Tuba City, here I come!

Brothers, Sisters, and everything in between and above,

Elder Sandberg is leaving the great city of Monticello. My heart truly will have a great proportion of it made up of this place and the people here. I have once heard someone say, "I'm grateful to have so many people who make it so hard to say goodbye", these words are now my words. I cannot count on one hand the people whom I will miss when I leave here. Although there are a few that I hold closer to my heart, my capacity and ability to love has been magnified. There are so many people that I wish to say goodbye to, but there simply is not enough time.

Just want to share a couple things that I have learned since being here in this area. First, your attitude truly is EVERYTHING. With a poor attitude, even the greatest of places can be the worst thing in the world. When I first got here, I had a very bad attitude, and thankfully, the Lord has helped me. You can't always change your circumstances, but you can always change how you feel about them. We are not creatures of our circumstances, we are creators. The Lord has given us the opportunity to choose and that is what we must do.

Second, memorizing scriptures is one of the greatest and worst things in the world. I have gained an immense testimony of the Book of Mormon and it's power. There have been several instances where I have had to completly rely on that resource to answer questions and concerns that were thrown at me. And due to my diligence in getting to know what is in there, I was able to withstand the blows. The price to know the Book of Mormon has come at the expense of my mind being strained and stretched quite dramatically. I recently hit the 200 mark of scriptures memorized, and it is draining. So many different variations to say the same thing and all the, "behold', "nevertheless", "and it came to pass", and on and on, can make it very difficult to sort out which is which.

Third, and last of all, due to time, relationships are of the greatest value that we can attain in this life. Everything else will fade away when we leave this life, but the bonds and connections we establish and build here will continue beyond. The most important relationship, of course, is with our Savior Jesus Christ. All things are possible through him. It is because of him that we can continue to have our spouse, our family, our friends, and all else we come in contact with. The reason the relationships I have built on the mission will last so long, is because they are built in Him.

I am so grateful to have been here, and will add 30 plus other people from Monticello to this email next week.

I love you all. THank you so much for the support!
Elder Sandberg

New mailing address
PO Box 385
Tuba City, Arizona,
86045

Yes, that is indeed going to be all four states that I have served in! WAhoo!

An Exerpt from a letter to Sister Bartsch that I am so glad he shared!  

Elder Golden

"Not sure if I told you, but Elder Golden From the Quorum of the Seventy came down a couple weeks ago.  He said a lot of things I needed to hear.  At one point he was talking about D&C 121:46.  He asked if anyone knew it, my heart started to take flight as no one answered.  Then, someone in the back raised their hand, and started to explain what was in it.  Elder Golden stopped him and in his English sounding voice, “No, no, no. Who has it memorized?”

Oh, crap.  No one’s answering and in the span of time that seems like forever, I raise my hand.  I raise my hand in front of my district, my zone, almost half of the entire mission, my mission president, and one of the Holy Ordained servants of the Lord.  He calls on me, I stand up, get handed a microphone and start to quote it.  About half way through, with my heart beating out of my chest, he tells me it’s supposed to talk about charity.

I reply “Well, that’s verse 45, you asked me to recite 46. Would you like 45 or 46?” Now I’m way nervous because I just called out an apostle basically on not knowing his scriptures.

So Elder Golden asks, somewhat surprised, “well, do you know that one too?” After nodding in agreement, and in his English accent, “Would you delight us in doing both?”

Holy cow!  I was nervous.  I don’t normally get nervous, but with all things given, I was shaken up pretty good.  He continued to have me stand and started picking my brain as to why I had those scriptures memorized and what they meant to me now.  I told him they are now my words.  He then went to explain the power of memorization, and although we don’t memorize lessons anymore, the exercise brings power nonetheless.

Pretty intimidating experience!  It was great though.  Towards the end of his address, he directed his words at me, couldn’t remember what he said, but said my name in his priceless accent and came across as what sounded like, “Elder SandBAG”. Ha!"

I just had to share.  I love this kid!  

