Was it something we wrote?

Elder Bellomy continues to thrive. He is happy and working hard.

In tune with the rules:
I think the big news from Eldrew's mission is that the rules allowing him to play the guitar have changed. They did so right after we shared some guitar stories. (Hmmmm...I hope it wasn't because of what we wrote.) Eldrew is bummed, but quite satisfied to follow the mission rules. He gave his guitar away to a member of the ward.

Andrew's desire to keep all the rules is sort of blowing his parents away. We visited a reception last week at which a video was shown of the brother of the Bride giving a short speech to honor his sister on her wedding day. The video was very short and obviously filmed in the lobby of the mission home or LDS chapel. We asked Eldrew if he'd consider making a similar video for his broher Adam's wedding. Eldrew declined and explained that they have been asked not to make videos. Gotta admire his desire to obey the rules! (Working hard, having faith, and obeying the rules were some of the counsel I gave him before he left on his mission.)

New Companion:
Eldrew's companion completed his mission and went home. He now has a new companion, Carlston from Lehi, Utah. That is about 45 minutes south of here. They seem to be getting along well.

Beautiful person:
Andrew had a run in with a drunk last week:

So, yesterday I almost got kissed by a drunk guy! He's like "You're beautiful"...and grabbed the back of my neck to pull me in. I think he was joking but it wasn't funny. Elder Carlston had a field day laughing about it ha ha...

Houston Temple:
Elder Bellomy also had a chance to attend the Houston Temple last week.

Visiting the temple with his Mission President was very meaningful for him. If I remember correctly, the temple is actually outside of the mission. I believe that the missionaries get to visit the temple a couple of times a year.

Working hard:
One of the things about being on a mission is how hard you can work...and be happy doing it. It seems that Eldrew is also experiencing that on his mission as well:

I'm worn out all the time and my eyes always hurt because I'm working hard and I wake up on time and never take naps. I'm probably gonna sleep in the first week I get back because there is no disobedience in it. I wake up with exactness in the name of the spirit. I can't afford to not have it with me. Also, I've been working out every morning and night, so I'm staying in shape and I'm not eating too much because the members never feed us. ha ha but I'm happy. There is a unique satisfaction in being beaten dead everyday. Knowing that you're doing what you're supposed to be doing and that the Lord is somewhat pleased with your efforts.

Teaching the word:
Every week, Eldrew mentions a few teaching, tracting, contacting and other missionary experiences. I have to admit that he is teaching a lot more people than I expected...and experienced on my mission. I sense that the missionary work is going well and that he is really into it. Due to the nature of this public blog, we have not gotten too much into the details of that aspect of his mission.

Upcoming entries:
In the near future, we are planning a hairstyle story. The ever changing world of Eldrew's hair! I (his dad) will also be commenting on how our blog is approaching his mission.

Please keep Eldrew in your thoughts and prayers. If  you get a few minutes, drop him a line.