Brandon's birthday will be here before we know it! His birthday is Feb. 2, & he will be 20.
I am planning to send a pouch of birthday cards to him. If you want yours included in the pouch, then you need to mail it to him at our address by the second week in January.
Here's the address:
Brandon Sharkey
25491 Wood Creek Rd.
Perrysburg, OH 43551
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Week 3 in da MTC--Merry Christmas!
Well I have completed about three weeks in the MTC. Pretty weird feeling. I was actually supposed to leave tomorrow, but...well visa fun. It's okay! I'm not as much down about not being to get there, but what I'm really anxious for is to start teaching. Today we've had a ton of Christmas stuff gone on. This morning we had continental breakfast, followed by a devotional. Russel M. Nelson of the quorum of the twelve apostles came to speak to us. His talk was incredible. They care about us so much. He brought up the shooting that happened last week and one particular little girl. He cried as he talked about her and her family. Apparently her dad was interviewed or something on TV. He said he was comforted knowing she was with her Heavenly Father now. I'm not sure the exact details of what he said, but I am so happy that we have the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.
On to a brighter topic, Christmas is pretty swell here. We actually had an edible lunch with cheesecake as the dessert! I love cheesecake so it was a pretty big deal. We still have another devotional tonight so I'm looking forward to that. My spanish is still continuing to grow. I can speak completely in Spanish which is awesome. Sometimes it is pretty simplified because my vocabulary is still growing. Conjugations still stink. It's pretty disheartening sometimes. Oh look I mastered Future tense! Oh well here's conditional....sweet now preterite....now imperfect....next using haber...haha it isn't that bad. We actually have 4 teachers now so we can be taught round the clock. Hermano Wald, Law, Jaen, y Osuna. Hermanos Jaen y Osuna son de Mexico! Which is pretty cool, I was able to tell them how I used to live in Toluca. They both know it very well surprisingly.
There has been so much snow here in Utah! I am so thankful that I don't need to shovel it. For anyone back home in Perrysburg, if my parents ask you to shovel their snow don't. Let them suffer. Kidding, of course help them. Nope, just make my dad do it actually. I hope everything is going well back home though. I've been teaching 2 mock investigators now completely in spanish with no notes or anything, just spanish scriptures. The progress you make here is insane. I really wish I could go back to Spanish 2 and just ace it right now! Thank you so much for the letters and packages! We got gipped out of a Pday today so I will be able to have more time write and email next week. Feliz Navidad!
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| He's happy to wear the Christmas mouse from Taylor Gladieux. |
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| He's sooooo happy to see the food from Taco Bell, he's actually speechless! |
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| a close up of the Taco Bell stash |
Friday, December 21, 2012
Second Week in the MTC-Dec. 18th email
Here's his latest email sent on December 18, 2012:
Week number 2 is in the bags. I can communicate and write in spanish very well now. Conjugating is gonna kill me I swear haha. Just memorizing when to use preterit or imperfect, para or por. Seriously some of this stuff haha. We are now teaching two mock investigators. Eduardo, from Madrid(yes he has a lisp) and Jason from Chile. Both of them are our teachers playing an investigator they taught on their missions, except Eduardo is from Spain just to prepare us for the way they speak. Eduardo is from Argentina for all the other companionships. And yes, we have two teachers now. Hermano Wald y Hermano Law. That means we have some teaching us around the clock. In a private discussion with one of my teachers, he told me that he thinks I can be fluent by the time I leave the MTC which is insane. He said if this isn't my goal then I am not trying hard enough. So...challenge accepted ofcourse. Other news...It is snowing like crazy here, tons of Christmas decorations up. Got news about the visa, I will not be leaving on the 26th. I will leave when the visa comes in. The travel office said Spain has stopped giving out visas and the consulate will re-open January 1st. Some missionaries have been here for 12 weeks and are being temporarily re-assigned until they get their visas. They said we probably won't be re-assigned and it will be around the 5th maybe when we get our visas. But that is fine with me, I love it here. I love my teachers so much. Just a little antsy to get into good weather and to emerse myself! Our zone lost a