Elder David Bradshaw

The Homecoming

2011-08-23T16:43:00.001-07:00

The food

The gathering

Nick Rasmussen

Sam Villareal

David and Ben Willson

Friends from highschool

Welcome home Elder Bradshaw . . . . .

Returning Home

2011-08-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

The wait

The wait is over!

We returned to where we said good by two years ago - IHOP

David and his brothers

David's oldest sister couldn't come to the airport so she and her family met us at home.

David meeting and holding baby Delilah for the first time.

Hazel missed Uncle D

Last e mail . . . . .

2011-07-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Family,

Well this will be the last e mail I send before I come home. That's super weird. We just had zone conference yesterday in Odessa to meet the new mission president, President Augustine. He is really cool. Very excited to meet him. Shortly after leaving Odessa we got a call from him informing me about Grandma. I got to call dad, and talk to him for just a bit. But all I could think of was how grateful I am for the gospel in my life. I knew Grandma was being reunited with her family. And we will see her again. I felt peace the whole way home.

Today I have to pack up my bike and get it ready to send home, so I am spending today to pack just a bit. I'm glad to be done with my bike. I never crashed on it once. It's done good to me. We have been working hard, its been cooling down a bit here. But still haven't found anyone to teach. Laura and Charlie and doing great. Charlie's mom is coming into town, so we will be able to meet her. Their baby Vincent is being blessed and I will miss it. I have loved getting to know them and becoming their friends. The people I have met out here have changed my life. I have loved my mission so much. I'm grateful for the chance I have had to serve my Heavenly Father here in West Texas. No matter how hot it gets......(come on 118 degrees!!) I'm looking forward to seeing yall on Wednesday. Take Care.

Love, Elder David William Bradshaw

"The Odessa zone with President Augustine"

"pump jacks in town"

One more week in the mission field

2011-07-06T23:53:00.001-07:00

"my district"

Hola Familia

How is everyone doing? Things here have been good. We have been out of town alot of his week. We went to District meeting down in Ft Stockton, then drove to Alpine TX for an exchange there. We blitzed the town. It was alot of fun. Then the next morning we drove back to Ft Stockton and did an exchange there. So, we just got back to Monahans last night. I am very tired now. We are teaching a part members grandson right now. We just got back from a lesson with them at the church. His getting baptized on the 23rd with his step grandpa. The elders in Pecos have been teaching the grandpa but they just moved up here. So things are going good. It's so weird, I'm coming home soon. I will only be emailing one more time after this. Then I will be getting ready to leave. So if anything exciting happens.... Ill just tell you in person. Well I hope all is well back home. Take care.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

"another hot day....."

"driving to Ft Stockton"

2011-06-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Family

Well we had a baptism on Saturday. Laura was baptized. Elder Cahoon baptized her then I confirmed her on Sunday in Sacrament meeting. It was really cool. Alot of the members have been out of town so there wasn't a huge turnout for the baptism, but it went well. But now we are back to not having anyone to teach. It kinda sucks. We are knocking on alot of doors and talking to people outside. One guy told us, "Jesus, is going to turn you into Mexicans out in this sun!" It was funny. But right now we are just trying our best to find people. We just had a new family move into Kermit, they are from St. George UT they seem pretty cool. Well, I hope all is well back home.

Love Elder Bradshaw

2011-06-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Family

This week has been ok. It's been really hot lately! About 109. My tires are sticking to the road.... We can make footprints in the road. But we drink lots of water. Asking for water has been a great way to get in doors lately. I guess we look really hot and pathetic. We are still teaching Laura. We are seeing her tonight at the Branch Presidents house. She is pretty much all ready for her baptism. She has asked Elder Cahoon to Baptize her (she said because he is a Canadian) and I am confirming her. They are doing great. I saw President and Sister Robison for the last time yesterday for interviews. It was really sad to say goodbye. Luckily they live pretty close to home. Ill have President Augustin for about a week and and half, so not too long. But other than that nothing too new. Talk to y'all soon.

Love Elder Bradshaw

"me and my Canadian"

"cooking in the car"

"my new belt buckle"

2011-06-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

Hola Family!
This week has been really good,we aren't teaching a ton of people right now. We knock on doors all day. It has been so hot lately. Yesterday was 106 degrees. But I have not been sun burned once. I guess sunblock really works. . . .

So, a little ray of sunshine we have right now is the R family. (they actually just walked into the library) Last pday we went out and tried some of the people I taught while I was here the first time. We tried a guy named Chip. He no longer lived there, but the guy that answered just said, "Oh hey guys, come on in." that doesn't happen often. Turns out he is a member from California, fell away about 5 years ago, joined the army and now works for a prison in Monahans. They have only lived here for about 2 months. His wife is not a member, pregnant and is preparing to be baptized on the 18th of this month. They came to church last week and really liked it. She went to culinary school and is an amazing cook. We are going there for dinner tonight and a lesson. I'm really excited for them, and so are the members. but other than them just alot of potentials and rejections. but we are sticking with it. Take care.

Love David William Bradshaw

PS. Please pray for rain in Monahans . . . . or at least a fetchin cloud!!!!!

"water tower in Monahans, TX"

"water tower in Kermit, TX"

David will be released on July 13th. His homecoming will be July 17th, for more information on time and place check David's facebook page

Back in Monahans

2011-06-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hola Family!

Well I'm back in Monahans right now. It is feakin weird being back. I got in yesterday about 3:00, unpacked a bit, put my bike together and we were off. We visited a few of the members. They all looked at me with a weird look for a while and said I know you from somewhere. Most of them didn't really remember me. I was only here for 6 weeks and I didn't talk much. Bro Rasband was a guy that I apparently left a huge impression on. he was so excited when we knoced on his door and he saw me. I was funny.

It sound like you guys are getting alot of rain. I haven't seen rain in. . . . . I can't remember the last time I saw rain. We are in a bad drought right now. Its bad. It is really hot here. I might have to buy sunblock, but we'll see. (just kidding mom) but things are good. Just hangin out with Elder Cahoon again. It's great.

Take care,
Elder Bradshaw

"Lego missionaries"

"Bro. Bludorn made fun of me almost everytime I saw him. . . . . see my angry face"

Last Area . . . .

2011-06-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Family,

This week has been pretty good, we have been helping out with getting transfers ready next week. We just got back from the temple this morning. I love the Lubbock Temple. Well I found out where I will be spending my last 6 weeks. But before I tell you, I want to tell you what Chris put in the front of my Journal. He put a quote from TS Eliot that says "We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all of our exploring will be to arrive where we started, and know the place for the first time." so having said that, I am arriving where I started almost 2 years ago, Monahans, Texas. I am super stoked. I will be serving with, believe it or not , my second born son again. Elder Cahoon the Canadian, He will be my last companion. I will be a district leader over one of the largest districts in the mission. My area, 3 other companionships and a senior couple. I leave on Wednesday morning. I am very excited to start this part of my mission and finish it off great.

Love Elder Bradshaw

PS as of next week my pday will be on Thursdays again. Just so ya know.

"My current district"

"we went to Texas Roadhouse for my b-day. They made me ride a saddle and let the whole place know it was my birthday and had them all yell YEEEEEHAAAAA! (I look fat, but I was just stuffing my cheeks to alarming levels with steak.)"

"your package was very messy. thanks for the gifts. I loved it:)"

2011-05-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody,

This week has been crazy! Last Sunday we got a call from Josh and Holly. Josh got a job in LA and has to move this week. So, that sucked. Mary and Adam told Cass they no longer wanted to come to church or meet with us. That also sucks. So, our teaching pool has shrunk just a bit. But its all good. We taught a member's friend. She is a single mom, works full time, goes to school full time and raises 2 kids. She is super busy. but she has read the Book Mormon twice and wants to learn more. She is coming to church tomorrow. We are pretty excited about that. We went to more Zone Conferences this week. I am so sick of traveling. But we are all done now. We are also teaching a lady and her son. We are teaching alot of single moms right now. But we are doing well. So today is supposed to be the return of Christ according to all the bill boards, so because of that I will be opening my birthday package today, instead of tomorrow, just on the off chance we are not longer here. I don't think we have any big plans for my birthday. I think we are going to Texas Roadhouse today for dinner. I feel like treating myself. But nothing too big. Thanks for all the birthday wishes. take care.

Love Elder Bradshaw

"the sisters stole my picture and copied it. Ours is still better."

"Josh and Holly in front of the Lubbock Temple"

Happy 21st Birthday!

2011-05-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is a black eye mixed in with the spaghetti

Happy 21st Birthday

Elder Bradshaw!!

(David's birthday is actually the 22nd but we are posting this early so he can see it on his P day)

Zone Conferences!

2011-05-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hola Family!

It was good to talk to y'all on Sunday! Sounds like things are going great back home. I heard you got my travel info. Yes, I was the one to send that out to you. I tried to throw it away, but I wasn't allowed. So this week has been really super duper busy! We have been traveling all over the mission for Zone Conference. We have been traveling in a car almost every day since last Saturday. But I love getting to see all of my buddies around the mission. We jut got back about a half hour ago form Seminole picking up a missionary. I have been driving so much! On the way home from Roswell on Wednesday we got a flat tire on the van so we had to fix that. It was an adventure. We are getting ready to leave again next week for more Zone Conferences in Midland and Abilene. But, other than that not much has changed since I last talked to you.I hope all is going well with everyone there. Take care.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

"The reason it looks like this is because all of the wild fires throughout our mission"

"me and Wittwer"

"all the sisters in the mission"

"Leadership training"

Time in the office coming to an end

2011-05-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Family 5/7

Things here are going good. Ill probably keep this short since I'll be talking to you tomorrow. It's been super busy here lately. I'm making the newsletter and a slide show for the zone conferences coming up. Our mission baptized 50 people last month. The most the mission has ever seen since it started. So I am making a slide show of all the baptism pictures. We are going to pick up my replacement today down in Odessa, TX, a 4 hour drive down there, stay the night then drive home tomorrow morning. We are taking our truck we just got yesterday. I love it. Well, take care. Talk to you tomorrow.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

"My replacement is Elder Wittwer. And for those of you who don't remember who that is, I trained him a little over a year ago in San Angelo. So now I get to train him again. So I'm super stoked."

Hello Family, 4/30

This week has been pretty good. Nothing too exciting. Our teaching pool has slimmed down a little, but we are working at it. President Robinson gave us a referral a few days ago. So we are pretty excited about that. We have been doing alot of knocking of the doors. We are working with this lady who is trying to become active. She is super cool. She has a 4 year old son. He is hilarious! we got out of our car the other day and the first word out of his mouth is, BRADSHAW! he usually struggles with my name but this time he remembered it. But things are going really good.

