Dear Mom, Dad, and Family,
Thank you for the two emails. It really makes me happy to get mail/emails. I got your package yesterday. Thank you so much. It was pretty darn expensive to ship. You treat me too good. I hope that you get my package this week. OK, so with transfers. Elder Gruber is leaving and I'm getting an Elder named Elder McGowin. I know that he is 6 weeks older (mission wise) than me. I'll fill you in more next week. Oh and next week we are having zone conference and I think we might have it on Tuesday. That means that we will have p-day either on Monday or Wednesday. Don't know right now but I think we'll have it on Monday.
So for this week's success. We had a ward Christmas Party and there were several non-members there. It was pretty cool. No referral's from it or anything but the members brought some people which is a huge step, especially in Germany. We also had the opportunity to go by on a man that I had given a Book of Mormon to several weeks ago when I was on a split with our zone leader. He had a big smile when he saw me. It was way cool. So as we first talked to him he didn't want anything to do with us. We bore testimony to him and the Spirit worked on him a little bit. He loosened up a bit and took the Book of Mormon. We couldn't set up a return appointment but he said that we could come by again. We have been trying for 2 weeks to get in contact with him but he has never been home. We set up an appointment for Wednesday night with him and I'm super excited for it.
The bad news for the week is that Daniel has fallen back into the habit of smoking. He didn't come to church and he won't answer his phone. He just sends us text messages. I hate it. I'm afraid that we are going to have to move or even cancel his date. It's really tough for me because I have worked my tail end off trying to help him come closer to Heavenly Father but I don't think he understands or even wants it. I have tried to have daily contact with him but it hasn't been working. We will be going over there to figure it all out this week.
I have been really trying to develop my prayers and exercise my faith but it's hard to stay focused when stuff like this happens. I'm loving being a missionary though. I haven't been homesick at all lately which is a blessing. This could be a huge difficulty but luckily it hasn't been tough for me. I've been speaking only German for 3 weeks straight now. It's pretty fun. It helps me to learn more new words and to really get the grammar down. The grammar is probably the toughest part for missionaries but I've been complimented several times on how well I speak. Tender mercies of the Lord. I Can't believe how fast time flies when I stay focused and obedient.
It just got cold this week. It's finally down to freezing temperatures all the time now. Last week it was raining and in the high 40's so it's a bit of a change. The cold weather makes us really want to focus on perfecting our door contacting so that we can get in rather than stay outside.
Well that's sweet that the Steele girl is going on a mission. How are all the kids doing? School probably gets out this week. I bet they're way excited. I can't believe how fast things change. Is Kory in 3rd or 4th grade? Hope I can get some letters for Christmas from the kids.
I sent out some Christmas postcard things to some family and friends. You should probably get yours today or tomorrow if you haven't gotten it already.
Love you all so much. Celebrate this sweet time of year together and make memories.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
Friday, January 1, 2010
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Hey!!!
Hello Mom,
I'm glad that you didn't forget to write me. I really enjoy getting your emails because it let's me in on how the family is doing and normally the only mail I get. :) (I was saying my prayers at 11:30 at night and when I prayed for Kyle I remembered that I forgot to write him.)
That's cool that Connell won state. I bet Riner was pretty happy. Well that was sad news about Mick Monk. Hope the funeral goes well. Sounds like Dad is way busy and I bet he's way stressed out. I pray for you all and hope that everything is going well with our family. I'm sure Dad is going to be glad when the Christmas season is over. It's got to be pretty stressful for him.
Mom how are you doing? I don't hear to much about you and how things are going for you. I'm sure it's pretty stressful for you also. I'm so thankful for you and Dad. You both put a smile on my face. I'm sure you know this already but I love you both. I haven't been too homesick but sometimes it's hard not to think of home. I'm working hard and trying to give the Lord all that I have.
This last week kinda stunk. Daniel didn't come to church and he fell back to smoking again. I'm worried for him. I want him to make progress but we can't force him. We found a couple new investigators who will hopefully make some progress. I'm grateful that the Lord is with us in the work. Without him It would be way difficult. The feeling of the Holy Ghost is a great feeling and being inspired helps me to remember that I'm never alone in the work.
This week we had one of our former investigators show up out of nowhere at church. She invited us over to ask us some questions. We set up an appointment and brought a member. As we were there we answered all of her questions that she had about the church. Her last question was a shock but heart warming; she asked us: "In order to be a member of your church, I would have to be baptized, right?" That was such a sweet feeling. She has come to church the last two weeks and is such a nice sweet lady. Two months ago she wasn't ready to accept it all but now the Lord has prepared her to start meeting with us again. The gospel is an amazing gift in our life and we will always be blessed when we follow the principles taught.
Tell everyone that I say hi and that I love them. I'm so thankful that all of my family is in the church and that we all share the same religious values.