district this week. They left for LA and Peru. Pretty sad and we've only known them for 2 weeks. Wednesday a new district will be joining our zone. Not much else is new here. Had some rough health days that I had to push through. Had a really bad sore throat that I needed meds for, a bloody nose monday, and a migraine tuesday. But whatever It wasnt bad haha. I just sucked it up and kept studying. It is crazy to think I study spanish for about 6 hours everyday. A note for people writing me that are at college:I can't write back or if I do it goes to your college address. Thank you all for continuing to write me. If you haven't, send pictures! That and food are the best gifts here at the MTC......... Most of our zone is suffering because we couldn't see The Hobbit. I hope it was amazing and I'm excited to see it all when I get back. But not for 2 years, I'd rather stay here than go watch it. Oh really quick before I run out of time, Sunday we had a devotional by...uh a guy in the mission department in SLC, but before hand we had a family singing group perform. It was amazing! They performed in Branson a lot and have performed with MoTab. All of the men in the group are RMs. The last song sung by the eldest son, Come thou fount, was so powerful. Towards the end he was in tears and could not finish the song, because he was remembering all the experiences he had when he was on his mission. I can't wait to gain those experiences, I already am! I love you all, keep writing/emailing/sending packages! Sorry for spelling and typos, this keyboard is not too good haha!
Elder Sharkey
Elder Sharkey emailed these pictures to us on Dec. 18, 2012. He appears to be enjoying himself at the MTC. His emails reflect that as well. He LOVES the MTC and the people there!
Week number 2 is in the bags. I can communicate and write in spanish very well now. Conjugating is gonna kill me I swear haha. Just memorizing when to use preterit or imperfect, para or por. Seriously some of this stuff haha. We are now teaching two mock investigators. Eduardo, from Madrid(yes he has a lisp) and Jason from Chile. Both of them are our teachers playing an investigator they taught on their missions, except Eduardo is from Spain just to prepare us for the way they speak. Eduardo is from Argentina for all the other companionships. And yes, we have two teachers now. Hermano Wald y Hermano Law. That means we have some teaching us around the clock. In a private discussion with one of my teachers, he told me that he thinks I can be fluent by the time I leave the MTC which is insane. He said if this isn't my goal then I am not trying hard enough. So...challenge accepted ofcourse. Other news...It is snowing like crazy here, tons of Christmas decorations up. Got news about the visa, I will not be leaving on the 26th. I will leave when the visa comes in. The travel office said Spain has stopped giving out visas and the consulate will re-open January 1st. Some missionaries have been here for 12 weeks and are being temporarily re-assigned until they get their visas. They said we probably won't be re-assigned and it will be around the 5th maybe when we get our visas. But that is fine with me, I love it here. I love my teachers so much. Just a little antsy to get into good weather and to emerse myself! Our zone lost a district this week. They left for LA and Peru. Pretty sad and we've only known them for 2 weeks. Wednesday a new district will be joining our zone. Not much else is new here. Had some rough health days that I had to push through. Had a really bad sore throat that I needed meds for, a bloody nose monday, and a migraine tuesday. But whatever It wasnt bad haha. I just sucked it up and kept studying. It is crazy to think I study spanish for about 6 hours everyday. A note for people writing me that are at college:I can't write back or if I do it goes to your college address. Thank you all for continuing to write me. If you haven't, send pictures! That and food are the best gifts here at the MTC......... Most of our zone is suffering because we couldn't see The Hobbit. I hope it was amazing and I'm excited to see it all when I get back. But not for 2 years, I'd rather stay here than go watch it. Oh really quick before I run out of time, Sunday we had a devotional by...uh a guy in the mission department in SLC, but before hand we had a family singing group perform. It was amazing! They performed in Branson a lot and have performed with MoTab. All of the men in the group are RMs. The last song sung by the eldest son, Come thou fount, was so powerful. Towards the end he was in tears and could not finish the song, because he was remembering all the experiences he had when he was on his mission. I can't wait to gain those experiences, I already am! I love you all, keep writing/emailing/sending packages! Sorry for spelling and typos, this keyboard is not too good haha!