For Mother's Day, I will probably call home around 6:00 Utah time. So, expect a call from me around that time. We are going to pick up my replacement on that day as well so he will be with us. Well I hope you are all doing well.. Take care.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

Random pictures from David's last memory card

More from Elder Bradshaw

2011-04-29T17:50:00.001-07:00

Hello family,

We just got back from playing disc golf, that's why my email is so late. It is really nice outside right now. A little windy but not bad. So Cass' baptism went super well!! So a couple cool stories. We combined the baptism with another ward that was having a baptism and the guy baptising Cass is there and he sees the guy baptizing the other person (who flew in from California) and he recognized him. Long story short they were mission companions back on their missions now baptizing together again. It was super cool. Also Cass' daughter Mary came to the baptism and we set up an appointment with her for earlier this week. We went and taught her with Cass and set a baptismal date for May 7th . She is excited. Then last night we went back and taught her 18 year old son and set a date with him for May 7th as well. So alot of really good things are happening. I'm super stoked. We are teaching some other whole families as well - a couple with their 9 year old son. Another couple with their 5 kids are coming to church on Sunday. And a couple from china. (they have no Christan background which makes it a challenge to teach, Dad if Taiwan was like that if you could give some pointers that would be great). Almost everyone we are teaching are whole families. I love it. As well I found out that I will still be here until the end of May. My replacement will come in after Mother's Day. Ill tell you who it is when he comes. I know who it is but I want to surprise you!:))

Love Elder Bradshaw

The mission secretary asked me a few days ago which airport I want to fly into. You will probably get my flight info soon.....

The mission secretary called our home the other day saying David needed more contacts. She told me that when she asked what airport, he wouldn't tell her because he didn't want to come home. I didn't know if I should be offended or proud.

Hello Family

This week has been pretty uneventful. We had transfers on Monday and Tuesday so that kept us super busy. It was a very quite group that came in. Maybe they were just tired from getting up at 3 in the morning. After all transfers were done, we went back to our normal work. We are still teaching Mary and her son Adam. I was texting Adam for a while yesterday. He is a pretty cool kid. And, we are teaching the couple from China.We got them some Chinese Book of Mormons. We are seeing them later today so we will see how they are doing. One of our investigators looked up anti for the second time and dropped us yesterday. But we are still trucking along. We will go get my replacement on Mother's Day and be back for church, then probably call you guys after that some time. When are you all going to be in the same house? Just so we can plan it out. Just let me know.

Love,Elder Bradshaw

"Cass' Baptism"

"Our district"

"our disc golf adventure"

"Me and Stoker at the Mission Home"

"Leading the TLM"

April 9th

2011-04-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hola family

How is everyone doing? Did everyone like conference? I thought it was really good! Cass came to the priesthood session and loved it. He came to the Sunday morning session and was interviewed for baptism after thatHe is all ready to go at 4:00 today. I'm super stocked. He has asked a member to baptize him and me to confirm him the following day. We taught him one last time last night, he is really excited.

So, some new news is that I will most likely be leaving the office a lot earlier than planned. President may be bringing in my replacement in a week, which means I will leave in the middle of next transfer to my last and final area, not sure where it is yet. But, I should leave probably the day ofter Mother's Day. So, I'll call you then be off to a new place. Other than that nothing else is really new.

Well take care

Love, Elder Bradshaw

"Brother Ray showing Cass (man on the left) the temple"

Lubbock Temple

More from Elder Bradshaw

2011-04-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Family 3/26

Man this week has been super crazy. We have been really busy with appointments all week? We are teaching alot of really good people. We had a church tour with a couple a few days ago. They really liked it. They will be bringing their five kids with them on Sunday. We are still teaching Cass, he is meeting with President today. We knocked on this door and the lady opened it and got this big excited grin on her face and said, "you found me!" she was taught by missionaries a long time ago and was trying to get ahold of missionaries again just a few days prior to our visit. We are teaching her and she will be at church tomorrow. So, that was way cool. . . .

Well, that's all that is really going on. Elder Christopherson will leave the day after conference for his new area. And, I found out I will leave the office at the end of May. Just so you know.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

Hello Family! 3/31

This week has been alright. Not a ton has happened. Last week Cass came to a baptism and met with President and he is all ready to go on the 9th. He is very excited. We have had some members go over throughout the week and read the Book of Mormon with him. He will be interviewed on Saturday after a session of General Conference. We are super stoked. Right now he is the only person really actively working towards baptism, the rest we are still working with. But, other than that not a ton is going on. Elder Christoperson will leave on Monday so then it will only be me and Elder stoker for 5 weeks until my replacement comes in to the office. Well hope you all enjoy General Conference.

Love Elder Bradshaw

Sam and David's sisters and niece

"I'm glad you guys met Sam Villarreal. He is the best. In the office we are allowed to call returned missionaries so me and Sam keep in good contact. (it's super weird calling him Sam)

Sam and baby Delilah

videos

2011-04-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

"hey, I don't know if you ever look at these websites or not but here are some really cool videos" http://lds.org/youth/video/kyiv-ukraine-temple-cultural-celebration?lang=eng http://lds.org/youth/video/gila-valley-temple-celebration?lang=eng

More from Lubbock

2011-03-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Family!!!
How the heck are ya doing? Things here are going pretty good. It's been a pretty busy week. Earlier this week we had a missionary that was serving in Argentina get re-assigned to our mission and he stayed a night with us. He is from Bountiful, UT and knows Michael Bradshaw. Kinda crazy. Michael is David's cousin who is serving a mission in Africa. The next day we had to drive to Hobbs to drop him off then back home. There is this less active lady that we are helping get back into the church. She said she feels unworthy to pray and she feels bad for things in her past. So, we talked about repentance and the part prayer has in that. She said she would pray that night and call us in the morning. She did and she seemed alot happier. She said lots of crying was involved. Then we saw a guy named Cass we have been teaching for a while. He is doing so good. He has changed so much! We talked about how to gain a testimony and the Word of Wisdom. He has a date for the 9th of April. (oh wow, lighting is striking right above us right now. it's super loud. Awesome!!!) We are still teaching the 13 year old. But other than that not a ton has been going on. It's good to hear things are good back home.
Love Elder Bradshaw

"Emergency phone call to the Prophet"

"Kati, you have gone to far!!"
David's sister drank one of his Black Cherry Shasta's and then returned the empty can to the box that was ready to send to Lubbock - with a note saying "it's even better when it's stolen"

"God Bless Texas"

"My current Companionship. Elder Christopherson and Elder Stoker"

Hello from Texas

2011-03-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Family,

This past week has been really good, like I said last week, we went to Carlsbad, NM and went to a baptism. We stopped and saw some people of course, like the Williamson's, they are the best. The Baptism went really well. I got to see alot of people I know. They all remembered me. I gave a talk at the baptism. It went really well. I was happy I was able to go. Then we spent the night there with some other missionaries. Then drove early in the morning back home. It was alot of fun.

Transfers was this week, so we were helping out with the greenies coming in. I did my little orientation on referrals and supplies. Then we ate alot of really good food. I haven't had to pay for a single meal this week. President and Sister Robison are the best! We stopped by at a burger place for lunch and they happened to be in the line as well, so they bought us lunch and and we spent some time with them.

So, Elder Christopherson is being released next transfer so he is training an elder to be the new vehicle guy. His name is Elder Stoker, so he is with us now. I love this guy. Elder Stoker is super humble and easy to get along with. So, he will be my companion next transfer as well.

We set the date with Cass last night for the 9th of April. So, we are stoked for that.And, we are teaching a 13 year old that was taught a while ago in Hobbs. He really likes the church, and loves to learn. So that's all this is really new right now. Hope all is well back home.

Love,

Elder Bradshaw

"Baptism of August Bowman"

"August and Chelsea Bowman with the Elders"

"I love Texas, so many churches....."

Matilda and Charlotte??

2011-03-11T19:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Family 2/26

How is everyone doing? Nothing too much has changed out here. It's really getting warmer, that's for sure. We had a cool experience with a lady named Cherri. She lives in our apartment complex. She had some missionaries a while ago help her move some stuff and she needed help again so she left a note on our door. We went over and helped her move some furniture into a storage unit. She was having financial problems and was having to move out. She was crying as we were helping her and when we were done she was just weeping and hugging us. We had a prayer with her and went on our way. But the next day she gave us a call again and asked for one more favor. We helped her move one more thing and while we were doing that she started asking questions about the church. . . well we all know where that led. . . .we left her with a Book of Mormon and she was very excited to read it. It was really cool. The only thing is now, we aren't sure where she is living so we don't know which missionaries would teach her. But, it was a neat experience.

Also, as a side note, my comp Elder Christopherson is next to me reading his emails and he is yelling "fetch" alot and really loud. He just read how his little sister is engaged. He hasn't even met the guy yet. He is very upset.

We are still working hard. Transfers are coming up soon so the office will get very busy. There have been some car accidents around the mission sowe had to give up our car. We have been driving the big van, Matilda. And, guess who who has been driving, that's right, Elder Bradshaw.

But, other than that nothing too exciting.

Take care

Love, Elder Bradshaw

Hello Family! 3/5

This week has been going great! We are teaching a few really good people. We found a lady name D. (just wants us to call her D) She has had sister missionaries before. We had a really powerful lesson with her this week. She talked about how every time she gets down in her lowest and feels like she is losing faith (she is a single parent and works at a prison, so it gets at her alot) Mormons show up. Last time it was sister missionaries,then she met and started dating a Mormon guy, then we showed up on her doorstep. We told her, I think God is trying to tell you something. She is very willing to read the Book of Mormon. She really wants to change for the better and fill what she calls a void in her life. The only problem is her work schedule keeps her from coming to church. But we are seeing her again on Wednesday so we will work it out. We also found out one of our investigators is a crack addict. She is 60 years old and still dealing with it. I've never taught anyone on crack!! I don't know what to do quite yet. Her and her little granddaughter came to church last Sunday, and me and Elder Christopherosn sat behind her and kept her entertained the whole time. (5 year olds don't always think church is super exciting) she is super funny!

Today we are driving down to Carlsbad to see a kid (a family I got to know really well) get baptized. I'm really excited. We are going to try to visit some people too. It was really funny we aren't' going to be able to get back home til really late so we went to ask President if we could just spend the night in Carlsbad and come home Sunday morning. It seemed like I was asking my parents if I could have a sleep over with my friends. But, he said yes. So we will be in Carlsbad all day today. We got a new car so we don't have to drive the massive van anymore. It's a red Ford Fusion, named Charlotte. I love driving it. Well take care.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

One more funny story I forgot to tell. Elder Robinson who was with us for a little while needed new shoes so the mission secretary called his mom to tell her to send them. She came in to Elder Christopherson and for some reason said she was on the phone with "Elder Bradshaw's" mom and asked if there was anything else he would want. Elder Christopherosn knows my love for Shasta and said I would love some Shasta. But, she was really talking to Elder Robinson's mom, so when he got his package of shoes he also got a 12 pack of Black Cherry Shasta. I was so happy when he opened it. But sadly we are outnow.....I sure wish I had more Shasta...... No worries, more Black Cherry Shasta is on its way to Lubbock

"Elder Robinson was with us for about 3 weeks for doctor's appointments and sadly he had to go home to see more doctors. But, we loved having him with us. He kept me laughing constantly"

"My beloved chicken nuggets and Black Cherry Shasta!!!"

