Letting Go Is Trust - October 28, 2013

Dear Family,

Things went really well this week.

We had 4 baptisms planned. The thing is that the morning of the baptism the grandpa for two young girls who were getting baptized was very unhappy and didn't want the missionaries to baptize his granddaughters. Because he wanted to baptize them but it wasn't yet approved. So the mother of the two girls called and asked if we could push back the baptism for next week. AHH! I was so stressed. But I prayed and asked that it would be okay, and I called back in 20 minutes and all of a sudden it was okay. He totally changed his heart and decided to let us baptize them. The baptism went on without a problem after that. It was so wonderful.

I brought two souls into the kingdom of heaven by baptism. That was such a great experience.

I love you all,

Elder Squires

The first person I baptized was the little girl, Mandy,

The second person I baptized. Her name is Fryda,

And this is all of us before the baptism. I'm the only one with white "shoes."

And while I wait for the photos to upload I will tell another story. Once upon a time there was a mother who had to let her child go to his first day of school. She could choose to stop him from going and learning or she could let him go into the world of fear and doubt and face the challenges that would lie ahead of him. She let him go to school beside her fears and 19 years later he became a missionary for the Lord, our Savior. The biggest trust a person can have is the trust to let go. Let go of things, give things to the Lord, that is a sign of trust, and trust builds love. Thanks for letting me go Mom, here I am to serve the Lord.

Time Flies - October 21, 2013

Today is the five month [anniversary] of the beginning of my mission.   Things are getting so much better. We have 4 baptisms this week. I will send pictures next week. We have so many new amis and the number of baptisms fixed is about to get a lot higher. Our goal is to do 20 baptisms by the end of the year. We have done 2. Haha. We have a lot of work to do. But I know it's possible. All things are possible with prayer and the Atonement.   Keep fighting and working.   Taoto Maitai!   Je vous aime, Elder Squires

My Favorite Things - September 30, 2013

One of my favorite things is seeing people repent and helping them receive the baptism of Jesus Christ. We had two baptisms this week. The Spirit is so strong and afterwards you get to think about your own baptism. This gospel is really a gospel of eternal importance. People out there are missing their salvation if we don't share it.

 

Monday was good. It was super rainy and I slept with the window open and I woke up to rain falling all over me. Not exactly what I had planned to happen.

 

Tuesday we had 12 lessons scheduled and we had to split up to do them all. We ended up doing 10. Sometimes it's really hard to contact them all.

 

Wednesday I got thrown around with companions because we didn't have a companion for me and my companion was at a meeting. I have been on splits so many times in the past few months that it's weird to teach with my companion. It rarely happens.

 

Thursday was a bit more calm, we found out that one of our amis who didn't really want the lessons decided to be baptized in two weeks. That is the power of faith and action.

 

Friday we had to look for an ami who was supposed to be baptized but we couldn't find her, that was sad but we got some really cool photos at their house.

 

Saturday was the baptism and that was a powerful experience.

 

Sunday I bore my testimony and gave the closing prayer. I'm really falling in love with the people here.

 

Today has been calm, so far.

 

I love this work. I am happy. Follow Christ with all your heart. Keep up your good lives and the Lord will keep blessing you.

 

I love you all, I pray for you often,

 

Love, Elder Squires

 

 

Transfers - October 7, 2013

Hello everyone!

I got a new companion today. And his name is Elder Teniarahi (tay-knee-arr-rah-hee). Ha, yeah, the names are complicated around here.

Things are going so well. This week was good and bizarre. I learned so much.

Monday we had a family night planned and it got cancelled so we went out and taught another ami. I remember that it was super weird because no one seemed to be able to do a lesson that day.

On Tuesday we had a lesson with Claude, he is new. We taught the prayer. He already wanted to be a member but he never got the chance to be baptized. That was an awesome moment. And then we had a lesson with a member who was able to share his experiences about mariage to help a couple commit to marriage. Members are so important.

Wednesday was great, nothing too crazy happened.

Thursday we taught Jessica. She has problems with the word of wisdom. And Fryda, she prayed and accepted to be baptized the 26th.

Friday was good as well. We had a open house at the church and I spoke. It was one of the best talks I've given. I felt so guided during the talk and that talk strengthened my testimony on the power of sharing what you know.

Saturday and Sunday we had conference and the Spirit was so strong. I can't believe how much I learned in ten hours. It's like the biggest spiritual feast one could have. I loved it. 

Today will be great and so will everyday afterwards.

