Week 13 - May 31, 2010 - Tatabanya, Hungary

Dear Family,

Hungary is good. I still can't believe that I am here. It doesn't seem real. My companion is great. His name is Cheney Elder. He's from Georgia. We are in a town called Tatabánya. (you might want to install the Hungarian Language add on for your computer because I will probably be sending words that have Hungarian characters). Tatabánya is about an hour northwest of Budapest. Its kind of a smaller town, but its been great so far. There are 10 or 12 members here in the "Unit". We meet in a tiny little branch house that used to be a bakery, but I guess they want to turn us into a branch. Cheney Elder is the Unit leader, so we were at the meeting house forever yesterday with all of the meetings about making a branch.

When I was on the plane from France, I kind of got those same pangs of missing you all, even though Ive been away for 3 months already.

That's so crazy that Cami is done with her sophomore year already. I`m glad you are keeping her busy though. It sounds like she is going to have a fun summer. It sounds like you will too with no job.

Yeah, those Nerf guns are different ones. I left the ones that Larissa gave me at home, but someone gave those ones to me at the MTC and I thought it was time they got out of that building so they won't tempt anyone else. So now I have 4 of them. Yay!!

Jimmy went in my carry on because I needed a picture of him in France. You can't really tell it's France from the picture, but it is.

That's pretty exciting that you are writing a book. I'm sure its going to be awesome. Keep me updated with what is happening there. I'm going to start telling people my mom is an author now.

I hope DJ Niebergall enjoys dad as a companion, just tell dad that if he wants DJ to teach the lesson, to give him more notice than "You know you're teaching, right?" as he rings the doorbell.

So this week has been pretty crazy. Getting all settled in and everything. When we got in on Tuesday, we went to the mission home and had dinner and then we went to a big square in Budapest called hero square. It has statues of all the kings of Hungary. It was pretty awesome, but we had to leave when this HUGE stretch hummer thing covered with lights pulled up and all of these drunk teenagers started yelling at us. (I took pictures of all of these things.) After that we went to Gelért Hegy which is a "Mountain" (there are no mountains here. I miss real mountains a lot) inside of Budapest. There is a big fort on top that the Hapsburgs built and now its a monument to the freedom from communism. There's a few big statues, the best of which is a naked guy punching a dragon. Awesome. I took a couple of pictures of Budapest and of the statues.

We slept at the secretaries' apartment that night and got up the next day at 6 because the APs wanted to go running. So we ran for an hour. I wanted to die. But then we got to shower(finally) and went and had breakfast at the Mission Home. Then we went streeting. That was interesting, not speaking the language or anything. After that we got our trainers and headed out. We were able to get a ride with another companionship heading to Győr. I had some time to unpack and then we went streeting. In the time between then and now, we've gone streeting and tracting (I had my first door slammed in my face) and did some teaching. We don't have many investigators right now, so most of the time is spent looking. That's about all that we've done.

On Saturday, I did get to go to a festival called A Tatai Pataran. It was like a Renaissance fair, except it was cool. It was all around this old castle and was actually a celebration of when a Hungarian force took the castle (the one we were at) from a force of Turks. The had a reenactment of the battle, and a bunch of stalls to buy random crap. It was legit.

That was my week. I hope you all have a good week. I love you all. I'll be sending home pictures soon. Be safe and be good. Especially Cami and Simba.

Crouch Elder

Week 12 - May 27, 2010 - IN HUNGARY!

Dear Parents of Elder Crouch,

It was our great pleasure to welcome your son, Elder Crouch, to the Hungary Budapest Mission last evening. He has the spirit and bearing of an excellent missionary and is full of energy and enthusiasm for the Lord's work here. We are very happy he is joining us in the mission field at this exciting time in the history of the Church in Hungary.

Attached are a couple photos of your missionary with his new trainer, as well as a photo of him with President and Sister Baughman. We are taking good care of Elder Crouch, and would like you to know that you can contact us at any time if questions or concerns arise. May God's helping hand be with your family as your son faithfully serves in this great work.

