Dear Mom,
Thanks for your letter. I'm sure it was a super great opportunity to go to education week. I always loved going to class because I was always able to learn so much from those that had more experience than me. That's how I also kind of feel on the mission. We received a call last night from President and he asked Elder Gardner to train. He asked me to go and serve in Dortmund as well as to be Zone Leader. I'm super nervous. My new companion is Elder Breckheisen. He is going home next transfer so my guess is we'll stay together for two and then I'll get another companion for two. I am nervous but also excited. Elder Breckheisen is a super good missionary and I know that I can learn so much from him. I would ask you all to please keep me in your prayers that I may fulfill this assignment to my best ability. I know that the Lord can work miracles.
This week was a pretty good week. We were able to teach more lessons and to also find more new investigators. It's great to keep the finding going and making sure that they progress. On Saturday we had a lesson with Ben and Felista, they're from Africa. We have had several lessons that have been super good and that we've really felt that they've been progressing and accepting the message. We invited them to come to church and they said no. I asked them if it was a bad time or if they weren't comfortable, they said that we (missionaries all together) always invite people to come to our church but we never go to other church's. I asked them what time they had church. They said there was one service at 11 and one at 6. I told them that I would make them a deal. I said we'll go to church with them if they come to church with us. They agreed and so we were super excited. I was excited as well because I have never been to another church's service before but now with me getting transferred, I won't be able to do it.
The Branch is going to be sad that I'm leaving, especially the Branch President. The branch hasn't had motivated missionaries in years and so they loved me and Elder Gardner. I haven't told him yet but he is coming with us tomorrow to teach an inactive. I'll miss this branch as well. Yesterday we had an appointment and it was pouring rain like crazy. Our only way of transportation is with bikes so I was riding one handed holding an umbrella like a shield in front of me. We got super wet but it was a good appointment. The Lord blessed us with having an inactive member there and so we were able to get his phone number and also set up an appointment to help him move. I've come to find out that there are really no such things as coincidences on a mission. Everything happens for a reason.
I hope the farm is doing well and that you are able to get fourth cutting up. I am praying for you all and I love you so much. There are so many blessings that I have seen in my life and I hope that you are also able to see the blessings take place in yours. I love this work so much and I know that the Lord loves us, each individually. Tell everyone I say hi and tell Kiersten that she'll be getting a letter soon at BYU. Love you all. "No Regrets"
Love Elder Merrill
Monday, August 23, 2010
August 16, 2010
Hey Everyone,
So I don't have too much to say this week. We are kind of in a hurry because we have to help a lady move into her apartment and then we have to go to another city to have a p-day with the district. Sounds like the house is changing again. You are going to have two kids out of the house. That's so weird.
We had a pretty good week this past week. We found 3 new investigators which makes our average for the past four weeks 2 per week. It's probably the most constant affective finding I have had my entire mission. We were also able to increase in our lessons as well as had our first investigator to church this cycle. It's wonderful to see how many miracles are happening right now and I love the fact that we are all here for the same purpose, to serve our Lord and our God. I love the gospel so much and I know that the Lord blesses us for our obedience and desire to help his children return to his presence.
We are really working hard to teach more and share the gospel with more people. We hope that this week will be even better. It's crazy that it's already the middle of August. Time is going by too fast. So I got an email from Laura and she's going on a mission. I haven't read the whole email but it looks like she is going to Cambodia. That's so awesome but a little weird that girls my age are either getting married or going on missions. It seems like they just barely finished high school. They still should be just going to school.
Well that's pretty much all I have because my brain is going crazy. Hope you all have a good week and tell Kiersten good luck.
Love you all,
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
So I don't have too much to say this week. We are kind of in a hurry because we have to help a lady move into her apartment and then we have to go to another city to have a p-day with the district. Sounds like the house is changing again. You are going to have two kids out of the house. That's so weird.
