.

Okay I'm way jealous that you guys are going hunting but I'm glad that you're going!! Someone please use my gun and tell me how the new part works and if my gun can still hit something.. hahaha even though I already know that its deadly accurate. There are sooo many geese by our place because we live right by 2 small lakes and there are at least 1500 geese that sit in them every day so every morning and every night I listen to flock after flock after flock fly by honking their guts out and all I want to do is call at them with my goose call!!

Okay so about my week... It was a pretty slow week honestly. We have a few more potentials that might be some good prospects, but nothing crazy yet. We did, however, get two of the less actives in our ward to come back to church!! One hasnt been in over 12 years and the other in over 2 years. I didnt know this but I guess thats just like the equivalent of baptizing them all over again, so we are having some success!! Okay but with our 3 investigators... oh boy... So our investigators have kinda gone down the toilet... One is a rude old man who refuses to change his ways, but he's somewhat willing to listen to what we have to say. Another one refuses to give up his alcohol and meth which is really sad cuz he is a fantastic guy. Annnnnd the other guy...... Dont get like freaked out or too worried about me cuz we'll be fine, but last week he was shot and killed because he was basically standing on one corner of the street that was another gangs "turf".... Pretty sad. Bruce thats why I need your gun;) haha jk, I have the Book of Mormon!! And if someone shoots at us, I'll hold that book up and it'll stop the bullets at the Isaiah chapters since they're so "hard". haha I hope you get that joke;) But for real, the guy got shot:( Ummm other than that, not much else has happened. Yesterday I fasted for the swift arrival of my Visa... But anyways, I'm just working my hardest out here and trying to hasten the Lords work!!

So in order to drive, we have to memorize all 5 lessons found in chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel AND all the baptismal interview questions... So the record is 4 days which was done by a kid with photographic memory... Before him it was 10 days, and before that it was 18 days!! Well I want you to be proud of me for this... But today I will be passing off lesson 5 and the baptismal interview questions and that will mean that I finished them all in 16 days... It's taken a lot of patience and hard work, but I got it done!! I just thought that was kinda cool;) And Squish, I wanna see pictures of the house with the lights and your sweet room!! Bryce, be so so careful with that gun. You are a big boy now and need to treat that thing with the utmost respect. Be responsible. Dad, I'll be sure to keep you in my prayers even moreso now that you have strep.. Have fun for me on the hunt though!! Mom, I love you so so much and cant wait to get my packages!! Thank you again for sending them!! The Lord is blessing us all more and more each and every day. Please keep the names John and Linda Gunnufson in yours prayers this week!! They are both in their 60's and they are brother and sister. Linda's husband just died two months ago and she is less active and really needs peace and comfort in her life. John is not a member but expressed to Linda that he feels ready to be baptized and join the church, so pray that he will have a continued desire to do those things. Thank you guys!!

I love you all so much and I miss you like crazy!! Have a great week!! I'll see you soon on X-Mas!!
Love always, Elder Trey Brimhall

 

Nov. 25, 2013...a change in attitude can make all the difference :)



 

Hey Family!! It sounds like everyone is doing great!! Bryce, that's so cool that you got your patriarchal blessing!! I'm sure you have many great blessings in store for you. Just remember, you won't be blessed with those things unless you are faithful and righteous, which we all know you already are, but just keep it up!! Dad, I am wayyyy jealous that you went hunting. Did you happen to use my gun?? Those are some gorgeous birds! Man, I am so jealous because EVERY SINGLE NIGHT there are flocks and flocks of geese that fly over our apartment.. There are tons of Canadian geese out here. I'm way excited to get my package tomorrow or the next day!!
Okay so this week actually did go better... It was a really tough week and its absolutely freezing here now which makes the work even harder, but I am just pressing forward in faith!! So I am sending a letter home today with a story about our first lesson out here, so I won't spoil the story before the letter gets there. It was really tough though. It made me so depressed and I was feeling so down on myself. BUT, since then I have been focused on staying positive no matter what happens and that has helped tremendously. The days have gone by way smoother and way faster, which honestly is what I want. I realized that I wasn't enjoying the mission at all, so I am changing my attitude towards where I am at in the mission and now I am actually beginning to enjoy it! I am really just trying to make the most out of every opportunity.

So for thanksgiving, there are like 3 different families that want to feed us, so we will definitely have plenty of places to go to eat. I am gonna try to attach a bunch of pictures though and that is gonna take a while so I should go. I love you all so much!! Have a great week!!
Love, Elder Trey Brimhall

 

Here's some pics of Trey's apartment...they were taken with his Go-Pro,

so not the best pictures, but we'll take what we can get!!

I love the fact that he made his bed...that's my boy!!

 

 

Nov. 18, 2013 Independence, Missouri

The boys made it to Missouri on Wednesday, where they'll stay until their visas arrive...

 

And then today, we got this email and picture from a member in Trey's area:

 

"Your sons taught a lesson to our family tonight.  What awesome young men they are. You should be so proud of them. We are glad to have them in our ward."