"My District as of now"

"I love notes like these"

"More Sunsets"

"People here spray paint their grass green"

"Matilda"

Zone Conferences!

2011-02-25T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hello Family! (2/12)

The past couple days have been nuts! Monday night we drove up to Amarillo in the van and stayed the night with some missionaries there. Then had Zone Conference there the next day. Elder Christopherson and I had to inspect the cars during the conference. At that time the weather was not so good. The windchill was about -20 degrees. It was terrible. But we got it done. We were supposed to go to Roswell right after that but the weather got bad so we headed home to Lubbock. We had Lubbock Zone Conference on Thursday then drove up to Roswell that night for their ZC the next morning. It was a lot of fun. We did the cars there too but the weather was much warmer. Tomorrow its supposed to be almost 70 degrees. That's what I love about Texas. It can be -25 one week then get up to 70 degrees. It's great! So, we have been kept very busy lately. We are going to two more ZC next week . one in Odessa and one in the great city of San Angelo.

We are teaching a few people. We are teaching a couple. They are doing really well. We taught them the Plan of Salvation, I used these little flash cards I made to teach it. And the whole time Tanya was taking notes and drawing pictures. She knew the Plan of Salvation like the back of her hand. It was awesome! I hope all is well back home. Take care.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

Hello Family! (2/19)

This week has been really good. We have been traveling alot!!! We just finished up the rest of the zone conferences. We were in San Angelo Monday night and we went and saw a few old members that I knew. Then had zone conference on Tuesday. After that we drove to Midland and had Zone conference there on Wednesday. On the way back President called and invited us for dinner that night. So, we ate with them at a place called Market Street. They have an amazing Deli. we have an Elder with us that is here for Doctor appointments. So, we have some help to get caught up with office work. But, thing are still going good. Staying busy.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

"Family Photo (my two boys, Elder Wittwer and Elder Cahoon)

"Elder Durfey + Elder Keepman (MTC Companions)

"we found this on a door. I just love the bald guy with Shampoo being given him"

"TLM Longhorns"

"Waffle Grilled Cheese Sandwiches"

Testimony

2011-02-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

"The past little while here on my mission has been pretty stressful, being in the mission office is a very different experience. I have truly grown to value my time to go out and teach the people here. We have very little time in the day to go out and work. And, its hard because I feel like I really know what I'm doing now and how it do it effectively. But, with the time I do have we do our best to make the most of it. I realize how deep of a desire I have now to share this gospel with everyone around me. Since I have been out I have felt the true love of my Savior. And, most importantly I have seen others feel that unconditional love from their Savior. I know that the Atonement is real and that Jesus Christ lives. I know that those that live his gospel, that was restored through Joseph Smith, can feel closer to their Father in Heaven. I am so grateful that we have a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson leading us. A few weeks ago I was really sick and I was stuck at the Zone Leaders house (they live with a member). They happen to have a projector in their basement so I was watching church movies all day. I stuck in a documentary on President Gordon B. Hinckley and I felt the spirit very strongly that this man was a prophet of God. I even started crying (don't make fun of me, real men cry). I remember watching his funeral on TV when he died and looking over at my mom and seeing her crying and I realized the testimony my mom had of living prophets. I know that what I am doing is right. That I am helping people grow spiritually. I love this gospel so much and I'm so thankful for the opportunity I have to share it with those in West Texas. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

Love, Elder Bradshaw"

More from the mission office

2011-02-09T21:37:00.000-08:00

Hello Family! (January 29th)

How is everyone doing? Things here are great! We just had transfers this past week so it has been really busy!! We had dinner with the greenies the night they came in. They are a really good group. We did part of the orientation. Then the next day went to lin's with them for lunch and sent some of them off on the bus. Wednesday night we got to have dinner with the departing missionaries and President. President made steaks. It was alot of fun? We get to spend alot of time with President and Sister Robison. Its great! We also started working in our new area. We haven't had a ton of luck lately. It gets dark pretty early here so we can't really go knocking on doors that late. We taught a couple last night. They have alot of struggles and really need the gospel. We are going back tonight. Well I hope all is well back home. Take care Y'all. (Ha, you like that)

Elder David Bradshaw

Hola Family!! (February 5th)

This week has been absolutely crazy!!! So Tuesday the whole mission got hit with this huge snow storm! In Lubbock we got about 2-3 inches of snow. A whopping high of 19 degrees for 2 days straight. A low of about 2 degrees. But the windchill was the best part.....-25 degrees!!! Beat that Utah! y'all thought that it didn't get cold in Texas, but it gets very cold. So, because of the weather, the whole mission got parked. (can't drive or go out working) we still got to go to the office and work, which was nice because we just got to watch videos on Mormon.org. it was fun. The second night we were parked we went to start our car and it wouldn't start. So, we got a ride from a senior missionary that works in the office with us. Turns out our battery had frozen solid. We got that fixed though.

Thursday night we had a missionary with us that came back out (he had to go home for surgery) we had to drive him to his new area. Which happened to be the wonderful town of Carlsbad (an old area). I drove the truck down to Carlsbad. 3 hour drive. We stopped and saw a guy named Paul Estrada. A guy I taught while I was there. He is doing very well. We dropped off the missionary then headed back home to Lubbock. We had to stop in another wonderful town, Hobbs (another old area) and grab a bike from them. So I got to go through 2 old area yesterday, and I drove all 6 hours. The other Elders fell asleep on the way there, I felt like dad going on vacation. It was weird.

Its starting to warm up now. We just got done fixing a flat tire. My hands are numb. But things are going really good. very busy. I am in charge of making the TLM newsletter so I've been working on that this week. It looks pretty good. Well I hope all is well back home Take care.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

ps. I've almost hit my 19 month mark! That's nuts!!!!

"our awesome roads after the snow storm"

"Me and Elder Christopherson"

"Me and my desk"

2011 edition of getting to know your family and friends

2011-02-09T18:47:00.000-08:00

David's sister Jessica sent this to him and this was his response:

What color are your socks right now? black

What are you listening to right now? "The Worth of Souls"

What was the last thing you ate? Cinnamon toast crunch

Can you drive a stick shift? Nope

Last person you spoke to on the phone? Elder Jensen

Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes

How old are you today? 20

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Don't watch sports

What is your favorite drink? Milk

Have you ever dyed your hair? Nope

Favorite Food? Brisket

What is the last movie you watched? "Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration"

Favorite day of the year? Christmas because I get to call home

How do you vent anger? Listen to calm piano music

What was your favorite toy as a child? Power Rangers

What is your favorite season? Summer

Cherries or Blueberries? Strawberries

Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Oh you have no idea!

Who is least likely to respond? Daniel (David's little brother)

Living situation? I live with Elder Christopherson, but it changes every six weeks

When was the last time you cried? When I said good bye to my family

What is on the floor of your closet right now? luggage

Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? My mom

What did you do last night? Followed up with my Districts and went to bed

What are you most afraid of? Not getting letters in the mail

Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Green chili cheese burgers

Favorite dog breed? I'll tell you what my least favorite is.....Pit bulls

Favorite day of the week? Saturday (P-day)

How many states have you lived in? three

Diamonds or pearls? plastic

Human Becoming

2011-02-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

"I found this quote and liked it":

Human Becoming

"Every Human being can profitably think of himself as a "human Becoming". That is, what everyone will someday be, he is now becoming. Very early we determine a direction for our lives which frequently continues on unchanged.

The Lord says that the Celestial "Excel in all things". The Celestial excels the Telestial as the brightness of our sun excels the tiny twinkle of the stars. A Celestial personage is more beautiful, more glorious, more intelligent and more happy. But the decision determining that future is not in the future; it is in the present, and it will very soon be in the past. How bitterly we may then regret that we did not understand our roles as human becomings.

If one wants to be a good student in college, he had better try being a good student in high school. If he wants to be a great soul in heaven, he had better be a great soul here, for whatever he will someday be, he is now becoming. Silently and imperceptibly we grow into our destiny. The final judgment is not the time when our future is determined. The judgment only discloses to us what we have become.

In dreadful reality, every day is judgement day; and as part of eternity, each day must bear its full load of responsibility. One of the greatest truths of the world is that the future is now. May God help us to make the most of it."

--Sterling W. Sill

More from Lubbock

2011-01-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Family!

Looks like you guys had fun up at the cabin. It looked cold! It's been pretty nice here, a little windy but not too bad. So, this week has been pretty good. . . . We found out we are being moved out of the ward we are currently serving in, the Shadow Hills Ward. We are being moved to the Heritage Ward, East side. . . . being in the office means we only work in the evenings. So, this should be a freakin blast! So, the end of the transfer is tomorrow. Then Elder Whitlock leaves and I'm doing my job on my own. We found out yesterday we are going to ALL of the Zone Conferences next transfers to inspect all the cars and what not. So, me and Elder Christopherson get to tour the whole mission in the van in mid-February. I'm super stoked. I also got my District Leader call again. I'm over a set of sisters and a set of Elders. I'm pretty excited. Well I hope all is well back home. Take care.

Love,

Elder Bradshaw

"I look at this every morning"

"We had our baptism last week. Gabi Davis was her name. We are hoping to teach her older sister too but she is a little more nervous."

Lubbock Temple

Serving in Lubbock

2011-01-21T16:48:00.000-08:00

1/8/11
Hola Familia,

How the heck is everyone!! Things here are going great!! We have been working hard here in Lubbock. We have a baptism at 4:30 today for a little girl. So we are super stoked for that. We have found alot of really cool people this past week. We have gotten fed every night this week. We got 2 dinners in a row, two nights in a row! I felt sick. I don't know how I did it. Yesterday we made a trip to Roswell to pick up a missionary that is going home. So it was a nice 3 hour drive in the party van to Roswell then 3 hours back. It took up most of our day. I'm learning the ways of the office. I was by myself a few days ago. So, I'm getting it down. Things are going really good. I'm loving it in Lubbock. There is alot to do here. Well, take care.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

"road trip to Roswell. (Elder Whitlock and Elder Christopherson)"

"to our great surprise, we saw a freakin Mountain!!!"

"I just really like this picture"

New Assignment

2011-01-09T11:33:00.001-08:00

text received New Year's Eve
"Hello sister Bradshaw. My name is Ben and I live in Hobbs NM where your son is currently serving. We really enjoy having him here. Sadly his time is Hobbs will come to an end Sunday. He wanted to have me let you know to send all mail through the mission office address"

letter dated 1/1
Hey Family!

Happy New Year!! So how is everyone? You should have gotten a text last night from a member letting you know I'm getting transferred to Lubbock tomorrow! I'll be in the office over referrals ans supplies. I'll get to be serving with Elder Christopherson. He come out with me.
So a few things have changed, you can now just send all mail and packages to the mission office.
I'll be there almost every day so unless I give you our apartment address, just send it there. Also, office Elder's p-day is on Saturdays. So, I won't be emailing on Thursday this week. It will be on Saturday.
I have to go in to get trained, this is why I'm going in half way through the transfer. I'm pretty excited, I get to go pick up the greenies when they get off the plane each transfer. Well, just thought I would let you know what's happening. Take care

Love, Elder David Bradshaw

e mail from 1/8
Hello family!