Transfers are coming up!

It has been confirmed, we are getting an extra set of missionaries in our area. Hallelujah! Our Tuesdays are pretty jam packed and it's hard to meet with everyone we need to. At this rate with how the work is going, we could very well have a pool of people to sustain three sets in this area. The tough part about getting another set, is the fact that I might not be out in Paradox and La Sal anymore. Those people out there have a very special place in my heart. I realized on Sunday when I went to branch counsel, that I was saying goodbye to a lot of people out there. Although I only go out there one day a week, I have grown to love the people very much out there.

 You are all about to receive a sneak peak into this weeks district meeting. It is upon a topic that I have been thinking about for quite some time. Never knew the category that I would put it under, but I have had some serious reflection as to the work and my overall success as a missionary.

From the doctrine of Elder Sandberg, the true measure of success as a missionary is found in that of relationships. The very first relationship that is absolutely crucial for a missionary to establish, is that of a relationship with their Savior, Heavenly Father, and the Holy Ghost. Without a relationship with them, everything we do is in vain. There would be absolutely no purpose to being out here if I did not have a relationship with such beings.

 The next relationship is with my companion. The very first relationship I make when entering into an area is my companion. Without a deep and abiding relationship with my companion, the work is often strained and very difficult. Having someone around 24/7 and not having a good status can be the downfall of my mission. The next thing is the Ward/Auxiliaries we are working with. With out a solid support system or base to work from in our areas, a lot of our work flutters away. I am continually getting transferred and uprooted out of different areas. The one constant that people are going to have, aside from the Holy Ghost, is going to be the infrastructure of the church. Also, with out members trusting us and knowing us, it makes it very difficult to find referrals, as well as to ask them to help us fellowship those we work with.

The last relationship is one of my favorite because this is the area we think of most as missionaries. It is with those we work for and serve. Truly, the deepest relationships I have built out here, have been with those that I get to help come closer to Jesus Christ. It has been with those that I help to develop different relationships and connections with that I feel most close to. We are all of God's children. He loves each and everyone one of us. Just as earthly parents want to know what is going on in their kids' lives, so too does our Heavenly Father want to know what is going on ours. The greatest part of the mission is the people. You hear it all the time. It is the people because the happiness and joy that comes from strengthening relationships that will last all time and eternity is the absolute greatest thing we can do. What an honor and privilege it is to be so close to home. I will never forget about these people, nor will I ever allow myself to slip away into existence because I did not nourish the treasured connection that I have made while being here. Most of the people here know I will continue to harass them ( in a good way) to do what is right. To make changes in their life, and to build a relationship with Him whom will never falter.

 My invitation to each of you is to ponder the relationships you have right now. Think about the priority they have with other relationships. Evaluate and see if things of little eternal worth are getting in the way of the things that will forever exist. Make the changes necessary and observe the happiness that comes from rightly applying the knowledge obtained. Wisdom is found in this.

Love you all!
 Elder Sandberg

PS If some of you know someone who should be on my email list that I know, let me know. I need more contacts of individuals. Family, friends, teachers, ward members, etc.

The elders were delivering
 a saddle to a member and this is
how they showed up at the door!

It has been a very eventful week. Lot's of cool things happening and lot's of fun to be had. 

First, got to meet with Pres Adams on Thursday for interviews and he shared some insights that I really needed to hear. THe work in this area is very peculiar and it helped to receive his confidence in what we are doing. 


Went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders and had a pretty neat experience. We went to meet with a man named Enrique. He spoke only a little English, and I guess every time the Elders go over there, Elder Gonzalez is doing all of the talking because he knows Spanish. We talked a little bit in English, but then transitioned into a lesson and Elder Gonzalez and him started talking and I didn't have a clue what was going on! I was sitting there picking up words here and there but had no idea what was being said. I'd pick up a word here and there, but most of the words in Spanish that I do know, are not typically found in Gospel topics. :D Not sure what it was, but I was trying my hardest to stay engaged in the conversation and be of some help instead of being a bump on a log. Towards the end of the conversation, I felt prompted to share some things and I guess they were along the lines of what he needed to hear! Elder Gonzalez said they went along perfectly with the conversation. It was pretty cool. 

