Christmas

I guess he did have something to say...

HEY HEY!! How's it going everybody!

Merry Christmas!Boy oh boy, I'm so excited for it. We totally get to celebrate the birth of the Savior! How exciting is that. Forget all those presents and junk. God has already given up the greatest gift, his son!! Oh man, I get to talk to you all!!!! Maybe not you all but some of you! Totally way stoked for that. But I'm still way weirded out about it though, haha. This week has bee a pretty SPECTACULAR week! (I like that word lately). We have had a lot going on. The craziest has been the weather. We were over at a part member family's house and went out to go tracting. .. it was freezing! So we got all bundled up went out, it was -5. So much fun! It's funny when you get to the point on your mission where you get excited for horrible weather. It makes you feel good knowing that the weather doesn't even have a chance to stop the work. Maybe those lameo misisonaries wouldn't tract, but not us! It was a lot of fun. We would spit and by the time we walked over to it it was frozen, haha. Good fun. The crazy part about it was when we were tracting we found this awesome Australian guy working on his motorcycle with just jeans and a coat on! We talked to him and he came out side and we taught an entire 1st lesson in -5 degrees!! Yeah, like 30 minutes, I swear, so sweet! He is awesome so we will definitely stop by there later in the week.

We had Zone Conference on Tuesday. It was so good. The whole thing was all about the Savior. The spirit there was so strong. I loved it. At the end we always have a testimony meeting and that is always the best. . . .

By far the best thing that has happened this week. . .
I'm a little behind in the reading so I'm trying to catch up for Christmas. I was reading the story of the army of Helaman. Right before I started reading, I had a good long chat with God about stuff. I felt like I needed to be searching for something, but I didn't know what. It was weird, I finished and started to read. When I came to that story I just couldn't help but cry. I had read it so many times before, but this time it was different. I had found what I was looking for. The Lord was helping me have more faith then I had. He was helping me grow that much more. Helaman's sons were asked what they should do about the Lamanites, they didn't even doubt for a second. They just said how they knew that God would protect them. That because they were doing the things they knew were right, the things their mom's had taught them, that the Lord would be with them. How great was Helaman's joy to find that not one of them was killed. I was so excited when I read that. It's like I didn't know the ending to a story, even though I'd already read it many times. I realized that that's the faith that we all need to have. If we would just put ALL our trust in him everything will be fine, everything will work out perfectly. We just have to have the faith. I love that. So yes. . . persacutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may asemble, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobaly, and independant. Until the purposes of God shall be acomplished. And the Great Jehova shall say "the work is done!" Nothing can stop this work from progressing and I'm glad I have a chance to be a part of that! I love you all!!

Thanks for your letters and cards!!
Love,
Elder Bragg

Turtle

Colton didn't have much to say this week. He sent this video to us a while ago and now I finally am posting it... Enjoy!

HEY MOM! I LOVE YOU!!

Thanks for the package. Elder Pond is already eating his Christmas cereal. I told him he was lame and that next Christmas he can't even have any. haha It was pretty funny. But thanks again! Anyways.

I'm not sure when we will be able to call you. I'm thinking it will be in the morning some time. So yeah. . . . sorry about not being more specific. It's hard when I don't even know myself. It will definitely be before 2:00 Hope that's enough of a heads up.

Also, we get to sleep in on that day. We'll see how long that lasts, maybe till 8 or something crazy like that. We'll open stuff then probably call, so shouldn't be too late.

LOVE YOU! Cant wait to talk to you!

Elder Bragg

MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON EVERYONE

Hey Hey Hey! How's it going?!

So MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON EVERYONE! I love Christ. . . and Christmas. they're both good. . . they're both good.

Anyways. Things have been going awesome over here. We have been working really hard as usual and trying to find new people to teach like always. We are teaching a couple people now so hopefully we will be able to have a baptism this transfer.

Yes, we did move out of the Gibbs. It was a sad day and they will be missed for sure. But our new house is way cool too. We live with a family named the Burrands, they have 6 kids. . . all older. One just got back from a mission and one is coming home in a couple of months. I'll probably be gone by then, but hey it's pretty cool.

Now we have to buy our own butter too!! haha I know random but I just thought of it.

Anyways, on the tie note!!. . . I would love lots of ties for Christmas! That would be the best! Just make sure they are not paisley. Those are a bit crazy. The brands I like the most are Jones New York, Geoffrey Beene, Countess Mara, and Donald Trump. They tie the best. Yeah, its funny the things you start to get obsessed with on a mission. . . for me it's ties. I had to stop going to Ross because of pure temptation. Although, I did buy a pair of really shiny shoes today so I can look my best at meetings and things. They were only 17 bucks too! I know right. What a bargain! Packages are sweet and when they have ties in them, they are the best! haha. Just thought I'd let you know.

Oh yeah, and I totally knew about that whole baby thing from Mickie. She told me a while ago. It's way cool. I'm gonna have like 17 nieces and nephews when I get back. It's gonna be nuts. And everyone will be married. Be sure to tell Adam and Savannah congrats and Sunni and Lance too. Adam's kid will probably have to start playing Super Smash Bros pretty young if he's gonna compete with me and Adam haha. Although I will be 2 years rusty and all.

Anyways, thanks again everyone for all your support! I seriously love all of you more then I can say. Thanks for being good examples, helping me when I need it, and just being there to enjoy time with. I really have been blessed. But the most important blessing that we all have in our lives is Jesus Christ. I learned this week that agency sometimes hurts. Sometimes it hurts us and sometimes it hurts others, but the atonement of Jesus Christ can heal all of the pain and discomfort that a wrong choice can bring. It's Gods greatest gift to us. We just have to use it. I really do have to write President now. So I love you all! Have a good Christmas season.

LOVE!
Elder Bragg

Advent Calender

We loved the Gibbs! The boys were freaking out when they saw that an elder's mom sent them something! (Chocolate Advent calendar) It was cool. I told them they had to eat one everyday too, not just that eat it all quick junk. The Gibbs had signed up to have the missionaries live there for 6 months and they were going on 7 and a half. They were really sad to see us go and we were sad to leave. They are an incredible family, but luckily we will be eating Christmas Eve with them, awesome.

I'm now living with the Burrands in their basement. It's pretty legit.

Tidal Wave

Howdy Howdy Howdy!

How's it going? Well it sounds like everyone is doing pretty well back home. I'm thinking that whole home theater thing is gonna be way sweet when I get home. Oh man, but guess what's crazy. I have been on my mission for over 6 months! I know right! That is so long!!! I was kinda weirded out.

It has been a big week, we have been working hard of course. But I'll run through our Thanksgiving day. . . woke up, played some football, played some basket ball (which I won,) then some foosball (Elder Pond won,) then some Risk (we quit early haha,) played 2 games of clue (I won one and Mitchell won one,) had Thanksgiving dinner with a family called the Parkers, then played Risk again (which was the most insane game ever!!!) I totally won, it was so sweet. At the end I was about to wipe everyone out and their son moved all his 7 guys right in front of me. So I asked him what he was doing. Then Brother Parker said, "he sees the tidal wave coming and he wants to go down to the beach!" Oh man, we laughed for a good 10 minutes. But yes, it was a great day.

Also transfer calls were last night. We found out that we are staying together, definitely awesome! It's gonna be another awesome six weeks. But there is sad news; we are moving out of the Gibbs in about a week or so. It's kinda lame. I love that family. I'm sure the new place will be awesome too. I will email you the new address. I think we move on Monday. But yeah, that's pretty much what's going on over here. It's pretty awesome.

But I love you all. Thank you for your support and prayers! Merry Christmas!!. . . soon. . .

Love Elder Bragg

ITS ELDER BRAGG!!!

HEY EVERYBODY!!!!

ITS ELDER BRAGG!!!

I'm sure you already new that though. How are things back in Meddy? I find myself talking about Medford and how great it is there then here. haha I can't help it. I'm pretty bias.

I didn't know so many people were getting married? you should let me know their addresses so I can write a couple of them and tell them congrats! Or better yet, send me the wedding announcements.

