Hello from New York. we're all alive

Hello family and friends:)

So Monday I woke up at 2:30 a.m. To leave for the airport. We got on a bus by 3:45 and left. We arrived at the airport at 5:30 a.m. so we sat around for two hours. Our plane left at 7:35 and we first landed it Detroit. We had a 50 minute layover there and then arrived in New York around 3:30. When we landed the mission president and his wife and the AP's were all there to pick us up. We got in the car and went straight to this area called Jamaica. And Jamaica is ghetto! It was so scary
and the people are mean.

So we went street contacting the first hour I got to New York. We went down to the subway station and anytime we walked up to somebody they started to speed walk or they would immediately say "I'm not interested". When it was my turn to go, I went up to this guy and then he just pretended not to see me or hear me. It was kinda funny but hurtful. I learned right there that this is going to be a tough mission.

After that, we went to the mission presidents home and had a great dinner and devotional. we spent that night there and I slept so good that night, it was awesome.

We woke up the next morning and headed to transfers meeting to see who our new companions were. And my companion is from the Philippines and his name is Elder Barola. He's been here for 7 months, he's really funny, and a real nice guy. My district leader is Elder Muti and he's a 300 lb Tongan. He's awesome. The others in my district are Elder Beecher (who was in the MTC with me) sister lamah (who is originally from Africa but now lives in salt lake). And sister Lemmon and she's from Idaho. They're all great missionaries.

Our area is "Huntington" it's nothing like the city. It's a suburban area and there is many trees. I like it a lot. Our area has cars and my companion doesn't know how to drive. So the first day I got to the mission I'm already driving. New York people suck at driving!! In the first hour I almost got in 6 car accidents! It was crazy but we're all alive.

We taught our first lesson on Thursday and it was a great experience. It was only supposed to be a 30 minute lesson but ended up being 1hr and 45 minutes. We taught him about the Holy Ghost and how to know you are feeling the spirit. He really opened up To us and shared personal experiences so it went really well. Then the next day we went door to door sharing our testimonies And asking if they are interested. Most say they are not and others call us liars and little girls, so it's pretty. But I like this place a lot.

We went to church Sunday and I was asked to speak, so I prepared a talk and was ready but we ran out of time in sacrament. So I will be speaking in two weeks. The ward I am in is great! There is only 80 members but they are so awesome and caring. It was a great first week in New York! Not many things happened so sorry if this letter was boring but I'm sure I'll start having amazing experience soon! Love you all thanks for all the support.

With love and care, 

Elder Jeppson

First night in the mission field

Elder Jeppson with President and Sister Reynolds

New York Bound

This morning, at 5AM, Elder Jeppson left the MTC for the airport where he was able to call us! Well, my parents decided to go on a Cruise which meant their cell service wasn't 100% reliable. They gave Braden a number that he could call. When he called, he was unable to get a hold of them, so he called me (Lindsey, his sister). It was a wonderful surprise to wake up at 6am to a call from your missionary brother. We got to chat a bit, then I tried a few times to get a hold of my parents with no success. So I had him record a message to my mom, because I knew she would be DEVASTATED if she didn't get to at least hear his voice (that recording is posted below, you get a nice view of the top of my head, and you get to hear my tired voice). Anyway, after we recorded that message we decided to call her cell phone and she actually answered! Wahoo!! So Elder Jeppson got to talk with his mother and father one more time before he heads out to the field.

He sounds great! He is anxious to get to New York and start finding and teaching God's children!

Stay posted for his address so you can send him letters!

A great week for Elder Jeppson

Hello everyone how are you? I miss you all but I'm having a great time! I've had many experiences in the past week. First we were at our Tuesday devotional and a member of the area of the 70 was speaking. And my companion Elder Turnbow fell asleep. And just as the speaker was sharing a spiritual experience Elder Turnbow let out the biggest fart I've heard! And there was two thousand missionaries there. He farted himself awake. And like five rows behind us and five rows in front heard it. So after he realized what happened he put his head down and his face went bright red. It was probably the funniest moment of my life and I couldn't stop laughing. I laughed the whole rest of the talk. And now around campus he is known as "Turnbutt" and the legend. It was great. 

And then there was one night I was really struggling so I got down and prayed about what my purpose here was and to have a change of heart. So that night I was reading my scriptures and I thought I was in Heleman 10 but I was actually in 3 Nephi 10 and didn't realize it until after. So I was reading verses 3-6 and after I read that it came to me that this mission isn't about me. It's about the people of New York. And it was like I was told to get over myself and go gather up those who don't have the gospel and bring them back to the Lord. It was very humbling. This has been great. 

And then I was really struggling for a few days and I didn't know if the mission was for me. But like the third day my companion Elder Turnbow was having bad anxiety and was thinking about going home. So I pulled him into a room and i suggested we pray. So we did and after he said He felt peaceful. And he started hugging me andcrying then said "you're one of the reasons I'm not going home" That also made me realize what my purpose here was.  It was one of the greatest experiences and I felt so good about it.  

