SWEET RELIEF!!!

I LOVE YOU GUYS! so much!

i don't want to be a pesimist so i won't talk much, but maybe we can play madlibs!

Kenya really ______ right now! I'm so ______ of this ______! My mission is _______ than I had ever ______ it would be! Sometimes I just want to _____ _____ because all this _____ is super ______ up...

For real, there is some crazy stuff going down right now! I am not going to lie. If God had not prepared me to this point in my mission, I would have been home right now. The hand of the Lord has really worked upon me during my time here, and I have seen His grace lifting me over every burden. I will quote Brigham Young when he said, "the only thing I ever brought to my calling was grit." God has done the rest!  

And another thing, this Muslim guy was yellin' at us the other day and I just walked straight up to him and stared him down. Just about scared the spirit outta that dude. When I say Kenya turns boys to men, I say Kenya turns boys to MEN! I even took a picture of myself the other day and I was like, "what?!" I'm so ooold now...

But the family looks rockin, all you peeps at that BYU thing look like models. I can't wait to one day join you! 

Love you like crazy,

elder fraga

And I've grown taller!

Ethan! Ethan!

It is the year mark since our son and brother passed away in a car accident. Our ward organized a hike with all of the youth and asked Aidan to write a few words. We couldn't express our feelings any clearer than Aidan did in his words.

Friends, 

It is indeed a bitter sweet opportunity that I have to write a message for this occasion, but nonetheless not one that I would pass up, because I LOVE talking about my baby brother, and I'm so grateful for all of you gathering here today to remember him.

The past year has been something else. It has felt unreal. Time has moved by so fast and it is hard for me to believe. It is hard for me to put in words how I have felt over the past 12 months. There has been pain. Not just stomach twisting, physical anguish, or mind churning mental strains, but there has been a deep spiritual wound that has been with me since I received that news. It was and is something that cuts to the heart. That cuts to the soul. To echo the words of Alma the younger, "There could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains." We all felt that pain in this trial, and I can honestly say that I did not comprehend that, that kind of sorrow was possible. Yet, on the other hand! "Oh, what joy and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!" "There can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy!" The joy that we have felt, the love that we have experienced has been immeasurable! All of us have felt the ministering of angels, and we have all experienced something greater, lifting us above our deepest pit. I would like to believe that the reason this time without Ethan has gone by so fast is because Ethan has not left us. Ethan has been with us, and IS with us today, both me and you. I can TESTIFY of his presence.

Throughout this time I have learned so much that has helped me in this burden, and I would like to share some of those lessons today. To begin, I would like to read from a scripture in Romans. Romans chapter 8:35, 37-39 says:

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

-This is Paul speaking, and his answer?-

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors (meaning abundantly victorious) through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And how true it is! When we choose to let Christ in, enduring to the end can become enjoying to the end because we can see the beauty in every bit of our lives. I want you for a minute to think back on the hike you took today. Ethan and I always loved the outdoors and we have always believed that there are great lessons to be learned while on the trail. Some of you may have hiked this very trail before, but when you started out this morning among friends, what changed? Every time I hit the trail with my best friend (of course Ethan) all at once nature became higher and nobler, but also more achievable. We knew that we had each other! It is indeed the same with Christ. As soon as we accept the Lord’s invitation "Walk with me" the nature of our lives changes, it does become higher, it does become nobler, and it does become more achievable, because we know that we are not alone.

The second lesson is found in 1 Thessalonians 5. It’s just small, only two little words! 

16 Rejoice evermore!

Who was that kid that could always be found with a smile? Ethan. Who was the one who could always put a smile on your face? Ethan. Ethan is the MAN! Ethan is a MYTH! Ethan is a LEGEND! I love that dude and if we are gonna live like Ethan, we gotta live with love, love for the good! Love for the bad! Love for the earth! Love for each other! So let’s grow our hair out and listen to rad tunes together! Just kidding... But let us always be ourselves like he would. Again I’m very grateful for my younger brother! My love is stronger than words! And I know I will see him again!

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Memories!!! All Alone In The Moonlight!!!

Oh. My. Gosh! You wouldn't believe what I remembered back to this week!!!