Anyways, we had a great week. Elder Pond and I are pretty much official brothers now. We get along way to well and are even to the point where we get into arguments about stupid little things cause its fun. Yeah, its been a pretty awesome transfer. Unfortunately it ends next Thursday, so we will see what happens. I'm kinda hoping nothing changes though, that would be sweet. I'll have to let you know.

We had a really good week of work. We taught over 18 lessons this week! It was so good. Our tracting hours were down cause we were teaching so much, awesome. We also had 4 baptisms! An awesome muslim family, I love them! I had the opportunity to baptize the 2 kids, Zack and Edrise (Ed). I'll have to send home some pictures. They are a way cool family. They are going to grow up to be the greatest missionaries ever, I swear. The mom already has so much faith and the kids are so good. I can't wait to hear from them later.

And on another note Thanksgiving is tomorrow. I'm pretty excited. We do get to play football in the morning and then eat. Luckily, we still get to go out and work (aka work off all the fat I will eat). But it's going to be any awesome day! There is so much that we have to be thankful for. I will have been on my mission for 6 months and one of the biggest things I've learned is to be thankful for EVERYTHING!! Heck, we don't even have the right not to be! It says in Mosiah that God gives us every breath! Just being alive is a gift! Let's be happy about it! I know I am. Because not everyone gets that chance like we do. Too many abortions of God's children; they couldn't be on this earth, but we are here and the scriptures tell us we are here to be happy! So be happy and be thankful! There is plenty to be thankful for. Maybe we can slow down for a bit and think about it. I promise you'll look at everything a whole lot different if you haven't before.

With that said. haha. What I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving is the Savior Jesus Christ. He has given me every blessing that I have and that I love so much! Family- with out him, I wouldn't be able to be with them for time and all eternity. Health- with out him, we would all just die and be dead in the grave forever, there would be no resurrection and no perfect glorified bodies, which is one of the reasons why we are down here as well. Oh, there are many more things that he gave us. In fact, he gave up everything so that we could have it all. He suffered every pain and affliction, every scraped knee and skinned elbow, he felt. So that when we are down and feel pain or sorrow, he can be there to raise us up, to help us back on our feet. When we can't walk, he'll carry us. How is that not something to be thankful for?? I love the Savior Jesus Christ with all my heart and I will never be able to express in words how much I am thankful for what he has done for the world. . . . for me. . . Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Love,
Elder Bragg

All the Cool Missionaries are Doing it!

HOWDY DOODY EVERY BODY!!

How goes it on the western front? It's going way too awesome over here. We have been having a lot of success with the work. In fact, yesterday we didn't even tract! We just taught! I loved it.

Oh man, we are going to have 4 baptisms on Saturday. Yeah, I know right!! I get to perform 2 of them and Elder Pond is doing one and then a ward member is doing the other! They are the greatest family EVER. I'll definitely have to send you some pictures so you can see how awesome they are!

Oh man, another pretty cool thing. The Zone Leaders called us Monday morning after they got out of their meeting with President and all the other ZL's and the assistants. I guess Elder Pond and I had the best numbers out of the whole mission that week and they had a training on us....hahaha.

I thought it was pretty funny. It got us way fired up for the work, so its sweet. I love being as obedient as I possibly can! It's so cool. You know, all the cool missionaries are doing it. haha. We are working on peer pressuring every missionary into doing it to... haha. Anyways sorry this is such a short email. I gots to go do some work. Oh and just remember while you guys are eating turkey, that Elder Pond and I will be working all that night, it's gonna be sweet. I guess Thanksgiving is our P-day, but then after 5 we are going to keep working. So yeah, pretty sweet. And no... no movies or football, only missionary work! Just like I like it!! haha Have a good week and I'm trying make the next one better, I promise!

I love you!!!!!
Elder Bragg

Strongest Companionship

HEY EVERYONE!!! WHAT UPP!!???!?!?

I totally got this awesome thing I'm gonna send home and its sweet so ask my mom about it and she'll tell you once she gets it haha. Cool cool.

So today is a happy day. I'm way excited to be a missionary and happy to be able to serve the lord. I'm sorry if my email is a little short, but I'm just in a rush I guess.

So this week has been a very trying but awesome week. A lot has happened. We have been working harder then ever and it has been awesome. Its actually kinda funny though. On Saturday we were dropped by 6 of our investigators and one of them had a date at one point. . . Yeah it was a hard day, but as we kept working hard the lord has definitely blessed us in ways I can't even describe and we got 2 new people to teach!!! I know right!! haha. I'm excited. But yeah Elder Dunn has reason to be jealous. Elder Pond is a stud haha. Infact in interviews the other day president said we were among the strongest companionship's in the mission. He talked about how well we got along and how we need to keep that going toward the work, which we definitely are. So it has been great.

Yes I have a bennie, coat ( thanks to bro, and sis, Anderson who got me one for a present... I love them haha), sweaters, and I just need some good boots. . . I wish my snowboard ones were approved haha. But I should be fine for a while. I've got some good stuff and it hasn't even snowed yet. . . Oh and I got a new tie. . . cause its sweet. ( Thanks for the packages mom and Kristin! They were wicked cool. . . oh yeah and I can't really wear zipper ties either. . .they unzip all the time and I don't really look like a missionary when that happens. . . Those oreos were delish! And there all gone. haha) Anyone can feel free to send me a letter or some ties or something, but dang. . . I'm late.. . . I love you all. The gospel is true isn't it? THEN SHARE IT!! I mean . . . Wait no that is what I meant! Help it bless others lives and share it with them!! Haha

LOVE YOU ALL!!
Elder Bragg

Be prepared

WHATS UP!!

I hope you have all just been sitting around your computers to get this haha. . . I'm just kindling. Its cool and yeah I don't really know who all this is going to but hey its cool.

That's cool to here you are doing missionary work. One thing that everyone can do to make missionary work a little better and easier is to pray for missionary experiences. Ask the lord to put those people in your path who have been prepared to hear the message of the gospel. It makes a huge difference. Also what comes along with that is being ready when the moment comes. Don't be ashamed of the gospel, make it a part of who you are. We always say that probably the only person that we as missionary's look cool to is god. . . and that's all that matters. You need to keep your self worthy and ready to share what you have come to love so much and hold so close to your heart. I always think of how much this church has helped me. . . and how much it can help every person I meet. Remember, the field is white all ready to harvest and lo he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not and bringeth salvation to his soul. . . salvation to the soul is never a bad thing haha.

This last week has been awesome. We are working with a Muslim lady named Sadiqa. She's way cool, and we totally committed her for baptism. So next week will be awesome. We are working with a lot of other people too, so it has been good. . . Yeah this is a very stubborn area but the work is progressing none the less. As we work hard and do what the lord asks of us, we receive blessings! It is just that easy. Like that talk that was given in conference. (it was one of my favorites) where he talked about how we need to follow Jesus Christ. . . it is the only intelligent thing to do. . . a different way, any other way, every other way is just madness. I love that. But yeah we are working hard and have a lot of good times too. Elder Pond is great to serve with. We have a lot of fun but still work really hard. It makes the day go by way to fast haha.

I love you all!
LOVE!
Elder Colton Bragg

New Address

WHATS UP?!

This week has been sooo awesome, maybe even a little too awesome haha. My new companion is Elder Pond. He came out with Elder Dunn, so its way fun. I guess I'm senior comp but like that even means anything. It was cool. The first night we talked till 12 about the atonement. It was great. Laughing and crying all at the same time. I'll never forget it. That's for sure. There is definitely a reason why I'm here. We are working super hard trying to talk to as many people as we can and get as many new investigators as we can. Its been pretty fun. We cover 2 wards, the Daniels Park Ward and the Summit View Ward. They are in Highlands Ranch.

My address is . . .

C/O The Gibb Family

10198 Fairgate Way

Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

So everyone and there dog can now write me a letter!!! I know right. I would too. This is super rich area though, which basically means that we talk to a lot of people and that no one is ever interested. Its kinda lame, but we are working with some people and should have a baptism by the end of the transfer. . . (that's only cause the mission president promised everyone that if they worked hard this transfer that we could all have a baptism), so we are going for 2 cause we are already going to work hard anyways. Haha.

