Hello Mom, Dad, and Family,
I got the kids' letters yesterday. That was pretty fun. We had zone conference moved to Tuesday so we were supposed to have p-day on Monday but we already had appointment plans so we decided to take it today (Thursday). Zone Conference was amazing. President talked to us about the desire of our hearts. It was amazing. He talked about how we are all willing to give up the big things in life to be a missionary such as Jobs, School, Girlfriends, etc. but we aren't willing or its harder to give up the little things. It was an amazing talk. I really enjoyed it.
This last week we worked hard but it's been kind of slow. We are really working with the inactives in our ward. I know the Lord will bless us for our obedience and hard work. Here is an example that happened this last week: The other day we had decided to knock doors in an area we hadn't ever been to. Before we began we decided to say a little prayer. After the prayer I had this feeling that someone was going to accept us. Sure enough about 30 minutes later we were offered to come in. Because it was a young woman we asked if there was a man home and she said that there wasn't. We told her that we felt that we shouldn't come in, not because we thought something bad would happen just because we wanted to have another man present. She accepted that fact and she allowed us to set up a return appointment to teach her. We felt blessed that day because of our faith and our obedience to the commandments given to us as missionaries. It was a pretty sweet experience but hopefully this girl will want to accept the gospel and change for the better.
I read a quote my 3rd month in germany by Thomas Paine. He said, "The harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheaply we esteem too lightly". I have really thought about this and applied it to the mission. If I am ever able to have a blessing of participating in a baptism while on my mission it will definately mean a lot more to me than those that just fall into place. I know the Lord is blessing me. He blesses me every day. I really have been blessed with the language. I still aint perfect but it is definately coming easier and easier. I thank the Lord every day for the blessings he has given me. I love it all so much. The atonement is amazing and it's wonderful to know that Christ had the love for us that he did. What he had to in order to bring salvation to all the world. The plan of our Savior is amazing. It's tough to hear people reject the message. I know that it is true and that there is nothing of more worth in this world.
Thank you so much for your letter you write each week to me. I am blessed to have a loving family. I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you. I haven't heard from friends in a long time. Aparantly Laura Bayles (one of the AZ girls) saw the Assistants at church and she told them to tell me hi. That was pretty cool.
Thank you so much for the pictures of the farm. I loved them so much. I dont see anything like that ever. Well love you all. Keep having fun and doing what you can to be missionaries. I regret in high school not talking more about the gospel and not inviting friends to church things. I could have been a much better Member Missionary. I know you all can be much better than me.
Love you all.
"No Regrets"
LoveElder Merrill
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The New Area is GREAT!!
Dear Family,
The new area is sweet. The district is sweeter. My companion is the Sweetest! His German is Amazing. He has only been out 9 months and he already speaks better than missionaries going home. I feel so blessed. I have already learned so much from him. As long as I keep working hard and studying diligently my German will really improve this cycle. His name is Elder Jeff Moffat. He is from Lakeside, AZ. He is really quiet but sometimes he is way funny. I love him. I'm so excited to serve with him.
We have an investigator who had a baptismal date but we will have to push it back because he hasn't come to church at all. Hopefully it will all work out still. We have another investigator who is not progressing so we will probably drop him this week. This area is a lot like Langen just a lot more people and a lot richer people. The head quarters of Bayer (the medicine) is here in Leverkussen so there are some big businessmen here. There is a really good soccer team here so I will probably get a jersey. There aren't hardly as many Turks here as there was in my other areas. I feel so blessed to serve here.
We had a Young Single Adult (JAE) Activity to try and activate some JAE's. We roasted marshmallows next to the river and had s'mores. It was fun. The marshmallows aren't like Americas. They are weird and don't taste as good. Being here in Germany makes me love the States more and more. It's really quite amazing how evil this part of the world is but it only strengthens my testimony of the gospel because it truly brings me a lot of joy.
I have been reading "Our Heritage" and it's great to learn about the history of the church. I Love the scriptures so much. It's such a blessing in our lives to have them.
Yesterday we were doing doors and we knocked into this lady and her kids. She didn't speak German but she told me to wait just a moment. She called up her husband on the cell phone and told me to talk. I talked to the guy on the phone, who I assume was her husband, and I testified of families and how they can live together forever. Unfortunately, he said no but it was a sweet experience to contact someone on the phone.
