Umm, Excuse Me Mr.....Your Tie is a Little Crooked. Merry Christmas! December 23, 2013

December 23, 2013

Dear Familia,

News, News, News. Where to start. This week has seemed to fly by, but when I look back at it, there was a lot that has happened. I wouldn't say there were a whole lot of huge, crazy things happened...just a lot more little things. Now it is Christmas time. It got here so fast. It is also super weird to think that this week will mark my second Christmas away from home. I am just looking forward to being able to talk with all your beautiful faces this Christmas. :)

Ok, but like I was saying, this past week has flown by. It was a good one though. I have a couple experiences that I would like to take away from it and share with you. You all know that Brenda and her two kids have decided to be baptized on January 4th. So on Tuesday, we met with them to go over the baptismal interview questions. They did a great job, so we went ahead and set up the interviews for Thursday. We got a ride into Elko from my good friends, Elder Prescott and Martindale. They interviewed the kids. (Who Passed with Flying Colors). While President Shumway, Second Councilor in the mission presidency, interviewed Brenda. He, President Shumway, called us all in after Brenda's interview and told us that it was right for this baptism to move forward and happen. Then he gave us the opportunities to bare our testimonies. Pure Awesomeness. That is what it is all about. I have had two other experiences such as this one on my mission. The feeling is just the same, and it never gets old. It happened with Juan, Raina, and now Brenda and her kids. It makes all the hard work and struggles worth it. In my opinion, it has made this Christmas just that much better :) OH...and I almost forgot to explain the title of my email...so while we were all gathered together after the interviews, President Shumway was talking to us and Connor raises his hand and say..."Umm...excuse me Mr...Your tie is a little crooked" Eh..no big deal. Just telling him like it is. I just had to laugh. I love the kid :)

Also speaking of Christmas surprises, I had one at church yesterday. I was just sitting there...standing there...at the door, handing out the programs. Normal Sunday. THEN. I. SEE. Kelly walking through the door. I am not quite sure if I have really talked about her. She is the mother of Seth, who was baptized right before I was transferred out here. So we have been working with him as well as her. She decided to surprise me as well as Elder Anderson, and show up for Sacrament Meeting. It was awesome. :)

I think that is the most exciting news from this week though. I am looking forward to the stress of making preparations for the baptism. :)

Dad- Happy Late Birthday! And may I just say that I hear you when you say that what is it with getting junk food when you don't want it. This past week has been...ridiculous. I am grateful yes, but it is quite overwhelming in a sense. Just hoping I don't get fat I guess. Thank goodness for P-day basketball ;) Let's just say I will be looking forward to the workouts with you after the mission :) I am sorry to hear about you 'Hawks...poor guys. I am glad the Chargers won. Now I just need Baltimore and Miami to lose, and we have to win next week. Basically...it is gonna be tough for us to make it this year. Oh well. I will just be happy if they finish strong. I am looking forward to talking with you guys. Swimming in December. You lucky dog. Haha. I really miss water...in its non-frozen state. I am glad to hear that Hayden will be able to enjoy it though. He is gonna bounce back and hit the field hard, just like Adrian Peterson. MVP! haha I love and miss ya Dad! I will see you on a screen in a couple of days. Until then! Have a good week and Merry Christmas :)

Mom- That picture you just sent me is super cool. Thank you for that :) And thank you for those happy Christmas wishes. My Christmas just seems to be looking like it is getting better and better each and every day. I am most looking forward to being able to see everybody and talk with everybody while you all enjoy my warm, relaxing birthplace :) I love and miss ya Mom! Have a good week! Merry Christmas

Jeri Lin- Ok...so I feel super bad. For some reason, I was thinking that you and Tony were gonna be in Texas or Utah this Christmas. I was planning on making you a card or something...but I didn't know your new address. So..I am a slacker, and didn't prepare anything for you for Christmas. I am sorry. I can still do something, it may just be late. I am looking forward to seeing all of you guys on Wednesday and seeing little Lindi and goofy Hyrum. I am a lucky uncle :) Thanks for your email! I love and miss ya! Have a good week!

I love you all and miss ya! Have an awesome week. I will see you soon!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Year Marks and Pep Talks December 16, 2013

December 16, 2013

Dear Family,

Obviously, this week was the week of my year mark. It was spent at zone conference and at the Elko and Spring Creek Christmas party. I had a good time spending it with my Big Hawaiian friend, Elder Prescott. My fellow Arizona peep, Elder Martindale. And one of my very good friends Elder Stevens. It was fun. It was a fun time. :) It definitely was what I needed. I had a rough start to the week. Which brings us to the second part of my letter.

I received a little package and story about a camel from a family I have come to love very dearly out here on my mission. The Hagler family.That brings me to the second part of the title of my email. It, the story, was definitely a pep talk that I was in need of. The start of the week was looking like it would be one of the best. Monday was pretty good. Then Tuesday came. We are sitting in District Meeting and our phone rings. Nancy is calling us, so my companion walks out and answers the phone. I here him yell in the hallway...walks back in, throws the phone at me, and says, "Nancy, just dropped us." I was confused as...ever. Ha. I just kept trying to think what happened to make her want to "take a break". My thoughts kept going back to my patriarchal blessing...when it tells me, "Not all will follow upon what they feel". I kept wanting to do more though. I then got that package from you on Wednesday. The part that stuck out to me was the part where it talks about the importance of prayer. I have a very strong testimony of prayer. I know Heavenly Father listens and answers. I had been praying, but that was a nice reminder to help make my prayers more meaningful.

Other than that, things are going well. The baptism for Brenda and her two kids is still on track for the 4th of January. We have a new investigator as of Monday, his name is Brandon. He is a kid in a part member family that we are working with. We are also working with his little brother Blake, who is 8 years old. Pretty cool. We have a few more potentials that we will hopefully be meeting with this week. Things are going well. Time continues to fly by.

As for Christmas...I would like some Khaki pants. Jeri Lin, have you made a book for me for this past six months? I love those. But honestly...I think you guys know what I like. I don't think I am in dire need of anything though.

Dad-Well it seems to me that I have a family full of crazy fools. Haha first it is Mom, then it is Hayden. It seems that things are going pretty well though. I was so happy to hear that the Chargers pulled it off. I am glad you are doing well with your workouts. I don't think I know Justin Wright, but that is cool that he supported you and that you are supporting him. I am glad that workouts have been such a blessing in your life. Keep it up :) I love and miss ya.

Mom- Thank you for your short sweet messages :) I totally understand that you are super busy, so I am glad that you at least take a little bit of time to write me. Thank you for being my Mom. You are definitely one of my super heroes :) I love and miss ya!

Jeri Lin- To answer your question...it feels super weird to be halfway done. Time is racing by like Lightning McQueen. Ka-Chow! I think I answered your other questions about wants and needs for Christmas. I just had another thought. Nike Socks. I like dem. So..if at all possible :) I am glad your family is doing well. I love ya Sis. Thank you for everything :) Say hi to the kiddos for me. Have a good week, I love and miss ya! :)

I love you all. Tell everyone hello for me. I miss ya. I will be seeing you guys on the Skype next week! Have a good one :)

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

The Smigelskis. They are on their way out. Gonna miss Elder Smigelskis jokes and training. Mostly his jokes ;)

Stevens, Martindale, and I. Buddies.

Stevens. Gutierrez, and I. Mas Buddies.