We had a pretty good week this past week. We found 3 new investigators which makes our average for the past four weeks 2 per week. It's probably the most constant affective finding I have had my entire mission. We were also able to increase in our lessons as well as had our first investigator to church this cycle. It's wonderful to see how many miracles are happening right now and I love the fact that we are all here for the same purpose, to serve our Lord and our God. I love the gospel so much and I know that the Lord blesses us for our obedience and desire to help his children return to his presence.
We are really working hard to teach more and share the gospel with more people. We hope that this week will be even better. It's crazy that it's already the middle of August. Time is going by too fast. So I got an email from Laura and she's going on a mission. I haven't read the whole email but it looks like she is going to Cambodia. That's so awesome but a little weird that girls my age are either getting married or going on missions. It seems like they just barely finished high school. They still should be just going to school.
Well that's pretty much all I have because my brain is going crazy. Hope you all have a good week and tell Kiersten good luck.
Love you all,
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
Saturday, August 14, 2010
August 9, 2010
Dear Family,
So this week I got a wedding announcement from Rachel (Hawk) Matheson. Pretty crazy. They're getting married in only a couple days. I didn't even know that she was engaged. I'm glad they sent me an announcement though. Super nice of them. Pretty awesome that Andrew gets to stay a little longer. Keeps our gap a little smaller.
So our talks went well this week. Everyone was back from vacation so there was more people there. Elder Gardner talked about The Book of Mormon and how it's a way that the Lord shows his love for us. He did a really good job. He talked about how much work it took, from the beginning to the end, to produce The Book of Mormon. I spoke about the Family. Probably my favorite subject to discuss. I talked about how families are able to stay strong in the church and how we can keep one another strong. It was a great topic because Elder Gardner and I were just discussing the week before what is necessary for someone not to go inactive. We came up with the conclusion that is man were to pray morning and night and study the scriptures daily, that he would not go inactive. I was given a talk from President Faust which said for the family it is Family prayer, Family Scripture study, and FHE. I spent a good amount of time preparing it so that I would talk clearly and say the things that the spirit would give me. I ended up taking 20 minutes and I didn't get the chance to finish everything because of time. I was nervous about giving the talk and I prayed a lot hoping that the spirit would guide me on what to say because there are several families in the branch that are dysfunctional and I didn't want to offend them and scare them to inactivity. I shared a couple stories of some of our FHE's and what you and Dad did to help us build our own personal testimonies. I really love you all so much. It was fun to think back on the things we did as a family to build one another spiritual as well as to build our relationships.
We weren't able to meet with that Fiji couple this week, we think they went on vocation. We were able to meet some other Fiji people though. We have an appointment tomorrow with one of them. I was hoping grandma and grandpa would give me some names of people they know there to maybe make a connection. One of the ladies opened up the door and then said, "See I told you there not. They're LDS." She was talking to her friend and it was pretty awesome. We weren't able to teach them right then but hopefully we can meet with them this week as well.
I'm really working on my knowledge of the scriptures lately, memorizing, knowing stories, and knowing where things are. That's one thing that I can say that I have improved immensely on is my knowledge of the Scriptures. I have so much more to go though. I want to have an awesome knowledge and know where things are so it's easy to teach, discuss, and study. At the time we don't really have any super solid investigators. We are probably going to say bye bye to one of ours because he's been meeting with missionaries for 3 years and just doesn't keep commitments other than reading. I feel that if we were to stop teaching him for a little while that he will find that something is missing and then when missionaries do start teaching him again he'll understand that it was the spirit that the missionaries brought is what he was missing. Then hopefully he will act on his faith and really progress. If you would like to, you could pray for Amelia. She is one of the Fiji women. She has 3 young children and I think that she is just super awesome. Pray that she will understand that we are disciples of Christ and that she will recognize the spirit as she hears about the message of the restoration. If you could also keep Elder Gardner and myself in your prayers. We really want to increase the amount of lessons we are teaching per week and we need the help of the Lord in order to do that.