Elder Sharkey
Elder Sharkey emailed these pictures to us on Dec. 18, 2012. He appears to be enjoying himself at the MTC. His emails reflect that as well. He LOVES the MTC and the people there!
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| We think he's really happy to see the Christmas lights?? haha Look closely at the side of his tongue, We think he just ate some red candy. Those who know him well, will recognize this expression on his face. Yeah, he's happy! |
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| Surrounded by more and more Christmas lights |
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| with Hermano Wald |
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| with Elder Sawyer |
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| Elder Sharkey with his ex zone leaders |
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| Elder Sharkey with the elder he calls "The Portal Master" |
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
First Email to Mom & Dad
Here's an excerpt of his email:
Hey everyone! So right off the bat just gonna say I miss everyone so much! I love getting mail from everyone and receiving packages! A small request, bring on the beef jerky! It pretty much doesn't exist in Spain so I wanna stuff myself right now. Also, some hot sauce from taco bell and the chipotle tobasco sauce asap! The food here can get pretty bland...... Pretty much my district is amazing. We have so much fun! Everyone has such an awesome testimony of this amazing gospel. Apredemos espanol muy rapido en el CCM! I think that was right...my grammar is pretty bad still. But, we have learned so much. They really overwhelm you the first few days. Two days in we had to teach someone from Chile in only spanish. Talk about crazy. There are pretty much no naps here in the MTC. Never. If I wasn't a missionary I know wouldn't be able to stay awake during the day but here I have the strength to somehow keep going everyday. For everyone that doesn't know, my district is made up of 12 missionaries. My companion is the only one other than me going to Spain. Elder Tanner (my companion) is going to the Madrid mission. The other missionaries are going to Guatemala, Houston, Calgary Canada, Maryland, Virginia, and San Diego. All of us are speaking spanish of course. The past 5 days have been incredibly insane and tiring, but I love it so much here. My testimony continues to grow everyday. Something I heard from Jeffrey R. Holland really stuck out to me the other day. You cannot teach your Investigators until you learn it yourself. What you want from your investigators, God wants from you. It is very humbling and I am trying to become more Christlike everyday. Some information on our investigator really fast. His name is Jason, he is from Chile and just moved to Utah. Through 3 lessons we have committed him to go to church and he is thinking about baptism. They have changed the way they teach Spanish in the past year here. Instead of waiting until 4-5 weeks in to start teaching, you start right off the bat. I love it so much. The spirit is always there, even with mock investigators....... We have heard rumors that Spain has stopped giving out visas. It is also rumored that they will start again January 1st. My departure date is still set for the 26th of December so I am not sure. There are some missionaries here that are going to Spain who have been here for 12 weeks and are getting temporarily reassigned to either Provo or the referral center. Hopefully, my visa will come, and I am confident it will. I haven't heard anything from any leaders so I guess we'll have to see. Please pray that it comes! I know whatever happens it is God's will and I will do what I am commanded. I love and miss you all very much. Keep the letters coming please!!!!! They really do brighten my day........
Sincerely,
Elder Sharkey
We found out that Elder Sharkey's P Day is Tuesday. This is also the day he reads and sends emails. He sent several pictures through email. Enjoy!