With love,
Elder Recksiek
Office Secretary

--
Hungary Budapest Mission
1122 Budapest
Hajnóczy József utca 14
36-1-488-0660
Fax: 36-1-488-0661
hunbud@gmail.com

Week 10 - May 19, 2010

Dear Family,

I get that same feeling when I wake up in the morning. I'm getting really excited to get onto Magyarorszag(Hungary) and get out of the MTC forever. I did enjoy my time here overall, 12 weeks is just a long time. Ask Kevin, he knows.

I'm thinking Jimmy is getting pretty stoked to go. I need to get some pictures with him here at the MTC before we leave.

It's been nice to talk to some people I know. I guess Greece has been all crazy though, because almost every Greek missionary's visa got flat-out denied. Tom is actually in Chicago now. I feel kind of bad for him. But it was great to talk to Gideon. It felt a little like home. And no, I haven't been missing video games too much.

I'm glad Simba is doing better. Tell him hi from me. I am starting to get used to my hair, but that's because I have to get another haircut today. In a few minutes actually. The glasses are a pair of 3D glasses that elder Asquith gave to us when he left.

I did get your last letter. I'm glad to hear you won't be moving anytime soon. I wasn't looking forward to that. I could maybe use some more ties if you find some good looking ones, and maybe a few more garments. Just the small cotton tops and whatever kind of bottoms you got last time, smalls also.

We did get our flight plans last Thursday. We leave the MTC at 1:30p.m. and the plane leaves at 5:00p.m. so I'll probably call sometime in there and we also have a 4 hour layover in Paris, France, so I'll try to call there too, but I don't know what time that will be because our plans only give local times. My entire district of 7 is going together so I won't be alone or anything.

I haven't talked much about Hansen Elder because he doesn't really pass the Bryan Test. Sorry Cami.

Consecration week went well. It was a little different for me because I'm zone leader so I had to speak often to my English districts, but it did help a lot.

Tell dad thank you for the letter. I really enjoyed it. I do remember doing Elephant Butte. Did you use the same beta as last time? I still remember that too. I hope you enjoy your trip with the doctors.

Tell Cami thanks for the letter too. I love hearing from all of you. and tell her good luck on her summer goals. Just remember: "When progress is measured, Improvement increases. When Progress is measured and reported, improvement increases even more." (PMG) So I want to hear how you are doing.

I keep forgetting to talk about Sister Hottie or Hottie Nover (Sister Roderick). she was the one that Kevin found in the paper. She is really nice and a really talented singer, but she's kind of crazy. The kind of crazy you have to be to go on a mission though, so it's all good. I'll put in a good word for Kevin.

New Zone leaders got called this week, so we're doing "training". It's pretty fun and I'm looking forward to handing the Zone Leader Binder down.

So I was thinking, if you want to hear what Hungarian is supposed to sound like, you can listen to conference talks on LDS.org. I do that sometimes during MDT to get a feel for it. You go to LDS.org, go to the library menu, go to general conference, on the language page click "Magyar" click the link that says "180" in it, and then pick any talk. It's pretty ridiculous. hopefully I can talk like that someday.

Anyways, that's about it for me. I'm looking forward to talking to you all on Monday. I'll make sure I call your cell phone. Have a good week and be safe, everyone. I love you all.

Crouch Elder

Week 9 - May 12, 2010

Dear Family,

I'm glad my memory card got there safely, and I'm really excited to get that package. I do have a cord for my iPod. Don't worry. We can't film the sisters because... I don't know. I think it's just not allowed here at the MTC. And I think technically we're not supposed to take videos here, but I couldn't record it any other way. I'm glad you enjoyed our singing though.

I'm not too fond of my haircut, but I'm glad you like it.

The glow stick party was really fun. None of us had seizures. The light saber thing... I'm not sure I'm allowed to tell you. It's a ZL secret...just kidding. We have these colored pencil lead things that we just hold right in front of the lens and when the camera flashes it makes it look like they are glowing. Cool huh? I'll see about getting some matrix pictures too.

Yeah I heard Chris's departure date got pushed back. I've talked to him a few times. It's kind of cool to see people I know. I see Tom Lipert on a daily basis and I finally saw Gideon today at the temple. I hardly even recognized him. It was great to see him though.

I haven't gotten the package yet, but Smith Elder and I are going to go check the mail again after we finish laundry.

That's so scary about Simba getting squished under the garage door. I think I would die if anything happened to him. I wonder how he got stuck though. The door isn't supposed to stay down if something is underneath it, is it? Something like a cat? Even if he doesn't block the laser thing it should have gone back up. Maybe you should have that looked at so it doesn't happen again.

So about the only news from me is yesterday Jeffrey R. Holland came and talked to us. It was legit! He is such a powerful speaker. He gave a talk similar to his "The Miracle of a Mission" which is crazy powerful. It was really awesome.

Oh also, we started consecration week today. I'm only speaking Hungarian all this week. It's kind of hard, but fun at the same time. It's going to help a ton though.

We haven't gotten our flight plans yet, but by next p-day (our last) we should have them so I'll know when and where our layovers are and how long I'll be able to talk and everything. It's kind of crazy how soon we are leaving. I still don't feel like I know this language very well at all, but it'll be exciting to go. Speaking of going to Hungary, I just thought this was interesting. In Hungarian, you don't go 'to' Hungary, you go 'onto' Hungary. You go into every other country and even Heaven, but not Hungary, that's how awesome it is.

So I just thought I'd share this story real fast. I got to be a Bishop a few days ago in one of the sisters lessons. It was fun. Everyone was calling me Bishop Crouch and stuff. I just thought it was funny.

That's about it. Oh, is my cell phone number reserved? Am I going to be able to use that when I get back, or will I have to get a new one? It would be really nice if there was some way to reserve it, but if not, that's okay. Sorry. I just thought about that the other day and was wondering what happened with that.

Anyways, I love you all. I hope you all have a good week. Stay safe. Especially Simba.

Bryan

Week 8 - May 5, 2010

Hi family,

Happy Mothers Day and anniversary by the way. I meant to say something about your anniversary a few weeks ago, but I forgot. Sorry. Oh and I'm supposed to tell you that I won't be calling on Mothers Day, but I don't think that is much of a surprise.

I did get your letter. It made my day. I'm pretty excited to start taking pictures with Jimmy. The only other thing I can think of for the package is some jolly ranchers. They help me stay awake in class. And maybe my old vans. I need some slipper-type of shoes sometimes for wearing around the residence hall. I know that my call said no canvas shoes, but I can just use them in the building. And a calling card would be nice. When I get my flight plans next week I should be able to tell you what day and time I will be calling and everything. I think I do have Cami's iPod cord and I will send that with my next memory card, which I should be sending soon.

That's kind of sad that you are wanting to quit your job. I understand, it's just sad that you are so stressed.

I'm glad that the van is still getting some use. Smith Elder used to drive a van too, so we've been reminiscing about them and it kind of made me miss the van. Well, not so much the van as actually being able to go places and move. The farthest away I've been from the MTC in the last 2 months is the Rite Aide about 3 blocks away. sad. But I'm glad dad and Kevin had fun canyoneering. Tell dad I'm looking forward to the full description of the trip, including beta for the canyons.

I loved the pictures of the cat. He looks hilarious. I can't believe I'm not there to make fun of him. Poor Simba. I know how he feels though. I got all of my hair cut off too. It's sad. Be nice to him.

Tennessee is flooded? Crazy. That's really sad. I hope it doesn't destroy all the history and stuff. I'm glad you weren't there when that happened. This year has been crazy for weather though. It's snowed pretty much every day this week. IT'S MAY!!! Time for no more snow.

I'm glad you can go help Larissa. I was a little worried about her moving and everything working out okay. Her appartment sounds really legit though.

This week has been pretty boring. Just like every other week. The only interesting thing is Tom Lippert, who I worked with at Weber came in last Wednesday and his class is right across the hall from mine. I've talked to him a few times. It's good to see a familiar face. Oh and today, My friend Giddeon is coming in. I'm pretty excited.

So I'm pretty sure I've told you about my teachers, but if not, here it is. We had Brother Petty and Brother Petersen at the begining of our time here. Brother Petty is awesome. He's really kind and caring and just knows how to teach us really well. Brother Petersen is awesome too. He's huge on planning, so he's starting a good habit for us right off the bat. A few weeks ago, at the end of the semester at BYU, the teachers rotated, so now we have Brother Petty and Brother Lefevre and Brother Petersen is in the TE. Brother Lefevre is fantastic; He's only been home from Hungary for 9 months. He's told us all sorts of really awesome things about Hungary. It makes me so excited to get out of here. He's actually from Bountiful and he went to high school with Tyler Hawks.(that's really crazy that he's getting married now too. Speaking of which, brother Lefevre is getting married in August.) But anyways, that's about it. I'll make sure I get pictures of all of my teachers before I leave. That's about all of the news for me.

I love you all. Keep writing letters and being good all of you.

Bryan

Week 7 - April 28, 2010

Dear Family,

I did get the package and the letters. That was wonderful. Thank you so much for the pictures...Jimmy is hilarious. Maybe you'll send him to me so I can get some pictures of him in Hungary?

Larissa told me she went to see you. That's good. I'm glad she still feels comfortable around you all.

So this week has been a ton better. I knew that my attitude last week was not a very good one, and so I started praying for help, and now Smith Elder and I have been getting along great. I really do love him as a companion. It's been awesome. This week has been so much better.I have been working really hard to teach by the spirit. We had an "investigator" in the TE who is now a teacher for the English elders in our zone. He was talking about Smith Elder and I to them and said that we were one of the very few that actually got him to "baptism". It was pretty awesome.

That's crazy that the van wouldn't pass inspection because of all of those things. It has been like that for ages. At least since I've had it. The washer fluid does spray. you just have to hold it for a little bit. Anyways, I'm sorry about that. I love that van though.

I'm sorry that my credit cards have been giving you trouble. I hope things will work out with those. I'll email this Ryan guy and give him what for. I'll be sure to mention that I'm going to Hungary soon too.

I'm sorry your job has been so hard lately. I hope things level out for you. I'll be praying for you too this week.

I hope you can go see Mark too, but no burning things. Well not entire buildings anyways. Maybe just some smaller fires. i don't know. You just can't get arrested.

Tell dad thanks for the letter. it really helped me. He writes really well, and I love getting letters from all of you.

I love you all and I'm thinking about you constantly. Not too constantly though. I have to focus.

Love,
Bryan

Week 6 - April 21, 2010

Hey family,

I haven't received that package of photos yet, but now I'm looking forward to it. I'm glad you got my photo memory card and that you enjoyed them. I'm still taking pictures and keeping track of who everyone is. Yes Elder Gamblin is very tall. It's crazy. I'm really glad I have the Lego's some days. Usually it's pretty busy, but every once in a while on P-Day I need to unwind and just play with Lego's. The huge Hungarian flag is in our classroom on the wall. Well actually it's in our little babies' room right now, but on Monday, when we clean their room, we steal it back. It's a tradition. Cami would think Hansen Elder is cute. I won't tell him that though. He is single.

I'm really glad Larissa still comes around sometimes, and I'm glad you welcome her.

The carbon monoxide alarm looks like it should be fine. I'll be sure I keep the batteries fresh and new. I have no intention of getting poisoned on my mission.

I have heard about the volcanoes in Iceland. There was supposed to be an Elder from Estonia coming in yesterday, but he got delayed because of the ash and stuff. That's pretty crazy about the snow cement though. That would be terrible.

I haven't used the fluoride drops yet, but it might be good to get a few refills before I leave. I was planning on starting when i get to Hungary.

I'm looking forward to getting dad's letter now. I always love getting letters and emails from all of you. I kind of have to do the same thing while I'm typing because there is the flashing counter up in the corner constantly reminding me of how little time I have. But your emails are always wonderful I love having this little chunk of time to hear about home.

So the only exciting news this week is the new Hungarians and the new Albanians. I've met most of them now, and they all seem pretty cool. It's pretty crazy being an 'ancient' already. I feel like our class is really far behind because my companion Smith Elder does not understand practically anything, and yet when I offer to help he just says he wants to study vocab. It's starting to really bother me and I don't know what to do. Our teachers have started railing on us on a daily basis because "we" are not progressing and "we" are not living up to our full potential. I try to help him but he refuses to be helped and I can't spoon feed him anymore.

Sorry about the rant but it's really been weighing on my this week and I don't know what to do anymore. I have had some really hard days the past few weeks because of this and he simply won't listen to me.

That's really the only news. I love you all and I hope you are all doing well and I hope Cami is still behaving herself.

love,
Bryan