My birth!! Just kidding... That'd be crazy. What I actually remembered was this:

One summer day when I was working at Precision Time IWSC, I sat peacefully thinking about the past, imagining the future, and kind of zoning out while polishing some watches, when I got a frantic tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find my beloved brother(Ethan) standing there. I take off my earbuds and immediately his words pierce my ears. "Please! Help me!" was the cry! For what? I knew not. Interested, I listened on.. "Marcelo is making us clean the boneyard!" I was a little confused, because that was kind of our job everyday. I was like, "What?...". and Ethan went on to tell me the dirty deets... "When Alec and I were looking for parts in the boneyard, I thought it'd be funny to fart into the fan... I thought it was going to make a funny noise and echo around-" choking as he tried to hold back tears (laughing tears but...) "It was a silent one!!!! And it smells so bad! David, not knowing what had happened, thought it was so bad that he went to talk to Marcelo about it! When Marcelo came down he started coughing and said 'shi-! something must have died in there!'", assuming that a rat must have perished and the remains were now spoiling. "He told us we have to take everything out and find it!" This time there was despair in his voice..."Please help us.. This is too big of a job for us to do alone." This time I was the one laughing! I literally fell on the floor! HAHAHAHA! Man, I felt some sympathy, and I tried to ask him why he hadn't just told Marcelo the truth. He said he was too embarrassed and he would rather face the punishment than ask for forgiveness. I shook my head in disbelief and started busting up laughing while we walked downstairs...

Super good memory... And I really wanted to share it with you, BUT what is the lesson here? It is far better to repent now than to face the consequences later! Alma 32:32-34 says:

32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.

You don't stand before Marcelo after and say, it was only a fart after you've cleaned the boneyard! It just doesn't work like that. If you don't want the punishment, which I promise, you do not want the punishment, then repent now! Repent when it happens and see that burden of sin lifted from your shoulders! I love this Gospel! I love this church! and I love Christ! I'm so thankful that God sent him into this world so that through him all mankind may be saved, and return to the presence of our God, the Celestial Kingdom! (in this analogy, the soft-seated, air conditioned IWSC) instead of living in outer darkness or a lower kingdom (the boneyard) for the rest of eternity. I love God and I love you guys!

 

elder fraga

Comfortably Numb

October 23, 2017

A pretty good description of how I feel. I don't think things are too good here. But I'm coping well. I wish that things could be a li'l different than this, but I guess that it's all part of the journey. 

I do feel a little down. Kisumu isn't helpin' a whole lot, but that's the condition of the whole country so I'll hang on. I'm trying my best to be an optimist! Haha it may feel like hell, but at least it's not cold! 

It's hard not to think about home though... Especially being inside for so long. I don't know if you heard about Madagascar, but almost all of the missionaries have been taken out. I don't want to spread rumors or anything, but if it can happen there than... Well, ya know.

About Bednar, yeah he came, but he was in Nairobi, so not a chance of meeting him. :( It would have been cool though..

And about moving around for elections, the people up top seem to think it's gonna be okay around here this time around. So we stayed here in Kisumu. HA. We will see.

And the work is good, though we don't have much time to teach. It makes the work difficult, it's not easy to find investigators, and when we do, it's not likely that they stick around, because they are either participating in the ruckus, or they are running away from it. So we all hope and pray that things will cool off, and perhaps people will be ready to learn and accept the gospel, and reap the blessings in their lives. but yeah :(...

Anyways, oh gosh Portland sounds nice right now... When you talked about Sizzle Pie, my mouth was literally watering. And getting lost for hours in Powell's Book store sounds like a dream. I hope everything is amazing for you back home! I pray the business is finding success! And I hope those new love birds are lovin' life! I'll hopefully talk to you next week! Lots of love!

elder fraga

YELLO! Yellow?

October 17, 2017

I come from a land down undaa... duh duh-duh duh where women roll and make thundaa... 

bababa-bababa can ya heya can ya heya tha thundaaa? 

I bet ya can't guess what song is stuck in my head right now..

Anyways, that doesn't have anything to do with... really anything so,

Things here are goood... Not much has been happening because of certain things that are happening but it's all chill because we are still safe and alive!

