Matola Zone (Brady is center back with the giant smile, click on the picture to enlarge it)

Well I’ve been in my area for a few days now and it’s a pretty good area. I like it. I’m back in the city again which is good. You don’t have as much success but the people are more educated. They can read and speak Portuguese well so it makes teaching a lot easier. Also one super nice thing is that when they have questions or they don’t understand something that you taught them, they ask which is nice too. The branch is really cool, it is probably the strongest in the mission. We don’t have to do a lot like I have in the other branches I’ve been in. The only problem with the branch is that there are these 2 American families there, and I’m not going to lie, I’m kinda scared of them ha ha! I don’t know why but normal white people kinda scare me! I avoided them cuz I didn’t know what I would say to them. Other than that the branch is really good. While I was a sec in Maputo 2 I got to know a bunch of the members from that branch and they have their church at the same chapel so I got to see all them again too.

We are teaching one family who has a son that has been a member for a while. He’s a cool guy and just got his mission call to the south Africa Durban mission! Anyways, these people are loaded!!! They even have a PS3!!!!!!!! Super weird to see one of those again! They seem to be doing well but I still don’t know the people in my area very well cuz I have only been there for a few days, but from what I see so far the people are smart and they have a lot of questions which is good. Some times we get into debates but I don’t mind doing that anymore and it is tons better than them just nodding their heads.

There are a lot of inactive members here (like everywhere) so we are going to try and focus on them also. My new comp is a way cool guy. He’s from Porto, Portugal He’s only been a member for 3 years but he already knows a lot about the gospel. His teaching style is a lot like mine, I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing ha ha! He is learning English and already speaks very well.

Anyways I better get going, thanks for everything though! Sorry I was only able to send one email for you and dad but the internet has been dead for a long time and I don’t think I will have time to write everyone. Have a happy B day this week Dad!!!! I'll send you a carved elephant tusk this time! ha ha no in Beira I probably could have gotten away with that but here I don't think so. Love you both!!!

Love Brady
QUESTIONS!!!!!!!

1. Is the area or branch the same one or close to the one you were in when you were in the office?
yeah they are neighbors
2. Do you know what happened with the Angola Visas?
they are still working on them, but they did get 3 elders over there this transfer.
3. How's the weather? Are you wet enough yet?
It hasn't rained too bad down here yet, but it is starting to get hot again which sucks cuz I have to climb up stairs again!!!!
4. Do you have investigators?
ya we have a few but I don't really know them yet cuz all our appointments fall through all the time.
5. How far are you from the mission office? Do you have church there on Sundays?
well the new mission office is at president's house but they old one is where we have church. We are about 10 minnuets away using a chapa
6. How's Elder Chimica doing?
Better, he doesn't have to walk now so he should be getting better faster too.
7. How many elders are in your apartment? Where is it from your previous apartment in the city?
there are 4 of us. Our old appartment was right next to the church so like 10 min away.

Thanks fam!!! love you all!!!!!
Love Brady

Hi Grandma,

I'm glad to hear from you that you are happy and well. It is hard to believe that so much time has gone by. I have enjoyed the mission, however, it has been the hardest most challenging 2 years of my life. I have confronted many things that I never imagined that I would have to confront. I have seen and experienced a lot of things that have really changed me as a person, the way I think and the way I act. Unfortunately most of these things haven't been pleasant to experience. However, I trust that it is all for the best. As the Lord said to Joseph Smith, whatever I confront and experience on my mission will be for my good. And I turst that the Lord will bless me and help turn me into the man that he wants me to be. I have gained a lot from my mission and I am grateful for that however.

I'm glad that Great Grandma is still able to get out and about! It sounds like she is still doing well and has strength and energy. Well, sorry this is kind of short, but I'm almost out of time. Have a good week though Grandma, I love you and I'm so grateful for you.

Love Elder Grandson