Really?

I think that this could be the short email ever. I see where I stand with getting mail-last.  At least I know he is a live!!...

you can even email the recipes i dont care what kinds they are. sorry
to make this short times up sorry. but i have to go
________________________________________________________________________
On 7/29/13, Traci Erickson <tracirerickson@hotmail.com> wrote:
 I have bought the things you requested but am still putting some recipes together. Is there any special recipes you want? I will try to get them in the mail by Tuesday. This week was pretty uneventful. Just doing the normal day to day stuff. However, Saturday and today we are doing last minute packing for Zach and Ethan to go to Scout camp for the week. Zach isn't happy about having to be up at 5 a.m. in the morning. Ethan doesn't leave until 8:30 a.m. so he will be fine. He still gets up like it is the school year-6:30=7ish.
 We found a new home for Katie. I have found her peeing on the carpet. She just doesn't get enough attention, I guess. Since she doesn't go to the door and whine when she needs out, no one pays enough attention to her to let her out every few hours. A high school boy and his college age sister came and looked at her and asked questions and took her home. Katie went wagging her tail and was fine with it.
 We have moved all of the cat stuff to the top floor. Since he is usually up there anyways. He now sleeps in my closet or on my hamper. We see him a lot more now that you are gone. Also, one of the kids that signed up for preschool is allergic to cats. So I figured the cat shouldn't be downstairs.
 Our poor fish are still dying. I think we may have to start all over but we will do it right this time. I have been looking on line and have learned quit a bit about setting up a new tank, to adding the fish etc. We probably should have done that the first time. Oh well, live and learn.
So the most exciting thing that happened, happened to Grandma Erickson. She was riding her bike and ran into another biker that had stopped for a stop sign. She got bucked off her bike and hit her head on the road-no helmet.
 So an ambulance came and took her to the ER. She ended up with 6 staples in her head and a concussion. Wow, I bet she is a lot more careful when she rides her bike for now on.
Did you get transferred or a new companion? How are things going?
 Love ya, Mom

New mission President

Braden Erickson

7:27 AM

To: Traci Erickson

The week has been going very well. Transfers happen this tuesday/wednesday. The new Mission pres. is Pres. Chatfield, he is a great guy and is very excited to work with us all.Yes he is from UT. we also found out that elder bednar and the person over the mission area is also going to be coming down to uganda!! i Cant wait!  I hope you get felling well soon. That sound like Ethan alright, it sounds like you are having a hard time keeping the fish alive though you must be doing somthing wrong! haha jk.  The stake pres talked thats awesome! he always gives good talks and is a great guy. wait so paige and ethan are getting temple recommends? thats great! I wish i had temple close to Uganda so we could go there but we dont have one yet. Wait a sec did you say ethan is counting down the days to go to school?! thats not like him at all but i guess i could see why he is excited it is Jr. High after all.

 

So i had a wonderful idea about sending pictures not sure its something you want to do though.  my idea was that you could send me a USB cable that i can plug my Memory card into the computers here so i could send you pictures through email. that way you dont spend as much money mailing the memory card back and forth. I was also resently told that the mission pres. doesnt like us (missionaries) sending packages home but he doesnt mind us reciving them. i was also told that if you want to make sure the package will make it here you should tape pictures of Christ on the box's and us the Post Office boxes. It would also be nice if you could send some Scripture Highlighters (many colors) and some measuring cups i could use to make food. OH FOOD! email me some recipies that i can use to make food. you dont have to send the measuring cups but i would be nice so i dont have to guess the amount im putting in.
you dont need to send those things but if you do end up sending the Cable it would nice to get the other things as well.

 Traci Erickson <tracirerickson@hotmail.com> wrote:

How was your week? Did you get transferred or a new companion?  Who is your new mission Pres, and is he from Utah

Remember when you got your shots the nurse said she thought that she had meet the new mission Pres and his wife?

This last week was hard on me. I have another dumb sinus infection so I took it easy.  I did manage to take the 3 younger kids to seven peaks for a few hours.

