I FOUND SUNSCREEN

Yes it is true. I found sunscreen. I will only come back pink now instead of red.

I'm trying something different only highlighting a couple of days. Let me know how it goes.

TUESDAY 12/17

I found the sunscreen this day while we were buying our food for the apartment. The people I talked to at the desk of the pharmacy we went to were very surprised I could actually speak French haha.

THURSDAY 12/19

We were in Agboville again with the zone to help find people in a certain area in our zone. We all got on a bakka, the vans for public transportation, and then drove three hours in the heat. On the bumpy ride, I hit my head on the ceiling and Elder Lawrence broke one of the windows. Africa.

We arrived and discovered that we had gone to Attinguei, not Attingué. We were in completely the wrong village with our 16 missionaries in white shirts. The whole village came out to see what the commotion was about. We had no idea if there were missionaries there so we left some pamphlets and phone numbers and then left. We all thought it was pretty funny.  (Google Maps only Attinguié, not Attinguei, or Attingué.)

On the way back to N'Dotre, the apartment, a little boy and his mom came and sat next to me on the bakka. He looked up with his big eyes and said Bonjour Tonton which is to say Hello Uncle. My heart about melted. I love these people.

FRIDAY 12/20

I have a cold and a cough. Great.

SATURDAY 12/21

Our district had some baptisms and then it was the Christmas party for all the Blankro Branches, so our whole district of missionaries.

They first had a spiritual section with speakers and testimonies of Jesus Christ. It was pretty good and they even had the primary kids get up and deliver lots of talks.

Then, they finished and had a party. A PARTY. They had dancing, a mascot came, and we all ate popcorn, acheké, and bissap. A Merry Christmas indeed.

Elder Lawrence and I left to go teach Frere Richmond but he was in the middle of work.....

SUNDAY 12/22

We had church with both of my branches today. We all sang our hearts out and had a joyous reunion together. Also, the wife to Frere Richmond, Soeur Aleda, was able to come too!! They seem to be progressing well, so we hope and pray and hope and pray....and teach.

One thing I love about Cote D'Ivoire is the mix of cultures. I know a place where you can get bread from Europe, a pizza, or some schwarma. And then you add all the African dishes on top. It's great!!

Spiritual thought:

In Alma 22, we learn that the Plan of Salvation is for everyone and that Christ suffered for us. It's really such a great gift already. But how do we obtain and access the true power of the Plan? We must use the Atonement of Jesus Christ by repenting. Through our repentance, we change. That is the true gift of Christmas. The opportunity to change. To change and to become like God. We are His children and so we will grow up to be like Him one day, but it is up to us to change.

I hope you all have a Merry Merry (and COLD) Christmas!!

Elder Brooks

3 MONTHS

Hello everyone! Yes, I've been out for three months already and I think that was the slow part so we'll see how the rest goes hahaha!

TUESDAY 12/10

We spent the day in Agboville a nearby town and did service all morning as a Zone. I loved it so much!! My favorite part was helping an older lady wash her dishes haha! Afterwards, we helped pick up trash around the city which was pretty sweet. After our little service activity we had training for our Zone with just our Zone Leaders and it was great. I loved it so much in Agboville. I felt the spirit so much while we stayed in another apartment, ours was about two hours away. I could tell that the other Elders loved to get out and work and it was so great to feel that here.

WEDNESDAY 12/11

Today was our Zone Conference! It was great to see a lot more missionaries and really talk to them about things which was really good for me. We talked a lot about the doctrine of Christ and really how that is the center of all we do. I thought about how if a missionary uses the Doctrine of Christ and improves, he will go home changed. The change of a mission comes from the willingness to change and repent.

We came back to our apartment and things already felt so much better. Our mission president cracked down on one Elder and so when we returned, he threw out all his movies. The trip to Agboville was very good for us as an apartment

Pictures of Zone Conference from Sister Lewis's blog post

Elder Brooks and Elder Roth (his MTC companion)

Elder Brooks and Elder Lewis (also from Orem)

Playing the hymns at Zone Conference!

