Oct 29, 2012

Hey Family,

        I loved the package you sent to me, my com family is jealous I am getting so many. Everyone here is treating me really well. I hope I can stay in this area for a long time. When I go on exchanges all of the areas are a lot more ghetto. I love all of the families in this ward. Also, most of them are going to school so they are really young. My favorite family are the Wolfs. I only said that because they go on the missionary blog and read my letters but I do feel really close to them. I love going over there for dinner. I get fed so much here, on top of all of the food you send me! I talk about all of you (family) all the time and how blessed I am to be in this wonderful family. I can't wait to call for Christmas.
       So if you haven't heard, they are building a temple here. I was able to watch the ground breaking. It is a really cool ceremony.
      Can you send me the address to the home ward? So I can write them a letter. I think it's about time I should. I'm kidda bummed, I don't get to go to the temple cause I don't have one close to me and the Indianapolis temple will be done in 2 years. So it might be done before I leave!
      So far I have taught 163 lesson. Which is a lot in this mission for the amount of time I have been out. So about 163 lessons for 70 days . My companion and I fight sometimes in fact there are some pictures of it in this letter. this is what happens when 2 missionaries who hold the priesthood fight. The picture of me kneeling in the field; We were trying to find a short cut and I stopped and looked around and I was surrounded by poison ivy. So i found out it doesn't effect me. Well I got to go now. I love you all.

First Apartment

 Room

 Kitchen

 Studying

Zone

Leaving on a Jet plane

 Elder Briggs and Sister Allen

 Arriving in Indiana!

 Mission home

Handsome Elder Briggs in front of the Mission Home.

MTC

 It's  official! ELDER BRIGGS for the next 2 years

 Roommates in the MTC

 This guy was sleeping. Elder Briggs tried to snap a shoot of it and the Elder opened his eyes right as he took the picture.

 Ties

MTC teacher Brother Blair

A.J With the Mission President and his wife

Letter from Mission President to Parents

Dear Brother and Sister Briggs,

      You son, Elder Andrew James Briggs, arrived safely in Indiana. It was a pleasure to meet and welcome him to the mission. He has a solid testimony of the gospel and is excited to be doing the Lord's work. Sister Collins and I look forward to serving with your son during this special time in this life.

      I know Elder Briggs will appreciate letters from home, but I discourage phone calls or visits except for emergency situations, and with prior coordination with me. I recommend that you send all mail and packages to your son's apartment address. Due to postal regulations, packages cannot be forwarded unless they are Priority or First class mail.

      Sister Collins and I will love, care for and watch over Elder Briggs as if he were our own son. Thank you for the love and support you have given, and will give him on his mission.

Sincerely,
Kent Collins
Mission President

Last Letter from the MTC

Dear Family,
     
      I have been doing so well here and my investigators are going smooth! My teacher says, "I'm doing a lot better than he was when he got into the mission field. I am feeling the spirit like crazy and I am sleeping so much better than I was at home........Anyway I miss you all and honestly I miss you too Austin even though we had our problems but I still miss you buddy. I will be calling you guys on the 21st (August) cause they say I can call family before I get on the my flight so I am very excited for that. I love you all so much and love getting your letters and packages. Can you also send me a picture of Bear (the dog) I would appreciate it. Can't wait to hear from you all I will send pictures soon.

Letter to Teresa

(Thought I would share this letter)

I am doing good here, sorry if this is short i dont have much time but i love you all and things are going great alot better than before I'm  not homesick anymore and my mind is where its suppose to be, you are in my prayers!

WHAT A DIFFERENCE ONE WEEK MAKES! He sounds great.