Dear Family & Friends,
Well so for the last week of missionary work. I really don't know where to start or what to say. We met with one investigator named Daniel (26) and we did set a date with him for the 27th of December! We are pretty excited but we are going to work really hard with him because he has a problem with smoking and hasn't been to church since I've been here. He is a really nice kid. We know that if he really wants it and if we work our hardest to help him that he will be able to achieve it. Please pray for him also. We set the date with him on Friday afternoon. Right after his appointment we began to fast for Br. Phong. I was praying so much for him last week. I knew that it was going to be difficult to set a date with him but I believed that he was ready and that the Lord would help us out. We met with Br. Phong Saturday night. We fasted all the way until after our appointment. We showed up and the bishop was with us. He had been doing some research on the church and was worried about tithing. We changed our lesson plans on the spot and taught about Tithing. He was stuck on the number part of tithing rather than the faith. In that lesson I realized more than ever that it wasn't about the money but showing our faith and building the kingdom of God. The lesson lasted for an hour and a half but we were able to set a baptism date for the 20th of December. On Sunday he didn't show up until the Sacrament meeting (last hour) and he wasn't feeling the greatest. He was still focused on tithing but a recent convert was talking with him after church and it went well. He was able to talk to him and help him understand that it was between him and the Lord. Last night his family was invited to FHE by one of the families in the ward and it was good to build a relationship there. Just a blessing filled week. I'm grateful for the blessings that the Lord sends me. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for these two sons of God. They are really coming to know there Savior Jesus Christ. It's way sweet to be a part of this change in their lives.
Well we are working way hard and obviously we are seeing the effects of it. A little update on myself. I was able to weigh myself this last week and I found out that I've lost 25 lbs! I weigh 175. I haven't been that light since the 8th grade. It's crazy. I wonder if I'm done losing.
That's crazy about those two wrecks. Everyone is glued to there cellphones these days. I see 8 year old kids talking on cell phones these days and it's crazy. How the times change. I'm sure you've heard about the German Goalie that committed suicide. Pretty sad that someone would go to that extreme.
That's sweet that you were able to sit in the Chapel. I'm glad that it was a good experience. The Apostles teach so well. I've been able to listen to a couple of talks this past week and I find it so amazing how well they teach. I'm working on my teaching skills and expecting the spirit to be there. I know that the spirit of God is with me as I teach. I can feel it's presence and I know that it's real.
I was so excited to hear that the Hallidays are doing good and that Eric and Megan and Seth are doing well.
Well I got a letter from Luci Jones this last week but that's it. Thanks for spreading the news about the blog and giving my address out. I hope that it will be able to help some people come closer to Christ.
Thanks For the great letter. Christmas is right around the corner! Love you all.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Dear Family,
Hey what a week. We were able to find 3 new investigators in 2 days which is pretty stinking good. Unfortunately, we weren't able to find any others for the week but we are trying hard. So Aunt Jill wrote me and she asked if I ever get to go out to the country. Yes I do. We have pretty big areas and we get to travel. The trains go through country but it's not anything like the states. It's hard to explain. Where I am now there are tons of trees. All the leaves are gone but it was way pretty. I can't wait 'till next fall. Our mission is down sizing so we have about 120 missionaries and it's only getting smaller. President is trying to get only one set of missionaries per ward.
Well sounds like it was a good week for you at home. It was a good week for us too. Our #1 investigator, Br. Phong (pong) is really progressing and it's amazing. I love it. It brings me so much happiness. He is already in Helaman and he's been reading now for 4 weeks. Crazy. We don't even have to really teach because he learns through reading in The Book of Mormon. I'm so excited for this week. Elder Texiera, Part of the Europa Presidentschaft asked all the missionaries in Europe to take each one of there progressing investigators and set a date this week before the end of the year. That means we will be committing Br. Phong to Baptism this week! We are really excited. I've been praying really hard for him and for myself because I'm going to need it. I would ask you all to pray for me as well as Br. Phong this week. Thank you.
We have some other investigators that we are working with but unfortunately they aren't progressing all that much. This past week we visited an inactive member that lives in an old person home. We meet with him every week so it's a regular thing. His roommate is wheelchair bound and looks like death. It's crazy because it doesn't matter how old people get they still drink their beer. He has to drink it out of a sippy-cup. I had a laugh over it. I forgot to tell you last week but I was able to give my first blessing in German. I gave it to this inactive. He asked me for one and it was a really cool experience. Talking about being led by the Spirit. German is not an easy language. The grammar is really hard but it's coming along very very well.
Well because there is no Thanksgiving here people are already putting up Christmas decorations. It's sweet. We decided that we would join so we put up some Christmas lights in our apartment.