But yeah, the family we live with is pretty cool too. They have 3 sons and the oldest is a freshman in high school. We try to always set the best example for them.

Anyways I best be off, but I love you all!! Thank you for all your support. Remember to keep the country's that haven't been open to the church in your prayers and ALWAYS remember that the worth of EVERY soul in great in the eyes of god. So that's how it should be for us as well. No one doesn't deserve a chance to hear about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So share it with everyone. Think about the impact it has made on our lives. Think about the happiness it brings us. That's what I do. And remember the atonement is a free gift to everyone, but we are the ones who choose whether or not we are going to use it!

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Elder Colton Bragg

Transfers

Hey Hey Hey!! So this last week has been great.

There is some sad news though. . . after 4 and a half months/ 4 baptisms/ 3 transfers / and lot of work. . . I'm getting transferred. I know right! I was thinking I might be training too, because there are 28 new missionaries coming this transfer. So everyone and their dog is training. It's insane. I guess the Lord has other plans for me, and that's O.K. too. It was funny there is this kid in my district who really wanted to train. He was way disappointed when he found out he wasn't. I talked to him about it for a bit. I asked him if he has been working as hard as he could and he said yes. I asked if he trusts the Lord with everything he has and he said yes. I told him how it doesn't matter if your a trainer, district leader, zone leader, assistant, or a regular missionary. Each one is just as important as the other. I guess I realized I'm thankful I'll be just a regular missionary for now. I'll get to study the scriptures more in depth then I would if I was training, and I get to focus all of my time to the work that I am out here to do, which is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy ghost, and enduring to the end. Anything that takes me away from that I don't really want to do, to tell you the truth haha. So I'm thinking I might not be in any leadership for a while, haha. After I talked to him about it he seemed a little better.

Since I am getting transferred I'll find out tomorrow where it is I will be serving. I'll let you know my address in a letter or something. The Anderson's said they would send all my mail to where ever I am. I'll tell you what though, this has got to be one of the hardest parts of being on a mission. I have to leave those people that I have grown to love so much. It's horrible. I feel like I'm leaving the airport all over again. There is still so much work to be done here too! It kills me. Hopefully Elder Bryson will be able to keep the work moving forward. This last transfer has really been a trial of my faith. It's crazy to see how the Lord truly raises you up, when you put all your trust in him. I love it. I was listening to a CD this morning before we left and I heard something that might seem way lame and stupid but I'll always remember what it said. "When the rain begins to fall, remember where the rain comes from." Just the day before, we were reading section 122 of the Doctrine and Covenants . . . I think that's it. . .where it talks about how all these things can happen to you and they will all be for your good. Well I'll tell you I know that that is true, no matter the trial. . . it is for our good.

Anyways, I have to go but I want you all to know how much I love you and how much of a difference everyone has made in my life. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's church restored back on the earth today, Jesus is the Christ. He is the savior of the world. When we put all of our heart, might, mind and strength in him, he will raise us up. He will help us carry our burdens. It is a blessing I wish everyone knew about and knew how real it is. Again I

Love you all!!
Elder Colton Bragg

So cool story time

So cool story time. . . ready. . . go

Elder Penrod and I were teaching this guy named Jim Froese. I'm sure you remember him, he basically dropped us. . . sad stuff. Anyways, we were still in contact with him and teaching little things and sharing spiritual thoughts. Then when we helped him move the Bishop was there and he. . . not the bishop, but he asked the Bishop if he could speak in Sacrament meeting. . . I know right. So after getting over the shock the Bishop said sure. We were all kinda wondering what he was going to say. The day before, Saturday, we went over and watched the Joseph Smith : Prophet of the Restoration movie. His wife watched it with us. After the movie ended we were gonna say something but we both felt like we just needed to not talk. We sat there in silence for about a minute when Olivia (Jim's wife) just started crying. Now Olivia is from Peru and doesn't say much, but is an incredible lady. She told us all these things that she had gone through, which were incredible to hear about. Her ex-husband left her when they were in Siberia and she literally escaped back to Peru fleeing for her life with a 6 and a 2 year old, and many more things. Then she told us how when ever anything happened she could tell that the Lord was helping her through every single trial. How she wished Jim could feel the love that the Lord wants to show him. . . . so it was a good visit. The next day he spoke in Sacrament meeting and when he was speaking he said "now I'm not a member of your church YET but. . ." elder bryson and I at that point just looked at each other and kinda smiled and then kept listening. He proceeded to tell us about different struggles that he's been through, drug use, and how he kinda of blamed it all on God. And how that all changed when he met his wife Olivia and how we have helped him. It was great. I think now he knows God loves him. We saw him yesterday and asked him to pray about baptism. I'll let you know how it goes. Pretty cool!

Also Summer had her interview and is going to be baptized this Sunday! We are way excited.

A bunch of other stuff happened this week, but those were the highlights.

I love you all and just remember to keep praying for those country's to open to missionary work like the prophet asked. That would be way to cool.

THANKS!!!
LoveElder Colton Bragg

New Phone

Its pretty cool my mission president was in the temple a couple years ago and all the sudden he got this impression that he needed to retire early. Like, the next day, early. He was in a position of great worth. . . (aka lots-o-dough) so he went home told Sister Christison and then retired the next day. A week later he was driving with his son in the car and the prophet called his son's cell phone. . . and now he is our mission president. Pretty neat hu? I just thought that was a neat story.

CONFERENCE WAS AWESOME!!!!!!
Haha Saturday was so good. There were times when I wanted to get up and cheer. In fact during one of the Saturday sessions I nearly did. Sorry I don't have my notes but the guy from the 70 who spoke on the atonement and said that Jesus Christ is the only way. . . and any other way is madness. I got so excited. H was awesome. I would just tell you everything that I loved but then I would just be writing down all my notes. Everyone who spoke was incredible and I learned a lot. I'm already looking forward to conference in 6 months, but a little more to the conference ensign that will come out. THINK OF THE HIGHLIGHTING I WILL GET TO DO!!! Dang I'm excited. I can't wait to share quotes with investigators from that. I could talk all day about that though so I'll move on haha.

This week has been good. haha funny story. . . so we got new phones yesterday because the entire mission was breaking 3 phones a week. . . I know right. So they got us 300 dollar phones that they use in the military that are never supposed to break. If they do, you pay for it. Yeah kinda sucks but none the less. We were riding to the area we were going to tract and I said to Elder Bryson "Hey now if I fall the phone will be okay!" and I have never fallen before so the next part of the story was very unexpected. No more then 5 minutes later and only having the phone for about a hour. We were going down a trail to get to this area to tract. When I turn the corner and to my surprise. . . There is no bike under me anymore. It just completely lost traction and slipped out. So I proceeded to belly-slide down the rest of the hill (about 10 feet or so) completely on my right side, more particularly my right pocket. . . Which is where I put the cell phone. . . Naturally I just jumped up real quick and thought oh no hahaha. Breaking a 300 dollar phone would be pretty bad, so I took it out of my pocket and it was completely fine!! After sliding over rocks and dirt and having a perfect outline of where it was in my pocket on my pants. The phone was fine. Not even a scratch, so we took pictures and had a good laugh about how I was just testing it out to see if it really was "indestructible." well it sure showed me haha.

We have been doing well. Did I tell you that summer wants me to confirm her! Cool I know, but yeah we are still working hard and doing our best.

I love you all! Thanks for your support and remember to do what the prophet said and pray for those areas to open that are not yet!

Love
Elder Bragg

Letters are never a bad thing

Howdy! How's it going? Good, cool.

Well, congrats on the job HD.

That's cool your reading the BOM with me. It's good stuff. I'm going through highlighting all the good stuff and I'm pretty sure I need to settle down on it a bit, haha, everything is a different color. It looks cool though.

This last week has been pretty sweet. We met up with this lady Elder Penrod and I found, named Mary. We call her Crazy Mary. She's pretty funny to talk to. We are trying to help her stop smoking. There is a 15 step program that we give people and it's way awesome. There are a lot of hard things to do in it though. I think the worst is the unsweetened grapefruit juice after every meal. I told her I'd do it with her, so basically I gag after every meal, haha. She needs all the support she can get.