Super Heroes and Birthdays December 9, 2013

December 9, 2013

So...Title explanation. No, I did not dress up as a super hero for my birthday. No the Knudsens did not hire a super hero to come surprise me on my birthday. To be completely honest, the two have pretty much absolutely nothing to do with each other. So...just be patient and I will get around to explaining as this email continues to progress. :)

First, I did not get the birthday package until this morning, but thank you so very much. Hopefully those thermals will keep me warm...because it has been absolutely freezing. I HATE THE COLD. We have arranged with some members to get rides and everything though. So we should be alright. It does help getting into peoples doors though. Sometimes. Haha. Again, thank you mucho. My birthday was really awesome. I got a package from my Hagler family and Juan who are back in Sparks. I got a Taylor Swift calendar from Elder Munns. PRETTY SWEET. I also got a book from the Knudsens. No Excuses, No Regrets. The Eric Weddle Story. :) Super Awesome. Then Brenda gave me some cake and gave me a mint plant to give my appartment or basement some nice plant life and a small way to freshen up my breath from time to time. Pretty neat, eh? :) President didn't call me though...pretty bummed about that. He just sent me a text this morning at 6:29. Come on President...I still have one more minute of sleepy time. ;) Then we had dinner and cheesecake at the Knudsens. Dinner was some good old fried rice and Orange Chicken :) haha. It was a good birthday all in all. My year mark will be spent at Zone Conference and at a Mission Christmas party for Elko and Spring Creek.

Now for the explanation on super heroes. It all began about...last night. While I was sleeping. I had a dream that me and a bunch of missionaries that I have served around were dressed up as super heroes. Kinda weird, right? It got me thinking though, that is for sure. I thought I would share with you those thoughts. Here it goes. Elder Stevens and I have been spending a lot of time reminiscing about the good times we had in Sparks and the people we helped and bonded with. Juan for instance, we are now eternal best friends. I could venture to say, and I don't think he would disagree, that we are a couple heroes in his life. So my thoughts are that. I am a super hero. Along with all missionaries. Pretty neat, right? :)

News on the investigators. Brenda just sent us a text saying that the plan for the baptism is January 4th. I am so excited for that. Especially since it is right before transfers! So I will be able to see them baptized right before I leave if that is the case. I couldn't be happier. :) As far as Nancy goes, she has finished reading the Book of Mormon. Our focus right now is just to help her to receive and recognize the answers to her prayers. Things are definitely going well. We have two lessons set up tonight. Both with Part Member families. And we are continuing to work with the Less actives and find more of them to visit with. It almost seems like it is weekly thing. But yeah...as far as work goes, it is progressing :)

Dad- The Chargers play on my year mark. I really hope they win, cuz it would just make it that much sweeter. Too bad the Seahawks lost, I guess it is a good thing that it wasn't really a "must win" game. I think they will make it all the way. I am super impressed by Wilson. He is a champ for sure. I am glad Snickers is still doing alright, even if he has slowed down a bit. He is a good dog. Miss him. Too bad that ASU lost. I am still impressed on their improvement this year though. Gotta keep moving on up. Thank you for everything you do for me Dad. I love and miss ya. Have a good week!

Mom- I just want to say thank you for the birthday package and note. I am sure I will be a little bit warmer now. Thanks to the Thermals and the help from the Spring Creekers. I love it out here. I am having tons of fun and doing good work. Thank you for everything you do for me. I love ya and miss ya Mom. Have a good week!

Jeri Lin- Well I hope you have a fun week with the Browns and Goodwins. Also hope that you keep staying safe with your new security system. I am glad everyone is doing well. Love and miss ya Sis! :) Have an wonderful week!

I love you all. Tell everyone Hi for me.

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

 Balloons

 Cake at Brenda's

Cheesecake

 Munchies and Mountain Dew

T-Swizzle Calendar

Side note: The beanie is a birthday gift from Elder Stevens

19 Years of Age December 2, 2013

December 2, 2013

This is the last email I will be sending as a young whipper-snapping teenager. When I come home...I will no longer be a teenager. *Sighs* Oh well. I think I have a pretty good Birthday planned out. If everything goes according to plan of course. Thank you all for your birthday wishes thus far. Even if it does make me feel like an old man. :) But like I was saying...it should be good. Sister Knudsen is gonna make me a cheesecake and we may even have dinner of there. Then the Harwart family, a part member family also offered...well their thirteen year old daughter offered to throw me a birthday party. Haha. We shall see what happens. I love those people. I dunno if I have told you the story on them yet. So I think I will do that now.

Elder Anderson and I met them as we were trying to clear up our ward directory. We had records of a family that may have moved out, so we went to the house just to double check and make sure that was accurate and to see if the people that had moved in knew where the people who had moved out were. Just so we could get the records moved out of our ward. We knock on the door and hear someone say, "It's the missionaries!". Long story short, we meet the Harwarts. The kids have all been baptized. April, the mom, was a convert in Reno a few years back....and has kind of had a rough go, with family and what not. I don't want to go into personal details. Anyways, she is now married to Donald, who is not a member of the church. Such an awesome guy. Anyways...this past Saturday, we went over there. April asked for a blessing on their home. So we did that, and then they asked for personal blessings as well.

(side note) I remember the first time I gave a blessing. Pretty darn nerve racking. Now...I still get a little anxious I think, but it really isn't that bad. :)

They also had a non member friend there that wanted a blessing as well. I was able to give her a blessing. After we left, we got a text from April saying that Fate, the friend, definitely felt something and that she was almost crying. Hopefully we can have more opportunities there. :)

Let's see. What else happened this week. My good friend Tyler got his mission call! He has been called to serve in the good country of Mexico. It was cool to be able to watch him have that experience and then reflect on my own. Boy was that a long day waiting to open mine up. I remember just watching NFL Network all day just trying to get my mind off it. Then, everyone was gathered around. Waiting. Anticipating. Nevada Reno Mission. Woah. Haha weird. Ok. I can do this :) And after this week I have been reflecting a lot about it. I am approaching a year and I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to be a missionary here. I am working to make the most of it. Thank you for all your support :)

Dad- Well it sounds to me that you had a pretty darn good week. With Thanksgiving and all. :) My Thanksgiving was good. We spent lunch with Brenda, her kids were in Reno, and Travis and his two kids. Played spoons and some bball. Well we played speed to be exact :) But that was fun. Then we went and had dinner with the Knudsens and played Scum and Double Scum the card game :) It was fun. :) Brenda, her kids, and Nancy are still continuing to progress well. January for Brenda's baptism. Then we will be meeting with Nancy on Wednesday. And it is kinda weird to think that I will be with Elder Anderson for that long. Things are going well though, so I can't complain :) I love and miss ya. Hope you have another good week!

Mom- I too am hoping to see the progress of Brenda and Nancy continue to move forward. They are doing well. I am doing well too. Not freezing too much yet. I really wish they would give a car to this wimpy Az boy. Oh well though. I am glad to hear that you had a good Thanksgiving as well. Poor kid. I was telling the Knudsens about Chocolate gravy. Boy do I miss that stuff :) I hope you have a good week Mom! I love and miss ya!

Jeri Lin- Wild week for sure. Jimminy Christmas. I am glad that everyone is alright though. Hopefully everything will work out in finding them. It seems that other than that things are going well though. I hope work continues to go well. Before you know it Tony will be working like 10 jobs it seems like. Haha, but that is a good thing. Cuz then you will be able to pay for your security system. :) But for real. I am glad you are doing well. I love and miss you!

I think that is all I have for now. I love and miss you guys. Thank you for everything!

Your Brother
Your Son
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

A Week to Give Thanks; Before Thanksgiving November 25, 2013

November 25, 2013

Where to start. Let's see. Well first and foremost. I will be...............STAYING! I am here in Spring Creek for my fourth transfer. It will make it six months in this area by the end of this transfer. My companion? Still Elder Anderson. Everybody was pretty shocked, but we are both really happy to be staying. More cool news, my last companion, Elder Stevens, is coming to be companions with Elder Lewis. We will be serving in the same ward, going to dinners together, having plenty more laughs. I was freaking out when I found out he was coming here. We had been emailing back and forth saying that we wanted to serve together again someday. This is really the next best thing. He has been one of my favorite companions by far :) Him and Elder Flake. So I am very thankful for that for sure.