So, I'm sure by now you have all found out I've been transferred. I got the call on New Years Eve from President Robison that he wanted me to come to the office. They had to train me for a while so that why it was in the middle of the transfer. I am now over the Referrals and Supplies. I make sure the media referrals from when people call the number on pass along cards or on the Internet get out to the missionaries, and I pull the orders that missionaries send in for supplies and I send them to them. I feel like I'm back at FECO pulling orders. I also do little odd jobs for President, like yesterday we had to make a power point presentation for a meeting he had. I'm basically the little grunt of the office doing all the little jobs. Now, I really feel like I'm back at FECO. So far its alot of fun. I'm serving with Elder Christopherson, the vehicle coordinator, and I'm replacing Elder Whitlock so he is with us til the end of the transfer. We also cover a really awesome ward. We have a baptism next weekend for a little girl. So, things are going great! Hope all is well back home.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

NEW ADDRESS....
so one of my other little jobs is I sort through the mail that gets sent here and I forward them to the missionaries though out the mission. So, you can send all my mail to the mission office and I'll get it first thing in the morning. Thanks

Elder David Bradshaw
5214 68th st. ste. 202
Lubbock, TX 79424

"my view from my desk at the office"

"we went to the temple this morning for our p-day"

"our baptism on Christmas"

Christmas in New Mexico

2011-01-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

"Hi Families!

My name is Julie Asay and our family had so much fun with your missionaries on Christmas day. After dinner my husband really needed help with some irrigation pipes and since we didn't want their suits ruined we rounded up work clothes and boots for them to use. They had a really good time and their help was greatly appreciated. I have attached several pictures of them that I thought you would enjoy.

Julie"

Hey Family,

Whats up! It was really good to talk to you guys on Christmas. I'm glad you all had a good Christmas. Things here are still going good. Nothing new has really happened. Me and Elder Miller were a little sick yesterday and stayed in, but now we are feeling better. I really don't have anything new to tell you guys. I wish I did. Well, I hope you all enjoyed your snow. It's still very nice here right now. Take care

Love, Elder Bradshaw

Christmas Adam - December 23rd

2011-01-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Family,
How is everyone doing? Things here are going great!! Things have gotten a little slow because of Christmas, but that's ok. We are still teaching Sara. We saw her last night. She is really busy with Christmas and her son just got out of a rehab. We are still having our baptism for Matt on Christmas day. Elder Miller is baptizing him and I will confirm his the next day. I'm stoked! WE are going to a Christmas party tomorrow night and the Williamson's form Carlsbad are going to be there. So, Ill get to see them again. We are going to dinner Christmas day with the Asey family, then we will come back and have our baptism at 5, then I will be calling you guys around six or six thirty. So keep the phone free :) Well take care and I'll talk to you on Saturday!

Merry Christmas Adam!!!

Love, Elder Bradshaw

December emails

2010-12-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hola Famillia, 12/9

How the heck is everyone? things here are great! This past week has been pretty good. We had our Christmas zone conference on Tuesday. It was alot of fun. I got to see alot of elders and sisters I have served with in the past. Like Elder Wittwer, my first son. He is doing good. I was in another singing group for it too. We sang Silent Night.

The teaching has been going really good. We saw Sara last night. She is doing really good. She got sick and we hadn't seen her in a while. She fed us some Mexican food. She loves to cook. Then we helped her rake her leaves, she had a ton. We asked her if she was coming to church this Sunday and she looked at us and said, "oh, I have to!!" She loved it last time. We also started teaching a couple. She is 16 and he is 19, and they have a one year old. We are having them over for a dinner on Friday with some members, the Tolmans. We were dropped by a family a few days ago. The daughter loved reading the Book of Mormon, but one day we were at the door talking to the daughter and the mom came up and said, we are not interested, don't come by anymore, then turned to the daughter and said, don't listen to this, just go to the church you like, and the daughter said, but like this! And, her mom said, you don't need this! Then shut the door. It sucked! I'm sure the daughter will join the church later in life. She is only 11.

Hello, Family 12/16

How is everyone doing! First of all I was not transferred, still in Hobbs, same address. But, Elder Potter was transferred to Lubbock. I now have Elder Miller. He is from Oregon. His MTC companion was Elder Cahoon, my second born son. He is pretty cool. We get along really well. I was also released as a district leader and Elder Kenyon, one of the Elders I live with was called. It's nice to have a break from leadership, just be a normal missionary. The work is going fantasticle!!! We haven't been able to see Sara in a while, she has been really sick. We started teaching a kid named Matt, he is the boyfriend of a member here. He is in the marines and just got back from Afghanistan. He is really sincere and wants to find God in his life. And, the best part is, we are going to have a "White" Christmas. Matt is being baptized on Christmas day!! I'm so stoked! It will probably be around 5 or 6 so most likely I'll call home after that. I'll know by next p day. So things are going good. Can't wait to call. Take care and Merry Christmas!!!

Love, Elder Bradshaw

by the way, it was 80 degrees yesterday......I was riding around in short sleeve shirt. haha, enjoy the cold!

"So true......"

"My new comp, Elder Miller"

Thanksgiving

2010-12-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Family!

First of all, sorry about not emailing last week. The place we e mail was closed for Thanksgiving season and we can't email at members houses so we just went without. Sorry about that mom. But I'm alive and ok, not in the hospital. Thanksgiving was great! We had a few invites but we were really only able to make it to one. We went to the Slacks and another family, the Bowlers were there too. Bro Slack is related to the Bradshaw that started Bradshaw Auto Parts and Brother Bowler lived in the neighborhood right across from Ivory Highlands off of 3200, went to West Jordan High. So, I was pretty much with family. Dinner was really good. It sounds like it has been pretty cold up there. Well, I'm down here enjoying 70 degree weather as I type this. HAHA, suckers! It's been really nice.

The work is going ok. It really slowed down around Thanksgiving and a little into this week. Alot of people out of town. But it will pick up. . . . We had a lady come to church on Sunday as well. She really liked it. We saw her last night and she had the flu. But, she said she really wants to come again. So, we are excited for her. We have zone conference coming up in Lubbock next week, Christmas party. It should be fun. . . . Well, next week is the last week of the transfer, I'm sure I'll stay, but not entirely sure. President is having my companionship move out of the house we are in, so we have been apartment hunting, its crazy how much I've learned about apartments from dad. I actually knew what they were talking about when they were showing us the places. It was funny. Not sure if you want to send gifts before or after the transfer. Maybe after, so they don't tempt me as long.....I will be sending you guys a package home hopefully today for Christmas. YOU CAN NOT OPEN IT UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!!! so please don't. Anywho, I hope all is well back home. Take care.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

"I had a nice big nail go right through my new double thick tires the other day. I took it into Walmart and they just exchanged it. So, that was nice. Freakin nails!!!"

"thanks for the band aids Carlye and Kati"

"On Sunday we had a second Thanksgiving dinner with our landlady Milla. She is the greatest."

"current district"

"ummm......."

Elder David Bradshaw

1520 N. San Andres Dr

Hobbs, NM 88240

(the mission home address)

Elder David Bradshaw

Texas Lubbock MIssion

Sentry III Plaza

5214 68th Street, Suite 202

Lubbock, TX 79424-1523

Visiting Carlsbad

2010-11-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Family,

How the heck is everyone? Things here are going fan-diddley-tastic! Sorry about the whole Pday on Wednesday thing last week. I had a training meeting in Lubbock. It went very well. I got to see old mission friends again. The work here is going really good still. We are teaching a member's friend. We taught him last night. He has read 10 chapters from the Book of Mormon. and he is coming to church this Sunday. So, I'm excited for that. We bashed with a guy that grew up in Utah, baptized when he was eight, then fell away completely. His whole hold up was the book of Abraham and how its not a direct translation. What made me mad was that he was using his grandmother's old Book of Mormon, that said, "I am a daughter of God"and he was using it to bash with us. I'm sure his grandma was turning in her grave. Dummy.

So, this past Tuesday we all went up to Carlsbad for a district meeting with the zone leaders and I stopped by and saw some people, like the Williamson's. They took us out to lunch after our meeting. But, you already knew that. It was really weird driving through an old area. I also saw the Bowman's, Chelsea and August, they are doing good as well. I miss Carlsbad alot. I hope I get to go there again soon.

Well, I hope all is going well back home.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

PS P day will be on Wednesday again next week because Thanksgiving is on Thursday. We have three invites already. I may explode.

"Elder Potter and I"

"our training meeting in Lubbock"

"a church in Carlsbad"

Lubbock Temple

Friends from Carlsbad

2010-11-17T12:32:00.001-08:00

"I just wanted to let you know that I got to see your son today and he is doing very good. My husband and I took him and his companion and another set of Elders out to lunch. He is now serving in Hobbs NM which incidentally is also where my parents live. So we will get to see him often. . . . We were really happy to see him again. We sure did miss him. Attached are some pics I took outside the restaurant we ate at. Have a great day."

-Priscilla Williamson

(the Williamson's were one of the families in Carlsbad NM that took such good care of the missionaries. In fact, David spent last Thanksgiving with them.)

Week of November 10th

2010-11-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
This past week has been really good. I had my first Sunday here in Hobbs. The ward is great! We have ALOT of active members here. It's alot of names to remember. And, they are really missionary minded which is good. I challenged the bishop here to a game of ping pong. He kicked my trash, he was very good. We are teaching a few really cool people. A girl who won't read the Book of Mormon, but we found out she likes to draw. So, I gave her a drawing assignment to read Lehi's dream, then draw it. She seemed very excited to do that. We just barely taught a lady. She has had a really hard life, but said she is looking for the truth. Most of our lesson today was answering all of her questions. She is very excited to read the Book of Mormon as well. Elder Potter and I get along really well. We have alot in common. Things are going really good right now. I have a another training meeting in Lubbock for the next 2 days. That's why I'm emailing you today and not Thursday. Sorry I didn't let you know. Anywho, take care.
Love, Elder Bradshaw

David is now in . . . .

2010-11-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

Hola Familia!
How is everyone doing? Things here are great! I'm sure you are all wondering where I am emailing you from right now. Well, I am no longer in Texas, I'm back in New Mexico. In the wonderful little city of Hobbs!! I'm with Elder Potter, from Duchesne Utah. There are alot of good things going on in this area. The members I have met so are are great! I'm still the district leader, and back in a bike area! It's starting to get pretty cold here. I live with 2 other Elders again, Elder Kenyon and Elder Olvera. We live in a little house owned by a member. Her name is Milla. She is a nice little old German lady, she lives next door and feeds us chicken nuggets alot. She won my heart with that! Anyway, I'm super stoked to be working here for who knows how long. So we'll see.
Love, Elder Bradshaw

"my new companion, Elder Potter"

"We gave this whole thing full candy to one little kid. He loved it."