Lunch with Elder Hanks from Arizona

Sitting with the other Elders from the apartment
3rd row:  Elder Lawrence, Elder Adu, Elder Brooks, Elder Suwyn (new missionary)
4th row: Elder Olson (behind Elder Suwyn), Elder Mukeba

Pres Binene teaches while Sis. Binene listens

MTC Missionaries

More Missionaries - Elder Tenney (to the left of Elder Brooks) is one of the Assistants

The Zones

Transport Buses that they use to travel

THURSDAY 12/12

Today was my actual three month point. Definitely surreal.

We left today and visited lots of people and also taught a lesson to Frere Richmond who we just started teaching. It was our first real visit and he had so many questions about different commandments so we almost taught all of the commandments in the first lesson which was funny.

After wards, we met up with our branch mission leader, Frere Achi, and did some studies. We practiced some lessons for me and ate garba together. Garba is delicious. Spice, some fish; and the acheke. ITS MY FAVORITE!!

Eating garba with Frere Achi

FRIDAY 12/13

Today was rough. It was hard to find motivation for myself, but we got to go out regardless. We spent most of the day at the branch building studying, eating lunch; and then taught a lesson also to my first baptisee?? Frere Parfait. Elder Lawrence and his health are not good. And also he got a cold so we rested a lot at the branch.

SATURDAY 12/14

Another day at the branch building. But at least we left the apartment and studied a little bit together! We also got to teach Frere Richmond again about the Plan of Salvation which was really awesome too.

SUNDAY 12/15

Apparently it was missionary day, but nobody told the missionaries??? I gave a talk in both branches that I didn't know about before. One was about how our trials push us through to our promised land and the second was on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Frere Richmond came to church too!!! We taught him a little bit after and then headed back to the apartment because Elder Lawrence's head was not doing good.

If you read this far heres a treat. WE ATE FROG AND GRUB. A branch president had us all over for dinner on Sunday and fed us West Ivorian Mountain food. Legit frogs and caterpillars and stuff. It wasn't too bad either. The funny part is that the African Elders were more creeped out than the Americans hahah

Things are looking up here, little bit by little bit

Love you all!

Elder Brooks

Pictures from Past Weeks

Ice Cream at Paris Baguette (12/2)

Elder Lawrence

Elder Adu and Elder Olson

Pizza!

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Sandwich (12/3)

Popcorn and Bissap! (12/6)

Notes from our Phone Call:

He's been cooking more and experimenting with the food they have there.  He made mac n cheese!

The Zone Conference was so good!  He had a good conversation with Elder Lewis and it helped so much!

He has lost weight since the MTC but they are eating three meals a day and he doesn't weigh less than he did at home.

He has a renewed excitement for his mission!

Popcorn and Bissap

Hello everyone, things are not perfect. In fact they never will be, but things are getting better here in the land of promise!!

After emailing last week, we went to Paris Baguette which is basically this American restaurant place with a bakery, restaurant; and supermarket. We had a nice dinner with pizza and then got some ice cream too, my favorite! We took a lot of pictures too haha..... but the pictures don't work this week.

TUESDAY 12/3

We didn't go out so I bought myself some bread and made myself a sandwich with peanut butter and a chocolate spread. It helped me study while Elder Lawrence rested for his health.

WEDNESDAY 12/4

We actually got out this day. I LOVED IT! I really don't care about the heat because, at least we aren't at the apartment. 

We got to talk with a lot of people all over the land. We are barely teaching anyone right now. It's mostly just finding as much as we can and opening our mouths so we can teach. Nothing happens until you find some one to teach.

I also made pancakes for dinner but didn't take pictures.....

THURSDAY 12/5

Another day at the apartment. I read the scriptures, practiced teaching in French, and try not to get too disappointed. But, I was able to feel the spirit so much more just when I was practicing teaching about the Book of Mormon. IT IS TRUE.

FRIDAY 12/6

We got out today to do a class to teach some members how to sing the hymns. I was so excited!!!! Elder Lawrence and I bought popcorn and bissap, the best juice you'll ever have. It was paradise. Then we waited and waited. The member was busy all afternoon and so we didn't end up teaching anything. However, a member, Frere Ivan came by and brought some placalily and some sauce so we ate that with him.

