July 5th, 2011

Hallooo,

You guessed it- Germany is NOT celebrating the 4th... But its okay- they have plenty of holidays anyways. I swear theres a holiday once a week! 

    Yes, I have met the new mission president, Presidant Schwarz. I really like him. He looks like Arnold Swarchenegger, but with Pres. Uchtdorf´s hair. He´s like an awesome grandpa figure. I have my 1st interview with him on Friday morning. Hahaha, when I first met him, he told me how he had already heard of me...I dont know if thats good or bad haha. But so far he has nothing to worry about. I think Ill be fine. He really stressed working with the members this past Zone conference, which is funny cuz Pres. Ninow always stressed Finding. Apparantly Germany is supposed to have HUNDREDS of Stakes, and Temples are supposed to dot the Rhein. It´ll hit a point where it´ll be baptising like South America! And its already started. And I think the AP´s have something in for me, wth 13 Goldens coming in in 3 weeks...*gulp*. But thats what happens when your comp. goes home, you´ve been in the area for 2 cycles, and your served with both AP´s in your golden cycles. Elder Anderson (my MTC comp) is a Zone leader in Heidelberg, which is awesome. Im going on a split w/ Elder Prusse´s buddy tomorrow, and im really good friends w/ Elder Rapps buddy (who´s still in Köln)

         Wait, so did you mail the ipod or not? Im not sure if this is some sick joke or something hahaha. Yes, I have basically cleaned out the debit card to pay for my drivers license stuff today. I have to anmeld into a driving school, and then study and take the test. I should have my license by the end of this cycle (I actually saw my license- they already have it, I just need to pass the test!) Dont worry about memory card stuff- Im gunna by an external harddrive, which holds about 500 gb and is like way cheap, so I can just store everything from my camera on there. 

        Our lessons were kinda lackng this week, only 9. BUT, we noticed something: When we eat really well, we do really well, and when we have no food, we suck. We havnt had food the past 2 weeks, which was not very good, BUT today we bought ALOT. So, I think we´ll be able to reach our goal of 20 lessons. The only interesting person I can think of is Danial Schilling. He´s 21, studying to become a Priest in his church, he LOVES everything mediaval- he makes his own chainmail shirts and plays a knight at one of the castles I've visited, like actual sword fights and jousting. He´s way open too. He also plays guitar, so he´s basically awesome.He´s friends with a member (Br. Maaß) and they play in the same band (which will be playng at the Highland Games in Scotland this year).. (He plays percussion, so keep your eyes open if you watch them) so thats how he got introduced.  As for families, we have this one lady, Frau Lorenz, who usually comes to church and knows its true and wants to get baptised, but is worried of breaking old traditions with their own church (she has 8 kids, and ALL want to come to ours except their oldest son whose getting confirmed, but he´s only doing that cuz all his friends are) They´re way awesome, we just havnt even met with them yet!

        Thanks for sending me your conversion story! I knew the Osmonds played some part, but I didn't know the whole thing. Last PDAY, We did some Genealogy stuff at the church (which was sweet) and Ive sent you some names to do through the mail, so you should get those tomorrow (Tuesday). Did you know that "Madore" was someones middle name, and that its supposed to be "M´adore"? It means "one who loves themself", so when you say "Je m´adore", it means "I love myself". Pretty interesting stuff. Its too bad I cant go back very far on your family though. 

          Except for all that, nothing overly special this week. Its really cold here. And I had Thai food the other day- duck, sticky rice, onions and some mussel sauce. Its all hand food. It was pretty good! Didnt eat too much, it was waayy filling. But yeah, thats about it. If you want names to pray for to help us, here you go:

-Monique Klesper

-Christian Kiehle
-Daniel Stange

-Daniel Schilling

-the Lorenz family

-Herr Zühlke

         Thats our investigator pool at the moment. So yeah, Im gunna go bake bread and get ready to anmeld, so Ill talk to you later! Oh, by the way, my 10-month mark is next week. Just sayin. K tschüß!

June 20, 2011

HELLO,

This week for lessons we got 14, and our goal was 15. DARN. We found 2 new investigators, so thats pretty sweet. Sounds like the ward will be as big as my first branch when I get back! Tell Giselle that im doing fine and that she should write me lol. DO YOU KNOW WHAT ITS LIKE NOT GETTING MAIL?? IT STINKS. I got a letter yesterday from the buro in Frankfurt, and it was FOR MY COMPANION. GAHH. Ive gotten used to it, so dont be so worried that I'll be depressed or something. The trunkyness is gone, prolly cuz I hit my 9-month-mark last week. 