Ethan has been saving his money and decided that he wanted a shark. Yes, a shark.  So we bought a 20 gallon fish tank that he has finish earning. He bought some fish that look like sharks but they eat algie. He also bought a bala shark that can get up to 24 inches long.  I let the other kids buy fish that were $1 or less. The shark died and then so did others.  We treated them with fish med's but more died.  So we then went back and bout more.  2  of them have died two but are covered so we get to take the dead fish on and get new ones.  I don't know how I get myself into these kind of things. More pets to take care of.

The Stake Patriarch spoke today in sacrament  meeting and was very inspiring.  Paige scheduled a meeting with the bishop so she can get hers.  Ethan also has an appointment so he can get his temple recommend to do baptisms for the dead.

Ethan is counting down the days for school to start. He is excited about going to Jr. High.  I on the other hand would love to add a few weeks of summer. Ya know, sleeping in, relaxing, having fun and NO homework to help the kids with.  But I guess, I can't stop it from coming.

LOve, Hugs and Prayers for you,  MOM

New mission President

The weeks has been going very well. No one has been transfed yet but tomorrow we will find out if are getting transfered or not. we also got a new misson president! he sounds like a great guy. we are meeting him tomorrow as well cant wait! The baptisms didnt go through this time because they couldnt make it. this week they should beable to though.I have not got any packages because they go to the mission house first then the ap's or misson president bring them down when ever they come down. my companion says he has recived all the packages everyone has sent him. so it sounds like they all make it. he also said if you send money/debit cards and stuff like that you should hide it in side  the packages. so if people do go through the box they wont find it  (hid it in a food box or something just be creative.  Its good to hear parker likes the piano its a lot of fun.  this sunday i had to lead the music in church and sing a special musical number. i sang the song "Come thou Fount" it was good and a lot of fun.

On Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 7:13 AM, Traci Erickson <tracirerickson@hotmail.com> wrote:

Rain filling up your house-NOT fun. I know first hand. That happened to me in the Philippines. The storm drain in the back of the apartment was filled with leaves and sticks and so all the rain water came in the door and filled the whole lower floor.  It took 6 missionaries about two hours to bucket it all out. What memories.  I hope it doesn't happen to you again. 

How was the rest of your week? Did your baptisms go through? Did someone get transfered? Have you received any packages
yet?

Things are going good here.  Parker went to his first piano lesson and loved it. He has been practicing every day without a reminder.  

Since Dad doesn't have vacation time because of his new job, we are just going to go camping for few days for vacation this summer. Not sure when though.  

I went to a Stake relief society meeting and wow am I going to be busy.   We are incharge of ward conference mini trainings and visits with all 9 wards. A large training meeting for all of the Relief Society Presidencies, Organize Women conference and deserts and more, it will be good though.

Keep up the lord 's work. Remember we love you and pray for you daily. (even Hope)

Love , MOM

HOT, hot ,hot

Subject: Re: Hot, Hot, Hot!
From: Braden Erickson <braden.erickson@myldsmail.net>
To: lorenjerickson@gmail.com
CC: 

It gets really hot here to, not sure how hot it gets but its about 40C  not F!  its really hot here and its only the rainy season (cooler season).  i end up drink about 3 to 5 leater of water a day.  It has been raining a lot at night and the thunder is really loud.

Yeah we had 5 baptisms and we have 3 more coming up hopfuly.  i know grandma E said that she wanted me to send more time in than out i tried to email her back but it wouldnt let me.

The people here are very kind and i have only ever had 2 people here tell me no.  they are very open and try to feed us all the time but we were told not to take food from them.  Sometimes they feel like we dont like the food we just tell them we just ate or we are fasting.  Fasting is so hard here!  no water for 24 hours is hard!  The church is very small it has 3 rooms to it and then we have a seperate building for the rest of the classes.  we have about 100 people come to church each sunday.  the area in the city is very deserty but as you start to go to the less developed areas. it turns into a jungle! most of the houses here are very small  only have one room.  the house we are in has 3 rooms a bathroom and kitchen.