I got the letters from the kids except for Kiersten. Sounds like everything is going well at home. I'm glad to hear that. Tell everyone that asks how I'm doing I say hi and tell them about the blog. I'm glad that people ask how I'm doing. Makes me feel good. Hopefully lots of people read the blog and see how I'm doing. OK... I'm out of stuff to write about but something will pop into my head as soon as I leave, that's OK though. Well I don't need anything. Sorry that it's so difficult. Don't worry about sending me anything big. Don't send me Chocolate or candy. I'll send it to you. The only thing I would really want is letters and pictures. Don't worry about it. Make it small--really small. OK, please put some pictures on the blog for some people if you haven't already.
Love you all so much. I'm excited to hear from you all again. Dad don't forget to write me about updates on fishing, sports with the kids, and anything else I would find interesting. Mom you do great every week writing me. I always when reading have a reason to say "no way" out loud and then everyone looks at me weird. It's great. Love you all.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
(I asked Kyle how old his investigators are.)
Hey what a week. We were able to find 3 new investigators in 2 days which is pretty stinking good. Unfortunately, we weren't able to find any others for the week but we are trying hard. So Aunt Jill wrote me and she asked if I ever get to go out to the country. Yes I do. We have pretty big areas and we get to travel. The trains go through country but it's not anything like the states. It's hard to explain. Where I am now there are tons of trees. All the leaves are gone but it was way pretty. I can't wait 'till next fall. Our mission is down sizing so we have about 120 missionaries and it's only getting smaller. President is trying to get only one set of missionaries per ward.
Well sounds like it was a good week for you at home. It was a good week for us too. Our #1 investigator, Br. Phong (pong) is really progressing and it's amazing. I love it. It brings me so much happiness. He is already in Helaman and he's been reading now for 4 weeks. Crazy. We don't even have to really teach because he learns through reading in The Book of Mormon. I'm so excited for this week. Elder Texiera, Part of the Europa Presidentschaft asked all the missionaries in Europe to take each one of there progressing investigators and set a date this week before the end of the year. That means we will be committing Br. Phong to Baptism this week! We are really excited. I've been praying really hard for him and for myself because I'm going to need it. I would ask you all to pray for me as well as Br. Phong this week. Thank you.
We have some other investigators that we are working with but unfortunately they aren't progressing all that much. This past week we visited an inactive member that lives in an old person home. We meet with him every week so it's a regular thing. His roommate is wheelchair bound and looks like death. It's crazy because it doesn't matter how old people get they still drink their beer. He has to drink it out of a sippy-cup. I had a laugh over it. I forgot to tell you last week but I was able to give my first blessing in German. I gave it to this inactive. He asked me for one and it was a really cool experience. Talking about being led by the Spirit. German is not an easy language. The grammar is really hard but it's coming along very very well.
Well because there is no Thanksgiving here people are already putting up Christmas decorations. It's sweet. We decided that we would join so we put up some Christmas lights in our apartment.
I got the letters from the kids except for Kiersten. Sounds like everything is going well at home. I'm glad to hear that. Tell everyone that asks how I'm doing I say hi and tell them about the blog. I'm glad that people ask how I'm doing. Makes me feel good. Hopefully lots of people read the blog and see how I'm doing. OK... I'm out of stuff to write about but something will pop into my head as soon as I leave, that's OK though. Well I don't need anything. Sorry that it's so difficult. Don't worry about sending me anything big. Don't send me Chocolate or candy. I'll send it to you. The only thing I would really want is letters and pictures. Don't worry about it. Make it small--really small. OK, please put some pictures on the blog for some people if you haven't already.
Love you all so much. I'm excited to hear from you all again. Dad don't forget to write me about updates on fishing, sports with the kids, and anything else I would find interesting. Mom you do great every week writing me. I always when reading have a reason to say "no way" out loud and then everyone looks at me weird. It's great. Love you all.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
(I asked Kyle how old his investigators are.)
Investigators: Br. Phong 46, Daniel 32ish, Sarah 19, Frau Salz 50
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sticking Around
Dear Mom,
Well it's the first time. I'm staying and Elder Gruber is staying with me. That means that I will probably stick aroung through Christmas too. I'm Excited. This ward is pretty darn sweet. The members are always ready to help. It makes missionary work so much easier. Now all we need is to have the members start giving referalls and inviting friends over and have us over. I know that the area has got some sweet potential because of the ward. It is a small ward but they try.
So for our investigators. We have our Buddhist investigator. He came to Stake Conference this last Sunday. That makes it three sundays in a row that he has come. He is definately making progress but he has a much farther way to come because he doesn't know nearly as much about Christ as the average person. He is flying through the Book of Mormon and starting to get to the "Good Stuff". He is a blessing for me as a missionary. Because we are teaching him he is helping me to study more for him. As I focus on teaching through the Spirit it helps me to feel the Spirit more often as well as follow the Spirit.
We are having another appointment with another investigator tonight. We are planning on teaching the second lesson. I know that this will help him to progress and understand the real reason why we are on the earth. We are really excited for this lesson and hope that we can help him to understand better our Heavenly Father's love for us.