Love you mom and family. During the Christmas time, keep your mind focused on The true meaning of Christmas. I love you all and will work my hardest to share this wonderful message.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
I'm glad that you didn't forget to write me. I really enjoy getting your emails because it let's me in on how the family is doing and normally the only mail I get. :) (I was saying my prayers at 11:30 at night and when I prayed for Kyle I remembered that I forgot to write him.)
That's cool that Connell won state. I bet Riner was pretty happy. Well that was sad news about Mick Monk. Hope the funeral goes well. Sounds like Dad is way busy and I bet he's way stressed out. I pray for you all and hope that everything is going well with our family. I'm sure Dad is going to be glad when the Christmas season is over. It's got to be pretty stressful for him.
Mom how are you doing? I don't hear to much about you and how things are going for you. I'm sure it's pretty stressful for you also. I'm so thankful for you and Dad. You both put a smile on my face. I'm sure you know this already but I love you both. I haven't been too homesick but sometimes it's hard not to think of home. I'm working hard and trying to give the Lord all that I have.
This last week kinda stunk. Daniel didn't come to church and he fell back to smoking again. I'm worried for him. I want him to make progress but we can't force him. We found a couple new investigators who will hopefully make some progress. I'm grateful that the Lord is with us in the work. Without him It would be way difficult. The feeling of the Holy Ghost is a great feeling and being inspired helps me to remember that I'm never alone in the work.
This week we had one of our former investigators show up out of nowhere at church. She invited us over to ask us some questions. We set up an appointment and brought a member. As we were there we answered all of her questions that she had about the church. Her last question was a shock but heart warming; she asked us: "In order to be a member of your church, I would have to be baptized, right?" That was such a sweet feeling. She has come to church the last two weeks and is such a nice sweet lady. Two months ago she wasn't ready to accept it all but now the Lord has prepared her to start meeting with us again. The gospel is an amazing gift in our life and we will always be blessed when we follow the principles taught.
Tell everyone that I say hi and that I love them. I'm so thankful that all of my family is in the church and that we all share the same religious values.
Love you mom and family. During the Christmas time, keep your mind focused on The true meaning of Christmas. I love you all and will work my hardest to share this wonderful message.
"No Regrets"
Love
Elder Merrill
Saturday, December 5, 2009
December 1, 2009
Dear Family,
This week was a tougher one. Let's just say that. Br. Phong said that he didn't want to meet anymore for a while just because it's taking up too much time. I let him know that he is always welcome to come to church whenever he wants to. Daniel had a tough week and as a result he smoked. He is back to not smoking now which is good but I hope that he can stay with it. He has a good heart. We haven't found any way sweet people lately but I think a couple people have the chance to come around and become that sweet investigator.
We went to a bigger city today, Düsseldorf, and checked out the christmas markets there. Your package should be on it's way by the end of the week I hope. As for my package. I'm really asking you to not send me anything big or expensive. I'll be satisfied if it's just a letter, pictures, and burts bee's. I know how much of a hassle it is to have to worry about all the kids.
It's tough being away from home for christmas but I know that the Lord will bless us both. I know that I'm never alone.
Sorry that this letter is short and not much to it but I just don't know what to write. I got Kiersten's letter the other day. That was nice to read. Sounds like she is boy crazy though. I got a four page letter from aunt Michele. It was very nice. She is very sweet and I love getting letters from her because she is always encouraging and uplifting. She told me a little bit of Will and his successes. I'm glad that he's doing well and seeing lot's of success. I'm grateful for the family I have.
How is Andrew doing? I haven't heard about him in a while. Please share with me his successes. I like hearing about the success of others. It helps me to know that there is progress being made. Right now we, as a mission, are working on getting our numbers up and becoming a more fruitful mission. In the last year almost every mission in Europe has doubled their baptisms, except for the missions in Germany. I hope that I can help be part of that turn around.
Well love you all. Please if any of you have time write me a letter or email, I won't reject it. It's great to hear that everyone is safe at home and that everything is going well.
"No Regrets"
Love,
Elder Merrill
This week was a tougher one. Let's just say that. Br. Phong said that he didn't want to meet anymore for a while just because it's taking up too much time. I let him know that he is always welcome to come to church whenever he wants to. Daniel had a tough week and as a result he smoked. He is back to not smoking now which is good but I hope that he can stay with it. He has a good heart. We haven't found any way sweet people lately but I think a couple people have the chance to come around and become that sweet investigator.
We went to a bigger city today, Düsseldorf, and checked out the christmas markets there. Your package should be on it's way by the end of the week I hope. As for my package. I'm really asking you to not send me anything big or expensive. I'll be satisfied if it's just a letter, pictures, and burts bee's. I know how much of a hassle it is to have to worry about all the kids.
It's tough being away from home for christmas but I know that the Lord will bless us both. I know that I'm never alone.
Sorry that this letter is short and not much to it but I just don't know what to write. I got Kiersten's letter the other day. That was nice to read. Sounds like she is boy crazy though. I got a four page letter from aunt Michele. It was very nice. She is very sweet and I love getting letters from her because she is always encouraging and uplifting. She told me a little bit of Will and his successes. I'm glad that he's doing well and seeing lot's of success. I'm grateful for the family I have.
