Well, I never thought I would say this, but this is my final post. I am now a missionary. I was set apart and I am ready to go. For those of you that have read my blog, thanks. To those same people, I love you all. I hope I get to see your lovely faces when I come back.
I will miss you all. Please send me your addresses, so I can write you. I can't wait to share the gospel. I know it is going to be awesome.
Well, not the usual eloquence, but I have a lot on my plate.
Big Gulps, huh? Welp, see ya in two years!
~ELDER Brandon Cruz.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Day 56: What a busy week!!!!! Last night of bball.... :(
So, I am soon going to be a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I seriously cannot wait. It seems like I have been waiting for this moment since before I was born. :) I was talking to Camille Anderson and we covered a great subject. We talked about how it is so awesome that I am going to preach the same gospel that has changed my life so greatly!Well, I have decided to make a list of all the things that I have experinced, in the church, that I wouldn't have had the chance to outside of the church. Heck, I can go on and on about it. In no order of preciousness to my heart. :)
1. I understand where I came from and where I am going. I know that I can live eternally with my family and Heavenly Father. I know that life does not end when I die, but that I continue to grow and continue to help others find the wonderful thing that is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation.
2. I get to serve the Lord for two years in Africa. Yes, in AFRICA!!! I get to bring happiness to the most wonderful people. These people are just like me. I searched and searched and searched for truth, and I didn't find it until I found the gospel. I know that I am going to work hard and that I am going to sacrafice a lot. I am ready for this challenge and I can't wait to enter this wonderful adventure.
3. I got to go through the temple. This was a wonderful experience. I felt so much love. I know that my family was there cheering me on. I actually felt them there. I know that they rejoiced when I went in to that Celestial room. I know that they have been waiting for me for a long time, and I KNOW that they are waiting to embrace me on the other side of the veil. I know that this long waited re-union is going to be so wonderful.
4. I have a testimony of things that I never thought I would. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I know this so much. I remember when I was taking the first discussion. A 19 year old boy named Elder Sam Decker read the first vision to me. I remember the power that was in the room. I knew many things at that moment. I knew I was going to get baptized. I knew the church was true. I knew that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from golden plates. I knew that I loved Joseph Smith. The great thing is that I still know these things. I still know everything. I know that when I see him, and others, on the other side of the veil, that they will be proud of me. That the clasp of the hand won't be enough. That we will embrace one another like brothers. I know that I am going to thank him. I know that he is going to thank me. I know that we are going to get along just fine. I know that I will still learn much from him. I love Joseph Smith. I love that he had such a divine inspiration to ask Heavenly Father for the truth. I love that he had the power and super-human strength to restore the gospel. Joseph Smith is an amazing man, and every time I think or speak of him, my heart burns and my eyes tear up. I feel that power every waking moment, and I love it.
5. I have the best friends ever. I look up to all of them. I know that we were meant to be friends. I talked to KK one day. I asked him, "Do you think we were friends in the pre-existance?" He said, "Of course. Why else would I have found you?" I started to cry and I began to thank him. I know that my friends were on the winning side in the war in Heaven. I have witnessed it. I know that I look up to every single one of them. I love you all. Thank you for being my friends. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for always being there when I needed you most. Thank you for being my family, when I thought I had none. Thank you for the light in your eyes. Its there. I know it. I've seen it. I've felt it. I love it.
6. I have had the strength to be bold and bare my testimony to my family. I love when a member of my family says something about the church. Whether it is bad or not. I know that I am here to help them. I know that I have been given the power to continue to be bold. To never hang my head when they poke fun at me. To smile when I feel like crying. To bare witness of the truth, when they aren't hearing it. I love my family, and I know that I will be able to embrace them on the other side. I know this because I have felt it. I can't wait to experience the feeling that I know.
7. I know that my redeemer lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that he atoned for all of our sins. I know that he gave us this beautiful earth and all of the wonders that are here. I know that, like me, he is the son of God. I know that I want to be like my big brother. I know that he wants me to follow in his footsteps. I know that I have felt him. Every time I bare my testimony, I feel like he is giving me the things to say. I know that he is going to be so proud of me. I can't wait to talk about him everyday. I can't wait to see him. I can't wait to hug him. I know that he is going to be so loving. I know that he is going to fill me with so much love. I know that he lives. I know that he loves. I know that Jesus is the Christ.
My readers, no Brothers and Sisters: I would like to remind all of you that I was not born in the church. That I had to find it. I would like to remind you that I love the church with every fiber of my being. I would like to remind you that I love you. Heck, the love that I have for you rivals Heavenly Father's, but never surpasses it.
I would like to bare a simple testimony: I know that the church is true. I know that President Monson is a living Prophet. I know that he is called of God. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet. I know that he restored the gospel in its entirety. I know that he translated the Book of Mormon. I know that I love him. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that I would die defending those words. I know that our Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us. I know the gospel is true. I know that what we have is real. What we have is real, brothers and sisters. Always remember that. I say all of this in the name of our savior and our loving big brother, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Well, I only suspect that I am going to have time for one last post. That will come on Thursday night. If I don't see you before I leave, I love you. Thank you for being such a huge example to me. I look up to every one of you. :)
Love,
Elder Brandon Yanez Cruz :)
1. I understand where I came from and where I am going. I know that I can live eternally with my family and Heavenly Father. I know that life does not end when I die, but that I continue to grow and continue to help others find the wonderful thing that is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation.
2. I get to serve the Lord for two years in Africa. Yes, in AFRICA!!! I get to bring happiness to the most wonderful people. These people are just like me. I searched and searched and searched for truth, and I didn't find it until I found the gospel. I know that I am going to work hard and that I am going to sacrafice a lot. I am ready for this challenge and I can't wait to enter this wonderful adventure.
3. I got to go through the temple. This was a wonderful experience. I felt so much love. I know that my family was there cheering me on. I actually felt them there. I know that they rejoiced when I went in to that Celestial room. I know that they have been waiting for me for a long time, and I KNOW that they are waiting to embrace me on the other side of the veil. I know that this long waited re-union is going to be so wonderful.
4. I have a testimony of things that I never thought I would. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. I know this so much. I remember when I was taking the first discussion. A 19 year old boy named Elder Sam Decker read the first vision to me. I remember the power that was in the room. I knew many things at that moment. I knew I was going to get baptized. I knew the church was true. I knew that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from golden plates. I knew that I loved Joseph Smith. The great thing is that I still know these things. I still know everything. I know that when I see him, and others, on the other side of the veil, that they will be proud of me. That the clasp of the hand won't be enough. That we will embrace one another like brothers. I know that I am going to thank him. I know that he is going to thank me. I know that we are going to get along just fine. I know that I will still learn much from him. I love Joseph Smith. I love that he had such a divine inspiration to ask Heavenly Father for the truth. I love that he had the power and super-human strength to restore the gospel. Joseph Smith is an amazing man, and every time I think or speak of him, my heart burns and my eyes tear up. I feel that power every waking moment, and I love it.
5. I have the best friends ever. I look up to all of them. I know that we were meant to be friends. I talked to KK one day. I asked him, "Do you think we were friends in the pre-existance?" He said, "Of course. Why else would I have found you?" I started to cry and I began to thank him. I know that my friends were on the winning side in the war in Heaven. I have witnessed it. I know that I look up to every single one of them. I love you all. Thank you for being my friends. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for always being there when I needed you most. Thank you for being my family, when I thought I had none. Thank you for the light in your eyes. Its there. I know it. I've seen it. I've felt it. I love it.
6. I have had the strength to be bold and bare my testimony to my family. I love when a member of my family says something about the church. Whether it is bad or not. I know that I am here to help them. I know that I have been given the power to continue to be bold. To never hang my head when they poke fun at me. To smile when I feel like crying. To bare witness of the truth, when they aren't hearing it. I love my family, and I know that I will be able to embrace them on the other side. I know this because I have felt it. I can't wait to experience the feeling that I know.
