DEcember 29, 2010

Day 14

Base Camp 3 - 25,000 feet. Nightfall.

Elder Mitchell and I trudge along at high altitude, low on oxygen, as the wind carves dramatic riffs into the brilliant white ledges of snow and ice, now a shadowy gray under the dim moonlight. We ran out of food late last night, and it will be hours before the rest of the party reaches us. Our equipment is almost as tired as we are, the once metallic glare of our spiked boots and pickaxes now a dull matte as they slowly, but surely, lose their grip. Elder Mitchell's temperature has dropped below 91 degrees, and I am beginning to worry. We are near out of propane and we don't have sufficient supplies to last us much longer... Our fate is very uncertain as we continue our battle with this cruel mountain.....

BLIZZARD!

Or in Spanish, as they say, "NEVADA!" (Kind of counter-intuitive, huh?)

Seriously. Remember the movie "Day After Tomorrow?" Yes. I am in the middle of that movie. Heading home at night on Sunday night was my most intense encounter with a blizzard- despite spending the first 19 years of my life in the mountains of Utah. Every gust of wind cuts through every layer of clothing you're wearing and small chunks of snow and ice soar through the air at high speeds, threatening your eyes and face. We stopped several times to push cars out of the middle of intersections- only to travel a few more feet and get caught again. Our futile attempts nearly lost us our fingers. Signs and garbage sailed through the air with the snow. Small whirlwinds formed and picked up more snow. Walking was counterproductive- you had to RUN at the wind to make progress against it's gale forces; visibility, was next to zero. The aftermath was almost as impressive as the storm itself. Cars were COMPLETELY covered in snow; only the few top inches of their radio antennas protruding from the top layer of snow could be seen. For hours we dug ourselves our of our OWN apartment with the measly shovels we found on our patio the night before. The entire transportation system of the city was shut down- and for good reason. On our trek to the church building later that night we saw 7 MTA buses and HUNDREDS of cars stranded and abandoned and on major roads and intersections. Oops sorry getting into dramatic story-telling mode again. It's all true! But no worries, we're all safe! The storm has passed and cleanup has begun!

Right now, both Elder Mendez (apartmentmate) and I are SICK. We both have fevers and are coughing and have scratchy throats and we take turns "Ralphing" into the toilet. (Nicer word for throwing-up...?....urg...) That started on Monday morning... luckily we are both starting to feel better! :)

On a happier note! CHRISTMAS was WONDERFUL! All the Missionaries went up to the Chapel in Scarsdale for a big Christmas Morning Brunch and musical program! All the zones sang and we had scripture readings and afterwards, we all enjoyed a wonderful meal with a (hilarious) slide show of pictures from around the Mission in the past year! Hard to believe I was on my Mission one year ago! Man!

Maria was Baptized on Thursday and Confirmed on Sunday! I had the priviledge to perform the baptism- it was such a special day for everyone. Maria plans on getting her temple recommend as soon as possible- and the next P-day, we plan on heading down to Manahttan to do Baptisms for the Dead!

WEDDING BELLS ARE RINGING!!! RIGHT THIS VERY MOMENT my dear sister Sammi is getting MARRIED for time and all Eternity in the beautiful Bountiful Temple!! Congratulations Sammi and Kevin! Please know I am right there with you in SPIRIT!

The New Year is HERE! I have many new-years-resolutions!! I have colored streamers! I have pots and pans! I have!....to be in the apartment at 6:00 pm on the 31st... BUT THAT'S OKAY we have a PATIO and we can celebrate!....until 10:30 pm which is LIGHTS OUT HOORAY!!! Hmm.. Well I hope all of you break one of those big party popper things and scream at midnight for me!! :D

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The Church is True in 2011 TOO!!

B safe! B warm! B prepared with iceaxes and propane!

Always,

Elder Hellberg

December 22

Sing NOEL!! CHRISTMAS IS HERE!!!

HOORAY! It's the most wonderful time of the year here in NYC! People are smiling and music is playing and lights are making the City just GLOW! I still can't believe it's been a YEAR since LAST Christmas. This time last year, Elder Linford and I were in the MTC together- both of our first Christmases away from home! So strange to think that already a year has flown by.

Hooray! Tomorrow evening, a wonderful lady we are teaching- will be Baptized at the Kingsbridge Chapel. Her name is Maria- she's amazing. She has such a foreknowledge of the Bible and its teachings. She is very excited to be baptized- her little girl (2) and infant son were presented and blessed a few Sundays ago- and they are such a wonderful example to the ward.

Baby it's cold outside, but people sure are being so much warmer! Elder Mitchell and I have been working hard and talking to everyone! We have found several new families that we are teaching- mostly from Mexico!

Last night, the stars were shining brightly- but the moon was NOT! Too bad we were sleeping.. we heard from a bunch of people that the Lunar Eclipse was pretty cool!

We are all going up to Scarsdale for a wonderful Christmas morning Lunch/Dinner party! The whole Mission! I'm so excited to see a bunch of old friends and spent time with the other Missionaries. We have a big slide show of funny photos from throughout the year to watch- and each Zone has prepared a special musical number!

From my planner.........

Bus used most frequently this week: Bx9

Number of times I used the word "Wonderful" in this letter: 6

Number of points I received this week in "BronxTrash Soccer": 13

Number of Carols I've sung on buses and trains this week: 49

Christmas lights on our tree in our apartment: 350!

Money spent on postage to and from our apartment: You don't want to know.