I also got a little sick this week, but I have gotten over it pretty quickly. Thank goodness. It has just been a cold and a minor flu/fever. I am doing good though now. Just a little bit of a stuffy nose.

So. More good news. :) The best part of being a missionary is when you have investigators bear their testimony to you. When they realize that the church is really true. And they tell you that no matter what they are gonna get baptized. That happened this week. We went to have a lesson with Brenda and her kids. And she told us that she has decided to be baptized no matter what. Even though she has been having a lot of family adversity hit her ever since she told them. It won't be till January though. But I honestly could not be happier. :) She is solid. Honestly it is all because of the ward. They have been such a huge help. Especially the Relief Society. They have just welcomed her right in as part of the family. Same goes for Nancy as well. We sit with her during Sacrament, and then after that. We don't hardly see her. The ward just brings them right in. That is exactly how it is supposed to be. It helps us not stress as much. :)

Then we also had a ward Thanksgiving dinner this week and we had investigators and less actives there. They were even fellow shipping each other. We had one kid who was baptized shortly before I got here and he was able to get one of our less active members to come to church yesterday. Pretty cool, eh? The work here is so awesome. I am so excited to be here for another. The work is going so well and nobody wanted Elder Anderson to leave. They all got their wish. Needless to say. I have many things to be grateful for. :)

Dad- Well, it seems like it was pretty much all good news from your part of the world this week. I hope you guys have a good Thanksgiving. I will be spending it with Brenda and the Knudsens :) Football. All good news. Except for UA beating Oregon. Bleh. I hope D-Ridge the best. Looks like they have their work cut out for them once again. I will be excited to hear more :) Maybe the Chargers will get the Wild Card. I can dream, right? ;) I am also glad to hear that Hayden is doing pretty well. I hope you have a good week this week. :) I love and miss ya Dad. I look forward to seeing you in about a year from now and having more adventures :)

Mom- So is Keila's car totalled? That is no fun. At all. I can speak from experience ;) But I dunno who taught us how to drive... ;) I am glad to hear that Carter and Michelle are alright. That is rough. I hope they can get it all fixed up and worked out. I am grateful to live in a place where we don't have many natural disasters. It is sad about Tyler, but it is Happy about Tyler Knudsen. Sister Knudsen told me that you got that picture. We are hoping he gets his call this week. We shall see. As for the others, I definitely see them progressing. I want to thank you for your support in me and those I am helping. I love it here. I also love you and miss you Mom. Have a good week! :)

Jeri Lin- It is so good to hear that things are going well no matter how busy they may be and that you are finding those missionary opportunities. Isn't it awesome when they just come to us like that? That was like when we met Bonnie and Raina back in Sparks. It wasn't hard at all and then for some I have had to really work and test my patience. Hard work pays off though. In anything. :) Especially missionary work. Just remember that :) I am happy to hear that Hyrum is becoming a master what and why man. I love that. I drive my companions crazy with those questions. So awesome :) Sister. I am thankful for you and your example to me. Thank you for everything. I love and miss ya. Have another good week! :)

I love and miss you all. I am sorry that I don't have any pictures this week. Have an amazing Thanksgiving and remember what you are thankful for.

Love
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Truck Driver November 18, 2013

November 18, 2013

I will begin by explaining the title. So this past week, there was a leadership conference over in Reno. So missionaries from all over the state had to load up and head on the trek back out there. They had to carpool. So, I had the brilliant idea of asking my zone leaders if there was any possible way that I would be allowed to have one of the trucks that was not being taken for those two short days. Originally, the answer was a no. Oh well. At least I asked, right? Well Thursday morning, Elder Anderson and I were riding our bikes back from a lesson that had cancelled and we receive a call form the Zone Leaders saying that we could use the Truck that the Elders in Wells have. Woohoo. I mean, who cares if it has a huge dent in one of the doors because they swerved to miss a deer and hit a mile marker instead. I got to drive! It was so nice. Especially since it snowed Friday morning. I HATE BEING COLD. SO. It was a nice break for sure. :)

Maybe I will get a car in the near future? President Hermansen did say my time would come. Who knows. I mean...we get transfer calls this coming Saturday. As much as I would love a car though, I love it here. Even if I do freeze a little. And in PEC yesterday the Bishop made it very clear that he doesn't want Elder Anderson and I out on our bikes if he can avoid it. Especially in the dark. So the ward is gonna be helping us with rides. I will be extremely happy and warm. All in all, it won't be too bad if I do end up staying. And honestly, I feel a little bad about that whole paragraph now because I sound a little selfish. I will do everything I need to to help the people here. Cold or hot. So...don't think I am complaining or anything. But..I am. haha. Man...digging myself a hole. Anyways. I love being a missionary! I just HATE being cold. That's all :)

As for my investigators. Nancy was at church once again. We sat with her this week. AND! She decided that she would attend all three hours this week. It seemed to me that the ward did a really wonderful job at welcoming her in and fellow shipping. The technicalities for her to be baptized have all been met. Now she just needs to have that testimony grow and decide to make that commitment. Just a matter of time I believe. We have another lesson with her on Wednesday :) As for Brenda and her kids, they are having a lot of trials coming up with their baptism. They are thinking the Baptismal date will be December 7th. Their family support is now non-existent though. So...it may be delayed again. We will be meeting with them tomorrow. If you could, please keep them in your prayers. Satan is trying really hard to not let this one happen. As for Tyler, he decided that he no longer wants to meet with us. We don't know why. Just gotta keep moving forward though. Hopefully something stood out to him and that something will remind him of it at some point down the road. Hopefully we planted a seed. That door has kind of closed, but we also had another one open. The Bishop gave us a record that got sent to the ward that he wanted us to check out. So we did. It is a less active family and their 8 year old son wants to be baptized. Now it won't be a convert baptism, but they want us to teach him before that happens. We have a lesson scheduled with them this evening. Pretty sweet :) We are continuing to strive to work with the Less Active and Part member families as well. Things are progressing :)

Also, Yesterday, Tyler Knudsen asked me to be in the circle for his ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood. I was extremely honored to be a part of that. I have made some very good friends out here on my mission. I believe Sister Knudsen will be sending a picture of all of us after the ordination :) We are also hoping that Tyler gets his mission call this week. I hope so. Maybe he will get called to Arizona ;)

I think that is most of the excitement from this week though. Saturday was spent all day cutting wood and loading and unloading it for some people. That is fun stuff. I was exhausted by the end. Couldn't be happier :)

I will no longer be a teenager in a few weeks here. Sad day.

Dad- Well dang, you didn't have much of a work week, and I feel like I worked my butt off. Haha. We had a day this week that we taught 7 lessons and that was even after two fell through. Lots of biking and teaching. :) But no broken bones, thank goodness. That is a bummer that Hayden did that. My little brother is beating me in injuries I think. Poor kid. I feel bad. Especially that he will be missing the playoffs. Haha doesn't he know that trampolines are for the off season ;) Well, I can't talk too much, I split my head open. SO yeah...haha :) Other than that, It seems to me that you have had a pretty good, fun week. And good food :) Good to hear that your Seahawks are still doing well. The Chargers just really need to learn how to finish. Hopefully sooner rather than later. I love and miss ya Dad. Thank you for all your prayers. I hope you have an awesome week as well!