7. I know that my redeemer lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that he atoned for all of our sins. I know that he gave us this beautiful earth and all of the wonders that are here. I know that, like me, he is the son of God. I know that I want to be like my big brother. I know that he wants me to follow in his footsteps. I know that I have felt him. Every time I bare my testimony, I feel like he is giving me the things to say. I know that he is going to be so proud of me. I can't wait to talk about him everyday. I can't wait to see him. I can't wait to hug him. I know that he is going to be so loving. I know that he is going to fill me with so much love. I know that he lives. I know that he loves. I know that Jesus is the Christ.
My readers, no Brothers and Sisters: I would like to remind all of you that I was not born in the church. That I had to find it. I would like to remind you that I love the church with every fiber of my being. I would like to remind you that I love you. Heck, the love that I have for you rivals Heavenly Father's, but never surpasses it.
I would like to bare a simple testimony: I know that the church is true. I know that President Monson is a living Prophet. I know that he is called of God. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet. I know that he restored the gospel in its entirety. I know that he translated the Book of Mormon. I know that I love him. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that I would die defending those words. I know that our Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us. I know the gospel is true. I know that what we have is real. What we have is real, brothers and sisters. Always remember that. I say all of this in the name of our savior and our loving big brother, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Well, I only suspect that I am going to have time for one last post. That will come on Thursday night. If I don't see you before I leave, I love you. Thank you for being such a huge example to me. I look up to every one of you. :)
Love,
Elder Brandon Yanez Cruz :)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Day 49: Farewell, all.... Well, Kinda!
Today was one of the greatest days that I have had the chance to experience. I had the chance to give my final farewell talk in the home ward. I am lucky to be a part of the Fallbrook 1st Ward.
I spoke at 9am in the morning. I have been looking forward to this talk for quite some time, because I finally get to speak about the gospel in front of my family. This means so much to me because they all kind of know what I do on Sundays, but they really didn't know too much. I got to show them today. All of my siblings came down for the weekend to attend my farewell and say their final goodbyes. I knew that I would love every second of it. I love my family and how supporting they are for all of the things that I do. After a while, my parents began to worry about the Ivory Coast, and I know that they have been comforted because they seemed very excited for me today.
It was so funny because I was chosen to speak last. I think that this was inspiration, because the speaker that went ahead of me used all of my material. This left me with a pretty open slate to talk about whatever I was prompted. This seemed like a good thing because I was prompted with a lot of wonderful things. Haha. I spoke with so much power. I felt like the Savior, himself, was wispering in my ear. Like, I spoke but none of those words were mine. They were all given to me. I love the gospel so much. It is just the most wonderful thing that is on the face of this Earth. It really is true.
I spoke at 9am in the morning. I have been looking forward to this talk for quite some time, because I finally get to speak about the gospel in front of my family. This means so much to me because they all kind of know what I do on Sundays, but they really didn't know too much. I got to show them today. All of my siblings came down for the weekend to attend my farewell and say their final goodbyes. I knew that I would love every second of it. I love my family and how supporting they are for all of the things that I do. After a while, my parents began to worry about the Ivory Coast, and I know that they have been comforted because they seemed very excited for me today.
It was so funny because I was chosen to speak last. I think that this was inspiration, because the speaker that went ahead of me used all of my material. This left me with a pretty open slate to talk about whatever I was prompted. This seemed like a good thing because I was prompted with a lot of wonderful things. Haha. I spoke with so much power. I felt like the Savior, himself, was wispering in my ear. Like, I spoke but none of those words were mine. They were all given to me. I love the gospel so much. It is just the most wonderful thing that is on the face of this Earth. It really is true.
Look at this wonderful group of siblings. I love this picture.
Oh man, I swear that I have the greatest friends ever. I know that you aren't all in this picture, but know that you all should be. :)
I love the gospel, and I get to talk about it every day for the next two years.
Thanks for reading.
RIP Micheal Jackson
~Elder Brandon Cruz
P.S. The count down is starting at 17 days til I am reporting. :)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Day 46: Oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man, oh man am I excited.... :)
As the day draws closer, I feel my insides wanting more and more to be on my outsides. I really don't know what to feel. I go from being really stoked and ready to get to gettin' to being kind of nervous and worried about the whole thing. I didn't know that this was a common occurance until I talked to Mark tonight, BUT that is jumping the gun on what a wonderful night it was!
Well, where to start? OH YEAH!!! I got the last stuff done for my Visa, and that is more exciting than I can tell you. I literally have nothing to do other than being set apart and report to the MTC. This also sparked a lot of nervousness because that means that I leave very very soon. I am more excited than I am nervous, but nervousness is definetly there.
I came home to much popularity. I got an email from Mckay and a letter from KK. They are doing great, for those of you that aren't in the know. Mckay told me about a couple of investigators that have baptism dates. That is so awesome. I am so dang proud of that little fellow. KK scolded me for not writing him sooner, and I know it was definetly needed. I need to be better and write him more often. He told me how excited he was for me, and how sad he was that we wouldn't be able to see one another 2 years. I am quite sad about this but I know that it is going to be the greatest reunion ever! Haha.
I went to the temple to do baptisms with Amy and Rachelle Remsberg. They are awesome. So dang solid. I was expecting to get baptized and confermed and maybe, just MAYBE get to work at the font. Well, I was soon surprised to find out that I was the only endowed brother that was in a shield. I jumped at the chance to do all of the confermations and baptisms. Seriously, this was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I have said it once and I will say it again: "This church is full of firsts, and they get better and better as they go." Not only was this my first time running the show alone, but it was my first time working the baptistry ever. I was glad to be sharing this experience with the Remsbergs, but I was also glad to be sharing a first time with a girl from Salt Lake. We had 4 sisters from Salt Lake drive down to visit the temple. It was so awesome to see sisters from out of state getting to work. Oh man, this was awesome.
I then went to a party and had fun. Haha. That was about it.
I talked to Mark and he gave me some councel on how I am feeling. He said that this is the worst part of the whole mission experience. That this feels like it is longer than the entire two years of service. That is good news cause this definetly seems forever.
Well, brothers and sisters, that is all I have. I am tuckered out from all of the festivities of today.
~Brandon Cruz
Well, where to start? OH YEAH!!! I got the last stuff done for my Visa, and that is more exciting than I can tell you. I literally have nothing to do other than being set apart and report to the MTC. This also sparked a lot of nervousness because that means that I leave very very soon. I am more excited than I am nervous, but nervousness is definetly there.
I came home to much popularity. I got an email from Mckay and a letter from KK. They are doing great, for those of you that aren't in the know. Mckay told me about a couple of investigators that have baptism dates. That is so awesome. I am so dang proud of that little fellow. KK scolded me for not writing him sooner, and I know it was definetly needed. I need to be better and write him more often. He told me how excited he was for me, and how sad he was that we wouldn't be able to see one another 2 years. I am quite sad about this but I know that it is going to be the greatest reunion ever! Haha.
I went to the temple to do baptisms with Amy and Rachelle Remsberg. They are awesome. So dang solid. I was expecting to get baptized and confermed and maybe, just MAYBE get to work at the font. Well, I was soon surprised to find out that I was the only endowed brother that was in a shield. I jumped at the chance to do all of the confermations and baptisms. Seriously, this was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I have said it once and I will say it again: "This church is full of firsts, and they get better and better as they go." Not only was this my first time running the show alone, but it was my first time working the baptistry ever. I was glad to be sharing this experience with the Remsbergs, but I was also glad to be sharing a first time with a girl from Salt Lake. We had 4 sisters from Salt Lake drive down to visit the temple. It was so awesome to see sisters from out of state getting to work. Oh man, this was awesome.
I then went to a party and had fun. Haha. That was about it.