Iced Hot Chocolate w/ face caramel and cinnamon made this week: 5

Allusions to Christmas Songs in this letter: 8

I'm wishing you all a Feliz Navidad! I hope it's wonderful and white and cozy!

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Elder Hellberg

December 15

HELLO!

CAN YOU believe that CHRISTMAS is in 10 DAYS! AHHH!! I sure can't!

I absolutely love it! The Spirit of Christmas is in the AIR! People are dressed in festive greens and reds and the lights are all being set up- there are big Christmas Tree Stands on every other street selling hundreds of Christmas trees- and the Music of the Season is playing everywhere! I went all crazy and decked out our apartment with Decorations sent to me by my dear Mama- and drew Christmas pictures on all the windows with my window markers! Hehe!

Nelson was Confirmed this last Sunday! It was such a special Sunday for all of us. The Spirit was so strong- he had a lot of friends there to support him- and his friend Alma (like the Prophet... but in Mexican Woman form!) held a big feast for him at her house after church. It's so touching to see such love and integration with ward members and new converts. It can be such a change in people's lives once they choose to accept the Gospel- and a warm and welcoming Ward can make a huge difference in their first precious experiences with the Church.

We went down to Harlem today for P-day and I bought a warm coat for winter! All the Members were getting after me for not having a big hefty winter layer. "Elder! That doesn’t keep you warm! You need a bigger coat!"

SOOOO... yesterday (Dec 14) Elder Mitchell and I were walking down Anthony Avenue, and the FREEZING New York wind was slicing our faces- and we had a few appointments fall through- so to keep spirits high I started to sing "Walking in a Winter Wonderland." Within minutes I was singing at the top of my lungs- pulling the patented C.M.Bean "voice pop and slide"... when this gangster-looking guy all decked out in bling came up from behind me and said "Yo son, you got sick vocals!"... I was kinda shocked and embarrassed but he shook my hand and introduced himself as DJ Madness- and said "gimme yo number, I'ma producer, and I'ma hook you up." Haha I explained that I'm a Missionary and couldn't be ‘hooked up' but he gave me his card and number and said for me to call him in a year when I’m done with my Mission... SO just in case I decide BYU isn't for me, I guess I'll come back to the Bronx!!! Hahahaha!

I wish you all a wonderful week!

The Church is TRUE!

B safe B strong B WARM!

All my Love

Elder Brandon Hellberg

MERRY ALMOST CHRISTMAS!

December 8th

DEAR HOME!!

GOOD MORNING from the Bronx!

We had a great Multi-Zone Conference down in Manhattan yesterday at the Temple!

So... funny story.

Last week, we were trying to empty the baptismal font.... (I bet some of you can see where this is going...)

And the design on these fonts, man, needs to be re-done in future chapels (somebody take note)... The plug for the drain is right in the middle of the font, so when it's full, you actually have to climb down in to pull up the plug. Well, I being VERY clever, balanced a chair with another chair so I could reach down and grab the silver chain attached to the plug with a long bent-out metal hanger. (Now I'm sure you see where this is going...) I, AGAIN being VERY intelligent, was, OF COURSE, still dressed in my church slacks, WITH my suit coat on, WITH my wallet, planner, and camera. Epic fail. The chairs collapsed, and I gracefully pulled a classic "Alma Sr." and baptized myself in the font. LUCKILY everything was salvaged- all except my pride... especially when I had to run around the gym for 45 minutes to dry off my soaking slacks, and then walk for 15 minutes back to apartment in 30 degree weather with no socks on. :)

We truly are being blessed right now with people to teach. The whole Zone is doing great. We've committed ourselves to some really high goals- and we received some incredible promises from President Smith- and we are all excited and working hard to meet them! We are working right now with some incredible people. Angie, a sister of one of the Members has an incredible story of how she got to be in the Bronx- and how she feels like God is helping her right now through this time in her life. Last Sunday, we presented and blessed her brand new baby and 2 yr old girl in Sacrament Meeting. It was so sweet, and Angie said she loved it. She has expressed her desire to be baptized. We are also working with a friend of Maria and Maggie- she's 18 and she's incredible. She has a strong testimony and we love being able to visit with her and see her progress in the Gospel. She easily understands everything we tell her and has strong relationships with a few members already and, most importantly, with Heavenly Father.

Let's see... what else is coming up...

Interviews with President are tomorrow! We realized that they only happen every OTHER cycle now instead of cyclically, so I only have 4 left! Crazy!

All the Missionaries in the whole Mission are going up to the mission home for Christmas for a wonderful Christmas Luncheon! Then, we all get to ride Metro North back into the City and call our families! Yay!

The Kingsbridge Ward Christmas Party is on the 17th!

I am so excited for Christmas. I LOVED the First Presidency Devotional- all the Missionaries got to watch it at the Chapel. Afterwards, we went home and read in St Luke- I have truly come to appreciate and love those precious versus. Yesterday, we went over to Maria's house and shared them and a Christmas message with her in her doorway. The Spirit was so strong- you cannot help but be filled with Christmas Spirit when you get to Verse 11- "For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."... We left her house, and looked through the Window and saw their beautiful Tree, all decorated for the season. It warms my heart! PLUS, many people do the cool Christmas-light-choreographed-to-music thing on their apartments and houses! It looks so neat to see the City GLOW with Christmas!

I love you all so much. Thank you for all being so incredibly supportive. I hope your coming week is full of Hot Chocolate and playing in the snow and singing Christmas songs!!

The Church is TRUE!

B safe! B happy! B full of CHRISTMAS MAGIC!