The Lord loves us and the Spirit of the Lord is strong. The work is hastening, friends and family don't wait. 

At conference with the Americans

 

 

Our Zone

Tahitian bread. It's called Uru and has to be cooked before being eaten. It grows on trees because there is no room for fields of wheat

The Man Who Gave It All - Sepember 23, 2013

The Lord asks us to give Him everything and He will provide. He gave us all that He had, can we not do the same?

Monday we went to do some lessons but no one could do it. That's okay. We had a family night with an ami (investigator) and it went really well.

Tuesday we had a bunch of lessons scheduled but a few got canceled and we forgot to go the one of them. Ha, we have very patient amis.

Wednesday we did a split and worked with the members.

Thursday was crazy, Friday was crazy as well and Saturday was crazy.

We have a lot of things that happen, lots and lots of lessons and running around and calling people. But I can tell you that the tender mercies are so sweet. We had to find two brothers to do a split in 15 minutes and we were able to. We had to teach a ton and we were able to. Everything works out.

The best moment of the week was when we were sitting on the ground teaching the first lesson and I felt the Spirit so strongly.

This work is so sacred. My family and friends, please share this gospel. I love you all. I am sorry for all wrongs I have done to you and I am so grateful for your patience.

I love you all so much! Keep praying, reading, and walk safely.

Love, a little sun burnned and a little wet,

Elder Squires

Dear Friends and Family - September 16, 2013

I love you all.

 

Miracles happened this week.

 

We have people accepting the gospel all over the place. We are really starting to get baptisms and starting to have problems. That's a good thing. The more good we do it seems like the more opposition we face. We had someone come up to us at church, he wanted to do a lesson right then. We started talking and he said that he wants to be baptized. He already knows the church is true and he wants to get married and baptized as a surprise for his girlfriend. Absolutely amazing. I didn't know what to do.

 

I know that miracles happen.

 

Faith takes humility and love means patience.

  I love you!   Elder Squires

Churo? - September 9, 2013

I found out there are churos here but there are filled with Nutella! Ha! It's great.

 

Things are great here. The week started out pretty normal. We have several amis (investigators) who are almost ready for baptism. It's so awesome to see them change. Dominique is one of my favorites. He is 25ish and has problems with smoking. He has a really great personality and he loves to talk. We taught him more about the word of wisdom and the importance of following it. He is trying to quit and he keeps telling us how hard it is. And that is so true. Life is not easy but it is so worth it. I can't tell you how much I have learned in the past few weeks.

 

But I want you all to know something very simple. Fight the battle. That's it. Fight every temptation, every challenge, every second you have, fight. It's so worth it. Why? Because God said so.

 

That is my testimony this week. I leave that as a servant of the Lord and in His Holy Name, Jesus Christ.

 

Amen.

 

I love you all so much!

 

Love, Elder Squires

Wow! - September 2, 2013

Ha, things go by so quickly I don't have time to breathe. We taught over 20 lessons this week (not counting the ones that were cancelled). We have several investigators who are preparing for baptism. It is so great when they accept the commitment to be baptised. I love it out here.

I love you all with all my heart. God lives and loves us so much. He just wants us to not worry about things and go go go. He takes care of things perfectly, for which I am very grateful.

I love you all!

Elder Squires

p.s. I am in need of ties. The color blue is preferred.

This is a normal beautiful day out here!

I Love People - August 26, 2013

Something I have learned is how great people really are. I meet so many people in a day, and I love it. I love talking to people and, better yet, I love talking about the gospel.

This week was great. Today marks six weeks in Tahiti. That went by so quickly. I remember the MTC like it was yesterday. I still have six more weeks of training before I  transfer. But that's good. I have a lot to learn!

Things are going well. We had a busy week. So busy that we had to do splits three times with members so that we could teach all of our lessons. I feel like I hardly ever teach with my companion anymore. Ha. But it's still a wonderful work.

This week is about giving everything to the Lord. When we give everything to the Lord He directs our paths. When we know He has our backs, we are at peace. When we search for the Spirit to guide us, He will. It's up to us to follow Him.

I love this gospel and I know that it is true because of how powerfully it burns in my heart.

I love you all. Keep working hard and finding people for the missionaries to teach!

Elder Squires

Sometimes you have to break in to your apartment!

Birthday Celebration - 19 Years Old!