Also Summer Power's dad just got back from Qatar(I think that's how you spell it?) But we are going to have her baptism the end of next month. It's gonna be awesome. She asked me if i could confirm her, pretty exciting as well. But there is way too much going on to put down, so you'll just have to hear about it as it comes. . .. haha, yeah sorry.

Elder Bryson and I are doing well. It's pretty funny. I'm not much of a complainer, as in I just don't on a mission cause I figure Christ didn't complain on the cross so I think I can get through a mission. It's interesting, every once in a while we're tracting, he'll just freak out over something that happened 3 weeks ago. And it doesn't help that I just start laughing, because it's so out of left field. so I'm working on that. But we are still getting along, so it's cool. There is alot going on in the area, so I like it.

Oh man, can I just tell you how excited I am for conference!! That's going to be sooooooo good! I'm way excited!! I can't wait for 2 years when I get the chance to actually be there live again. . . if that happens. Anyways, I'm sure I'll talk to you about it next week. I love you all!

Love,
Elder Bragg

ps. Letters are never a bad thing. . . What??

BOM Challenge

In Colton's last email he said that he was going to read the Book of Mormon by Christmas. He was doing it as a challenge from his Mission President. It is going to be a Christmas gift to Christ and to himself. If any one would else would like to join in the challenge, the more the merrier.

In order to finish the Book Of Mormon between Christmas and the end of the year you need to read 5.7 pages a day.

Don't do Anything Stupid

Yeah, I'm actually not fat! haha. I just never worked out before my mission. You know I must have dad's kinda figure haha. So once I started doing push ups and sit ups and riding a bike every day for like 10 or so miles, it's been working out for me. p I think maybe it helps I cant eat all the crap food I want now too. Although I still do have a box of Honey Buns a week; cant give those up.

This week has been AWESOME!! No joke haha. And way crazy too. On Saturday we had Leslie's baptism. It went really well. Her parents who were completely against it came also!! It was a great experience and we also took Ryan to it. He is getting so close to committing,we are still hoping and praying. He's gonna come with us today and play Basketball. Then go buy some ties with us at Ross. It should be fun. On Sunday we had the confirmation of Leslie and then it was the primary program as well. Such a good Sunday! It's always so cool to be able to participate in that kind of thing with someone you taught. It took a lot of work, a lot of prayer, a lot of fasting, and a lot of energy. It's awesome to finally see her taking that step that the Lord wants her to take.

We also had a Zone Conference on Monday. That was pretty sweet as well. I always love the testimony meeting at the end. It's cool to be able to hear other Elder's testimony's and then bear your own to them. The spirit is always so strong. We were also challenged to read the Book of Mormon by Christmas as a Christmas present for our selves and for the Lord. So I started over again. I read the first couple chapters again. I'm still finding things I didn't catch the other couple times. I love it!

Oh man, this week we had an interesting run in with the cops, nothing big, so don't worry mom. It just strengthened my testimony of how much love you can have for someone you just met. I swear I was about to start busting down doors taking names and maybe a couple in the chest for this lady. But being official representatives of the church we cant get involved. And that is wisdom from God for sure. It just amazed me looking back on the situation (which again, mom wasn't anything! don't go calling around about it!) that I felt that close to someone that I met only 2 months before. And before my mission I would have probably been to afraid to even talk to. The Lord definitely plays a huge part in this work. God said himself that this is his work. I am so thankful that I am a part of that. I love being that tool that God himself uses to help people come to the realization that Jesus is the Christ and that our Father in Heaven loves each and every one of us.

Anyways I've got to go, but i love you all, and don't do anything stupid!!! haha

Love,
Elder Bragg

2 lb Block of Cheese

HEY!!

Yeah and I heard about the game to. . . I called someone from our ward for some info and they just happened to be there and it was just ending haha. Good timing on my part.

The typical day for me is.
6:30 -wake up, work out, and stretch. . . (and it must be working too cause I'm up to 175. . . I know right haha)
7:30 - shower and get dressed
8:00 - personal study. . . and I just finished the BOM for the first time on the mission! I'm way excited. Many more to come...
9:00 - companion study
10:00 - say a prayer before we leave and go tract till
1:00 - lunch
2:00 tract some more and go visit potential investigators/ Less Actives/ that kind of stuff
5:00 Dinner
6:00 visit the above mentioned. That's when we usually have appointments so we teach a lot at night also
9:00/9:30ish- come home plan for the next day and sit around
10:30- in bed
Yep that's the day and not just a usual day, that's every day. Other then p-day and Sunday. I love it. I feel so organized haha.

Laundry skillz (notice the Z for the extra cool spelling) are off the chain! I'm getting good. I got out a grass stain the other day. I was way proud of myself haha.

Yes I'm minding my manners at every ones house. I haven't used my fingers my whole mission haha. You'd be proud. They feed us everything. This ward is way awesome about feeding us. I think we've only not had a dinner appt twice my whole mission. It's usually really really good. . .except all that stuff I don't like to eat. But I choke it down anyways. I'm on a mission. Gotta do what you gotta do. I even ate a whole tomato the other day. So gross, but heck, I ate it.

Now this week a lot happened, but I'm sure I won't remember most of it, so here it goes. . . First off. . . We were eating dinner at a members home this Sunday and I saw they had a good cheese slicer. . . So I was like. "HEY! Where did you get that! I've got to get one!" and sister Zollinger was like "Hey! Take this one I've got an extra and I don't remember where I got it!" and that basically made my week! (for my temporal need of course). So I went and bought a 2 pound block and ate a pound that first day haha. I was in heaven. I've have the block 3 days and its almost gone. Feels like home again.

We also had a lesson with Ryan (this 18 year old investigator) this week. It went soooo well. He really wants to know if its all true and if he gets an answer he said he'd be baptized. . . all he has to do is pray!! We are way excited. He's way close.

Then also we were helping the Froese family move (Jim being the investigator that dropped Elder Penrod and I) and Bishop Pingree totally committed him to speaking in sacrament and promised him if he read and prayed about it he would get an answer by the time he talks. . . We kept our cool the rest of the time and then when we got home I like freaked out. That's so exciting. So now he is progressing again and we are working with him. He'll hopefully work out this time, but dang. Its been such a turn around with him. I love it.

Then the Powers dad gets home this month and when he does, Summer Powers should be baptized. Then of course. . . . Leslie (the one Elder Penrod and I taught) is flying back on Friday, getting baptized on Saturday, confirmed on Sunday, and flying back Monday! I'm way excited for her too. Seeing the change that she has gone through has been a huge blessing and teaching her was always a great experience. So that should be great!

We've got a lot of other things going on but I'll tell you those as they keep progressing cause I'm almost out of time haha. But the work is going really well. Elder Bryson and I are working hard and I could always use more ties. . . I mean and I love you all!! haha. The Lord has really been helping me this week dealing with things that have happened. It's a lot of work, but there is no where else I'd rather be. . .

LOVE YOU ALL!
Elder Bragg

Elder Bryson

That's awesome, sounds like things are going pretty well back home. At least for the most part. Yeah, we heard about the whole BYU game. Brother Sucher in our ward keeps us up to date. I guess he made his little girl cry because he got a little too excited about the blocked kick, pretty funny. Oh, I don't know if you were watching, but we were at the Giants/Rockies game last Wednesday. It was way fun. The Giants killed them too. It was a good last p-day to spend with Elder Penrod. I miss him a lot more than I thought I would, haha. But he's at home now with his family so that's good.

My new companion's name is Elder Bryson. . . he's. . .older to say the least. I think about 25 or 6 now. He has a degree in chemical enginering. I can't even spell it and he's already earned it, haha. But yeah, he's a very interesting guy, knows his scripture like the back of his hand. It comes in handy a lot, haha. He is really good at relating to those people who are a little more intellectual. The Lord has definitely put us together for a reason. I seem to be able to relate to the more child like side of everyone, haha. I don't know. its just the way I am, haha. So it's good to have him around. He is a hard worker as well so that's really all the matters.

Oh man and the last 2 days while we were tracting he recited Aladdin word for word. . . yeah, the whole movie. Normally that might have been annoying, but since I can't watch any movies it was pretty cool, haha. Like I said, smart fella.

