June 23, 2018 in Ellsworth, Maine

Hola!

What a fun week this has been! It was soooooo busy!

So, we had to do the 4 hour drive down to Manchester for the court case. The court case made me frustrated, but at least it’s all over now. I thought about writing out my big story and complaint, but decided no one wants to hear that kind of negativity, so I’ll summarize by saying that I’m fine and it won’t go on my record or anything, I learned a lot about court and people, and the church only paid part of what the guy wanted. 👍

The rest of the week was awesome though! Being back in Exeter for a few days while we waited for transfers was AWESOME! I love the people there. :)

It was sad to see Elder Lockwood go, but I’m excited to see what he does. He’s down in Lawrence speaking Spanish now and I know he’ll do super well!

We then headed back up to Ellsworth, and I have 2 new companions! Elder Anderson (from Springville Utah, been out for 18 months) and Elder Sika (from Missouri, been out 15 months). We helped out with the Bucksport Bay Festival this weekend and had a great time! It was great getting to serve there, and we also had a booth where we did the Book of Mormon experience.

Sunday we celebrated Pioneer Day as "Ellsward" and all dressed up like pioneers for church!

Ward lunch after church

It’s been such a busy week, so I’m excited to see all our people again now!

Y’all need Jesus. Prayer works.
Love,
Elder Branch

Feb. 26, 2018 in Ellsworth, Maine Once again, thank you awesome Scout Leaders!!

Hello everyone!!

We had Zone p-day today and so I'll have to be quick. Last p-day after emailing we went out to Acadia and had an awesome time!!!

So this week we have worked really hard and found some more really great people. We worked on getting people to church but many had to cancel last minute. The two steadies, E. and K. came to church, which was really good! Kelley had been coming to church, but was closed to missionaries. We have started using FB messages to talk more and have gained a much better connection! :)

We got some members to come teach with us which was awesome! We also have built a lot more Ward trust and I got to give a talk in church. It was about how Scouting prepares young men to serve missions. I love scouts so it was a great topic. I got kind of emotional a few times as I told scouting stories, mission stories, and shared scriptures. :) It was great to see their excitement for missionary work and scouting. We've been considering how to get closer to the ward and have some great ideas that seem to be helping. :)

For district meeting we have become pretty creative, and this weeks update on our district goal even included nerf guns, balloons, and sharp objects, everything you need for a successful goal update. ;)

We are doing well and are optimistic that things are continually on their way up. :)

One fun story this week was Sunday night we knocked on a apartment door. Their neighbor thought we were knocking on theirs, and opened their door, felt silly when they saw we were at the neighbors, and closed their door. Of course, we went right over and knocked their door next!! We got to meet the young couple that lived there and are going back this week to teach them more. We have a goal to find 40 new people to teach in Feb. and are looking like we'll make it! :)

Love you all!!
Elder Branch :)

Brother R. took us to breakfast - the nicest guy!

I've been growing that plant for over a year, 

but he's been dropped and smashed a few times, 

so I've had to cut off like 7 of his arms. 

We met some people with a barn and animals.

Zone p-day activity

Acadia National Park

Jumping over the wheelchair for kicks.