Well nothing much else happened this week but I am excited for next week. Hopefully I'll get some letters but I aint counting on them. It sounds like you guys had a pretty crazy week. That is so sweet that Jace got to go to the temple with his dad and all his family. That's so great. I'm really proud of him and excited for the blessings that will come his way for being a servant of the Lord. So Brittany's husband, who is this guy I didn't even know she was getting married. Anyone else getting married? Anyone my age? Kaleb Whitby said it right, detail. I love hearing the little stuff. You do a really great job at writing Mom and want to thank you for it. It's really an uplifter for the week. Especially since I only get your email for the week. Hopefully some others will write me. (I think this is a hint.) Oh well, I'm just rambling on right now because I dont have much to say. Today we are going to play basketball with the zone leaders and their investigator which should be fun. Thanks for everything. Love you.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
The new area is sweet. The district is sweeter. My companion is the Sweetest! His German is Amazing. He has only been out 9 months and he already speaks better than missionaries going home. I feel so blessed. I have already learned so much from him. As long as I keep working hard and studying diligently my German will really improve this cycle. His name is Elder Jeff Moffat. He is from Lakeside, AZ. He is really quiet but sometimes he is way funny. I love him. I'm so excited to serve with him.
We have an investigator who had a baptismal date but we will have to push it back because he hasn't come to church at all. Hopefully it will all work out still. We have another investigator who is not progressing so we will probably drop him this week. This area is a lot like Langen just a lot more people and a lot richer people. The head quarters of Bayer (the medicine) is here in Leverkussen so there are some big businessmen here. There is a really good soccer team here so I will probably get a jersey. There aren't hardly as many Turks here as there was in my other areas. I feel so blessed to serve here.
We had a Young Single Adult (JAE) Activity to try and activate some JAE's. We roasted marshmallows next to the river and had s'mores. It was fun. The marshmallows aren't like Americas. They are weird and don't taste as good. Being here in Germany makes me love the States more and more. It's really quite amazing how evil this part of the world is but it only strengthens my testimony of the gospel because it truly brings me a lot of joy.
I have been reading "Our Heritage" and it's great to learn about the history of the church. I Love the scriptures so much. It's such a blessing in our lives to have them.
Yesterday we were doing doors and we knocked into this lady and her kids. She didn't speak German but she told me to wait just a moment. She called up her husband on the cell phone and told me to talk. I talked to the guy on the phone, who I assume was her husband, and I testified of families and how they can live together forever. Unfortunately, he said no but it was a sweet experience to contact someone on the phone.
Well nothing much else happened this week but I am excited for next week. Hopefully I'll get some letters but I aint counting on them. It sounds like you guys had a pretty crazy week. That is so sweet that Jace got to go to the temple with his dad and all his family. That's so great. I'm really proud of him and excited for the blessings that will come his way for being a servant of the Lord. So Brittany's husband, who is this guy I didn't even know she was getting married. Anyone else getting married? Anyone my age? Kaleb Whitby said it right, detail. I love hearing the little stuff. You do a really great job at writing Mom and want to thank you for it. It's really an uplifter for the week. Especially since I only get your email for the week. Hopefully some others will write me. (I think this is a hint.) Oh well, I'm just rambling on right now because I dont have much to say. Today we are going to play basketball with the zone leaders and their investigator which should be fun. Thanks for everything. Love you.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Ich gehe nach Leverkussen morgen
That's right! Time to pack the bags. I'm going to Leverkussen. It's right up next to a city called Köln (Cologne). Köln is the Gay capital of Europe so it will be very interesting. I'm really excited. My new Companion will be Elder Moffat. I don't know anything about him other than he's been out for about 9 months. More info on him next week.
So yesterday made the week! We spent the day doing doors and then we went to a different little city and did some more doors. We talked to this man about the plan of happiness. He didn't believe in something after this life but as we testified of it the Spirit came into his life and he began to change. He didn't totally accept it but I know that it touched him. He said "maybe I'll be ready to hear it in 10 years". Hopefully it's shorter than that. It was a way sweet opportunity for us both. We both switched off testifying left and right. It was awesome. In my mission it has been little lessons like that where we teach people at the door or on the street that I have come to appreciate and strengthen my testimony.
After we finished finding time there it was time to call it a day and head back to the apartment. We were on the bikes. We were on our way through the forest going down a fairly good sloped hill. I was cruising going about 20 mph or so. Since being in this area we have ridden bikes a lot so I don't ride with hands unless I need to. Well ya, so I wasn't riding with hands at this moment in time and then... well something happened where I lost control. I quickly grabbed the handle bars and was able to get back into control quite quickly but... at this point in time I was off the trail and riding through some 3 foot brush. Well right as I got control I saw a Log about 10 ft in front of me and I was going way too fast to stop or miss it (by the way I only had front brakes because the bike isn't exactly in tip top shape). Well needless to say, I hit this log and I went flying over the handle bars in the air about 7 ft above the ground (says Elder Brown, who was behind me and observed the Talent Show). Well, I thought I would do a little showing off for Elder Brown so I decided to do a front flip. Unfortunately, it didn't work out as I had planned and I landed on my back. So this 3 foot brush wasn't just regular brush, it was all stinging nettle. Fun stuff. I was itching pretty bad for a couple hours. It was way sweet. Don't worry I didn't break anything or have to get stitches, I was just a little bit dirty. Not a single scratch on me in fact. Well I had to ride home on a somewhat broken bike but it was all worth it. I bent the Front forks just a bit but I was able to bend them back straight. I think that the bike is in better condition now than what it was before I wrecked it thanks to the Farming fixing skills Dad taught me. Mensch, I love the farm.