Hey everyone! So right off the bat just gonna say I miss everyone so much! I love getting mail from everyone and receiving packages! A small request, bring on the beef jerky! It pretty much doesn't exist in Spain so I wanna stuff myself right now. Also, some hot sauce from taco bell and the chipotle tobasco sauce asap! The food here can get pretty bland...... Pretty much my district is amazing. We have so much fun! Everyone has such an awesome testimony of this amazing gospel. Apredemos espanol muy rapido en el CCM! I think that was right...my grammar is pretty bad still. But, we have learned so much. They really overwhelm you the first few days. Two days in we had to teach someone from Chile in only spanish. Talk about crazy. There are pretty much no naps here in the MTC. Never. If I wasn't a missionary I know wouldn't be able to stay awake during the day but here I have the strength to somehow keep going everyday. For everyone that doesn't know, my district is made up of 12 missionaries. My companion is the only one other than me going to Spain. Elder Tanner (my companion) is going to the Madrid mission. The other missionaries are going to Guatemala, Houston, Calgary Canada, Maryland, Virginia, and San Diego. All of us are speaking spanish of course. The past 5 days have been incredibly insane and tiring, but I love it so much here. My testimony continues to grow everyday. Something I heard from Jeffrey R. Holland really stuck out to me the other day. You cannot teach your Investigators until you learn it yourself. What you want from your investigators, God wants from you. It is very humbling and I am trying to become more Christlike everyday. Some information on our investigator really fast. His name is Jason, he is from Chile and just moved to Utah. Through 3 lessons we have committed him to go to church and he is thinking about baptism. They have changed the way they teach Spanish in the past year here. Instead of waiting until 4-5 weeks in to start teaching, you start right off the bat. I love it so much. The spirit is always there, even with mock investigators....... We have heard rumors that Spain has stopped giving out visas. It is also rumored that they will start again January 1st. My departure date is still set for the 26th of December so I am not sure. There are some missionaries here that are going to Spain who have been here for 12 weeks and are getting temporarily reassigned to either Provo or the referral center. Hopefully, my visa will come, and I am confident it will. I haven't heard anything from any leaders so I guess we'll have to see. Please pray that it comes! I know whatever happens it is God's will and I will do what I am commanded. I love and miss you all very much. Keep the letters coming please!!!!! They really do brighten my day........
Sincerely,
Elder Sharkey
We found out that Elder Sharkey's P Day is Tuesday. This is also the day he reads and sends emails. He sent several pictures through email. Enjoy!
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| Here is Elder Sharkey with the other seven elders from his district. |
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| Here, Elder Tanner (Elder Sharkey's companion) and Elder Sharkey are pointing to their missions. |
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| I think this is Elder Bosse with Elder Sharkey. |
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| Here is Elder Sharkey with Elder Mason. |
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| Here he is with his district eating popsicles outside in the snow. |
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| Showing his personality! |
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| Here he looks determined to share the gospel with the people of Spain! |
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| Here's Elder Sharkey with a friend, Elder Cody Weaver. |
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| In MTC cafeteria...maybe he's looking for a Taco Bell? |
First Letter Sent Home
Here are some excerpts from his Dec. 5, 2012 letter. (the day he entered the MTC)
December 5, 2012
Mom & Dad,
Hey guys! So our mission president told us to write home today so you know that we are okay........So here's how the day went. When I got dropped off, I was met by an elder who took my luggage. I then went on to get my nametag, a packet of information, and then get my picture taken. There's a difference between our tags and others. We have an orange sticker, meaning we are new. Everyone yells at you in different languages welcoming you to the MTC. After I got my tags I found the elder with my bags. We went to the room I'm staying in and dropped my stuff off and went immediately to a classroom. In this [classroom] our teacher only speaks Spanish. This is also when I got to meet my companion, Elder Tanner, and the rest of our district, which consists of 12 people (8 elders & 4 sisters). Elder Tanner is awesome though btw. We also have a guy from Australia in our district, he's awesome..........Everything is going well. Yo soy que el libro de Mormon es verdeado! Not sure if that is completely right, but I'm trying! Elder Tanner is going to Spain as well, except he's going to Madrid. We are the only ones in our district serving in Espana. Pray for visas. Everyone feels sorry for us because apparently Spain is taking tons of time and people are getting reassigned. ):
Love you all!