"I love this picture"

Last Night in San Angelo

2010-11-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

" I posted a pic to your son's facebook page of his last night here in San Angelo. . . . my son's name is David and everytime your David would come over and we would say David he thought we were talking to him. lol......that's the only way we found out his first name. My son thought it was awesome!"

- Christy Kauer

We want to thank all the ward members in San Angelo for taking such good care of the missionaries.

Last Week in San Angelo

2010-11-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hola Family,
How is everyone doing? Things here are going great! . . . by the way I'm getting transferred. We are being whitewashed. Don't know where I'm going yet. But, I leave on Tuesday. I'll let you know next P-day. I'm really excited to go to a new area, meet new people. But, I sure have loved it here in San Angelo. I've learned alot here. . . . anywho, hope all is well back home.
Love,
Elder David Bradshaw

"we had a trunk or treat last night. It was pretty fun. I went as a Spanish Missionary. I stole Elder Villarreals tag"

"Too much candy"

"Oh yeah, we also got caught in a tornado warning. It was so fun! It was flooding the streets, hailing ,thunder and lightning. We had to evacuate to the church. The tornado touched down outside of San Angelo by Wall, Texas. But I'm still alive, don't worry."

"My last district in San Angelo"

Week of October 21st

2010-10-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Family!

How the heck is everyone? This week has been fan-diddley-tastic! Zone conference went very well. I had allergies the whole time all the way up to when we were suppose to sing, then I cleared right up, sang the song, then stuffed back up. It was great! We went and saw the Tubb's friend again, she had read some freakin anti Mormon stuff though. I hate that stuff. Irma was down for a day and we got to see her for a little bit, she is doing great! We saw Ellie and Alan again yesterday. They still seem very interested. They said their 15 year old daughter is very interested. She really wants to go to church. I'm super stoked for them. But, I'm a little worried because next week is the last week of the transfer, so I could leave. But we will find out for sure on November 1st. We'll see. I'm absolutely loving it out here! We had interviews yesterday . . . .

and it was President Robisons birthday, so we threw him a surpise party.

It was fun.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

"My flaming eagle!" ??????

Bits and Pieces of more e mails from San Angelo

2010-10-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hello family!

. . .we helped Irma pack up her whole apartment yesterday and she was off to Del Rio. I'll miss her a ton!The book of Mormon we first gave her has lots of blank pages in the back for some reason, so she had all the missionaries sign it in the back. . . . We are going to Midland next week for a combined Zone Conference with a general authority, Elder Marlin K. Jensen, in the Seventy. . . . I'm singing in a small group for Zone Conference . . . I almost had to bury ANOTHER cat yesterday. The king's cat, Tinkerbell got hit and they wanted us to bury it, but we didn't have a ton of time (David went on his mission very prepared to bury cats, he helped bury 3 of ours). . . . we are teaching a friend of a member. She is cool, she came to church last week. Speaking of church last week, we were asked to teach the lesson for Relief Society on member missionary work. We said yes of course, but in a meeting Sunday morning somebody comes up with the bright idea to combine all the classes for it. So, I ended up teaching the entire ward in a combined class. I thought it went very well. It was freakin terrifying but I loved it! We also finally met the husband of Ellie. We are now teaching the whole family.They are a really cool family and they are really interested. I'm super stoked to start working with them more. . . . Its starting to cool off here now. . . .Anywho. I hope all is well back home. Take care.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

nice suit, but it's not David's

"Caleb Wallace. Going to Alaska on his mission"

"shoe shining party!!"

"making our own root beer. It's very good!"

"I woke up with a freakin cat on me"

"I caught a lizard in the church"

David is now in . . . .

2010-09-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Family!
Guess where I am emailing you from right now? It's still in Texas.......its still in San Angelo too! I still haven't moved. Either President likes what I'm doing here, or I'm not learning something. And, I'm still with Elder Cahoon. I'm pretty happy, we have recently found alot of people to teach and I love it. We have been on our bikes alot. It's been very cloudy, but yesterday we got caught on the other side of town in the rain on our bikes. We were rather wet. So, we rode home smiling and waving at everyone as they stared at us with confused looks on their faces. It was fun. We also got told by a guy that he likes Mormon as target practice and to go away. He was very upset. All I wanted to do was give him a free picture of Christ. Guess not. So, after we changed out of our wet clothes we head back out to leave and the clouds go away and the sun comes out. Just our luck. But it was a fun day. We also met a lady that said she doesn't believe in God because she has cancer but we told her how much God loves her and why we go through trials and she started to cry and said we could come back and teach her and her kids. It was cool. I'm glad I'm still in San Angelo. I really love the people here and the work is still pushing forward.

Love,
Elder Bradshaw

Last Week in San Angelo????

2010-09-22T16:39:00.001-07:00

Hola Familia,
This week has been pretty good. We are working hard. We were on bikes ALL day yesterday. My butt is killing me! But, it was alot of fun talking to as many people as we could. We didn't teach anyone but we set up alot of appointments. . . . It's been starting to cool down a bit lately. Well at least there are more clouds to block the sun.

I got the Swiss Days package. It looks like everyone had fun. We have already had one war break out with the guns you sent and I love the film festival t-shirt. Anywho, I'm still alive. I find out on Monday if I'm being transferred or not. Ill try to let you know if I find out any earlier. Otherwise, you'll find out on Thursday.

Love, Elder Bradshaw
9/16/10

"we went bowling last p day. I did pretty good. I won the last game. There are alot of really old people that bowl. And, the crazy thing is that they are pretty good!"

"cutting Manny's hair"
Who's Manny??
"Manny is a little boy in our ward. The Elders stop by their house frequently to check in on them and say hi" - Sister Susie Jones

"My current district"

September 2nd and 9th in San Angelo

2010-09-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Family!

How is everyone doing? How was Swiss Days? I was sad to miss it again, but I'll be there next year. I also heard Jeffrey R. Holland was there! Lucky dogs. Did you get to shake his hand or anything? Things here have been going really good. Nothing too spectacular has happened this past week. Still working hard to find more people to teach. . . . We had another really good lesson with Jessse and Lisa, a family we are teaching. They have begun reading the Book of Mormon, which is good. They are an awesome family.

I hope all is well back home.

Take Care

Love, Elder Bradshaw

"I've spent the last 3 1/2 days in Lubbock for leadership training meetings. The meeting was 9 to 5 for three days straight! but it was really good stuff. Then we got to go out and work in Lubbock. I learned so much at this meeting. It was all stuff directly from the Prophet. I was excited to get back to my area and use it."

"I got to go out with Elder Keepman (my MTC companion) it was a ton of fun teaching with him again, seeing how we have changed."

"I got to stay three nights with Elder Willson (David's 1st companion in Carlsbad). He goes home this Saturday"

"and I saw Elder Christopherson. He came out with me"

"just me and my boy"

"Playing an intense game of Foosball"

"doing car inspections in the rain. Silly Elder Cahoon"

August 26th

2010-09-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hola Famillia,

This week has been pretty much fantastic! For a couple reasons: 1. we just had zone conference and I always love zone conference. I always leave feeling like I can baptize the world! 2. the weather is awesome right now! we had a huge rain storm on Tuesday. We almost died, but we didn't. So now there are clouds in the sky and it feels great! We were on bikes all day yesterday talking to everyone we could see outside. We talked to alot of people. 3. I don't have anymore reasons. . . . anyways. Last night we were walking in a neighborhood when it got dark just trying to find one more person. We found a guy named Todd. He had a son die about a year ago so we talked a little bit about what we believe, he was pretty interested. He said he had seen us a couple times on our bikes and was wondering when we were going to catch up to him. It was cool. He is going to talk to his girlfriend then call us.

Me and Cahoon are doing good, getting along fine. He is a really good missionary, came out to work hard and get things done.

I'm excited to hear about the baby! Send pictures for next week!

Love,
Elder Bradshaw

"New ties!!!

I got 3 from Goodwill for 50 cents and 2 from Ross for a little more than 50 cents."

"The Bradshaw Tie Collection"

August 19th

2010-08-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Family!

This week has been pretty good. Things with Elder Cahoon are going good as well. We get along fine.

The work is still going pretty good as well, We are teaching another couple. They came to church on Sunday and really liked it. They just need to get married.

It's been crazy hot here too! For the past almost 2 weeks its been in the 100's! Luckily, Cahoon's bike came with no peddles so we have an excuse to just drive the car :)

Well, I hope all is well back home. I'm glad the festival went well.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

Elder Cahoon

This picture is from another one of those great members who take such good care of the missionaries.
"Hope you enjoy the pic of your boys showing my son how to do the four hand seated carry. Elder Cahoon was surprised how easy it was to lift that way. They are awesome."
- Christy Kauer

"I met Ms Wheelchair Texas 2008! Gave her a Book of Mormon too."

"There is a kid from here (Clint Hudson) that just left on a mission to Honduras and last Sunday he presented me with a gift . . . .

his freakin boots!"

Elder Wittwer is a Big Brother. . .

2010-08-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Family,

How is everyone doing? Things here are great! Like the subject says, Wittwer is a big brother now. I'm training again! Elder Cahoon is my new born's name. From Canada!! My trainer Elder Craig was from Canada. And, I'm sure you are all wondering where I am right now. . . .I am in the wonderful city of . . . . San Angelo!! Still here! I've already been here for almost six months but I guess I'm not done here. Elder Cahoon came in yesterday and we seem to get along fine. Don't really know him too well yet. But he is fired up and ready to learn. So, I'm excited for this next transfer. I went on splits with President Robison yesterday too. He took me and the Zone leaders out to lunch, then me and him just drove around and talked about the mission. It was fun. I love President Robison. The work here is going great as well! Me and Wittwer were able to set a baptism date with a couple on Monday. They are way cool. The date is for Sept. 4th. They really want to have their family closer and stronger so they are taking those steps. And, we are still working on getting more people, so the work goes on in Sangelo.

Well, it sounds like things are going good back home. I'm excited to hear how the festival goes. I'm sad I can't be there! One more year. Well, take Care.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

August 12th

Irma, Miracle, and Destany

Don't think we want to know about this picture

Men in Black

"Our big basket ball group! Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00am."

Week of August 5th

2010-08-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Family!

How the heck is everyone? It sounds like everyone is doing good. Things here are going fantastic. Me and Elder Wittwer have been working our butts off this week. We have been able to find so many people to teach, its nuts! People are just inviting us back like crazy. We taught a lesson to a kid named Matthew yesterday and it was super powerful. He said he just felt something inside telling him to listen to us. He invited us back for today to teach his twin sister and his parents. I'm so stocked. So, things are really picking up. But the bad thing is its the last week of the transfer. I'll find out on Monday if I'm staying or not. I really hope I stay. Ive really grown to love it here in Sangelo. The people here are awesome and I hope I'm still the district leader. I love working with the Elders and Sisters here. Ive learned so much! Well, I'll let you know where I'm at in a week. Take care. Love you.

