Dear All, September 23, 2008
Well, I just spent my allotted 30 min. of email time but was timed out before sending my letter. If you want to email me – elderbritsch@myldsmail.net. Dearelder.com is also good because it is same day delivery.
I’m happy to hear that the hurricane was not to devastating to our area but my prayers go out to the people farther south. Sounds like quite an experience. It’s great that you all have been so involved in the aid of others. I hope you enjoyed the time off.
We have had some great experiences this week. The Tuesday devotional by Elder Hinckley and Sis. Hinkley was great. He gave the 9 “Be’s” of missionary work. We watched an excellent video by Elder Holland, 1 on teaching, the other on missionary work.
My district is still obedient and cheerful despite the language challenges. I just completed a letter to a sister in my district who is struggling with her testimony and her faith. I gave her some scriptures to look at and shared my testimony of the Lord’s love and will for her as a missionary. I’ve been so busy with the concerns of others that I’ve had no time to worry about myself. It’s great. The days are flying by.
Thank you for the letters from each of you. It’s great to hear about you. I taught a Korean girl (17 year old who goes to TimpView) and Korean boy (7th grade) this week with Elder Larsen. We introduces, testified and prayed in Korean ( they actually said our Korean was understandable (Smile)) Then shared the first lesson in English. The girl told us that (though she’s a member) she had never been able to understand the Elders english when she had come to the Teaching Resource Center (TRC) in the past. She wanted what we had and we told her how she could. Our testimonies were able to reach her heart (despite her broken English) by the spirit. Awesome!
Dad, in answer to your question, though undoubtedly too late, I’ve especially liked the stories of Aaron and Ammon because of their ability to teach simply and clearly to the Lamanite kings. I also like 2 Nephi 31 and 32 because these chapters explain the gospel so simply and powerfully. Thank you for your thoughts on Enos and please continue to share your insights.
I’ve been combating sickness but have taken the steps to recovery so no worries. My companion came to the MTC with pneumonia so I’m afraid I may have picked it up. (Mom, no worries, I’m fine!) The Lord has given me strength to carry out all my duties as I’ve prayed for His assistance. I’m amazed how the energy comes when absolutely needed and then leaves at night when my duties are done. I’ve learned to be careful in the exertion of the Lord’s energy.
I’m working on every thought of mine to be virtuous. I don’t want to regret anything, not even a thought. I was very focused last week but discovered I needed to have fun too! So I’m trying to relax a bit more now. I can’t do everything.
I wish you all the best. The importance of families has grown to me as I’ve taught it to other people. I love you all.
- Elder Britsch
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Elder Britsch's letter
Here is Elder Britsch'sfirst letter home!
Dear Family, Sept. 16, 2008
I’m enjoying my time at the MTC. Today is my preparation day. I’m trying to email but my time is short and computers are in short supply. It feels like a month has passed but my time is flying by. My district is amazing. It consists of Elders Glines, Bogner, Caldwell, Skousen and Sisters Jensen, Gold, Eager, and Muyhihann. All Elders are going to Seoul –west as well as Sister Gold. The sisters came to the MTC with an already extensive Korean language mastery (the Elders are just trying to catch up). On Sunday I was unexpectedly called as the District Leader. I say unexpectedly mainly because I’ve felt very impressed by the other Elders and because I’ve struggled with the language initially. I’ve received confirmation that as I trust the Lord and go through my trials of faith (humbling) He will make-up for my weaknesses and make them strong. Ether 12:27,6 have been on my mind. I’ve also had repeated confirmation that my district has limitless potential and will convert thousands by means I am not yet aware. The spirit is awesome here. My branch pres. (Pres. Carlson) was a BYU professor and knows Grandpa Britsch and Pres. Pack and has family in Houston. He reassured me that you all were o.k. with the status updates on the hurricane. I got your letter yesterday, it was uplifting. Thank you. I’m sorry dad missed the blow-out game.
My companion is a wrestler (285 lbs.) from West Valley, Ut. He has an awesome memory and gospel knowledge that has impressed and benefitted me.
I am learning Korean slowly but it surprises me each day how far I have come. I can now bare testimony, pray, and introduce myself in Korean. We have been told by Pres. Carlson and our teachers that Korean is the 2nd hardest language at the MTC after Finnish, and when you add the Asian culture on top of that, it is said to be the hardest. That gives me comfort in my struggles.
I need a list of email contacts and addresses, my old black quad scriptures especially (ASAP!), my colored pages of new testament typed notes and other church pages found in my green storage bin found in my closet (anything I can read and use for knowledge that is lightweight and paper), and letters!
I have seen Alan Reinjes, Collin Nicholas, Garret Johnson, and other BYU friends.
Now, I must preach to the family (smile). I must urge you all to be missionaries, this gospel can not wait to enter the minds/hearts of our friends. Share your excitement with them and focus on the message of the restoration. Learn and review the articles of faith. Have a family testimony meeting and set family goals. I love you all and know that you all are already amazing. Hunter, the b-ball is fun at the mtc! Thank you for your note. Mom, thank you for the note in my scriptures, it brought me joy in a harder time.
Tonight is temple night and devotional, as well as district meting which I will conduct. I’m so excited. I understand my purpose. Please read preach my gospel (pmg), It will strengthen your testimonies and show you how to teach our neighbors. I will let you know of my email ASAP. Please know how much I love and miss you all. I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and there is nothing I’d rather be. I love you family (word written in Korean). Let me know how each of you are doing.