 

(This is Trey's first week in the mission field, and let's just say it was a little different then the MTC!
But he's a strong boy, and we know that he'll adjust quickly! :)
 

Hey Brimhall fam!! Sounds to me like everything there is going great!! Thats so  good to hear!! Okay, so about Missouri, my mission president, and my companion... This is a bad thing to say but in all honesty, I hate Missouri. Its flat, freezing, the people hate us for the most part, and honestly there is just a very dark feeling here. I am in an area callled Harrisonville, and yes there have not been missionaries here for like 3 years, so the work is very difficult.

     My mission president is President Keyes, and he is very nice. He truly is a man called of God. My companion is Elder Butz. Its pronounced like books but with a T. Its a german name. We get along great though!! He is from Highland and he went to Lone Peak. He is an athlete so we always have stuff to talk about or do when we are bored. We live in a duplex that smells terribly like smoke, but it's not a bad place. Well, actually its in a pretty ghetto area so I'm always on high alert. Oh, Mom I got that box... thank you for sending that!! It was much needed haha I love that scarf too. The weather has actually been fairly mild here which is a good thing. I have actually struggled the past few days... It is completely different from what I expected. There is so much paperwork and memorization stuff like that, that we have to do on a daily basis. Also, it has really been very hard for me to walk around and get so many mean looks from everyone in town. I feel so unwelcomed here and it really just breaks my heart because I have never EVER felt this way. There are literally like 7 active members in Harrisonville. Our area is huge. Its literally like 70 square miles. But we have a full time car which is nice.

      But thank you all for the many prayers in my behalf.. I really feel the effects of those prayers in my life, even though life is really weird right now. Well I'm gonna go now. Bryce keep up the good missionary work kid!! Sis, you're a chicken butt;) But thats okay because I still love you;) Haha alright well y'all have a great week!! I love you all so so much!!

 

Love, Elder Trey Brimhall

first discussion...warning: tear jerker!

Trey had the opportunity to give the first discussion to an investigator the other day, and had a powerful experience. He sent us this story that he wrote in his journal, and has given us permission to share it.

 

"After breakfast we had to teach our first real investigator. His name is Christian. He is in his early 30's and has a wife. They had a son, but he was hit by a car and killed at 3 years old, last year. Christian was very bitter towards the Lord because of that experience. He has a condition where his mind tells him what to say but he has a very hard time physically saying the words, so he stutters and draws out most of his words. I immediately felt a love for him as I would with a brother. Through our testimonies to him, we were able to get him to pray with us. In his prayer, one of the things he said was, 'God...if you're really there, then you know that there's nothing I wouldn't do to be with my son again.' How sweet these words rang in the air. I then simply asked him, 'Christian...if you are willing to do anything to see Alex again...then will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the Priesthood authority of God?' He gave me a blank stare, and with tears beginning to run down his face, he said, 'If it means that I get to see my boy again, then yes Elder Brimhall, I will.' First lesson with this loving yet lost son of our Heavenly Father, and he committed to be baptized. The church is true. I know it without a shadow of a doubt. That feeling...was pure happiness for me. I can't wait to experience that again."

 

We are so grateful that our sweet boy is beginning to see people in a different light...as sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father, who wants ALL of us to be able to know him personally. We so easily take for granted the knowledge that we have of the amazing plan of salvation, and can forget that there many who are unaware, and seeking for that kind of comfort in their lives. What a wonderful blessing these mighty missionaries are to the world! :) 

Elder B has been reassinged!!

Elder Trey is doing so incredibly well! We heard from him today, and he's been re-assigned to Independence, Missouri while he waits for his visa...he is very excited!

Haha...somehow he managed to get this on instagram!

 

 

Below: We love this picture he sent because we have a baseball theme going on...

Since he decided to forgo some great opportunities to play ball and go on a mission instead, we decided that he's now playing on the greatest team of all...and the Lord is his coach. He knows that there will probably be some errors out in the field, but also some fantastic home runs.
We also sent him some baseballs so that his team mates (companions) could all sign them.

This ball hasn't left his side ever since!

 

Here's his most recent emails:

 Hey Dad!! Oh my gosh thats so great to hear that things are going well at home!! I actually did email Bill on monday but it was like 3 hours after he had sent me an email... Umm Marshall Henry was rooming right next to me but he actually left this morning!! I also ran into Bryston Kehl this morning in the cafeteria and that was kind of cool!! But other than those two, I havent seen anyone else. Sounds like you're gonna be so busy working graveyard!! Dont strain your milk ole' boy... hahaha oh that reminds me, hows Papa & Nana doing? Things are going so well here. Im gonna send you a couple pictures from my phone and the only reason is cuz its pictures of what I wrote in my journal last night and I want you and mom and the fam to hear it but I dont have the time to type it!! I havent really "played" at all haha but today as the zone leader I have to welcome in the new district and give them a full orientation on the MTC and rules!! So stoked to do that!! Ummm... OH!! So mom sent those baseballs in that last package.... I have literally brought the one ball with me everywhere I have gone. Class, lunch, our room, dinner, and even into an investigators home!! Haha I am always holding it. Sure love ya Dad!! Namaste!!