 Im glad im not getting transfered, cuz now I get to kill the 4th companion ive been with. Im on a roll. And we get along really well. He´s gunna write Travis aletter in Elvish, but dont tell him. 

Um, so about the Ipod. What I was thinking was sticking it in a plastic bag, and putting it in an empty PB jar and filling the jar with some tiny sweets that could cushion it. I dont really have anymore room for clothing haha. But yeah, just be creative. AND you can send it to Solingen, you dont have to send it to the mission home. Church movies are absolutley fine. And, if possible, could you put some bagpipe music on it? You dont have to, but it would be nice lol. But yeah, send it here to Solingen- Ill be here another 2 cycles. SO, Ive decided while writing Dave that I enjoy the Point System to talk about stuff, so im gunna do that. HEERRE WE GO:

-I obtained a One Rubel coin (Russian money) from the Communist timeperiod (its dated 1970-its really cool) (and really big- I use it to make decisions)

-I walked on the richest street in Europe on Pday, the Königsalle (Kings Alley). I saw a watch for 63,000€. You actually need an appointment to shop at most of the stores. 

-I want a copy of "Mein Kampf" (Hitlers book), but its totally verboten here. You can get into some serious trouble if you get caught with it, so ima have to wait till I get home lol

-There was a massive hailstorm during the week, that was cool. And kinda painful. I dont think theres tornadoes over here, but im not sure.

-Yesterday, while we were on the way home from a less actives house, it downpoured. We got in the house, and it looked like we had just jumped in a swimming pool. It stunk.

-Along with German and Russian, ive begin to learn Welsh and Gaelic. Welsh is really hard, and I want to read the BOM I have in it, and Gaelic just for fun.

I think thats everything for this week. We have Zone conference tomorrow in Dortmund, so Ill see some peeps.. yo. Its President´s last Zo-Ko, and the new Mission President comes in June 29, and I just realized that thats next week. Oh how the time flys. I'll be hitting my year mark in 2 cycles, and the time will bestimmt (defintly) fly from there. OH YEAH. Its been really cold here. I mean, reeallyy cold. Its been Cold and Rainy. But yeah, I think thats it for this week. I hope I get your letter this week! K, i gotta go do other stuff. We´re not really doing anything today cuz Elder Hansens gunna pass off stuff tomorrow for ZO-KO. K, bis nächste Woche! 

p.s.... Tell Grandma and the Shelley's thank you for their generosity...it's always appreciated, I just keep forgetting to mention it!!

June 12, 2011

Hello,
Not getting mail doesnt really bother me anymore, ive grown use to it. I'm working my butt off here trying to earn back trust that should have not of gotten lost through that incident.  Um, so transfer calls came in. Im staying here with Elder Hansen, which means he´ll be the 3rd missionary Ive sent home. Our baptisim that we have planned may not happen, cuz the mom of the girl is completly against it (she thinks we´re a cult, sect, etc.) But we´re still planning on it for next week. And this week we will hopefully set up a few more- We got a referral from a member for this family with 8 kids! And the wife came to church on Sunday and plans on coming more often! We knocked on their door, and when they answered, we saw one of our pass along cards on their clock, which is the first thing you see when the door opens. They look/sound very promising. But yeah, this was a really good week. The reason im writing a little late is cuz yesterday was a holiday, so pday got moved to today. But yeah, we had a goal set for 20 lessons in the week and we got 15- thats like the most ive ever had ever. It was sweet. OH, and Elder Prussy´s friend, Elder Telfer, is the new Zone leader for our zone, and the Zone leaders are in my district, so Ill see him more often. So if you see Elder Prussy, tell him! The weather has been on and off here. If anythings its been kinda chilly, but IM fine with that- its better than the heat. And this whole disease (E coli) thing is dying down, so we can eat food again. Other than that I cant think of anything exciting- I forgot my planner at home, and that has all the stuff in it that I want to tell. Oh well, hopefully Ill have it on Monday. I hit my 9 month mark tomorrow! AND one of the Elders that was in the MTC with us is coming back out! He´s in the MTC right now and will be on his way to Frankfurt mission within a cycle or two! OKay, I think thats about it. Elder Hansen and I are going on a Parkour tour today in Düsseldorf and Solingen, so Ill prolly be way sore tomorrow. K, have a nice week! Tschüß!