Haha Talking about water when my companion and i were giving a lesson we got a call from one of the other elders that live in the house next to us. and they said that we had water coming out of the front door.  my companion said that it has happend befor and told me to to worry.  so we kept on giving the lesson shortly after we got a call from the missionary couples that also live in a 3rd house next to use called us.  they said we need to go back to the house as soon as possible so we told them we would.  about 5 mins. later they called again and said we need to go the house! they said it  was raining inside the house.  so my companion and i and to run back to the house it was so bad the missionary couples drove and picked us up 1/2 way there. and took us the rest of the way.  we got there and it was literaly raining in the house!  and there was about 2 to 3 inches of water on the ground!  thank goodness the floor is all tile!  it took about 3 hours to get  all the water out and get the pick fixed that broke.  nothing was ruined luckly.

I think it takes about 2 or 3 weeks for the stuff to get here. i normaly wont get the letters until 4 to 6 weeks when ever the ZL's or the Missonary couples go to the mission house they bring us the mail back it all depends on when they go to the mission pres. house.

On Wed, Jul 3, 2013 at 4:02 AM, <lorenjerickson@gmail.com> wrote:

Hey Elder,

Not sure what the weather is like where you’re at, but here in Lehi it’s very, very hot.  It’s been over 100 for almost a full week.  I know you wanted to go somewhere warm, so I hope you’re enjoying it.  I’d rather be in Alaska right about now. 

I loved reading your last letter.  5 baptisms?!  That’s awesome.  Grandma E says she hopes you spend more time in the baptismal water than out. 

I would love to hear more about the people, the church, and just generally what Uganda is like.  I expect that you are still trying to absorb it all, but let us know what life is like for you and the people over there.  Send pictures when you can. 

Filling up that SD card might not be the best idea because you never know when it might be lost or damaged.  I lost all my mission pictures because I stored them all in one place and they were damaged by a leaky pipe.  I would hate to see something similar happen to you.  Anyway, do what you think is best.  We’d love to see some of what you are seeing though. 

Mom has sent some special treats as you requested.  I hope the make it to you safely.  Have you made spaghetti for the other Elders yet?  How did they like it?  Please let us know when you receive anything that we mailed so we can get a feel for how long it takes, and how reliable it is.  If I remember correctly, we have mailed two packages and seven letters.

Grandma E had one eye surgery a couple of weeks ago or so.  That one wasn’t too bad but she’s scheduled for another one on 17-Jul that is supposed to be a lot harder.  I meet with the surgeon next week to decide when to cut me open again, but it may be a while because I have not earned any vacation yet.  If they had to do it right a way I might have to take some unpaid time off.  Not good. 

The youth went on Trek last week.  Paige did not get to go because she was very sick after Girls Camp.  Zach did go, and I could tell by his behavior when he got home that the experience affected him deeply.  We had the youth and Trek leaders sing Come, Come Ye Saints in sacrament meeting last Sunday.  They were supposed to have memorized that song while on Trek.  It was a very moving experience.  I am leading the ward choir until we can find somebody better. 

Nobody has moved into your room yet.  I’m not sure if they feel it’s too special, or whether they just don’t want to clean it up.   Zach has officially taken over the job of teasing and tormenting Hope.  It’s kind of funny to watch because nobody asked him to do it, but he’ll all of a sudden take Hope up to her bedroom to play dolls or house or something.  I think he feels the responsibility of being the oldest brother at home.

Know that we love you deeply.  When the kids speak of you, it’s obvious to me that they cherish you and are proud of the example you are setting, as are your Mom and I.  Know that we are receiving blessings because of your service.  Also know that whether or not you see the results immediately, you are blessing the lives of everyone with whom you come into contact.  We pray for you every day and hope that you are safe and having success in teaching these special people. 