I talked to Mark and he gave me some councel on how I am feeling. He said that this is the worst part of the whole mission experience. That this feels like it is longer than the entire two years of service. That is good news cause this definetly seems forever.
Well, brothers and sisters, that is all I have. I am tuckered out from all of the festivities of today.
~Brandon Cruz
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Day 37: Nickel Arcades, Old Friends, Basketball, and Prepaing a talk. :)
Hello all!!!!
Today was quite the day! I got to hang out with a couple of friends that I haven't seen in a while. Oh how I love re-living some old memories. We went to NickelCity and played some games. It was quite the day. We won a little over a thousand tickets because I am a master of The Price is Right!!! I knew watching it, all those times, would help. :) I guess I have great friends. Haha. Heck, I KNOW I have great friends.
FHE was great and so was basketball, but those aren't things that I really brag about. Haha.
I am now preparing my final farewell talk and it is proving to be an amazing experience. I will definetly write something up later in the day, but reading is proving to be very enlightening. I am talking on D&C 82: 1-4 Where much is given, much is expected. I had no idea what to talk about, but then I was inspired. I love the spirit and its many signs. LOVE IT. I was on LDS.org and I was looking around. Then, I got the hinkering to click on the Joseph Smith hyperlink. Oh man, there are some wonderful things that man has done. I then remembered that I got a story from my institute class. It has to do with the Prophet Joseph in Liberty jail. I figured that I would share it with you:
At 5 p.m. the jailor, Mr. Stigall, suggested that the brethren return to the cell where the would be safer. The Prophet turned to Dr. Richards and said, "If we go into the cell, will you go in with us?" The Doctor replied, "Brother Joseph, you did not ask me to cross the river with you-you did not ask me to come to jail with you- and do you think I would forsake you now? But I will tell you what I wil do, if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead." The Prophet Joseph said, "You cannot." The Doctor said, "I will."
Oh man, how amazing is that story? When I read it, I think, "Would I do the same?" I always have the same answer, "Absolutely, I would." I can't believe what the Prophet Joseph went through. Oh man, if there was a man that would be more suited for that which he did, it would be no worldly man. I cannot imagine waking up on the other side and being able to embrace him. I can only imagine the warm look in his eyes, and the tender smile on his face. As to say, "You did it. You knew it was true and you lived the gospel. I am so very proud of you." It kind of reminds me of the feeling that I get as I go from the endowment room to the celestial room, in the temple. Do we remember to thank Heavenly Father for giving us such a wonderful man? I don't know that I do, but I know that my actions will speak louder than words. I think that he will be pleased with all of the saints that followed his word. Even after all of the opposition and all of the scrutiny, we hold fast to the iron rod everyday. I love this gospel and I love the Prophet Joseph.
I think I am ready for my talk, but I don't know. I get to go to the temple tomorrow, and I think I will sit and ponder about it some more, in the celestial room. As of right now, I love you all and good night.
OH, before I forget, I have my farewell talk on the 28th of June at 9am. It is going to be at the Fallbrook building. If you need an address or anything, let me know. My open house will be later that day. Some time around 4 or 5. Depending on when my ward gets out in Vista. I will be making a facebook invite for it, and it will have all of my information, so you have it all at your fingertips.
Good night, all!!!
~Brandon
Today was quite the day! I got to hang out with a couple of friends that I haven't seen in a while. Oh how I love re-living some old memories. We went to NickelCity and played some games. It was quite the day. We won a little over a thousand tickets because I am a master of The Price is Right!!! I knew watching it, all those times, would help. :) I guess I have great friends. Haha. Heck, I KNOW I have great friends.
FHE was great and so was basketball, but those aren't things that I really brag about. Haha.
I am now preparing my final farewell talk and it is proving to be an amazing experience. I will definetly write something up later in the day, but reading is proving to be very enlightening. I am talking on D&C 82: 1-4 Where much is given, much is expected. I had no idea what to talk about, but then I was inspired. I love the spirit and its many signs. LOVE IT. I was on LDS.org and I was looking around. Then, I got the hinkering to click on the Joseph Smith hyperlink. Oh man, there are some wonderful things that man has done. I then remembered that I got a story from my institute class. It has to do with the Prophet Joseph in Liberty jail. I figured that I would share it with you:
At 5 p.m. the jailor, Mr. Stigall, suggested that the brethren return to the cell where the would be safer. The Prophet turned to Dr. Richards and said, "If we go into the cell, will you go in with us?" The Doctor replied, "Brother Joseph, you did not ask me to cross the river with you-you did not ask me to come to jail with you- and do you think I would forsake you now? But I will tell you what I wil do, if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead." The Prophet Joseph said, "You cannot." The Doctor said, "I will."
Oh man, how amazing is that story? When I read it, I think, "Would I do the same?" I always have the same answer, "Absolutely, I would." I can't believe what the Prophet Joseph went through. Oh man, if there was a man that would be more suited for that which he did, it would be no worldly man. I cannot imagine waking up on the other side and being able to embrace him. I can only imagine the warm look in his eyes, and the tender smile on his face. As to say, "You did it. You knew it was true and you lived the gospel. I am so very proud of you." It kind of reminds me of the feeling that I get as I go from the endowment room to the celestial room, in the temple. Do we remember to thank Heavenly Father for giving us such a wonderful man? I don't know that I do, but I know that my actions will speak louder than words. I think that he will be pleased with all of the saints that followed his word. Even after all of the opposition and all of the scrutiny, we hold fast to the iron rod everyday. I love this gospel and I love the Prophet Joseph.
I think I am ready for my talk, but I don't know. I get to go to the temple tomorrow, and I think I will sit and ponder about it some more, in the celestial room. As of right now, I love you all and good night.
OH, before I forget, I have my farewell talk on the 28th of June at 9am. It is going to be at the Fallbrook building. If you need an address or anything, let me know. My open house will be later that day. Some time around 4 or 5. Depending on when my ward gets out in Vista. I will be making a facebook invite for it, and it will have all of my information, so you have it all at your fingertips.
Good night, all!!!
~Brandon
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Day 34:
I know it has been a long time since I have posted, but I assure you that I am very busy. Haha. Let's just go through my schedule for the week so I can show you:
Monday: 10am: Wake up.
1oam-11am: Price Is Right
11am: Breakfast and Sportscenter
Noon-3pm: Study, meditation, prepare talks and lessons.
4pm-5pm: Dinner and what ever sports event is on.
6pm: Get ready for FHE. (I tend to be like a female when I prepare and it takes me FOREVER. I blame my sisters.)
7pm-8:30pm: FHE (Love it)
8:45pm-11:30pm: Basketball
Midnight-3am: Talking to Jessica. :) (Or sleeping. Which ever works.)
Tuesday: 10am: Wake up
10am-11am: Price Is Right
11am: Breakfast and Sportscenter
Noon-3pm Study, meditation
3pm-5pm: Open (So, I basically do nothing. Haha.)
5pm-6pm: Dinner with the parents
6pm-Midnight: Open
Midnight-3am: Talking to Jessica. :) (Or sleeping. Which ever works.)
Wednesday: 10am: Wakie Wakie
10am-11pm: Price Is Right, SUCKA!
11am: Breakfast and Sportscenter
Noon-3pm: Study, meditation
3:30pm-5pm: Pick up Stott and drive up to Laguna.
5:30pm-7pm: Mission Prep Class.
7:30pm-9pm: Institute Class.
9pm-11pm: Basketball or hanging with Dan.
11pm-12:30am: Drive home and drop Stott off.
12:30-3am: Talk to Jessica. :)
Thursday: 10am: Awaken
10am-11am: Price is Right
11am: Breakfast and Sportscenter
Noon-3pm: Study, meditate
3pm-Midnight: Open
Midnight-3am: Talk to Jessica. :)
Friday: 10am: Wake up
10am-11am: Price is Right
11am: Breakfast and Sportscenter
Noon-3pm: Study, meditate
4pm-6pm: Dinner with the parents. (We usually go somewhere nice. Haha.)
