A Missionary Christmas!

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because... This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time thinking bout the temple, my testimony stirred.
I've read November's Ensign, Felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because, this year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion, their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton
For 14 more months we will pray for him, I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face on this computer. I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand, this year; I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter; I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his waiting is done.
My gift has taken years to make, this year... I'm giving Christ my son.

I know there's One who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give, the toll that it is taking.
For He has done it all before Greater love - there could be none.
For years ago God gave to me, His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones Who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, until all the gathering's done,
My gift has taken years to make. This year...I'm giving Christ my son.

Letter from President Hall, 13 Dec 2010

Dear Elder Summers,

Thank you for accepting the assignment to serve as a District Leader. Your principal responsibility will be to train, supervise and inspire the senior and junior companions in your district. Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-46 to understand how the Lord expects His leaders to direct His work.

The key to your success will be to lead by example, especially in your relationship with your companion and the work that is accomplished in your own area. Teach and live Preach My Gospel so that you are an example to those you are responsible for. Should you have any questions, please consult your Zone Leaders or the Assistants to the President.

You will receive ongoing training from your Zone Leaders and from other mission leaders to further aid you in the discharge of your duties.

With Love,

Garth V. Hall
President, Florida Orlando Mission

Letter from President Hall, 13 Dec 2010

Dear Elder Summers,

Thank you for accepting the assignment as a Trainer in the Florida Orlando Mission. A Trainer of new missonaries is one of the most impotant responsibilities in this mission. The most important fctor in the success of a missionary's attitute confidence, courage, obedience, faith, skills and love for this work. As a Trainer you must be the perfect example of:

1. Perfect obedience.
2. Hard work.
3. Faith and prayer.
4. Devoted to Preach My Gospel.
5. A testimony of this work.
6. Respect for the keys of the priesthood.

This is an important resonsibility. You have the ability to do this. Because of its important, the Lord will increase your abilities and capacity to be able to accomplish what you need to do.

Know we Love, trust and respect you,

Garth V. Hall
President, Florida Orlando Mission

Letter #48 Kissimee, Dec 13, 2010

Hey Mom,
The Lord has put a lot on my plate but I know I won't have to go through it alone.....I'm District leader and I'm getting another son!!!! Well it should be good. It's crazy how these last 4 weeks I've grown more than ever and I'm so happy again!!! Oh guess what? Last night we set 3 dates for the 1st yeah!!!! I'm so happy but any way things are good!!!! I saw Bro Rap yesterday... he came by the house and seeing the Hall's was so nice, they have grown so much its great and I'm so grateful I got to play a small role in that it makes me want to work even harder. I'm going to try and finish up my tape but I don't think I'm going to make it before Christmas. I'm going to buy a Christmas tree for a less active poor family but the ward will pay me back so don't stress it k??? I'm like 45 min away from Disneyworld and that is where Elder Myler is. I will get to see Elder Engemann tomorrow and I'm pretty happy about that. Well I should be sending my sd card home so I'm going to wait until you send me one but it's full so maybe in your next letter or package. By the way thanks for the food I'm glad it wasn't junk food. ok well I need to write Pres. Hall so I love you so much and I'm sending the question paper home tomorrow so be looking for that.
Love Ya, Elder Summers

Letter #47 Kissimmee, Dec 6 2010

Mom,
Man I don't know if spent that much but yes I have bought some stuff. I have my card now so I shouldn't be spending to much more money! If I spent that much I'm sorry but I had to buy a blanket and pillow and stuff. I will try not to spend anymore I feel super bad and dumb that I spent that much!!! Well it's Elder Mylers last week..... just when things are getting good!!! We had a baptism on Sat and we have alot of people we are working with. I hope you and Namy are ok and get better soon!!! mmm I haven't gotten any packages yet maybe I will today!! Yes I will try and send back Dad's white pant next Monday. Mom don't waste money on sending me packages.... I would rather you just keep the money and me buy stuff out here Okay!! We have a super busy week this week!!!! I'm happy we are going to go teach a lesson in a hour so that will be way good. We are trying hard to get some people who are ready to progress !!! Hey mom if you are still doing the letter thing on the blog please correct my spelling! LOL Thanks!! Mmm I was about to send my Ipod home cuz they aren't allowed but they might be next year so I'm just going to wait. Anyway I feel really bad about spending that much money and I will try hard to spend more wisely. Hey don't send me any junk food cuz it well just be a waste cuz I won't eat it. So don't worry about sending me that kinda stuff !!! Mmm send a question paper if you want and I'm almost done with a tape and I will try to send it with Dad's pants. Well I love and miss you guys but I'm glad to be back out here. I'm really starting to get back into the swing of things...... love you guys, Elder Summers

Letter #46 Kissimmee, Nov 29, 2010

Hey Mom,
Elder Myler won't be here for Christmas. I still haven't seen Tracy but I know they want to take me out for dinner so we will see. Bro Rap might take us out today.I hope Namy is ok! Well things are way slow right now, we are having a hard time finding people but we are working really hard. Elder Myler isn't trunky but he's just kinda hard for me to work with. I really like him though, he is a super nice guy! President Hall is cool, he is interviewing Dyana on wed for her baptism. Well I'm glad you guys are doing well and I hope Dad has made it to the temple these past weeks! It is still way hot here! Mom I'm going to buy whatever I need or want out here to help me workout ok? I will try not to spend to much money but I'm trying to eat healthy and good and that cost a little more ok? So I'm sorry but anyway Thanksgiving was good we got to play football and we had 3 dinners. This ward is ok, we are going to meet with bishop Kober on wed cause there is a few things or plans that I want to discuss with him. I think they can really make the ward go better. Well this has been a slow week but I'm ready to work hard and make this next week better! Ok I love you guys but I need to write Pres. Hall cuz I didn't have time last week.
Love Ya, Elder Summers

Letter #45 Kissimmee, 26 Nov 2010

Hey Momma,
I'm doing good here. Hope you got my Email. I live on Long and Fairway in Kissimmee. No one notices my black eye so it's better. I'm glad you guys are trying to better yourselves....that's real cool and I'm proud of you. I hope you get to the Temple soon. Have fun in Tucson shopping. So how is basketball going for Cal, I hope good! Have you started any of your projects yet? Well Don't worry I'm taking lots of pics and I have started the tape for you. Send me a question paper and I will fill it out for you. I'm doing good and I don't need anything. The house we live in is OK, it's kind of old but I got a pillow and A blanket finally today so I'm happy! K I'm going to go take a nap and I will write more when I wake up! I LOVE the mission but man it's hard and I'm always ready for bed. Oh by the way I'm working super hard!!!! Well my face is breaking out as you will be able to tell in the pics and it's stinks! Aunt Tye and Mason wrote me so it was good to hear from them. Well I don't think I need anything. I really don't know what else to say other than I LOVE YOU! I'm glad your my mom and I'm grateful for you always being there and always taking care of me. K I LOVE YOU and talk to you on Monday!
Elder Summers

Letter # 44, Kissimmee November 22, 2010

Hey Mom... sorry that 1st email was so short. I'm here!!!! I made it back and I'm doing great and loving the work. We have a baptism this Saturaday and her name is Dyana! She is way sweet!! I'm going to write you a letter today that will have a lot more info in it. I can't remember all your questions right now but I will try and answer them when I write. I don't have a lot of time right now! My companion's name is Elder Myler and today is his birthday. He is turning 21 and he goes home at the end of this transfer, so I'm killing him! My Area is in Kissimmee, not sure how to spell it but I will tell you more in my letter so you can google earth me! I know you like to do that! We live with two other leaders, they are the Spanish Missionaries and I love them both. It is so nice here, the weather is great!!!! A missionary has my bike but I got Elder Christainsons bike... I didn't spell it right but he was my zone leader when I went home. It is so cool being able to see everyone again and I'm loving it!!!!! I'm doing really good and I'm already back into the swing of things. Church was way good and there is 3 set of missionarires in our ward... the zoneleaders and the triangle missionaries. So our ward is bulking up between the 3 of us! We have the south area and there isn't to many active members in our area, so member exchanges are kinda hard for us but will get better. Well I will send you that letter tomorrow and try to answer all your questions! k love you and tell everyone I said Hello and that I love them!
Elder Summers

7 Long Months at Home

For the last 7 months Braunson has been home using the Atonement. Yes he does things the hard way but at least they are the right way! Let me tell you these 7 months have been the longest 7 months of our lifes and especially his. After months of up's and mostly down's, of not going back to I have to go back or I can never live with myself.....Elder Summers is back in FLORIDA!! There has been a whole heck of a lot of lessons learned and it has only made him a more better, stronger and determine Missionary who I know is going to tear it up in ORLANDO!!!

Letter #43, Stuart March 29,2010

Hey Mom,
It's was a pretty good week.... Cheryl got baptized and no Micheal didn't do it... Brother Mejia baptized her he is the member that's taking us to the Temple this thur. It should be way cool!!! So Sister Neilson a lady from St.Cloud is coming down to visit her family and she wants to take us out to eat on friday!!! So that well be really cool ....she is the bead lady !!! The one who taught me how to do those bead braclets I made!!! Well I'm way excited for conference and I'm going to order the cds right after they come out ...ok!!!! So don't send them!!!! Tell Aunt Nana I said Happy birthday!!!!! Well Mom I'm glad you are getting temple worthy!!!! I'm so happy that is a big stress for me.... because if you aren't then we can't be together forever... it Gods law!!!! So I am happy that you are doing that!!!! I love you soo much!!!!! Well tell Brodee and Taryn I'm happy for them and tell them I love them!!!! Give bent kissses for me and send pics!!!! Is Nollie's middle name said like Ray??? Well that is so cool!!!!! Humm a light house builder is somone who sucks up to the president.... the story is long I will send it on a tape!!! Did you get my tape I sent home??? I hope so cuz I sent it!!! Well I got to confirm Cheryl a member... it was my 1st time to confirm someone and it was really neat!!!!! Well Mom I'm learning alot and I love teaching people!!! Moses this rc just called me and was asking me about the 2nd coming and it is neat how much the lord has blessed me with knowledge of his gospel!!!! I love him for that and I must use this gift to help people and he will keep blessing me!!!! Well tell every one I said hello and that I love them!!!! Elder Summers

Letter #42 Stuart March 22, 2010

Hey Mom ,
How are you doing? I'm proud of you for not drinking sodas and I'm happy that you and cal are starting to workout!!! Well I'm proud of Brodee for doing that for you guys. Tell him I said that okay!! Well I don't think the Halls do!! I wrote them a letter so I will know for sure next week or when I get a letter back from them! They might get the Ensign but I don't think they get the friend or New Era!!! Humm I will get Zach's address for you next week if I can remember!!! No I don't need a SD card yet and transfers are in like two weeks!!! Tell Dad I said Happy Birthday.....so what did you guys do for his bday?? Tell him I love him so much and wish I was there to beat him in ping pong!!! Haha Well tell him he is the best Dad in the world and I talk about him all the time!!! Well Mommy we are having another baptism this Saturday... Michael girlfreind Cheryl is getting baptized.... humm I've been going to other churches and I'm so glad to know the truth!!! It would suck to be so lost like these people are and it makes me want to try even harder to find people that will listen!!! I didn't even know it was spring break!! Did you guys camp or anything??? Well Mom I have to go but letters are coming in the mail !! Tell Jack to write me please!!!! I love you and keep saying your prayers with Cal!!! I might need contacts soon!!! Love you so much and miss you so much I want to come home can I??? Elder Summers


Just kidding about coming home....pre April Fool's!!! I just wanted to see what you would do!!!! I love my mission!!!
I love you!!! Elder Summers!!!

Letter #41, Stuart March 15, 2010

Well I'm doing good!! Michael's girlfriend is going to be baptized on the 27 of this month and hopfully Micheal can baptize her. Her name is Cheryl .... hmm today we where pallbearers at a funeral for this guy in are ward. Well we are finally starting to have some succes again ....we are teaching a few people! I need to keep working hard and being a good example!!! Well Mom are you so happy to have a temple so near??? We are going to go on a lot of date nights there right? I hope so.....I really want you to go through with me like once every week!!! That would be way sweet!!! Well I'm doing good ....time is flying bye!!!! I love my mission but I miss you guys!!! Hmm hows the family.... tell everyone that I love them and tell Dad that I love him and that he better start playing chess on the internet or with Cal or you Mom!!!! I really liked playing with you so keep playing so we can play when I get back!! Keep getting healther.... I'm so proud of you and you are going to be one HOT Mommy!!!! Well my SD card is slowly filling up again sooooo I will send that a tape.... maybe pretty soon well not till a month or so!!!!! LOL So how is everyone.... do you know anything about what anyone is doing? I write to Zach and that is it!!! I'm going to give you his address and you can send him a letter ok please!!! What is James doing or Jared ??? What about David when did he leave?? Well tell Jack sorry about her teeth..... I remember that it suck really bad and it was wierd waking up after I got them done and every time I ate it was the worst taste in my mouth!!!!! Well Mom I've been out for a little while now and I'm so glad that I'm out here and I've grown so much!!! I'm a new person and I'm a rep of Jesus Christ and Iwill follow him all my life and then I will make it to the Celestial kingdom!!!! I hope and pray that you all will make it too!!! I can't make you but I can help and I will help if you let me!!! I love you all so much so please follow Him and do what every it takes to help each other make it back!!! Don't let SATAN win.... he can't beat the Lord but he can beat you.... well he can't really only you can bet you!!!! Well I love you guys and I'll talk to you later..... I'm going to beat you guys in chess you better be ready!!!!! Love Elder Summers

Letter #40, Stuart March 8, 2010

Hey Mom,
It's zone p-day today... so I've been playing b-ball all day! We got up really early and went and watched the sun come up... it was really pretty and I loved it! Well last night Gladys Knight came and had a firesite.... it was way cool !!! We went with Brother Futo and another lady in the ward named Michael she is really nice! The firesite was so cool... I loved it!! Her and her husband bore their testimonies and it was really good! The music was sweet it was really good! Humm Brother Futo got a really bad headache though so I had to break the rules and drive home so don't tell ok!!!!! Well Elder Engemann is doing pretty good.....I'm just trying to be a good example but sometimes I have to give him a boost... but it's ok I'm sure I was like that when I first got out here! Well I saw alot of people from St.Cloud last night at the fireside and they all talked to me! It was really cool that they all remebered me. It made me feel really good !!!Well I have to go but I will write back soon..... I have to go LOVE you !!! Elder Summers!!!

Hey Mom,
I'm back I had to go the library to finish this!! Well how is everyone doing?? Hmm how are the kids in Pima doing ? The youth in the ward is really weak so I'm trying really hard to strengthen them!! I have had a little success but not as much as I'd like.... but we have found alot of new people to teach last week so that hopefully will lead to some more baptisms!!! Well tell all the family thank you for the gifts and cards.... sorry I can't write back but I don't really have anytime!!! This week we have to end are p-day by 4 so we can bike 15 miles to a appointment that we have. Man it's going to be a really hard and long ride.... I'm really tired from playing basketball all morning!!!! Well I'm doing good I don't really need anything but tell Dad and Cal that I'm really sorry I haven't been able to write them!!! Tell them that I love hearing from them and that I love them!!! So has Cal started to work out yet??? How is your diet going?? I'm really stating to like fish and I buy some every Monday! I have it once a week but it's pretty expensive. I'm doing good but I need to start writing in my journal more!!! I'm going to buy another "Preach My Gospel " ...mine isn't in very good shape! Well I LOVE you guys so much and thanks all you do to show your love for me!!! Elder Summers

Letter # 39, Stuart March 1st 2010

Hey everybody thanks for writing me. I haven't got the packages but I am going to get them today!!! Well I'm doing good and working hard my trainee's name is Elder Engemann ...he is from Provo. He is a really good missionary and I love him a lot!! Well thank you guys for all your support.... sorry for not writing more but its hard ....I never have time !! But I do love hearing from you guys!!! Thank you for the b-day packages too!!!! Well I'm doing really well and Michael's baptism was really good!!!! We are pretty low in are teaching pool but we just need to get out there and find more people to teach. Well I'm doing good but in a little while I will need more white shirts and church sock but I'm good for now. I opened the last two new shirts a few days ago and I will probably throw away a few of the really gross shirts. I will need new pants soon too but my shoes are fine for now. I well send a box of stuff home before I get transfer. Can I send a sword home? OK I'm going to deposit all the of money today. I kind of want it to go into my bank account so it can help build interest but whatever!! Well I love you guys so much and hope Bentley is getting better! Thank you for the tape it was way cool... I loved hearing bent... that is crazy she can talk so good.. man I miss her!!! Well I'm ready to watch all the naruto with cal but I still have along time before that happens and I need to make the most of it while I'm here!!! I love this work so much I'm doing great..... love you guys bye Elder Summers

Letter from President Darrington 22 Feb 2010

Dear Elder Summers:

Congratulations on your call to serve for a period of time as a Trainer in the Florida Orlando Mission. As a Trainer you are filling one of the most important positions in this mission. The work that you do as a Trainer, and the diligence in which you carry out this responsibility, will determine the effectiveness of this mission for many years. The missionary you train will be your legacy. As you know, that success will greatly influence how the rest of his life will turn out. As a Trainer you must do the following to set the right example for the new missionary you train:

1. Become a missionary of faith and be strictly obedient.
2. Plan daily, weekly, work smart, and hard.
3. Pray with faith that you might be successful in teaching and baptizing.
4. Set the right example in every way.
5. Make Preach My Gospel the focus of your preparations, planning, study,proselyting and teaching.

We know that you will be successful as you train a new missionary. My prayers and blessings are with you.

Sincerely,

John C. Darrington
President, Florida Orlando Mission

Letter #38, Stuart Feb 22, 2010

Hey Mom,
I'm doing good here. I am going to be training this transfer.... so that pretty crazy!!! I'm getting to know the ward a little better but anyway Elder Carmack is going to go with a light house builder (suck up) and Elder Whittaker is leaving and Elder Barnes is getting a missionary that went home but is coming back! Elder Barnes will be with me and my companion for like a week!!! I'm really stressed bout being a trainer but I'm OK.... Joshua 1:9!!!! Well tell Uncle Ty I said to give Mandi a blessing!!! I'm going to write her today again!!! I still haven't seen pictures of James baby... tell him I'm waiting !!! ok it's still President D!!!I won't get the other President until my year mark remember?? Well tell Cal thank you for her letters it means alot to hear from her. Tell her I'm proud of her... and are you guys still working out? Well my leg still is messed up and it sucks but Oh well !! Michael is going to be baptized this Saturday!!! Yea I see some of my MTC people every once and awhile! It is always really neat to see than and I would want to be companion with Elder Ellis because he works hard!!! Well I'm doing good I don't need any thing but should I put my money in the bank or what? I have alot so what should I do with it??? Hey I'm going to hunt and fish alot when I get back. I'm going to hunt with a bow after awhile... but tell Uncle Mike I'm ready to go with him!!! Well send a questionarie thing if you have any more questions!!! Ok I love you and wish me luck on the trainer thing and KEEP PRAYING WITH CAL EVERY NIGHT PLEASE OUT LOUD AND TAKE TURNS !!!!!!! Love You...Elder Summers!!!

Letter 37, Stuart Feb 15, 2010

Mommy,
I miss you! I'm always so happy to hear from you and thanks for all you do. I'm doing great and Elder Carmack is doing good! Transfers calls are this sat wonder if I'm staying or going! Humm the only friend that writes me still that isn't a girl..... is Zach!!! I miss him and I'm really scared for him!! But I mostly just hear from you!! Well I took that 100 dollars out to give away to this poor guy!Just kidding.....I'm going to buy some stuff that I need!! I have a lot of money hanging around ....should I just put it in the bank or send it home or what I want it to go into my account so the interest will build !!!! I'm happy you still talk to Tracy and Liam and all the Halls! We are going to go see them when you come get me OK! I haven't gotten your packge yet! I would have gotten it Saturday but since we live in an appt they just leave a note saying that I have to pick it up at the post office and since it's Pres. day today..... no mail for me!!!! There isn't that many cool members here but there is a few my favor..... is the Futo family!!! They are having us over for dinner tonight again.... stuffed peppers!!! Hey you guys should feed the missionaries once every month.... that's what I'm going to do when I get back !! Well Michael is still going strong and he is coming to dinner with us.... then we are going to watch The Testament.. it an hour long but it's a really good movie!! The Futo family is Bro and Sis Futo the two daughters Courtney and Chesly and two boys Clayton and Carson ..so they are cool!!! I will try and keep taking pics. Do you have rechargeable batteries though.... I'm almost out!! Well I have been sick for like a week but I think I'm over it. Well I'm starting to work out a little bit but I'm still skinny little Braunson.... I think I have gained some weigh though!! So that's cool you don't drink any sodas now. You are like me... I try to have the vey basics and only eat bread, water, milk, plane oatmeal and I sleep on the floor still.I don't know why... I just like to try and and do stuff that the natural man doesn't like to do..... like fasting and not eating sweets or sleeping to long!!! I know I'm a wierdo!!! Well tell Cal that I'm really proud of her and tell her to give President Monson a big hug for me!!! The last time we were at the Futos we watch this thing on the life of President Monson and it was really cool !!! The other Elders I live with are Elders Barnes and his trainee Elder Whitaker!!! Barnes has been out over a year he is the big Asian kid in the pics and Whitakers has glasses!!! Elder Whitaker will probaly get transferred... he is a really nice guy and he looks up to me... I think he is always talking to me anyways!!! Barnes is also a cool guy!! Anyway I have been good lately and I'm alot better on not getting mad !!! Carmack has been out one less month than me....he is cool and I love him ! They are all cool guys and I love them all! But we could all work harder so I don't think I should judge!!! Well tell Tracy I said hi and I love her and her family!!! I never got any tapes from you guys or even a blank one so I can make one for you guys... so send some so I can listen to your voices and send a blank one and I will make one for you guys!!! I have lots of cool ties now!!! I wear a lot of brown ones and purple ones but they are cool!!! I gave two of my suits away so I just have that blue one and a brown one Elder Delucchi gave me! Elder Delucchi is 2 years older than me and he is now a zone leader!! I'm going to write him and send a pic or something!! He is still my favor companion.... I think ...I don't know I have had three good ones!!!! Well are new mission Presindent name is Hall and it's going to be different with a new President! So I hope there is stamps in the packge if not I will buy some!! Humm when I get back or maybe at my year mark I'm going to buy a camo backpack so that I can use it for hunting when I get back ok.... they are like 90 dollars for a good one but I will talk to you about it later!!! Well I'm glad everyone is doing good and I'm going to write Brod and Taryn a happy b-day letter! I still have your CTR ring mom and I will send it home soon!!! Well ok how is everyone doing there?? Could you get Riley's address for me... I think I'm going to drop him a line! I can't wait for some good food when I get home!!! Tell Grandma I'm ready for some rolls or tortillas or both ...I had some good bananna bread the other day and it made me homesick for Grandma's good food and yours too!!! Well i guess Elder Carmack is ready to g...... so I LOVE YOU!!!! bye bye mommy Elder Summers

Letter #36, Stuart Feb 8, 2010

Mom,
Sorry about the money.... I put it back in the account!! Hey is that my card from the account with my money from Graduation and work? If so let me know because I have some money I want to put in there. Well that guy ripped me off and it sucked..... but I learned my lesson I'm sorry!! Mom I just didn't know what to do but I am sorry and I won't let it happen again!!! Well I don't really want anything for my b-day.... maybe a black suit with purple tint I don't know though.... I'm ok!!!! Well I'm glad the Saints won... good for them!!! I'm so proud of Cal tell her I think that's really cool that she got her YOUNG WOMAN MEDALLION and that she has made me really proud!!!! Well I miss Bent really BAD.... I can't wait to see her again!!! That's really neat that she remember me!!! Humm that's cool about your diet I know you can do it !!! Well my studies have gotten a lot better from when I first came out !! I'm working on things now it's crazy the Lord has really opened my mind!!! Well for my gators we are working with a few people but the only one with a date as of right now is Michael Denis.... he is this 52 year old guy that his son and his son girlfriend live with him along with their twins!!!! He is nice but his family doesn't really talk to us.... so please keep him in your prayers!!!! Thanks!!!! Well I think I'm getting bigger..... is Brodee still working out alot ? He is probably way stronger than me now!! O well!!! So it's week 5.... so that means transfers are soon !!! Well I'm a little sick.. but I'm getting over it!!! How is everyone doing ? Well I'm slowly starting to like the ward and they are finally starting to feed us and help us out. I love them though!!! I'm trying to change even more and become more loving than I am right now!!! I can't wait to come home and spend time with you guys.... its going to be great I can't wait to go home and play ping pong and be with you guys.... but right now I have a great work to do and I'm going to do it the best I can !!!! Well I LOVE you so much!!! How is everyone in the ward doing????? And what's going down in Pima ??? Well I Love you and thank you for everything you do for me mommy I LOVE YOU sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo... much !!!! Love Elder Summers

Letter #35 Stuart, Feb 2 2010

Hey Mom
Ok I will write Mandi dont worry !!! That suck about the missionaries that died! Well today is zone pday so I don't have much time but I LOVE you so much and I got you a shirt.... I will send it home before I get transfrred ok? Well I'm having trouble with people not accepting us... but other than that I'm doing great!!! I have step up my studies and its my favorite part of the day!!! I'm working on alot of things at once and the Lord has open my mind and I'm actually learning so much.... I love it!!! Well I'm doing good but I need to write some letters to all the family!!!!! Tell everyone I love them and think about them everyday. I love that picture of all of us together!!! Well I have to go.... love you so much.... sorry I have to go! Cal you are the best sister ever.... I love you!!!!Elder Summers

Letter #34 Stuart... Jan 25 2010

Hey Mom,
My address is.... 231 SW Palm Dr. Well let see what do I want you to send me???? I still would like some wart remover please and umm a cool purple tie maybe!!! I love my ties and I have alot of new, really good ones! Sorry about the GPS... it was alot but its really nice and I got insurance on it! Well things are good here and I sent your questionnaire paper thing like two days ago so that should be there soon. Tell Brodee sorry I haven't wrote him and I will try today!!! Humm I guess I'm going for the Saints too I guess! I'm so glad that your are not going to jail!!! I hope you feel better!!! Hey hook me up with some rolls from grandma please!!!! Hey I'm eating 6 meals a day and doing that diet thing.... so I don't really want sweets!!! I do like the pop tars and gronala bars though! Sorry about the spelling...I dont have much time! Well I already have the conference CDs!! Rememeber I got them a long time ago! I did get the camera you should buy and send me rechargeable batteries so we can save money!!! Well I hope this Email sends...... I love you so much Mom !!!! We are doing good... we have two People that are going to be baptizing in Feb.... Gary is really cool and he has a cool story! I will have to tell you some time when I have time.... but he has killed people!! Crazy huh..... Well love you All.. bye from Elder Summers!!!

Letter #33 Stuart...Jan 18 2010

Hey Mom Well I'm sad the Cowboys lost but there is always next year!!! You better not have to serve time in jail that is bull crap!!!! Well sorry but I bought a GPS.... I need it though!!!! Stuart is a really weird place to try to get around in! The ward is nice.... but not super big or good at missionary work!!! So that stinks!!! LOL Well I have been doing good here!!! My companion... Elder Carmack is a really nice guy and I love him! We live with two other Elders.....Barnes and Whittaker and I love them too!!! They are really cool!!!! Well humm.... I need new contacts soon!!!!! Well like in a month or two. Ok ...just a heads up my new razor is doing really well and it helps out alot with razor burn. I'm goin to still use the other razor for my neck though!!! Ok well it a nice house we live at. It's actually an apartment. I'm driving and it not that bad...... but it is a little scary!!!! LOL I have to step up my game even more over here.... this was a huge 1st week we found 10 new gators but only one made it to church. His name is Gary and he is trying to give up smoking! We are going to teach him on Wed at the church with are ward mission leader Bro. Bowser..... he is cool but he has alot of work to do!!! He covers 3 sets of missionary.......he is really cool though!!! I'm trying to get Bishop Clark to get him a couple of councilors and some ward missionaries to help him..... because it's to hard for him and we need more help!!! Well we set a date with this man named Michael, who we meet my 1st day here, but he didn't make it to church! So we are going to go see what the deal was!!! LOL I do like it here and there is alot of people here.The ward is small and alittle weak.... so I hope I can make a change!!!! So I can take the GPS back if you want me to. Just let me know!!! Well it's weird being the senior companion... you have alot more to do!!!! I keep tons of notes about everything us missionary do and who I'm with! Elder Carmack says he has never seen anyone take so many notes!!! LOL I gave a training last district meeting.... my 2nd by the way but it was about attitude!!! It was ok, I talk about joy and anger!!! I haven't gotten the camera yet... maybe today!!!! I will take alot of pics though when I get it to make up for not having it OK!!! Hey I have so many cool ties now.... ties are like my life!!!! I will take a pic of them so you can see!!! I gave Elder Carmack a suit that Elder Delucchi gave me! He wanted a different color than his other suit! Hey just wondering...... are all my shirts ok?...... and pants? LOL Has anyone takin any thing? Just don't let them take them unless they ask.... ok !!! Well I'm working out more and have gotten a little bigger!!! So it's gay... we don't even live in our area ,we have to bike like 5 miles just to get in our area and that stinks!!!! You can open all the packages but the one that says don't open!!! The other one is posters and pics I just dont want them messed up but you can open them just don't poke holes or tape or any thing..... they are the ones I want Dad and Papa to make frames for ok!!!!! That's a nice coat I sent huh??? Hey do you think you can get the button fixed for me??? I really like it ok!! Well I got in trouble again before I left St.Cloud. I played a prank on the St. Cloud ward and I put pics of me all over the church..... it was funny but Bishop Ables the other wards Bishop got mad and called Pres.D!! Everyone else thought it was funny even Bishop Fortes but not Bishop Ables!!!!! So Pres. D is making me write a letter saying I'm sorry to him......so that stinks!!!! And Pres. D got a little mad at me... o well I'm still going to work as hard as I can!!!! I'm here to serve the Lord and have fun while I'm doing it!!!! I won't do anything like that anymore though!!!! LOL.... but I love the work...I love the Lord and I'm so greatful that I'm out here and not at home messing around and messing up my life!!! Thank you Mom and family for helping me out!!!! You guys saved my life!!!!!! I'm very lucky!!!!! But I'm here now and I won't look back ever again!!!!! I won't let go of the rod ever again!!!! I might trip up a little bit but I won't let go!!!!! Well I Love you guys...... keep praying and reading!!!! Love Elder Summers

St. Cloud Days

Land of the Gators!!!