The other Elders in our area are getting transfered together to another city in our district so we will be taking over their area as well. We are excited. It's going to keep us on our toes. I'm really trying to focus on doing all that I possibly can. If we stay busy we are much more liable to see success (baptisms) because there are just that many more investigators going through the pool.
We are working with one less active right now and she is making progress also. She enjoys meeting with us and is willing to keep commitments and coming to church more often. I'm grateful for the opportunity that I have to teach those and remind them of their testimony of Jesus Christ. It truly is a blessing.
How's everyone doing? How is Will doing? I'm sure he is tearing it up. How about Andrew? His mission is winding down here. Is he an Assistant yet? If not, my guess is that he will be soon. He was always a good example for me. I was always the one that had the stupid ideas that got us into trouble. Bike's to landslide-me, sparkler bomb-me, and many others but we'll talk about those later :) How are the kid's doing? I haven't hear from them in a while. The girls said that they were going to write me soon but my mailbox is still empty.
Sorry that I didn't wish Korbin a Happy Birthday in last week's email but I forgot. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Kiersten HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I just got to say, I don't regret not kissing anyone. From seeing others and hearing, it makes things awkward after it's all over. You've got your free agency but I would discourage it, just because you are still in High School. Whatever though.
Umm so I haven't heard from anyone in a long time. I got a letter from Mathesons two or three weeks ago but other than that ya. Well if you ever see anyone or hear how my friends are doing let me know how they are doing. I got a little plan for Christmas that might help roll in some letters or maybe even some stray packages. :) Please don't send me anything that is just to fill a package. I would rather just get letters. Now that I think of it I really don't want a new sweater. The only thing I can say is some recipe's for some cookies or even some simple things to cook we don't have to much time to cook so that makes it tough.
Well this transfer I'm going to focus on doing all that I can. I read a quote by Henry Ford this past week. It says. "Unless a man undertakes more than he can possibly do, he will never do all that he can." I'm really going to focus on doing my best and following the Spirit.
Thanks for the email mom. It really cheers me up and helps with not getting home sick. Thanks for your love and support. I love you all and wish you all the best this week.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
Well it's the first time. I'm staying and Elder Gruber is staying with me. That means that I will probably stick aroung through Christmas too. I'm Excited. This ward is pretty darn sweet. The members are always ready to help. It makes missionary work so much easier. Now all we need is to have the members start giving referalls and inviting friends over and have us over. I know that the area has got some sweet potential because of the ward. It is a small ward but they try.
So for our investigators. We have our Buddhist investigator. He came to Stake Conference this last Sunday. That makes it three sundays in a row that he has come. He is definately making progress but he has a much farther way to come because he doesn't know nearly as much about Christ as the average person. He is flying through the Book of Mormon and starting to get to the "Good Stuff". He is a blessing for me as a missionary. Because we are teaching him he is helping me to study more for him. As I focus on teaching through the Spirit it helps me to feel the Spirit more often as well as follow the Spirit.
We are having another appointment with another investigator tonight. We are planning on teaching the second lesson. I know that this will help him to progress and understand the real reason why we are on the earth. We are really excited for this lesson and hope that we can help him to understand better our Heavenly Father's love for us.
The other Elders in our area are getting transfered together to another city in our district so we will be taking over their area as well. We are excited. It's going to keep us on our toes. I'm really trying to focus on doing all that I possibly can. If we stay busy we are much more liable to see success (baptisms) because there are just that many more investigators going through the pool.
We are working with one less active right now and she is making progress also. She enjoys meeting with us and is willing to keep commitments and coming to church more often. I'm grateful for the opportunity that I have to teach those and remind them of their testimony of Jesus Christ. It truly is a blessing.
How's everyone doing? How is Will doing? I'm sure he is tearing it up. How about Andrew? His mission is winding down here. Is he an Assistant yet? If not, my guess is that he will be soon. He was always a good example for me. I was always the one that had the stupid ideas that got us into trouble. Bike's to landslide-me, sparkler bomb-me, and many others but we'll talk about those later :) How are the kid's doing? I haven't hear from them in a while. The girls said that they were going to write me soon but my mailbox is still empty.
Sorry that I didn't wish Korbin a Happy Birthday in last week's email but I forgot. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Kiersten HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I just got to say, I don't regret not kissing anyone. From seeing others and hearing, it makes things awkward after it's all over. You've got your free agency but I would discourage it, just because you are still in High School. Whatever though.
Umm so I haven't heard from anyone in a long time. I got a letter from Mathesons two or three weeks ago but other than that ya. Well if you ever see anyone or hear how my friends are doing let me know how they are doing. I got a little plan for Christmas that might help roll in some letters or maybe even some stray packages. :) Please don't send me anything that is just to fill a package. I would rather just get letters. Now that I think of it I really don't want a new sweater. The only thing I can say is some recipe's for some cookies or even some simple things to cook we don't have to much time to cook so that makes it tough.
