19 and Counting

¡Oye!

So, as I'm still celebrating my birthday, I don't have a huge amount of time to write today, but I did want to announce, firstly, that I am now (as of Sunday) 19 years old (practically ancient!), secondly, that I will be staying in Central Ward for another transfer with a new companion, Elder Ely (who I already know since I served around him in my last area), and thirdly, that Spain's borders opened today and I'm hoping that I get some news soon. Big news!

It's been another good week here in Tucson; I went on exchanges with Elder Nunnelly (he's a greenie, meaning he's been out less than two transfers; in this case he's been out just one) and we got another flat and had to take the bus home. I've switched bikes temporarily until we can get the tire looked at. The woman I mentioned last week as having been a sort of miracle joined us at church this week; she's meeting with the sister missionaries, not us, but we did join them for a Bible study. I also attended a dual baptism for the nearby Cambell Ward, which was a wonderful Spiritual experience and I was very glad that we could attend! The baptizees were very happy and I think some of their joy bled over to the rest of us. It has been a good week.

Reflecting back on the last year, as I have in my past few weeklies, has allowed me to see my own personal and spiritual growth, as well as the positive impact I've been able to make on the lives of others, especially through the ministry. The work of the missionary is great and marvelous. It is essentially good and essentially necessary. Hopefully I can write down some more of my thoughts for next week, time permitting, but I am happy with these few heartfelt notes.

A family from my last area brought me cheesecake for my birthday and I have been supremely pleased! It's currently being shared with the zone because I cannot eat an entire cheesecake by myself (or at least I shouldn't...); it is delicious and I was very happy to see them again. A Happy Birthday indeed!

I hope y'all have an awesome week and look forward to seeing you again in the future when I can! Be safe!

Elder Brannon

Arizona Tucson Mission

Spain Barcelona Mission

First photo is my companion Elder Taylor, the two sister missionaries who cover our same area, and I at dinner on my birthday! We had a great time.