Mason Branning: The D.C. Years.

First letter from DC! March 14,'12

2012-03-15T10:42:00.001-07:00

Hello family!I have arrived in my wonderful mission! It's so beautiful! It truly is the best mission in the world! I already know it.Yesterday was very long and very eventful.We were in the airport in Salt Lake City and we were able to talk to a ton of people. I was able to hand out some pass along cards and some folletos already!The flights were very tiresome. I was so exhausted. No sleep whatsoever. When we got to Washington D.C. we immediately met President and sister Matsumori. They are so amazing! I love them both! So sweet and loving. They helped me with my big bag, which unfortunately lost two of it's four wheels so it's a bit awkward to lug around... Not cool. But that's a small insignificant problem.Anyway, the first thing we did was go to the temple. It is really so beautiful. President Matsumori told us that we had the time to go out into the surrounding forest to go kneel in prayer to make our commitment to the Lord. To "Check in" as they called it.I found a very nice place. I knelt in prayer and poured out my hopes and desires for my mission. I asked for His help. I do that every night. But this time was different. I was so overcome with the spirit that I know I will be watched over. I know I will receive His help as long as I am doing what is right. I know it.Afterwards we had just a bunch of different activities and fun stuff. We were able to take a nap, that's when the President called you, and that nap was life saving. Anyway, fast forward to today, we've already been assigned our companions. Mine is Elder Benke (Pronounced binky) He's great!But the best part so far was going to the temple. I actually got to enter! It's so beautiful! I was so overwhelmed! I was so excited to be walking in areas that my parents had been walking in years before this day. It was so amazing. Humbling really. The celestial room was gorgeous. I was so grateful for the time I got to spend in there. My first area is Langley Park. It's a bike area (Yes!) It's really hilly (Yes!) And it's loaded with Hispanics (YES! YES! YES!) I cannot wait for my first real lesson! This is so amazing! I never thought I would actually make it. And here I am. I am ready to do this work. I have never been so ready in my life.I just want to share with you my testimony now:I know that this church is true and that it is from God. It is His great gift. I know that Jesus Christ lives. And that through the power of His atonement we can be healed. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have a plan for all of us. I know that they gave me my family because they love me very much. And I am so grateful that I get to live with all of you for eternity. I am grateful for my baptism. And for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. I am so happy I get to deliver this beautiful message with others out here in my mission. Because I know it's true. I know it. I love you all,Elder Branning

2012-03-11T19:49:00.002-07:00

Hola! Things are great out here! I have loved my time in the MTC very much but I am ready to get out there and preach what I know to be true! I am so excited to go and meet my mission president! I'm mainly just excited to start preaching for real! My time here has felt very short. It's really strange. I'm going to miss everything about this place. Especially the friends who aren't going to my mission. But, it will be awesome! On Sunday we had our MTC fireside and the speaker was Alex Boye! He was so awesome! He's hilarious and very talented! He sang for us a few times and we really enjoyed it. I was thinking I might need an Alex Boye CD for my mission. Just a thought. Yesterday was in-field orientation all day. It was really cool! One of my teachers was the australian guy from vocal point whose dad died, remember? Ben Murphy? Yeah, he was really cool.I've also run into Elder Turner a few times and he seems like he is enjoying this place very much! We got our picture together finally. Every time I run into him it sounds like this"Maso-- Ah, I mean, Elder Branning!" It makes me laugh so hard every time. I am really so happy to finally go out and teach people. I get this big smile on my face every time I think about baptism. It's such a beautiful thing. I am seeing these people as the people they really are. Lost children that need to be brought back into the presence of their Father. And since I am not lost it's my job to labor in the vineyard with the lord and his servants. That's something I really want to talk about. I hope you don't think that since my mission is in Washington D.C., (a.k.a. the greatest mission in the world) that I can't do missionary work with all of you. I keep having dreams about our neighbors. I keep dreaming about the night when the visited at Christmas time. I really feel like they need this. I really want to share this with them. I know they are already a happy family. That's why I believe they will be interested in knowing that they can be completely happy by accepting this gospel.I just want to ask if you guys would talk to them. Get to know them and bless them with your testimonies. I know that they will want to hear it. What better way to do the work with me? Could you please do that? If you don't, I'm afraid that I will be haunted by these dreams for the remainder of my mission. About calling from the airport. I'm not sure. I'll have to ask my branch president about it. I've never heard if you can or cannot. I would love to give you all a call so wait up for me for a little bit just in case. Anyway, I hope you know that the next contact you will get from me will be in D.C.! And I cannot wait to let you know what is happening! I ask that you keep praying for me. I really don't want to start feeling nervous or scared so I ask that you pray for comfort and courage. I know I'm praying for it and it seems to be working. I hope you all know how much I love you! I look forward to telling you about the mission next week! But, in the long run, I am so happy I get to be with all of you eternally. Estoy muy agradecido por mi familia y por este evangelio que me da el conocimiento de familias son eterna. Con amor,Elder Branning

MTC March 2, 2012

2012-03-02T15:48:00.001-08:00

Hola from the MTC! How is everyone? This week was crazy! On Tuesday, Elder Holland came and spoke to us very powerfully. That man's power behind a pulpit is amazing. You just want to start doing something after he speaks. There were so many things he said that I don't know what to share!My favorite one that I can remember is"Every single thing that God does and has created, in every single world and every single universe is for the purpose of bringing His children back to His presence."Wow! He was awesome! Yesterday evening we received our travel plans! My flight is at 12:55 a.m. on Tuesday morning. (March 13) I fly to the Atlanta airport and then to Washington D.C. I get there at 9:09 a.m. Wuau (That's spanish for 'wow') it is going to be a very long day but I am going to be super excited! Ah! It's almost here! I cannot believe it! I saw Jordan on his first day but I wasn't able to speak to him for more than twenty seconds because I was hosting a new missionary. I haven't seen him since. He must be on a COMPLETELY different schedule. I hope I get to see him a bit more and actually have a conversation with him. He seemed really happy when I saw him so that was very nice to see. I know he'll like it here. Thanks for the box! I was so happy to get it! I really liked getting it! And thanks for the stamps. And the pound cake. Teaching is really good. TRC yesterday was awesome because we got to teach a sister who brought her one year old. He was adorable. It was nice to be around children again. I really miss Harry, Taylor, and Tatum. Just all kids in general. I really shouldn't have been in nursery before I left... Oh, last week when we went to the temple I was waiting for my companion when a guy approached me and we talked for a few minutes. After a little bit he tells me his name is Matt Gillan. He also tells me that he and Mitchell were companions for a short period of time! WHAT! Ask Mitchell if he remembers him. Also, tell Mitchell that I want to hear from him. I've already heard from his future wife, why not him? Hmmmm? Anyway, today we have our last regular Temple trip. and this is our last Friday P-day. So next week I'll write on Saturday (and possibly Monday after that)So, don't be alarmed if I haven't written you on Friday next week. I love you all very much and can't wait to hear how you are doing!Con amor,Elder Branning!

MTC February 24, 2012

2012-03-02T15:37:00.001-08:00

Hola!Things are going really awesomely here! I cannot believe that I already almost have two weeks left! AHHHH! I'm super excited to go out to D.C. but I'm really going to miss this place. I've had such an amazing time here! I really love this place. Oh, the TRC is the Training Rescource Center where the missionaries go and teach volunteers. Afterward, they hand you your review of how it went. It's awesome. It's my favorite day. So, I really think I'm getting the hang of Spanish. For the MTC, at least. We talk in spanish all day, every day. My companion and I were made Zone leaders last Sunday. We're really enjoying it. We love getting to know people and getting to work with them. We love working with the Branch presidency as well. It's really fun. I'm really happy that you guys are getting active! I wish I could've played some tennis with you guys. Keep going! You guys are going to feel so many blessings.I pray for you guys every night and every morning. I hope they're working! So, don't get his hopes up or anything, but there is a pretty fair chance that Jordan could be in my Zone. We're getting a new district this Wednesday and they are all going stateside spanish speaking. We'll see... I saw Colby Crabtree at the temple two weeks ago, don't know if I told you that. I'm going to try and get some pictures developed and send them to you. There isn't much to report when everything is going right. I hope everything is going well! I hope that you are all very happy and continue to be so. Send everyone my love and let them know that I would like to hear from them! Please keep on a-writin'! I love you all very much! And cannot wait to write you again next week! sorry for the short letter,Elder Branning.

MTC February 17, 2012

2012-03-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

Hola!Whew, another week has gone by and we are now the oldest district in the zone! Ah!And then on Tuesday of next week we have three weeks left here. AHHHHHHH! It's so crazy! Occasionally i get a little afraid about leaving... But then I get so excited that I can't contain myself. It's almost here! It's crazy! This week/ last week I feel like my spanish has improved greatly! We're all speaking to each other in spanish every day and we're all understanding each other. Both of my teachers came up to me yesterday and asked if I had taken spanish or if I spent a lot of time around latinos because my accent is "great" and my pronunciation is "awesome" I felt pretty good. Yesterday, in the TRC, we taught a sister by the name of ______We could kind of tell that something was off. Something was a little different. As we talked to her we found out that she is a less active member. She doesn't go to church very often. She was speaking in English for a lot of it so it was a ton easier to understand her. But anyway, she started to cry because of this story she was telling us about how she doesn't have any friends. After she finished telling us the story, I was about to tray and bear my testimony to her when I heard the word "English" spoken to me. So I spoke to her in English and my companion did as well. It was an incredible experience that i wouldn't trade for anything. So, on Tuesday we had another fireside from Bishop Edgley and his wife. He had some amazing things to tell us! My favorite quote:"Planning is not about what you're going to do the next day. Planning is about people. All of the people whose lives you are going to touch and enlighten. Plan well." Yes, I met Elder Joyner. He's a very nice guy. We said we'll take a picture and send it home to you all. I can't send any pictures through Email. I'll have to go get some developed and send 'em snail mail... Tell everyone to keep sending letters! I love it! Receiving a letter is like when you randomly smell Disney World during a boring day. Thanks for the rolls! My district enjoyed them very much! As did I! Anyways, I'm really enjoying it here. I've made many friends and have already had so many amazing experiences. It's going to be hard to leave but it'll be so worth it... I love you all very much and hope all is well. Make sure everyone is good. Keep reading the scriptures and praying. They are very important things. They're commandments. Con amor,Elder Mason Branning.

MTC P-Day Post 2/10/2012

2012-02-10T20:05:00.002-08:00

Hello family,It's been another long but successful week. I feel like I've been gone for years already but I also feel like it's been two days. We've had great experiences recently.Yesterday in TRC we taught a sister who was mentally challenged. She spoke very softly and quietly and it was hard to understand her. But the spirit took over immediately. It was probably the most amazing experience so far. We taught her about revelation through the book of mormon. It was just so great. It's hard to describe. On Tuesday we were visited by Bishop Edgely and his wife. They spoke so amazingly, I took so many notes. My favorite quote was:"Every single person you meet is a child of god. And God wants every single one of them back in His kingdom."I really loved it. My companion and I are on fire. We are doing fantastic! We're getting along quite nicely. My companion is from Sacramento. I forgot to mention that. I'm still getting letters from many people. I love getting letters! It's like getting the golden ticket from the Wonka chocolate bar every time. Keep sending them! I also would love to hear from Elder Morrill! Give me his address! I would love to see what he's up to! Also, tell Courtney that I got her letter the first week and wrote her back but it says I have the wrong address and it sent it back to me. IF you could have her write me again with the address I would greatly appreciate it! Also, tell Tom I want to hear from him. Also, I've now lost twenty five pounds. I'm really feeling good. I can walk faster, climb stairs quicker, just everything has been affected. It's great! Please send pictures, I don't have many here with me. Do it as soon as you can. Gracias! I'm feeling very good here. I'm always happy even when I'm busy and can't seem to rest. I'm always happy even though I do miss hearing your voices and seeing your faces. I hope you all know how much I love and miss you. I hope you know how much Heavenly Father loves you. He doesn't have any special reasons for that love besides the fact that you are His children. He doesn't care about what type of person you are in terms of the world. He only loves you because you are His. And when you do what is right, He loves you even more. Con amor,Elder Mason Branning

MTC P-Day Feb 4, 2012

2012-02-04T21:57:00.001-08:00

Hola! I am so happy here! The MTC is still getting better and better!On Tuesday for the devotional, it was the fiftieth anniversary of the MTC. So who walks into the room; not one, but two apostles! Elder Holland and Elder Nelson!It was amazing! Elder Holland bore a small but powerful testimony that really made me realize that I am out doing the Lord's work. Elder Russell M. Nelson gave a great talk and history of the MTC and offered a ten minute dedicatory prayer for the buildings that have been renovated. A truly powerful evening! It was just great. My favorite quote came from Elder Holland."Each of you stand on the shoulders of giants who have gone before you in the Lord's work."That means you two, dad and Mitchell. Elder Sam Perez came in on wednesday and I got to speak with him for a few minutes. It was quite nice.Two weeks ago I saw Andrew Salt in the cafeteria. And last Saturday when we were walking into the temple I saw Chelsea Short walking in. I got to say hi and then enjoyed a wonderful temple trip. I'm getting better with my spanish, sort of. I'm able to teach a bit more effectively. I love the scriptures! I love searching them and using them because they always bear a perfect testimony. I can't speak too well but the scriptures can! I love them so much. Keep reading them at home! I ask that you send me some pictures! I really want some family photos. I would also like some friend photos. I also would appreciate it if you could send some of my art on small photo paper. I really want to show some people my work and I would like to be able to see them as well. Gracias! The day is steadily approaching when I get to go to D.C. I am dying to get there! But I'm still working on teaching and Spanish. Yesterday we had TRC and it was really cool. We taught our zone leaders and an older elder in his seventies who was also learning spanish. We got him to cry and it made me feel really special. I love this gospel! Tell Taylor to send me more pictures! She sent me a drawing and I loved it. Keep sending letters! I love them! Use dear elder! It's great! Also, the weight count is now up to twenty pounds! No, it's not because of nerves or bad food. I'm just super focused and I eat healthy food, salads, no bread, and I work out hard! I bike and i use the elliptical. It's great! Well, I hope you all know I love you and I hope you continue to grow and progress spiritually! Con mucho amor,Elder Mason Branning

MTC P-Day # 2 1/27/2012

2012-02-01T04:55:00.001-08:00

P-day again!It was another great week full of trials and learning! I am learning so much here! The Spanish isn't really my strong point. It's really difficult because everyone in my district has taken it before the MTC so I feel miles behind everyone else... It's makes me a little sad but I'm trying my best. We had our first TRC yesterday and it was an amazing experience! It was so hard to communicate with them but I got my points and my testimony across clearly. They gave us great feedback!My companion is coming along. We are talking more and studying together more. our prayers have become more personal to each other and we feel that we're growing together. A few days ago I wasn't exactly feeling up to par. I felt pretty depressed and tired. It was hard to do certain things so I asked him to give me a blessing of comfort. It really helped. He's a great guy. I think the problem might just be with me. I talk a lot, I sing, whistle, and hum when we go places so I think I'll tone that down a little.Our Tuesday night devotional speaker was Jose L. Alonso. He was a very powerful speaker. His wife also spoke and she only spoke in Spanish so she had a translator. The cool part was that I understood her whole testimony!Favorite quote:"God has provided us the ultimate roadmap. It's up to you to choose which directions to take." We went to the temple last P-day and it was amazing. Not only was it our first time as a district, a girl was going through to get her endowments for her mission! It was a great experience! The provo temple is beautiful! We're going again today and I can't wait! I've gotten a letter for every day here at the MTC! People are writing me so much it's insane! The district thinks I have like four girlfriends. haha. Tell everyone to keep writing! Dear elder is a great way to stay in touch during the week! Getting mail means so much to me and helps me when I'm feeling discouraged. Many of my prayers have been answered through those letters. Tell the McLaughlins, andMcInroe's I want to hear from them! I have a favor to ask of all of you. I would like all of you to send me your testimonies. I would like them to be hand written letters. They don't have to be long novels, they just have to be sincere. I would like you to extend this invitation to everyone in our family and our friends who you would like to ask. I hope it's not too much to ask. It's just something I would like to hear from my family and friends. Also, big news, I've lost fourteen pounds while in the MTC. WOOHOO! I love all of you very much and hope that you all feel the love I have for you all. Adelante! Con amor,Elder Mason Branning.

Entering MTC

2012-01-23T18:17:00.001-08:00

First P-Day in MTC 1/20/2012

2012-01-23T14:09:00.001-08:00

FRIDAY! My goodness! I am so incredibly happy! Not because it's P-day, but because this place is amazing! I still suck at spanish, I still am tired but I am just so overwhelmed with the spirit! Yesterday we had our final "progressive investigator" lesson and we extended the invitation to baptism. He said he would like to but probably by the end of the year. I sat there and stared at him. I started to speak to him about baptism and repentance and the Holy Ghost. I used as much as I knew of spanish to bear my testimony of it's importance and didn't know why I decided to to it. After I finished I asked him to say the prayer. During the prayer I was just so overcome with the spirit I began to cry. I wasn't embarrassed. I wasn't thinking about if we failed. I just felt happy with myself and what I accomplished by bearing testimony that the spirit witnessed to me. It was amazing! I have been staying so positive about everything here! I sing any song that makes me happy and that will make others happy. My anthem has been "Have I done any good?" "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed, indeed." And I always say the "indeed" like Michael Caine. It always makes everyone laugh. My companion is very nice. He's very quiet. He seems to be the only person that I can't get to make happy. He's always thinking about home. He always looks out windows and says "That's where my friends live." in a very sad tone. He tells me I can't whistle around him or sing anything around him because he finds it annoying. And no, I don't sing in peoples faces and all the time without end. He just doesn't like it so he told me to stop. I always try and ask if there is a problem and he says "no, I'm great." I think he just doesn't like me very much. It's a shame because I think he's great and want him to enjoy the time in the MTC. He doesn't seem to want to. I'm trying my best to be a friend and good companion to him but he just avoids me. It's kind of the only thing that makes me sad. The district is great! We're all great friends! We are lucky enough to have two sets of Hermanas with us. They keep us grounded. We're pretty close already. Our teacher, Hermano Libby is great. He's amazingly spiritual and super good at spanish. We're all trying our best to learn spanish and he makes it to where we have to. I thought Mitchell would like this story,on Tuesdays we have General Authority Devotionals. Early tuesday morning everybody was like "I wonder who is ging to speak?" I said, it would be funny if it was Kevin Duncan, my brother's old mission president... It was. It was really cool. He and his wife spoke. They are fantastic speakers. He's a great man and I tried to shake his hand and talk to him but he was gone before I knew it. Wah Wah.My favorite quote from his talk was "God chose you. God has confidence in you."I have been eating very well and I love the gym here. I lost three pounds in the first five days. Take that steriotype! No snow yet, it's actually feeling quite nice. I hope you guys had a nice trip! And Happy anniversary! I forgot to do that. How is everyone at home? Are people getting jobs and moving out of my house? haha.What's everyone up to? Please send addresses from the Mclaughlin's, McInroe's, and the Harlan's. I would greatly appreciate it. Also, my district greatly appreciated your sweet treat! It was super delicious! They were all grateful as well. Tell Mackey that I've already been able to translate some of Fidel Castro's catchphrases from the game. Fidel was a funny man. Good luck with the Women's conference and hope all goes well! I love you all very much and miss you!Elder Branning!