I have had an ABUNDANCE of time to study as of late, and I have learned many many things, and my testimony of the Book of Mormon really has grown! It's great! I would like to say this to all: Read from the Book of Mormon. In fact, read it EVERY SINGLE DAY. And if you don't want to hear it from me, a lowly 20 year old hippy living in Africa as a representative of Jesus Christ, listen to the big man himself, cause thats the message he's been givin' his prophets since the book came back nearly 200 years ago. When we read from the Book of Mormon, we find solutions to problems that confront us, answers to questions we both know we have and didn't know we have, and most importantly, grow closer to God and Jesus Christ through it! Take a chance, and dare I say? Carry it around with you everywhere. Whether on your phone, or as a small paper copy, keep it on hand boys and girls, that's our weapon in these latter days! Use it!

Love ya all, U R da best.

Elder Fraga

P.S. A member showed us somethin' about Eminem blasting Donald Trump? Can I get an update on the statehouse? Seems like things are going to "ashiz"...

 a Ether 15:25

Say My Name... ELDER OAKS!!! ELDER OAKS!!!

Man, general conference is just the best! And is it just me or is Elder Oaks lookin' a little more like Heisenberg each and every day?... dang dang dang, I LOVED his talk! I really enjoyed his talk on the family, Holland's talk on not beating ourselves up, and Christopherson's talk on holiness! Those three were gold! Unfortunately I was only able to watch the Sunday morning session because it was like this:

Saturday morning- downloaded, English

Saturday afternoon- downloaded, only Swahili...

Sunday morning- downloaded, English

Sunday afternoon- downloaded... the session from last year... -_-

I don't know what they're gonna do about priesthood session, but I hope we get to watch it! 

And I don't have a lot to say, but I'm alive and I'm safe, and I may as well add my testimony that the church is true! The Book of Mormon is the word of God! And our loving Heavenly Father speaks to us today just as in times of old through his chosen prophets! 

I'll work on giving you an update of the area next week, but for now, my comp is really cool. His name is Elder Sunu. He is learning English fast, and I'm happy to serve with him!

Love you all! I'm happy for Aanika and Adam! And I hope you all have an awesome week!

Elder Fraga

Aidan's post for his sister's wedding

Aanika, Aanika, Aanika... The day you have been waiting for, for all your life, has finally come! Wow, Wow, Wow... Today is YOUR day, and I hope it feels special.

I remember the day Adam asked me if he could marry you!... I was nervous, shaky, excited! You probably felt the same, eh?... the good news is, that I said YES!!! But... the even better news is that you said yes, and because of that you are sitting next to the dude you are going to spend the rest of time and all eternity with. I am so happy for you two, and I am so excited to have such an awesome brother-in-law, to join in all the crazy Fraga family stuff...

Aanika, you really have been there for me throughout my entire life. It’s like you were my life guru! You were the one that I would always talk to when I was wanting advice on all the stuff I was going through, and for that I am forever grateful. I remember the loooong car rides that we would have late into the night talking, about what was going on in our lives. Me talking about things that at this time are not important and you talking about life, and school, and your mission, and Adam. You really have had a crush on that boy for a long time! And it is so awesome that after all these years, things have played out perfectly! Woo-hoo! Blessings!

Thanks to your witty character, your personal charm, your good looks and your loving personality, you were able to get the guy, and Adam, you're cool. Haha here comes an awkward part but uh... You’re strong, handsome, and intelligent... good for my sister! I’m happy that you guys are the way you are, and that because of that, you fell in love. But I will forever take credit for the catch phrase "Imma pray for the double A" and I know that the faith and hope that our families had in your guys' relationship had something to do with this glorious outcome!

So, obviously I'm not going to be there for your guys' wedding, but at least I can imagine it! And in the depth of my twisted imagination I was reminded of this: 

[Eva's dressers:]
Eyes, hair, mouth, figure
Dress, voice, style, movement
Hands, magic, rings, glamour
Face, diamonds, excitement, image

[Eva:]
I came from the people, they need to adore me
So Christian Dior me from my head to my toes
I need to be dazzling, I want to be Rainbow High
They must have excitement, and so must I

I hope with all my heart that just like Evita, you feel "Rainbow high" Haha, sounds psychedelic... But also that you feel dazzling and that you recognize that you are an Argentine Rose! Adam, I hope you feel like an Albanian rose or something. But, your wedding must be exciting, and filled with love, and ultimately, the best day of your entire lives so far.