Sounds like a way crazy week for the Merrill family. I had no idea that Brittney was getting Married. Pretty crazy. That's so sweet about Jace. Tell him I give the best of luck to him and tear it up. I know he will. He's always been a good kid and tried to be a good member. I'm Way excited for him. Wow, so ya I am really happy for Kohl St. Peter. I think that is so awesome but I'm sad that I wasn't a better missionary in high school to help teach him as well as other kids my age. He'll be a good member as long as he prays everyday and studies the scriptures.
That's so sweet that the kids are excited for school. Let them know that I say to study hard. I will always write them back if they write me. I haven't written Katie or Kory back yet from last time but I will make sure I do that next week. Next week because all my stuff is packed up. Sorry kids. Thankyou for writing me though and drawing me those pictures. I appreciate it a lot. I wrote the Terry Merrill family last week. I will make sure to write the kids though. I'm really sorry though that I didn't do that yet.
I got a letter from Andrew this week and he asked me some questions about what it's like over here. Hopefully, it will answer your questions too. So we get invited to eat with the members about twice a month or so. In this area we do about 6-8 hours of doors a day . Every area is different but finding time is a lot. We hardly get any referalls from members. Maybe like 1 solid referall in 6 weeks. It's way different from the missions in the states but I love it. We work hard everyday though. We see miracles everyday as well. I could go back through my journal everyday and tell you when, where, and how we felt the spirit. I am so grateful for the chance I have to serve a mission. It's tough at times but I am learning more than ever before. I love it all.
We are given 180 euro a month. It's enough to do what is needed. I took about 150 euro out from my personal account and bought some new ties. I haven't spent it at all really. I am pretty conservative with my money but I am doing fine. President Ninow is 44 and his wife is about the same age. She waited for him on his mission. They have 4 boys. One just got home from his mission in Taiwan. Their other son just left on his mission to Columbus, Ohio I believe. Then the other two are still in school. They are a way sweet family. Unfortunately, I only get to see president twice a cycle. Once for interviews and then once for Zone Conference. Thanks for the questions and all the information. I love you all so very much. That is one thing that I have grown more appreciative for, my family.
Love you all. I'm working hard and giving it my best.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
So yesterday made the week! We spent the day doing doors and then we went to a different little city and did some more doors. We talked to this man about the plan of happiness. He didn't believe in something after this life but as we testified of it the Spirit came into his life and he began to change. He didn't totally accept it but I know that it touched him. He said "maybe I'll be ready to hear it in 10 years". Hopefully it's shorter than that. It was a way sweet opportunity for us both. We both switched off testifying left and right. It was awesome. In my mission it has been little lessons like that where we teach people at the door or on the street that I have come to appreciate and strengthen my testimony.
After we finished finding time there it was time to call it a day and head back to the apartment. We were on the bikes. We were on our way through the forest going down a fairly good sloped hill. I was cruising going about 20 mph or so. Since being in this area we have ridden bikes a lot so I don't ride with hands unless I need to. Well ya, so I wasn't riding with hands at this moment in time and then... well something happened where I lost control. I quickly grabbed the handle bars and was able to get back into control quite quickly but... at this point in time I was off the trail and riding through some 3 foot brush. Well right as I got control I saw a Log about 10 ft in front of me and I was going way too fast to stop or miss it (by the way I only had front brakes because the bike isn't exactly in tip top shape). Well needless to say, I hit this log and I went flying over the handle bars in the air about 7 ft above the ground (says Elder Brown, who was behind me and observed the Talent Show). Well, I thought I would do a little showing off for Elder Brown so I decided to do a front flip. Unfortunately, it didn't work out as I had planned and I landed on my back. So this 3 foot brush wasn't just regular brush, it was all stinging nettle. Fun stuff. I was itching pretty bad for a couple hours. It was way sweet. Don't worry I didn't break anything or have to get stitches, I was just a little bit dirty. Not a single scratch on me in fact. Well I had to ride home on a somewhat broken bike but it was all worth it. I bent the Front forks just a bit but I was able to bend them back straight. I think that the bike is in better condition now than what it was before I wrecked it thanks to the Farming fixing skills Dad taught me. Mensch, I love the farm.
Sounds like a way crazy week for the Merrill family. I had no idea that Brittney was getting Married. Pretty crazy. That's so sweet about Jace. Tell him I give the best of luck to him and tear it up. I know he will. He's always been a good kid and tried to be a good member. I'm Way excited for him. Wow, so ya I am really happy for Kohl St. Peter. I think that is so awesome but I'm sad that I wasn't a better missionary in high school to help teach him as well as other kids my age. He'll be a good member as long as he prays everyday and studies the scriptures.