6pm-Midnight: Whatever is happenin'!
Midnight-3am: Talk to Jessica. :) (Or sleep)
Saturday: 11am: Wake up
Noon-5pm: Errands with my mom. (I took over this duty since my dad has been working on Saturdays.)
5pm-6pm: Dinner with the parents
6pm-midnight: Whatever comes up. :)
Midnight-1am: Talk to Jessica. :)
Sunday: 10am: Wake up.
10am-10:30am: Breakfast
11am-Noon: Get ready for Church.
1pm-4:30pm: Church
5pm-6pm: Dinner with the family. (BBQ!!!)
6pm-Midnight: Bushnell's or a ward get together.
Midnight-1:30am: Talk to Jessica. :) (Or sleep)
As you can see, my schedule is crazazy!!! I do enjoy my Price is Right and talking to Jessica, though. Haha.
So, I have my first farewell talk tomorrow, and I am rather nervous. Not because of the talk, but because this means that my tenure as a person in the real world is slowly coming to an end. Haha. I have this talk in Vista, wait a week, and then have my final talk and open house in Fallbrook at 9am. Oh man, these next few weeks are going to be pretty crazy.
Last night, I had a dream. I dreampt I was in a desert called Cyber Land. My canteen had sprung a leak, and I was..... THIRSTY. Out of the abyss, walked a cow, Elsie..... Ok, just kidding.
But seriously, last night, my dad called me downstairs to talk. He was reading about the Ivory Coast and had some concerns. "Are you having second thoughts? Cause I think you should." This was such a shock to hear, because my parents were so supportive before. Now, its a daily battle, with them, defending how I am going to be safe and that I was called there because Heavenly Father needs me there. They will come around, I know it. Haha. Its just gonna be a fight, for the next couple of weeks, while they jab at me to have second thoughts.
Well, its time to work on my talk, so I must bid you good night.
~Brandon
Monday: 10am: Wake up.
1oam-11am: Price Is Right
11am: Breakfast and Sportscenter
Noon-3pm: Study, meditation, prepare talks and lessons.
4pm-5pm: Dinner and what ever sports event is on.
6pm: Get ready for FHE. (I tend to be like a female when I prepare and it takes me FOREVER. I blame my sisters.)
7pm-8:30pm: FHE (Love it)
8:45pm-11:30pm: Basketball
Midnight-3am: Talking to Jessica. :) (Or sleeping. Which ever works.)
Tuesday: 10am: Wake up
10am-11am: Price Is Right
11am: Breakfast and Sportscenter
Noon-3pm Study, meditation
3pm-5pm: Open (So, I basically do nothing. Haha.)
5pm-6pm: Dinner with the parents
6pm-Midnight: Open
Midnight-3am: Talking to Jessica. :) (Or sleeping. Which ever works.)
Wednesday: 10am: Wakie Wakie
10am-11pm: Price Is Right, SUCKA!
11am: Breakfast and Sportscenter
Noon-3pm: Study, meditation
3:30pm-5pm: Pick up Stott and drive up to Laguna.
5:30pm-7pm: Mission Prep Class.
7:30pm-9pm: Institute Class.
9pm-11pm: Basketball or hanging with Dan.
11pm-12:30am: Drive home and drop Stott off.
12:30-3am: Talk to Jessica. :)
Thursday: 10am: Awaken
10am-11am: Price is Right
11am: Breakfast and Sportscenter
Noon-3pm: Study, meditate
3pm-Midnight: Open
Midnight-3am: Talk to Jessica. :)
Friday: 10am: Wake up
10am-11am: Price is Right
11am: Breakfast and Sportscenter
Noon-3pm: Study, meditate
4pm-6pm: Dinner with the parents. (We usually go somewhere nice. Haha.)
6pm-Midnight: Whatever is happenin'!
Midnight-3am: Talk to Jessica. :) (Or sleep)
Saturday: 11am: Wake up
Noon-5pm: Errands with my mom. (I took over this duty since my dad has been working on Saturdays.)
5pm-6pm: Dinner with the parents
6pm-midnight: Whatever comes up. :)
Midnight-1am: Talk to Jessica. :)
Sunday: 10am: Wake up.
10am-10:30am: Breakfast
11am-Noon: Get ready for Church.
1pm-4:30pm: Church
5pm-6pm: Dinner with the family. (BBQ!!!)
6pm-Midnight: Bushnell's or a ward get together.
Midnight-1:30am: Talk to Jessica. :) (Or sleep)
As you can see, my schedule is crazazy!!! I do enjoy my Price is Right and talking to Jessica, though. Haha.
So, I have my first farewell talk tomorrow, and I am rather nervous. Not because of the talk, but because this means that my tenure as a person in the real world is slowly coming to an end. Haha. I have this talk in Vista, wait a week, and then have my final talk and open house in Fallbrook at 9am. Oh man, these next few weeks are going to be pretty crazy.
Last night, I had a dream. I dreampt I was in a desert called Cyber Land. My canteen had sprung a leak, and I was..... THIRSTY. Out of the abyss, walked a cow, Elsie..... Ok, just kidding.
But seriously, last night, my dad called me downstairs to talk. He was reading about the Ivory Coast and had some concerns. "Are you having second thoughts? Cause I think you should." This was such a shock to hear, because my parents were so supportive before. Now, its a daily battle, with them, defending how I am going to be safe and that I was called there because Heavenly Father needs me there. They will come around, I know it. Haha. Its just gonna be a fight, for the next couple of weeks, while they jab at me to have second thoughts.
Well, its time to work on my talk, so I must bid you good night.
~Brandon
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Day 21: Looking inward....
So, today I was doing a little bit of thinking. There was a song on that I used to listen to before I was LDS, and it made me think... It made me think of things that I did or had done to be where I am now. Like, I haven't always been the person that you see and talk to daily. I was a whole different person. Angry on the inside. Fake on the outside. It was like I was being someone that I didn't want to be. A walking contradiction. I was like an empty shell of some kind of jock that didn't know what he was going to do or where he was going to go. Someone that knew where he wanted to be, but didn't know how to get there or when he should plan on getting there. It seemed like everything was alright. As most other is my family, direction and purpose didn't really take precidence over much.
Then, something happened. Something that completely blindsided me. Something that could, and really should, have killed me. A close member of my family had some drug issues that he was facing. Now, let me put this in perspective: Imagine someone that you looked up to your whole life. Someone that was your best friend because the kids in school didn't want to be your friend. Someone that could take the worst day, and turn it in to the best. Someone that you wanted to model yourself after. Now, take that person, and everything that you built them up to be, and change them. Change them in to the exact opposite of what you thought they were, and they are now looking to you for strength and help. Something that I could not handle at 17. On my 17th birthday, I was told about his problems. Told that I was not allowed to speak about it. Told that I, and only I, would be responsible for him and his troubles. Well, as we all know from the turn out, I was not ready for this. I couldn't handle it. I needed something, someone, anyone, and I didn't have any of that. I used to look to football for my escape, but even that didn't work. It was like nothing could help. Then, when it got too hard and I wanted to give up, a person that I will never forget and never be able to repay noticed that I wasn't having the best of times. He said, "Boi, you aren't looking too good. Wanna hang out?" So I went over to his house a few times, after school and we became close friends. After a while, I told him my situation. He said, "Boi, that is terrible. I knew something was wrong with you, but I didn't know it was this bad. Come. Be a part of my family, and we will help you through this." I didn't know what to think, at first, but I soon learned that he was telling the truth. One night, he was sleeping over at my house, as he often did, and I woke up, looked at him and said, "KK, I want to get baptized. I know what I need. Its the church." He looked at me and said, "You serious?" Of course I was!!!!
