Awesome E-mail :)

December 29, 2010

Hello family

Finally starting to get some more things going since the holidays are over. Had a good week lately. Been in a better mood and happy about the work. Three people we have on date are getting baptized. But at the Christmas thing the other night, I got to talk to President quite a bit. It was pretty cool. Talking about how he played basketball and was the outside shooter but they didnt have a 3 point line. But later Elders Calderwood, Warczak, and Carter and I were together talking and he walked up to us and told us he was glad to have us 4 together because he wanted us all to start preparing for the coming 2 or 3 months when he wanted to bring us up to the next level. And how he thought he made it pretty clear how much he expected out of the 4 of us for the rest of our missions. It was really cool. Always nice to get some love for the hard work your doing from the mission president.

But our Pdays will now be on Mondays from now on. And our new mail day is Thursday FYI. But Had a pretty cool experience though last week.

Elder Stant is an elder that is living with us. Its his 2nd transfer. He's 24 and from Virginia. Pretty goofy looking guy. But hes been struggling really bad with being out and being homesick. He almost went home last transfer. But the other night he came to talk to Elder Sharp and I about whether or not he should go home and it was awesome how much I was able to help him just because I've gone through the whole experience of going home, but still wanting to be in the mission field. It really helped him. He's been having a lot more fun with us and enjoying things. It was just another example of how when we go through things it could be in the end to help someome else or why you have to share an apartment. Everything is for a reason and the Lord will always put people in our paths that we can help.

I read the Infinite Atonement by: Tad R. Callister. It has completely changed my outlook on stuff. As I continue to learn more of the Atonement and see the things He did for us my desire to serve becomes so much stronger. Kind of like Lehi and his dream. I'm not really scared about not being good enough to accomplish things, Just more scared of what may be in store. I feel like the Lord is getting me ready for something with all of these trials. I wasn't strong enough for it before, but now I am. We'll see what happens, but I'm looking forward to it :)

Really awesome that Kristen was married in the temple. Her and Dannah are both amazing

But hope all is well. Love you guys. Happy New Year.

Elder Orr

PHONE CALL!!

Even though it was only a couple weeks since we last saw him, we were very excited to get his phone call. He seems to be doing very well. He went to dinner at his Stake President's home and when he heard about Brandon and his companion sleeping on the floor he game them air mattresses! I think that was his favorite Christmas present :) We already can't wait for Mother's Day!

First E-mail!

December 22, 2010

Hey,

Things are going alright. My companion is extremely lazy. My area was dead when i got here because of my companion and his last companion. But now we'll have 6 people on date by the end of the week and hopefully 9 for the transfer! Pretty excited about the work we are getting done. Still being perfectly obedient and working my butt off. Im tearing it up. haha I'm not missing home near as much as last time, it's been way easier in that regard this time around. I just want to work, but people keep making it hard for me lol Im just tired of motivating companions, sleeping on the floor. Im really sorry, but I'm just telling you how it is. Im sure stuff will get better though. love you guys. cant wait to talk in a few days. Just know I'm being extremely obedient, and working really hard. I love you guys. :)

Elder Orr

Pday will be in monday startin with the first of the year. We get mail on monday nights

First Letters!

December 15, 2010

Hey Family,

Well, y new companion's name is Elder Sharp. He's from Amarillo, and been out 10 months. Pretty cool guy, looks a lot like Elder Warczak. I'm serving in the West Zone in the Copper Hill Stake in West Valley, UT. I cover 8 wards. I speak on the 25th. And apparently a lot of potential work in the area. Day started great, I got to see everyone again, and was bombarded with hugs. Real happy to be back. Then half way through the day got just a little sore, but I'm good. After that, things went a little downhill...

1. I'm biking/walking

2. We live outside of our area

3. We're living with another companionship

4. Our apartment is 2 room, 1 bath which means..

5. No beds for Elder Sharp and I. Sharp is on a little couch, and I'm on the floor

6. No closet for us to put clothes or anything.

Why?? Not exactly sure on a lot of this.. but hopefully we can atleast get the apartment stuff figured out. I'd really like to be in my area, and would REALLY like a bed lol

Elder Orr

December 17, 2010

Hello Family,

Yesterday we had dinner with a pretty cool family, had really good enchiladas but half-way through I started feeling extremely sick. Barely made it through our next appointment and spent the rest of the night throwing up. It was horrible. Plus, didn't sleep the greatest considering I'm sleeping on two couch cushions lol

BUT, we'll be putting people on date soon Sharp and his companion didn't get much done last transfer so I'll be able to come in and clean up :) Things are great companionship wise so far. Oh and Shelby, we are now a caffeine-free mission so no more Dr. Pepper. Haha I'll keep working hard. Love you guys.

Elder Orr

September - December 14

Brandon came home in September to have surgery on both of his knees. Luckily, they both were somewhat minor surgeries, and the rehab was only a few months.

On December 15 he was able to go back to the Utah Salt Lake City Mission. We are very proud of his decision to go back and finish the 20 months he has left on his mission.

At the airport early in the morning to see him off.