That's so sweet that the kids are excited for school. Let them know that I say to study hard. I will always write them back if they write me. I haven't written Katie or Kory back yet from last time but I will make sure I do that next week. Next week because all my stuff is packed up. Sorry kids. Thankyou for writing me though and drawing me those pictures. I appreciate it a lot. I wrote the Terry Merrill family last week. I will make sure to write the kids though. I'm really sorry though that I didn't do that yet.
I got a letter from Andrew this week and he asked me some questions about what it's like over here. Hopefully, it will answer your questions too. So we get invited to eat with the members about twice a month or so. In this area we do about 6-8 hours of doors a day . Every area is different but finding time is a lot. We hardly get any referalls from members. Maybe like 1 solid referall in 6 weeks. It's way different from the missions in the states but I love it. We work hard everyday though. We see miracles everyday as well. I could go back through my journal everyday and tell you when, where, and how we felt the spirit. I am so grateful for the chance I have to serve a mission. It's tough at times but I am learning more than ever before. I love it all.
We are given 180 euro a month. It's enough to do what is needed. I took about 150 euro out from my personal account and bought some new ties. I haven't spent it at all really. I am pretty conservative with my money but I am doing fine. President Ninow is 44 and his wife is about the same age. She waited for him on his mission. They have 4 boys. One just got home from his mission in Taiwan. Their other son just left on his mission to Columbus, Ohio I believe. Then the other two are still in school. They are a way sweet family. Unfortunately, I only get to see president twice a cycle. Once for interviews and then once for Zone Conference. Thanks for the questions and all the information. I love you all so very much. That is one thing that I have grown more appreciative for, my family.
Love you all. I'm working hard and giving it my best.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
August 4, 2009
Dear Family,
This Week was a pretty good week. My split with Elder Houston was great. We did finding time for several hours. We were able to teach Daniel again. We taught him about the Sabbath day and keeping it holy. It was way sweet. We had a member with us who is a convert of about 10 years. He bore some sweet testimony. Daniel felt bad because he hasn't been to church in quite some time but he promised us that he would come this coming Sunday. We are going to meet with him tomorrow so hopefully the spirit will be there again.
On Sunday we ate at the Noack family's. It was way good. I think that I am learning to like the German food more and more.
We met with this Muslim guy that was like 34. He was born into a Muslim family but he doesn't believe it. He was a pretty cool guy. We taught him but he just couldn't grasp why we were here in Germany giving two years. We bore testimony about the truth and the joy that the gospel brings. He said that he definitely wanted to come to church with us sometime. He was very nice. He asked me how old I was and when I said 19 he was like "no way, you look like you could be 28". I don't know if thats good or bad. I still have my hair. As we left he said "if you ever need anything, and I mean anything, give me a call." Pretty cool guy. He said to give him a month before we came back because he is really busy right know.
Yesterday we had 8 1/2 hours of finding time (the whole day). That happens fairly often in this area. I actually like this area a lot but I am not sure what is going to go down this Saturday with transfer calls. I could see anything happening. It takes 4 weeks to get a license so it will be a while. And I won't get a car. Only certain areas have cars. It's really easy to get around on bus and train so I think there are only like 7 or 8 areas with cars.
It's awesome here in Germany. I'm learning a ton as a missionary and I love what I see changing in myself as well as in the people around us. It's on a daily basis that we have people yell at us and doors slammed in our face but that's what makes the good experiences so much better.
Love you all and thanks for your letters. Love you all and I'm glad that you are having fun. Good luck this week with the farm and all.
Love you all.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
p.s. I got a letter from Aunt Michele this week which was really nice and I got the kids' letter this morning. Thanks for writing
This Week was a pretty good week. My split with Elder Houston was great. We did finding time for several hours. We were able to teach Daniel again. We taught him about the Sabbath day and keeping it holy. It was way sweet. We had a member with us who is a convert of about 10 years. He bore some sweet testimony. Daniel felt bad because he hasn't been to church in quite some time but he promised us that he would come this coming Sunday. We are going to meet with him tomorrow so hopefully the spirit will be there again.
On Sunday we ate at the Noack family's. It was way good. I think that I am learning to like the German food more and more.
We met with this Muslim guy that was like 34. He was born into a Muslim family but he doesn't believe it. He was a pretty cool guy. We taught him but he just couldn't grasp why we were here in Germany giving two years. We bore testimony about the truth and the joy that the gospel brings. He said that he definitely wanted to come to church with us sometime. He was very nice. He asked me how old I was and when I said 19 he was like "no way, you look like you could be 28". I don't know if thats good or bad. I still have my hair. As we left he said "if you ever need anything, and I mean anything, give me a call." Pretty cool guy. He said to give him a month before we came back because he is really busy right know.