SATURDAY 12/7

Another day at the apartment. Ether 12:6 got me through this one. God gives us trials and we must endure because the witness will come. We just need to be patient in our trials.

SUNDAY 12/8

We went to church, had a little birthday party with some popcorn and bissap for one of the members and then came back because Elder Lawrence wasn't feeling very good.

I appreciate all the love and support from everyone at home!! I'm adjusting little bit by little bit, whether through great juices or hard relationships. It will come. I have no doubt that God knows my thoughts and intents. I have no doubt that He knows me. And I know for certain that Jesus Christ knows exactly what I am feeling. The disappointments, discouragements, and all the feelings of inadequacy. He knows them because of His Atoning Sacrifice.

I invite you to plead with Him as He has plead for you.

Elder Brooks

Gratitude, Patience, and Faith - A Learning Week

Time is moving faster, which is weird to think about. I'm approaching my three month mark which means I'm almost an eighth of the way done with my mission. Completely surreal.

Also, I made cookie dough that's edible with Elder Olson. It's been dangerous but deliciously so.

TUESDAY 11/26

We travelled back to the hospital in the morning to get some reports for my companion, Elder Lawrence's health. The reports were all in French using medical terms, so we basically had no idea what they said and the Doctor's telephone number doesn't even work. Go figure. 

Then, we stayed at the apartment. Go figure deux.

WEDNESDAY 11/27

We finally went out to our area today and were able to teach some lessons. One of the them turned into an argument about the Priesthood and getting baptized twice. I tried to explain Joseph Smith and the Restoration, but they didn't want to hear anything about Joseph Smith. Go figure trois.

We came a little early and I bought myself a baguette and some Duandes (a candy that is SUPER common out here. Imagine a kitkat but with more wafer than chocolate). I dipped my baguette in my peanut butter that I found and I also discovered that my camera has a self timer. See attached pictures. 

I made Fufu congolese today too! Imagine a cookie dough that is just flour and water that you eat by dipping it in a vegetable sauce. It's definitely a staple here in the mission because before a lot of Americans came in the mission, it was mostly missionaries from DR Congo. 

There are six missionaries in our apartment too. Two from USA, Two from DRC, One from Ghana, and One from Nigeria. Pretty cool. We switch off who cooks, but when you cook, you basically make a feast everytime haha. 

THURSDAY 11/28

Thanksgiving. Ironic. 

I was all ready to go and then Elder Lawrence said, you can go if you want, but I'm going to stay here today. So I stayed. 

I got to read almost all of Mosiah and read a talk called "The Divine Gift of Gratitude." Both were so awesome. The talk helped bring me such a new perspective in every thing we do. 

Also, in Mosiah it talks a lot about people being rescued from bondage and how the Lord strengthened them. It really brought me peace and comfort. Also, enduring with patience.

FRIDAY 11/29

Today was interviews with our President, President Binene from DR Congo. It was really great to talk to him and get his point of view on a lot of things. Sometimes here, it's hard to know what's right and wrong. Most Elders see the rules like guidelines and not THE WORD OF GOD. Not good. 

Anyways, we got back pretty late (It took us almost two hours each way to get there) and so we couldn't really got out.

SATURDAY 11/30

We went out and were able to just talk with people about the gospel. I loved it. We also got to talk with our Branch Mission Leader for one of our branches, Frere Ashii, and helped us do some Language study. It was great. 

There are two missionaries who enter the MTC soon from here, so we had a little party and get together with them tonight. It was great and we all atkeke, the cous cous food here that's pretty great. 

We came back to the apartment that night and I ate some pain au chocolat which was KILLER and basically my new favorite thing.

SUNDAY 12/1

For both meetings I played piano and just sang my heart out. I loved it. At the end of the first meeting, I chose to played Angels we have heard on high as postlude because, Christmas. Soeur Veronique, our music leader started singing along and then all the kids surrounded the piano and we all sang together. It was bliss.

We visited some people and then came back to the apartment for Elder Lawrence and his health. 