I'm doing super good myself. I am happy and love serving in this country. There are so many people that need our help finding the right path in life and I hope that I can be an instrument in the hands of the Lord in achieving our goal to help other come unto Christ. I think everyday about what I need to do better. Sometimes I just don't know where to start. I don't want to go home at the end of my mission and not have changed at all. I want to be one of those that has changed and that others can see that I am more like Christ. It's a special opportunity to serve him in his work and I love it. There is so much joy and happiness that I receive from serving other people. I wish I would have served more before my mission. I would encourage you as a family to serve someone else at least once a month. I know that you and Dad do it pretty much everyday with your callings and being parents but it would be great if you were able to serve as a family. Take lots of pictures as a family. I wish that was something more I had, is pictures.
Well I love you all and hope that you have a great week. I'm glad no one got bit by rattle snakes. Stay safe and I keep you all in my prayers. I love you all so much and am so proud of my family. Anyone that asks me about me family I am super excited to show them pictures or tell them about you. I thank you for all your love and support.
"No Regrets"
Love,
Elder Merrill
So this week I got a wedding announcement from Rachel (Hawk) Matheson. Pretty crazy. They're getting married in only a couple days. I didn't even know that she was engaged. I'm glad they sent me an announcement though. Super nice of them. Pretty awesome that Andrew gets to stay a little longer. Keeps our gap a little smaller.
So our talks went well this week. Everyone was back from vacation so there was more people there. Elder Gardner talked about The Book of Mormon and how it's a way that the Lord shows his love for us. He did a really good job. He talked about how much work it took, from the beginning to the end, to produce The Book of Mormon. I spoke about the Family. Probably my favorite subject to discuss. I talked about how families are able to stay strong in the church and how we can keep one another strong. It was a great topic because Elder Gardner and I were just discussing the week before what is necessary for someone not to go inactive. We came up with the conclusion that is man were to pray morning and night and study the scriptures daily, that he would not go inactive. I was given a talk from President Faust which said for the family it is Family prayer, Family Scripture study, and FHE. I spent a good amount of time preparing it so that I would talk clearly and say the things that the spirit would give me. I ended up taking 20 minutes and I didn't get the chance to finish everything because of time. I was nervous about giving the talk and I prayed a lot hoping that the spirit would guide me on what to say because there are several families in the branch that are dysfunctional and I didn't want to offend them and scare them to inactivity. I shared a couple stories of some of our FHE's and what you and Dad did to help us build our own personal testimonies. I really love you all so much. It was fun to think back on the things we did as a family to build one another spiritual as well as to build our relationships.
We weren't able to meet with that Fiji couple this week, we think they went on vocation. We were able to meet some other Fiji people though. We have an appointment tomorrow with one of them. I was hoping grandma and grandpa would give me some names of people they know there to maybe make a connection. One of the ladies opened up the door and then said, "See I told you there not. They're LDS." She was talking to her friend and it was pretty awesome. We weren't able to teach them right then but hopefully we can meet with them this week as well.
I'm really working on my knowledge of the scriptures lately, memorizing, knowing stories, and knowing where things are. That's one thing that I can say that I have improved immensely on is my knowledge of the Scriptures. I have so much more to go though. I want to have an awesome knowledge and know where things are so it's easy to teach, discuss, and study. At the time we don't really have any super solid investigators. We are probably going to say bye bye to one of ours because he's been meeting with missionaries for 3 years and just doesn't keep commitments other than reading. I feel that if we were to stop teaching him for a little while that he will find that something is missing and then when missionaries do start teaching him again he'll understand that it was the spirit that the missionaries brought is what he was missing. Then hopefully he will act on his faith and really progress. If you would like to, you could pray for Amelia. She is one of the Fiji women. She has 3 young children and I think that she is just super awesome. Pray that she will understand that we are disciples of Christ and that she will recognize the spirit as she hears about the message of the restoration. If you could also keep Elder Gardner and myself in your prayers. We really want to increase the amount of lessons we are teaching per week and we need the help of the Lord in order to do that.