Yesterday we had 8 1/2 hours of finding time (the whole day). That happens fairly often in this area. I actually like this area a lot but I am not sure what is going to go down this Saturday with transfer calls. I could see anything happening. It takes 4 weeks to get a license so it will be a while. And I won't get a car. Only certain areas have cars. It's really easy to get around on bus and train so I think there are only like 7 or 8 areas with cars.
It's awesome here in Germany. I'm learning a ton as a missionary and I love what I see changing in myself as well as in the people around us. It's on a daily basis that we have people yell at us and doors slammed in our face but that's what makes the good experiences so much better.
Love you all and thanks for your letters. Love you all and I'm glad that you are having fun. Good luck this week with the farm and all.
Love you all.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
p.s. I got a letter from Aunt Michele this week which was really nice and I got the kids' letter this morning. Thanks for writing
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Hallo,
Wie ist meine familie. Hier in Langen es geht. Nicht das besstes woche aber es geht immer noch. OK, now in english. Well good. Wow it sounds like this past week was sweet for ya. I'm glad to see that all of you were able to meet together as a family. Thanks so much for the pictures. Oh Ya, THANK YOU FOR THE DEODORANT. Good choices. It all smells really good.
Well it sounds like and looks like the little family reunion was way fun. That's what they're for. So is Brent done with school now or what? How is Grandma doing.
Well, nothing too spectacular this week. We talked to the second most drunk man I have ever seen. I almost lost it on him. He was using some pretty vulgar language. Well Elder Brown was sick for a day this week so I was able to get some more studying than usual in. We went to the temple today which is always a treat. I love going to the temple. We kinda got chewed out by a member this week at church because of when we were riding our bikes. We were way late for an appointment with a member family and so I was booking it. Well then I like cut in front of this car because it wasnt going when it had a green light and apparantly she saw that and got after us. I dont think she was mad but just telling us that we should watch what we are doing.
So Elder Cannon called me today on the Cell phone and he told me that our drivers lisences were translated and that all we had to do is to take it to the Rathaus and figure out what we got to do. Hopefully we can get them this week. That'd be pretty sweet I would think. I will be going on a split with our district leader, Elder Houston, this week. I'm pretty excited. He is very very very quiet but a really nice Elder.
So Landon has a girlfriend huh. I had no idea. Crazy. He'll be married before I get back. Crazy. Anyone else getting ready to get hitched? Well I'm assuming that you are going to PL this next week so have tons of fun. Who are you taking? Well I only have to miss one more summer trip there. Crazy!
Well, love you all and thanks so much for all the good fun news. This letter lifted my spirits quite a bit this week. Thanks.
Love you all.
"No Regrets"
Love Elder Merrill
Wie ist meine familie. Hier in Langen es geht. Nicht das besstes woche aber es geht immer noch. OK, now in english. Well good. Wow it sounds like this past week was sweet for ya. I'm glad to see that all of you were able to meet together as a family. Thanks so much for the pictures. Oh Ya, THANK YOU FOR THE DEODORANT. Good choices. It all smells really good.
Well it sounds like and looks like the little family reunion was way fun. That's what they're for. So is Brent done with school now or what? How is Grandma doing.
Well, nothing too spectacular this week. We talked to the second most drunk man I have ever seen. I almost lost it on him. He was using some pretty vulgar language. Well Elder Brown was sick for a day this week so I was able to get some more studying than usual in. We went to the temple today which is always a treat. I love going to the temple. We kinda got chewed out by a member this week at church because of when we were riding our bikes. We were way late for an appointment with a member family and so I was booking it. Well then I like cut in front of this car because it wasnt going when it had a green light and apparantly she saw that and got after us. I dont think she was mad but just telling us that we should watch what we are doing.
So Elder Cannon called me today on the Cell phone and he told me that our drivers lisences were translated and that all we had to do is to take it to the Rathaus and figure out what we got to do. Hopefully we can get them this week. That'd be pretty sweet I would think. I will be going on a split with our district leader, Elder Houston, this week. I'm pretty excited. He is very very very quiet but a really nice Elder.
So Landon has a girlfriend huh. I had no idea. Crazy. He'll be married before I get back. Crazy. Anyone else getting ready to get hitched? Well I'm assuming that you are going to PL this next week so have tons of fun. Who are you taking? Well I only have to miss one more summer trip there. Crazy!
Well, love you all and thanks so much for all the good fun news. This letter lifted my spirits quite a bit this week. Thanks.
Love you all.