Well this transfer I'm going to focus on doing all that I can. I read a quote by Henry Ford this past week. It says. "Unless a man undertakes more than he can possibly do, he will never do all that he can." I'm really going to focus on doing my best and following the Spirit.
Thanks for the email mom. It really cheers me up and helps with not getting home sick. Thanks for your love and support. I love you all and wish you all the best this week.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
What a Week!!
Hey Mom, Dad, and family,
First off, Mom I really don't remember your questions from last week so sorry. Thanks a ton for the pictures you sent. It cheers me up to see the kids having fun playing sports and other things that they like to do. I had to laugh when I read the little story about doing cookies in the red pickup with Katie. Oh, bye the way that was in the back yard before it was all smoothed out and stuff. It looked pretty sweet, dirt flying everywhere. I think Katie enjoyed it also. There are probably many more stories that you will find out from the kids while I am gone. I'm just glad I'm on the other side of the world so I can't really be punished :) Well I was really glad to hear the different stories you told me. Dad, soak up the fishing time.
This last week, I'm not going to lie, it was pretty difficult for me. I was kind of a little homesick but nothing big enough to keep me from working hard and being obedient. I just need to remember that no one is the same as me. Elder Gruber has been in this area for 7 months so he's getting a little tired of it. Transfer calls come this week so we will see what goes down. We had interviews with President and we had to teach him baptism and commit him to baptism. We did OK teaching him. We tried our best to invite the Spirit into the lesson. At the end of the lesson President acknowledged us for bearing testimony and that he was able to feel the spirit. That was really nice to hear. I've been working hard on bringing the spirit into every appointment. I've been doing OK but I can always do better.
Last night was one of those nights that makes all the hard and tough times worth it. We had an appointment with an inactive member and one of our newer investigators. We had planned out the lesson we were going to teach and we knew it could be filled with the spirit. As we taught the lesson we asked the inactive member what different things meant to her. As she answered the questions she was able to find herself testifying. It was great to help her find that testimony. As she testified the investigator was able to understand how much it all really meant to her. Several years earlier he had a baptismal date but for some reason he was not able to go through with it. There was an Elder here several years ago and he left a big impression on this family. It was great. As we bore testimony, the spirit came into the room and they all felt it. I asked Daniel, the investigator, if he could feel it. After he agreed I testified to him that that was the Holy Ghost testifying of truth. The Inactive sister came to church this last week and the members accepted her with loving open arms. It's always a blessing to see the light return to people's lives. The Bishop in the ward thanked us for our hard work. I work my hardest everyday and know that through time I will be blessed for the hard work I try to do.
I'm really excited for you Dad as well as the family for Elder Holland to come. I'm a little jealous. He is amazing when he speaks about missionary work. I hope that you will share with me what you learn. I love you all so much.
I got a letter from the Matheson family which was nice. It gets kind of lonely out here but I know that you are always thinking of me and love me. I want you to know that I love you all and wish you the best till next week.
"No Regrets"
Love,
Elder Merrill
p.s.We have to be quick on P-day in order to get things done. We don't get very many opportunity's to play ball or anything but I always watch what I'm doing. (Todd asked him to be careful if he plays sports on p-day so he doesn't get hurt).
First off, Mom I really don't remember your questions from last week so sorry. Thanks a ton for the pictures you sent. It cheers me up to see the kids having fun playing sports and other things that they like to do. I had to laugh when I read the little story about doing cookies in the red pickup with Katie. Oh, bye the way that was in the back yard before it was all smoothed out and stuff. It looked pretty sweet, dirt flying everywhere. I think Katie enjoyed it also. There are probably many more stories that you will find out from the kids while I am gone. I'm just glad I'm on the other side of the world so I can't really be punished :) Well I was really glad to hear the different stories you told me. Dad, soak up the fishing time.
This last week, I'm not going to lie, it was pretty difficult for me. I was kind of a little homesick but nothing big enough to keep me from working hard and being obedient. I just need to remember that no one is the same as me. Elder Gruber has been in this area for 7 months so he's getting a little tired of it. Transfer calls come this week so we will see what goes down. We had interviews with President and we had to teach him baptism and commit him to baptism. We did OK teaching him. We tried our best to invite the Spirit into the lesson. At the end of the lesson President acknowledged us for bearing testimony and that he was able to feel the spirit. That was really nice to hear. I've been working hard on bringing the spirit into every appointment. I've been doing OK but I can always do better.