Mom- I am doing my best not to freeze, cuz like I mentioned before, I HATE being cold.  So my brother and I love trampolines, but they don't seem to like us a whole lot is what I am getting from this. Poor kid. I am glad he is a tough kid though. Maybe I did teach him something. ;) That is a bummer though. Hope he heals quickly. Now. What is this. Do you know when they moved there? Because I have a beanie from Juan of Spanish Springs High School and Juan thinks he knows who Cody is. That is so weird! I wish I would have known they were there if they were there when I was. Desert Fox Dr, wasn't in my area, but it sure does sound somewhat familiar. I could just be imagining things though. Haha dang...I still can't believe that. I should send the sisters over there to see them ;) I am glad you are doing good Mom. I love and miss ya. Thank you for the pictures! Have a good week!

Jeri Lin- I think I missed ya again. I do love ya though, and I hope everything is going well for ya and your kiddos! :)

Well I have uno picture to send this week. Besides the one that Sister Knudsen has sent or will be sending. Enjoy!

I love and miss ya all!

Love
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

11 Months...What in the world? November 11, 2013

November 11, 2013

So...yeah. This week marks me being away from home for just under a year. Where has the time gone? For real. It is just flying by. Some days I feel as if there is a ton of time I still have to do this. Then there are days such as this that I think...Holy Moly...I am halfway done. It is almost 2014. I go home in 2014. I am in my 8th transfer...there are about 16 transfers-ish. Woah dood. Don't worry though. I am not trunky. Thank goodness for work. If I wasn't working and loving the people out here, I probably would be.

I really don't want to leave the Creek though. At least not yet. My hope is that I will be here at least one more. I want to be around familiar faces for Thanksgiving, my birthday, and Christmas. We shall see what happens. I really don't think Elder Anderson and I will be together for another. Another crazy thought. I have nearly been with Elder Anderson for a fourth of my mission. It has been pretty good. :)

One of the biggest reasons I also don't want to leave is because that I want to be here for Conner. I also want to be here for Nancy. I guess I just want to be here for the people I have met and taught. I want to see them continue to progress. The same reason I wanted to be in Sparks I think. Anyways, this week I was able to attend a baptism for the Rigby girls. It is technically the other elders baptism, but I have helped teach them. It is cool to have four elders in the ward for sure. At the baptism, I sat with Conner of course. And I kept asking him when it was his turn. He told me December 7th, which is his birthday. SO...we shall see. We are meeting with them at 12. Nancy was at church once again. Things are going really well. Some days are tough of course, but hard work pays off :)

Dad- As for the books, yeah. They are mine. They were given to me back in Sparks as Elder Stevens and I were sitting on a members front porch waiting for the Husband to return home from work. Some guy just walked up and asked us if we were Mormon and gave us each some books. Pretty cool :) You are welcome to read them if you would like. I just got tired of taking them around. Sounds like you have a fairly easy week though. Goin to bball games and whatnot. :) And as for football, I know the Chargers came up short. Fajardo made sure I was aware of that one :) BUT ASU won. I was happy to hear that :) Thank you for your letter. Don't worry, I have at least a couple of pictures for ya. They will come shortly. I love and miss ya Dad :)

Mom- Thank you for your email. That is dumb that your update is throwing everything off. Weird. I am glad you got the stuff. Sister Saddoris called me Saturday morning to let me know she had done it. She is from Globe :) I am glad Hayden liked the tie. I think I already told Dad, but that name tag is also for him :) I am glad he had a good birthday :) As for Juan's Scriptures. I think the ones like I got for my mission. Not a quad. The Triple and the Bible. Black and Gold. With his name, Juan Carlos Bedolla. It is good to hear that everyone is doing well though. I love and miss ya!

Jeri Lin- Thank you for your email, even if you do think I am a rebellious missionary ;) I am glad to hear that you were able to work out the house and moving into your already crazy busy schedule :) It is good to hear that your two kiddos are doing well too. Time flies. Like crazy. I am a pirate with Lindi. You will see ;) I love and miss ya Sis! :)

Thank you for everything you guys. I love and miss you all!
Have an awesome week!

Love
Your Son and Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

 Parrot -CJ

 Pink Giraffe Tie

 Lookin' good

Rigby Family Baptism

I Am Not Alone November 4, 2013

November 4, 2013

This week I have been thinking a lot. (crazy, I know) ;) Haha

As you know I am sure, but I have a great love for the sport of football. I have spent a lot of time playing, watching, and studying it. One of the things that stuck out to me a while back was a like..."pump up" or "motivational" speech given by a player by the name of Cam Newton. He basically was telling his team mates that we cant keep going out there saying that we will get it in the "next play" Or "next time", because eventually, we are gonna look up at the score board, the game will be over, and we will have lost. Now like you said, I already feel as if I have started. Now I need to "sprint to the finish" like Brother Hagler has said. I found an excellent example of this in the scriptures. His name? Nephi. It was in Helaman Chapter 10. Verses 4-5 are the ones that stuck out to me the most. These are my thoughts. So, for the past few transfers, I have really been trying to focus on being more selfless in my service these past few transfers. I've been trying to look outward and forget myself. I guess you can say that it has been an obstacle of mine in a way. In my patriarchal blessing though, it says, "As you seek to overcome all the obstacles the Lord will bless you in a great and glorious way and you will be a powerful missionary.". I need to continually be diligent even when I am tired. I need to be more like Nephi. I have some work to do. :)

I also had some other thoughts. The thought that we can't do missionary work alone really hit me. We were teaching relief society and priesthood combined yesterday. We taught about a way to do member missionary work. I also had my mind refreshed my memory of an experience that happened at a zone conference in Sparks. It was when Elder Gavarett was here on a mission tour. He told us that we have ancestors and angels with us all the time. At that moment, I couldn't help but feel as if Heath was sitting right there next to me. It was kind of a crazy feeling. I know I am not alone in my missionary for sure. :)

As for other news, Nancy finally came to church! She seemed to enjoy it, but we will be meeting with her again on Wednesday to see for sure. She isn't on track to make her baptismal date, but hopefully she has a much more increased desire now that she has come to church. As for Tyler, he was at his Dad's house this week, so we didn't meet with him. This week should be good though. The other Elders in the ward are having a baptism this Saturday. Two girls that I have helped teach and we are gonna try and get Nancy and Tyler to come. Should be another good week. Still trying to set some things up with the other part member families an less active members.

Dad- Football is...frustrating. Haha It is good to hear that the Sun Devils are doing well though. Chargers...frustrate me. You look good! I wish I could have been there running with you and Mom. I am glad you are doing well. Thank you for all your prayers. I have more pictures for ya. So be patient!

Mom- Thank you for all the pictures! Things are going well for me though. I keep on keeping on. Dad does look a whole lot better. I definitely wish I could be there with you guys. I may have some things coming down for you guys. Sister Saddoris is going down to Globe, so she asked if I need to bring anything to you guys. So I may have some stuff and she may be in contact with you. Just FYI :) I am glad you are doing well and that Hayden is doing well too. I hope you have another good fun week.

I love you guys and miss ya!

Your Son,
Elder Shinkle

p.s. being a missionary is like being a celebrity

 Connor

 My mini me

He dressed up as me for Halloween.

A View of the Creek from Creek View Drive October 28, 2013

October 28, 2013

So...This week I found out the meaning of my street name. Arroyo means creek and vista means view. And.....I have still yet to see a single creek out here in Spring Creek.

It sounds like a nice luscious place. It is for sage brush. It is also for missionary work though. This week has been a really good one. We were able to get in contact with some less active and part member families that we have been trying to since basically day one we got here. We have some lessons set up with them this coming week. We were also able to set up a baptismal date with Tyler. December 7th. So that was cool. Our big focus this week will be finding even more investigators. I love it out here though.