June 6, 2011

Things are going pretty good here! We set a Baptisimal date on my
birthday, and will prolly set another this week. I did eat horse, and it
was waaayyy good. I also got presents from the district (PB, Syrup,
and other stuff) But yeah, I got your letter in the mail! THANK YOU
lol. I also got a letter from the Shellys! You and them and my buddy
from the MTC are the only ones that write me- I get emails from Dave
and Joey and my trainer and Emily and Elder Hofbauer and E. Sorensen.
But yeah, Im doing good right now. We´re actually going bowling in a
few minutes so I dont have alot of time to write. But I am doing
better, so thanks for the support. They just had Fathers Day here, and
Im not sure when it is in the USA, so tell dad HAPPY FATHERS DAY cuz i
dont know when it is. Oh, we also are working with these investigators
that have 8 KIDS. That doesnt happen in Germany...like ever. So
hopefully they go somewhere. But yeah, thats about it for now. Its
been really hot and we just had 2 big thunderstorms, so its cooled
down a bit. But one woke us up at like 3:15a.m., and I couldnt get back
to sleep after that, so I was very tired during church. Okay, I think
thats it for now. Hope you all have a nice week!  Tschüß!

A letter to you (for a change)

Hi Alex,

 Sounds like you had a rough week! As I read your letter, my heart ached for you. I can never understand how tough the mission field must be but what I do know is that what you’re feeling- EVERYONE out there in the mission field goes through it in one way or another. What would one of Satan’s greatest victories be? To have a missionary go home before his time!! You were called to this mission LONG before you were even born. If you don’t serve to the best of your abilities and what your fully capable of, then guess who wins?? You have never had to face these kinds of challenges before. NOTHING is easy at first. Remember one of my motto’s is “everything is hard until it gets easy”!! You are almost half way done!! You said you didn’t know what to do—SOOOO, as your Mom, I’m going to tell you what to do!! …. You are going to get on your knees, pray for strength, pour your heart out in your prayer, THEN, you’re going to get up and get back to work! You are going to show the President as well as yourself what you’re made of…. You are going to be obedient, kind, and your going to endure your trials with patience. You are going to KNOW that your family is always praying for you!! Alex, you knew you were going to Germany years ago! For whatever reason, the Lord let you hold on to that memory of your calling from the premortal world. You have special work to do and people to prepare…whether for you to baptize or someone else to some day! Satan is also aware of what you are supposed to accomplish. Maybe you will teach someone who one day will be a great leader of the church. Or maybe you will be an example to someone who is already a member. Maybe one day, you will be that leader!! Your mission is just the beginning of many great things—Don’t question the trials, just humble yourself and let the Holy Ghost guide!!

Satan has attacked our family in so many ways over the past 4 or 5 years!! Between what happened with Dad, then the house fire, and health issues in the family. Through it all we have stuck together, fighting the urge to just give up, fighting confusion in how to deal with things.  We are all stronger for it! The basic thought I always need to bring myself back to is … Light is Christ, dark is Satan. If I’m emotionally feeling bad, I know that is NOT of Christ. Keep asking yourself “what am I suppose to accomplish that is so important that God would let me remember that I would be going to Germany”. Then GET TO WORK!! You may NEVER know but Heavenly Father does. Be patient and trust him! He knows what you’re made of and if he didn’t think you could do this mission, you would NOT be there! You needed to grow; YOU needed to see what you’re made of!! DON’T GIVE UP!!

Sister Gimenez reminded me that you are getting a new mission president in July. Not that President Ninow isn’t wonderful but after 3 years he’s probably so done with directing 100 teenage boys!! New Presidents come in with new energy, and patience AND new ideas! (That new Ipod might not be ok with the new president)… I’ve included a few messages on the next page that were on your Facebook as well as a couple from my inbox that I wanted to share with you! I hope they lift your spirit and bring YOU hope.

I LOVE and ADORE you more than you can ever know!! 

Hugs and Kisses!!!

LOVE MOM

FACEBOOK MESSAGES:

Alex, What a great opportunity you have to be there trying to share the gospel. You remind me of Ammon when he went to teach the Lamanites. All he needed was courage, faith, and a firm determination to fulfill "his mission". It wasn't easy for him, in fact, it was full of challenges. Those challenges are what forged him into the great leader that he later became. We are all very proud of you! For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) We love you! We believe in you! You can do this!

Brother Gimenez

Alex!!!! Keep on working hard!! I can't believe that we are soo close! Well... I mean we are still a couple countries away but its better than nothing! :) Happy early birthday!! Please keep smiling and don’t give up!!

Giselle

MY inbox:

Pretty much every missionary goes through this, I know I did! And a lot of my companions did too, and tell him that the missionaries who come home early get married to ugly girls. Hope thing get better and I’ll pray for him so he can find his motivation. Have a good day sister Madore and say hi to all your family for me (except Mckenzie).lol

Elder Rudus

I agree with Rudas. Couldn't have said it any better. It is so hard on the mission to think about the end. You feel like it's never going to come, but when it does you wish you had more time. It is so nice to look back on those hard times, because it's those hard times that make you stronger!