Always,

Elder B Hellberg

December 1, 2010

Dear home!

I have officially been a Missionary... for 356 days (on Thursday)!!!!
It's mind-blowing. Time is very messed up right now... part of me thinks that it's been YEARS since I left my home in Salt Lake... and part of me thinks that I've only been in the Big Apple for a few weeks! Either way, my calender doesn't lie and I only have 1 year left- cranking up the pressure notch! I feel accomplished thus far, but I have much more than 1 year worth of stuff left to do- better get DOING it!

I'm SO EXCITED FOR CHRISTMAS! It's truly the happiest time of the year. There are big light-displays and set-ups all over the city, big trees in all the stores and in many of the apartments... it's crisp outside and Spirit of Christmas approaches! We have started handing out the "Regocijaos, Jesus Nacio!" pass along cards! (Rejoice, Christ was Born!) I love it here in winter- it's cold, but everybody's hearts are a little warmer. People Smile and sing and all the crazy rap music is slowly becoming Christmas Music!

Elder Mitchell and I get along great! He's such a cool guy. He's 23 from Michigan, and is of African-American descent... making me, once again, the only white guy in the city! Haha! He's hilarious and we work together great. He already knows Spanish pretty well- but we have some good Spanish studies planned to help us both!

I gave a TALK in Spanish in Sacrament meeting on sunday! It was a little nerve-wracking at first... but it went okay!

WE'RE MOVING.............AGAIN!! BAHAH!! But this time... We're MOving.... to the HEART of LITTLE ITALY!! YAY!! Every morning at about 9 and every night about the same time- you throw open your window and in comes the fresh and wonderful smell of Italian Bread!! They have so many bakeries down there, that it makes a billow of warm bread air that blankets the area! It's so great! PLUS we live a block away from Palombos famous Italian pastry house! Cannolis and hot chocolate- and GELATO! (Dad, they have Caramel... Not quite as good as Asisi, but ALMOST!!) It's Mah-velous. We're moving into a remodeled basement apartment, with a big patio! And we even have a secret entrance to get in! You can't enter through the normal building entrance- there is a secret tunnel!!

We have a fun service project we do on Friday mornings! We play pool at an old-folks home for abooot a half-hour, then serve all of them food! Our district gets in these hilarious aprons and hats and gloves and we run around with hot plates of food for an hour. Afterwards, we sing to them! It's so fun! Last week, we sang Called to Serve and Somewhere over the Rainbow!

As far as teaching goes, all is going well! We're still working with many incredible people. Gabino, Roberto, Gloria, Inez, Jorge, Nelson, Hector, Flor, Sandra, Rosario, Marcela, Angie, Nancy and others- all of which are getting closer and closer to baptism. Many have told us of their desires to be baptized- and many are progressing and excited about the Gospel. It's such a blessing to be a Missionary and feel so attached and have such a great love for these people, and see them commit to following the Savior.

I love you all!
The Church is TRUE!
B safe. B happy! B REGOCIJANDO!

Elder Hellberg

November 24

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

GOOD MORNING!

Transfers were yesterday... and... ONCE AGAIN! I'm in the BRONXXXX!!!! This makes a grand total of 10 months in this city- and by the time I leave (if I ever do...) I'll have 1 (one) of every Holiday in the year here!! Crazy!

Elder Peine se fue! After 3 months together, Elder Peine and I have been separated! We got news on Sunday that he would be transferred to OLMSTEAD!! Where I started my Misison and spent 7 months- HE'S a BRONX baby too!! Mahah! I love and am going to miss Elder Peine- we had a good 2 cycles together. He is a little torn about leaving his greenie area- obviously- but is excited to experience other Zones in the Mission! As for me... I'm Training!! Elder Mitchell from Detroit Michigan flew in on Monday and now we're companions!! He's so great!! He grew up in Detroit and Ypsilani (spelling? someone help..) and is still on fire from the MTC! Never lose the fire! Always stay a greenie- remember, green things GROW! Brown things are dead. :) Elder Santo and I are still the zone leaders and have some good plans (muahaha) to try and kick the Bronx into gear! Love it here. Ahem.

Hermano Nelson's baptism is TOMMOROW (Thanksgiving DAY!) at 10:00 AM! He's so excited! He asked me to perform the Baptism- so I have to find my whitest shirt to wear with my white pants... and there will STILL be a HUGE contrast in whites... The Bronx Elder's shirts are a more Beige-esque color. Disconcerting, right?

We're teaching so many wonderful people right now- it's such a blessing to be serving right now. The Mission has big plans and goals for December- and with Christmas coming, everything and everybody will be a little brighter and happier. I love Christmas!

But for now- HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! YAY!!

Sorry- again, short letter... my new companion doesn't have a library card yet, so we have to share the laptop!! Next week... long e-mail I promise!!! :)

Love you all- the church is true!

B safe! B strong! B STUFFED for THANKSGIVING!! :D

Always,

Elder Hellberg

November 17

November 17, 2010

HELLO HOME!

Good week- it went by SOO fast!

OH MY GOODNESS I get to TALK to mi familia in about a MONTH!! CAN you believe how fast time is flying!? I only really get to talk to you 3 times in the Mission... that first Mother's Day (check) my second Christmas (almost check) and the last Mother's day (7 months)... then I'LL BE HOME the next Christmas! CRAZY! I can't even imagine coming home yet... It's seems SO far away in the distance! but my ONE YEAR MARK is in 13 days!!! AHH!