La Vie (of Rightousness) est Belle - August 19, 2013

I met some one the other day who lived the motto La Vie est Belle. That means that life is beautiful. It truly is. When we truly repent and change and do our best, things change around us. Life is truly the biggest blessing we have to enjoy right now. My time to serve the Lord like this is short and I want to make the best of it.

The Lord works miracles by prayer. If we have not faith He cannot work miracles.

I want to thank each one of you for praying for me. I don't know exactly what you prayed for but I have a feeling it was protection, happiness, feeling love and being taken care of. I promise you that the Lord heard those prayers because they are happening. 

This is the Lord's work, we are His instruments and we NEED to do our best IF we want to be truly happy. True happiness comes in our love for Christ. I love you all and I love my Savior. Alma 5:11, maybe, talks about being enlightened by the word of God. How true that is.

I love you all!

Elder Squires

The Ocean is Blue-er on This Side - August 12, 2013

I had the chance to visit another area the other day and I realized how much I love my area. I love the members and I love the weather and everything.

This week I prayed for a lot of things and I got most if not all of them. The miracles that happen inside of me and outside in the field are wonderful!

This is the light of the world, the Church of Jesus Christ. I don't have much time but I love you all. Be like Christ with your personality. Be yourself with the attributes of Christ.

I love you, I know this Church is true and is the only way back to Heavenly Father and to happiness. Share it with the world and with yourself.

Love, Elder Squires

Faaa - They Like Their Vowels Here - August 5, 2013

Things are going well. It's like trying to pronounce the name of the stake I'm in. It's difficult at first but once you figure out that people just saw fa-ah, it's much simpler. Missionary work is simple. Be obediant, pray lots, laugh a lot more and bring people to Christ.

This week was great.

On Monday we had a Tahitian lesson, it wouldn't be so bad if there weren't words that have several meaning and then you get slang on top of that and it's a little harder. But I have learned that no tree ever grew full height overnight. Same with Tahitian and same with myself. The lesson went really well. His name is Oscar he wants to get sealed in the temple! But his girlfriend (most couples aren't married in Tahiti) is slowing him down. We are going to give him a baptismal date today, I really hope he accepts and his wife softens her heart.

Tuesday we had a lesson with an inactive family and the Spirit was so strong.

Wednesday we taught an inactive who is living with his cousins and two of his cousins came in for the lesson. We gave them the Book of Mormon and challenged them to read it.

Thursday we had a lesson in the highest part of our sector. It takes a good 30 minutes on bike to go clear up there. But the view is amazing!

Friday we had a lot of things to do and it ended up being a great day.

Saturday was my birthday and for my birthday we had another lesson with the inactive and his cousins. One of them actually read! And Wilfred, the inactive, his aunt invited us over for a family night lesson with the whole family. I'm so excited. This work is incredible and I love it.

It rained the past few days. It only seems to rain when we are inside for which I am very grateful. I know this is a great work. It is hot down here but you're not alone when you start sweating. Almost all the world sweats around here. I love you all!

I know that Christ lives, this is His church. I know that God loves us! He wants us to be happy. Obedience is how He is able to bless us.

Love, Elder Squires

I'm Living On An Island In The Middle of Nowhere .....

Mon, Jul 29, 2013 5:02 pm

..... and I love every second of it!!!

I am Elder Squires. I am a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ. I know this church is true. It is the only way to return to live with Heavenly Father. I'm grateful to be a member.

I am serving in the Tavararo ward in the Faaa stake. The only international airport in Tahiti is in my area. I love it here!

I have to back up to the flight here. Two weeks ago 15 teenagers left the MTC and headed for Tahiti. We had to leave two elders behind in SLC because the plane couldn't hold the weight (they caught a later flight to LAX). I think I'm not going to use periods, it's too much effort on these French keyboards, The flight to Tahiti was long but it was good. We arrived and the first thing I smelled was hickory smoke, I think that's just how it smells around here.

My companion is Elder Tau, he has a strong desire to serve the Lord and to do his best. We bike 6ish kilometers everyday, we had a baptism my first Saturday here. The people here are incredible. Everyone is so nice and loving. Our investigators are incredible. The view of Moorea is stunning. The langauges are coming.

Quick story: we were in a Tahitian lesson and I prayed to understand what was being said. All of a sudden the investigator started speaking French! No one knew he could speak French!!!!!

I love this gospel. I love the Lord. I know He leads this church. I again don't have a ton of time but I love you all!

And yes, the food is incredible.