Now, to the point. I was baptized at 18, and I didn't know what I was getting myself in to. I didn't know that I had just given myself, and my family the greatest gift ever. I didn't know that I would no longer be the little brother, but be the brother with all of the answers. Now I get to go to a far away country and spread the love that I have had to work so hard to find. I am so graeful for that chance. I realized that doing all of this was good for me, but it is going to be so much better for my family, and that is what means the most to me. I know that I can be a good example, and I know that my family no longer thinks of me as a little brother. The church has changed me so much. I can't imagine how I was, compared to how I am now. I just know that if it wasn't for KK and for all of the wonderful people that supported me so much, I wouldn't be the person that I am now. Heck, I probably wouldn't be alive.
Because of all this, I know that the church is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and he translated the Book of Mormon from the golden plates. I know that Heavenly Father places people in your life that can help you. I know that there are angels on this earth watching over us. I know that every person can do great things. I know that joining the church was the best thing that I have ever done. I wish the same amount of happiness to every person. I know that the members of the church are the best people I know. I have the best friends that I could ever ask for. I love each and every one of them with all of my heart. I am so grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Without it, and his atonement, there would be no church, and there would be no Brandon.
Always remember:
A Perfect Love Shall Casteth Out All Fear. Moroni 8:16
~Brandon
Then, something happened. Something that completely blindsided me. Something that could, and really should, have killed me. A close member of my family had some drug issues that he was facing. Now, let me put this in perspective: Imagine someone that you looked up to your whole life. Someone that was your best friend because the kids in school didn't want to be your friend. Someone that could take the worst day, and turn it in to the best. Someone that you wanted to model yourself after. Now, take that person, and everything that you built them up to be, and change them. Change them in to the exact opposite of what you thought they were, and they are now looking to you for strength and help. Something that I could not handle at 17. On my 17th birthday, I was told about his problems. Told that I was not allowed to speak about it. Told that I, and only I, would be responsible for him and his troubles. Well, as we all know from the turn out, I was not ready for this. I couldn't handle it. I needed something, someone, anyone, and I didn't have any of that. I used to look to football for my escape, but even that didn't work. It was like nothing could help. Then, when it got too hard and I wanted to give up, a person that I will never forget and never be able to repay noticed that I wasn't having the best of times. He said, "Boi, you aren't looking too good. Wanna hang out?" So I went over to his house a few times, after school and we became close friends. After a while, I told him my situation. He said, "Boi, that is terrible. I knew something was wrong with you, but I didn't know it was this bad. Come. Be a part of my family, and we will help you through this." I didn't know what to think, at first, but I soon learned that he was telling the truth. One night, he was sleeping over at my house, as he often did, and I woke up, looked at him and said, "KK, I want to get baptized. I know what I need. Its the church." He looked at me and said, "You serious?" Of course I was!!!!
Now, to the point. I was baptized at 18, and I didn't know what I was getting myself in to. I didn't know that I had just given myself, and my family the greatest gift ever. I didn't know that I would no longer be the little brother, but be the brother with all of the answers. Now I get to go to a far away country and spread the love that I have had to work so hard to find. I am so graeful for that chance. I realized that doing all of this was good for me, but it is going to be so much better for my family, and that is what means the most to me. I know that I can be a good example, and I know that my family no longer thinks of me as a little brother. The church has changed me so much. I can't imagine how I was, compared to how I am now. I just know that if it wasn't for KK and for all of the wonderful people that supported me so much, I wouldn't be the person that I am now. Heck, I probably wouldn't be alive.
Because of all this, I know that the church is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and he translated the Book of Mormon from the golden plates. I know that Heavenly Father places people in your life that can help you. I know that there are angels on this earth watching over us. I know that every person can do great things. I know that joining the church was the best thing that I have ever done. I wish the same amount of happiness to every person. I know that the members of the church are the best people I know. I have the best friends that I could ever ask for. I love each and every one of them with all of my heart. I am so grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Without it, and his atonement, there would be no church, and there would be no Brandon.
Always remember:
A Perfect Love Shall Casteth Out All Fear. Moroni 8:16
~Brandon
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Day 18: Temple, Temple, Girls Night, awesome..... :)
I knot it has been a looooooong time since I have posted, and I am a little sorry. Well, I am still super excited for my mission. It seems like I am getting more and more excited as the days go on an on. I feel like such a putz for not writing KK and Braden until this week. Haha. So, here is what's happening!:
I went to the Temple for the first time last night. It was soooo amazing. I can't believe it. Like, I am so speechless about the whole thing. Mainly for two reasons: Because it was so amazing, and because it is so sacred that I don't talk about it outside of the Temple. Seriously, it was the best thing ever. I can't believe how far I have come. I was baptized at 18, and went throught the temple and on a mission at 21. It was the most amazing thing that I have ever been through. I made it through the whole time without breaking down, then in the Celestial Room, I went up stairs, sat down, and started bawling. It was like I could feel all of my family rejoicing. It was so powerful. I literally felt like I was falling. Like, you know that feeling. Kind of like your insides feel like they are dancing around and stuff. Yeah, I felt like that, but in a good way. I was so happy to finally have gone through the house of the Lord. Oh man. It was so great. I am going three days in a row, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Tonight was girls night. I got to spend the night hanging with my favorite girls: Liz, Ashles, and Ashley. I absolutely love my girls. I am going to miss them so much. We watched: So You Think You Can Dance and it was awesome. Haha. I am going to miss their little faces.
Well, I am going to the temple tomorrow. It is going to be amazing. I gotta get this geneology work done. :)
Remember: A perfect love shall casteth out all fear. MNI 8:16
~Elder Cruz
I went to the Temple for the first time last night. It was soooo amazing. I can't believe it. Like, I am so speechless about the whole thing. Mainly for two reasons: Because it was so amazing, and because it is so sacred that I don't talk about it outside of the Temple. Seriously, it was the best thing ever. I can't believe how far I have come. I was baptized at 18, and went throught the temple and on a mission at 21. It was the most amazing thing that I have ever been through. I made it through the whole time without breaking down, then in the Celestial Room, I went up stairs, sat down, and started bawling. It was like I could feel all of my family rejoicing. It was so powerful. I literally felt like I was falling. Like, you know that feeling. Kind of like your insides feel like they are dancing around and stuff. Yeah, I felt like that, but in a good way. I was so happy to finally have gone through the house of the Lord. Oh man. It was so great. I am going three days in a row, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Tonight was girls night. I got to spend the night hanging with my favorite girls: Liz, Ashles, and Ashley. I absolutely love my girls. I am going to miss them so much. We watched: So You Think You Can Dance and it was awesome. Haha. I am going to miss their little faces.
Well, I am going to the temple tomorrow. It is going to be amazing. I gotta get this geneology work done. :)
Remember: A perfect love shall casteth out all fear. MNI 8:16
~Elder Cruz
Monday, May 18, 2009
Day 7: A day of thinking and reflecting....
Soooooo..... Today was an awesome day. I got to talk on the phone with my sister and Angie. It was great. I love talking to Angie. She is amazing. We realized that I would not be able to hug her when I come up to Utah before I report, and that makes us both very sad. :( Although, I will be able to hug her allllll I want when I come home. :) We talked about how awesome missionary work is and how I should be taking a mission prep class.... Oh, I am. Haha. Loverly!
I think it is funny what can bring you to think about how you are grateful for being a member of the church. This is one of those cases. I was playing basketball, tonight, and there were a few guys that showed up that weren't members of the church. They were banned from playing for cussing, being immodest, and doing drugs after the games on church property. They showed up and threw off our games, but we didn't tell them not to come back until after we were done playing. I began to think about how blessed we were to not be caught up in that type of life. Thses guys looked so bad. They looked like they were walking around alone. They had no light in their eyes. No hop in their step. No direction. I am not saying that all non-members are like this. I am just saying that these guys were so far from us that they stood out in a very negative way.
