Wednesday, December 1, 2010

New Pictures

Sorry the blog has been behind, but between us trying to get pictures from Brandon, and every day life, it's been a while.

Brandon is still in Alton, Illinois and is still companions with Elder Pratt. He is loving the mission and the people there. He speaks very highly of all of the people he has come in contact with, and seems to have a deep love and appreciation for both the area and the people. 

Here is part of an email I received from Elder Pratt about the mission and Brandon:
"Your brother has been an awesome companion. He is a great guy and it has been a pleasure serving with him. It has been awesome helping him learn and become a great missionary. We have  alot of fun but we work just as hard too haha."

Elder Pratt and Elder Stewart (our Branners) had a baptism on November 13th. Her name was Robin and Brandon wrote this about it:
"Her name is Robin. She is the coolest person I know. I am very happy we helped he find her way to the gospel. When Elder Pratt asked her to be baptized she used the analogy of feeling like a boat had taken off without her-I would love to follow the example she set."
This is the picture we got from Brandon--Elder Pratt baptized and Brandon confirmed.

The next pictures are just some random ones we got from Brandon. Please ignore the dates on the bottom of the pictures. He obviously hasn't changed it. ;)

Here is a picture from when he was serving in St. Louis, Missouri. This is him and some of the other Elders in his zone sitting on the steps with the arch and capitol in the background


These next few pictures are from The Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Brandon has been in the arch twice now and loves it. These pictures are from his second time up. (The first time he forgot his camera. Whoops!)
The sign at The Gateway Arch:

-View of the capitol building from the arch-


-Cardinals Baseball Stadium from the arch- 

-Another view from the arch- 

-Last view from the arch- 
He's definitely not in a small town any more!! 


This is a picture of Elder Tui, Brandon, and 2 other Missionaries serving with them in the St. Louis, Missouri mission:

This picture is a picture of the street that Brandon's first apartment was on. It was while he was serving in St. Louis.

While Brandon has been serving in Alton, he was able to go to a science museum and at the museum he was able to touch one of the wheels that was on Apollo 13.

As you can see, our Elder Stewart is having a blast and taking advantage of all the opportunities he is being presented with. We also received a letter from one of the ward members where he is at saying how awesome him and Elder Pratt were. She said that it is very obvious every time that she sees them how extremely hard they are working. The only down time they take is on their P-Days. We couldn't be more proud of Brandon and know that he's out there due to the wonderful support, love, and prayers from friends and family. Thank you all for everything you have done. Last, but definitely not least, just to show that Brandon has not lost his sense of humor, or that crazy personality we all know and love...I have included the following picture:


Yes...you are in fact seeing this right. Parked out on the street is the GHOSTBUSTERS car!! He thought this was really funny and had to take a picture to send. I know the picture is kind of small and it's hard to read but on the side of the car above the front wheel well it says "We Believe You" and gives their phone number. Pretty funny! Once again, thanks to everyone for your love, support and prayers. They are much appreciated!










Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Transfers


Brandon received a transfer last Wednesday, and is now serving in Alton, Illinois. Alton is located about 25 miles North of St. Louis and has a population of approximately 30,000 people. The above picture is of the Alton Bridge over the Mississippi River.







Founded in 1837, Alton was the site of the final debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. Robert Wadlow, the world's tallest man, was born and raised in Alton. Legendary jazz musician Miles Davis was born in Alton. Alton is also considered one of the most haunted cities in America. Alton is home to the Jacoby Arts Center, the Alton Little Theater, the Alton's Children's Theater, three historic districts, the Alton Museum of History and Art, the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument, the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, the Alton Marina, the Alton Amphitheater, the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway, and a variety of other educational and recreational institutions. 

Brandon's new companion is Elder Pratt who is from Ogden, Utah. Elder Pratt has been on his mission for about 15 months, and is still really loving the work. Brandon is enjoying having Elder Pratt as his new companion, and really loves the area and the people.

Brandon is sending pictures for us to post and they should be here soon- I will keep you all updated!!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

In The Mission Field



Brandon and his first companion in the field, Elder Tui. Elder Tui is from Hawaii. They request Spam and Peanut Butter Cups. Brandon loves having Elder Tui as a companion. They are great friends. Elder Tui has strengthened his testimony and helped him learn the lessons. He has been a great inspiration to Brandon.


This is Elder Eshiet. He is from Nigeria, Africa. He is one of the other Elders that live in the apartments with Brandon and Elder Tui. They get along very well. Elder Eshiet wrote an email saying how much he's seen Brandon grow just in the short time they have known each other. 

The next few pictures are pictures of Brandon and Elder Tui-They are a little bit crazy. :) 







Brandon is having a great time in the mission field. He loves the people of St. Louis, and appreciates the opportunity to serve his Heavenly Father. He bears his testimony of the truth of the gospel often. He wanted us to tell everyone how much he appreciates their support and love as he has embarked on the new experience of a mission. He loves his Heavenly Father and knows that what he is doing is right.

At the Missionary Training Center (MTC)

Brandon and his companion Elder Thomas at the MTC sign.

Brandon and other Elders in his district at the Provo Temple after a session on their P-Day

Brandon and the Elders in his district at the MTC.

Brandon with one of his teachers during his time at the MTC.

Brandon's Name Tag.

On The Way To The MTC

This is the drive on the way to the MTC. Brandon was really really nervous and Jade was already missing him. She slept on him pretty much the whole way down to the MTC.

On the way to the MTC we stopped at Uncle Max and Aunt Lil's house so Brandon could say goodbye. He loves his Uncle Max and Aunt Lil and it was really hard for him to say goodbye.  

This is our family at Uncle Max and Aunt Lil's house about 20 minutes before we dropped Brandon off at the MTC.

 
This is Mom, Brandon and Dad at the park across the street from the MTC. Saying goodbye was hard. The feeling was best described as "the most painful joy". 

I Love To See The Temple...

The is the front of the Rexburg temple. The Rexburg temple is where Brandon took out his endowments. There were a lot of family members from both sides of the family there. It was a very spiritual day, and we were all really proud of Brandon!!

This is Brandon and Grandma Stewart outside the temple after the session.


Dad, Brandon and Mom after the session at the temple.

Aunt Linda, Uncle Bill, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Moe, Brandon, Mom and Dad
This is everyone who showed up on mom's side of the family. Thanks to everyone who came!!
-Michael, Dad, Mom, Jade, Brandon-
In front of the Rexburg temple.

Brandon Gets His Mission Call

                                                        

The day Brandon received his mission call. Grandma Stewart and Grandma and Grandpa Jackson came to watch him open it!!

Brandon opening his mission call......


Brandon reads where he's going...Missouri, St. Louis Mission. His report date was May 12, 2010.