Elder Squires

I Have NO Time! - July 22, 2013

Mon, Jul 22, 2013 7:30 pm

Haha, I really have no time to email.

Things are going so well that we don't have time to do anything really. I love you ALL! I love this work! Keep smiling!

A great scripture Heleman 5:12

love, Elder Squires

Arriving in Tahiti - July 18, 2013

No e-mail from Brandon on Monday, July 15th since he was traveling to Tahiti.

The following e-mail and photos came from the Tahiti Papeete Mission.

July 18, 2013, 9:00 pm

Dear Families,

Your Missionaries have arrived in Tahiti.  They will be able to e-mail on Monday.  Attached are a few photos I have taken.  They will tell you about their new companions and areas on Monday.

Have a great Day

Sister Hemming

Mission Office

 

At the Faa'a, Tahiti Airport - Good Luck Finding Brandon!

Picking Up Their Luggage - The Big Boxes Contain Bikes

Missionaries Doing What They Do Best - Eating!!!

In the Mission Home with President and Sister Sinjeoux (sp?)

One More Week!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013, 4:51 pm

Hello Family and Friends! 

I don't know where the time goes but this week flew by.

Here is the update. I leave next Monday morning at 3:30 in the morning. My flight leaves from SLC to LAX. I have a 6 hour lay-over in LAX and then an 8 hour flight to Tahiti. I've heard that flights aren't that bad because they have movies and you can fall asleep. But in my case I'll have my scriptures, the people around me, and whatever else I can think of to study.

I'm excited and I'm finally starting to feel ready to leave the MTC. But at the same time I'm so not ready. I continue to see people I know everyday. It seems like every week more people that I know come in and leave. I love it! As of Wednesday I will have been here 7 weeks (maybe). I don't even know. Ha. I've loved every moment and I'm sad to leave such a great place.

This week was great! I fasted on Sunday and it was great. I am amazed by the power of fasting. I found more pieces of the puzzle of my life. Pieces that showed me the mercy of the Lord. He has truly been so merciful to me for the past 18 years. I will always be grateful for the testimony He has blessed me with, the power of the scriptures, for in the scriptures we find Christ, the power of the Atonement.

That's really what this week was about for me. Applying the healing power of the Atonement to my life. I promise you that the Atonement can heal any scar, can take down any wall, and can bring us closer to Christ. I testify to you all with all of my heart that I know that this Church is true. I know that Christ lives. I know that He and Heavenly Father love me so much! I hope you all can find a way to better apply the Atonement in your life. The Atonement is the ultimate healer. It is the Ultimate Gift.

This gospel brings me more joy than all the worldly knowledge I can, have, and could ever gain. I know that there is a purpose for our lives on the earth. There is a purpose for the trials we go through. I hope to never forget that. And during the darkest of all trials I want to be able to say that I still trust in Christ, I know the sun will shine again, because the Lord brings us down before He can raise us up.

I love you all! I feel your love!

Love, Elder Squires

Yesterday was such a pretty day!

This is when we got our travel plans. I'm officially going to Tahiti!!!!

I have a thing for shining my shoes, it makes me really happy.

All the Tahitian missionaries and a sister from Tahiti.

Tahi, Piti, Toru!

Jul 1, 2013 10:41 am

Hello world! 

I don't have a lot of time but I want to say hello to you all. I love you all so very much and I want to share a quick thought.

I was pondering very deeply my testimony this week and I realized something incredible. Those who don't have testimonies are living in darkness but the gospel brings them light.

What is that light? Think about hearing these things for the first time. 

• You have a Father in Heaven. 
• You lived with Him before you came to this earth. 
• You are here to be tested and tried. 
• You can live forever with your family in happiness.
• In this life you can be blessed for being righteous. 
• One of those blessings is a guide who is the Holy Ghost. He can give you a taste of eternal happiness, He can lead and direct you, He can speak the words of the Lord to your heart.
• Then there is the Atonement. The Ultimate Sacrifice. The Atonement allows you to be washed away from the burdens that come from sinning. The Atonement allows you to become like Christ.

I love this gospel! 

My week was really great! I was able to host and the first person I hosted was a friend from high school. 

This is the best thing ever! I love the MTC. I love my mission. I couldn't be more happy.

I love you all,

Elder Squires

Brandon's companion got lost in a box! 

The Mouse in Brandon's shoe!