In other news, I woke up to stinking snow. Bleh. Like President said...many are called, few are frozen. I am one of those frozen ones I guess. We shall see for how long. I dunno what else...Nancy and Tyler should both be at church this coming week. But...yeah. Things are going well.

Dad- I was just making silly faces for Sister Knudsen. I love them and we just had Ham and beans and yeah, I had a Pepsi. We went there because our dinner had cancelled. Sister Knudsen and I get along pretty darn well. I am actually gonna be going over there again later today to make ties. I got some pink giraffe print material. Gonna be looking good :) It is good to hear that you are doing well with the workouts and that you are continuing to improve. I heard more about the shooting throughout the week. That day Juan told me, you told me, and Sister Hagler told me. Kinda crazy. I will miss being at the Resort in Scottsdale, but I too, look forward to being able to skype with you guys again. Megatron is a monster. Football is still awesome. Thanks Dad. For everything. I actually have a handwritten letter on the way for you with a little surprise. I love ya. Have a good week! :)

Mom- As for Khakis...my pants are all still fitting. SO...like 32x34. If you can find a little longer, I dont think it would hurt, but it is fine I am pretty sure. Haha that is awesome that you are doing Monkey bars and what not. GO Mom! It is so good to hear that Hayden is doing so well. He is a stud. :) And yeah, they are a wonderful family. Sister Knudsen. They are like...my favorites out here in Spring Creek. She is the Primary President. Love em to death. It is kinda like a home away from home there. I love and miss you Mom. Have an awesome week! :)

Jeri Lin- Good deal. Haha Sounds like a fun time. So did they get stung while at the hospital..or??  That is good news on the house.  I love you! and miss ya!

I think that is all I have for now. I love and miss you all. Stay amazing. Keep up all the good work. Thank you for the prayers. You guys are always in mine.

Love your Son and Brother,
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

 One of my favorite missionaries!

 Shearing Goats

 Snow on the Ground

Monkey

Anxiously Engaged October 21, 2013

October 21, 2013

I would first like to apologize. I have pictures, but I forgot my camera back at the house. I will send them probably next week. I am really bummed, because I had some good pictures to send from this past week. Just to show you how cool of a week I had. For example, I got to shear an Angora Goat. Actually a couple of them. It was a fun experience. It wasn't nearly as stinky or anything like I was thinking it would be. :) Transfers were also this week. I got to see one of my favorite companions again, Elder Stevens. It was a nice reunion. :) My favorite missionary, Elder Shamanis, is now home. He has a tie and a couple other "treats" on the way for me. Probably get them today from another one of my favorite missionaries. :) Then I was also to have an interview with President Hermansen this week. Just the ones that he does every other transfer throughout the mission. It was probably the best one I have had yet. The best part is that I learned more fully about what it means to be anxiously engaged. He talked about how our areas or the people in our areas need to become like our family. We need to be constantly thinking of them and how we can help them. I feel like I have done a decent job of this. When I left Sparks I felt as if I was leaving my family. It was like starting my mission all over again. I am working on making it that way here now :)

As for my investigators this week. The best news is that Nancy now has a baptismal date for November 16th. :) We are super stoked for that. The others are all continuing to progress wonderfully. This past week we were able to have FHE with Brenda and her kids and we had another lesson with them about temples last night. Things are really progressing. Thank you for all your prayers. They have got to be playing such a major part in their development :)

Dad- Well President Hermansen says that many are called, but few are frozen ;) It actually hasn't been too bad. Especially when you are biking and your blood is pumping. I am sure when the snow hits though, I will not be happy. I gotta do what I gotta do though. At the end of my interview President asked me if I needed anything, and I told him that I would like to have a car eventually ;) He said my time will come :) That is the same with coming and working out with you too. It is good to hear that you are continuing to do well. Keep striving for that goal. My goal is to be up to 190. My weight fluctuates through the 180s. It is all muscle too...at least a majority. I dropped all the fat I got in Sparks I think :) I was glad the Broncos lost. I wear my Chargers tie every Pday :) I hope you have a great week. I love and miss ya Dad :)

Mom- Well thank you for all the pictures :) I am not frozen yet...but I am sure the time will come. It is good to hear about Hayden. I am very much proud of that kid. Even if he is humble about it. :) I am glad things are going well for you and I hope they go well this week. I love you and miss you Mom.

Jeri Lin- Well...That was quite the breakdown. I am sorry that life gets tough sometimes. You are doing your best though. That is all that matters. It is also good to hear that work is going well for you. I hope that the house thing works out too. Your kids are awesome. I love and Miss ya Sis. :)

I love you guys mucho. Thank you again for all your prayers.

Love
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

P.S.
Stamps and Khaki pants would be nice for birthday and or Christmas :)

More Work in the Creek October 14, 2013

You have been all awaiting my transfer call, and if you could not tell by the title, I will be staying here for at least another six weeks. With? Elder Anderson. Haha, we were both pretty shocked to say the least. After this Transfer we will have been together about 4 and a half months. That does not include the MTC. So he will be the companion that I have had the longest so far. It isn't a bad thing though. This past week has been pretty great. We had some good lessons. We also were able to start teaching a new investigator. He is 14 years old and his name is Tyler. Mom wanted a list of all my investigators we have thus far. So we have Brenda, Nancy, Connor, Brittany, Kelly...I think that is all. However, that list may grow after this week. We will be meeting with some potentials and trying to contact some referrals as well. Things are really looking up :)

I also had some thoughts this week that I would like to share.  What makes a STUD missionary? S. Study. Jeffrey R. Holland has said that we will "make or break your missions between the hours of 6:30 am and11:00 am". What are we doing at those times? Studying. T. Teach. As missionaries, we won't do any good if we aren't teaching anybody. So we teach when we find and find when we teach. U. Unity. If we want to have the Spirit, We need to be unified with our companion. D. Desire. If we have the desire to be obedient and all those other things that I have previously mentioned, it will all begin to fall into place. Then we will become that STUD missionary. 

What else have I been up to this week? Well I went on splits with Elder Munns on his birthday. Nothing too exciting happened though. Just did some missionary work like normal. Yesterday we taught Sharing time  and the Priests and Teachers. I always enjoy doing that. Those are the biggest things I can think of though.

Dad- That is awesome that you were able to pull off the win for the biggest loser. Yeah, like you said. Keep up the good work. I have some bragging rights too now haha. As for things that I am in need of...I don't really know. Not much. If I think of anything. I will be sure to let you know if anything comes to mind though. And yeah...the time is going by quickly for sure. My favorite missionary is actually going home in a couple days, Elder Shamanis. It is crazy, because I remember when he was my Zone leader when I first got out here and he was just barely over a year. Time flies. As far as football goes, I hope the Chargers can FINISH tonight. I think it would be cool if you go to that game. I wish I could join you. As for the weather...not looking forward to be frozen to my bike, but I gotta do what I gotta do. I love ya and miss ya Dad. Have a good week!

Mom- Thank you so much for your email. I am so glad to hear that Hayden is doing so well. In his letter to me, he told me that he scored a touchdown. I am so happy for him. He is a better athlete than me. He has the skill, I just had to work hard for that skill to come. Haha. I am looking forward to when me and him can play together. Maybe one day you will be able to watch me again. Last week we were playing and I got decleated. The air was pushed right out of my lungs. My head was not on a swivel and my world got rocked. It hurt so good. I hadn't been hit like that in a very long time. I have more football to look forward to today. I love it. I hope you have a good week Mom. I love you!

Jeri Lin- So you got my transfer news. And all your news was good news. It is definitely good to hear that you are still continuing to do so well with the family history, work, and everything. I am glad Tony and the kiddos are continuing to do well. I am glad Taylor Swift reminds you of me. You have no idea how many people have told me that. But I am glad that it does. You are the best older Sister I could ever ask for. I love you and miss ya!