I'm doing super good myself. I am happy and love serving in this country. There are so many people that need our help finding the right path in life and I hope that I can be an instrument in the hands of the Lord in achieving our goal to help other come unto Christ. I think everyday about what I need to do better. Sometimes I just don't know where to start. I don't want to go home at the end of my mission and not have changed at all. I want to be one of those that has changed and that others can see that I am more like Christ. It's a special opportunity to serve him in his work and I love it. There is so much joy and happiness that I receive from serving other people. I wish I would have served more before my mission. I would encourage you as a family to serve someone else at least once a month. I know that you and Dad do it pretty much everyday with your callings and being parents but it would be great if you were able to serve as a family. Take lots of pictures as a family. I wish that was something more I had, is pictures.
Well I love you all and hope that you have a great week. I'm glad no one got bit by rattle snakes. Stay safe and I keep you all in my prayers. I love you all so much and am so proud of my family. Anyone that asks me about me family I am super excited to show them pictures or tell them about you. I thank you for all your love and support.
"No Regrets"
Love,
Elder Merrill
Friday, August 6, 2010
August 2, 2010
Dear Family, friends,
So yesterday at church it was pretty crazy. There was only 4 priesthood holders there. Us two elders, counselor in branch presidency, and one other. I had to play the piano for sacrament meeting, Elder Gardner blessed both bread and water, the counselor presided, and the other passed the sacrament. All together there was 19 people there. We had one visitor from Frankfurt with her two kids. There are several families on vacation so it shouldn't be that bad again. Next week we both have to speak in church. I will be the closing speaker which I'm kind of nervous about because it could be anywhere from 5 minutes time to 35 minutes time. The past week I thought a lot about you. It didn't really bother me at all that you were at the cabin, I just kept praying for you that it would be a relaxed, love filled vacation. Thanks for those pictures of all the cousins together. Dillon is a crack up. I got a letter today from Kiersten, Kelsey, and Kory. I have only read Kory's.
This week was pretty decent. We didn't have any appointments set up to start the week off, just because we didn't have much to draw from but we were still able to teach a bunch of lessons and find 2 new investigators. One night we were walking down the "boardwalk"(don't know what it it called in English) and I saw these two Polynesian people and I had this quick sudden feeling that I should talk to them. I did and ended up they were from Fiji. I was super excited to talk with them and told them that Gma and Gpa served there. We are going to meet with them tonight. Hopefully we can keep things going and get them coming to church with us.
There are so many miracles that are happening right now and it's great. The other day we were trying to see some inactive members. One of the addresses that we had had 0 as the house number and so we weren't sure. We tried finding something similar but didn't. I then had this feeling to go to house 10, maybe there could of been a typo. We got there and this members name wasn't there. As we were discussing what we should do it started pouring rain. A black guy walked up to the door and I started talking to him. We talked to him for a bit and then he said that he was a member of Christ's church. I took that as him being religious. anyways we figured out that he was actually an inactive member as well and was living with his buddy for a while. He invited us in out of the rain and then we taught him. He has had some problems in the past couple of weeks and it was just a miracle that we come in contact with him. The Lord definitely led us there to teach him. It's amazing how there are so many experiences how the Lord guides us through his spirit to those that need our help.
This week we have several appointments already made out and we are hoping to be able to teach 20 lessons this week. I have been trying for a while now to reach it but haven't quite been able to. It's great being able to serve here in Germany. There are many things that have helped me grow into a better person. I'm understanding more and more what really is important in life and how we must focus our lives around Christ if we ever want to achieve anything.
