Saturday, October 27, 2012

Grandparents Letter


Hey Mother would you send this to Grandma and Grandpa Hillyard, Thanks . :)

Hi Grandpa and Grandma,

I just wanted to let you know that I think of you everyday and the examples you are to me. I've told stories to the members out here about you and they really love some of the experiences you've had. I just thought it would be great just to give you a personal letter out of my short time to write because of how much you have done for me. I think about the experience we had golfing just before I left here on my mission and about how to love the people here. I have to say I love the people here so much, and if I hadn't made the desicion to come out here, then everything I could have learned would have been lost, and the people here need my testimony so much. I love you guys so much and I hope you see my pictures and letters because I love to share my experiences here the best I can :) I don't have long so I can say this much... I love you, and I hope to here from you soon. I look forward to seeing you guys soon... two years that is. But thats ok because it goes by pretty fast :)

Your Missionary Grandson,

Elder Bradley James Smith

Mermaids and Mists




October 27, 2012 Saturday

Dear Family,

It is time for the family to crowd around the computer again as I spin the tale of the past week on this junky computer I must use (lol).  Anyways, the weather has been constant mist and rain and I haven't seen the sun for like a week (but as I write this email the sun is finally shining yeah!)  So, it is kind of gray here a lot and the people aren't much for talking on the streets.  I did get to go into London this week and that was totally Boss.  I'll show you all the photos so be prepared for a ton of emails!!! I had the time of my life there. I'm in the place were so many movies have been based, and It’s totally sweet!  So we spent the day in London on Monday and then went back to work as usually throughout the week.
We've mostly been working with members recently because we have three investigators... and  investigators are kind of hard to come by these weeks..., I'm not sure if it just England or our lack of effort... maybe both? I hope it’s not our fault that people aren't interested.  
But anyways... I went on a work over with the Romford elders about two days ago and ran into some very interesting people.  I'll introduce you to
 [Mom has put this portion of the letter in the restricted section of the stacks:) Email her if you want to read this paragraph.]
 Anyways, it has been another fun week in Grays.  Mom, you said you'd send me more pictures? YES! I'd love more.  More for the room.  More to show people. I really do enjoy those pictures that you sent me, so pick whatever ones you want to send and get them over here! Lol, I just really like them :)
 We had move calls last night and Elder Hansen and I are staying together for another six weeks!  I'm so stoked.  I was afraid we were going to be moved before I had the chance to see things get rolling here, but everything is ok.  So mom, you can still send stuff to me at my flat address at 34 Vicarage Square, Grays, Essex.  Hey, is that mini quad coming soon? I really could use one... so just let me know about that as well.  Besides that, it is the end of the month and we are scraping money here. We are flat broke and just waiting for the beginning of next week for the next transfer money to come in. I have my personal money... but I want to avoid using that on basic needs when we should be able to cover everything with the transfer money.  I have to learn to be thrifty, just like in Boy Scouts... but, we never learned how to be smart with our money in scouts.  Either way, you live and you learn.
 I think that it is cool that Uncle Paul was in France. He should have come and visited me... Just kidding! I don't think that is allowed anyways. I'm jealous you guys have snow. All we get is constant rain and more rain. I've seen a little bit of slush but that is when the rain freezes in the morning and then melts in the afternoon... so, its not real slush. But the house looks really good in the photos you sent me. I love getting those. They are so pretty. Makes me trunky. I've learned a lot of lingo out here so when I come back talking like a CHAV don't hate me :) My favorite word out here is POSH. It means expensive or lavish. So, I say when I see a nice car,  That is a posh car, or a posh house.  It is a fun word,  plus there are plenty more I can't cover in this time. But I hope everyone has recovered from their illnesses and I hope to hear from you soon.  I look forward to more pictures and emails and stuff :)

Love your Son and Brother, 

Elder Bradley Smith







Very Big Guns











































Monday, October 22, 2012

Oh Yeah, Oxford Ferrari Store



Dear Family, 
Hey it’s P-day right now and I'm in the middle of London visiting all the cool sights such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. This is taking the whole day, so I won't be able to write a huge letter this week but this is the last week before transfers, so I get a P-day on this Saturday. That’s when I can send you all the photos that I have of me with all the cool buildings.
I heard that you guys have the flu floating around there.  Thank goodness I'm half a world away :)
I love you guys so much and I'll talk to you soon. I'm having a blast out here because I'm about to go visit the Oxford Ferrari Store :)  It’s like a dream come true... and, man, I haven't seen so many people in my life here. You guys will enjoy seeing my pictures I send back. And, if you want to send that bag to me that would be great mother :) I love getting stuff from America :)