That is all I have for this week. I love you all!

Love,

Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Conference and Obedience October 7, 2013

October 7, 2013

I must say that this week has been a lot better than the previous week. Probably partially due to conference. As missionaries, we are treated well by the members on conference weekend. I had basically almost all six meals provided for me the past couple days. Even a steak lunch on Saturday. Besides the food, conference itself was perty awesome. One of the biggest things that stuck out to me was the talk by Edward Dube. It isn't about where you serve, it is how. TO be honest, I wasn't too sure or super happy about coming all the way out to Spring Creek at first. I have come to love it though, because it really doesn't matter where I am. I just have to do my best, and I have come to find that when I do work and do serve that I come to love the people I am around and helping. Now, as I strive every day to be exactly obedient, I believe that it will be just increased by a crazy amount.

As for out investigators, Nancy is back in town this week, so we will be meeting with her again. We were able to watch the second session with Brenda and her kids yesterday. We also had a lesson with them earlier this week. It was good. Again...just trying to work some things out with them for baptism. They all want it. Probably looking towards second week in November. I am hoping I am still here as transfer calls will be coming out this weekend. So we will see if any crazy happenings come. We were also able to meet with a few potential investigators this week. And set up some appointments up with some less active members that we haven't been able to contact till now. So this coming week is really looking up. I can't help to think that it is because of our increased desire to strive to be exactly obedient.

Dad- I forgive you about not sending me a note last week. I understand that you were busy :) I am glad that you have enjoyed conference. Haha and that you were able to stay home to watch priesthood from home...I won't be able to enjoy that blessing until after my mission. we are asked to go to the stake center to watch the priesthood session. All the other sessions though, we watched with members and our investigators. It is good to hear that you are still continuing to strive to lose weight. It is an inspiration to me. I am striving to stay in shape as well as in spiritual shape. You have shown me that you are willing to do whatever it takes and I am trying to do so in my workouts as well as in my missionary work. Thank you for that. I love you and miss you day. Have a good week!

Mom- Well thank you for that good news about Snickers. I am so glad he is doing better. I tried no to worry, but I did keep him in my prayers. Thank you for your example of being exactly obedient. It is definitely tough. I am willing to try it out though. I have already begun to see the blessings as well. Thank you for that quote from that lady as well. We gotta do everything we can and then push a little further. I love you and miss you mom. Have a good week :)

Jeri Lin- I think I answered all you questions in the paragraphs. I am so glad to hear that you are doing well with your job, Tony got a better job, and that you guys now are looking to get that house. I hope for lots more good news this coming week. I love and miss you, Tony, Hyrum, and Lindi. Have another good week!

LOVE YOU GUYS! (exclamation point!)
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Humbled in the Creek September 30, 2013

September 30, 2013

Dear Famila,

Well let me see...this week has been good in some ways and not too great in some others. Like the title implies, this week has been a humbling one. First of all, it was full of service and other good things, but as far as teaching goes, it wasn't where our goals were set. It was a little below. I learned some important things that I probably should have gotten through my head a while ago. You see, we had zone conference this week, and what was it about? Well lots of things really, but the biggest focus I saw was obedience. Ok so, Obedience brings blessings and perfect obedience brings miracles, right? Right. Now...news flash. I am not perfect. I haven't done anything terrible, but I feel like there are just those little things here and there that have been holding me back from seeing and experiencing all the miracles the Lord has had in store. So, as of zone conference, I have recommitted myself to being EXACTLY obedient.

I don't have much news other than that. Like I said...the teaching was a bit slow this week. Nancy has been out of town as well with others. Brenda and her kids have been sick.Others we have just been trying to work around the mining schedule. This week is looking to be a lot better though.

I am not looking forward to the weather cooling down. It snowed a little this week. Didn't stay, but it is up on the Ruby Mountains. I hope I get put into a car area at some point this winter. Transfers in 2 weeks...so...who knows? We shall see.

Dad- I still havent gotten one from you, but I hope you have had an awesome week. I heard that the Chargers won and that the Seahawks won in overtime. Good stuff :) Oh and ASU kicked USC's butt. Man.. I wish I could watch it :) I hope your workouts have been going well. I love and miss ya. Hopefully I hear back from ya next week.

Mom- Well...it isn't good news to hear about Snickers. I really hope he gets to feeling a little better. I love that dog. I will be alright though. Thank you for taking care of him. I hope to see him when I get back home, but I don't want him to suffer. So...whatever happens, happens for a reason. It is crazy to think that I have been out for about a year. The time is flying...I can't imagine what it will be like when I am actually gonna be thinking in terms of how many months I have left instead of how many I have been out. Weird. I love to hear that Hayden is loving football. It is pretty much the greatest sport around. Sorry Dad and Tony. Haha. Is there a specific position he will be playing or do they rotate them around quite a bit? I would love to see him be a quarterback or something on Defense, but who knows. He could be something totally different...like a lineman. :) haha I am also glad to hear that Sydney is doing so well with swim. I am glad you are doing well with work too. I like that comment about listening. That is really what I have trying to be better at while teaching. Missionaries can't be afraid of silence, cuz sometimes that is when the spirit teaches and touches their hearts. So thank you for that reminder. I love and miss you Mom. Have another good week!

Jeri Lin- Well...I also didn't hear from you this week. I can probably guess that it was a busy week ;) I hope it was good none the less. I hope to hear from you next week. I love ya and miss ya! Hope the kiddos are awesome and healthy still and that work is going well for you and Tony. Have a good week!

I love you all!

Love,
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Say Hello to Elder Finkel September 23, 2013

September 23, 2013

So for those of you who don't know me, I am Elder Fink....I mean Shinkle. I am from Mesa Arizona...and I am a missionary.

That is how my talk started out yesterday. Thanks to some type-o's on the program. Haha. I got some good laughs out of that introduction, so it ended up being pretty good. I will now be known as Elder Finkel in the Spring Creek 5th ward for...the rest of time. Haha. Anyways, It was good. I was able to speak on my very favorite Book of Mormon Missionary. Ammon. As I was preparing my talk, I asked myself why he is my favorite. First thing that came to mind. He is patient. I dunno about you, but if my mission started out by me getting tied up and taken before a king, I think I would probably would have gotten a little frustrated. The second thing, he is willing to serve. In Alma 17: 22-25, Lamoni asks Ammon if he would like to marry one of his daughters. Now...I don't know for sure, but I believe that Lamoni's daughters were on the cute side of the spectrum. Ammon says no, but he wants to serve. Stud. Then the last thing I chose to focus on was his selflessness. He loved the people he was serving. So much that he said that he would be willing to serve till the day he died if needed. Woah. So...Are we willing to go where he wants us to go? If we have that Charity. That pure love of Christ, we will have that desire. Not only that, but we will be also fulfilling one of the covenants we made at Baptism. That we will always remember him. When we love something, we focus on those things. Such as me with football. I love watching, studying, and playing it. So, If we have that love for our Saviour, we will do everything we can to do those things that he did and the things that have been asked of us. One of which is missionary work. Share the message with your friends!

That was my talk in a nutshell. Now for other news. I have been getting pretty frustrated at times with Nancy. We have been trying so hard to get her to come to church. The best we can get from her is that she will think about it. I know if she does come that she will be able to receive that answer she has been looking for. So...we told her to call us when she decided whether or not she wanted to come this past week. The call came Saturday evening. She said no. What the heck? Our lessons have been going so well. What are we doing wrong? I started reading my patriarchal blessing. In the section about my mission it states that as I seek to overcome obstacles, the Lord will bless me and help me be a powerful missionary basically. That hit me pretty good. So...we will have to reschedule a baptismal date for her, but we are gonna keep doing what we are doing to help her get to the point where she feels comfortable to come to church. Keep praying.