The lord has definitely helped me the last week with adjusting as well. I have been praying for a lot of guidance on how to address different situations and it seems to always work out just the way they should. Not always how I would like them. But definitely the way they should. It's always nice to know that the lord will help us through our struggles. Especially when serving a mission.

I have also been asked to give a training on personal revaluation this Friday to a bunch of Missionaries. So I have been thinking a lot about the steps that we need to take to receive that revelation for our selves. It's kind of cool because when they asked me I was reading the story of the Brother of Jared. And we all know what happened there, haha.

Anyways, I kinda freaked out when I heard Nicole was engaged. I definitely am expecting and announcement, haha. A lot changes when your gone for just a couple of months. I'm sure it will be a whole new world when I get back in 2 years. (see there's the Aladdin coming out now) The work is going really well over here. Like I said, with Elder Bryson we are able to reach a lot more people then we normally would and get them at least interested. It's pretty neat to see and be part of. So if all goes well, we should have 3 baptizms this transfer. Leslie, the girl Elder Penrod and I taught is flying back. Ryan is getting really close to committing to baptism and Summer Powers is just waiting for her dad to get back from the Middle East so he can baptize her. We are really excited and working with a lot more people as well, its cool,haha. I love you all! Thanks for all your support!

Love, Elder Bragg

Drop Off

HEY HEY!!

Nate sorry my mom spit in your hand, she can be a little weird at times but just do it back and you'll fit right in with the fam haha.

This week was a good one. After we wrote emails last time a member took us out to the batting cages. . . They had one that pitched 85 and I hit 7 or 8 of those. It was way cool. I did way better then I ever did for FHE. I just kinda figure its the lord helping me now. haha.

We got a new investigator too. He's awesome. His name is Ryan. He's a boyfriend of some girl in a different ward, but he lives in our area so we took him haha. He's sweet. We are gonna try to set him with a date tonight. We are meeting at the bishops house so it should be really good. We are excited. We've already got 2 dates set and there pretty committed. Then we will get another tonight hopefully. So the work is defiantly progressing and we are still working really hard.

I love you all and I love being out on a mission. We get to see miraculous things happen every day and what a blessing it is. Oh man and I'm almost done with 3rd nephi. I love that book haha.

For transfers Elder Penrod is headed home, so I get a new companion. No clue who it is yet. I'll find out tomorrow morning at transfer meeting. He's coming from out west too so I'll be in a different area for about 5 hours waiting for him, then we will go back to the area and go to work. I'm way excited.

I'm sending some stuff home. All my disobedient ties, the program from the baptism for my book haha, and yeah sorry Mickie and Matt I'm sending home that freaking awesome picture. (It was a vinyl picture of a skater) I loved it too, but its not directed toward the savior so I probably shouldn't have it. Now there is a picture I saw in the mtc of Christ and the creation that was way cool. It was all these crazy colors and stuff in the background. Thanks you for it. It is going in my apartment when I go home for sure haha.

Thanks Kristin for dropping that stuff off. (Editors note: I did not see Colton. All I did was drop some stuff off while I was in CO for a baby blessing.) That blanket is sweet. I use it every night now haha. And my legs are still getting bigger. Kristin can tell you why haha. She saw the hills.

Oh man and I totally got to fat for my temple pants. . . I know right. We eat to much, but I'm working on it haha. They were small to start with anyways.

We are off to go see a Rockies game. . . they are playing the giants. I know right. I can't get away from it haha, but it will be fun. So that's whats going on. Its pretty sweet. This next transfer will be a great one again, so I'm pretty excited.

Anyways I love you all and remember to do missionary work. It's not hard and the lord promises us he will help. So who better to get help from.

LOVE,

Elder Bragg

Challenge to invite

HOLY COW!!! I wish I was back picking pears at the farm. It's way weird once your away from something for so long, you realize how much you truly love it. I talk about how incredible Medford is like every day.

Anyways in other news. . . The mission is going very very well! We had 2 baptisms last Saturday and then confirmed them both on Sunday. I'm planning on sending home the program. It was a great experience to be able to see Ben be baptized by his dad (who is now worthy. . . so cool) and then to be able to baptize Francie. It reminded me of baptizing Tyler, one of those memories I'll never forget. It was a great service and you could feel the spirit there very strongly. Always good. So Elder Penrod and I have been working really hard to increase our teaching pool. We're trying to get more people ready for baptism. We are getting close with a couple of people, so I'll let you know how it turns out, haha. I'm excited. This is Elder Penrod's last week, so I'm making sure he doesn't get trunky, haha. We are working hard though.

Oh man, my new bike is so sweet! Tell Seth to tell Seth M. that I got a new GT Avalanche 2.0 blue and white. I would love for Seth M's address so I could write him. Oh, and thank you so much for that package. It was way good. I have been worshiping those Waffle Crisp, haha. But worshiping the Lord more. . . don't worry. The first and second commandments are still good, haha. But I've got to run. I love you all! Thanks for all your support and prayers! It is working, just so you know. Remember that it's not hard at all to just invite someone to church or to an activity, or to anything! You just have to do your part and ask. It makes a world of difference.

LOVE, Elder Bragg

The Graves

My parents received a note in the mail from a member of Colton's ward in Colorado, it was cool to hear Colton is a good missionary!

Dear Brother and Sister Bragg,
Thank you for sharing your son as he serves in Colorado. He has been in our ward since he came out. He is doing so well. He's positive, happy, learning quickly, working hard and sharing his spirit. He's great with the members and non members of our area. He will be a good missionary. We are grateful to have him in Colorado.

Thank you-
Brother and Sister Graves

Obedient

HEY! Sorry this might be short but the computers are way slow today. . . it been a way busy week. We are getting Francie and Ben ready for the baptism. Francie is basically ready and Ben just needs a couple more lessons then were good. So that's way exciting.

I'm not sure Elder Penrod is really strict. . . he's obedient. Like on the tie thing; President asked us to were conservative nice looking ties, because we represent the Lord. So that's what we do. I figure I'm not on a mission to see how much I can get away with. I'm here to give people the chance to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now if the President asks me to do something, that means I'll do it. Like i said, its not so much strict, but obedient. So that's the way I'm going to keep it haha. The best way I can relate it is like tithing. You're not gonna see the blessings from it unless you do it. Even if it sometimes seems not have anything to do with the blessings you receive.

Transfers are coming up too. Elder Penrod is about to go home. I'll get a new companion. haha That's gonna be way weird. I'm sure I'll like it. It will be nice to switch things up a bit. We are doing really well out here. I love it.

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Elder Bragg

Alma 36

We are working really hard. I love it. Like I said Francie is still on track for baptism on the 23rd. She met with our Mission President and we are ready to go. And I get to be the one to baptize her also!! I am excited about that. She is an incredible lady and a blessing to teach.

Also we were teaching Leslie yesterday and. . . well I'll lead into it. . . so this last week during personal study I have been reading through the BOM. Every time I do I just don't want to stop! I love it so much. I'm reading about Alma and Amulek and the Zoramites and all these incredible things. I think the next chapter is Alma 36 too. I love that chapter. Great story.

But anyways... it turns out Leslie was reading the exact same stuff. So it's been awesome to be able to relate the story's to her. She loves it and has a strong testimony of the scriptures. So last lesson we taught her about how we should pray and study the scriptures and follow the prophet. . . and she totally wants to be baptized!! So awesome! We were way excited. That will be on sep. 20th or so. She's awesome.

The scriptures are those holy places that we can stand on and build our foundation on in times of need.

But I love you! Have a good week. I know I will haha.
Love, Elder Bragg

Disc Golfing!

HEY EVERYONE!!

So I'll just get this out of the way first, cause I know Will is gonna love it. . . that's right. I just went disc golfing. It was way fun. The Mission President's son is way into it so a bunch of us went. I did alright. So I might have to get some discs if I go out west because there is a good course out there. (picture was taken pre-mission)

Yeah Cooper. . .Elder Dunn, is in the mission now! He is in the Littleton 5th ward and yes, it is right next to my area. . . but it's in a totally different stake. hahaha. I know right. I still haven't seen him. He showed up after I went through the temple, so I didn't get to see him then either. So yeah, we'll see what happens.