Well, I love you all and wish you the best.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
So yesterday at church it was pretty crazy. There was only 4 priesthood holders there. Us two elders, counselor in branch presidency, and one other. I had to play the piano for sacrament meeting, Elder Gardner blessed both bread and water, the counselor presided, and the other passed the sacrament. All together there was 19 people there. We had one visitor from Frankfurt with her two kids. There are several families on vacation so it shouldn't be that bad again. Next week we both have to speak in church. I will be the closing speaker which I'm kind of nervous about because it could be anywhere from 5 minutes time to 35 minutes time. The past week I thought a lot about you. It didn't really bother me at all that you were at the cabin, I just kept praying for you that it would be a relaxed, love filled vacation. Thanks for those pictures of all the cousins together. Dillon is a crack up. I got a letter today from Kiersten, Kelsey, and Kory. I have only read Kory's.
This week was pretty decent. We didn't have any appointments set up to start the week off, just because we didn't have much to draw from but we were still able to teach a bunch of lessons and find 2 new investigators. One night we were walking down the "boardwalk"(don't know what it it called in English) and I saw these two Polynesian people and I had this quick sudden feeling that I should talk to them. I did and ended up they were from Fiji. I was super excited to talk with them and told them that Gma and Gpa served there. We are going to meet with them tonight. Hopefully we can keep things going and get them coming to church with us.
There are so many miracles that are happening right now and it's great. The other day we were trying to see some inactive members. One of the addresses that we had had 0 as the house number and so we weren't sure. We tried finding something similar but didn't. I then had this feeling to go to house 10, maybe there could of been a typo. We got there and this members name wasn't there. As we were discussing what we should do it started pouring rain. A black guy walked up to the door and I started talking to him. We talked to him for a bit and then he said that he was a member of Christ's church. I took that as him being religious. anyways we figured out that he was actually an inactive member as well and was living with his buddy for a while. He invited us in out of the rain and then we taught him. He has had some problems in the past couple of weeks and it was just a miracle that we come in contact with him. The Lord definitely led us there to teach him. It's amazing how there are so many experiences how the Lord guides us through his spirit to those that need our help.
This week we have several appointments already made out and we are hoping to be able to teach 20 lessons this week. I have been trying for a while now to reach it but haven't quite been able to. It's great being able to serve here in Germany. There are many things that have helped me grow into a better person. I'm understanding more and more what really is important in life and how we must focus our lives around Christ if we ever want to achieve anything.
Well, I love you all and wish you the best.
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
Monday, July 26, 2010
July 26, 2010
Hey Mom,
First off, I'm really disappointed at the choices you've made this past week. I can't believe you gave into temptation and bought a Ford! That's pretty low. No, If you felt that it was the best choice and that it was in good condition I'll support you in it but you don't have my blessing hehe :).
Sounds like it's gonna be a crazy time at the cabin. I hope it all turns out well and that it is a fun time for everyone. Are Dillon and Heidi going? How about Terry and Shelly? Sounds like it's gonna be a full house.
This week has been pretty awesome. To start off, we have to travel an hour and a half by train and bus for district meeting every week so it takes a big chunk out of our days on Tuesdays. We've tried to set up some appointments with former investigators that made a bunch of progress and so we were able to have a couple of appointments. There is an English Base here in Paderborn and so there are little neighborhoods full of Brits. The other day we decided to do doors there. They were so stinking nice. Everyone of them talked to us and only a couple of them said that they didn't have interest. We will be teaching several of them this week. One kid, he was 23, opened up the door and told us, "come in, come in. You look tired" He had a beer in his hand so I thought maybe he was just going to try and mess with us and try and tear us down. We sat down and he gave us some water to drink and then he asked us if we would like something to eat. We said that it was alright but then he insisted. He brought us out some good Tai rice. He didn't have interest but he wanted to let us come in and take a little break. He had a nice little family and just a super nice kid. That was the first time on my mission that I had been let in by a stranger and they fed us. We were sure to keep him in our prayers that night. It's great to meet people that are just friendly.