How is Andrew doing? I haven't heard about him in a while. Please share with me his successes. I like hearing about the success of others. It helps me to know that there is progress being made. Right now we, as a mission, are working on getting our numbers up and becoming a more fruitful mission. In the last year almost every mission in Europe has doubled their baptisms, except for the missions in Germany. I hope that I can help be part of that turn around.
Well love you all. Please if any of you have time write me a letter or email, I won't reject it. It's great to hear that everyone is safe at home and that everything is going well.
"No Regrets"
Love,
Elder Merrill
November 24, 2009
Dear Family,
This week I have hardly any time. We had a split with the zone leaders and we got messed up with bahn's so we got P-day started late. Oh well.
Well some bad news. Brother Phong wanted to cancel his date because of several reasons. His mother will be dying soon and she wants him to become a buddah. That means that he fasts for two weeks, he can't touch his wife, and he has to pray and meditate every day. Ya, so he asked to cancel his date. We are still going to be meeting with him twice a week and he will still come to church but he just felt like he couldn't do it. We are hoping that everything will klap. Daniel has gone six days without smoking at all. Pretty sweet. Unfortunately, we have to move his date back until the 10th of January because the brother he wants to baptize him can't get here any sooner. We will be working with him hard so that he is ready to get into the water.
Was noch.... well I have began to speak only German from now on. I have made it a goal that I want to have lost some english when I come home and I know it's possible. It's hard sometimes even to write e-mails because I only speak german. So far so good. I am wanting more time to study in the mornings so I get up a half hour early. It's been good so far. I'm excited to see what happens this next week.
We eat at members homes usually once a week. That's about it. For german food that I really like, it's called Roladen. Unfortunately it's more of a southern thing but I'm sure I'll have it again sometime. For things I really don't like, they have some really wierd meats here like spreadable stuff. I think its nasty but Elder Gruber likes it. The Christmas markets are starting to open up. I'm pretty excited. Hopefully it starts to get cold here. It's been in the high 40's for a while. We just had a pretty big storm last night with wind so maybe a cold front is coming in. It's way hard to tell when we don't have the news.
Well I gotta go but keep up the missionary work. That would be way sweet if you get to teach those kids with the missionaries. They must be pretty good missionaries if you are giving them referalls. :)
Well, OK. Again, I don't need anything for Christmas. Please keep what it would cost you to send me something and help me buy a car or some new skiis when I'm done. :)
The Spirit is able to lead me and tell me what to say and do. It's amazing how much it really actually helps us. I'm way thankful for the blessing I have to have the gospel in my life. The church is amazing.
Love you all
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
If you hear or see of any of my friends, feel free to tell them I said to write me! Love you.
This week I have hardly any time. We had a split with the zone leaders and we got messed up with bahn's so we got P-day started late. Oh well.
Well some bad news. Brother Phong wanted to cancel his date because of several reasons. His mother will be dying soon and she wants him to become a buddah. That means that he fasts for two weeks, he can't touch his wife, and he has to pray and meditate every day. Ya, so he asked to cancel his date. We are still going to be meeting with him twice a week and he will still come to church but he just felt like he couldn't do it. We are hoping that everything will klap. Daniel has gone six days without smoking at all. Pretty sweet. Unfortunately, we have to move his date back until the 10th of January because the brother he wants to baptize him can't get here any sooner. We will be working with him hard so that he is ready to get into the water.
Was noch.... well I have began to speak only German from now on. I have made it a goal that I want to have lost some english when I come home and I know it's possible. It's hard sometimes even to write e-mails because I only speak german. So far so good. I am wanting more time to study in the mornings so I get up a half hour early. It's been good so far. I'm excited to see what happens this next week.
We eat at members homes usually once a week. That's about it. For german food that I really like, it's called Roladen. Unfortunately it's more of a southern thing but I'm sure I'll have it again sometime. For things I really don't like, they have some really wierd meats here like spreadable stuff. I think its nasty but Elder Gruber likes it. The Christmas markets are starting to open up. I'm pretty excited. Hopefully it starts to get cold here. It's been in the high 40's for a while. We just had a pretty big storm last night with wind so maybe a cold front is coming in. It's way hard to tell when we don't have the news.
Well I gotta go but keep up the missionary work. That would be way sweet if you get to teach those kids with the missionaries. They must be pretty good missionaries if you are giving them referalls. :)
Well, OK. Again, I don't need anything for Christmas. Please keep what it would cost you to send me something and help me buy a car or some new skiis when I'm done. :)
The Spirit is able to lead me and tell me what to say and do. It's amazing how much it really actually helps us. I'm way thankful for the blessing I have to have the gospel in my life. The church is amazing.
Love you all
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
If you hear or see of any of my friends, feel free to tell them I said to write me! Love you.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
11/17/2009
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
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 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
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