Last night was one of those nights that makes all the hard and tough times worth it. We had an appointment with an inactive member and one of our newer investigators. We had planned out the lesson we were going to teach and we knew it could be filled with the spirit. As we taught the lesson we asked the inactive member what different things meant to her. As she answered the questions she was able to find herself testifying. It was great to help her find that testimony. As she testified the investigator was able to understand how much it all really meant to her. Several years earlier he had a baptismal date but for some reason he was not able to go through with it. There was an Elder here several years ago and he left a big impression on this family. It was great. As we bore testimony, the spirit came into the room and they all felt it. I asked Daniel, the investigator, if he could feel it. After he agreed I testified to him that that was the Holy Ghost testifying of truth. The Inactive sister came to church this last week and the members accepted her with loving open arms. It's always a blessing to see the light return to people's lives. The Bishop in the ward thanked us for our hard work. I work my hardest everyday and know that through time I will be blessed for the hard work I try to do.
I'm really excited for you Dad as well as the family for Elder Holland to come. I'm a little jealous. He is amazing when he speaks about missionary work. I hope that you will share with me what you learn. I love you all so much.
I got a letter from the Matheson family which was nice. It gets kind of lonely out here but I know that you are always thinking of me and love me. I want you to know that I love you all and wish you the best till next week.
"No Regrets"
Love,
Elder Merrill
p.s.We have to be quick on P-day in order to get things done. We don't get very many opportunity's to play ball or anything but I always watch what I'm doing. (Todd asked him to be careful if he plays sports on p-day so he doesn't get hurt).
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
October 20, 2009
Dear Mom,
Hey! I can't believe how fast time goes by. OK, so where to start. Well, I hope Katie didn't cry when she got her ear's pierced. I want to see some pictures. I bet she looks very cute. I was just looking at that picture and I can't believe how much Korbin and Kory have grown. It's amazing. It has been nine months though. Korbin looks like he's got his zits starting to come on. Gotta love 'em. :) Well, I really don't mind about my clothes anymore. I will probably send a box of clothes home that I never use anymore. I don't know when I'll do it so don't be expecting anything.
So I got a letter from Elder Waddoups this week. It was really good to hear from him. It really made my day. He seems to be doing really good. He says it's hard to speak Spanish when the majority is speaking English around you. I'm thankful that I'm surrounded with German. There are so many things I am thankful for. At the end of the day it's sometimes hard to speak in English because I only speak in German outside of the apartment. I have been super blessed with the language. I still have so much more to learn but I know that the Lord is helping me.
Well it's cold now. It's down in the low 40's high 30's now so we have to wear our suits. I'm pretty sure that my suits will be able to last me through the winter. The one that I had before the mission is starting to wear down but it still looks good. Luckily, if I have to, suits are really cheap over here.
That's way crazy that Rachel is rooming with Sara. I haven't heard from Lisa for about 3 months. Well I'm glad Dad is going fishing. The only thing I really miss is working on the farm. My companion things I'm crazy and sometimes makes fun of me but I love it.
It's been a pretty good week. At Zone Conference Sister Ninow talked to us about the gifts promised to obedient faithful missionaries. She gave us 15 scriptures from the Doctrine and Covenants that promised faithful missionaries special blessings. My favorite one I think is in Section 100. I think it's something like verse 7 or so when it is promised that ye shall say what I will put into your minds. It's amazing how much the Lord helps me. I owe so much to him for helping me on the mission. I serve as well as I can everyday. I go to bed at night and I think about each one of our investigators and usually I can't think about each one of them before I am out. I fall asleep in about 2-3 minutes. It's great.
We had an appointment with Br. Phong, our Buddhist Investigator, everything went very well. We had called him a couple days before to see if he was reading. He said that he had read a little bit and that he had a question as to why God destroyed Jerusalem. We prepared to answer his question and then to watch the Restoration video with him. As we began the lesson he said that he had read and that he was in 2 Nephi. He had read over 90 pages in less than a week. We were way excited. We answered his question as best we could and the member present was able to help us explain better as to why God would let that happen. As we watched the Restoration, I was praying that he would be able to learn something from it. During the film, Joseph Smith said that he was trying to find out which church was true. Br. Phong then said, "That's what I'm trying to do too". He told us at the end of the lesson that as soon as he feels that this church is true he will join immediately. I left that appointment with a very thankful heart. I am thankful that the Lord is letting me share my testimony to those that are searching for it. It has been a blessing for me to work through the Spirit of God in helping others come closer to Christ. My testimony grows everyday and I'm grateful for the many blessing that the Lord gives me.
Thank you so much for your love and support. You can tell the to girls that I am still waiting for their letters. :) Love you all and wish you all the best this week. You are always in my prayers.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
Hey! I can't believe how fast time goes by. OK, so where to start. Well, I hope Katie didn't cry when she got her ear's pierced. I want to see some pictures. I bet she looks very cute. I was just looking at that picture and I can't believe how much Korbin and Kory have grown. It's amazing. It has been nine months though. Korbin looks like he's got his zits starting to come on. Gotta love 'em. :) Well, I really don't mind about my clothes anymore. I will probably send a box of clothes home that I never use anymore. I don't know when I'll do it so don't be expecting anything.
So I got a letter from Elder Waddoups this week. It was really good to hear from him. It really made my day. He seems to be doing really good. He says it's hard to speak Spanish when the majority is speaking English around you. I'm thankful that I'm surrounded with German. There are so many things I am thankful for. At the end of the day it's sometimes hard to speak in English because I only speak in German outside of the apartment. I have been super blessed with the language. I still have so much more to learn but I know that the Lord is helping me.
Well it's cold now. It's down in the low 40's high 30's now so we have to wear our suits. I'm pretty sure that my suits will be able to last me through the winter. The one that I had before the mission is starting to wear down but it still looks good. Luckily, if I have to, suits are really cheap over here.
That's way crazy that Rachel is rooming with Sara. I haven't heard from Lisa for about 3 months. Well I'm glad Dad is going fishing. The only thing I really miss is working on the farm. My companion things I'm crazy and sometimes makes fun of me but I love it.
It's been a pretty good week. At Zone Conference Sister Ninow talked to us about the gifts promised to obedient faithful missionaries. She gave us 15 scriptures from the Doctrine and Covenants that promised faithful missionaries special blessings. My favorite one I think is in Section 100. I think it's something like verse 7 or so when it is promised that ye shall say what I will put into your minds. It's amazing how much the Lord helps me. I owe so much to him for helping me on the mission. I serve as well as I can everyday. I go to bed at night and I think about each one of our investigators and usually I can't think about each one of them before I am out. I fall asleep in about 2-3 minutes. It's great.
We had an appointment with Br. Phong, our Buddhist Investigator, everything went very well. We had called him a couple days before to see if he was reading. He said that he had read a little bit and that he had a question as to why God destroyed Jerusalem. We prepared to answer his question and then to watch the Restoration video with him. As we began the lesson he said that he had read and that he was in 2 Nephi. He had read over 90 pages in less than a week. We were way excited. We answered his question as best we could and the member present was able to help us explain better as to why God would let that happen. As we watched the Restoration, I was praying that he would be able to learn something from it. During the film, Joseph Smith said that he was trying to find out which church was true. Br. Phong then said, "That's what I'm trying to do too". He told us at the end of the lesson that as soon as he feels that this church is true he will join immediately. I left that appointment with a very thankful heart. I am thankful that the Lord is letting me share my testimony to those that are searching for it. It has been a blessing for me to work through the Spirit of God in helping others come closer to Christ. My testimony grows everyday and I'm grateful for the many blessing that the Lord gives me.
Thank you so much for your love and support. You can tell the to girls that I am still waiting for their letters. :) Love you all and wish you all the best this week. You are always in my prayers.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
October 13, 2009
Hello Dad, Mom, and kids,
Things are going pretty well here in Germany. Well, to answer your questions. I believe my long underwear should be in my green ski bag. Umm, another question. What is happening to all the stuff in my closet? There was some things that I believe I put on the top shelf that hopefully I will be able to find. I don't think I'll need my long underwear before Christmas so don't worry about sending anything before. I also thought maple flavoring would be nice so that I can make syrup because it's not a common item and when it is there it's expensive. They don't have vanilla flavoring either so if i would need that to make the syrup. Also, I would like some recipes like German pancakes, chicken Alfredo, a recipe for syrup and other easy stuff if possible. I don't want you to send me anything big or expensive for Christmas. I would rather have you save the trouble and money and save it for when I get home :)
This past week has been pretty nice. We were able to find one new investigator. She is pretty old and very very nice. She is too nice, actually. Hopefully she will come to church and progress in the gospel. We were able to go to a part member families home on Sunday for Cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. It was way good. That's something that I'm really going to miss. Rolf Peters was able to come to church this week. He really enjoyed it. It's going to be hard to keep teaching him though because he smokes like a chimney. He is a way friendly guy and wants to help us out with the language. We ran into an old investigator yesterday. She is 19 and speaks English. I was talking with her for a while and she lived in Moses lake for 2 months in 2005. She stayed with some members but she didn't remember their name. It was way sweet. Apparently, she knows that the church is true but is just having a hard time wanting to "change". She lives all of the commandments and everything but I don't know whats holding her back. Hopefully we can meet with her again and help her realize the blessing that it is to accept the gospel.
The other day we were doing doors and we talked with this guy, he was maybe 23-24. We taught him at his door for like 15 minutes. It was way sweet. He seemed really interested and said that we could meet again. I'm hoping that I'll be able to stay in this area for a while because it has loads of potential.
I am loving the mission so much! I can't believe it's already been 8 months. Something funny... The area Presidency has told us that we are not allowed to shake hand's anymore because of the swine flu. I don't know how bad it is or anything but hopefully it's not for too long.
Tomorrow we have Zone Conference and I'm pretty excited. Time is flying by this cycle. It's crazy how it works on the mission. It really seems like I've been in Germany for a couple weeks. I am starting now to understand other people's conversations that they are having with each other. It's funny being able to listen to people when they think that I can't understand.
Elder Gruber is a little sick so hopefully I don't get anything.
Tell the kids Happy birthday for me. I hope everything is well at home now.
I got a letter from the Laurels in the ward. It was nice. I thought it was really funny that Kiersten and Kelsey wrote the least amount. Hopefully, I'll get letters from them soon.
Love you all and I want to just say that this Church is true. I see people that don't have it and they are just not happy. It's amazing the joy that the gospel brings into our lives. Love you all and I can't wait to hear from you again.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
p.s. What are some things that might be cool for little Christmas presents from Germany?
Things are going pretty well here in Germany. Well, to answer your questions. I believe my long underwear should be in my green ski bag. Umm, another question. What is happening to all the stuff in my closet? There was some things that I believe I put on the top shelf that hopefully I will be able to find. I don't think I'll need my long underwear before Christmas so don't worry about sending anything before. I also thought maple flavoring would be nice so that I can make syrup because it's not a common item and when it is there it's expensive. They don't have vanilla flavoring either so if i would need that to make the syrup. Also, I would like some recipes like German pancakes, chicken Alfredo, a recipe for syrup and other easy stuff if possible. I don't want you to send me anything big or expensive for Christmas. I would rather have you save the trouble and money and save it for when I get home :)
This past week has been pretty nice. We were able to find one new investigator. She is pretty old and very very nice. She is too nice, actually. Hopefully she will come to church and progress in the gospel. We were able to go to a part member families home on Sunday for Cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. It was way good. That's something that I'm really going to miss. Rolf Peters was able to come to church this week. He really enjoyed it. It's going to be hard to keep teaching him though because he smokes like a chimney. He is a way friendly guy and wants to help us out with the language. We ran into an old investigator yesterday. She is 19 and speaks English. I was talking with her for a while and she lived in Moses lake for 2 months in 2005. She stayed with some members but she didn't remember their name. It was way sweet. Apparently, she knows that the church is true but is just having a hard time wanting to "change". She lives all of the commandments and everything but I don't know whats holding her back. Hopefully we can meet with her again and help her realize the blessing that it is to accept the gospel.
The other day we were doing doors and we talked with this guy, he was maybe 23-24. We taught him at his door for like 15 minutes. It was way sweet. He seemed really interested and said that we could meet again. I'm hoping that I'll be able to stay in this area for a while because it has loads of potential.
I am loving the mission so much! I can't believe it's already been 8 months. Something funny... The area Presidency has told us that we are not allowed to shake hand's anymore because of the swine flu. I don't know how bad it is or anything but hopefully it's not for too long.
Tomorrow we have Zone Conference and I'm pretty excited. Time is flying by this cycle. It's crazy how it works on the mission. It really seems like I've been in Germany for a couple weeks. I am starting now to understand other people's conversations that they are having with each other. It's funny being able to listen to people when they think that I can't understand.
Elder Gruber is a little sick so hopefully I don't get anything.
Tell the kids Happy birthday for me. I hope everything is well at home now.
I got a letter from the Laurels in the ward. It was nice. I thought it was really funny that Kiersten and Kelsey wrote the least amount. Hopefully, I'll get letters from them soon.
Love you all and I want to just say that this Church is true. I see people that don't have it and they are just not happy. It's amazing the joy that the gospel brings into our lives. Love you all and I can't wait to hear from you again.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
p.s. What are some things that might be cool for little Christmas presents from Germany?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
October 6, 2009
Dear Mom and family,
I'm glad that things are doing well for you with your neck. I was really shocked about it just because I thought it was going to be down the road. I'm glad that all is OK with it. I said a prayer to myself asking for your safety and to help the doctors perform it well.
Wow, that's crazy that Candace had a baby. Good for them. I've almost been out the time of a whole pregnancy :) Today I have been in Germany for six months. Because there is no Thanksgiving or Halloween, there is already Christmas candy being sold in stores. Are there any more kids my age getting married or married yet? When I read that Daniel Cuello got his mission call, that made me feel so good and I was way excited for him. It's really weird to think that kids younger than me are going to college and going on missions. I can't wait for those elders that come in and say that they graduated in 09. That will be weird. Man time flies.
This past week has been a really boosting week as we have worked our hardest. On Thursday, Elder Gruber had District Leader Council so I was able to go on a mini-split with Elder Castillo and Elder Beyrich. We were assigned to do doors right next to the church. We got on our way and we talked with everyone. In an hour and a half we were able to get 3 solid contacts as we used Teach To Find. Even though I was the one longest out on the mission I felt like the youngster out of the drit because of my German but I was grateful for the opportunity to work with them both. I have started to see the blessings of my last cycle. My German has become much more fluent and it is so much easier to understand.