Last night we were going to a potential investigator and as we were walking to the door this guy walked around the corner and said hey wait. We stopped and looked at each other. I asked Elder Gardner if he knew him and he didn't. The first thing he said was, "hey you are LDS right"? we agreed and then he went on to tell us about how his cousin converted to the church several years ago. This man loves the States too. He's been to 46 of the states. The only four he hadn't been to were the Dakota's, Alaska, and Hawaii. I'm pretty sure he knew his way around the states a million time better than the average American. It was great talking with him. Just another way nice man.
Sounds like Pioneer day was fun. I miss Homemade Ice Cream! We have been invited over to eat at a members house once since I've been here. The Branch is decent. There is probably 30 active members counting children. Last week President Piotrowski asked me to play during priesthood meeting. I don't know how he knew I could play but I think it was Guido and Karin Braun that told him since their related. Anyways yesterday at church he came up to me again and asked me if I could play for Sacrament meeting. The sister that usually plays just moved away and the back up is on vacation for 3 weeks. I said I guess I could and so I played. Very cool. I enjoyed it a lot but I need to practice next week a little because I don't really have all the hymns down. My piano skills have really increased a lot surprisingly but I want to increase them even more. If you could do me a favor. If you haven't sent that medicine yet if you could put in some music for the piano. I would like to do a number sometime again in sacrament meeting.
Well that's about all I've got for this week. I hope you take a lot of pictures, since I will be gone and you could even do a family night activity and have everyone write me :). Not required. Well love you Mom, Dad, kids, and family. It's been great hearing from you all and I know that the Lord is blessing us all because we want to serve him and follow his commandments.
"No Regrets"
Love you
Elder Merrill
p.s.Quick story. Last week we came from church and we found two pigeons in our apartment. I punished one of them. end of story
First off, I'm really disappointed at the choices you've made this past week. I can't believe you gave into temptation and bought a Ford! That's pretty low. No, If you felt that it was the best choice and that it was in good condition I'll support you in it but you don't have my blessing hehe :).
Sounds like it's gonna be a crazy time at the cabin. I hope it all turns out well and that it is a fun time for everyone. Are Dillon and Heidi going? How about Terry and Shelly? Sounds like it's gonna be a full house.
This week has been pretty awesome. To start off, we have to travel an hour and a half by train and bus for district meeting every week so it takes a big chunk out of our days on Tuesdays. We've tried to set up some appointments with former investigators that made a bunch of progress and so we were able to have a couple of appointments. There is an English Base here in Paderborn and so there are little neighborhoods full of Brits. The other day we decided to do doors there. They were so stinking nice. Everyone of them talked to us and only a couple of them said that they didn't have interest. We will be teaching several of them this week. One kid, he was 23, opened up the door and told us, "come in, come in. You look tired" He had a beer in his hand so I thought maybe he was just going to try and mess with us and try and tear us down. We sat down and he gave us some water to drink and then he asked us if we would like something to eat. We said that it was alright but then he insisted. He brought us out some good Tai rice. He didn't have interest but he wanted to let us come in and take a little break. He had a nice little family and just a super nice kid. That was the first time on my mission that I had been let in by a stranger and they fed us. We were sure to keep him in our prayers that night. It's great to meet people that are just friendly.
Last night we were going to a potential investigator and as we were walking to the door this guy walked around the corner and said hey wait. We stopped and looked at each other. I asked Elder Gardner if he knew him and he didn't. The first thing he said was, "hey you are LDS right"? we agreed and then he went on to tell us about how his cousin converted to the church several years ago. This man loves the States too. He's been to 46 of the states. The only four he hadn't been to were the Dakota's, Alaska, and Hawaii. I'm pretty sure he knew his way around the states a million time better than the average American. It was great talking with him. Just another way nice man.