So, I was thinking. I am so grateful for the church. I looked back at how I was. I saw myself at my lowest. I wanted to give up, but someone saw something in my spirit. He told me not to give up. He said that there was something that he could help me find that would change everything. He said that there was something that everyone needed, and he had it, and he could give it to me. I was like, "what the heck?" He knew that I knew what he was talking about. Then, KK invited me to church. I turned him down, but it got me thinking. I knew that I needed something, but I didn't exactly know what. It wasn't until after Winter Formal that I realized that I needed the church. I was soon baptized. I have had some trials and some falls, but in the end I was lifted up and shown the truth. Now, I am going to serve the Lord for two years. I am going to a far away land. I am going to Africa to speak French and spread the gospel. I am going to give that ery thing that I needed to the people of the Ivory Coast. I can't wait. I am so excited to give them what saved my life, twice. I leave in two months, and I am so excited.
I love each one of you, for reading my bloggys. I thank you all for being there for me. I can't wait to see each of you before I leave for my mission. It is going to be such a great experience.
UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!
~Macaroni :)
I think it is funny what can bring you to think about how you are grateful for being a member of the church. This is one of those cases. I was playing basketball, tonight, and there were a few guys that showed up that weren't members of the church. They were banned from playing for cussing, being immodest, and doing drugs after the games on church property. They showed up and threw off our games, but we didn't tell them not to come back until after we were done playing. I began to think about how blessed we were to not be caught up in that type of life. Thses guys looked so bad. They looked like they were walking around alone. They had no light in their eyes. No hop in their step. No direction. I am not saying that all non-members are like this. I am just saying that these guys were so far from us that they stood out in a very negative way.
So, I was thinking. I am so grateful for the church. I looked back at how I was. I saw myself at my lowest. I wanted to give up, but someone saw something in my spirit. He told me not to give up. He said that there was something that he could help me find that would change everything. He said that there was something that everyone needed, and he had it, and he could give it to me. I was like, "what the heck?" He knew that I knew what he was talking about. Then, KK invited me to church. I turned him down, but it got me thinking. I knew that I needed something, but I didn't exactly know what. It wasn't until after Winter Formal that I realized that I needed the church. I was soon baptized. I have had some trials and some falls, but in the end I was lifted up and shown the truth. Now, I am going to serve the Lord for two years. I am going to a far away land. I am going to Africa to speak French and spread the gospel. I am going to give that ery thing that I needed to the people of the Ivory Coast. I can't wait. I am so excited to give them what saved my life, twice. I leave in two months, and I am so excited.
I love each one of you, for reading my bloggys. I thank you all for being there for me. I can't wait to see each of you before I leave for my mission. It is going to be such a great experience.
UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!
~Macaroni :)
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Day 5: Mission call!!!!
So, my mission call finally came!!! I was so excited to see that big white envelope in the mail. I am sure the mail lady got sick of seeing my face, but she won't have to see it for a loooooonnnnnnggggg time. :) We all went over to California Pizza Kitchen by the Kirkorian on Vista Way, and I opened it there. It was quite the gathering. There were far more people there than I thought. I called in a few hours earlier and told them that I was bringing a group of 20is people and that it was going to be loud. I guess I underestimated. About 35 people ended up showing up, and it was awesome. There was: Me, My mom and Dad, Brother and Sister Bushnell, Dan Bushnell, Brock Bushnell, Stott Bushnell, Sarah Bushnell, Liz Olson, Chelsie Isa, Amy Remsberg, One of their friends, Ivan Gonzalez, Emily Leblanc, Chad from Maine, Mark Larson, Joe Torria, Natalie Whittaker, Christine Mckissick, Ross Mckissick, Kawika Aledo, Anders Conk, Sean Taylor, and Dylan Bitton. It was NUTSO!!!! Everyone showed up at 715, and I opened my call by 730. We went around the table and everyone said where they thought I was going to go. My Dad was the closest with "I think he is going to speak French." Good job, Dad. So, I began to open my call and I had Dan call Craig. I started reading it. "Dear Elder Cruz...... yada yada yada..... You are called to serve in the BOISE IDAHO MISSION!!!!!" Then, Mark squeals, "ARE YOU JOKING!?" "Yes. Yes I am" His face was priceless. I then read my ACTUAL mission in my best French accent. "Cote d'Ivoire Abidjan Mission." Sister Bushnell exlaimed, "THAT IS RUSSIA!!!!!" Then, I looked and it was actually Africa. Close, sista Bushie! I attempted to eat the delicious pizza that Dan ordered for me, but I was wayyyy too excited. I just wanted to talk to everyone. I did lap after lap of the HUGE table that was made for us. It was so exciting.
Well, I am super excited to go to Africa and speak French. Here is a list of what I have to do now:
1. Get a Passport.
2. Get an international drivers lisence.
3. Get endowed.
4. Go to the Temple 50000000 times.
5. Read Jesus the Christ.
6. Get a new set of scriptures.
7. Write: Braden, KK, Rachel, and Mckay to let them know where I am going.
8. Get all of my shots.
9. Get all of my missionary stuff.
10. Farewell talk.
11. Farewell open house.
12. Setting apart.
13. Go to Utah and go through the: Salt Lake, Draper, Bountiful, and St. George temples.
14. Say my final goodbyes to my parents and friends.
15. Report at 11:30am on Juy 15th, 2009.
16. Come home 24 months later. :)
That's right. You read correctly. I am leaving in two months. CRAZY!!!!
Welp, I have an early day tomorrow and I am going to sign off.
Stay classy San Diego.
~Macaroni
Well, I am super excited to go to Africa and speak French. Here is a list of what I have to do now:
1. Get a Passport.
2. Get an international drivers lisence.
3. Get endowed.
4. Go to the Temple 50000000 times.
5. Read Jesus the Christ.
6. Get a new set of scriptures.
7. Write: Braden, KK, Rachel, and Mckay to let them know where I am going.
8. Get all of my shots.
9. Get all of my missionary stuff.
10. Farewell talk.
11. Farewell open house.
12. Setting apart.
13. Go to Utah and go through the: Salt Lake, Draper, Bountiful, and St. George temples.
14. Say my final goodbyes to my parents and friends.
15. Report at 11:30am on Juy 15th, 2009.
16. Come home 24 months later. :)
That's right. You read correctly. I am leaving in two months. CRAZY!!!!
Welp, I have an early day tomorrow and I am going to sign off.
Stay classy San Diego.
~Macaroni
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Day 4: Mission Prep, Institute, and Basketball....
Today was institute day!!!! Yay! That means three things: I get to go to Laguna(ish) and go to institute, hang out with Dan, and play basketball. It is an awesome night, all around. I love my institue classes. I take mission prep and a regular institute class. We studied about Christlike attributes and the life of Christ. Basically, all we did was talk about the Savior. I loved it. I love our Savior. Just thinking about him fills my heart with joy. :) Quote of the day was definetly, "I like you, in a non-Prop 8 way." That was the funniest thing that I have heard about Prop 8, since it went on the ballot.
By the way, my stance has changed on the whole, Gay Marriage, thing. I won't go in to what it has changed, but I will go in to why my stance was so rigid, before. I had been given such a hard time for my political views, that I just decided to build a hard shell over a certain topic (gays) and be too stubborn to move on it. I was shown quite softly, by a good friend, that I had a hardened heart. Luckily, I finally saw that, and decided to change my outlook and soften my heart. Loverly!!!!!
I have played wayyyyy too much basketball for my body, and it kind of called it quits on me today. I usually play on Thursdays, but I don't know if I am going to be able to, this time. Haha. I do love basketball, though.
