Well I decided to change things up to day and start it off by letting everyone know that I was emailing today also I would like to take time to tell my Dad Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is a pretty awesome Dad. Also the rest of my family is pretty sweet as well. My Mom is pretty awesome also, pretty much my whole family is awesome, extended and non extended.
Well this week has been really good, Christmas was pretty awesome we were able to spend time with a member family, I am pretty sure I already told all of you this but oh well. It really hasn't been that long since I emailed and nothing really exciting to talk about. New Years Eve is fun not really to much excitement. Well I hope all of you had made New Years Resolutions and plan on keeping them, if I could suggest one. Read the Book of Mormon. I Hope all is well with all of you. Happy New Years.


Love
Elder Elquist

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you. I hope all of you enjoyed your break from work and school and other things. Hopefully you guys got to have a good day with everything. I got to talk with some of you, and it was fun trying to guess who I was talking to. But I got it figured out. It is definitely different spending Christmas out on your mission, I don't know what it is, if it is the part of being by yourself or just being focused completely on the savior, that it just makes a lasting impression on you. I feel a lot closer to my Savior after this Christmas season. It was different being on my own out here and really having no one but Christ with you. One thing I would encourage you all to be thankful for is your families, and just how much they mean to you, take them away and what is the point of anything. It brings me peace to know that all of us will be to live together with our families forever and that death does not separate us.
Well a experience I had this week, was this. The week started off really slow, with everyone telling us to come back after the Holidays and everyone being in a rush. I think it really hit my newbie pretty hard, I could tell he was having a rough day on Saturday when no one really had time to talk with us. We were talking about this and he told me it was pretty hard for him. So I decided to go ask Heavenly Father what to do, so I did, I went and knelt down and prayed and had an amazing prayer, I truly could feel that I was talking with my Heavenly Father and I knew that it was going to be okay, I knew that we just needed to have a good attitude about it all and that we would see miracles happen and  what do you know. I kept my promise to have a good attitude and the Lord provided the miracles. We were able to find receptive people, helped a family move on the spot and got to be miracles to them and then got to teach several people and so it was an amazing experience with prayer. God will answer all of our prayers if we ask in Faith and have real intent. I hope all of you have a good Holiday break.


Love
Elder Elquist
P.S.
Caption for the picture is from Left to Right
Trainer, Trainer, Trainee
Posterity.
Elder Parker Begat Elder Elquist who Begat Elder Boyer.

Well all is going well with me, it seems like Mondays happen back to back, I can't believe how quick this week has gone by. Or how quick time goes in General. Well where to start, the work is going really well, we are just trying to do as much work as possible while the weather is good. We really haven't had much snow yet, we had a little last Monday but it was short lived, it melted the next day. It has stayed about Mid 40's to low 50's, so I am enjoying that. Hopefully it stays good weather, it makes it a lot nicer to do missionary work when it is a little warmer. One thing I have really been studying a lot is Charity, which is something I really didn't fully understand, but it is Christ, it is being a true follower of Jesus Christ. I have been thinking a lot about this and trying to truly develop this and I can see it change myself so much, it makes us look at people in a different way, we look at each other as Brother and Sisters and want to help one another. Sorry for rambling. I hope Christmas is amazing for all of you, and you truly enjoy the Season of More Christ. I love you all an hope the best for you.


Love
Elder Elquist

I hope everyone has been doing well as of lately.  The Christmas season is definitely in the air and it has been quite fun with all sorts of stuff going on here. We are seeing God constantly work miracles in our lives and many tender mercies of the Lord.  It is amazing how if we ask He comes through. I am constantly going through Mathew 7:7-8

 7 ¶^aAsk, and it shall be ^bgiven you; ^cseek, and ye shall find; ^dknock, and it shall be opened unto you:

 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that ^aseeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

It is amazing to see God promise that if we ask Him something He will give it unto us and it is amazing to see this constantly. I hope everything goes well for all of you back home. I attached some pictures of Notre Dame, so enjoy.

Love

Elder Elquist

Well the work here is going well, sorry it has been a while since I have emailed everyone, I have been pretty busy and am not going to be able to email much this week because I am going to take a tour of Notre Dame and will let you all know how that is and take lots of pictures and send them to you all. Well the work has been going good we are just trying to do are best and keep up the good work.
God bless you all and enjoy Christmas.
Love
Elder Elquist

Update on Braden for November 27th, 2012

Well, it's been two weeks of no "common" email from Elder Braden.  I imagine he is just too busy, and has tried to cut down on the number of emails.  Here's a few quick factoids for his recent changes and adventures.