-Elder Bradshaw

"Our ties have authority"

The tie that David is wearing is one Chris (David's older brother, who served in the Portland Oregon mission) wore on his mission. David should hand it down to Daniel (younger brother)when he leaves on his mission

"my current district"

More from San Angelo

2010-08-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

This picture was sent to us by Susie Jones, another one of those great members who takes such good care of the missionaries. I believe David said she is the Relief Society President.

"I have been in Midland the past 3 days in training learning the new way missionary work is going. President Robison received news a while ago from the Prophet that the ways we do missionary work is changing. I would go into detail but it would take way too long. But it is way more effective! We talked alot about testimony and making sure people know who we are and why we are here. We talked about making sure people know why we have the Book of Mormon, and why they need to pray about it. All I know is when we got back from Midland last night me and Elder Wittwer went out and used what I had learned and the difference is like night and day. It was awesome!. . . I had alot of fun in Midland. I spent some time with some people I came out with. President Robison took all the district leaders and zone leaders out to lunch all three days, and when 20 Mormon missionaries walk into chick fil a you get alot of people staring at you. Some looked a little scared. It was funny. But the spirit in the meeting was so strong. I learned a ton. My testimony has grown so much of this work and this gospel. I love it."
Elder Bradshaw 7/23/10

"Where the Fetch is my Twix!"

This is what happens when you leave a package ready to send to David unattended on the kitchen counter. Who steals candy from a missionary???? KATI!!!

Burning of the Shirt

2010-07-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

"So, I burned my shirt last week. It was a ton of fun! After it was all done we were looking for other things to light on fire. Fire is loads of fun!"

July 8th

2010-07-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

"WOW! I can't believe it was one year ago today I left home. You have no idea how fast time goes out here! It feels like I just left Utah yesterday"

Irma and Destiny's baptism

"The baptism went freakin good! I baptized Irma and Wittwer baptized Destiny. Then we switched for the confirmation"

"I will be burning my shirt over at the Tubbs tonight"

Goat eating a pass along card

One year ago today . . .

2010-07-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

Dear David,

One year ago today you left us to serve your Heavenly Father and the people of Texas and New Mexico; as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Sending a child on a mission is a very bitter/sweet experience - we are so proud of you, but is was so very hard to see you leave.

Even though we miss you, we wouldn't want you any where else. We know you are a great missionary - we read it in your e mails, and the e mails of the members who write us about you. You love your Heavenly Father, the people you are serving and the message you are teaching. You are changing peoples lives.

Thank you for the example you set and for sharing your experiences and your testimony of the gospel with us. . . .

Breakfast at I hop before leaving for the MTC

Good bye, until we meet again

... So continue to "go forth and serve" and in another year "return with honor".

Love,

Your family

More from San Angelo

2010-06-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

Parts of e mails from the last couple of weeks

"We are really trying to work through the members now. Gaining their trust and getting them pumped for missionary work. The ward is really going to change here in the next month or two. Lots of the families are moving away. I really hope new solid families move in. . . . We are still teaching Irma and Destiny. We talked to Irma about reading the Book of Mormon more and it went really well. Just need to work on the whole smoking thing. She called us later that night and asked us a question then called us her family. I love it when you know you are making an impact on someone's life.

I'm not sure if I told you this last e mail or not but we had a crazy thing happen to us last week. Me and Wittwer were walking down a street and saw a German Shepherd with a big old rusty trap on its paw. So, we followed it to help it and it led us to its home. we helped the owners get the trap off and then left. They said we could come back any time and see how the dog was doing. So on Tuesday we went to see how they were doing and they let us see the dog, then she turned to us and said, "your Mormons right?" We said yes. Then she talked about the church she was going to and how she didn't really like it. She said she only went because she wanted to teach her kids about Jesus but didn't know how. So we offered to do it and invited them to come to church. We now have an appointment to teach this family tomorrow morning! Its so crazy how God leads you to people

. . . . we have a solid baptismal date with Irma and Destiny for the 26th (June). They are so excited! We had an awesome lesson with them at the Seegmillers on Monday all about baptism and they just loved it! Irma always talks about the spirit she feels when we are there. The Heiners left this week. I'm going to miss them a ton. I'm used to me leaving and having to say goodbye to members, not the other way around.

So, about two years ago we as a mission were getting about 20 baptisms average a month. Elder Pearson of the Seventy came and challenged us to double that, which we did July of last year right as I got into the mission. For the past few months we have been trying to triple that! And, it looks like that is going to happen this month! 60 baptisms in a month! Its amazing how many people are coming to the gospel. I'm loving my mission so much.

. . . . We watched Prophet of the Restoration with Irma and her older daughter and her daughter's boyfriend. They loved it. We have started teaching them as well. They came to church last week.

. . . .me and Elder Wittwer met a lady that was freaking out down the street. Screaming at the top of her lungs! She asked if she could use our phone and through her phone calls we found out, her boyfriend just left her and kicked her out of the house, her sister will not give her back her baby, and she just got out of prison one day earlier. Now through hearing all this I realized how much the gospel really does bless families. It she was just living the simple commandments and living the way she should have, this could have all been avoided. Crazy things going down in Texas.

I love y'all. Take care

Elder Bradshaw"

Lubbock Temple

Elders Bradshaw and Wittwer

"We were able to go the temple yesterday with a member. It was so fun. I haven't been to the temple in almost a year!"

"power parts"

"smashed bikes. . . not really"

"my district"

"long day in Texas"

Wednesday, June 2nd from San Angelo

2010-06-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Family!

This week has been pretty fantastical! We have begun teaching a member's friend. She has come to church several times but it was thought she was a member the whole time til recently! The only crappy thing is she is in the military and is being moved in a week and a half. Dang! . . .So, we went and taught Irma and her daughter Destiny last night and we set a date with them! It was one of the most powerful lessons I've ever taught! The spirit was so strong! She was talking about the way she feels when we are there and I asked her if she wants that feeling all the time. It was a really good lesson. So, everything is still going good. Loving the work and the people.

Take Care.

Love Elder Bradshaw

"The sisters gave us a call to give this guy a blessing to quit smoking and after the blessing he handed me the pack of ciggs and told me to get rid of them. So, we went outside on his porch and smashed them!"
Parts Plus!!

Playing at the institute building

Birthday Celebration in Texas!

2010-05-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hola Familia!

This week has been grrrrrreat!! First of all, thank you for the birthday wishes on Carlye's blog.
(www.timandcarlyemorgan.blogspot.com) I was laughing so hard when I saw that really fat picture. That doesn't even look like me! Anyway, my birthday was fantastical!. . . . The work is still going great! President and Sister Robison came and spoke in our ward on Sunday. It was really cool. There was an investigator that came, and this is how we met her. We were walking through an apartment complex and a lady pulled up and asked if we were Mormons. Then she said come to this apartment and I'll feed you tomorrow.....But don't PREACH to me. So we didn't We just enjoyed a nice meal then left. But, she invited us back the next week. This time she had some questions. So, we answered those and I invited her to come to church. She said yes. She was late on Sunday, but made it for President Robison's talk. He was talking about what us as missionaries go out and do. About how we are called and we are supposed to teach. The investigator began to cry. After sacrament meeting I introduced President and Sister Robison to her and President asked her if we were teaching her. She said no, I'm just feeding them. But I really want them to start teaching me now. So we went over to her house and had dinner of course, then taught the restoration and plan of salvation. She loved it! She is committed to reading the Book of Mormon and coming to church next week. It was the best. She has a 9 year old daughter too who is feakin funny! Me and her have laughing contests alot. Somehow she always wins! Anyway I just want you all to know that I have a testimony of this gospel. Every time I teach it and watch someone change their lives, it is the best feeling in the world. I know that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ and I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know that Christ suffered for each and everyone of us. Every time I talk about the atonement the spirit is so strong.And I know that God has a plan for each and everyone of us. People are put in our path for a reason and I love it when you find out you are an answer to someones prayer. I know this is all true.

Love, Elder Bradshaw

"The Heiners took us to a place called Double Dave's Pizza. Then went back to their house for cake and ice cream."

"That night was the baptism of Emily. It was awesome! I baptized her. After the baptism Sister Drake had made two cakes. One that said, 'Happy Birthday Elder Bradshaw' and another that said, 'happy re-birth day Emily' It was funny!"

"Then we went home and stuck 20 candles in a Hostess cupcake and lit them all.It was a nice fireball! Then I silly stringed Elder Nelson in the face. I had a great Birthday!"

"Several days after, the Kings got us nice big juicy steaks! I loved it!"

Happy 20th Birthday Elder Bradshaw!

2010-05-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

The members are wonderful to the missionaries. One sister has gone so far as to e mail home to to get recipes that the missionaries like.

"We had to have a lunch time celebration because of the missionaries schedule tonight. Hopefully it made him feel a little bit special on his birthday.

Enjoy the pictures!"

Jessica

Elder Bradshaw, Lily (Jessica's daughter) and Elder Wittwer

not sure this is legal

"Hello Family,

Well, I'm staying in San Angelo for at least another six weeks! So, I have some new updates. First of all, I'm the new District Leader in San Angelo. I am over the largest district in the mission - 5 companionships, and 2 of those are threesomes. I have already interviewed 2 people for baptism. Its alot of fun, something new. Also, Emily's baptism is still good for this Saturday. She has asked Elder Wittwer to confirm her and me to baptize her. I've never baptized anyone! I'm pretty excited.

Love Elder Bradshaw"

- e mail from May 20th

Standing in the Texas rain
I wonder if he is singing?

Elder Bradshaw and Lily

"A freakin' 47 pound cat"

May 13th e mail and Pictures

2010-05-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

"This week has been pretty much fantastic! Yesterday we were able to find 3 new people to teach and also moved the baptism of Emily (a member's friend) to the 22nd of May - that will be a good birthday gift. I'm excited, this will be my first in San Angelo! We have been working hard and doing our best to find people to teach, because if you don't have people to teach, then you can't really do much out here." - Love, Elder Bradshaw

Serving the people of San Angelo

Pictures from San Angelo

2010-05-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

David hasn't sent home a memory card in a while, but he did e mail these pictures last week. We (14 of us - it was a long phone call) enjoyed talking to him on Mother's Day. He sounded great!!

"The girl holding the balloon is Savanna Seegmiller. I love the Seegmillers, they are the best! The other girl is part of the Jones family."

"I saw that dog and instantly missed our dog! The dog is a member's. We got chased by a freakin huge dog on Tuesday, it looked like a bear! It could have eaten me!"

"The Texas flag is now over my bed"

Elder Wittwer and Elder Bradshaw

Two Elder Bradshaws

2010-05-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

David's grandpa Mark Bradshaw served in the Central States Mission between 1942-1944. His mission included Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. Since Oklahoma and Arkansas border Texas, at some point in Elder Mark Bradshaw's mission this picture was taken. I'm sure it never crossed his mind that some 66 years later his grandson would also be serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints and be taking a similar picture.