Love always,

Dad

Things are going alright here, a lot has happend! The first transfer is almost over so, i might get sent to a new area. my companion thinks he is going to be sent somewhere else. I dont think he will.  the area is becoming very familiar to me and  it is now almost impossible to get lost. I have not yet got the Package i need to wait for the Mission couples to go to the mission pres. house and pick it up or when the ZL go to the mission pres. house. We have had 5 Baptisms and will be expecting at least 3 more by the end of this transfer.  Im glad to hear that you had fun on the 4th of july wish i could do stuff like that here. it has been raining a lot down here and sometimes its hard to get sleep it rains so hard other times its the lightning and thunder that walk me up but they say that it is the rainy season.  Oh i thought you should know that our house filled with water on saturday. we got a call from the missionary couples and they said our house was leaking water. my companion and i didnt think much of it until they called again and said there is about 3 inches of water in the house. we had to cut a the lesson we were in short and RUN all the way back to the house.  remember that is not a short distance its a good 2 or 3 miles away from our area.  that was so much fun!!!! not!!!!  about half way the mission couples picked us up and drove us the rest of the way back to the house on the way back we hit a motorcycle not hard though. it was very eventful that day.

On Mon, Jul 8, 2013 at 5:45 AM, Traci Erickson <tracirerickson@hotmail.com> wrote:

How are things going? Did you have any baptisms?  Did you every get the package with the visa card and memory card? It was mailed to the mission home.

This week was nice-we all stayed home. No camps or anything big. Hope finished swim lessons and she did put her whole face in the water -Once!

We spent the 4th of July at grandparents R's house. It was a small group of us this year but still fun.  We stayed and did fire works. Hope actually did the sparkers on her own. But when we started the big loud ones she sat by me and then said she wanted to go home. When it was over, she told me that it was the scariest day ever. Silly girl. Paige had to work but they closed early, so she came for the fire works. Yes, she actually found her way. Zach rode home with Paige and they got a little lost, but found their way home.

I signed Ethan up for piano lessons. I thought he would be excited-NO he wasn't. So Parker is going to go instead.  Ethan says he wants to take karate lessons. Guess he just isn't into the music stuff. 

Hugs-love ya, Mom  

5 Baptisms

my feet feel a lot better the blisters are gone already. my campanion is Elder Plant, he is from Utah! i was suprised, i would send you pictures but i think im a going to fill up my memory on the card first. I hope paige feels better soon! that sounds like Hope wanting to be a big person haha! tell her she will be able to when she gets older haha. it dosent surprise me that dad would want to take my car hehe it does get better gas milage than his. oh that reminds me the driving here is INSANE! they drive on the left side of the road but! there is no lines to stay inside and so everyone just drives on where ever they want to! Tell hope that have seen lots of monkeys, house  cats, dogs, chicken, turkey, ducks, and lots more. i  havnt seen any tigers, lions or stuff like that.  I might end up going on a safari here soon so i might see some. tell her that they wont be leaving for some time now and they still have a few years left haha.

 

     The area is great and we are planing on having at least 5 baptisms this week!  its great, the food here is good i and i am going to make some of the other elders that live in the house next to us some cookies and spaghetti sometime this week. the money here is so diffeerent i feel like i am spending TONS! but i am only really sending about 70 cents  in america sometimes   even less. i went on splits yesterday with some of the ward members, i was hoping that i knew the area well enough i am the the Uganda , gulu , petche area. its a really big area.  i am still learning the area but i know my way around for the most part. 

  I am trying to learn the second language. I figure it can't hurt, right.

     my new mail address is,

Nakawa House

Plot 7 Port Bell Road

P.O. Box 8989

Kampala, Uganda

 

you should send some candy and stuff like that so i can show some of the other elder the stuff we have there. oh and some kool aid!  so i dont just  have to drink normal flavored water hehe. (just lots of different stuff dosnt have to be big)  it takes about 4 weeks for packages and 3 weeks for letters to arive here.

On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 4:45 AM, Traci Erickson wrote:

Wow, 9 miles! Do you have blisters? How is the work going?

This last week Paige went to Girls camp and got sick the 3rd day she was there.  I took her to the doctors the day she got home and she has strep throat. They gave her a shot in the butt so she would get better faster because Trek is this coming Wednesday. Saturday she said she was feeling a lot better but today (Sunday) she isn't feeling well at all.  I hope she gets better before trek because we bought her real pioneer clothes this time and also some from the D.I of course. She is has been looking forward to going and it would be sad if she had to miss it.  I found Zach a felt cowboy hat to wear and we will see if we can get him to wear suspenders. 