-Elder Sharkey
December 5, 2012
Mom & Dad,
Hey guys! So our mission president told us to write home today so you know that we are okay........So here's how the day went. When I got dropped off, I was met by an elder who took my luggage. I then went on to get my nametag, a packet of information, and then get my picture taken. There's a difference between our tags and others. We have an orange sticker, meaning we are new. Everyone yells at you in different languages welcoming you to the MTC. After I got my tags I found the elder with my bags. We went to the room I'm staying in and dropped my stuff off and went immediately to a classroom. In this [classroom] our teacher only speaks Spanish. This is also when I got to meet my companion, Elder Tanner, and the rest of our district, which consists of 12 people (8 elders & 4 sisters). Elder Tanner is awesome though btw. We also have a guy from Australia in our district, he's awesome..........Everything is going well. Yo soy que el libro de Mormon es verdeado! Not sure if that is completely right, but I'm trying! Elder Tanner is going to Spain as well, except he's going to Madrid. We are the only ones in our district serving in Espana. Pray for visas. Everyone feels sorry for us because apparently Spain is taking tons of time and people are getting reassigned. ):
Love you all!
-Elder Sharkey
Friday, December 7, 2012
MTC Check-In Day
This was Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at 12:45 P.M.
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| Here's a picture of Brandon just before the time to go to the MTC. He chose P.F. Changs. I have the feeling he wasn't happy about getting his picture taken. Haha... |
Brandon is to the left of the 11. The elder to his right, (the bigger guy) was his host.
Farewell Brandon! We love you!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Leaving Ohio-- Hey Utah...here comes Elder Sharkey!
The following are pictures leading up to Brandon's flight to Salt Lake and his time in Utah prior to going into the MTC (Mission Training Center in Provo, UT). Enjoy! :o)
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| Here's Brandon with mom (me). Brandon made his sister,Susan, call me on my way home from the airport. She was under strict orders to talk to me for the entire ride home.He was worried about me. How sweet! |
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| Rico had to get some kisses in. Two years is a long time to be without your best friend. |
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| Mike Stone, Elder Sharkey (Brandon), & Justin Di Fabio |
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| With dad at the airport--Dad went with him. |
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| Elder Sharkey (Brandon) & Justin Di Fabio |
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| Elder Sharkey enjoying a P-Day (Monday) at BYU with the "Y" in the background. Dad was VERY nostalgic. :o) Dad (Michael) & Elder Sharkey (Brandon) spent much of Tuesday doing temple work at the Mount Timpanogos Temple.  Dad (Michael) Elder Sharkey |
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Here are some pictures of Brandon when he first got his mission call.
His reaction is priceless!
His reaction is priceless!
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| Here he is getting the mail. He just got home from playing basketball at the church! |
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| Sees where... |
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| In shock... |
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| It's starting to sink in... |
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| Reading the call letter... |
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| Oh yeah, he's happy! |
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| Signed by the Prophet |
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| Big sister, Susan, is getting it all on tape too! |
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| The phones are all in use, making sure the whole family is involved! |
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| Congratulations Elder Brandon Michael Sharkey! You're going to Spain! |
Welcome to Elder Brandon Michael Sharkey's Mission Blog
Brandon will serve in the Spain Barcelona Mission December 2012- December 2014.
He will enter the MTC in Provo, UT Wednesday, December 5, 2012.
He will enter the MTC in Provo, UT Wednesday, December 5, 2012.
| Madrid, Spain Temple |
For the next 3 weeks you can write him at this address:
Elder Brandon Michael Sharkey
MTC Mailbox #192
SPA-BAR 0206
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604-1793
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| Here he is with his mission call that he received July 21, 2012. |
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| Check out www.lds.org to learn more about the Book of Mormon and what our church believes. |
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