"No Regrets"
Love Elder Merrill
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Hello Family,
Well things are going pretty good for me here on the other side of the world. OK, so on Tuesday we were doing some finding time and we doored into this man who had really strong beliefs that their God was in the nature and that there wasn't a life after this. Anyways, we talked to him for a couple minutes and I could tell it wasn't going anywhere. I bore my testimony that God is our Father in Heaven and that there really was a life after this one. He disagreed with me obviously but then I had him promise that after this life when he sees me that he will come and talk to me and that I would teach him. He laughed and agreed to do so. I thought it was a funny experience.
On Wednesday we did a chalk display of the Plan of Salvation and that was pretty fun. I was talking with as many people as I could. I stopped these two couples and one of the guys just put up his hand and then I heard the wife say, in English, "he's speaking German" then I was like "hey wait, I speak english too and I asked them where they were from and they said Washington. I said you have got to be kidding so am I. They didnt believe me at the moment so they asked me where at and then I said Tri-Cities and then they were like, "Oh cool. We are from Spokane." Pretty sweet. I don't remember their names or anything but still pretty cool.
So I got to put my farming skills to work a little this week. No, I didnt get to work on a farm or drive tractor but this guy was trying to fix his car lock and he needed to take the whole handle out he had the inside door panel off. So we stopped and Elder Brown tried to help him. I just stood there and watched. After about 10-15 minutes of them both trying to figure it out they gave up. Then I asked the man if I could try. I knew I could get it out. Anyways, he was like try if you want but you aint gonna get it out. So I took my backpack off and reached my hand inside the door and in less than a minute I handed the handle and lock over to him. I loved it because I pulled my hand out and I had grease all over my arm. Reminded me of the farm.
Yesterday we were doing doors in a Hochhäuse (big apartment building) We went to the first door and I could smell something rancid. The door opened and this man was standing there without a shirt on, as most times that is the case. All of a sudden it felt like someone had slapped me in the face with a gag stick. I wanted to puke. The smell was absolutely terrible. I have never smelt something so bad in my life. I was so stinking close to turning around and walking outside. Luckily, he didn't have us come in but I was seriously sick for 15 minutes or so. The cool thing about it though was he was an albino! Crazy! I have never seen an albino person before. Pretty crazy.
I want to end this letter with a very awesome experience I had this week. All of our investigators are really being pretty weak with keeping their commitments and letting us set up appointments. It was Saturday that we had a day totally devoted to Finding Time. After having a week of mostly finding time I was not really too excited to do even more. That morning in my personal prayers I asked my Heavenly Father for help and that someone we talked to would be ready in some way and want to hear the gospel. Every door we knocked on and every person we talked to I pictured them in my mind being being ready and wanting to hear the message of the restoration. Throughout the whole day I was praying. We had no success until about six o'clock, when we were doing doors we had this lady come up to us and asked us if we could come talk with her and her friend. She spoke English. We said of course and I was thinking in my head, "You have got to be kidding me". We started teaching the man in German and the the lady began to ask me questions in English. Elder Brown continued teaching the man while I spoke with the lady. I began to teach her the message of the Restoration. I got emotional and it was because of the Spirit. I knew at this point she could feel the spirit. I asked her what her feelings were and she explained to me, all day she had felt tense and nervous but she said because of you sharing this "I feel at peace". I testified to her that it wasn't me but it was the spirit of God. She began to tear up and cry. The spirit was so strong. That experience alone strenghtened my testimony. I know that because I was doing the best I could and was totally relying on the Lord that day that my prayers were answered. It was an amazing experience for me. They were ready to hear the message.
I am reading the conference talks and I love to read what the Prophet and his apostles say. I know that it is from God and that it is amazing. The gospel keeps us free. In Elder Christofferson's talk he said, "Obedience gives us greater control over our lives, greater capacity to come and go, to work and create". That is so true. As we are obedient to the commandments which have been given to us it makes us free and there is nothing that can hold us back.
Thanks for your love and support and I look forward to getting the deodorant. I am on my last stick.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
Well things are going pretty good for me here on the other side of the world. OK, so on Tuesday we were doing some finding time and we doored into this man who had really strong beliefs that their God was in the nature and that there wasn't a life after this. Anyways, we talked to him for a couple minutes and I could tell it wasn't going anywhere. I bore my testimony that God is our Father in Heaven and that there really was a life after this one. He disagreed with me obviously but then I had him promise that after this life when he sees me that he will come and talk to me and that I would teach him. He laughed and agreed to do so. I thought it was a funny experience.
On Wednesday we did a chalk display of the Plan of Salvation and that was pretty fun. I was talking with as many people as I could. I stopped these two couples and one of the guys just put up his hand and then I heard the wife say, in English, "he's speaking German" then I was like "hey wait, I speak english too and I asked them where they were from and they said Washington. I said you have got to be kidding so am I. They didnt believe me at the moment so they asked me where at and then I said Tri-Cities and then they were like, "Oh cool. We are from Spokane." Pretty sweet. I don't remember their names or anything but still pretty cool.