Faith

2010-05-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

"...Everything always works out if you have faith"
-Elder Bradshaw

It's a boy!

2010-04-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

On missions we like to compare our missions to life. When we first come into the mission we are born, our trainer is our daddy, you can have brothers and grandpas, when you go home that means you die. So I am proud to announce the birth of my first born son . . . Elder Wittwer. I got a call from President Robison last week asking me if I would like to train a new missionary. I said yes, of course. . . I'm still serving in the same ward, just new living arrangements. Sisters kicked us out of our apartment. (note David's new address) Our entire district except me and one zone leader got transferred, so I'm serving around all new people. I spent a couple days with the zone leader. I earned alot in those couple of days. But now I'm raising my boy! Take care everyone!

Love Elder Bradshaw

The Hot Sauce Challenge

2010-03-11T11:38:00.000-08:00

So a couple days ago we were at a members home teaching them and the member started talking about this hot sauce challenge... we shouldn't have asked what this stuff was... its called "The Source" and it is the 10th hottest hot sauce in the world. so what he does is just dips the end of a tooth pick in the bottle(by the way he had to put on gloves before he toutched the bottle) and then hands it to us. we have to go just one minute with out getting a drink and he will give us 20$. the moment i put that pick in my mouth i realized i had made a terrible mistake. my face turned red, my knees began to shake and my mouth began to burn.... but i went one minute and got that freakin $20. the family was taking many pictures of us and laughing really hard. they really enjoyed watching us suffer. then i ate like 6 otter pops to calm me down. but it didn't end there. when we got home, my stomach began to ache. i did not feel good one bit! i couldn't sleep that night... but now im all better. so thats been our experience this week. and i got sunburned. its starting to get really warm here.

Love Elder Bradshaw

Transfered to San Angelo Texas

2010-03-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

David recently sent this poem home. As of last week David has been transferred to San Angelo Texas, and is now a senior companion. He also has a new e mail address. Hopefully a memory card will be arriving soon with more pictures.

The alarm rings at 6:30; I stumble to my feet
I grab my companion's bedding and pull off his sheet.
A groan fills the room, is it already time to rise?
It seems like just a second ago I was able to shut my eyes.

The morning activities follow. . . study, prayer, and such.
When it's time to leave the apartment, you feel you haven't accomplished much.
"We have a super day planned" my companion says with a grin.
I lowly utter a faithless breath, "Yeah, if anyone lets us in."

With the Word of God and my faithful Schwinn, we ride off in the street
Prepared to face another day of humidity and heat.
It's 9:30 in the evening, the day is almost through,
My companion and I are riding home, not accomplishing what we thought to do.

We ride up to the mailbox, hoping to receive a lot,
Only to look inside and hear my echoing "Air Box".
We go up into our apartment, the day is now complete,
The only thing to show for our work is a case of blistered feet.

It's past 10:30pm, my companion is fast asleep.
Silence engulfs me all about and I begin to weep.
In the midst of all the sadness I kneel down to pray;
I need to talk to Father, but I'm not sure what to say.

"Oh, Father", I begin. "What happened to us today?
I thought we'd teach somebody, but everyone was away.
My hands, my aching hands - worn, hurt and beat;
If our area was any smaller, we'd knock down every street.

"Why on missions are the days so much alike?
The only difference about today was the flat tire on my bike.
Will you send some cooler weather? The heat is killing me.
I sweat so bad. It gets in my eyes. It's very hard to see.

"Why do I have to wear a helmet? Isn't your protection enough?
People always laugh at me and call me stupid stuff.
Please send us investigators so I may give them what they lack.
I want to give them Books of Mormon, the weight of them hurts my back.

"And what about my family? They don't have much to say,
I'm sick of not hearing from home, day after day.
Oh Father, why am I here, am I just wasting time?
Sometimes I just want to go home, I'm sorry but that's on my mind.

"My companion, oh Father, what are giving me?
The way he rides his bike, I don't think he can see.
Now you have it, I can't go on. I don't know what to do:
That, my Father in Heaven, is the prayer I have for you."

My prayer now finished I stand up, then jump into bed.
I need my rest for tomorrow; we have another long day ahead.
Sleep starts to overtake me, I seem to drift away,
Then it seems a vision takes me to another time and another day.

I'm standing alone on the hill, the view is very nice;
A man walks toward me and says, "My name is Jesus Christ."
Tears of joy well up inside, I fall down to his feet,
"Arise", he states, "Follow me to the shade - you and I need to speak."

My attention's toward the Savior, total and complete.
He says, "Your mission is similar of what happened to me,
I understand how you feel, I know what you are going through;
In fact, it would be fair to say I have felt the same as you.

"I even know how you felt when no one listened to you.
At times I felt not quite sure what else I could do.
I know you don't like to ride a bicycle, for you a car would be sweet;
Just remember the donkey I rode wasn't equipped with 21 speeds.

"I understand you don't like sweating, in fact it is something you hate;
I remember when I sweat blood from every pore, oh the agony was great!
I see you don't like your companion - you would rather have someone else -
I once had a companion named Judas who sold my life for wealth.

"It is hard to wear a helmet and have people make fun of you.
I remember when they put horns on my head and called me the King of the Jews.
So you feel burdened down by the weight of your pack,
I recall how heavy the cross was when they slammed it on my back.

"Your hands hurt from tracking and knocking on doors all day.
I guess when they pounded nails in mine they ached in a similar way.
It is hard not to hear from home when your family's not there to see;
I lost communication on the cross and cried, "Father, why hast Thou forsaken me?"

"We have a lot in common, but here is a differences between us, you see,
I endured to the end and finished my mission, so follow and do like me."
He embraced me in His arms, His light filled me with His love,
With tears in my eyes, I watched as He went back to the Father above.

I stood with awe and wonder when a beep rang in my heard,
I listened and heard the alarm, then realized I was in my bed.
My companion let out a groan, "6;30 already, no way!"
I sat up and said, "Come on, I'll even carry your scriptures today!"

No matter what we go through, when we feel we can't take any more,
Just stop and think about Jesus Christ, He has been there before.

6 Month Milestone

2010-01-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

"I have reached 6 months! It has not felt like 6 month at all! I have learned so much and grown alot and I still have 18 month to go! What more could I learn? Alot! But anyways, I'm loving my mission right now. We just started teaching this family. The mom is a member but her husband and all four kids are not! But only 2 of the kids are baptism age. But I love going teaching over there. I like coming up with little activities to go along with the lessons. They get all excited when we come over. We went last night and when we knocked we heard

"THE MISSIONARIES ARE HERE!!"

I loved it. We set baptism dates with the 2 older kids. I love just acting like a little kid as I teach them and making them laugh. It's so awesome!

Well, the Book is Blue, the Church is true! Peace out!

Love, Elder David William Bradshaw"

Happy 6 Months

1 Nephi 5:9

New Companion

2010-01-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

"We (Elder Wilson and David) have had a ton of fun the last 2 transfers, its time for someone else to have a taste of Bradshaw!"

"I didn't get transfered! I'm still in Carlsbad NM. Elder Wilson moved to Ft Stockton. Elder Rassmusen is my new companion" - 12/3/09

More From Carlsbad New Mexico

2010-01-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

"One thing I've grown to love doing out on my mission is teaching little kids. They are so much fun to teach and modify gospel lessons so they can understand them. I did a family home evening with a family and I talked about why we celebrate Christmas and the importance of Christ to a 6 year old and 4 year old. Then I had them think of something they could give Christ for Christmas. They chose being nice to their brothers and helping their parents. It was so much fun. I love the work I'm doing!"

"The field is white already to harvest"

Doctrine and Covenants 33:3, 7

"The cotton field was huge!!! I lost my CTR ring in there, so I prayed and one of the elders goes, I found your ring. There was no way he could have found a little ring in a huge cototn field, but he did"

"Paul is a recent convert in the other ward. He is so funny!"

"our sleepover in the front room on Elder Clark's last night"

"Thanksgiving was good. We went to the Williamson's. It was a ton of fun. Nice big dinner with a nice big family up in the mountains."

In about a year and a half

Elders Anderson, Bradshaw, Clark and Wilson
(left to right)

Modeling new sweaters. "Gryffindor!"
(family joke)

Nothing more needs to be said - David's address and email address are to the right.

Texas Lubbock Mission missionaries

Right in the Head!

There was actually a great video of David playing with this little boy, but we couldn't upload it for some reason. This video put an end to the fun, when a shoe took out David's camera.

Daniel may have some competition when David comes home!

Debbie Cook's Baptism

2010-01-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

"Debbie Cook is so funny! We love going over there. We found out a couple of days ago that a member was childhood friends with Debbie and never would have thought she would join the church. She just started crying. It was way cool. . .

Debbie's Baptism went really well! The bishop baptized her and I confirmed her on Sunday. It was really neat. . .

After the baptism we went and helped a member roof another members house for about seven hours. It started raining too. But, now I know how to roof a house. . . just thought I would throw that in there, just in case anyone needed a roof done. I know how to do it. I carried shingles up a ladder and everything. It was hard work but very fun!

Hiking Guadalupe Peak Trail

2010-01-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

"We hiked Guadalupe Peak (highest point in Texas - elevation of 8749 ft) It was way fun! We left a pass along card up there with our number on it. Then we hiked down in the dark. When we got down we found out the lady that took us up there could see a mountain lion pretty close to us when we first started the hike. Glad we found that out after we were in the car."

Halloween in the Missionfield

2010-01-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

"We had a 'trunk or treat' at the church last night and we all wore fake mustaches. It was the funniest thing ever!!!

David loved the "Captain Underpants" books in elementary school. In fact, he played the part of Captain Underpants in our Stake Roadshow several years ago

What do Missionaries eat in New Mexico?

2010-01-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

The biggest hamburger I have ever seen!

Pumpkin guts, gross!

Did someone forget to tell them they aren't suppose to eat the inside of the pumpkins when you carve them? Or, aren't they getting enough to eat.

Emails

2009-11-19T09:26:00.001-08:00

Today I got online at the same time as David and we were able to email back and forth a few times. This is what I learned:

- David had a baptism last Saturday. David confirmed her on Sunday. ("It was really neat. I will send pictures very soon").

- Today he is hiking Guadeloupe Peak- the highest point in Texas ("I'm super stoked")

- He got flipped off by a kid on a school bus.

- He learned how to roof houses ("I also learned to roof a house. I just thought I would throw that in there. Just in case anyone needed a roof done. I know how to do it")

- He has yet to get sunburned.

- He still eats ravioli ("I ate ravioli last night and loved every bite")

-He's still the same old David- just a little more grown up ("I have to go now. I have a mountain to climb. Take care. Love you.")