In other news, we are still working super hard. Our teaching pool is getting bigger too. We are working on making Elder Penrod's last area his best one! haha! We are shooting for a baptism every week, it's very possible, if we work hard.

There is this awesome girl named Leslie who is going back to college soon; we are shooting for the 9th for her. Then I think the rest are all lined up. I'll let you know how it went next week. It was really funny, I guess the Mission President has gotten a lot of calls from members saying that we needed to stay in the ward and all this stuff. That made us feel good, but the funny thing is.... it's mostly the ward doing the work! I love it. The Lord is blessing us and the ward a bunch. So it's awesome!

Love you all!! Just remember... The Church is true, The book is blue, and God's a Mormon! hahaha

LOVE!,Elder Bragg

Awesome

OKay, so here the scoop. . . this week was INSANE!! So much awesomeness it's crazy! haha.

But anyways, tell Mike that's awesome where he got his call and that's where the lord needs him. He'll love it. And that's way cool where Kade is going. I would have never guessed New Mexico in my life. But the impact he'll make in people's lives is incredible. So that's awesome.

Transfers are tomorrow. I'll be staying here which I am way excited about and I'll be killing Elder Penrod (that means I'll be his last comp) so that should be awesome; keep him from getting trunky haha.

Yeah we have been working super hard and the Lord has blessed us so much. The Lord sends his prepared people to his prepared servants so as we work hard we are blessed. I love it.

But just a quick story. When we went up camping (which was way awesome, by the way) we had a chance to go out by ourselves and just pray in the middle of the woods. Don't worry I could still see my comp and it was approved haha.

Here's a little of what I wrote in my journal: As I prayed the spirit bore witness to me, now more then ever of the truthfulness of this gospel. My Mission President told us to go and find a secluded area in which we could more fully feel the spirit. In doing so I knelt down and spoke to the lord of the things that I am thankful for. As I prayed the spirit came to me more then I have ever felt it before. It bore witness to me that I have been so blessed on this earth. In this life. I have been blessed with the most incredible family that one could have. With a mother and a father who truly live the gospel of Christ and follow his teachings to the best of there ability. I have been blessed with a brother and sisters who are truly examples to me of how I need to live my life. I have been blessed with my health. And Good health too. I have been blessed with the ability to share my talents with others. I have been blessed with this church and the truthfulness of it. I have been blessed with the knowledge that God the father and his only begotten son, the savior of the world, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith and through him restored Christ's perfect and true church on this earth again. I have been blessed with the knowledge that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life. A life without sin, and that he gave himself. He gave his life, so that one day we live with our father in heaven again. That we will, through the power of the priesthood, be able to live with our families for time and all eternity. And that through Jesus Christ alone we can be forgiven of our sins, even the vilest of sinners can be forgiven through Christ and his loving atonement that he took upon the sins of the world for us, personally. I am thankful for that from the depths of my heart and I will never forget to be grateful everyday for those blessings.

Love, Elder Bragg

Dear Elder.com

I just nominated Colton to be the next face of DEAR ELDER.com Attached is the picture I used.

This is what I wrote about him. Dont think he'll be picked but its fun to turn him in :)

Colton had been preparing to go on a mission for quite some time and now that he is out there he is working hard and learning a whole bunch. He is from Medford Oregon and is a good, down to earth, wholesome kid with some serious spunk that others are drawn to instantly as shown by my choice in picture. It is perfect for your billboard.

In Colton's spare time before his mission he loved Skateboarding, Snowboarding, and generally having a great time with his family and friends.

Mickie Spence

Rewards

Sweet! I'm emailing early today. We are heading out to our 2 day Zone Conference! I'm way stoked! Oh, and thanks for all those letters and stuff, and nice talk too. haha We had a a lesson on sacrifice in gospel essentials and I totally used part of your talk haha. I know right. But it was good.

We have been having a really good week. . . except last night haha. We went to like 20 potentials and less actives and investigators houses and not one answered. 2 appt.s fell through. it was rough haha. But we got through it and finally found someone to talk to. The Lord blesses the diligent in his work for sure.

We set Francie with a baptismal date! We are way excited about that too. Transfers are on the 31st so I'm really hoping I can stay in this area. We are finally seeing a lot of the rewards for all our hard work. Its way cool. We taught this girl named Leslie yesterday the first lesson. It was so good. Probably the best lesson we've ever taught. You could feel the spirit there so strongly. It was cool cause we were fasting for a couple different reasons that day to but I was also fasting for an investigator so that he could gain a stronger testimony of the Book of Mormon and Joseph smith being a true prophet and it worked for me too! haha It was kind of unexpected but way awesome. The spirit has born witness to me multiple times on my mission that we are teaching the truth. I mean I already knew it, but now with a better knowledge of these things I can teach it way better! It's so exciting.

We also are teaching Samnat more. He's getting there. Basically this area is awesome. That's really what I'm trying to say. haha. But yeah I love it out here. But I've got to go. We are leaving for the mountains now haha. I'm way excited for that too. so later.

Oh but i got your package, Kristin. Thank you so much! I read all of that right when I got it! It took like 2 hours haha (Editors note: The package I sent was the blog printed out for the last month. It was 40 pages long, Yikes!). And all those soft chews are already gone hahaha. I know they're addicting anyways.

I love you all and the work is progressing. The lord sends those who are prepared to his prepared servants and I have definitely seen that in just the last 2 weeks. The work is progressing and it is needed more now then ever. So we are doing our part in the lords work.

Love,
Elder Bragg

Biking is lame

Colton and his Mission President

HEY!!

WHAT'S UP!? Thanks so much for all the ties. those ones are perfect. Heck I'm wearing the clip on right now. haha. But dang a lot has happened in the last week. Remember I told you about Jim dropping us and we were all down. . . well the next day we found someone and they are golden!! Haha she wants to get baptized as soon as possible. So we are teaching her again tonight and we already taught her the 1st lesson. She is loving it and already has a strong testimony. Its so great! haha. I love it. But yeah she's already quit drinking and smoking and has been to church. Its cool.

Anyways yeah we were over at a members house and I guess their daughter knew the West's. Small world for sure. It was cool though. We got to talk for a bit. . . oh and guess what else. I was in the bible park ward building today playing basketball and I saw a picture of Jaren Burt and his wife! I guess they just moved in there so maybe I'll get a chance to see him! I thought it was cool. Oh and I forgot to tell you. We are teaching this awesome Indian guy named Samnut. . . I think its pronounced Somnot, but whatever. He's cool and he came to church this sunday. Luckily there is a rm in our ward that just got back from india haha. He gave his home coming talk this week too. Samnut loved it! He said he would love to come back, but yeah all the members in our ward are awesome.

In other news Zone conference is next week. We are all really excited. We get to go camping at snow summit for a night. I guess we are the only mission in the whole world that is going to be able to do something like this. There going to video tape it and everything and there is a real good chance that a couple of the apostles are going to see it. Stinks for Coop though I guess he's gonna miss it, but that's cool. I'm sure he'll be fine. But we got to go hiking and a bunch of cool stuff. Its gonna be great and we got t-shirts haha. They say ALTER YOUR ATTITUDE! on them. I guess that's the the aim.

Anyways I'm loving it out here. Everything is going really well. Other then it being real hot. I guess its been getting pretty up there lately. Biking is lame but that's cool. Whenever we find someone to talk to we get to stop haha. But yeah. I love it out here. Its so much fun. . . I mean don't get me wrong I've never worked harder in my life. I've got some crazy blisters and things on my feet but its alright. You peddle through the pain haha. Anyways we are going shopping now, so I'm outa here. But I love you!! Tell everyone I said hi and what not!

Love, Elder Bragg

It's a small world

Hi Sunni,

I'm staying with my parents right now, and today a pair of Elders came by the house to use the bathroom (they were knocking doors in our neighborhood). We chatted for awhile & right before they left I asked them where they were from. One of them was from Medford! I asked if he know you guys & his face lit up! Anyway, it's Elder Bragg. He was so happy that I knew you guys & had tons of nice things to say.