So I got to put my farming skills to work a little this week. No, I didnt get to work on a farm or drive tractor but this guy was trying to fix his car lock and he needed to take the whole handle out he had the inside door panel off. So we stopped and Elder Brown tried to help him. I just stood there and watched. After about 10-15 minutes of them both trying to figure it out they gave up. Then I asked the man if I could try. I knew I could get it out. Anyways, he was like try if you want but you aint gonna get it out. So I took my backpack off and reached my hand inside the door and in less than a minute I handed the handle and lock over to him. I loved it because I pulled my hand out and I had grease all over my arm. Reminded me of the farm.
Yesterday we were doing doors in a Hochhäuse (big apartment building) We went to the first door and I could smell something rancid. The door opened and this man was standing there without a shirt on, as most times that is the case. All of a sudden it felt like someone had slapped me in the face with a gag stick. I wanted to puke. The smell was absolutely terrible. I have never smelt something so bad in my life. I was so stinking close to turning around and walking outside. Luckily, he didn't have us come in but I was seriously sick for 15 minutes or so. The cool thing about it though was he was an albino! Crazy! I have never seen an albino person before. Pretty crazy.
I want to end this letter with a very awesome experience I had this week. All of our investigators are really being pretty weak with keeping their commitments and letting us set up appointments. It was Saturday that we had a day totally devoted to Finding Time. After having a week of mostly finding time I was not really too excited to do even more. That morning in my personal prayers I asked my Heavenly Father for help and that someone we talked to would be ready in some way and want to hear the gospel. Every door we knocked on and every person we talked to I pictured them in my mind being being ready and wanting to hear the message of the restoration. Throughout the whole day I was praying. We had no success until about six o'clock, when we were doing doors we had this lady come up to us and asked us if we could come talk with her and her friend. She spoke English. We said of course and I was thinking in my head, "You have got to be kidding me". We started teaching the man in German and the the lady began to ask me questions in English. Elder Brown continued teaching the man while I spoke with the lady. I began to teach her the message of the Restoration. I got emotional and it was because of the Spirit. I knew at this point she could feel the spirit. I asked her what her feelings were and she explained to me, all day she had felt tense and nervous but she said because of you sharing this "I feel at peace". I testified to her that it wasn't me but it was the spirit of God. She began to tear up and cry. The spirit was so strong. That experience alone strenghtened my testimony. I know that because I was doing the best I could and was totally relying on the Lord that day that my prayers were answered. It was an amazing experience for me. They were ready to hear the message.
I am reading the conference talks and I love to read what the Prophet and his apostles say. I know that it is from God and that it is amazing. The gospel keeps us free. In Elder Christofferson's talk he said, "Obedience gives us greater control over our lives, greater capacity to come and go, to work and create". That is so true. As we are obedient to the commandments which have been given to us it makes us free and there is nothing that can hold us back.
Thanks for your love and support and I look forward to getting the deodorant. I am on my last stick.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Not Yet!
Dear Family,
No I don't stink yet, Thankfully. The weather has been a little cooler so it's not as bad. The humidity is amazing though. It is really sick. All my clothes stick to me. Not really fun.
Well this past week was really quite a good week. We were able to find a new investigator, have Zone-Conference, and another Street Preach. I am doing good here and am working way hard. So since I got Elder Brown I have been like the Senior companion. It's not a calling that president gives or anything but its been kind of different. I have been the one to carry around the cell phone and make all the calls. It's been good for me I have really learned a lot as I must force myself to make decisions.
I have really tried to follow the words of President Hinckley's father "Forget yourself and get to work!" I have tried to really use those words of council this cycle. I had the opportunity to take a Mission Prep class at BYU and my Professor taught us when you or your companion is home-sick to really push through it and go to work. We have been working hard. I strive to focus all of our conversations on our investigators and the mission itself. It's really been good. I love Elder Brown and am grateful for the things I am learning from him and with him.
On Wednesday after Zone Conference we were able to do some finding time after we got home. We continued working on a street that we had been doing earlier. We were at an apartment and I had decided to call it a night after the next set of doors. We klingled through and the very last klingle we talked with a Filipino man at his door. As Elder Brown was talking to him I felt really impressed to share with him the message of the Restoration and Joseph Smith. I recited the first vision and I was as sincere as I could be. He let us in. We taught him the end of the first lesson and committed him to reading and praying. We asked for a return appointment to talk about his experience and he said "OK, How about Friday?" It was wonderful. We returned and taught him more. He had kept his commitments and agreed to meet again. I am grateful for the Lord blessing us and helping us to become those men that he needs. I still have a long ways to go but I am giving it my all. Wow, so being a missionary is so awesome! I am able to have some pretty sweet experiences and grow from them.