Let Us All Press On

June 24, 2013

Bonjour, Ia ora na, hola, talofa, kiora, bula, malo lelei, salut, (and any other salutation you can find in a different language)

I hope all is going well. Things in Provo are good. Our investigators are doing well. Our Tahitian one is struggling because we don't understand what he is saying and I'm pretty sure he prays like a Protestant, considering he is a Protestant that would make sense. I am loving it here. We are trying to do much more speaking of French and Tahitian. I want to speak more Tahitian but I feel like I need to get my companions on the same page as me with French so it's a weird situation. I love speaking these two languages. Unfortunately I can only bear my testimony and pray, and count in Tahitian. Ha, but give me some time. I'll get both of them!

This week was kind of crazy. So on Monday of last week all the Tahitian missionaries got emails that had instructions on what to do when we arrive to Tahiti. Every one, except me, got that email. That was a little concern because I thought maybe the mission office in Tahiti thought I had gone to the place I was reassigned to go to. Oh yeah, I got reassigned. After my two weeks in the advanced language district the MTC was freaking out thinking that I was supposed to leave for Tahiti but I hadn't even applied for my visa, so they reassigned me to the Pocatello, ID mission. I'm not kidding. When I got the reassignment notice I told the office what was going on and they fixed it, or so I thought. It turns out the mission office in Tahiti didn't get that my reassignment was cancelled. So when I told them that I was still in the MTC and planning to go to Tahiti they said, "There is a lot of work to be done and we'd love to have you." Haha. I was so freaked out but we got it fixed!

I was praying the other night in Tahitian and the words were just coming to my mind. They were coming so easily and well. It gave me so much hope and confidence that I will be able to do this language thing. I am very happy and grateful. I know the church is true. Je sais que Jesus-Christ vit, and ua ite au e, e Iesu Mesia to tatou faaora.

I love you all!!

Elder Squires

Tahitian sister and all the other Tahiti missionaries

Almost One Month

I'm almost one month in. I can't believe it! This Wednesday will be the four week mark and Saturday will be the one month mark. I feel so young but at the same time I feel so old. Things at the MTC are going really well.

I have seen SO many people I know that I can't even keep track of them anymore. Today I was in the Provo temple and I saw two temple workers who worked Wednesday mornings in the Mt. Timp. temple (I used to do baptisms every Wednesday morning for a year and a half.) And while I was walking to do laundry, I saw someone who was one of my best friends at Willow Valley. I can't believe how many people I see. And yesterday I met someone named Elder McClinchy (I think) whose older sister married my cousin Layne Squires. It was crazy.

Tahitian and French are coming along. It's weird to do "SYL" (speak your language) when you have very limited vocabulary in both languages and you don't know which one to speak. But I do like both of them a lot. I can bear my testimony, and pray fairly well in both languages.

We taught our first lesson in Tahitian last week. It was hard, but our "investigator" (our teacher - who acts like an investigator he once had) acted like he was drunk and so not only was the language barrier a problem but the fact that he kept asking us our names and where we were from threw us off very much. And I learned that it's offensive to turn down food that is offered to you. I guess it makes sense, but when you don't realize that a box of chalk is supposed to be fake food you aren't excited to eat it. Ha.

Things are really good. We are going to continue teaching a French "investigator" and get things started with our Tahitian one. One of our other French "investigators" agreed to be baptized. Even though it was not real and we aren't actually going to baptize him, the Spirit was so strong when he said yes and I was smiling so big when he told us that after praying he felt that baptism was the right thing for him. It makes me so happy to hear about the work really continuing outside of the MTC. This week has been great.

Also, my testimony of the Savior and His love increased so much this week. I am not the kind of person who cries when I feel the Spirit, but for the last few days I have cried whenever I think about being a child of God or whenever the Spirit hits me very strongly. Even if tears aren't my thing, the feeling inside of me is incredible.

I really do love this work. I am committed to being the best I can be for the Lord. I know that love and patience changes people, even ourselves. So, family and friends, go out in the world and love others and yourself as the Savior does. Because I know that He loves each of us so much. We have been given so many great things. How hard would it be to share it? I love you all!

Love, Elder Squires

p.s. I leave four weeks from today!

Provo temple on a beautiful day

I practiced bearing my testimony in Tahitian to a water outlet in a building. (I felt like I was talking to a brick wall.)

This screen is on every computer in the MTC. Do you recognize the last name?

Teaching In Two Languages

What happened?? This last week flew by! I am amazed at how quickly the clock ticks when you are busy. 