It's been rough out here. I'm not going to lie. But, I know with all my heart that I am where I am supposed to be. God is real. I feel His presence. I see His hand. He loves us so much and has a plan for each and every one of us. Sometimes, things aren't what you expect. That's okay,because it's the way God made them. I testify that He is our Heavenly Father and that through His son Jesus Christ, we can do ALL things. 

2 Nephi 2:24 - But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.

Elder Brooks

More pictures from previous weeks:

Traveling to Cocody for the Mission Conference with Elder Kearon

At the Temple Construction Site in Cocody

Cereal and Milk!

The baptismal font at the chapel

Inside the Blankro chapel

Souer Charlene on her baptism day. (11/23)

Happy Thanksgiving!

This thanksgiving, I am grateful that there is not thanksgiving here. We've been singing Christmas hymns since the beginning of November.

TUESDAY 11/19

I'm starting to fall in love with this place. Sure, it's hot, but the people are amazing and the nights are warm. Like a nice blanket is cuddling you. And the fruits are basically endless and everywhere. Paradise.

We taught some lessons and I actually got to see some members MAKING peanut butter. Hopefully one day they'll teach me. (We hope and pray)

WEDNESDAY 11/20

Not much going on this day, we were going to have interviews with our mission president, President Binene, so we came back early. And then he couldn't come, and then it was too late to go back out. It's about a 20-30 minute walk to my area from our apartment.

THURSDAY 11/21

Didn't leave the apartment until noon this day. We did get to teach three lessons, one to one of our people who is going to get baptized! I got to teach her about the significance of the Sacrament and the Spirit was right there bearing testimony. Totally awesome.

FRIDAY 11/22

Left the apartment around 3. My companion has lots of pains and he needs lots of rest. We did get to visit a member who lives basically next to the jungle. It looked like something out of Pandora or The Garden of Eden. And I left my camera at the apartment. Nice one Elder Brooks.

SATURDAY 11/23

Baptism Day! I gave a talk about baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was pretty good because I found out I was giving it about a half hour before we started. That's kinda a pattern here. 

We baptized Soeur Charlene, the same girl we taught on Thursday and who we were supposed to baptize last week. It was awesome and so joyful for her.

Then we came back to the apartment and then didn't leave again because of the pains my companion has been having. 

And then we also went for a run this night which was cool, but like actually cool, because the sun wasn't out.

SUNDAY 11/24

I got to give another talk in church! Pretty crazy and I have no clue if anyone understood anything I said. 

Anyways, we visited a family who we walked for almost an hour to get to. It's funny because the people here HATE the sun. I don't like the sun, but if you sit down for a lesson and a ray of sunshine is touching you, they make you move out of the sun. It's kinda nice for me and my skin haha. Also, yes, I put on sunscreen every morning, and yes, I have more freckles than before I left. 

Today, we got to go to the Hospital for my companion's pains to get it imaged. They said to go back tomorrow. So we have no clue what's going on. 

Anyways, things still have a lot of room to improve here with regards to obedience and the work. But, it's a continual work, not just one day wonder change. 

I love you all and this church is truly led by the most powerful person to walk the earth, Jesus Christ

Elder Brooks

Notes from the video call:

He couldn't send pictures again this week.  The internet cafe blocks you from uploading files.  (We're lucky that he is able to do a video call.)

One more week and it’s the first transfer - the first half of his training is done.

A bowl of oatmeal has 11 g protein - more than a Cliff bar.  He's trying to live off the food instead of protein bars.  He is also trying to be better about taking a mental break each evening.

Elder Lawrence has been sick and went to the hospital in Abidjan this morning.  It took an hour to get there, they waited for an hour, the imaging took 15 minutes, and then it took another hour to get home.

He’s had summer since May.  (He keeps wiping away the sweat while we talk.)  His skin is adjusting.  He puts on sunscreen.  It sweats off, but his skin is looking good.  The other Elders laugh when he puts it on because they don't need to wear any.

Kids yell “The White” or "Chinese" to him all the time.

The other American Elder in his apartments still has to travel 2 hours to get to his area (they can't find an apartment in their area).  They take a taxi to a "bakka" station and then they take a bakka to their secteur (area).  Bakkas are large vans that have been modified to seat about 20.  They also take bakkas when they get transferred.  If you have to go really far they have coach buses.  Abidjan has their own bus transportation system.  They are like UVX buses.