While we were at the church waiting to pick up Paige from girls camp, Hope took my phone.  She saw a picture of you on it and said "Hey that is my brother Braden. Braden, can you hear me." I told her No, you are to far away. so she Yelled "Braden, can you hear me now?"  Wow, she makes me laugh.

We have been going to the Lehi pool a few times a week, to try to get Hope use to the water. She starts swim lessons Monday. She still doesn't like water splashed on her face, so this should be interesting.

I have to kick all of the boys out of the house to play or hang with friends -they would just watch t.v. and play computer games if I don't. But what is new-it happens every summer.

We thought of you on your B-day-hope you did something fun to celebrate.

We pray for you every day-even Hope.

We love you.

Love, Mom

Email from Africa

i was a little nervus but thats gone now! the people here are great and the food is good to. i walk about 9 miles a day and my feet hurt a little but thats alright. tell hope that i am fine and eating well.  i have learned a lot and i know there is a lot more to come!

 

You should send me some food hehe

yes i have fuigered out day and night, that wasnt hard at all to be honest it just felt like i had 2 new days in 1 hehe.  the plane was alright the food though was horrible!!!! the food in kampala is great, i will try sending the pictures next week.
Braden

On Thu, Jun 13, 2013 at 6:15 AM, Traci Erickson <tracirerickson@hotmail.com> wrote:

I'm happy to see that you made it there safe and sound. Your mission Pres sent us a great letter and pictures of you.

I got worried, when dad told me that you were traveling the last part by yourself. I had faith that you could make it through all of those big airports by yourself. I was however worried that you might not have someone there to pick you up. 

Next time you call, you better call ME. I ran to the bank early so you would have your money and I'd be back home so when you called. Then dad called and said you called him.. That's alright, at least you got to talk to someone.  Home # is 801-847-5845   my cell # 801-400-7598

I decided that you probably didn't know  anyone's phone numbers since they are all here on your phone.

We ran into your friend JJ at the store. He didn't realize that you had left. Apparently he had been texting you and when you never answered, he talked to to (Amy? allison)  I don't remember. And they told him that you had left. He felt bad that he missed your farewell-he didn't realize it was that week and he went camping with his family. Paige is supposed to be giving him your address. 

How did the flight go, besides long?  Have you figured out day and night yet? Send us pictures. Hope thinks that you are going to see girraffes! I'm still thinking about becoming like a duck- is it let things roll off your back?  I'm teaching singing time in Jr. primary for the next 5 or 6 weeks. They normal director is taking a marriage class with her husband during the first hour of primary.  My stake calling is going to take up lots of time and keep me busy. That's probably a good thing.  

Everyone wrote you a letter-so keep an eye out for them.  Hope has started teasing Zach---you can't see me!!!

What day is your P-day-Monday's?   Who is your companion and what is he like. Tell me everything!!!!

I'm as so proud of you. Keep your head up and learn to love the people.

                                                                     Love, Mom

Braden made it to Africa!!!  We received an email today from his mission President.

12 June 2013

 We want you to know that your son, Elder Braden Erickson has arrived in the Uganda Kampala Mission.  I was very pleased to note the preparation, worthiness and commitment of your son to be obedient and to serve the Lord honorably.  He spent his first day at the Mission Home where we had lots of special training and food.

Elder Erikson is a choice young Elder, eager to be an excellent missionary.  His testimony is strong and I am honored to have him serve in our Mission.  Elder Erickson is laboring in Gulu, District with an excellent trainer, Elder Plant.  Sister Jackson and I will see Elder Erikson in a timely manner at Zone Conferences, and I will have an interview with him on those occasions. This is a wonderful Mission and I know that Elder Erickson will be successful.  We pledge to keep our eyes and hearts open to his needs.

Thank you for teaching, nurturing and sending forth this fine young Elder. He will serve the Lord, honor the Erickson Family and other loved ones.  The Missionary Department has authorized e-mail to the family once a week and we are grateful for this added blessing.  May the Lord bless you with peace and assurance that all is in His hands.

Yours Sincerely,