I moved into my Tahitian district on Tuesday night so I have officially had my first transfer in the mission. My new companions are great. Elder Brunson is from Cedar City, Utah and Elder Tago is from Australia, but he is an Islander at heart. They are both really great.

I taught my first lesson in French on Wednesday. That was a huge shock to me. I never realized how little gospel French I knew. I have been studying it a lot more now. 

We started Tahitian on Thursday and it is the craziest language ever. The hardest part is that one teacher will tell you one thing and the other will tell you something different and they are both right because Tahitian is a "newly written" language. It was only written 200 years ago and so there aren't really any rules which is a bit strange. But I can now say I love you in three languages. I can bear testimony, and I can pray in all three of them. I feel pretty cool sometimes when I hear a prayer that goes from Tahitian, to French, to English and I understand all of it.

The best thing that happened this week was probably one of the lessons we taught. We were teaching about baptism and how important it was and we started to talk about the priesthood and how it was restored. My companion didn't understand that our investigator was saying that he wanted to think about it before he committed to being baptized. So my companion tried to set a baptismal date and the investigator and I starting laughing really hard. It was the greatest thing ever. I can't wait to do that when I'm teaching a lesson in Tahitian.

I can't even express how great it is to be here at the MTC. It is hard to not be out doing the work but I am so not ready to go to Tahiti so I'm grateful to be here. I couldn't be more happy.

We watched the Joseph Smith movie last night and I felt the Spirit so strongly. I know this is the true church. I know that Christ lives. As we draw closer to Christ we realize how true this Church is.

Ua ite au e o Iesu Mesia to matou faaora. Je sais que Jesus-Christ est notre Redempteur. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I love you all so much! 

Keep praying and reading your scriptures. Helaman 3:35 (I think) talks about how we need to continue to do the small things that will bring us daily closer to Christ.

Love, Elder Squires

Elder Dayton and I Are Going to Opposite Ends of The World!

My First District

Does he look familiar? (Elder Josh Savage)

I try not to wrestle too much, but sometimes I can't resist doing one quick move!

The beginning of Tahitian study...it's crazy!

My new companions. Guess who is who?

Your-a-na!

May 31, 2013

The subject line means "hello" in Tahitian (that's not how you spell, I don't know how to.) I love being here. Things are so great. Yesterday I went to the French consulate. It was the most crazy experience of my life. I woke up at 2:15ish and got ready, met my group at 3, drove to Salt Lake, they referred to me as the smart elder because I skipped my French training. We arrived at the airport at 4, and relaxed for a while. We didn't board until 5:50. Our plane was tiny. Okay, it was still a bigger plane but it was only four seats wide and maybe 20 seats deep. It was pretty small. The flight took two hours. I was so sick when I was done! The turbulence was pretty bad while we were flying through the clouds but it was so pretty to see the sunrise over this sea of clouds.

There were six people total in my group. We got so lost in the San Francisco airport. We spent probably an hour trying to find our way around. We found our driver and then went to the consulate. We turned in our visa applications and that was it. It was really quick. We met someone who is Hindu and we met a bunch of other people. We went to Pier 39 and ate lunch at 11. We placed a lot of pass-along cards and one Book of Mormon.

We almost missed our 12:30 boarding time, but we didn't! We got to the gate at 12:45 and they were only beginning to board. That plane was much bigger and faster. Our flight was much quicker and I slept most of the way. We arrived in Salt Lake at 3:30, people thought we were coming home from our missions, it was the funniest thing. Some families who were waiting for their missionaries saw us and starting freaking out. I felt really bad that we caused them to freak out.

We took Trax and then Frontrunner all the way to Provo. We had a driver come pick us up and we were back at the MTC by 6 pm. That was crazy. Flying on planes is a lot of fun. I love seeing the clouds and the feeling of take-off. But landing and turbulence make me sick.

I love speaking French and I am excited to start learning the gospel in French and Tahitian. This is a great work and I've only just begun. I hope you're all enjoying life as much as I am. Have hope! Faith is dead without hope. I love you!

Elder Squires

I think I sent pictures of my district's nametags, my books, and my French name tag with a "dork dot". I have so many books! Probably about two or three times more than everyone else. It's funny. I can't read my Tahitian scriptures but I can read my French ones. Also, I don't have the Doctrine and Covenants or Pearl of Great Price in Tahitian, it's strange, I know.

Name tags of Missionaries in Brandon's District

Brandon's stack of books - 2 to 3 times more than anyone else?

Brandon's name tag in French (with a "dork" dot)

Bonjour!