Elder Barney

QUOTE:

When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life… We are meant to learn and grow through opposition, through meeting our challenges, and through teaching others to do the same… the Lord will not only consecrate our afflictions for our gain, but He will use them to bless the lives of countless others.”
–Dallin H. Oaks, “Give Thanks in All Things,”

May 30, 2011

Hello,
Sounds like things are going...well? Hope everything works out for everyone. I also had a pretty hard week. I was sick for 2 days with headaches, runny nose (which I still have), throat aches, and just being physically exhausted. And on Friday morning, I took a nasty spill down a hill and sliced open my knee, cut my side way bad and destroyed my arm. I even had rocks stuck IN my hand- I cut them out with a knife, so its okay. But yeah, its healing up pretty good but Im still pretty sore. On Thursday we had interviews, and Pres. chewed me out BIG time- he said he heard from four or five missionaries that I was showing them rituals to summon evil spirits, which is so not true! That stuff scares me to death, and I dont even know rituals or anything. It made me really mad (im still kinda flared) because I havnt done anything, and he said that he´s gunna let the next mission pres. know so he can keep his eye out. He even threated to send me home! I like Pres. Ninow, but he jumped to a conclusion WAY too fast. But yeah, he just told me not to talk about stuff like that ever again. I dont even know who could have told him anything- maybe 2 people know that Elder Sorensen and I had a frightful experience, and he said I was trying to pull a school prank on the goldens. Yeah, Im feelin pretty trunky. Not home-sick, just really trunky. Like, I really want to come home. Really Badly. Its hard to focus, and the heats not helping anything. And now theres some disease going around in veggies thats legit killing people. Its called Kym or something. It appears as only diarrhea, and thats how it gets you cuz you think its only the runs. So i cant eat döners, or anything green. BUT, I did have legit chinese food on Friday. Thats was pretty good. And yeah, I wanna eat horse on my B-day. I want to be able to say Ive done it, and I hear its pretty good. We ran into Jehova´s Witnesses the other day.  All they do is bash us on how the Bible is the only thing that matters, as if we don't use the Bible too.  And Yes, we did sing on Sunday. It actually went pretty well. The castle was also really cool. Ive been doing a really bad job at uploading pics, but thats okay. I gotta get a memory stick or something soon, cuz im running out of room on my card. UM, im also out of PB :) just saying. Sunday was really stressful. Im not sure why, but I just blew a mental gasket. I think it had just been building up for 8 months and I just lost my mind. Im having a really stressful time. Its not my companion or the area, its just me. I cant focus, im really trunky, theres alot going on, I have a zone leader split tonight (not that thats a bad thing) into tomorrow, the ward is asking alot from us...yeah, im exhausted. Im sleeping really well, but its not enough. I dont know what to do. And Elder Hansen wants me to take over the area on Wed., so im going a little crazy. Tansfer calls are next week, but I dont think Either of us are going anywhere, cuz he´s going home next cycle. But, I cant really judge anymore- thats what I thought about my last area. Tell Trav he´s gotta stop being sick and buck up to shots. Bring him to a hypnotheropist or something. Im not sure what else to write. If I think of anything, blah blah blah (the usual) Yeah, okay, ill talk to you next week. Good luck with the surgery :D K, tschüß

May 23, 2011

helloiubga

Well, im doing a little better since last time. 
 Our Mission Leader is back-I think he was just having a bad day or something. Im not sure about
his english, and I dont have his address that you asked for. Um, yeah, so for PDAY today
we´re going to a castle FINALLY. Dont worry too much about the Ipod for my birthday.
Just send it to the mission home lol. Take your time with it. Im
actually with Elder Liebelt right now. He´s serving in Köln (or
Cologne), and they are coming with us to the schloss. Its getting hot
here, but its not too bad... Im gunna eat a horse for my birthday, cuz we found a
butcher that specializes in them. 
Yeah, so I never told you about the work here! So, we have 3 progressing investigators, one of which we
commited to baptisim, and he said yes, but we dont have a date set up.
The ward is about 50-60 members, and apperantly we´re singing with the
ward choir on sunday...*shutter*. Yeah, Elder Hansen will go home at the
end of July. I'll prolly take over here, but thats what I thought about
Wetzlar. Um, the Zone Leaders think im gunna start moving up the leadership
ladder, so thats kinda horrifying. But yeah, other than that, thats
about it. Cant think of anything else right now, so i'll write stuff
down for next week. K, ima go now. Have a nice week! Tschüß!