Mummer!! So good to hear from you again!! There's no way I could actually get sick of hearing from my amazing mom. You're the best!! That package was soooo awesome so thank you so much!! I carry one of the baseballs with me everywhere I go!! Haha I love you mom. I can honestly say, and please dont be offended by this, but I really havent missed being home that much!! I mean I miss it, but I love the constant feeling I have out here.. Things are going so well for me. I'm gonna try to attach some photos and videos but I'm not sure if it will work, so forgive me if it doesnt!! I just want you to know that I am in no way distracted right now.. Things are going unbelievably well for me!! And hopefully things are going well at home too. 

     My whole zone went through the temple this morning and it was so great!! I really love it there so much!! It's really incredible to sit there and listen to the prayer that is said in the prayer circle and to hear how much of that prayer is dedicated to asking for blessings on the missionaries!! I truly feel so loved and blessed by many. That's about all I have for this week!! And yes, I will be calling you on Tuesday!! I love you all so much!! I feel your prayers every day, and I am so grateful for them. Talk to you soon!! Namaste!!

Elder Trey Brimhall

First letter home!!

We heard from Elder B today, and he's doing A-MA-ZING!!

He loves it there and says that he's learning so much!
 

They must really like him too because his second day there he was called to be Senior Zone Leader, as well as the travel leader for all the missionaries going to India! He is such a happy boy,

and we couldn't be more pleased with how he's doing!

 

Here is his first letter home:

 

Family! Namaste!

Happy Halloween! Don't get too fat off candy without me now...Oh my gosh I seriously love it here so much! This place is incredible! I miss you guys but I'm sorry/happy to say that I don't miss you that much! My first day was incredible. I got to go to class and learn more about being a missionary within 45 minutes of being here. My companion is Elder Larsen and he is so awesome! He is from twin Falls, he's about 6'1", funnier than crap, and is so positive about everything! We really get along great. So on our first day, I was in a class of about 40 missionaries, both Elders and Sisters, and as a class we taught and got to experience speaking with 3 separate investigators. I can't even believe how quickly I have already picked up on how to talk, teach, preach, and testify to a non-member! In two days, my testimony has grown 10x stronger! I love you guys so much! You're each individually in my prayers! Have a good week!

-Elder Trey Brimhall


And first email (11/4/13):

Hey Fam!!! How are you all doing?? It looks like Halloween was amazing... Bruce looks groovy as shiz and sis looks beautiful as ever!!;) The past week has been beyond incredible.. The amount of knowledge they pour into your mind here is ridiculous. I have learned more about this church and the Character of Christ in the last 5 days than I have in the last 5 years.. You literally cannot believe how powerful the spirit is here!! My testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel has grown soo much and I love it so much!! Hows the quiet life?? I'm sure you're loving it mom.. ;) and how was the pheasant hunt?? Only one bird but was it fun?? I bet it was coooold...  I got your package guys!!! THAT WAS MUCH NEEDED!!! I loved it so much... ahhh having a baseball is like the biggest release... haha and Bryce, I got that coke and literally downed that thing in like two minutes... So good. That family booklet is amazing mom!! I literally love it so much!! My P day is actually on Wednesday but I have free time right now so I thought I would write you since I will only have one P day here... But I should go!! I love you all so much!! Have a great week!! The church is true:) 

With Love, Elder Trey Brimhall

ps I think I might have to send the pictures I've taken on wednesday. They're awesome!!



Last day home and MTC!

This was such a bitter sweet day. Sadness that our boy was leaving, but excitement that he was going to serve the Lord. We've made it a tradition with our boys to go the morning before leaving, to the Salt Lake Temple to do initiatories, and then spend some time in the Celestial Room.

 

 

It was an amazing morning...and the very best birthday present mom could have asked for!!

We went out to lunch, and finished packing his bags...

 

 

Later that evening we met with Bishop Katzenbach and President Castleton for his setting apart as a full time missionary! It's such an amazing an incredible experience being in the room during the setting apart. The spirit is so strong, and emotions are high...no words to describe the feeling.

 

 

Grandma & grandpa, Papa and the J fam, and Grant & Allie girl were all there :)

 



 

That night, the kids played video games one last time, and had a sleepover in the basement!

 

 

Next morning...putting "Day 1"sticker on his chart!

 

 

 Saying goodbye to his Daisey May...

 

We stopped by to give Nana & Papa hugs...

 

 

 ...and Papa sneaking some money in his jacket :)

 

 

Quick pictures and goodbyes across the street from the MTC...

 

 

Silly boy...thinks he's gonna take his cowboy hat!

 

 

 From the arms of your family to the Lords...we love you Elder B!!!