And then Tuesday I had another experience. Our district had a discussion about what we were feeling. And all the Elders and sisters were sharing personal experiences and it was powerful for everyone but me. I felt bad because I was the only one that wasn't feeling the spirit and I felt like I didn't belong here. And I didn't know why.  But after that the greatest thing happened. Elder Matthews (In my district) wanted a blessing. So the district leader, Elder Jones, asked him who he wanted to give it to him. And once he said that I had a prompting it was going to be me. So like 30 seconds later Elder Matthews asked me if I could give him the blessing. So I said yes. I started giving it to him and the spirit hit me hard! I don't remember saying this but I said "I bless you with comfort and the spirit while you teach" and then said "We bless you to know you're family is okay and is your biggest support system" and then it ended and he was crying and gave me a big hug. It really showed me I was needed here and I have a purpose.

I go to New York on Monday and I've never been more excited. I can't wait to see what I'm getting myself into. Thanks for all the love and support.

With love, Elder Jeppson

Sent from my iPad

Elder Jeppson's First Letter

LETTER 1

The first two days have been great. I've prayed more times in the last two days than I have in my whole life. Yesterday I heard/said about twenty prayers. They don't mess around here. The first night as a district we taught three investigators. It was a cool learning experience and now I'm looking forward to doing that in New York. Biggest thing I've learned while teaching is using personal experiences and listening to the spirit. My companion Elder Turnbow is a really funny guy and he's great, but his anxiety is worse than mine. I am now the senior companion. So I'm thankful for that. It's been a little overwhelming and I feel anxious sometimes but I know every time I feel that, I can get down on my knees and ask for comfort. I'm so thankful for the opportunity I have to serve. I can't wait for all the spiritual experiences that are ahead of me. 

I love you all and thanks for the examples you set for me.

LETTER 2

The first day was really cool but also overwhelming. It's true what they say about the MTC, the foods good but I'm glad I'm only here for twelve days. Thursday was a little tough for me, we were told that my companion and I are going to teach an investigator on Saturday and it's going to be just us. Also we all have to prepare a talk for Sunday and the branch president is going to pick two elders to come up and speak and I already know it's Going to be me. So I'm a little anxious but I'll walk it off. And good news my companion Elder Turnbow has worse anxiety than me so we're in good shape. So Elder Jeppson is the senior companion. It'll build character though. It's really hard here but I have no desire to give up so that feels good. Thanks for sending me out here mother! I love you

Elder Jeppson and his companion Elder Turnbow
With Sister Kiana Corriveau (family friend)

Adios Elder Jeppson

Farewell Elder Jeppson

On Tuesday, July 7, 2015, Elder Braden Micah Jeppson was set apart as a Full Time Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In attendance was President Cottle (stake President), Bishop Roy (Braden's Bishop), Braden's Parents, Brothers, Sisters, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and close Friends. All got a chance to tell Braden their feelings and give advice. Afterwards he was set a part and had the opportunity to bare is testimony as a missionary. It was a very powerful experience and we are confident that he is ready.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Elder Jeppson woke up and enjoyed the morning with his friends and Family. At 11:30AM, he left for the MTC. You would think it would be easier the second time (Braden's older sister also served a mission) but it is not. There were lots of hugs, kisses and tears. A part of our hearts left to serve the Lord. Blessings are in store, and we understand that, but we still miss our son, brother, and friend. 

Vaya Con Dios Elder Jeppson

Called to Serve

Elder Braden Micah Jeppson was born in Salt Lake City, UT.  As a baby he was known throughout the ward as the ‘peace whisperer’.  Whoever held him would feel his calming spirit and it would bring calm among the person.  He has kept that gift throughout his life.  His friends, co-workers, teachers, church leaders, peers and family members all have felt at different times in their life Braden’s  natural calming influence.  He has the ability to love and he is now going to bring that gift to the people of Long Island and Bermuda, which are in the New York, New York South Mission.

Braden is the second child of five.  Born to Brad and Holley Jeppson.  His older sister, Lindsey served in the Mesa Temple Visitors Center, Speaking Spanish.  She returned home October 2014.  He also has two younger brothers Taylor (16) and Brycen (11) and one younger sister, McKinsey (14).

Braden was invited to play on a primer competition soccer team when he was 8 and played on that team for four years.  At the end of the four years he wanted to try football and had three successful years, but then discovered his true love – GOLF.  Golf has been Braden’s focus for the past four years.  He has worked at River Oaks and played for the Herriman High School.  He was MVP his Sophomore year and team Captain his Senior Year.  Golf taught him perseverance, focus, leadership, team work, endurance, and positive self talk and confidence.  The skills he learned in golf will benefit him greatly on his mission.

After his mission, he is plans on attending SUU and hoping to be on their golf team, as well as pursuing a degree in business marketing.

In February, 2015, Braden received his call to serve as a full time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He was assigned to labor in the New York, New York South Mission speaking English. 

When Braden opened his call he was in a little bit of a daze, but after everybody left and he was alone a few hours later he felt the spirit of truth testifying that he knew the people of New York is where he was suppose to be.  He felt that there were people there that he had made promises to and from that moment on felt the motivation to prepare and serve.

Braden Jeppson reports to the Provo Missionary Training Center July 8, 2015.