We ate with a family on Sunday and he is an American. We had STEAK. They have steak here in Germany but he made some 18-20 oz. steaks for each of us. Quite a lot of meat. We are working with this part member family right now and the first time we went over there the wife grabbed her cigarettes and went up-stairs. The next time she talked with us a little more and then it has just been progressing since. She invited us over for dinner this week to meet her mother. It's way sweet. I am going to try to share a spiritual thought with them this week. It's amazing how people warm up to you. Germans are a little crazy though. We talked to this lady. She said she has been living next to her neighbors for 3 years and she didn't know them. Crazy. Germans don't like to talk with people they don't know which makes missionary work hard some times but it's moving right along.
In the past two weekends our mission has had 5 baptisms and 5 more baptismal dates set. It's great to see others in the mission have success. I am grateful for the many blessings in my life and I know that the Lord is blessing me like none other.
Please take lots of pictures this summer and make sure you send them. Kiersten, do you have that kids information from Germany cuz that'd be way sweet to give it as a referral. When are you going to the Cabin? Who are you taking? Take pictures and have extra fun for me.
Well, Gotta go. Thanks for all your love and support. Thanks for the deodorant too, I think it will probably get here next week but thanks. Keep sharing the gospel and study the scriptures. I was reading one of President Monson's talks from conference this morning and he said that every priesthood holder needs to be studying the scriptures every day. Boys, make sure you make a conscience effort in doing that. I really wish that I would have done a better job studying when I was younger. Thanks for your love and support. Keep the letters coming.
"No Regrets"
Love,
Elder Merrill
No I don't stink yet, Thankfully. The weather has been a little cooler so it's not as bad. The humidity is amazing though. It is really sick. All my clothes stick to me. Not really fun.
Well this past week was really quite a good week. We were able to find a new investigator, have Zone-Conference, and another Street Preach. I am doing good here and am working way hard. So since I got Elder Brown I have been like the Senior companion. It's not a calling that president gives or anything but its been kind of different. I have been the one to carry around the cell phone and make all the calls. It's been good for me I have really learned a lot as I must force myself to make decisions.
I have really tried to follow the words of President Hinckley's father "Forget yourself and get to work!" I have tried to really use those words of council this cycle. I had the opportunity to take a Mission Prep class at BYU and my Professor taught us when you or your companion is home-sick to really push through it and go to work. We have been working hard. I strive to focus all of our conversations on our investigators and the mission itself. It's really been good. I love Elder Brown and am grateful for the things I am learning from him and with him.
On Wednesday after Zone Conference we were able to do some finding time after we got home. We continued working on a street that we had been doing earlier. We were at an apartment and I had decided to call it a night after the next set of doors. We klingled through and the very last klingle we talked with a Filipino man at his door. As Elder Brown was talking to him I felt really impressed to share with him the message of the Restoration and Joseph Smith. I recited the first vision and I was as sincere as I could be. He let us in. We taught him the end of the first lesson and committed him to reading and praying. We asked for a return appointment to talk about his experience and he said "OK, How about Friday?" It was wonderful. We returned and taught him more. He had kept his commitments and agreed to meet again. I am grateful for the Lord blessing us and helping us to become those men that he needs. I still have a long ways to go but I am giving it my all. Wow, so being a missionary is so awesome! I am able to have some pretty sweet experiences and grow from them.
We ate with a family on Sunday and he is an American. We had STEAK. They have steak here in Germany but he made some 18-20 oz. steaks for each of us. Quite a lot of meat. We are working with this part member family right now and the first time we went over there the wife grabbed her cigarettes and went up-stairs. The next time she talked with us a little more and then it has just been progressing since. She invited us over for dinner this week to meet her mother. It's way sweet. I am going to try to share a spiritual thought with them this week. It's amazing how people warm up to you. Germans are a little crazy though. We talked to this lady. She said she has been living next to her neighbors for 3 years and she didn't know them. Crazy. Germans don't like to talk with people they don't know which makes missionary work hard some times but it's moving right along.
In the past two weekends our mission has had 5 baptisms and 5 more baptismal dates set. It's great to see others in the mission have success. I am grateful for the many blessings in my life and I know that the Lord is blessing me like none other.
Please take lots of pictures this summer and make sure you send them. Kiersten, do you have that kids information from Germany cuz that'd be way sweet to give it as a referral. When are you going to the Cabin? Who are you taking? Take pictures and have extra fun for me.
Well, Gotta go. Thanks for all your love and support. Thanks for the deodorant too, I think it will probably get here next week but thanks. Keep sharing the gospel and study the scriptures. I was reading one of President Monson's talks from conference this morning and he said that every priesthood holder needs to be studying the scriptures every day. Boys, make sure you make a conscience effort in doing that. I really wish that I would have done a better job studying when I was younger. Thanks for your love and support. Keep the letters coming.
"No Regrets"
Love,
Elder Merrill
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