Carlsbad New Mexico

2009-11-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

"I love my mission! I do things that I never would have done before in my life. Like wearing fake mustaches in our full suits at McDonald's and at the church. I love getting out of my comfort zone. Singing songs to old lady's in the middle of Walmart. Being able to meet all kinds of people and see what they go though. I hear problems in peoples lives that I've never heard of before. I have people tell me what I believe and that I'm going to hell, but I just smile and say, "can we sing you a song?" I love it. I love the power music has on people and the spirit it brings. I have seen so many people hate us one second then we sing them a song and they let us in their home the next second. All I can say is my mission is the best thing I could ever be doing right now." - David

Parts of letters and e mails from the past 6 weeks

"My new area is a bike area, all bikes all the time. Grand! I live in a house that the church rents with 3 other elders. It's a really nice place. . .

I hope everyone enjoyed conference. I watched it at the church. For the Saturday session it was just us four missionaries in the church all by ourselves. It was fun, but I've never had 6 hours of straight church before. . .

On Friday morning Elder Wilson got a flat tire and we had to walk about a mile home. Then, that same day in the evening I got a flat tire and we had to walk about another mile. It was not a productive day. . .

The weather is starting to get cooler. It feels like summer in Utah now! Yay! But, suit season is starting up soon. November 1st to April 1st we have to wear our suit jackets all day unless its about 70 degrees. . .

We didn't get the flu vaccine so we decided to go straight to the flu. Yep, we all had the flu this week. It was awful! Some member brought us all steak. You know you are a missionary in Texas when members bring you steak when you're sick. But, we are all better now. . .

We had the "trunk or treat" at the church last night and we all wore fake mustaches. It was the funniest looking thing ever!!! Some girls stopped me at McDonalds (I was the only one still wearing mine) and asked what I was doing. I said I had been to a Halloween party, they asked what I was supposed to be. I said a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They just laughed and drove off. On Halloween we have to be in by 6:00. Oh well. . .

It hasn't snowed here yet but it gets very windy and the wind is freezing and it blows right through any clothing you are wearing. It's so cold. But, no snow. . .

Lubbock Texas Missionaries

"we want to start going to the park on Sundays and sing to get new investigators, but we haven't done it yet. The park is right by the Pecos River. Oh, man it's so nice there!" - David

"It ruined our day when our Lasagna spilled" - David

Elder Willson's one year mark party (front left)

David's companion

"we get along really well. We like alot of the same things. He is from Sandy Utah. But, he lived in South Africa until he was 11. His parents have moved to Texas since he's been out. . . elder Wilson skateboards, so whenever we pass some kids skating he runs over and skates with them, then gives them pass along cards" - David

"Whoever sent the picture of Kati is dead to me! All the missionaries want it and its mine!!!

He (Elder Clark) comes home in 3 months!" - David

David and a duck ?????

Alien Museum

Having fun with a swiss days gun

KASEY'S BAPTISM

2009-11-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

Elder Wilson, Newly baptized Kasey, Hosea, and Elder Bradshaw

David's First Area - Monahans Texas

2009-09-13T21:34:00.000-07:00

"This is truly the hardest work I have ever done and the most discouraging but you always have those little moments that totally way out the bad and make you feel fantastic inside." - David

Out of respect for the privacy of investigators, we have not posted any of their pictures.

Most of the pictures below are from David's P days, driving in the car or other special occasions. So, this is rather a one sided view of David on his mission. But . . . .

ENJOY

Don't know who this is, but its a great picture

The MTC Lubbock Texas District have arrived in Texas!

Lubbock Texas Temple

Two Elder Bradshaws

Elder Craig - David's trainer

David's first area was 2 small towns Monahans and Kermit

Oh no!

David's desk

Safety First

David has already had 2 flat tires. He always had car problems, so I guess its only right that he has bike problems. Sorry David

Double Baptisms in July!

It brings David a little closer knowing that every night when he looks at the moon, that we can see that same moon in our sky

"If you love sky pictures and sunsets and sunrises, you should totally come to Texas! They say you find the beauty in every mission, and the sky is definitely the beauty in Texas! It is so flat here sunsets and sunrises look so cool! When I send my next batch of pictures home you will see a bunch!" - David

David and Elder Willie

This picture is for Frank Edwards!

David and President Robison

"we failed our apartment inspection. im so disapointed in myself. " - David

If you will notice it wasn't Elder Bradshaw that failed the inspection it was Elder Bradford.

Texas Pride

David and Elder Jensen

Getting together for the Doubled Baptism party in Lubbock

"I love to see the Temple . . ."

They say that where ever you go in Texas it takes a long time to get there because Texas is so big - I guess they have to find ways to intertain themselves

"I was able to go to the branch pres. house and roast marshmellows and hot dogs and watch their kids get back to school fathers blessings." - David

"we spent the whole day with a member who had a deer lease so we went there and went fishing." - David

Packing for the transfer to Carlsbad NM

Uncooperative Owl

2009-09-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

Crazy Sounding Bugs

2009-09-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

Sunflowers

2009-09-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

Texan Foods???

2009-09-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

Texas Roadhouse has given us the wrong impression of what Texan's really eat (at least Texas Missionaries). Below you will see no steaks (or peanuts for that matter). You will see many hot dogs, a delicious looking roast and many mystery (and questionable) foods.

This looks delicious. Question, did they cook this themselves??

hmm . . .

This is the closest thing we have seen to a steak....

Mormon Monopoly

2009-09-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

The Many Faces of Elder Bradshaw

2009-09-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

More Pictures From the MTC

2009-09-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

One last picture of David and Neal

You tell them David!

Leaving the MTC for Texas!

Transferred

2009-09-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

Part of the most recent email from David:

hello family
just to let you know i was just transfered. so dont send that swiss days package just yet. i am in carlsbad new mexico now. my new companion is elder willson. he is really cool. i spent the whole day on the bus and just got to my area a little while ago. everything is going great so far. we are having dinner with a family tonight.

my new area is a bike area. all bikes all the time. grand! so yeah i dont know much about the area yet so not much to say. we do live in a house that the church rents with 3 other elders. its a really nice place.

i love you very much and thank you for your love
elder bradshaw

Letter From David

2009-08-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

08/27/2009
Portions of a letter to Tim, Carlye, Tyler and Jax:

Tell me everything. I want news of Utah and the people within. Does Tyler still talk about me at all? Is Jax walking yet? crawling? Driving? I hope not.

If you love sky pictures and sunsets and sunrises, you should totally come to Texas! They say you find the beauty in every mission, and the sky is definitely the beauty in Texas! It is so flat here sunsets and sunrises look so cool! When I send my next batch of pictures home you will see a bunch!

Things here are fantastic! I am really learning a lot. You meet so many interesting people. I met a guy who was very very high! He tried to invite us in for a "social gathering". It was so funny. The members here are awesome. WE just have a small little branch.

We just met a family this week who are one of those "golden families" They are so nice. They have two daughters. The younger daughter's name is Hannah. She is so freaken funny! She gets all excited when we come over.

This is truly the hardest work I have ever done and the most discouraging but you always have those little moments that totally way out the bad and make you feel fantastic inside.

Oh! Guess what I did this past week? I sang a freaken solo at a funeral for someone I have never met before. With only a half hours notice! I sang "Nearer my God to Thee" It was so cool. One thing I like about my mission is we sing songs at every lesson. Its so cool. I'm really learning a lot out here and I'm having a blast!

I love you all so much and thank you for all of your love and support. Tell Tyler "D" says hi. Hope to hear from you soon. Oh, and I have a mailbox key now.

Love,
Elder David Bradshaw

First Letter from Texas

2009-08-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

A portion of the first letter from David since he's been in Texas!

Dear family
all right, i have good news and bad news. the good news is im alive and in my new area. Monahans, Texas. the bad news is we have no mailbox key. so email is the only source of communication we have. ...

so yeah. how is everyone doing? i found out i cant email any of my friends or else ill lose my computer privileges. but they can email me. so may want to put that on the blog. monahans is a really small town in texas. near the south. we are white washing. ask chris or isaac what that means. elder craig is my trainer. he is from canada. i am having alot of fun. its only me and elder craig covering this whole entire town. and all they have is one small branch between monahans and a town called kermit. we cover kermit as well. i have taught the first lesson twice and have knocked on alot of doors! and have not gotten in one!! ... there are over 500 different churches in my mission. at least 50 different just in my area. its crazy. ...its very hot here and we ride our bikes alot. a couple days ago our mission doubled baptisms. we hit 40 in one month. so thats pretty cool. .... oh well have a fantastic day everyone!
Love Elder David Bradshaw

MTC Pictures

2009-07-29T20:32:00.001-07:00

David and his companions, Elder Keepman and Elder Durfey

Lubbock Texas District

Oh dear

David and Jimmy!

Look! He's really a missionary!

Elder Jensen and Elder Bradshaw

Provo Temple

Brownies from the Foggs

Nobody loves black cherry shasta like David. Nobody.

David's Desk

David and Neal!

Elder Bradshaw and Elder Bush(again)

Men in Black??

Doing Laundry

MTC Letters

2009-07-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Family,

How is everyone doing. My first day at the MTC was pretty good. My companionship is a threesome. Elder Keepman and Elder Durfey, they are pretty cool. There are alot of big changes being on a mission. All of them good. . . . . I am really getting to know my district, they are all pretty cool guys. . . . . Anyway, I'm doing great and I love you all!

July 15th
I have survived the first week at the MTC! I am having a blast! I freaking love my district and companions. Today is my frist P day. Hooray for clean laundry! Things are going great in class and studying. The days can be very long though. I have adjusted to the new schedule pretty well. The showers are changed, no tree of life! The Internet is pretty restricted here so I can't really look at the blog til I get to Texas. Oh, and I have a new email so always send to to this bradshawdavid@myldsmail.net. . . Sundays are definitely the best day of the week. We don't all have church together. Just our branch of about 30 missionaries but that night we had a fireside and I'm sorry but you have not felt the spirit until you have heard 2,500 elders singing Called to Serve! I love it here. . . . .We got our travel plans yesterday. I'm so excited, except for one thing. I have been made the travel group leader!!What the heck! I'm in charge of 10 other missionaries at the airport, making sure we all get there safely! ....Neal should get here today. I haven't seen him yet though I'm sure I will. . . . Thank you for the packages. I love Shasta so much!! and floss!

July 22nd
How is everyone doing? I'm doing OK. My whole entire district is sick! I really hope I don't get it. Other than that I am doing fine. Really excited to get to Texas! The Food here is OK. . .I'm really sorry I can't write separate letters. I just have so many other houses to write to. . . . Oh, by the way they lifted the restriction on shaking hands and hugging yesterday. The first thing I did was turn around and shake Neal's hand. It was funny. Also at the referral center where we make calls to people to get the missionaries. One guy told me "I'm earning a gem on my crown in Heaven". . . .I'm laying here in Jams on my bed writing letters. It's weird not being in suit. Earlier today we went to the Temple. We go every Wednesday. Well I better be off. I have to do laundry soon. Have fun on the 24th. . . . I love you all very much and thank you for everything!

Love, Elder David Bradshaw