Also this past week, we went through the area book and made calls to Former Investigators. I was able to get a hold of an older lady and when she finally figured out that we were the "Mormon Missionaries" she was so excited. She wanted to meet that week but because of her work we weren't able to set up an appointment. She went on to tell me that her Uncle is a member in the states and that she loved meeting with the missionaries 2 years ago. I'm so excited that we are having appointments and being able to teach.
Another story that just came to my mind was we set up an appointment with an inactive member and we were able to go teach him. We had planned out to teach the first lesson. We showed up to the appointment and he had his two children, the daughter Katarina 11 and the son Fabian 10, and there with their Book of Mormon's on the table as well as a first lesson pamphlet. We taught the three of them and then committed them to come to church. The two kids were very excited to have us there and when I invited them to come back to church Katarina had the biggest smile on her face and was so happy. Neither of the children are baptized but want so bad to come to church. I know that inactive work will bring blessings into other people's lives. When we left that night I felt the best I have ever felt on the mission so far. The little girls smile and excitement made me melt inside. I know that someday she will be able to enter into a covenant with Heavenly Father.
So far I've really enjoyed my time here in Solingen. The transfer is almost half way over. I can't believe how fast time flies. I'm really blessed to be able to serve a mission.
OK so with conference, My favorite Talk was from President Monson in the Priesthood session about anger. During that talk I felt something different and I know that it was the Spirit whispering to me that there are certain things I need to do to change my life. I don't have any problems with getting angry or anything but I was able to look back at the past and realize the things that I did poorly. I think we both know most of them but I just want to apologize for the false choices I made in treating my parents, siblings, and as well as some others. I am asking for your forgiveness because I handled many situations poorly and I realize now that I should have made the better choice.
Thank you for all of you love and support. I love you all and I wish you the best this week. Please continue to pray for me as I will continue to do the same for you. Love you all.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
I'm glad that things are doing well for you with your neck. I was really shocked about it just because I thought it was going to be down the road. I'm glad that all is OK with it. I said a prayer to myself asking for your safety and to help the doctors perform it well.
Wow, that's crazy that Candace had a baby. Good for them. I've almost been out the time of a whole pregnancy :) Today I have been in Germany for six months. Because there is no Thanksgiving or Halloween, there is already Christmas candy being sold in stores. Are there any more kids my age getting married or married yet? When I read that Daniel Cuello got his mission call, that made me feel so good and I was way excited for him. It's really weird to think that kids younger than me are going to college and going on missions. I can't wait for those elders that come in and say that they graduated in 09. That will be weird. Man time flies.
This past week has been a really boosting week as we have worked our hardest. On Thursday, Elder Gruber had District Leader Council so I was able to go on a mini-split with Elder Castillo and Elder Beyrich. We were assigned to do doors right next to the church. We got on our way and we talked with everyone. In an hour and a half we were able to get 3 solid contacts as we used Teach To Find. Even though I was the one longest out on the mission I felt like the youngster out of the drit because of my German but I was grateful for the opportunity to work with them both. I have started to see the blessings of my last cycle. My German has become much more fluent and it is so much easier to understand.
Also this past week, we went through the area book and made calls to Former Investigators. I was able to get a hold of an older lady and when she finally figured out that we were the "Mormon Missionaries" she was so excited. She wanted to meet that week but because of her work we weren't able to set up an appointment. She went on to tell me that her Uncle is a member in the states and that she loved meeting with the missionaries 2 years ago. I'm so excited that we are having appointments and being able to teach.
Another story that just came to my mind was we set up an appointment with an inactive member and we were able to go teach him. We had planned out to teach the first lesson. We showed up to the appointment and he had his two children, the daughter Katarina 11 and the son Fabian 10, and there with their Book of Mormon's on the table as well as a first lesson pamphlet. We taught the three of them and then committed them to come to church. The two kids were very excited to have us there and when I invited them to come back to church Katarina had the biggest smile on her face and was so happy. Neither of the children are baptized but want so bad to come to church. I know that inactive work will bring blessings into other people's lives. When we left that night I felt the best I have ever felt on the mission so far. The little girls smile and excitement made me melt inside. I know that someday she will be able to enter into a covenant with Heavenly Father.
So far I've really enjoyed my time here in Solingen. The transfer is almost half way over. I can't believe how fast time flies. I'm really blessed to be able to serve a mission.
OK so with conference, My favorite Talk was from President Monson in the Priesthood session about anger. During that talk I felt something different and I know that it was the Spirit whispering to me that there are certain things I need to do to change my life. I don't have any problems with getting angry or anything but I was able to look back at the past and realize the things that I did poorly. I think we both know most of them but I just want to apologize for the false choices I made in treating my parents, siblings, and as well as some others. I am asking for your forgiveness because I handled many situations poorly and I realize now that I should have made the better choice.
Thank you for all of you love and support. I love you all and I wish you the best this week. Please continue to pray for me as I will continue to do the same for you. Love you all.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
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