Showing off his balloon tying skills!

This week my mother has sent me a package with some much needed supplies. One of them being a balloon making kit! Turns out, I'm actually pretty good at it! After getting the main idea down, I threw the instructions away and just looked at a picture and made what I saw! Who knew! If anyone has a red nose they can send, by all means :D BUt in all seriousness, a more advanced book with balloons would be appreciated. THe biggest reason for such a thing is the children here in the area. There are a couple of families who have kids, and some recent converts have told us the best way to get the family, is to get the kids on board! We used it for one family that has been sending the kids to the door to tell us they were, "asleep", and ended up making some animals for them! I am picking up so many little tricks and skills. It's pretty cool. 

Now, Elder Davis, oh sweet sweet Elder DAvis. Long story short, his ankle is all busted up. We were playing basketball for P day, and he came down on it wrong. It was bad. We calmed him down and gave him a blessing and for some odd reason the healing of his ankle was predicated on the faith of those around him, back home, and himself. So if you want to keep him in your prayers so he doesn't have to go home that would be great. We don't know 100% sure what is going on, the Dr. who looked at it said to give it a couple of days, so we will see. Elder DAvis being injured like this has taught me quite a few things. It's definitely humbled me because he can barely do much for himself. As much as I would just LOVE to tease him and give him a hard time, I'm not. It has been a very interesting experience and I guess we will see how long this reverence lasts! ;D

Carrying Elder Davis!  They must look pretty silly tracting this way.
Let's hope he heals soon!

THings are going swell! Absolutely LOVE the people here. They are all great. Transfers are in 2 weeks, so if you send anything in the mail, send it before then. At least until I can confirm or deny I am staying.

Shout out to Olivia Sandberg who is going to be the next DECA Champion! WHaddup!!! :D 


Elder Sandberg

I'm a sucker for punishment!

I apologize for being a complete slacker on doing a mass email to update on everything. The whole week there are tons of things happening and then when it comes down to sitting in front of this computer, I draw a complete BLANK! So, I am very sorry..

 Nonetheless, things are continuing to go GREAT. Since accepting the new calling, I have experienced so much growth. The Lord knows I love a challenge. Nothing worthwhile ever came easy in life.

  Luke 6:22-23 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 

 Elder Davis and I have had some fun experiences lately. With me being the individual that I am, and with this scripture in mind, I have some pretty twisted ways of getting the new Elders accustomed to the mission. 

 A couple transfers ago when Elder Anderson was here, he and I were looking for the location of our dinner appointment. We wrote down the wrong address and approached what we thought was the correct one. With a BOM in hand and with a stomach needing to be filled, we made our way to the house. Before even getting half way across the street, a woman comes out of the house we believe to be our dinner appointment, and very very upset she yells," no, no, no! Keep your religion to yourself!" Pointing at us and clearly very hostile toward the church, I simply reply, "I'm just looking for dinner!" Needless to say, she did not take kindly to us, and clearly didn't care my stomach was the reason for being at her house. 

 For some reason, this woman has stayed in my mind. Not sure what it is, but I feel a natural draw to her. Not sure if I'm a lunatic or what, but I would greatly appreciate if someone would slam a door in our face, curse at us, spit on us, something just to show that they were not okay with what we are doing. I THRIVE on those moments because it only builds my testimony and there is a promise when it does happen. Little do those people know they are just storing up blessings for us in heaven! So with thinking about this woman, I have taken Elder Deleray and DAvis to this location. 

THe first time, with Elder Deleray, I received the response I was hoping. She expressed that she was Catholic and had no interest in what we had to say. Elder Deleray told her he used to be CAtholic and she immediately responded, "maybe you should go back!" Absolutely great, I know. Elder Deleray was a little upset with me because at first I told him it was a solid referral from someone in the ward and he was all pumped to get a good contact. Nope.. So, now to my point! 

