"The Greenie" and "The Dog Whisperer"

Elder Bengtzen has had a crazy second week in Indiana. He is officially a "Greenie".  I sent him a box that was full of anything and everything green.  Green slippers, magnets, Kool Aid, paperclips, stapler, tape, envelopes, green stamps, etc....and lets not forget, lots of green candy.  In the middle of the box was a green frog holding a sign that said, "It ain't easy being green".  He said he and his companion, Elder Thomas (from Pocatello, Idaho) laughed for about 5 minutes while going through all the items. 

We received a phone call from Sister Collins letting us know everything is going well for Brayden.  She said he is a delightful man and will make a great missionary.  I know without a doubt that she will take great care of my little boy.  President and Sister Collins are from Bountiful, Utah.  What a small world!

We looked up Brayden's new address on Google earth.  It looks like a decent apartment complex with a large pond in the back yard.  He said it really isn't that great of a place but can't complain because they are only there to sleep.  He really can't complain because how many missionaries get an apartment with beach front property.

Elder Bengtzen had a tornado/earthquake emergency orientation last week.  He really hopes he gets to use what he learned at least once while on his mission.  I think the heat is affecting his thought process.

He has been getting extremely bad headaches.   Sister Collin's used to be a nurse and she has him drinking 100 ounces of water a day.  She has also told him to add a healthy snack into his diet every 2 hours and has him taking Excedrin.  He says it is so hot there that he has to carry a towel around with him all the time.

Elder Bengtzen is trying to get use to the fact that he only gets $33 a week for food and personal items.   Luckily the members feed them dinner every night.  He also has been given a "ghetto brick" cell phone that they get to text with.  It is for mission appropriate business only.

Last Saturday while tracting, someone sent their blood hounds after Elder Bengtzen and Elder Thomas.  While Elder Bengtzen was FREAKING OUT, Elder Thomas casually took out a Book of Mormon from his bag.  He held the book out in front of the dogs and they immediately stopped charging them.  The dogs even let the Elders pet them.  Way Cool!!

Some exciting things are happening in Indiana.  The temple has been approved by the state and city and is now waiting for final approval of the architectual plans by SLC.  They will immediately begin construction the day after ground breaking.  In October the Church is going to launch a new "Why I am a Mormon" campaign in Indiana.  They will advertise on billboards, TV, and radio commercials.  They are asking members of the wards and families there to participate in the filming and recording.  He says it will be huge! He also said they have 3 baptisms scheduled for September 3rd.  His mission is averaging over 1 baptism every day.

I am so proud of Elder Bengtzen!  I know he is where he is suppose to be. I know that he will continue to be an amazing instrument in the Lord's hands.  This is the Lord's Church and I know that nothing will stand in the way of spreading His gospel throughout the world. Keeping the Lord's commandments is the ONLY way to TRUE happiness!  Thank you for being such a great example to us Brayden!!!