Last P-day we went to the Bronx Zoo... AGAIN! Haha I've been there (I think) 4 TIMES already. It never gets old! Definitely a must-do when you visit the Bronx... IF you ever visit. :) We went with a few other Elders and Sister Walker and Sister Coleman! Maa! Sister Walker goes HOME tomorrow! Isn't that crazy!? She told me she was going to call you and talk to you! Haha I told her she'd better!! :)

It was so strange, talking to Sister Walker. SHE, right NOW, is in a van heading down to the TEMPLE to go through one more time, before getting on a PLANE AND GOING HOME!! So strange- I can't imagine what she must feel like. And all the other Missionaries too- there are 3 from our Zone here in Kingsbridge going home- crazy! I can't even picture it! I have so much more to do before I'll even be remotely ready to get outta here!

I loved the tape and the package- thank you sooo much.! :) Will you tell Marshall and Lisa Reynolds that I got their packages as well and loved them! I'll write them back soon- but just to let them know i got them?

I SAW a license plate that said CJH on it! CONNOR!

OH MY GOODNESS. CONNOR. APPLYING. FOR. COLLEGE!?

AHHHH!!!! WHAT!?!?

That is RIDICULOUS! I can't even imagine that! Is he gonna start next fall? and then go on a mission?

Justin was confirmed on SUNDAY! It was such a good experience! He is such a stud- he loves the Gospel- when we went to visit him the other day he had been checking out LDS.org and the new website. He loves the Gospel- and talks about how excited he is to be a part of it and share it with his family and friends.

We had a very special training on Monday down at the Manhattan Temple! It was such a good experience. President Smith talked to all of the Zones in the City (Bronx and Manhattan). It's always great to get together with the other Missionaries and President and learn! Yeah! And I saw Hermana Passantino at the training meeting on Monday! It's always good to see her! She's a sweetheart.

Sister Coleman showed me a picture of Sister Landvatter from the Mt. Olympus 10th ward... she was running in the NYC marathon and saw the sister Missionaries and asked if they knew me!! Cool right!? HI SISTER LANDVATTER!! So great to (kinda) see you!!!

Gotta run- wish me luck, today we're playing RISK- testing our world-conquering abilities! Sorry this letter is so short... Bahaha next week will be better! ??

B safe! B smart! B brief.....? Hmm…

I love you all so much! Take care!

THE CHURCH IS TRUE!

Always,

Elder Hellberg

November 10, 2010

HELLO!
Good morning from the BRONX! It's a dazy overcast Wednesday morning- chilly, but not frozen! We have plans to go to the Botanical Gardens and skip over to the Bronx Zoo for a bit today! Get in a little of what's left there before the COLD sets in!!

Such a great week! We had Stake Conference- all of Westchester Stake was there- the Spanish session was at 10:00 am, and it was incredible. Such inspired speakers! The Stake Presidency spoke to us- 2 of the 3 can speak Spanish- and we had translators for the Speakers who could only speak in English. It's so interesting to apply things to your life differently as a Missionary- and to take note of things that I want to remember for after the Mission- especially things talking about families.

After Stake Conference, one of our investigators Justin was baptized! It was such a good day for everyone. Justin and his Mother showed up- they both loved the service and the Baptism- and Justin was glowing throughout the whole thing. It went great! The Spirit was so strong and the two Members who gave talks did SUCH a good job.

Remember Elder PRUE!? Haha He and I were finally reunited yesterday- we went on a companionship exchange and I spent the day with him in his area!! It was so fun- especially to see how much we've grown and changed since we were companions over 6 months ago. Haha reminiscing! We even kept up a tradition we had and got ASIAN food for lunch! We were sitting on a park bench eating it, when I dropped my egg drop soup (ha ha... pun...) and ALL of it spilled on my shoes and all around us- all the pigeons nearby saw and we were suddenly attacked by about A HUNDRED dirty birds trying to eat up the little pieces of egg. We had to flail and try and scare them away- 100 pigeons in mob-mentality is scary, man, they have no fear! FAIL. :)

We all went down to the Temple/Chapel in Mahattan last Friday to get FLU SHOTS! The dreaded flu season is back- every train and bus has at least one big ad about coughing or sneezing into your arm and "giving the flu a hand!" I told them I had an egg allergy when I was younger, and they told me never to ever get a flu shot EVER! Apparently terrible things can happen... So I'm NOT IMMUNE! Haha I wouldn't be anyway.. but I'm EXTRA susceptible! Hand sanitizer= new best friend.

WELL my dears, I'm being kicked off the Laptop.. I wasted a bunch of my time on the computers cuz I'm dumb and accidentally bumped the wireless service button and had to go to customer service and figure out what was going on for 20 minutes! FAil.

I LOVE YOU ALL!
The CHURCH is STILL True! ( I checked the status a few hours ago...)
Be safe! Be healthy! Be sanitized!

AlWAYS,
Edler Banrodn Hlebrelg

November 3, 2010

HELLO!!
It's VERY COLD.
Winter is WELL on it's way... you can see your breath outside- and there are CHRISTMAS LIGHTS being put up around the city!! HOORAY!!
Quite the eventful week...

On Monday, our District went over to paint the inside of a Member's house YELLOW! It was great fun, and if I can say so myself I think we did a pretty good job!! Afterwards, the Member made us these little mini-empanada looking things as a thanks! I took one, and it felt warm, but not HOT to the touch. So, I popped it in my mouth and bit down- and it EXPLODED into a MOLTEN SPINACH DEATH LIQUID that scalded the inside of my mouth. I screamed and spit it out and made quite a scene... but literally it was so hot it did DAMAGE. Not even exaggerating. I STILL have WHITE HOLES on the insides of my cheeks and about 10 big blisters on my gums and insides of my lips... and my ability to taste has been cut to 10%! And SALT KILLS! AH! Haha I have some WONDERFUL Oral-B ointment stuff. Miracle Worker.

Right After Church on Halloween, Elder Peine and I ran down to the Little Italy area to try and find someone who wasn't able to come to church that day and see what happened! All the way there, everyone was already out trick-or-treating (NY does it early...it's scary at night) and everyone was decked out in crazy costumes! Everyone made comments to us like "Look, their businessmen!" Always right after that one of their friends would say something like "No, that's the Mormons, they always look like that!!!" On the way back from their apartment, we ran into another one of our investigators! He said he wasn't able to come to church because he had to hurry and find a new apartment and he was Apartment hunting. During the conversation with him, a group of 5 or 6 people, all about our age, came up and started talking to us about the church. They asked us why we were Mormons and why we were Missionaries. We were just talking nicely, when 3 Taxi Cabs came driving by slowly (residential area...). Suddenly, out of the tennis courts nearby ran out a mob of little kids- all younger than 10, but a few younger than 6 or 7- with big rocks and bottles and they started HURLING them at the taxi cabs!! Windows cracked and shattered and doors dented- and the taxi cabs just hurried away before more damage could be done. Right behind them a big Escalade drove up and they all did the same thing- hucked rocks and glass at the car- and then what looked like a 5 year old went up to the car, reached up and punched the driver-side mirror and kicked the door! CRAZY I tell you! The group of kids we were talking to told us to get outta there- they said all the Kids in NY lose their minds on Halloween and that because we were dressed nice, we were probably their next target!! Haha we graciously shook their hands, gave them pass-along-cards, and RAN. :)

On Halloween Night, all the Missionaries had to be in their apartments at 6:00 SHARP (for good reason!!)! We planned for the next day early and broke out a fun game called "Quelf"- a game of complete and utter RANDOMNESS. It had us making up silly songs and poems and singing to other Elders and following hilarious rules like "During your opponents turn you may only speak in a Darth Vader Voice. Make sure to utter comments about the Dark Side every once in a while!" and "Before saying a phrase longer than 3 words, you must ask your foot for permission and then in a high pitch voice scream "PERMISSION GRANTED! Do this for the rest of the game!" Haha it was so fun! In the whole night, we only got trick-or-treated ONCE- by three little kids and their parents! Hahahaha we all ran around scrounging up candy for them- then we put in each of their bags a different one of the Church produced DVDs!! BAHAHA!! We said "Here's some candy!... and some pass-along-cards for your friends with pictures of Jesus on them! AND HERE'S SOME DVD'S FOR YOUR FAMILY!!" Haha the kids all got big eyed and "Wowed" at the jackpot... I wonder what their parents did when they saw what the DVDs were!! He he he...

Official note- I consider myself a focused Missionary. But can I tell you, I literally did a triple-take and screamed when I saw right in front of my face, plastered on the side of a bus, the HARRY POTTER 7 Movie Ad. OH. MY. POTTER. I was hoping some terrible thing would happen and they'd lose a bit of filming of the CGI would take EXTRA long or something... and they'd SOMEHOW have to release the final movie (s) after I got home... Now, all of you can go enjoy the movie and love it and all... that's fine... BUT- to anyone who even DARES send me movie information or pictures or anything!!!... I'm warning you... You will have a SERIOUSLY terrible HOWLER heading towards you in the mail! Mark my words!!

Right now we are teaching some truly amazing people. There's Justin, an 11 year old from the DR- he's got such a testimony already. We went and visited him last night to finalize everything for his Baptism this coming Saturday- and he is SO excited and SO ready. His family is excited for him also, and they plan on coming to the baptism. He siblings said they also want to be baptized- and his Mom is very interested too. We met Justin through Venecia, the sweet woman that was baptized about a month and a half ago. They live in the same building- and Venecia has been such a sweetheart to their family and has played a major role in helping us teach them.

Another sweet family we are teaching is Hector and Flor from Puerto Rico. They are so sweet- They have 2 kids, 8 and 18, and loved and cried when we watched the Restoration with them. They both committed THEMSELVES to read and pray and ask if it is true and come to church.

We have so many people we are teaching right now- it's such a blessing. We are working with the Mother of one of the Members here in the Ward. The Daughter and her siblings are all members, and are SUCH good examples to their family and the ward. The Mother is truly amazing. She is dedicated to her family and loves them so much- and has a true and genuine desire to learn and be baptized. She already has a deep understanding and beautiful testimony. It's inspiring. I believe in her.

I love this Gospel. Everyday my Testimony is tested and strengthened. I love doing what I am doing- and I cannot believe how fast time is flying. I was shocked yesterday to look at the Calendar and realize that I have already been away from home for 11 months! Time really is short here- and it flies like nothing I've ever seen. I only have 13 months left- and still SO much to learn and do and BE! I miss home- but being a Missionary is "Vale la Pena!"- and the blessings that come are exponentially greater than what I gave to be out here. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know it more know than I have ever known before. Every time I see my name badge I am reminded WHY I am out here and WHAT I am doing- and I feel the strength of the Lord helping me as I go forward with faith.
I love you all.


B Strong. B Valiant. B Believing!

Always,

Elder Brandon Hellberg

Happy Halloween! (October 27, 2010)

DEAR home!!

Hello! It's Elder B! It's a cold and rainy morning here- and there's Halloween Spirit in the air! Apt Buildings and stores and cars are all decked out with Scare-Gear ready for Oct 31! Haha We won't get to see anything... we have to be in the Apartment and 6:00 sharp! (safety!) BUT Elder Peine and I are going to bake muffins and have a mini-Halloween party with the 4 of us in our Apt! Yes!

This week was a great week! We got SO much done and saw so many great things! We had a great blitz in one of the areas in lower Kingsbridge, and Elder Peine and I had 9 investigators attend church this past Sunday! Such a blessing! Also, I got to do a Musical Number for Sacrament Meeting- I sang and played the piano- "I'll go where you want me to go" and "Nearer my God to Thee" in Spanish! My sweet companion Elder Peine held the Mic for me as I awkwardly sang into it while playing! Hahah! ;)

WE MOVED! Our new apartment is BIG AND WHITE AND CLEAN!! HOORAY!! It took ALL day Monday- and I (still) feel like JELL-O from all the moving of furniture and big boxes... but it's DONE! The most draining part was hauling everything down the 4 flights of stairs in the old apt to pack them into the big van! AH! NOT to mention that I inherited my dear Mother's habit of falling... and gracefully crashed down the stairs with a bunk bed frame. :) Sore... not broken! :) We're still unpacking a few things- and we are taking all of today to put up new curtains and install shelves and drawers and such!

Maaa, would it be possible to get a new suit from Mr Mac without being measured...? Maybe they still have the old dimensions? haha i dunno. eh :) My suits are SO wearing through!! It's funny! The Butt of the Pants is SHINY from all the sitting and walking- and the belt loops are wearing down to their last THREAD! AHH!! I'm not exactly sure what to do about it... I can try and manually fix the belt loops... but the shinybutt I might have to deal with!

We had a miracle new investigator this week! His name is Nelson! He is amazing! One of the Members in the Ward- she's incredible, a true Member-Missionary- named Alma (ironic, right?) calls us the beginning of last week and says "Elders, I have a friend who I have been talking to about the Gospel and he's been to church a few times, and he wants to be taught by you. Today. At 5:00 Pm. We'll see you at the Chapel!" She introduced us to him and we talked to him- and he just whole-heartedly expressed his desire to learn and be baptized. We have visited with him several times since and he has a baptismal date for next weekend! He is so excited- and we are too!

I feel so blessed to be a Missionary for the Lord at this time. It never ceases to amaze me- the level of commitment and dedication of the Saints here in New York. Every day we meet new people who love the Lord and are ready to listen and come to church. The Members here are astounding- they have very profound and personal testimonies and are eager and available to serve right alongside the Missionary efforts here- we make a powerful team. I Love this opportunity- am trying my best to live every moment of my Mission as a Missionary.

THE CHURCH IS TRUE!

B strong! B happy! B stable in stairwells!

All My Love,

Elder Brandon Hellberg

October 20th!

October 20, 2010

HELLO MY DEAR FAMILY!

It's B!

It's a wonderful OCTOBER afternoon - and I am exhausted from a good hard day of PLAYING in Manhattan!!

Today several of our District and others from around the Mission went to the Manhattan Temple - I just LOVE the feeling inside that place - It's wonderful. There were about 6 or 7 Missionaries from the New Jersey Mission there, with the New Jersey Mission President - they were attending the Temple one last time before being released in a few days! They were glowing with excitement, but crying at the thought of not being Missionaries anymore! We got to talk to a few of them - they are just so grateful for all the experiences they had here in the field - and feel mixed emotions! I can't imagine how they feel!

Last Friday we had our famed "Noche de Naciones" in the Kingsbridge Chapel- it was SO fun! A GRAND production of fiestas and food and dances performed by the different Spanish Cultures in the ward. The Missionaries represented the U.S. - we did a quick throw together of obnoxious Basketball playing and tackling a surprised golfer... by far the most uninteresting of the productions! There were very talented members of the ward that performed many of their traditional dances from their native countries - so fun! There were SO many people there - not to mention the FOOD- it was ridiculous- mobs of ladies each with a different plate of food would attack each Missionary to try their special native food! I have SERIOUSLY never been more full. Thanksgiving? Nada.

Last Sunday we had the Primary Program! I got a letter from my Mom about the primary program back in my home ward in NSL - I believe all Primary programs, all over the world, regardless of area and culture - are exactly the same; cute and crazy. You know what I'm talking about - kids yelling and running around and playing the organ and screaming - yet it's so touching to see the little kids sing songs about their Savior. Kudos to Primary leaders and teachers everywhere! I worked closely with the Primary back in Olmstead and here in KB - I'm the pianist. :) Haha I have a special place in my heart for the everpresent personality of primary.

WE'RE MOVING on MONDAY! HOORAY! NEW apartment, ELEVATOR (our current one is on the 5th floor, NO elevator) and the ceilings and walls look sound and clean! Yay!

Transfers were so fun! Seeing all the new Missionaries reminds me vividly of when I walked into the Mission, blazey-eyed and not knowing what to expect. All the new Elders look so good! It seems like each new batch that comes out is better! One of the Greenie's lives in our apartment- Elder Ross- he's great! I love seeing the new Missionaries still on FIRE from the Greenhouse MTC!

Miguel and his family are doing so WELL! They have come to church every week, have introduced a few of their neighbors to us and even brought some to church with them! They are such a blessing. Their desire to be baptized is as strong as ever- and we are planning on it very soon!