Then we have Brenda and the Kids. They are doing well. Continuing to progress. They were all planning on being at church yesterday, but caught some nasty bug and weren't able to make it. We are still trying to work out a date for them, but it will come when they are ready. They all want to be baptized. Just working some things out.

OH! So we have been working with a guy named Jerry. He started coming back to church the transfer before I got here. He is one of the coolest old guys you will ever meet. He gives us ice cream and powerade every time we stop by. Anyways, he has been working on preparing to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood as well as receive a temple recommend so that he can be sealed to his wife who has passed away. So yesterday, he was able to be ordained to the office of an Elder. He asked all four of us missionaries to participate. It was awesome. I respect that man.

I did receive the package. Thank you mucho! I also wore the tie yesterday. Good choice. I have yet to drink my priesthood or scripture power. You guys are all awesome and I think I look perty good in the sunglasses. B)

Dad- The football season is crazy. The youth in my ward were giving me updates yesterday...the Chargers are so frustrating. Still love them though. That is awesome that the Seahawks are doing so well. I just hope the Broncos lose and the Chiefs...they are doing surprisingly well. Anyways...I was hoping ASU would do better as well. I honestly wasn't expecting them to win, but of course I was hoping for the upset. It seems like they don't have a half bad team this year though. I am excited to see how the rest of the season turns out for them. No fun with the blow out, but good to hear that you are doing fine. Tires are expensive. We had to get the tires replaced on the truck the other Elders have a few weeks back. The church spends alot of monies on us. It is good to hear that the weight loss is going well. Keep it up. :) I love and miss ya Dad. Have another good week!

Mom- I am glad you have had yet again, another good busy week. I was reading my scriptures this week and I read 1 Nephi 2:3. Nephi is talking about his dad and then it made me think of 1 Nephi 3:7. Nephi was born of goodly parents and he followed their examples. I want to just take the time to thank you and Dad for the examples you have set for me. You always are telling me what an amazing son and missionary I am, but I couldn't have done it without you two there supporting me. I am truly blessed. Also thank you for those quotes. I believe those. Vince Lombardi is awesome. Some of the most important lessons I have learned have been through football. Thank you for allowing me to participate in that. I love you Mom. Have an awesome week!

Jeri Lin- I am sure the paychecks make all that work and whatnot at least a little bit more worth it. I know that was the case for me while working at Home Depot and I wasn't making nearly as much as you are. I am glad Tony is working with BYU-I do. He will get better at it, I am sure. Just like anything else :) My talk went pretty well in my opinion. I am glad yours went pretty well too. Life is good for me. I love ya Sis! Stay happy. Have a good, busy week! Love ya :)

Let everyone know I love and miss 'em!

Love,
Elder Bryton Dane Fink.....I mean Shinkle ;)

Going into Week 3 September 22, 2013

September 22, 2013

Dang. So...this will be week three of the transfer coming up. After this, we will be halfway through already. I will have been here for three months now. It hit me last night. I love it here. I really do. After leaving Sparks, I never thought anything would even compare. I have been blessed to serve in the two best wards in Nevada. The Highland Ranch ward and the Spring Creek 5th ward. I have been blessed with awesome companions. My mission has just been absolutely amazing to say the least. This week has been no exception. This week we were able to have a church tour with Nancy. It was awesome to say the least. The spirit was definitely there and I believe it helped her at least feel a little more comfortable with the building and what actually happens there. She said she may be attending this coming Sunday. I will be speaking this Sunday, so hopefully we can use that to our advantage in helping her want to come. We shall see. Then we also were able to meet with Brenda and her kids a couple of times. I think as of right now, we are just trying to work with scheduling for their baptisms. I will be sure to let you know when we get those set up. They all came to church yesterday. Then last night we went over and we played with the kids while Travis and Brenda talked about some things so that they can be ready for baptism. Afterwards though, we gave them all blessings for school. They don't have a dad that can give them, so they asked us. Connor wanted me to give him the blessing, so I did. It was perty awesome. We have had some good lessons and hopefully should have some good ones this week as well. Just doing what missionaries do in the creek. The church is still true.

Dad- Well I heard about that first Chargers game. They better figure out how to play all four quarters. I was glad to hear that they did come away with the win. I also am happy to hear that the Seahawks did work on the 49ers yesterday. I actually saw The BEAST score a touchdown. I also saw Sherman get run over at one point as well. He is supposed to keep his head up when tackling. Haha. And that is awesome that ASU won. I hope they continue to kick some butt.Anyways, I am glad you are continuing to work out even when it gets tough. Keep your eyes focused on the goal. I love and miss ya Dad. Have a good week!

Mom- Well, first of all, thank you for your note and all the pictures. I really appreciate it. That is good that you are doing pushups. You are gonna be tougher than me. :) Thank you for the scriptures you shared and that analogy about the police and their ways to communicate. Prayer is so very important. I have definitely come to know it more so out on my mission than ever. I love you and miss you. Have an awesome week!

Jeri Lin- You have to speak in church this week and I have to speak in church this week. That is perty crazy. I have gone 9 months without having to speak. I get to speak about my favorite missionary. So I am looking forward to it. I am always interested in your busy weeks. I am glad that you guys are still alive and well and it sounds like Lindi is doing very well. I love and miss you guys. Have another good week!

Get those applications out ;) and I didn't write it. It was from the Las Vegas West mission. Pretty funny though. I have sent one to Lisa and Heartlee. We shall see what the results will be. :)

Love
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Picture Update and My Week - Sept. 9, 2013

September 9, 2013

This week hasn't been too bad. It was transfers week...so I had to say goodbye to Elder Fajardo again. He is headed to...or actually he is in Fallon now. It was good to be able to spend some time with him for 6 weeks though. What else has happened....RAIN! Rain has happened. It made getting out a few of the days a little tough, but we did get some work done. We were able to meet with Nancy and do some more weeding for her. Yes Mom, It is good that you taught me how to pull weeds ;) We had a lesson with her and it went well. She told us that she has been reading and praying. She also said that she hasn't received her answer yet...but she said she would still continue to try. This week we are planning on taking her on a church tour. It is just to help her maybe get rid of a little anxiety and get more comfortable with what actually happens there. I will be reporting on how that all goes next week. I want to say that I had an awesome day yesterday. So...we had church. Normal. Nothing too fancy. On Saturday night, while planning, Elder Anderson and I were trying to figure out what we should do after church and dinner. Anyways...before sacrament started we sent a text to Brenda asking her if they were gonna be at church. She then told us that her kids were at their Dads house and that she had to work. Then she said basically that there isn't much rest for a single mom. I then asked her if there was anything we could do. She said sure. So...last night we went over and helped plant some trees. Then the kids got home and I threw the football around with them and then we played some Ghost in the Graveyard. Conner told me that I am like the older brother he never had. That made my day. Also...I had a good conversation with Brenda while planting trees. She has had some concerns about a couple of things, so I just asked her if she believes the church is true. She responded by saying that she has received nothing but positive answers. She has also said that the things that she thought would be hard, have gone over very smooth. Telling her mom, etc. That is an answer to prayers. They also told us that they would like to be baptized within the next 6 weeks. Hopefully all works out. Life is good here in the creek though. I have some corn growing in my garden. Always trying to get better of course.