May 24, 2013

 

 Hello Everyone!

 

I arrived safely to the MTC. Things are going really well. My companion is Elder Dayton from Kaysville, UT. I really like him. He is going to the West Indies, French speaking, which is really good because we get to talk to each other in French and practice. Our zone is so awesome. We have people from all over the world 

because we are in the advanced English zone. My companion and I are the only Caucasian Americans in our group. There are elders and sisters from Tonga, China, Croatia, South America, the Philippines, Japan, and more. So far I've heard prayers in French, Spanish, Croation, Tongan, German, Cantonese. I am loving it here!!!!

 

Good news, I am a district leader. I was asked that last night. I am supposed to interview the senior companions and see how things are going with their companionship. The only awkward thing is the senior companion in my companionship is Elder Dayton. Ha, so having and interview with him and asking about Elder Squires is kind of funny.

 

Well family, things are going really well. The food is great, I am sitting next to someone who is typing in Korean ( I did not know that was possible.) Yes, they still do the dork dot which is an orange dot they put on your name tag to let everyone know that you are new. I can't tell you how many times I heard "Bienvenidos Elders!" Being at the MTC is a lot like being at high school for me. I see people that I know all over the place. I have probably seen a good twenty or more people from high school, or Macey's, or USU. It is so cool! Every time I see one of my friends I look up and smile because I know that Heavenly Father knows how much I need my friends and how happy they make me.

 

I love you family. I love this work. I am grateful that I am here and I love all of you. I know that this is the true Church. Everyday I feel the Spirit so strongly and it makes me so happy. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is wonderful. I have found what I love, and that is serving those around me. I know that Christ lives and loves us. He is just looking for opportunities to bless us. Stay strong family! I'll talk to you next week!

 

Love Elder Squires.

And So It Begins . . .

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Hi! This is Brandon's Mom. He asked me to keep up his blog while he serves his mission to the Tahitian people.

Last night at 9 pm Brandon was set apart as a Missionary in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  The setting apart took place at the home of his "adopted" family. 

Before he was set apart, the Stake President asked each of us in the room to take one minute to share why we thought Brandon would be a great missionary.  Some of the reasons included:

• He is a hard worker
• He has a gregarious personality
• He is friendly and isn't afraid to visit with strangers
• He has always been "just happy to be here".  It never took much to make him happy.
• He has studied hard and prepared well.

During the setting apart, the Stake President  gave him a wonderful blessing that was full of important things for Brandon to know and do while he is serving for the next two years. The spirit was very strong and there were many tears shed.

The following pictures were taken after.

Brandon and his Mom

Brandon with Grandma and Grandpa

Brandon with Steve and Aunt Mischelle

Brandon, Jarod & Jen - former neighbors

Brandon and the Stake President

Brandon his adopted "Grandpa"

Brandon's adopted family for the past 4 months

Today at 2 pm Brandon reported to the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah.  He and a "Host" Missionary unloaded his luggage and boxed-up bicycle. We hugged and said goodbye and in less than 2 minutes he was off with a smile!  

Finally, he is doing what he has waited for years to do.  He has "grown a foot or two" and is now "ready to teach, and preach, and work as missionaries do."


We love you Elder!

Saying Goodbye (for now) It's Time To Go

Well, we have come to this time. The time to say that word that has seven letters. Four of them are not so bad, but the last three are the hardest to swallow. I am not leaving permanently, but I am leaving. I believe that it's best to say goodbye, and leave it until it gets picked up again. I believe in meaning what I say, so when I say "see you in two years," I would love to mean just that. But the truth is goodbye's don't last. I have told many people goodbye not  knowing when I would see them again. Then not even a year later I would be in contact with that friend almost like nothing happened.

About a week ago I met up with a friend that I hadn't seen in almost three years, I still feel way too young to have an experience like this. We talked and talked for a couple hours and it was like we had never said goodbye. That is what I have learned to expect. Not too long ago my best friend and I spent hours chatting about life and about every thing in between. Two years ago (an ironic number) he and I were inseparable. When people asked about what one of us would be doing for the weekend we had to check with each other. We knew where the food was in each other's house. We knew who the other one liked and We hadn't talked for a long time and it was like things were the same. I loved it.

So, in two years when I get back I would love to talk to each of you for hours and catch up on the past 24 months. It's only two years, I know. I'll miss you guys. I'm sure it won't be easy for me or for many of the people around me. But missionaries sacrifice a lot so that they can bring happiness to the world. I'm so excited and I can't wait to help the people of Tahiti. I can't wait to serve the Lord. I've waited many years for this. And here we go.