Now for the missionary part, heheheee.... *rub hands together*... So if I have learned anything from my mission, it is that the scriptures can apply into every part of our lives, so here is some wedding advice from the prophet Alma to me to you:

 "Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass"

What a truly GREAT thing it is to have a marriage that will last for eternity. What a joyous thing to celebrate on this happy day,. Let us all remember that if we want success in our relationships, we must do the small and simple things, saying "I love you" everyday, being each others sense of happiness even if the world seems to try to make your day feel like crap, and most importantly extending a simple invitation to Christ to strengthen you both, to lift you both, and to develop more and more love for the rest of your lives!

Now, I only have one thing left to add... God loves you, and I do too! I can’t wait to be with you in a year! ‘Till then the glass of filtered water is once again raised to the sky for an abundance of joy in your guys' relationship! Haha! Amen!

-Elder Fraga

That's What I'm Countin' On

KISUMU

Life is crazy.  I have been through a lot here in Kenya. I have seen so many things that I never wanted to see, and often times I'll find myself in a situation where I'm like "Geez..." and then I think back about it and i'm like "GEEZ.". Life. Is. Crazy.

I don't know what to do, but I hope I find some rest one day!

I still have a year left on the mission, and a year is a very long time, but I have been thinking a little bit about what I want to do after, and an idea came to mind! I was talking to Elder Torrie the other day and there was something that we talked about that just has not been able to leave my mind since! Obviously things aren't set in stone (It doesn't really seem like anything ever is in life...). But I was thinking about how cool it might be to go to BYU Jerusalem for a semester after I'm back? I know Jerusalem is sketchy and all, but I promise you, that after living in Nairobi for 6 months... nothing can scare me. As I said before, I don't know exactly what I'll do, but I'm sure things will get a li'l easier. I just wish I could hug you guys and hear you guys say "everything is gonna be alright, you're home now." But for now I push on! a"I keep rhymin' I keep writtin' the next cypher, best believe something the something the pide piper." I don't know what else to write. You don't need to post this one on the blog. I was just writing to write... Excited for conference though! It should be good!

Elder Frags

a eminem song

Hemingway

You know how sometimes you get a bad haircut and there are a bunch of people that say "Hey! It looks nice!" but deep down inside you know they're probably just tellin a white lie? Yeah... that's how i feel about my writing. 

Anyways... I bet the wedding was a blast. The pictures sure looked nice. I'm doing okay over here in the green hills of Africa ya know. I don't have a lot to say this week, but maybe I'll abandon all plans and live like Hemingway when I'm home? Markin' my own path, seein' what the world has to offer with my trusty companion, a flask (filled with kool-aid). We will just have to see.

Now here's something to ponder during the week ahead: Let's say you walk up to a friend and you say "Here's some cash, blablabla no matter what may happen, you can't give it back to me, I will be a better person". The buddy says "Okay sure, I promise." and life moves on. Later you find yourself in a little bit of a pickle and you go back to your buddy, beggin' for the cash back. If he is a true friend, he will honor the first promise and hold it in reserve, right? He wants you to become the greater man! That is kinda like our Heavenly Father. In the preexistence we said "Send me down there and put me through whatever is necessary to reach the potential you have for me!" and then we come down here on earth and say things such as, "Okay Heavenly Father! I've had as much as I can take! Stop the train! I'll be getting off here!", then he honors the first promise we made! God is our friend! He wants the best for us. That is why we pass through trials like missing funerals, or weddings, or birthdays. It's because we are striving to reach a higher level. Life is never at any times easy. But with God, it is ALWAYS worth it. I know these things are true! And I love you all very much! Goodbye for now.

-elder fraga

Underfed and abused lion. I saw this guy a while back...

These are the monkeys that hissed at me!

Swahili Name Badge

Conner's Wedding Toast

September 16, 2017

Well, ladies and gents, good morning! Or goodnight! (Depending on which side of the planet you live on...) haha...

*Please grab your tie and move it around a bit*

I have never been this nervous for something I wasn’t attending, in a very long time!... Not a joke. I’m sitting here behind this keyboard, and my heart is pounding out of my chest! I’m kind of just speechless!

Conner! I can’t believe you made it! I’ll give ya your five bucks when I get back home! 

What a special event it is to see two people who love each other as much as you two do, prepare to enter into a covenant that will bind you guys together forever. I’m proud of you, and I love you both. But, you know I haven’t ever written a talk for someone’s wedding- let alone a sibling’s, and my time is running out here in the cyber, so I’ll have to keep this short. But, I just want to say, it’s been quite the journey, and I’m glad I've been able to see it just about every step of the way.