Dad- I have just been thinking about that experience this past week. I had some members asking me about it last Monday. Good Times. I am wearing my Chargers tie today. I am sad that I will be missing out on the game tonight. I would love to watch it whether they win or lose, oh well though. I heard about the BYU game...that is crazy that the coach got fired for that. Dang. I also saw that ASU won 55-0 against Sacramento State. I expected them to win..but that was good. I am so glad to hear that the weight is coming off. Keep up the good work. I have been working out alot as well this past week. Lifting weights. Trying to stay in at least some shape other than round. I got some protein as well, So hopefully it helps me bulk up a little bit. I love and Miss ya Dad!

Mom-Thank you for the good news! It is good to hear that Vince and Amanda are doing well. That is also good to hear that you will be signing Hayden up for football. Are you thinking just flag football or tackle. I hope he can do well with whatever he does and is able to get over his anxiety. I wish I could be able to be there and help him and coach him. As for the Rubix cube...my fastest time so far has been about 3 min 10 sec. I am trying to break that three minute barrier. One of these days I will get it. I love you Mom!

Jeri Lin- You know what just came to my mind when I read your email? That song by Hillary Weeks...To Do list I believe it is called. That is good that you guys are staying busy...it definitely does make the time fly by faster.I am glad all in all that life is going well though. I love and miss you Sister!

Your Son and Brother,

Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

 Elder Fajardo

 Elder Munns ER escapades

 The Haglers

Kimmi - she has a crush on me

Emergency Rooms, Transfers, Baptismal Dates, Gardens, and....yeah September 2, 2013

September 2, 2013

I am happy to report on yet another successful week in the Creek. On Tuesday, I was able to spend three hours in the emergency rooms. Good times. I have pictures, but I forgot my camera cord, so I will have to send them next week. Patience is a virtue. ;) Also, transfer calls have come in and I....am...staying. Nothing in our whole zone really changed. Other than one of the other wards is getting a set of Sisters to go along with their Elders. Then Elder Fajardo is being transferred out. I was bummed by that one. He has been here nine months though...so it is pretty understandable. I am gonna miss him again. He is my friend. This week has been pretty good as far as teaching goes though. The lady we met tracting, Nancy, now has a baptismal date set. October 5th. We think she will be ready. We are gonna keep working with her and pulling her weeds. The next step is to get her comfortable with coming to church. It should be fun :) Then Sarah is now off to New York. Her little daughter, Kimi was very sad to leave me. I did get pictures with her though. So...they should be good. I am gonna stay in contact with them and hopefully get a referral sent off to the missionaries up there. It will only be a matter of time with her :) And then we are continuing to work with Brenda and her two kids. This past week they were able to go and witness a baptismal service. I believe they are meeting with us on Wednesday. So we shall see what comes of that. :) In other news...I have planted a garden. Indoors in a tin foil cake pan. I am growing cantaloupe and corn. Sister Hermansen told us to start looking for little miracles...so I threw some miracle grow in there. Hopefully my little miracles start popping up within the next couple days ;) And...I now can solve a Rubix cube. I am pretty proud of myself...it only took me about three months to get it down. Elder Stevens started to teach me in Sparks, and now Elder Munns and Anderson finished my teaching out here. Pretty exciting, huh? :) It has been a good week. I am having lots of fun and learning tons.

Dad- Well it is a bummer that all the plans that you kinda had fell through. Oh well though. That is a bummer that you didn't get to weigh in this week. I always look forward to that. It is good that you still got to work out though. Keep it up :) The members do help us a lot out here. Not so much with referrals, but we do have quite a few that join us in lessons, which is always good. So yeah...no complaints :) Thank you for the Roster. I am looking forward to this season no matter what preseason looked like. I would also like to hear how Russel Wilson is doing. I like that guy. Probably my favorite non-charger. Thanks for everything Dad, I hope you have an awesome week :) Love you!

Mom- Hey Momma! Thank you for your message. I really do appreciate it. Tell Papa and Grams Happy Anniversary for me. They have blessed me with an awesome family. That is also pretty cool that you got to work out with Coach Rhode. I love that man. I am jealous that you all get to work with him. I really want to when I get home so I can be nice and healthy and buff :) That is also good to know that you are enjoying work. That is also something I don't think I would be able to do very well. Good thing we have people like you. I love you Mom and Miss ya. Have a good week! :)

Jeri Lin- Well thank you for your short little note. Nothing better than loving sisters :) I am glad things are working out. Just gotta remember to be patient. It is something we are all working on I believe. That is cool that you got called into Primary again. I think that would be tough for me. I definitely want to work with the Youth after my mission. We shall see though. Maybe I will end up like Tony. Who knows. We just gotta make the most of what we are called to do. One thing that I have learned is that if you serve someone, you definitely are able to love that person so much more. It is kinda crazy how it all works out. I love you big Sis. Keep up the good work. Have a good week. :)

Keila- Hey...talk to me. :) I miss ya.

I love you all. Tell everyone. Have an awesome week!

Love your Brother and Son,

Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

P.S.  Oh! and I didn't go to the Emergency room...well I did...but I was just the Driver for Elder Munns. He had meat stuck in his throat so he had to go into surgery to get it removed. The nurses and I had a pretty good laugh at him. He is alive and well. Remember to chew up your food!

Time Flies August 26, 2013

August 26, 2013

I have been here in Spring Creek for 5 weeks going on 6. This week is the end of the transfer. Holy Smokes. It is crazy how fast time flies when you are working. Oh boy have we been working. We now have a new investigator. The one we did the weeding for. We had our first lesson with her last Wednesday, and have another with her this Wednesday. Pretty cool. She has committed to reading the Book of Mormon, so we will be checking up on that this week. We also are continuing to teach Brenda and her kids. Which is going really well. We tried to set a baptismal date, but she isn't ready to commit. She was at church yesterday though, and they are going to be attending a baptismal service this weekend, so hopefully that helps her out a bit. Love them to death. :) I guess I will have news on transfers next week though. Not expecting anything too dramatic, but you never know. It has been a good week all in all. :)

Dad- Of course the Chargers beat the Cardinals. Easy as cheese. ;) That is awesome that the Seahawks are doing so well. I am sad I am gonna miss out on fantasy, but oh well. I will get back on it and kick butt when I am back in my Arizona home ;) I am glad to hear that you are doing so well with the biggest loser competition. I can't wait to see how much different you look with your buff self when I get home. :) You lucky dude...I wish I could head to San Diego and have fun with you guys. That is by far one of my favorite places to visit. When we get back home, we will have to make a trip there some time and go to The Strip Club (steak house) since I will be 21 :) I hope you guys have fun though. I am glad work and all that is going well though. Just keep on keeping on. I love ya Dad!

Mom- Thank you for your little notes and pictures. They mean a lot. Just letting me know that you love me. I want you to know that I love you. Very much. You have taught me a lot. You have taught me how to work. I really don't think I would be doing as well as I have been if it wasn't for you and the things you have taught me. Keep being an awesome Mom. Our family is super blessed :) I love ya Mom! :)

Jeri Lin- Well, thank you for all the good news. I can honestly say that I was worried that Hyrum would forget me. It is good to hear that he hasn't though. Lucky me :) It is also way good to hear that you have started running. We try to run at least a few times a week. At least two miles. We were doing it every day for a while...but you kind of get tired. Missionary work is quite exhausting, but I love it :) That is good that you are pushing yourself. I love doing that :) Continue to keep me updated on the news of your family. I hope that the job, house, and all that good stuff works out. It will...so just keep doing what you are doing :) I love you!

Well I hope you all have another good week. Thank you for your prayers and all you guys do for me. I though of something that could be sent in a package...my Oakley sunglasses are now Brokeleys...so a pair pf sunglasses? Preferably white...like those blue and black ones Jeri Lin has. Also...ties are always a good commodity...so if you ever find any cool cheap ones. That is all I can think of though. I love you all!

Your Son and Brother,
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle