1/17/88
Once again I have stumbled across this 3 month old letter! This time I will finish it!
I have a friend from Spain. His name is Ricardo Rodriguez. He is an exchange student from Madrid. I'm sure I've mentioned his name before. Pay close attention to the name. Look at it again. He goes home in June and has told me he'll look you up. Eric-he is not LDS but he's really fun ( a few problems, but fun). He told me he'd visit you, but wouldn't be a Mormon. But hey-why not?! Should a strange looking person appear at your doorstep, act like you've heard about him!
The sweetheart Ball is Feb. 13th. I have asked Paul Egbert. I gave him a wastebasket full of popcorn and at the bottom of it I put a note that said-"Just to POP the.?..." and then there was a tape. On the tape Becky and I sang our own lyrics to a popular song (off the Singing Machine) asking him to the prom. I haven't heard back. But Blake Sharp, who is dating Lisa quite heavily, said that he is planning a creative way to give me his answer-so I guess I'll await in anticipation! "-) We've got some fun plans for the evening. Triple date with Kellye, Deidre, and Michele Ricks (+ dates). Michele is Lance's cousin. She's a cutie! When things are more definite, I'll let ya know.
Today is Jared McDaniels farewell. I went out with him Saturday. They (Jared + his friend) made Deidre and I dinner. Jared's going to do an awesome job. I'm excited for him.
Jennifer May is going on a mission-to Japan. Just like everybody else! She leaves in March.
Kelley quit seminary. It was a big disappointment. I don't know what else to do. Suggestions???
Well Eric, Keep up your awesome job, personality, enthusiasm, etc! You are doing just super! I'm very proud of you! Naturally, keep your spark and go get 'em! Write soon!
Love ya, Amy
Dear Family, 11-02-88 (Feb. 11)
How is everything going back in the cold city of St. Anthony? It's really starting to warm up here, the trees are even in bloom, it's beautiful! We certainly had a very mild winter. Right now its about 65 degrees outside, anybody want a picnic? It looks like I'll be here for a good part of my mission which wouldn't be too bad. It's a really nice city, great members, and hot weather. I think I'm going to be hiding under cars and anything else I can find once summer comes around.
As I told you in my last letter I am with Elder Humiston who is just about ready to board the big 747 for home. His step parents are coming over to get him the first part of March. I am a little bit jealous that his parents are coming over. It sound so fun. They'll see Spain, France, and Italy. If there is any way you can, I sure would like to have you come over. If you can I'll need to know so my release date can be set accordingly. If you can't, you can't. No big deal.
The work is going pretty good here, but the best part is that two people from Lorea will be getting baptized very soon! I'm so happy! The Lord has worked miracles with them both and they are both working toward their baptism date! Encarna has given up smoking for over a week now.
I'm so grateful for the comps that I have had so far on my mission. Everyone has been such good friends. Elder Humiston speaks Spanish so good its unbelievable! He has studied and spoken for 7 years, so I'm taking advantage while I got him around. I've just learned I've got a ways to go to perfect the Spanish language. We're working good and hard together and we are seeing success come! We both have huge testimonies and we aren't afraid to tell anyone what we know to be true.
Let's get those letters in the mail! I need your prayers, support, and I need to know how you all are doing. The life out here isn't easy but you sure can't beat it!
Love you, Eric
Dear Family 25-02-88 (Feb 25)
She did it!! Encarna made that Eternal Covenant with her heavenly father and what a special experience that was. She went through it and every opposition hit her with full force, family, friends, etc. but she did it anyway! The spirit was so strong when I baptized her. I couldn't even hardly speak the baptism words I was so overcome. How great shall be your joy! It also looks like that within two more weeks we will be having more. We are testifying, being bold, showing love, using technics, and obeying and do we ever see the blessings!
Amy, I would just like to thank you for the beautiful Valentines package that you sent to me. I really enjoyed the candy and loved the beautifully well done letter. I don't know if you know this, but I'm always bragging on how neat of sister I have. The one who always cleaned my room, made treasure hunts, etc. They are always impressed. Also I've got an incredible family! Steve keep those letters coming! Becky even wrote! Thanks!! It's nice to know that you are remembered.
I've really gotten to where I'm really grateful for the problems I have in life. It's times like those that I really grow close to the Lord and feel his warm hand, warm my cold depressed heart. I'm so happy I've gotten to that point. No one likes problems but at least we can grow to appreciate them. But I have also built up on some real strengths too so I'm not all problems. I have really gotten to where I can express my feelings to these people and then they begin to feel the spirit. I thank the Lord for helping me in learning how to do it. I really do love him.
We keep seeing miracles here in Murcia. And we see them when doing all that we can. I have so many stories and experiences that I would love to share wih you and I look forward to the day that we can all just sit around and share testimonies & good times and bad times. But that can wait!!!
Hey Spiker Curtis, Congrats on your grades. How did bowling go? Jared hang in there, you'll get it next time. Send me a tape and I'll send you one. I sure do get into them, especially with the music machine!
Well, I got to go. Just know that I'm doing great! I got a letter from Grandma Schmidt. Tell her that I love her and I'll write when I can.
I love you! Keep those prayers comin'!
Eric
P.S. Enclosed is a bracelet that Encarna made me. I'm sending it home for safe keeping.
Dear Eric, April 29, 1988
How is my friend doing today? And how about those muscles? Steel or flab? The true test will come if you can still 'bench' me!! Not that I'll let you.....nevertheless!
I have a whopping 15 days of school left. Graduation is on the 24th. Seminary graduation is on the 18th. What fun!
Jr. Miss is this Saturday night. Last years contestants are performing. So is Show Choir. And at the end, I'll give away my honors to some lucky girl. Danette has been in charge and she's done a super job! Everything is fun and original! Busy as a bumpkin though!
Lately my social life has been good! (suprising!) I've been seeing a guy named Dirk Davenport. He's your age and he's been home from his mission for 2 mo. His bro, my Spanish teacher, set us up. He is dang fun and nice. You'd like him. We've doubled a couple of times with his best friend, who you'll probably recognize, Brian Downey, and they remind me a lot of you and Lance. Linda likes Brian, but things just haven't been working for them. Every time Brian called to ask Linda out, she was busy. Then she went on tour for 2 weeks and he'll be leaving for Washington this week for the summer! Plus! When he does come home, Celest Summers will be back from where ever she's been and apparently they're a 'thing.' So, Linda is nervous. I have faith in her!
Becky just made freshman cheerleader. Can you believe it?! Darlene is cheerqueen over the Varsity squad at Rigby! What a bunch of loud mouths!
Jared got a trophy in school for only missing 10 days in 6 years-or 'Central' life anyway.
Curtis had a 4th grade performance today. I went over to it. He's a big kid!
You'll be amazed to hear that Jared and Curtis both have girlfriends. Jared keeps sneaking off to see 'her'! Heaven help us! He's going to be in thick water with Dad if he keeps this up!
Deidre wants me to tell you she lives a boring life so there is nothing to tell about her. (but I know the truth! She's just awfully humble.) P.S. Brett & Monique are getting married the day before Sue & Brent!
Bonnie Skinner Paredes says hello. She is such a nice girl! And so smart! She got a grant & scholarship to the "Y". Pretty neat. Karen has grown tremendously! She is now 6'1". No-sorry, wrong, she's 5'1". (jk) She is a stinking artist! She'll go pro! Now they all want to say hello!
Hello Eric, Amy tells me your Assistant to the President, Good job! We'll see ya soon & take care. Adios, Karen
It sounds as if you are doing super! Keep up the good work, fourth ward is proud to claim you! Danette Hathaway
Hi ya Mr. Elder E. Browning, You are still on the top of my favorite people in Spain list. Keep reaching for the sky!! Bonnie Paredes
Now wasn't that nice! Yo have me to thank! (just kidding) "Today is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday." We're all cleaning! I smell "COMET" on my hands as I write.
Curtis was sick last night. I came home 'after' everything. Susan tells me that Steve came upstairs to inform Mom of the tragedy-and then he disappeared. In fact, the whole basement cleared! Susan says that when Mom would come upstairs they would all clap. What a nice bunch of people. Today he's still got the flu, but he's doing better.
Dad and Jared went camping last night, but came home early because it was cold.
Sue got her long awaited phone call from Brent today. They've been apart now for what...5 days?!
I guess I'll stop so I can get this in the mail. Keep up the good work! They couldn't have picked a better assistant to the president! Write soon!!
Love ya, Amy
Dear Eric, 6/14/88
Finally I can send this tape off! Do you have any idea how long it has taken me to do this? I was still in school for side B and I had a cold, so figure it out!
So how is my favorite 20 yr old brother doing? I sure have been thinking about you a lot lately. I'm afraid I'm getting trunky. When you do get home-do you want to go on a long walk with me? I really get into those night walks. Karen Paredes and I take off on them all the time! These beautiful summer nights-how could you help not wanting to!
You'll be impressed to know that your little sister-the social misfit-has actually been having a good time lately. Last week I went to the Playmill twice! Two nights in a row with 2 different guys-the only one who made any reaction to me the second time was Tonya-she started laughing! I was nervous someone was going to make a comment like-Back again, huh? Or Weren't you here last night? But-fortunately for me-I was safe! Though tired! Anyway, I've been having a good time. I'm still dating Dirk Davenport. You'd like him. He's heard all about you! So-you'll hopefully meet him. The family all seems to like him. Only-I think they're getting a little nervous-maybe just because he's an RM. Who knows. But he's really fun!
Lisa Egbert is the newest member of the family. She's been having some pretty hard times & problems-so she's here with us. She is such a sweetheart you'd never guess she had any problems at all! She hasn't been one ounce of trouble since she got here! She's just been helpful & everything! We've got along great! So in your letters-be sure to include your new sister!
The wedding is Saturday! What a couple of love birds! They about make me ill! Oh well! At least they're both happy! Perfect for each other! MariAnn Clark got married to Ron Birch the other day. Rad Hathaway & Brett are getting married & so is Corey Romrell. They don't waste much time, do they?
So how is AP life going? You're such a stud! And to think you have me for a little sister! I'm sorry!
Curtis is looking and acting like you more and more every day! Those two munchies have grown like crazy this last year. They're almost as tall as me now! Got lil' girlie friends (oh dear!) and everything!
Right now I am out to the store while Mom is on a drapery call. She left early this morning. She should be back any time now.
Steve is all excited about his new job-but I'm not to spoil the surprise again!
Becky has just started drivers ed! Can you believe it! I think I'm going to gag! Now I'll have to fight over the green bug with her!!
I've noticed the family has been on their best behavior since Lisa came. It's actually helping us out! I didn't yell at Becky for stealing my clothes and later that day-as she prepared to go to a stake dance-I let her wear my blouse! I even told her she looked cute! What's come over me!
Well Speck-I guess I'll end for now. I hope you enjoy your tape-Hey! I'm teaching piano! I have one (1) student!! Yipee! You haven't forgot your "Against All Odds" have you?! You better not have! Oh well-I can always teach you again!
Be good! Drive carefully! And remember that Somewhere out there-Someone's sayin' a prayer for ya!
Love ya tons! Love, Amy
Dear Family, 30/06/88
I just recieved Amy's tape and I really did enjoy it!! It is so awesome! It's really good to hear every one's voices and to know that things are all going well. The office staff really is really impressed with all of you and the things that you have accomplished and how clever and talented you are! I'm serious! And to pass them you have really got to be good to have them say that! I'm really proud of you.
So that you know again, yes, I did recieve my shoes and I really do love them! They are really nice and I'm enjoying them. Steve on the tape, you on the radio really sounded good. My comp really was impressed. Amy just so you know, the guys in the office are fighting for you. Especially my comp, so beware! Thanks to everybody for the words they gave and the Spanish they spoke, it was pretty fun listening to them.
I'm still doing really good here in the office. We just got new desks and chairs in our office and they are really sharp looking! We really look sharp now! Yesterday I had my final interview with the Pres. just before he leaves the mission. It was really good and I am really going to miss them. I'm kind of nervous for the Pres. I don't even know what he looks like! He will be here Monday with his family, and then Pres Fenn will be history after Tues. It's kind of sad, but that's just how life is. I'm sure I'll develop a deep love for Pres. Judd & his family just as I have with the Fenns. I've got some huge responsibility that many times I wish I didn't have on my shoulders, but it really is helping me be better.
How is Susan doing? I really am excited for them and the life that they are beginning. It's so comforting to know that they are worthy for temple marriage and to know they will be a future eternal family. There just aren't many families like that now a days. Ok, the rest of us! Let's be sure to follow Susan's example! The only way to go!
It's not that hot yet over here. It should get really hot soon! We are going to get a bunch of Elders together and play ball. I hope it doesn't rain on us. Well, I hope you are all doing awesome and I love you so much.
Love, Eric
Eric, 7/18/88
Howdy bud! How's life treatin' ya? How's the good ol' back treating you? And those 'new' shoes? How's life in the office? Do you have your new mission pres yet? Craig is also getting a new president. I think this month.
Lance is home...he sure looks good! He has dark hair. We're talking Susan's color. He's kept a pretty low profile but I saw him Sunday at church and it just felt good to see him and his smile. His report is Sunday. One things for sure-Becky Kunz has been through this neighborhood more times in the last week than she has the past year! She's just as curious as the rest! I find it entertaining---so sly?!
The family is doing great! We went and floated the river Saturday. We splurged and bought a boat. Raft, I mean. It was sure fun! Steve even enjoyed himself. One funny thing that happened was when there was one rock in the way--only one--and space everywhere--and we hit it! We laughed & laughed! It was fun. The family plans to go again Saturday after all the parading.
Our play at the Roxy is coming along great. We open in 1 week! Yikes! I had a nightmare about it last night. I was late and forgot all my lines. Nervous? Naw--.
I found one of your old notebooks from college. You were giving a report on your view of nature. It was pretty good. I was just looking for the tablet but coldn't find it. I was going to write some of it down for you.
Your little extra on the last letter envelope was sweet! "To the Brownings-(yes, that does include Lisa)" She was excited. She's doing super. Getting along great here. She'll go talk to Mom and Dad after dates or work and just talk & talk. I think its a first for her. Her mom is always giving her a guilt trip. Then they fight. So, I would imagine her mom doesn't hear about her dates etc. just to avoid figting & being uncomfortable. Make sense?
I'm still going out to the YSC each Sunday. It's been a really neat experience and I sure hope those kids that go home make it!
I'm still dating Dirk. Did I tell you he's a red-head? He is a super neat, fun, good guy. You'd like him. He's pretty tall & quite athletic. I can't wait to have him meet you. He's heard all about you. I have a hard time not bringing you up in a conversation.
So the guys in the office are interested?! Oooh! How exciting!!! Tell them I say "hello." Are any of them CTRing? (Coming to Ricks?) Carriage House #206--just kidding!
I'm glad you enjoyed the tape. It was fun to make. Especially the talk net. Oooh-I'm here listening to the radio and guess what just came on! Barry! (Manilow-yeah--)
Well-old A.P. Boy-keep up the terrific job! Are you driving the Pres around much? How do you "teach" a new mission president?
Best of luck to you-You're a big stud! I think more of you than you'll ever know. You're a hero in my eyes!
Love your sis, Amy
P.S. Green paper in memory of the dodge Colt! My means of transportation! Even if it can't go over 55 real well!
Dear Eric Aug. 6, 1988
Greetings! Your lil' sis just so happens to be sick in bed with intestinal & stomach flu for the past 11 hours. It's been a sad situation. I was supposed to go to work at 9 o'clock this morning but as you can tell-I'm not there. I weight less right now since when I was a freshman. Don't know how long that will last-but it's nice!
The family has all gone to the Lloyd reunion except Steve & I. He's out picking chokecherries. Mom really wants us to come down later, it's just that there are things I have to do tomorrow. They say I should just get subs-but I don't know. Would you go out to the YSC for me tomorrow morning? (That's my biggest conflict.) I would really like to go too. I guess however Steve feels will determine what we do.
So how's traveling? Sounds like the rought life--!! ha! Dirk was AP in the mission and he told me about his first experience driving with the Pres. He was following every rule and being careful & the Pres looked over at him and said, "Elder, we're late." That's all it took! I imagine in Spain there aren't many road rules anyway.
Speaking of driving...Becky has her license now! She got it Thursday. Marisol Paredes wrecked there new car about a week ago. She wasn't supposed to be driving where she was or with who she was, so I figure she's in pretty big trouble.
Sunday 11 a.m. Well, we didn't go to the reunion. We went to a show instead. I've just returned from the YSC-it was pretty dead. Maybe I should've got someone to go out there for me!
The other night was fun. I was headed over to Deidre's & Lance was outside so I stopped to talk to him instead. We ended up going on a bike ride for about 1 1/2 hours. I filled him in on everything and everyone. Yes, I keep my ears open! (Plus, Sara is in 'love' with Lance. It didn't take long to break him in!) Has he wrote you since he got home? He has a job at the bookstore at Ricks. Speaking of which-I need to find a job! I'll probably apply at the hospital and maybe a few stores downtown, but I'd really like a job on campus!
Do you still have a comp even though you're an assitant to the pres? Since you are AP do you have a better apt.?
One of my roommates came up about a week ago and saw the play I'm in. We slept out on the tramp & stuff. She was really fun! I can't wait for school to start! I haven't much longer, have I? Dee & I are going book shopping Monday.
Oh-did I tell you-? I've entered the Upper Valley Miss Rexburg Pagent. Crazy, huh?! Oh well-despite the little time I have to prepare, I'll go through it. There is a swim suit contest too-thank heavens it's not the biggest % they judge on! Would you believe talent is 50%? I'll be playing the long version of Autumn Leaves. You remember sitting at my side playing the trickling leaves, don't you? We'll have to try it again when you get home. The pagent is one week after the play ends and the day after I move in at Carriage House, plus a day or two prior to school starting. Oh boy! Aug. 27th pray for me!
Well, gotta go, I've several other letters to write! You keep up the good work & remember..."God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we prove our dependability, he will increase our capability." (N. Maxwell) You can do it, ya stud! Love ya!-Amy
Eric, 8/30/88
How are ya doin!? Man-I can't believe you'll be home in 2 months! How exciting! Are you excited? And Steve will even be over to get you! You are one lucky young man.
Here I sit-Carriage House #206. What a fun place! Daytime is aburrida!! Big time!! I could walk all over the whole day long, but-it's just not a thrill.
I went to a dance last night. Lance was there. He's living down here somewhere! He's working at the Bookstore so I've seen him there a few times.
Got a letter from Trent. He says that you're his hero!! Golly-what an honor, huh!
Let me tell you about my roommates since I've met them now-in fact I've lived with them for 2 days now!
Tiffini is the one who came to St. Anthony to see my play. She is super nice & just a doll! She's very thoughtful & easy going. But she's got lots of ambition.
Lori has a shy sweetness about her. She has such a cute little smile. Ah-I know who her smile reminds me of. Mike Larsens wife-Tina. One of those grins. She's really sweet.
Pam is a junior-a 3 yr. program in interior design. She cooks really healthy meals for herself. (I like her style!) She seems like she'll be pretty fun.
Ruth is a soph and the R.A. for the 1st floor. She was the one I thought would be "loco," but she's ok. She keeps to herelf & her books most of the time. She reminds me of Tony Whitmore. Do you remember her? I know she'd like to get out & do things. She just doesn't have anyone to do it with. We got her to go dancing last night. She is really into elves. I can or could write about her all day long, she's probably the most unusual & interesting.
I think your old roommate "Kelly" is in my ward. Where was he from? I don't dare ask him though. Wasn't he the one that used to smoke in the bathroom? Or was that someone else? Maybe tonight at our ward social I'll get brave and ask him.
Classes start tomorrow. YIKES! This is a big change for me. I feel really wierd-like I'm in a dream waiting to wake up. Are you going to Choose the Right and Come to Ricks when you get home? I hope you'll visit so I can introduce you to my friends. There are lots of cute girls in my ward. Laura lives here too! I see her everyday.
The Miss Rexburg Pagent was Saturday evening. Rama Jean Griffeths won and Shawna Parkinson placed 1st. (3 red-heads placed!) I was Miss Congeniality. I got a nice gold antique bracelet and also a $100 scholarship. So I guess I'm glad I did this. I feel pretty good about how I did etc. I didn't trip! Dirk took some pictures so maybe I'll be able to send you some.
I just want you to know that I don't live at home anymore, therefore, it is mandatory that you write to me-personally! You have the address! You know-that cold, hard, metal surface is not a pleasant sight! Sound familiar?!
Keep working hard! Did you say that you're going back out in the field to track? That will be fun. Let me know how you're doing. Send me a picture some day.
Love ya & write soon or I'll never clean your room again!
Amy
9/13/88 (Birthday card with man (ziggy cartoon) sitting in green chair with Matador picture behind him reads: "My birthday wish is like me...not real cool and sophisticated, but real warm and sincere!)
Hi there Eric!
I went to the bookstore looking for a card for you and finally decided on this one because of the spanish painting on the front. Pretty nifty, huh!
I can't believe that you're going to be home--SOON!! I'm so excited to see my big brother again! I want you to meet all of my roommates-they're a bunch of neat girls! Ruth is a little strange, but even she's nice.
School is great so far. I'm studying moderately, dating a little, practicing my piano hard, and exercising for classes! Tonight I went over to the track and tried to run 1 1/2 miles-but we all know how that goes with me! But I'll get it one of these days. I just finished reading in the Book of Mormon...sometimes I wish I had someone right at my side to explain everything to me. Sometimes I feel so stupid because I don't know about something that should be, or is common knowledge to everyone else! Oh well-I guess I'll have to study all the harder.
I'm taking a dance class and I just love it! I'm also a teacher's assistant in aerobics. I guess it pays to have connections.
So how are things? Are you excited for Mom, Dad, & Steve to all come over to get ya? I am like dang jealous! Be sure to keep them mindful of us while they're over there eating foreign foods etc.
How does it feel being *21* years old?! You're ancient! Just kidding.
Please accept this 'gift.' I am now very officially a $ poor college student!! I figure this won't be too hard to find space in the suitcase for, it would be perfect for a wallet-I just think it's a good thought for everyone even you!! I mean-I know you're perfect, but still!
Have a good one--make it groovey! (jk)
Love ya! Amy
P.S. I know that for a gift you've always privately hoped you'd receive pictures of me-well, here is your hope coming true! Seriously-Bring them back with you. I've very few pictures and I'd like to add these to my book. Mom just wanted to be sure you saw them! Thanks bunches! xoxo
Dear Family 19-09-88
Today is P-Day once again, but it seems to me its not one of my better days, (even though I do recognize that it's Amy's Birthday. Sorry, Amy.) Today is the 3rd time in my mission that I'm sick. I think I've got stomach flu. I'm not sure but what ever it is, it's not too pleasant.
I need to tell you about how much we are being blessed over here! The Lord really is opening many doors for us and we find ourselves with some choice people who are really progressing to baptism. The other night my comp and I were walking to a charla when an older lady of 83 years stepped out from a group with whom she was conversing and stopped us. She then began to tell us how a friend had lent her the Book of Mormon and that she had felt something really special about that Book! She was begging for us to come by to explain it to her. We did, and we gave her a book with the Jerry Browning testimony inside. As we began to teach the spirit testified powerfully of the truths and she has accepted them really well. She even has invited her friend to listen and the spirit was so strong today with both of them. They are both Jehova Witnesses but they have not felt what they have been looking for. What great joy we felt as we were able to tell of the restoration and to see tears come to these two elderly sisters eyes as we unfolded at last before them the message they have been searching all their lives. They are gonig to LOVE the next charlas. They KNOW Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true. This is such a neat experience the scripture of 123:12 of the Doctrine and Covenants they really got into. Also they recognized the spirit probably the first time in their lives. The Lord truly has prepared them for the gospel of Jesus Christ! And their are many more out there. Its just a shame that we are sick today. At least the Lord gave us strength to give that charla to them and the sickness wasn't a hinderance. When I'm sick (3 times only my whole mission) it really makes me appreciate health and also my MOMMY! Its not as fun to have to suffer it through with a comp who is also sick, but that's alright.
Well, I am excited to have you come over, if you are! I still don't have a clue basically. I need to know. I'm sure by the time you get this I'll know. I sure do love you,
Eric
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