Ok, so there is something that I have been thinking about a lot lately. Before I go on my mission, I have to do something that I thought I would never do. There is a member of my family that has gone through a lot of stuff, and he tore me down to my core, at one point. (Which is a huge reason why I joined the church. I was at such a low.) I think I am ready to stop being a butt and tell him that I forgive him for everything that has happened. I really do love my brother. I used to look up to him so much. I think it is my time to be the one who is looked up to. I love the church because it gives us such strength. I was asked, "How does faith become strength?" Well, I know that faith becomes strength when you act on that faith. I have been waiting for the stength to come, but I have found that if I keep waiting, it will never come. It will come sooner if I act on it, and I will.
Well, no mission call today. Let's hope that it comes tomorrow.
Right now, I am watching Enchanted. I love musicals.
~Macaroni
By the way, my stance has changed on the whole, Gay Marriage, thing. I won't go in to what it has changed, but I will go in to why my stance was so rigid, before. I had been given such a hard time for my political views, that I just decided to build a hard shell over a certain topic (gays) and be too stubborn to move on it. I was shown quite softly, by a good friend, that I had a hardened heart. Luckily, I finally saw that, and decided to change my outlook and soften my heart. Loverly!!!!!
I have played wayyyyy too much basketball for my body, and it kind of called it quits on me today. I usually play on Thursdays, but I don't know if I am going to be able to, this time. Haha. I do love basketball, though.
Ok, so there is something that I have been thinking about a lot lately. Before I go on my mission, I have to do something that I thought I would never do. There is a member of my family that has gone through a lot of stuff, and he tore me down to my core, at one point. (Which is a huge reason why I joined the church. I was at such a low.) I think I am ready to stop being a butt and tell him that I forgive him for everything that has happened. I really do love my brother. I used to look up to him so much. I think it is my time to be the one who is looked up to. I love the church because it gives us such strength. I was asked, "How does faith become strength?" Well, I know that faith becomes strength when you act on that faith. I have been waiting for the stength to come, but I have found that if I keep waiting, it will never come. It will come sooner if I act on it, and I will.
Well, no mission call today. Let's hope that it comes tomorrow.
Right now, I am watching Enchanted. I love musicals.
~Macaroni
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Day 3: An Awkward day, that's for sure....
Today I had the great task of calling all of my previous employers. I never knew it would be so difficult finding out my dates of employement. I had to call a hotline, and was basically grilled as to why I wanted the dates of my employement at American Eagle. At one point, I said, "Look, all I want are the dates of my employement. I don't want anything else. You are making this much harder than it needs to be. Now, can you please give me the start and finish dates of my time at American Eagle?" Needless to say, the lady was pretty irritated with me, and I was transferred to an automated sytem. The machine guy was much happier to be helping me than the lady was. I just don't get why it is so important to get the EXACT dates of employemen. Ok, I left some things out. I should fill you all in on why I have to be so particular about all this. I got a job offer at Bank of America and they have a security clearence thingy that I need to fill out. It has dates of education, employement, and where I live. I have to be spot on for all of the dates of my employement and education. Where I live isn't as important, but I need to be accurate on that also. What sucks is that if I am off on ONE DAY for my employment. The back ground check comes back unsuccesful and I am out of luck for the job. Needless to say, I can't afford to just guess, so I am stuck calling: Fry's Electronics, American Eagle, Jerome's Furniture, and Spott Pest Prevention to get those exact dates.
Today is pretty uneventful, but I think that we are going to play some basketball at 9:30. We played last night, and I had a few good games. After those, I was just too dang tired to really put out any effort. We played from 8pm till around 11. It was a crazy amount of basketball. What is crazier is that I could be doing it all again tonight. Mormons love basketball, what can I say? Haha.
No mission call today. I think it will come tomorrow. Here is what happened: I submitted my papers on a Friday. They don't recieve them til Monday, but they don't look at them til Wednesday. So basically, my papers didn't get to the right people until Wednesday. I am guessing, and all I can do is guess, that it will come tomorrow. We are going to have dinner at Chili's or California Pizza Kitchen so I can open it in front of everyone. If you have any requests for that night, Example: Want me to put you on speaker while I open it, that can be arranged somehow. I just can't wait for this thing to come.
My mom bribes me to stay and eat with the family, sometimes. Tonight, she made me tacos. She knows that I love those dang tacos. They are the only food that I will not share with anyone. Ever. I get to have a sweet dinner with my mom and dad tonight. Then, I am heading to the Bushnell's to hang out with Stott and then play some basketball. I hope I don't get beat up too badly by Brock. He usually beats the crap out of me. I don't know how he does it. I always tell him, "Brock, no fighting tonight." Next thing I know, I have a toy lightsaber in my hand and he is hitting the crap out of my legs with a sword that he has. How does this kid outsmart me every night? I am going to wise up to his tactics one day, but that day has yet to come.
I watched most of Pearl Harbor, today. I am a history major, and I couldn't pass up the chance to watch one of the most historically accurate movies of all time. Other than the made up characters and love story, it was one of the most accurate. From the planes used, to the Dolittle raid of Tokyo. I was watching the end, and it highlighted a point in the raid where President Franklin D. Roosevelt heard of the news of the raid. He says, "So our boys are flying blind and on empty tanks." He was talking about the homing beacons that the Chinese set up so the B-29s could lock on and find the Chinese safe zones. The raid had to be launched pre-maturely because the Japanese had stumbled across the carriers that held the planes of the raiders. They were supposed to launch at 400 miles from the coast of Japan, but they launched somewhere outside of 600 miles. Having faith, they got in their bombers and took off from the carrier. Colnel Dolittle was the first to fly. He was quoted, saying to his co-pilot, "When did you find religion? Do me a favor, and pray for the both of us." I think that is quite amazing that he would pause and think of our Heavenly Father. He probably didn't know it at the time, but his faith and the faith of his co-pilot helped them. Those men were very courageous and faithful. They took off blindly, knowing that they could possibly die. They had no one, other than themselves and their Heavenly Father to look to for comfort. Most of the men died, but their story lives on, and their faith will forever be remembered. It is small acts of faith, like that, that lead me to know that there is a God. That he is our Heavenly Father. That he can protect us in our times of need. That when there seems to be no one else, he is always there. His love is all around us, and we just have to accept it. I know we all have different times and circumstances where we look to our Heavenly Father for comfort, but we all know that when we are sincere and ask for it, he reaches out his loving arms and wraps us up tight. He is here to protect us. I know from personal experience. We all do.
Big Gulps, huh? Welp, see ya later!!!
~Macaroni
Today is pretty uneventful, but I think that we are going to play some basketball at 9:30. We played last night, and I had a few good games. After those, I was just too dang tired to really put out any effort. We played from 8pm till around 11. It was a crazy amount of basketball. What is crazier is that I could be doing it all again tonight. Mormons love basketball, what can I say? Haha.
No mission call today. I think it will come tomorrow. Here is what happened: I submitted my papers on a Friday. They don't recieve them til Monday, but they don't look at them til Wednesday. So basically, my papers didn't get to the right people until Wednesday. I am guessing, and all I can do is guess, that it will come tomorrow. We are going to have dinner at Chili's or California Pizza Kitchen so I can open it in front of everyone. If you have any requests for that night, Example: Want me to put you on speaker while I open it, that can be arranged somehow. I just can't wait for this thing to come.
My mom bribes me to stay and eat with the family, sometimes. Tonight, she made me tacos. She knows that I love those dang tacos. They are the only food that I will not share with anyone. Ever. I get to have a sweet dinner with my mom and dad tonight. Then, I am heading to the Bushnell's to hang out with Stott and then play some basketball. I hope I don't get beat up too badly by Brock. He usually beats the crap out of me. I don't know how he does it. I always tell him, "Brock, no fighting tonight." Next thing I know, I have a toy lightsaber in my hand and he is hitting the crap out of my legs with a sword that he has. How does this kid outsmart me every night? I am going to wise up to his tactics one day, but that day has yet to come.