A few days ago Elder Peine and I were studying when we heard a SNAP from the Kitchen... Elder McDaniel went and investigated- and there were TWO rats – dead - on the SAME snap trap! Bahaha We have a hilarious picture of Elder McDaniel proudly holding up the trap with the rats sticking straight out either side (rigor mortis... morbid...)! Bahah! The trap tells the sad tale of the two little rats happily having lunch and one gets greedy and steps on the release lever... oops- too late for the BOTH of them!!

I'm so EXCITED for CHRISTMAS!! then NEXT CHRISTMAS I'll be HOME! And we'll all line up and have a NORMAL Christmas! ... With Kevin! bahahaha!

I must go! Time is out and we have to run home and get our stuff for Correlation tonight at the Chapel! I love you all! Next week will be a better e-mail, promise! ;) Thank you all so much for all you do. Keep being amazing!

The Church is TRUE!

B happy, B strong, B SPANISH!

Always and forever,

Elder Brandon Hellberg

"Elder B!"

October 13, 2010

Ahem!

GOOD Morning- another wonderfully crispy chilled morning here in the Bronx! AND it looks like my adventure here in the City of the Yankees still has some life left in it- transfer calls came- and Elder Peine and I are still together for another (at least, fingers crossed) cycle! WAHOO! We are one of the only (of 2) companionships in the Zone that didn't get changed! YES! Also... I've been released as District Leader... and got assigned to be Zone Leader here in Kingsbridge- haha I'm starting to think my destiny as a Missionary lies here in the Bronx. I've literally spent over 1/3 of my Mission here! I DO love it though. I've never really considered myself to be a "Big City" kind of person... but Fordham College looks promising.... ;)

Updates on Miguel and family! Everything is going SO well with them. They have Baptismal Dates for the 31st of October! WHICH, ironically, is not only as you know Halloween, but ALSO- EXACTLY 12 years to the day from my OWN Baptism on Oct 31, 1998! I still remember that day! It was Kimmee Wade and myself being baptized, I do recall! And we still went trick-or-treating! Miguel and his family are very excited- and we are just as excited with them. They have loved church and have been embraced by the ward- they seem so comfortable there, and Miguel says it feels so right. Their daughter Lupe was a little scared of Primary.. (okay came running out screaming and ended up being with her parents for the rest...) but Miguel says that she did the same thing with school and will be alright in a few times of getting used to it! :)

New Exciting things happening soon!!

--The Mission is getting NEW AND UPDATED CELL PHONES! HOORAY!! TECHNOLOGY HERE WE COME!

--Elder Peine and I have many new people coming to church- it's wonderful being part of this great Work.

--We're moving apartments... AGAIN! Bahah- remember the episode in the Olmstead Apt? Yeah, well, my way with words you know... uhh.. hehe.. ANYWAY yes we are moving again- and Elder Peine are looking for apartments in Little Italy and the lower section of our area! I never knew how hard it would be- let alone HOW EXPENSIVE apartments are in NY. RIDICULOUS!

--The "Noche De Naciones" is this coming FRIDAY! AH! We are all so excited. It's apparently the biggest fiesta the Kingsbridge Ward puts on- even bigger than Christmas. The Missionaries are going to represent America.... we might to some dance thing or play baseball or sing the Anthem!! O say can you see...?

--Metrocard fares are going UP! The price of a monthly unlimited metrocard is 89$- but apparently the MTA is in the hole and is bumpin' the prices up to 104$ a month! Ouch! I'm betting that several companionships in the city (including my own) have a possibility of losing full metro so as to keep costs from being astronomical!! Eh, I could probably use the exercise anyway...

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY WISHES!! I was OVERWHELMED with letters and cards for my Birthday- thank you all so much. I couldn't have asked for a better Birthday. It means so much to me!! Please understand if I take some (a lot of) time getting back to some of you... I only have P-days to respond to letters- and I'm not very keen on re-spawning my battle scars (hand callouses) from AP English Senior year!! Please know how much I truly appreciate it and love you all! :)

Christmas is in the AIR! I love it! Already we're playing Christmas music and the lights are starting to come out- sales are starting and it the smell of cinnamon is ever present! (I think it's the hundreds of Vendors selling churros and applepie empenadas on the street... but any who...) I LOVE IT! Keep the Spirit of Christmas alive and go belt a Christmas Song on a public bus or something in my Honor!! Hooray!

B safe! B strong! B SINGING!

All my Love

Elder Brandon David Hellberg

PS-Speaking of my own name, I saw a license plate the other day... BDH 019... COINCIDENCE!? I think NOT!! :)

Oct 6 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS BEAN!

HELLLOOO!!

Good morning from Fordham in the Bronx!

It's a wonderfully chilly October Morning, and we just got back from shopping at target!

This week has been going so well!

First things first!

CONFERENCE!

AHHH!! MANNA FROM HEAVEN! I LOVED it. It's SUCH a different experience as a Missionary. We hurry and sit all our investigators in the Spanish side, then run over to the English broadcast in the other rooms filled with ward members and investigators to listen to the Prophet and the other church Leaders. It's SUCH a CHARGE! Haha especially considering that the last Conference before I left for the Mission I was practically unconscious on pain killers, waiting to have Dr. Edwards surgically put my shoulder back together while Mom and Carlie took turns playing nurse and feeding me!! Baha! Really though. I took more notes and wrote more personal feelings and thoughts down this past Conference weekend than all the other conferences in my life COMBINED.

This is part of the letter I sent home to my family last week:

"Last week, we went to visit one of our investigators- Miguel. He is a good man. He has a loving wife, Magdelena, and a 3 yr old girl with her named Guadalupe, Lupe for short. They are a sweet and humble Mexican family- we found them through the church headquarters media system. We taught them the restoration and the Plan of Salvation as a family- and had a scheduled appointment with them on Saturday- we were going to teach about the Gospel and the Prophets- especially with Conference coming up. We knocked on their door- and Miguel answered. He was babbling nonsense and smelled badly of alcohol-and had a thick white powder under his nose. He invited us in and we found with him 2 other men, totally and completely drunk- with over 20 empty bottles of beer on the table- and lines of cocaine and blunts of weed. It was heartbreaking. He sat on the floor and cried as we sat with him. He just cried- for a good 10 minutes just cried, clutching the paperback copy of the Book of Mormon we gave to him. In the sobs he was telling us he wanted to change- that he knew his little girl needed him. It was one of the most sad and pathetic things I've ever witnessed. After about a half an hour, we got up to leave- he was far too intoxicated to understand us, and I was sure he wouldn't remember what had happened when he came to. Moments later, on our way out we ran into Magdelena and Lupe- they were coming home from a long day selling fruit in the street and shopping for groceries. We helped her carry up her carts the 4 flights of stairs- when Miguel came out of the apartment again. Magdelena saw him- and her eyes welled up with tears. It was so heartbreaking and discouraging. Miguel just sat back down and cried. We talked with them a little, but left very downhearted and discouraged. Elder Peine and I are determined to do everything we can to help this sweet family. We have faith. We visited Miguel yesterday at his work- and talked to him for about half an hour. He seems genuine about changing- he was very excited when we showed up to see him. When he is not drunk or under the effects of drugs, he is most definitely the loving man we know and have been teaching...."

----I feel so blessed this week to report that MANY good things are happening with this family right now. We returned to visit Miguel at his work and he expressed a sincere desire to change. He told us of his love for God and his family. We have had several return visits, and it's such a testimony to me to LITERALLY see him changing. He is cleaner, he is happier, and there is warmth in his house. Elder Peine and I went and picked him up on Saturday night and took him to the Priesthood session of Conference- he loved it. He was so amazed that we have a Prophet on the Earth today! He energetically told us afterwards that he was so excited to bring his wife and daughter back the next morning for the Sunday morning session. Sure enough, we walked into the chapel and there was Miguel and his family seated up close to the big projector screen- early - and eagerly waiting for Conference to start. They loved it. After conference, we took them over to a member's house, the Sanchez Family- and just introduced them and discussed conference. I can't do the situation justice with words on my e-mail. We went back and visited them yesterday- Miguel came home for a lunch break from work- and brought a few friends from work to meet and visit with us. We had a very touching lesson with them about the importance of family- we read and discussed The Family: A proclamation to the World. After, I invited Miguel to pray for us. It was so touching as he genuinely addressed Heavenly Father and prayed- simply and from his heart. They both want to participate in the Ward Activity coming up, the "Noche de Naciones"- Nation Night- where all the different cultures present their native country and bring food and dance and pictures! Also, they are progressing towards baptism and love coming to Church. I love this family. They are such a blessing and continue to see the blessings of the Restored Gospel.

Speaking of Noche de Naciones... the Missionaries here are going to represent the US! We can't decide if we're going to dance to THRILLER in spirit of Halloween or lip sing to the backstreet boys.... o.O

A few days ago, Elder Knuth and I went on a split in my area- and we saw some VERY strange things... (2 of which I truly feel should NOT be emailed home...) anyway... First off, we encountered the LEGENDARY BIRDMAN in Kingsbridge Sub station. It was hilarious. This crazed looking person with feathers all over him- a truly impressive getup.. making the MOST legit falcon screams I've ever heard a human produce. I challenged him with my Pterodactyl screech..(Kudos Garbrielle Machiavelle, Carlie, and Connor..)... and I was shamefully defeated by an amazing Eagle sound and soaring around the station. .... True story.

SECOND, we saw 2 undercover cops take down a group of 10 guys playing some street gambling game. It was so intense. We were across the street when these guys pounced and yelled "UP AGAINST the WALL!" We took shelter in a nearby members house and watched from the window- a big black police van came and took them all away! Ah!Thirdly was more of an epic battle to catch a bus. We had just left from Kingsbridge Chapel and were headed to the Bx9 bus stop, when we saw it leave the stop we were heading to. I yelled "KNUTH! RUN!" We took off down the road as fast as we could- and about half way people around us saw us trying to catch it- it was hilarious- there was a big group of younger New Yorkers screaming at us "GO! GO SERVANTS OF THE LORD! YOU CATCH THAT BUS!! GO!" and others around were yelling "RUN!! CATCH THAT BUS!" We saw a few people on the bus cheering us on as we ran top speed right next to the bus- and finally when we made it to the next stop on time, the group that had been cheering us on erupted into applause and cheering about a half a block away- "YES! YOU DID IT! HALLELUJAH! PRAISE!!" It was so hilarious! Even A few people on the bus clapped for us!

Thank you all so much for all you do. I truly love this Gospel. It STILL amazes me that I have the trust of the Savior to wear His Name over my heart each day- and teach and love and go about doing Good for Him. I am so grateful for all the examples in my life that have led me to this point. Thank you! Especially to all those Primary and Sunday School teachers- for being so patient! Haha I was a crazy child growing up... Truthfully I thank you. I love you all and look forward to thanking you in person!

B Strong! B Smart! B screeching like a falcon!

The Church is TRUE!

Always and Forever!
Elder Hellberg