1.  He was emergency transferred to Mishawaka, which is right next to South Bend.  I get the impression the area was a gigantic mess as far as investigators, relationships with members, the upkeep of the apartment, etc.

2.  He was assigned to be a trainer, which means he now has the added responsibility of taking an Elder who has just arrived in the field and training them up on what to do, what not to do, how to work as a missionary, etc.

Between cleaning up messes and training a new Elder, he seems very busy.

He is still very Braden.  Check out a brief exert from his latest email to me:

"The work has been a lot better this week, despite the short week, with Thanksgiving and Leadership meetings and district meeting and a couple of other things we had a good week to which I am thankful for. We were able to find 3 new investigators. So are teaching pool is at 4 which is way better than 0. So I am not complaining, we are just going to work as hard as possible to find more.
Thanksgiving was a good day we went over to a members house and had a big dinner, it was really good. I can not say I didn't miss the usual things but I am glad I am where I am at. Especially with the count down to the end of the World on December 21st. So we are just trying to save as many souls as possible in the time we have. My district leader and I have mapped out are plans for when the zombie Apocalypse starts. So we are all ready to go. We have both gone through the zombie survival guide and so we feel pretty prepared to do what needs to be done."

Good to know he is still preparing for the upcoming zombie infestation!

And lastly, here is his Christmas message to one and all:

"Well the Christmas season on a mission, is definitely something that is quite a bit different than a normal one. It is helping me to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and what everything is about. I think to what Christmas really means, to me it simply means more Christ. It helps us think of the many blessings that he has given each and everyone of us. He has truly been a blessing in my life, I can not say all that he has done for me, but the most important thing being the Atonement, which is at the center of all that we do and makes it possible to live with our Heavenly father again. Being out here I have ran into many people that think they can not be forgiven of there sins or Transgressions because it was to bad, To that I simply weep for them. Christ is there for all and will deliver us from our trials and tribulations no matter who we are or what we have done. Let us all draw closer to him in this season. May Christ be the center for us all at times and especially this season.

Love
Elder Elquist"

And that concludes this issue of the Elder Elquist blog.

Mike

Braden's update for November 12, 2012

Well this week has been a good week, we have had a lot of fun with all sorts of stuff going on with the work, we had a investigator possibly go to jail or she just left her boyfriend, one is moving to Provo because his mom got engaged and is going to get married in a week and move to Provo. So yeah it has been a lot of fun with the work. But oh well we just have to continue to work through the obstacles the adversary throws at us. On a different note transfer calls were today and I am staying in the area but my companion is leaving, and I am getting to train a new missionary. So hopefully I don't mess that up to bad, I am pretty nervous for that and hopefully it all goes well. I hope all of you are having a good week and things go well for you. Well I love you all and hope all goes well.


Love
Elder Elquist

Well this week has been a good week, we have had a lot of fun with all sorts of stuff going on with the work, we had a investigator possibly go to jail or she just left her boyfriend, one is moving to Provo because his mom got engaged and is going to get married in a week and move to Provo. So yeah it has been a lot of fun with the work. But oh well we just have to continue to work through the obstacles the adversary throws at us. On a different note transfer calls were today and I am staying in the area but my companion is leaving, and I am getting to train a new missionary. So hopefully I don't mess that up to bad, I am pretty nervous for that and hopefully it all goes well. I hope all of you are having a good week and things go well for you. Well I love you all and hope all goes well.


Love
Elder Elquist

Braden's Update November 5th, 2012

Well this week has been a pretty uneventful one, just the usual things. We are just trying to find as best as possible and get ready for the winter and do as much work as possible so that we can see the area grow the best. I don't really know what to say, I know you probably can't believe that, but I don't have much to say, other than this, God gives us trials in life so that we can grow and be better and he is always there just like it says in Ether 12:27 to make Week Things Become strong. All we have to do is ask for help and he will deliver us. He knows exactly what we are going through and knows exactly how to best help us. As the Christmas season approaches we must Remember the true meaning of it and what the Savior gave us, the greatest gift of all Forgiveness and deliverance. May God out Father be with you all and give you help where ever you need it.

Love
Elder Elquist

P.S. the picture of my pumpkin my companion took it at a weird time.

Well this week has been a pretty uneventful one, just the usual things. We are just trying to find as best as possible and get ready for the winter and do as much work as possible so that we can see the area grow the best. I don't really know what to say, I know you probably can't believe that, but I don't have much to say, other than this, God gives us trials in life so that we can grow and be better and he is always there just like it says in Ether 12:27 to make Week Things Become strong. All we have to do is ask for help and he will deliver us. He knows exactly what we are going through and knows exactly how to best help us. As the Christmas season approaches we must Remember the true meaning of it and what the Savior gave us, the greatest gift of all Forgiveness and deliverance. May God out Father be with you all and give you help where ever you need it.

Love
Elder Elquist

P.S. the picture of my pumpkin my companion took it at a weird time. 

Braden's Update, October 29th, 2012

Well another week has gone by and Preparation days always come super quick. It is weird when another just pops up out of no where and we are sending email again. So just a few highlights from this week. Ran into a guy that told my companion and I we were not saved and he would not see us in heaven,( Kindly told him the Christ said Judge Not lest ye be Judged, then my companion told him to pray about it. Should have handled that better. But life is for learning) Walked a lot because of missing my bike due to it being in Indy, went to a Hoosier Bonfire and BBQ with a investigator, through a desk in the bonfire. All in all a pretty fun week. Well I hope all is well with all of you and you are doing well.


Love
Elder Elquist

Braden's update for 10/22

Well hello everyone everything is going alright with me, for this week I decided to keep it short and just send a lot of pictures and things to you all. I hope you like the pictures and everything and have a amazing week with life. Hope all is well. Love each and everyone of you.


Love
Elder Elquist

Editorial note from Mike Elquist.  Braden is doing awesome!  This emergency transfer really feels like a lesson from the Lord.  Braden had wished to serve in Indianapolis and South Bend.  It's like the Lord said, ok here you go, but now just concentrate on My work.  Great stuff, and he has a great attitude.  He said the church was packed with BYU fans on Sunday, and that the companionship in the apartment before he arrived has taught him the importance of cleanliness!

Mike

Well hello everyone everything is going alright with me, for this week I decided to keep it short and just send a lot of pictures and things to you all. I hope you like the pictures and everything and have a amazing week with life. Hope all is well. Love each and everyone of you.


Love
Elder Elquist

Braden's Update, Oct. 15, 2012

Well I don't have time to email everyone I will try to email more this next week. I am getting emergency transfered up to South Bend for some reason and have to go and pack again. I will appreciate all the prayers and everything I have no idea of what I am going into or anything. Everything is fine with me just ballin it up and eagle creek could only handle me for 2 weeks and so I guess I am going to be with the Fighting Irish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But hey that first part was a just kidding. I am heading out though. Love you all and hope all is going well.

Love
Elder Elquist

Braden's update for October 1st, 2012

Well this last week has been a interesting week it has been a lot of fun. One of the highlights was getting to watch the Groundbreaking of the Indiana Indianapolis Temple. It was awesome getting to see that happen. There have been a lot of people waiting a long time for that to happen. It will truly be an amazing blessing for everyone out here. Another Highlight was this morning we got Transfer calls and I am leaving Franklin, it has been and amazing blessing getting to serve here and I have loved the ward and getting to work with them and they are awesome. Definitely one of the best of my mission. I know I have only been in one area but I have loved it and it will be sad having to leave but also exciting. I will let you all know where I am going this next week and will make sure to keep you all updated on what is going on. Hopefully all of you have had a good week and are doing well and May the Force be With you.


Love
Elder Elquist

Well I only have a couple of minuets left on the computer so I will have to make this short, but all is going well here. The work is definitely progressing and keeps us on are toes and you never know what you are in store for when you walk out the door. Yesterday was a particularly a fun day. We went to church and everything and we riding are bikes up to a less actives house and I hear this running noise behind us and all of the sudden this big German Shepard is right behind my companion and so I take off and it was fun needless to say, this was the first time this had happened to either of us. Then about a mile down the road it happens again only this time with a pit bull. By the end of this we were pretty exhausted and got to the less actives house and just sat down and rested for a second. But hey these are the stories I will one day get to tell my kids in the very distant future. Well hope all is well with all of you.


Love
Elder Elquist

Well another week came and went. It is honestly scary how quick time goes. I can not believe I am emailing again. It is really weird. It feels like yesterday I was doing this same thing. The weeks have turned into days and the months to weeks. Better make the best of these last 17months. Well where to start, this last week was by far the busiest of my mission. We had all sorts of stuff going on, we were teaching finding, talking and a bunch of other things. It was fun though. It makes time go by even quicker. We have transfers coming up here 2 weeks from Wednesday. I know I have said this before, but I am pretty sure I am leaving. Maybe.... At the rate I am going I will probably serve my whole mission in Franklin, which isn't a bad thing. I might have to start paying taxes or something but hey. I love being out here at this time and in this place. I honestly can not think of a better place for me to be than here. I am constantly amazed at the miracle of the Saviors Atonement and all that he continues to do for us on a daily basis. I never really looked at things they way I have been able to out here. The work continues to progress and go forward. I hope all is well with everyone back home. Love you all and hope everything is going great.


Love
Elder Elquist

Braden's update for September 10th, 2012

Well how is every on doing this last week. I don't have tons of time to write so I will make this a brief email. The work is going great and I am loving being out her in Indiana and it has been pretty interesting being out here during election time for obvious reasons. Tons of people know about the election and so naturally they ask us who we are voting and we give them the missionary response that the church is politically neutral. Which reminds me, Side note hey dad can you get me and absentee ballot. I would like to vote since I now am old enough. Well back on topic. Well hope all is well back home and enjoy some pictures. These are some pictures from a famous Military base Camp Atterberry. They have some old historic military vehicles thought you would enjoy.


Love
Eder Elquist

August 27th, 2012

Well it has been a good week. How is everyone else doing, you know sometimes I think I am talking to myself because people only respond some times but hey, what ever. I like talking to myself. Well this last week was pretty good, we were able to get a lot done and accomplished everything that we could. We were given a challenge from the Elders Quorum President of are ward out here to get 20 lessons a week. We have recently been averaging about 12 and so it is going to be a tough commitment to keep, but if we trust in the Lord all things are possible. We are going to be pushing our self's to reach that as best as we can so that we see success in our efforts and see people progress. The work is going great, we are staying busy and are going to be even busier with all sorts of fun stuff going on. So keep us in your prayers that we will be able to accomplish this goal. Everything has been good though. Well the work is and amazing work and it is always rewarding. Well love you all hope the best for you.


Love
Elder Elquist

Braden's update for August 20th, 2012

Well another week has come and gone here in Franklin. It has been a fun 6 months here with ups and downs and all sorts of things going on. This week has been a good one we got to see a lot of success and it was very fun with all sorts of stuff going on. Found some new investigators and got to meet a lot of new potential investigators. Transfer calls were Today and I am staying in Franklin for another 6 weeks and then pretty sure I will be leaving. So a funny story to go along with this Transfer was this last week, I was pretty sure I was leaving they usually only keep you in your first area for a max of 6 months after that you get sent some where else. So naturally I start getting pictures with everyone making sure that when I leave I have contact information for everyone and can keep in touch with them after I leave. So I proceeded to tell everyone good bye and it was pretty sad and I was pretty sure I was leaving I was thinking of starting to even pack. But then transfer calls come and they tell us we are both staying. So it was pretty fun getting to have that happen. But it will be something to laugh about in the future. Well it is amazing being out here as a missionary and getting to see amazing miracles happen when you exercise a little bit of faith. The Lord is always there and always provides a way to accomplish the things has ask of us to do. The Lord lives and is constantly guiding each and everyone of us know matter where we are or who we are and it is amazing to see his hand in our lifes preparing us for things and getting us ready so that we are ready when the time comes for us to Step up to the plate. I have seen this so much in my life, especially as of lately. Being able to look back over the past 19 years of my life I have been able to see so many times that the Lord has been preparing me to serve a mission and for who knows what else and it is amazing to put the talents he has given me and knowledge he has given me to the test. He is always there for all of us as long as we are worthy and stay strong in the Faith. Well I thought I would include some pictures in this weeks email.
Explanation of Pictures.
The first one is of Indianapolis.
The second one is the Temple site.
The third one is self explanatory.
The Fourth one is a family that I have been working with and teaching there Grandson Johnathan.
The fifth is David and Dana a couple I have been working with.
The Sixth one is the same
The Seventh one is me and my companion Elder Quinney
The Eighth one is a investigator I have been teaching and her 2 daughters.

Love
Elder Elquist