The Ball boys..Elder Wilson and Summers

The 4 Amigo's...Elders..Creer, Delucchi, Wilkes and Summers

Charles Cameron and his wife

The Halls

Connie and her Grand daughter Linnea

Showering off after getting soaked in the rain!!!

These Elders drink....smart water!!!

Hackey sack????

Pulling the plug

St.Cloud Letter #32...Jan. 11 2010

Hey Mom
I'm heading to Stuart north !!!! Which is on the coast and is like 40 miles north of West Palm Beach! My companion name is Elder Carmack, he has been out a transfer less than me. I'm senior companion so that means I have to drive!!! Wish me luck!!!!! Hey send me some more tapes so I can send you one back!!! Hey you know those old chargers for the CD players????........ The ones that you can plug into the wall !!!! I need you to send me one. I don't want to have to keep buying more and more batteries for this player I have!!! Well it's really hard to leave St.Cloud .....but I know it's time but man it's really hard!!! I'm going to give your email address to Tracy Hall!!! I love them so much ok and I'm going to maybe give your address to a few other people too ok????? Well is Nollie going to be born soon??? I can't wait till she is born but I'm going to hate not being able to see her and hold her!!!! Man it's ok though. I will do it for the Lord!!!! I miss you guys!!!! I'm way happy about the cowboys!!!!! Elder Wilson is district leader now!!!! Hey also rememeber Elder Delucchi birthday is the sameday as mine so remember to tell him Happy birthday too ok???? Man 6 months down...... I'm not ready for it to be going so fast !!!!! It's crazy I wish I could be watching football with you guys on that nice big TV but it's worth it being out here....... I know that !!!!! Ok I'm sending four packages home..... one you can't open!!! One has a coat that I need you to fix..... because I want to wear it when I get back.... one is just stuff and the other one is posters. Please don't open them until I get back..... ok the poster I guess that is ok!!!!! I trust you Mom!!!! Well I love you so much and don't worry I'm still taking pictures on Elder Wilson camera..... so I have a few goodbye pics!!!! Man I don't want to leave..... but I'm going to go into Stuart and work hard!!!!! It has been closed for a long time then it opened again then closed when I got here and it opened a transfer after I got here!!!! I think they have only had one baptism though..... so I have my work cut out for me!!!! But I'm ready......I know the Lord is with me..... Joshua 1:9 !!!! I love you guys and go boys!!!! Love Elder Summers

St.Cloud letter #31, Jan 4 2010

Mom,OK.... well bad news I broke the camera. I will send the SD card home but the camera broke when I dropped it and now it won't work at all. I took the whole thing apart and then put it back together but it won't even turn on now!!!!! Sorry oh and while I'm at it I ought to tell you I bought an electric razor to try it out.... because I keep getting bad razor burn on my neck. So I'm going to try this!!!! Well I bought it with my food money because I didn't want to waste anymore of your money but if you buy me a new camera I promise to not break the new one!!!! Sorry mom I didn't mean to break it!!! Well the last few days have been really really cold but that hasn't slowed us down at all!!!!I got a nice coat from Brother Steve Clark.... that is the guy that pick me up the every first day I got here. It is really old but it is nice though. There is some pics of it on the SD card!!! I haven't got your package yet..... maybe today though. Well that sucks for Uncle Ty having to live in Bagdad and I'm sorry to hear that bout Maghan. Hope she's ok!!! So you get to spend 2 day with Bentley..... that's really cool!!!!!! Well I'm sorry about the camera mom!!!!!! GO COWBOYS!!!!! I am so happy about them. I hope they take it!!!! 24 -0 over Philly.... that's pretty good!!!! But I hope they don't get cocky or they will lose really fast!!!!! Next Monday I will send 3 packages home 2 can be open but one has to wait until I get home ok!!!!!! You will know which ones you can open...... and have Dad and Papa start making frames for those posters okay!!!! Please tell Papa I said "Happy Birthday"..... Well I will keep working hard !!!!! I love you guys so much!!!! Elder Summers