A General Authority Visit

Can't figure out pictures this week sorry!!

TUESDAY 11/12

Today we got to hear President Kearon of the Seventy speak to us. I got to help with the prelude choir. I played piano and accompanied. All of the Ivory Coast missions were present, but not all of the missionaries were there. Still super awesome experience.

I could feel the same spirit from the MTC as he talked. He talked to us about how important it is to be obedient and have the Spirit to be with you always. The Spirit will guide you and help you every day!!!

Pictures of the conference from Elder and Sister Lewis

Elder Brooks playing prelude with the choir.

Elder Kearon greeted each missionary while the choir sang.

Elder Brooks and Elder Lewis

The Lewises with the Kearons

The Stake Center in Cocody next to the Abidjan Temple site.

WEDNESDAY 11/13

We got to go proselyting this day and I felt the spirit a lot more as we preached. I got to teach some more of the lessons which was really great! The people understand me sometimes and I can sometimes understand them hahaha.

THURSDAY 11/14

We did some exchanges today and I got to go with another Elder from my apartment, Elder Adu from Ghana. This night, we got to talk to so many people about the gospel and it brought me so much joy!! It was a point where I really loved the people. I also learned that I have a long ways to go before being a decent missionary haha.

FRIDAY 11/15

I ate six eggs for breakfast this morning in an egg and bread panini sandwich. It's actually a new favorite of mine. We needed to clean the baptismal font and fill it because the next day we had a baptism. Then Elder Lawrence wanted to rest so we went back to the apartment. I got to watch some The District videos and it was very sad. Almost nothing I saw was the same as we do. I can't remember the last time we had companionship study or really taught people the way they do. You can really tell that they strive for the Spirit. I've made it a new goal of mine.

SATURDAY 11/16

We had our baptismal service this morning. And our candidate never showed. Thankfully, there were other candidates so it still happened, just not one of our own. I didn't really feel sad or anything and it showed me how much I need to care about the people. Missions are crazy.

We also went shopping this day and I actually found peanut butter!!! Tender Mercy.

SUNDAY 11/17

We had church, which I got to play piano for one of my branches, and then talked with one of our Branch Presidents about missionary work in the branch. It was awesome and we are trying to get the members more involved.

Then, we came back to the apartment and I studied.

The food for the apartment also ran out too, so I've been living off of ramen, oats, fruit, paninis from that one lady down the street, and skittles I found haha.

Things are still very weird out here. It's really hard to know what is right and what is wrong when it comes to mission rules. Most missionaries aren't exactly obedient here and so it's hard to try to be that. I found myself kinda expecting it to happen and then letting it happen. "My trainer isn't perfect, so I'll start being obedient after my training, but not now." is a mentality I found myself slipping into. I love to study the words of Jesus Christ. They help motivate me and tell me what is right. I have started to go through and study every topic of Jesus Christ in the topical guide and it has helped me to learn so much of HIM already. I invite and hope you will all try to learn more of Jesus Christ this week.

I testify that He is the Savior of the world. The light and the life of the world. Let us look into our lives and see His hands over us and His feet beside us through every day, through every hardship, through every joy, and through each of our own Gethsemanes.

Elder Brooks

Notes from the video call:

The choir sang a David Zabriskie arrangement of I Stand All Amazed at the conference and he accompanied it.

They took a taxi to the conference in Cocody.  One driver wanted $20 to take them there.  They asked other drivers until they found one that charged $2.

It has been a struggle to find people to teach.  He is learning to teach the gospel simply - with the essential points. They are going to start teaching English and Music classes to try and find people.

Their area includes two branches.  Their apartment is a 15-20 minute walk from their area and 25 minutes from their church building.  The branches meet at 8:00 and 10:00 on Sunday and they attend both meetings.  The church building has an electric piano with no pedal, so it's like learning to play the organ.

They found some real milk!  It tastes like powdered milk but it's ok.

He hasn't been feeling well, but is changing his diet and being more careful with drinking water in people's homes and it's helping.