Con-man you've come a long way from the boy that used to put me in a cardboard box and throw me down the stairs to now, and might I say, you’ve grown from a little boy into a much bigger boy during that time, and my love for you has only increased... I have always looked up to you. Indeed, you've been a powerful example to us in our lives, and I’m proud to call you my brother. You have had the lofty task of being the example in this family, marking the way for the rest of us, and we have all benefited from your decisions, greatest of all for me is your example of serving a mission, you gave me so much confidence when I was putting my papers in, and because of you, I am where I am today. You have an incredible gift for creating and playing music, and your taste in music has been the source of what we have listened to pretty much all our lives! When we were younger, you would play music when we were falling asleep, and whenever it wasn’t playing, I just would not be able to doze off. You have always been there for me, and it’s been a great comfort. I know you’ll always be there for Amber.

Amber! I’m so happy that you are going to be a part of this family! One of the first times I really got to know you, was in the basement of our home with some of my buddies... We were playing a card game that’s similar to apples to apples... Haha... and everyone was laughing the whole night! When you and Conner left, all my friends were talking about how great you are and how awesome it was that you were dating Conner! I felt so proud, and from that day I always knew you were legit and if you were willing to play the card game that way, I knew you’d fit right in.

And now, you are both sitting there together on... umm... some day that is close to your wedding day?... (This would be a lot easier if I were there)... About to start a new life as one! I know without a doubt that you guys are making the correct choice, and I know without a doubt that after you guys step outside of the temple tomorrow you will be bound together not only until death but for the rest of time and all eternity, because that is what this wonderful restored gospel has to offer each and every one of us! A connection beyond the grave! You two were made for each other, and even though I can’t be there with you, my happiness is full with this decision you have made together and the example you have set for me. I hope you are more happy on your wedding day than you have ever been before!

Now, I have always wanted to do this, so... Haha... get a pitcher or something for me, but imma raise a glass of filtered water over here and you all raise a glass of whatever the heck you’re drinking to the years you have ahead of you! May they be filled with happiness and love beyond measure! Again, I love you guys so much. Words cannot express my joy. But I want you to always remember who loves you more. I can promise you that our Heavenly Father is filled with satisfaction because of the actions that you are going to make, and that he will pour out SO many blessings upon you guys! Um.... amen? I don’t know... I don’t know how to end a toast... If you haven't put your glasses down by now, I’m sure it’s all right if you do.... Love you guys!
Elder Fraga

Can't Tell If I'm Getting More Creative Or Goin' Insane...

September 11, 2017

A recent conversation went as follows:

Man: "hey man... what have you been hittin?"

Me: "Excuse me?..."

Man: "You're gettin’ super skinny man, it looks like you've been doing drugs."

Me: "gosh... Well, I don’t know what to tell ya man?..." *in my head, "wow that’s the nicest compliment I've ever been given here in Kisumu"

So, I guess all these morning exercises have been helping! Or I have worms... But I think it’s the exercises... But I think something is wrong with my head. Lately I have been waking up before my alarm goes off? I've been cooking delicious and healthy food? There has not been a dirty plate left in the sink for more than 10 seconds? The apartment has been cleaner than any other apartment I have ever seen owned by missionaries? And my closet is staying organized?... I think something is wrong... It sure is a change, but change is good! And I think this is really helping me to become a better missionary and a less wild (kinda sad...) man.

 I don’t have much to say this week, but we went to Eldoret for a mission tour with Elder S Mark Palmer! And it was one of the best days of my entire mission! The spirit was so strong, and he said many things the strengthened me, and sparked an inner reflection. At the beginning of the whole meeting he shook each and every one of ours hands and looked deep into ours eyes, and when he did that, I was kinda like "Gosh... this guy knows more about me than I know about myself right now,..." And it was amazing! Then he told us about light, and it reminded me of my favorite scripture, Matthew 5:14-16- I really don’t have a lot of time because I’ve got to write something else, but read the scripture and ask yourself "What can I do to better let my light shine?" And then remember that just as important as what you do is who you are! We must always be looking for ways to develop our Christ like attributes, so that we can glorify our Father which art in heaven!

Woo hoo! I love scriptures!

Love you all! Goodbye for now!