P.s. Say your prayers, read your scriptures, and walk safely.

Consistent Inconsistency

Once upon a time there was a young man who had no home. No, he did not live on the streets or in a cardboard box; he did not live in his little black truck or his big blue truck. He lived everywhere and no where all at once. When people asked where he was from, he had to tell them his life story so they could understand his usual answer of "no where."

Now, this young man was not unhappy about this, in fact he rather enjoyed his life. He lived upon the mercies of his friends and family. He found no consistency in where he would lay his head. He had no bedroom and relied upon others to help him on a daily basis. He traveled the state of Utah several times; in one month he put one thousand miles on his truck (that's almost 33 miles a day). He never stayed in a ward for more than a few months. He lived out of his suitcase and could pack his bags perfectly. This inconsistency taught him the basics of life: clothes, food, a bed, memories, and the gospel.

No matter where you go in life you always have yourself. Your experiences in the past cannot be taken away from you. That time you were so happy months or even years ago can still make you happy. The sunset you will never forget can still take your breathe away today. Truth is that true happiness is lasting happiness. The gospel is always true. There is consistency in life.

Through the last year I have been in 5 wards (not counting the wards I attended once or twice) and I have found these things to be consistent. Happiness is consistent. No matter where you are in the world you can still find something to make you smile. Find that thing that always makes you happy. Not something that can be ruined by time or others. But something that will never change, like a pen properly placed behind your ear.

Enjoy life. Adam fell that man might be, men are that they might have joy (2 Nephi 2:25).

The Simple Truth

We all know this be to true: life is not easy.
How did we expect it to be? How did we want it to be?

We knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park. We knew from the very beginning that this life was to be a challenge. And so how do we look at the challenges that we all must face? We take them one at a time. We pray; we listen; and we walk with faith in Christ.

We know we are here for a reason. There is a point to all this suffering. To make us better and to give us experience. We feel that refiner's fire as it finds the impurities of our hearts. We feel the pain; we feel the clean; we are changed.

He is there for us in our times of need. But remember, the Teacher is always quiet during the test. So keep on walking. Don't let things bring you down. You know who you are. You know there is someone great that you are destined to become. So take each challenge "by the horns" as some would say. Let the challenge go through you and cleanse you as it may.

I expected it to be hard. I wanted it to be hard. I wanted the challenge. So that when all was said and done I could be proud of myself for continuing on.

Life is to be enjoyed. Do not let it pass you by while you live in the depths of your problems. We all face challenges. Let us strengthen one another and heed the Savior's call to love one another.

"ouhhh que le temps passe vite, je trouve enfin quelques minutes pour t'écrire"

To quote a French acquaintance of mine (translated), "Oh how the time passes quickly, I am finally finding some time to write you." That is how I feel. My mission date of May 1st seemed so far away on the 20 of December. I'm only half way there now but looking back it seems like December 20th was forever ago. Time is a funny thing. It seems like the more you look back the faster it travels, the more you look forward the slower it passes. I look back on 18 years of life and think that it was so short. But I think the 8 weeks until my mission will last forever.

Nothing too incredible is going on in my life. Except that I'm living a dream. When I was a kid I always dreamed of working in a grocery store, being able to walk on those cool ladders, and being the man that put the milk on the shelves. I always wanted to get on the intercom and say, "Clean-up on aisle 4." Not only is my job a dream but everything else is great. I have no homework, let me repeat that, I have no homework, no bills, no worries. I am focused on serving a mission and working hard. This is the life. I feel so blessed to be able to be living my dream, a dream that has been given to me by the mercy and goodness of God. I am so excited to serve a mission. I think there are few things more wonderful than that. I hope that all is well for you guys, and if it's not, is it because you're looking at life through broken glasses? I've worn my fair share of broken glasses, happiness is all about perspective. Keep smiling! I know I will.

My Life in 3 Paragraphs

Wow, it's been a while since I last posted anything. An update of my life: I am living in Highland with the family of Josh Savage, they are so great! I am working full-time at Macey's and trying to get ready for my mission.

I am loving life. The gospel, a great job and great blessings are what I get to enjoy everyday. I think a good life consists of a few basics. Daily prayer, scripture study, repentance, remembering/looking for blessings and an overall desire to be happy.

Keep smiling, it can brighten someone's day.