He is doing well & seemed happy. His companion seems really nice too.

Take care,
Love,
Sherry

Choices

Dang sounds like you've all been having fun.

Its been way awesome out here. This week we got so many more people in our teaching pool. A lot of them are way cool. . . .I don't know if I was telling you about this fella named Jim Froese. . He was doing really well and progressing. When we went over there last night he told us that he basically doesn't want to do it any more and that he's done. . . It was a pretty sad night last night as we came home. His choice to stop progressing made both Elder Penrod and I very sad, but it is his choice and unfortunately you're not allowed to tie people up and baptize them if they don't want to be. haha. But I'm sure he will come around eventually. We did all we could. . . anyways.

Its awesome in Colorado. The ward here is so cool. There is this one family named the Sanchez's. Their daughter just got off her mission, so that whole family is way stoked on missionary work. There 18 year old daughter gives us like 3 referrals each time we see them. Way cool.... so yeah its pretty cool. We are working with a bunch of people in this ward and I think about 5 RM's returned within a month. So we get to go out with them a lot. haha. Its cool. I learn a lot from them too. Anyways. I finally memorized everything we have to out here. Like D&C 4 and everything. Which is good. I'm trying to keep my "eye single to the glory of god"

Oh man and I officially hate summer. . . its hot and girls for some reason feel it necessary to not wear any clothes. But its cool cause I usually just sing a hymn or something. haha. It works pretty well. . . uh. oh yeah. Me and my companion both had on our ties on the 4th .. . it was cute. We were matching and everything, but its going really well here. I'm sorry to here about Sis. Johnson. That's a bummer, but she's so cool she gets to do missionary work in the spirit world now. Cause missions are the best so I bet she is loving it. I know I am haha. Send me Coopers address too. I want to write him. um. Yeah I really don't know what else to tell you. oh. Sad news about grandma. Hope she gets better. You'll have to update me on that one next week. But yeah I'm out. Got laundry to do. Oh man and send me a bunch of ties!!! Like good looking ones. A bunch of mine are unapproved and I want to be an obedient missionary. So ties are good. lots of ties and candy and letters hahaha. Anyways I love you all and I love it out here.

The work is progressing,
Love Elder Bragg

My Thighs are Gigantor

HEY! That's so awesome about Seth's call. I'm way excited for him. Kade's gonna get hosed and is going to Tulsa Oklahoma too haha I bet.

Anyways, rules about email. . . only family basically. Or attractive young ladies. . . I think that was in there. Haha and its 30 min every Wednesday. . .I have 8 min left. Emails from anyone are cool I think.

My area is tight. Its the willow creek ward in the Denver stake. Its about 6-7 square miles and very hilly haha. My thighs are gigantor basically.

The ward is awesome too they feed us every night and it doesn't seem to be to hard to get referrals from everyone. . . which are the greatest!! Missionary work is hard without the members help, so give the missionaries names when they ask!!! Seriously haha.

We have a bunch of awesome people in our "teaching pool" I guess you could say. One just set a date thanks to the bishop (his name is Bishop Pingry. He's so awesome and I guess he knows the Folsoms so tell them he said hi for me. . .for them haha.) and pretty soon Jim Froese is gonna get baptized. He said once he knew Joseph Smith is a true prophet that he will and he's praying about it. So were good haha. He's awesome. Then there are a bunch more but I'll let you know more as we progress.

Its so awesome out here though. Once you get the chance to teach and bear testimony its insane. I love it. The spirit is so incredible that way, but yeah I've got 30 seconds to send this so I love you all and keep doing missionary work!!!

LOVE,
Elder Bragg

"I Love the Temple"

"Like a lion . . . I will pounce upon you with the fullness of the gospel."

"Pull yourself together, soldier!"

"Me and Elder Rathbone"

Shout out "Thanks"

Dear Everyone back home Hey,

I'm finally in Colorado. It's so sick here! My companion and I are in a bike area. It so hilly, it's not even funny. Haha So basically our legs are gonna be gigantor by the end of this transfer. My companion's name is Elder Penrod. He's way cool. And he's a hard worker. He's going home in a couple of months, so I'll probably be his last companion in his lat area. So we might get to be together until Sept. Which is just fine with me.

Well, I just wanted to tell Bro. Schmidt and Bro. West and everyone else in the Young Men's area that they are awesome. I am really thankful for all they taught me and made me think about and do before I got out. It is so important to have a strong YM's group for the missionaries to be raised in, Trust ME.... A mission is hard work. Heck, it's the hardest work I've ever done in my life and I've only been out here for a week. haha The Lumber mill doesn't even compare on this kinda hard. I wouldn't leave it for the world though. Bearing your testimony to a complete stranger about whatever the spirit prompts you to talk about is probably the best feeling anyone can ever have. I Love it!!! I know this is where I need to be. Oh man, the first day it took a sec to build confidence to talk, but it's easy if the spirit is there. I think the first hour of my mission we were kicked out of an apartment complex and called to repentance by a couple of people......so yeah! But once you talk to one person that actually wants to know....It makes every other second worth it. Every person that has said we were living a lie and that the church isn't true......all that goes away. There is no way that anyone can make me doubt the truth of this church and the things it teaches. Thanks again to everyone back there who helped me come to that knowledge. You know who you are! If I didn't have it this would be a lot harder Plus D&C 4 states my feelings on missionary work pretty well. hahah Anyway's I just wanted to say thanks for all the examples I've had in my life. Most of which our from ward.

So yeah, I just wanted to say the Church is true. Joseph Smith is a true prophet and Jesus Christ did atone for all of our sins. I love knowing that. And I love telling everyone about how I know it. Everyone should! Never be ashamed of it!!

Love you all,
Elder Bragg

Finally in CO

HEY! What up everybody!. . .I'm finally in Colorado! Its way tight out here! And the work is going great. We are teaching a bunch of incredible people too. Oh and we are on bikes haha, but I'm using the ap's bike haha.

My comps name is Elder Penrod. He's tight. Almost going home, but we teach well together and get a lot well lol. I love it.

We got kicked out of an appt complex on my first hour out too haha. Anyways I love it and just being out here everyday my testimony grows. anyways. . .

here's me address. . .

C/O Andersons
7194 S Quebec ct
Centennial, CO 80112

Write me and stuff.

The church is true and you can't deny it haha. . .I love it.

Love,
Elder Bragg

Housing letters

This is not Colton, but an email exchange from my mom and the lady who is housing Colton. My mother's email is first. And a response to the previous blog entry.

What a wonderful e-mail to wake up to this morning!!

Thank you! He is an amazing young man, and has been a joy to raise! He will be a great missionary and instrument for the Lord, I'm sure. He comes from a very long line of fantastic missionaries. His grand parents are perfect examples of service. We too are preparing to serve a mission, but we are still about 10 years off. I can't think of a better way to move into the next phase of life! I hope you will be able to serve one day, but know that even if you can't serve in another country or state, there are many mom's like me that will be eternally grateful to you for housing our precious young men!!

Thanks again, Sister Bragg

06/22/08

Good Morning Sister Bragg,

Just a note to tell you we loved your response to our e-mail. Elder Penrod, who is Elder Bragg’s senior companion has been out for 21 months and runs a tight ship. Elder Penrod is very inspired and works extremely hard. Your missionary is following his great example and is learning from one of the best. Elder Bragg loves the hard work, never complains, just the opposite he is excited to serve in any way he can. Together they make an almost perfect companionship. This is a great start to a mission! He is a wonderful young man.

All our love,
Bill & Kathy Anderson

New Home

Just to let you all know I do pass on Colton's comments that he gets I print them out ever week.

Colton needed some pictures!

06/19/08

Good Evening Brother and Sister Bragg,

Just a quick note to let you know that your Missionary just transferred into our Ward today and will be staying in our home. He brings such a sweet spirit into our home which we can feel even on the first day. We fed him and his companion Elder Penrod dinner tonight. Bill, my husband, took them to a baptism while I left for my evening job.