I took Elder Davis there on Friday and received not a response I was expecting. It was the same set up as it was for Elder Deleray, referral, they are super golden, etc. We walk up and there are two men sitting on the porch. The invite us to sit with them. Here I am waiting to receive the fire. Nothing. We sit and talk, ask if we want a water. We accept. Continue to talk and I am completely just baffled! The one who owns the house asks my companion what size shoe he wears. Then goes into the house and grabs these practically brand new brown leather dress shoes and tells my companion to put them on! He compliments my companion, and I forgot he's a little tipsy, and says to keep them! Obviously I was completely caught off guard. Was a little upset that first off, things are going so well, second, my companion just got what appeared to be a 200$ pair of shoes, and third, well, there really wasn't any real reason to be upset.. And then, she arrived. :D 

 Long story short, even though this is already long, she just let us have it! Told us, "to take our religion and shove it where the sun don't shine", yes! Then exclaimed she was "going to call the cops", keep it coming! And as we were leaving, she exclaimed one last time,"what part of go do you not understand?" 

 YESSSS! I love it so much! I definitely plan on going back. Not just to harass the woman, but because there has got to be a reason I feel so drawn to that. I don't know. Maybe you all think I am completely crazy, or maybe just confirmed it. What I do know though, is that what I am doing is ordained of God. I am doing HIs work and there is nothing that can stop Him, so why in the world would there be anything that can stop me? 

I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom, but behold, my joy is fully, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. I know that I am nothing as to my strength, I am weak. Therefore I will not boast of myself, but I wll boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things. Yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land for which we will praise His name forever!! 

Ammon's words are my words! I love you all so much and hope you have the courage to stand up for what you know to be true. Make a stand and astound the people around you for the standard in which you up hold. Take nothing from the adversary and give him a punch in his face by making a stand!

Elder Sandberg

Things have been an absolute blast as of recently! Hands down Monticello is the greatest place on the planet. I feel so loved from all these people- members, nonmembers, less active, it doesn't matter. I would be completely fine with staying here the rest of the mission. There is nothing better than driving around town and just receiving love from everyone you see. Most of the people here know who Elder Sandberg is and the legacy that I am leaving behind. My mindset with being out here is to work my tail off while at the same time have a blast with the people I serve. It's amazing to be out here!

Do you know the two things that missionaries absolutely love while being in the field? Baptisms and MAIL! 

The prayers are so greatly appreciated. Especially as of late. Things have been crazy and all over the place. A lot of growth and improvement is evident. That's to be expected though right?

 I've been lifting quite a bit and I drink protein after every workout. The most I have weighed since being out here is 175. That is 30 lbs heavier than when I started!!! Holy cow! 

Monticello, Bluff, and White Mesa missionaries enjoying a view from the very top of the Blue Mountains today during P-day!

Here's the Scoop...

There was no letter from Elder Sandberg this week, but we have the inside scoop that he:

1. Will Be staying in Monticello, UT (this week was transfers) so his address remains the same!  Write to him, send him cookies, etc.  at the following address:   P.O. Box 2, Monticello, UT 84535  Or email him at :  brayden.sandberg@myldsmail.net
2. Has been made a District Leader.  This will come with a lot of new responsibilities, as he will be in charge of reporting for and receiving reports from the Sisters and Elders in his district.  Here is what he had to say about that:  Yeah! I guess it will be a fun experience. We will see. I've been told that training is a sacred trust and I am doing my absolute best to step up to that role! I am now averaging one companion every transfer! It's ridiculous. Usually, a trainee stays with their trainer for 12 weeks, 2 transfers, but we will see!
3. Could really use some letters and support!  Being a missionary is hard work.  It's been 9 months now since Elder Sandberg entered the MTC.  Keep up the love, family and friends!  You can always find his mailing address and email here on his blog.  I will let you know any news I receive!  But as he said on Monday: every P day is completely jam packed with all kinds of different things.