I watched most of Pearl Harbor, today. I am a history major, and I couldn't pass up the chance to watch one of the most historically accurate movies of all time. Other than the made up characters and love story, it was one of the most accurate. From the planes used, to the Dolittle raid of Tokyo. I was watching the end, and it highlighted a point in the raid where President Franklin D. Roosevelt heard of the news of the raid. He says, "So our boys are flying blind and on empty tanks." He was talking about the homing beacons that the Chinese set up so the B-29s could lock on and find the Chinese safe zones. The raid had to be launched pre-maturely because the Japanese had stumbled across the carriers that held the planes of the raiders. They were supposed to launch at 400 miles from the coast of Japan, but they launched somewhere outside of 600 miles. Having faith, they got in their bombers and took off from the carrier. Colnel Dolittle was the first to fly. He was quoted, saying to his co-pilot, "When did you find religion? Do me a favor, and pray for the both of us." I think that is quite amazing that he would pause and think of our Heavenly Father. He probably didn't know it at the time, but his faith and the faith of his co-pilot helped them. Those men were very courageous and faithful. They took off blindly, knowing that they could possibly die. They had no one, other than themselves and their Heavenly Father to look to for comfort. Most of the men died, but their story lives on, and their faith will forever be remembered. It is small acts of faith, like that, that lead me to know that there is a God. That he is our Heavenly Father. That he can protect us in our times of need. That when there seems to be no one else, he is always there. His love is all around us, and we just have to accept it. I know we all have different times and circumstances where we look to our Heavenly Father for comfort, but we all know that when we are sincere and ask for it, he reaches out his loving arms and wraps us up tight. He is here to protect us. I know from personal experience. We all do.
Big Gulps, huh? Welp, see ya later!!!
~Macaroni
Monday, May 11, 2009
Day 1:
It seems like I have been waiting for this stupid thing for 10 years! This sucks. I shouldn't be too hard on the mail lady, though. She is just bringing the mail and is kind enough to make fun of me for waiting by the mail box everyday. I bet she will miss me when I am gone. I know I would. :)
Mission prep was cancelled at church today, so Christine Mckissick and I were talking about how the mail lady could be holding out on me. So, we made up scenerios for how she could be hiding my mission call. "I bet she is going to take it on vacation with her and open it on the beaches of Florida." I wouldn't doubt that at all. Although, I don't know how much good MY mission call would do her.
I got to spend the day at the Bushnell's house. I have spent most of my time there, lately. I have become very close with that wonderful family. They are AMAZING!!! We talked about how I can't wait to get my mission call and how it must kill me to be waiting so long. It seems to get easier and easier to wait as I complain more and more. Oh.... Wait.... No it doesn't. This thing needs to come. Haha. We also talked about that one time when I broke up with a girl for Mckay, and how he shouldn't have been dating when he was 14, in the first place. Then, we went around the room and said some nice things about Sister Bushnell. (She made me.) I told her about my first impression of her: "It was the Mom's game. (A tradition at Fallbrook High School after the spring game. A game where the moms "attempt" to play their son's positions in a "light scrimage".) I was a Freshman and I didn't really know what was going on. I was watching this group of women get pumped up and strap on cleats. I remember thinking to myself 'What the heck is going on? Are the going to PLAY FOOTBALL!?' Oh, yes. They sure were. A few plays went by and nothing really cool happened. A fumble here. An interception there. Same ol', same ol'. Then, like a cannon, Sister Bushnell shot out of the backfield, ball in hand, and ran down the sideline. (Picture a skinny athletic woman with long blonde hair and very long legs. Taking HUGE strides like a gazel.) She is out in front by at least 2 yards. The coaches blow the wistle, but that is not enought to stop her, oh no. She isn't done until she reaches the goal line. She ran a full 100 yards to the endzone, but before she crossed the goal line, she turned around and started back-peddling. (I think she started at the 20 yard line, or so.)" I exclaimed, "WHO'S MOM WAS THAT!?" "Bushnell. She does it every year," said someone I still don't know, "there still hasn't been a single woman to lay her out. She is kind of cocky." Before I knew who she was, I knew she was awesome. Haha.
I was thinking about some religion related stuff today. I was wondering, since Jesus created the universe and all of its planets, did he suffer the atonement for each planet differently, or did he suffer all at once? How great of an undertaking must that have been? To go to each planet individually and die for each planets sins. Can you imagine that? How amazing of a man must Jesus be? We are so very lucky to have had him suffer for our sins. I think he went to each planet individually and suffered for everyone. I bet he thought, "Man, this is going to be one awesome road trip. I get to be the most popular person ever." I think he deserves it. I fear that I was a little sacreligious, there, but oh well. Sue me. :)
Until next time, live long and prosper. Star Trek is awesome, BTW. :)
~Brandon Y Cruz (ElderMacaroni)
Mission prep was cancelled at church today, so Christine Mckissick and I were talking about how the mail lady could be holding out on me. So, we made up scenerios for how she could be hiding my mission call. "I bet she is going to take it on vacation with her and open it on the beaches of Florida." I wouldn't doubt that at all. Although, I don't know how much good MY mission call would do her.
I got to spend the day at the Bushnell's house. I have spent most of my time there, lately. I have become very close with that wonderful family. They are AMAZING!!! We talked about how I can't wait to get my mission call and how it must kill me to be waiting so long. It seems to get easier and easier to wait as I complain more and more. Oh.... Wait.... No it doesn't. This thing needs to come. Haha. We also talked about that one time when I broke up with a girl for Mckay, and how he shouldn't have been dating when he was 14, in the first place. Then, we went around the room and said some nice things about Sister Bushnell. (She made me.) I told her about my first impression of her: "It was the Mom's game. (A tradition at Fallbrook High School after the spring game. A game where the moms "attempt" to play their son's positions in a "light scrimage".) I was a Freshman and I didn't really know what was going on. I was watching this group of women get pumped up and strap on cleats. I remember thinking to myself 'What the heck is going on? Are the going to PLAY FOOTBALL!?' Oh, yes. They sure were. A few plays went by and nothing really cool happened. A fumble here. An interception there. Same ol', same ol'. Then, like a cannon, Sister Bushnell shot out of the backfield, ball in hand, and ran down the sideline. (Picture a skinny athletic woman with long blonde hair and very long legs. Taking HUGE strides like a gazel.) She is out in front by at least 2 yards. The coaches blow the wistle, but that is not enought to stop her, oh no. She isn't done until she reaches the goal line. She ran a full 100 yards to the endzone, but before she crossed the goal line, she turned around and started back-peddling. (I think she started at the 20 yard line, or so.)" I exclaimed, "WHO'S MOM WAS THAT!?" "Bushnell. She does it every year," said someone I still don't know, "there still hasn't been a single woman to lay her out. She is kind of cocky." Before I knew who she was, I knew she was awesome. Haha.
I was thinking about some religion related stuff today. I was wondering, since Jesus created the universe and all of its planets, did he suffer the atonement for each planet differently, or did he suffer all at once? How great of an undertaking must that have been? To go to each planet individually and die for each planets sins. Can you imagine that? How amazing of a man must Jesus be? We are so very lucky to have had him suffer for our sins. I think he went to each planet individually and suffered for everyone. I bet he thought, "Man, this is going to be one awesome road trip. I get to be the most popular person ever." I think he deserves it. I fear that I was a little sacreligious, there, but oh well. Sue me. :)
Until next time, live long and prosper. Star Trek is awesome, BTW. :)
~Brandon Y Cruz (ElderMacaroni)
Mission Statement:
So, basically, what I am doing here is a chronical of my daily thinkings, goings, adventures, and hilarious mishaps before I leave for my mission. My days have been filled with a tremendous amount of waiting lately. I have been waiting for the most important thing ever, my mission call. It pretty much fills up my whole day before 2pm, so I have plenty of time to do things that are much less fun than blogging. Hah. Hope you have as much fun reading as I have typing. Once again, WELCOME TO THE CAMPOUT!!!! :)
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