The prophet was so inspired to have missionaries come into members homes. There are such tremendous blessing that come with housing the missionaries. Thank you for preparing such a fine young man – we know you are very proud of him. We feel very blessed to have a “GREENIE” in our home I told Elder Bragg that he is living my dream. I am trying to convince my sweetie that we should go on a mission - we have at least 5 more years before we will be ready. He’ll be ready to go by then!

Love Brother and Sister Anderson

7194 South Quebec Court

Centennial CO 80112

PSYCH

MOM!!!i miss home so much!!!. . . i think i might come home!. . . PSYCH!!!
i love it here so much!I'm learning more about the church then i ever thought existed! its great. the food is actually real good though. well i like it.

totally getting up on my own now. . .i know right!...
and its raining every time we have gym so its indoor volley ball for me. i own at it through lol!

i really really really love it here though. my comp loved the pillow case too. i love this church more then you can even imagine right now. after learning how to teach the first and second discussion you learn a lot of things you didn't know before. such a blessing to be able to learn by the spirit.! I'm doing great! thanks for my blessing! i love you to death and miss home but ill catch you in 2 years haha. oh and i leave on Wednesday morning at 645 so get ready for a call!! love you!!!!!!

LOVE! Elder Bragg!!!

2nd email

Hey!!! The mission is great! Did you get either of my letters yet? I wasn't sure. I've sent 2 so yeah. Let me know. Um and write back or email i guess! LOVE YOU!!! I miss you and dad and everyone sooooo much! But this really is the greatest thing I could ever be doing right now! I'm so happy that I'm here. It's way fun too and the spirit is bouncing off the walls. Anyways. I love you guys and I'll talk to you when you write me an email back!!! Stay clean and lay off the drugs Seth.

E-mail

Colton is now set up with an email address. We are not sure who he will be able to email yet, but for now I think he can send to anyone.

ElderBragg@myldsmail.net

It looks like he gets 30 min a day in the MTC, which is pretty cool. So happy emailing!

1st day in the MTC

Dear Everyone!

Today has been one of the greatest days ever! I'm so happy everyone came out to the airport and dad I know you cried, it's cool, I cried too!

The MTC has been awesome so far and it's only the first day. I only fell asleep during one part. haha I know, right? Way better than I thought I do. It has just been non-stop instruction all day. They say the first week is the worst though, so I bet I'll be fine in a bit.

Oh man! I met my companion today also. He's great!! (a little weird) BUT great! His name is Elder Rathbone, I know, cool name, right! No. but he's cool. He kinda looks like he could be on a German submarine, though. haha You'll see when I send a picture. Oh, I'm also the Senior companion. Yeah, it doesn't really mean anything here, but still it's cool!

I'm also staying with two other fellas that are going to the same mission. It's elder La-something.... and Elder Roberts. The first guy is a BIG Samoan guy, with an incredible testimony as well! And Elder Roberts and i probably get along the best out of all of them. He's way cool!

But I have to go to bed now, so I will write more next week! I can't wait to GET OUT IN THE FIELD!!! It's gonna be way tight! I love you all! And listen to the spirit, it's very strong here and I love it!

Love Elder Bragg

Entering the MTC

I have decided that I, Kristin, am going to take over Colton's blog for 2 years. Ok really I am just going to post all of his emails to the family.

Colton has asked that I post his MTC address so that you all can send him packages and letters.

Mickie has a great post of Colton entering the MTC. Refer to that.

Don't worry, the posts will be a lot more entertaining once Colton starts his letters.

SOOO. . .

i am finally a man. . .haha i know i know, im not at all. im less mature then a 7th grader ive realized cause every time i hear the word poop or wiener i still laugh pretty hard haha. but last Friday i got to go through the temple for the first time. it was one of the greatest days of my life! and now its my birthday and im turning 19. one more year and ill no longer be able to be a teenager. kinda lame. but anyways i was just thinking about how crazy that is. oh and the temple is totally sweet too. really i just figured id put something on here cause i haven't in a while. so yeah. slater gators

howdy howdy howdy.

well i figured id tell you what happened today since i haven't posted anything in a while. so here ya go. . .

i woke up today as usual and went to work. now for those of you who don't know i work at the church pear farm and there is a new senior missionary working there kind of managing the farm as well. but he for some reason LOVES to teach people things like how to properly screw in a screw or what direction in north and things like that lol. and most of the time it doesn't really make much since. so today i woke up and had a nice long conversation with him on the right way to dig a hole haha. it was actually quite nice. i didn't know how i guess so he showed me. . . i guess his form was a little better or something but it didn't bother me one bit haha he totally finished the whole for me. but anyways after work i went over to my friend Seth Mandich's house. now lately we have had some weird bike riding fetish. unfortunately i sold my old bike at a garage sale for 10 buck a long time ago lol. luckily Seth has like 6 or something like that, so i just use one of his. well we waited for my other friend Arick to get there and then we took off. we rode on the bear creek bike path all the way out to freackin central point to the dirt jumps out there. it was way far so when we got there we were all tired. but we couldn't just ride all the way out there not to do the jumps so we did. arick went first with a nice face plant into the second jump after hitting his back tire on the send of the first. . . then followed seth were he did pretty well until he hit the first berm without turning causing him to fly off his bike over it leaving his bike in the middle of the course. . .i went right after. i did pretty well and cleared all the jumps up till where seth got. but don't worry. seths bike kept me humble and just so happened to still be there when i was going lol. i hit it, flew over the berm, and hit seth who was also still on the ground haha. it was pretty funny at the time. . . seth didn't think it was though haha. but we were fine and got up and kept trying to do the jumps for a couple hours after. oh and i am happy to say that i was the only one that cleared every singe jump on the line that we were doing! arick did ride on top of them very well though and seth could almost get the first one then followed the rest of the way arick style haha. anyway. we then went to sonic and rode home. . . but it was no normal ride home. seth, being the biker that he is, decided that it would be fun to race all the way to his house. . . which was like 6 miles. . . well i couldn't pansy out so i started riding and came in a close second. me and seth layed on the grass for a while and waited for arick to catch up haha. so i then went home. but one the way home more stuff happened! i know right! well i came around the corner to get on to ceder links and i see this kid just booking it down the hill. . . now i see him running and he was kinda chubby so i enjoyed watching him try to slow down all that mass in a very spastic display of jumbling cunkyness. haha it was actually very funny. but because i was laughing at this poor fella. i figure heavenly father saw it fitting that i was punished as well lol. so a few seconds later i see a long board launch through the street right into the side of my car haha. sad day though because i accidentally ran over his board snapping it in 3. i felt horrible. . . ive been there before and its never fun. so i pulled over and grabbed the kids board and said i was really really sorry. he seemed to be cool with it, gave me some sweet gangster hand shake, and then took off. . . i guess he had to be somewhere haha. well then i get home and fall asleep for a while watching the goofy movie/ then i woke up and went to meet a bunch of friends at muchos grasias. after we went to kades aunts house cause shes out of town to watch a movie. . . unfortunately no one brought one and kades aunt had none haha. so we watched Hannah Montana and some comedy central. . . i don't know i fell asleep. then i came home and now I'm doing this. so yeah there ya go. that was my day today. if anyone actually reads this i would be surprised but hey its cool lol. GOODNIGHT!

haha okay

so everyone will probably think this is super stupid but i thought it was so funny. so watch it. unless you don't want to. I'm not trying to pressure anyone into doing anything they don't want to . . . but i really want to talk like these guys haha

psych

didn't even put the pictures on there. how lame is that? well then its gonna take a bit longer till i get them up on a different web site then i will img= src them in there. sorry

Howdy doody every boody

hey just figured id get on and but up a new blog! i keep trying to get mom to do it since you know it helps out the church and all MOM! . . . but shes wont so i will till i leave on my mission i guess.

so this weekend we went to Idaho and hung out with the fam ans friends. well most at least. it was way fun. oh and also mom wont post pictures either. . . cause she doesn't have a blog!!. . . haha anyways, it was way fun and i sure will miss everyone when i leave. so the cruise will be lots of fun too. anyways here are some pictures

okay sence the last one didint work here ya go

the perfect cast again

what, i dont like the goofy movie to much

dance to eye to eye

ghost video

here ya go mickie

go to this link to watch this video

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=25536751