The church is more true then ever,
Elder Britsch
Britsch (Elder written in Korean)
Dear Family, Sept. 16, 2008
I’m enjoying my time at the MTC. Today is my preparation day. I’m trying to email but my time is short and computers are in short supply. It feels like a month has passed but my time is flying by. My district is amazing. It consists of Elders Glines, Bogner, Caldwell, Skousen and Sisters Jensen, Gold, Eager, and Muyhihann. All Elders are going to Seoul –west as well as Sister Gold. The sisters came to the MTC with an already extensive Korean language mastery (the Elders are just trying to catch up). On Sunday I was unexpectedly called as the District Leader. I say unexpectedly mainly because I’ve felt very impressed by the other Elders and because I’ve struggled with the language initially. I’ve received confirmation that as I trust the Lord and go through my trials of faith (humbling) He will make-up for my weaknesses and make them strong. Ether 12:27,6 have been on my mind. I’ve also had repeated confirmation that my district has limitless potential and will convert thousands by means I am not yet aware. The spirit is awesome here. My branch pres. (Pres. Carlson) was a BYU professor and knows Grandpa Britsch and Pres. Pack and has family in Houston. He reassured me that you all were o.k. with the status updates on the hurricane. I got your letter yesterday, it was uplifting. Thank you. I’m sorry dad missed the blow-out game.
My companion is a wrestler (285 lbs.) from West Valley, Ut. He has an awesome memory and gospel knowledge that has impressed and benefitted me.
I am learning Korean slowly but it surprises me each day how far I have come. I can now bare testimony, pray, and introduce myself in Korean. We have been told by Pres. Carlson and our teachers that Korean is the 2nd hardest language at the MTC after Finnish, and when you add the Asian culture on top of that, it is said to be the hardest. That gives me comfort in my struggles.
I need a list of email contacts and addresses, my old black quad scriptures especially (ASAP!), my colored pages of new testament typed notes and other church pages found in my green storage bin found in my closet (anything I can read and use for knowledge that is lightweight and paper), and letters!
I have seen Alan Reinjes, Collin Nicholas, Garret Johnson, and other BYU friends.
Now, I must preach to the family (smile). I must urge you all to be missionaries, this gospel can not wait to enter the minds/hearts of our friends. Share your excitement with them and focus on the message of the restoration. Learn and review the articles of faith. Have a family testimony meeting and set family goals. I love you all and know that you all are already amazing. Hunter, the b-ball is fun at the mtc! Thank you for your note. Mom, thank you for the note in my scriptures, it brought me joy in a harder time.
Tonight is temple night and devotional, as well as district meting which I will conduct. I’m so excited. I understand my purpose. Please read preach my gospel (pmg), It will strengthen your testimonies and show you how to teach our neighbors. I will let you know of my email ASAP. Please know how much I love and miss you all. I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and there is nothing I’d rather be. I love you family (word written in Korean). Let me know how each of you are doing.
The church is more true then ever,
Elder Britsch
Britsch (Elder written in Korean)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Happy Birthday Jen!
Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest...
For all that you do and for the person you are, wishing you a very happy birthday!! - Steve, Aub, Brin, and Camp
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Elder Britsch's setting apart - Sept. 7th, 2008
Elder McKay BritschMcKay's mission MTC mailing address is
Elder Carl McKay Britsch
MTC Mailbox #347
KOR-SEOW 1124
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
McKay has a mission web site at www.missionsite.net Enter missionary name: C. McKay Britsch
Calm before the storm
This is footage of the beautiful sky the night just hours before Hurricane Ike came in and hammered Houston. It really was "the calm before the storm".
Hurricane Ike Aftermath
We all learned that you don't mess with mother nature. It was a crazy night. Lots of strange noises, fierce rain and wind gusts and howling of the wind throughout the night. Saturday afternoon we surveyed the damage. Luckily we only lost one small tree that hit our fence and some flattened bushes but other than that all looked good. Our neighbors did not fair so well....
We feel blessed in our area compared with the devastation in Galveston.The calm before the storm
This is how the sky looked the evening before the storm started around 11 pm.
The sky was eerily beautiful.
The wind starts to pick up!Thursday, September 11, 2008
Happy Birthday Ashley!
Ashley's Birthday was on Labor Day, so it was great to have the day off to able to celebrate it. We went down to Surfside Beach and Galveston, and also had a pool party at Rich and Beck's house with a BBQ and cake and ice cream. It was a great time. Happy Birthday Ashley!!
Mom and Dad's Anniversary
Here are some pictures of Mom and Dad's Anniversary that we celebrated in Houston.
We love you!
We are now Texans
Hey everyone. We finally have a moment to write and show some pictures. My law school classes were cancelled today and tomorrow for Hurricane Ike. Yeah...everybody just keeps telling us "welcome to Texas"...like it supposed to make us feel better, but at least it gives me time to post on the blog. There are more at our blog at...thechillschills.blogspot.com....
Yes...I felt I finally achieved my manhood as I drove a 17 foot truck with a car attached on a trailer in back of it for 1500 miles. I just basically put on the turn signal and said "Get out of the way!"
The newest Texans
Ashley insisted that I have a "first day of school" picture
After weeks of searching we finally moved into an apartment near the downtown. Here is the picture of the outside of our complex
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Late Happy Birthday to Tennyson J.
We wanted to say Happy Birthday to our Teej. We haven't had internet for a while...and now that we do, we wanted to say Happy Birthday! The R2D2 cake was Tennyson's big request. Needless to say, it's unfortunate that it pales in comparison to the gem Mom Schill made back in the day, but I love Teej so much that I am willing to subject myself to such humiliation:-) After all, it's for Teej - and his smile and gratitude were priceless! Tennyson had a great birthday and was so relieved that it was finally his turn (so were the rest of us)! We adore Tennyson and the joy and sparkle (and monkeyness) that he adds to our lives. (You'll have to ask Teej what else that big gorilla did besides pose for a picture with him! :-)
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
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