Sounds like Pioneer day was fun. I miss Homemade Ice Cream! We have been invited over to eat at a members house once since I've been here. The Branch is decent. There is probably 30 active members counting children. Last week President Piotrowski asked me to play during priesthood meeting. I don't know how he knew I could play but I think it was Guido and Karin Braun that told him since their related. Anyways yesterday at church he came up to me again and asked me if I could play for Sacrament meeting. The sister that usually plays just moved away and the back up is on vacation for 3 weeks. I said I guess I could and so I played. Very cool. I enjoyed it a lot but I need to practice next week a little because I don't really have all the hymns down. My piano skills have really increased a lot surprisingly but I want to increase them even more. If you could do me a favor. If you haven't sent that medicine yet if you could put in some music for the piano. I would like to do a number sometime again in sacrament meeting.
Well that's about all I've got for this week. I hope you take a lot of pictures, since I will be gone and you could even do a family night activity and have everyone write me :). Not required. Well love you Mom, Dad, kids, and family. It's been great hearing from you all and I know that the Lord is blessing us all because we want to serve him and follow his commandments.
"No Regrets"
Love you
Elder Merrill
p.s.Quick story. Last week we came from church and we found two pigeons in our apartment. I punished one of them. end of story
Monday, July 19, 2010
July 19, 2010
Dear Family,
So this past week has been pretty Crazy as well. I got to Paderborn on Wednesday night and come to a big pigsty. It wasn't from Elder Gardner at all but from the past who knows how many missionaries. They have been some weak sauce kids that pretty much just wasted their time as well as the Lords. We spent a whole entire day cleaning the apartment, filling garbage bags full of garbage and old clothes. We finally got everything cleaned up and I just felt a ton better and the spirit was a ton easier to feel. We have a pretty nice, big apartment. The bathroom is the biggest bathroom I have seen in Germany. It has a shower and then a tub on top of that. It's not a Jacuzzi but it's about the size of one.
Elder Gardner is from San Antonio Texas. He has been in Germany for about four months. I like him a lot. He comes from a family of 6 boys. He has had two brothers already go on missions and one that is one a mission right now that has been out as long as I have. We are going to have a lot of fun this cycle and have some sweet miracles happen. He loves to work hard which is great because I do as well. It's just been an awesome experience all together so far.
That's sweet that you were able to go to Allred's. I guess I don't know what's up with their pond. I guess I'll have to hit it up when the Fearsome Foursome (Austin, Dexter, Jake, and Myself) get back together. They are an awesome family. If you could do me another favor and get his address again for me. I sent him a letter a while ago but I think I messed up. That would be very nice of you. Tell them I say hi too. I know that they do have a pretty nice boat. Was Kelsey a good driver? Tell the kids to write me an email this week that would be sweet.
On Saturday we had a Street display like we did in Langen. There were several members that came and helped a bit. The Branch President came and I got to talk to him for a couple of minutes. I probably talked with or tried to talk with nearly 500 people within 2 hours. It was pretty sweet. We got an appointment out of it as well as a couple phone numbers. After the Street Display we went to a members house and had a little BBQ. The Branch was all invited but only 3 families showed up. Again I was able to talk with President Piotrowski. We talked about a lot of things. I felt like I should apologize for all of the past missionaries and he was thankful that I was sent here. The Lord knows what he's doing. I served the last 10 1/2 months in Solingen and his parents/brother-in-law live there. His Brother-in-law is Guido Braun. Guido Braun and his wife are my favorite members that I have ever met and I think that they really like me as a missionary. They trusted me and told me many things that they wouldn't tell people from the ward. We had a super good relationship and so they talked me up to President Piotrowski so when I met him there was already a sense of trust and respect.
I love serving a mission so much. The time is going by really fast though. I don't know if I wrote this in other emails but I would like Dad and others who have served missions to give me tips for what I should do and what kind of goals I should set to be the most successful missionary I can. Andrew comes home in about a month. If you would I would like you to ask him to write me about his last 6 months and what helped him out. I'm getting kind of nervous if you haven't already noticed. I want to serve the Lord with all I've got. I feel I've been doing that for the last 17 months and I want to keep on it, I want to step it up. It's amazing at how the Lord loves us each individually and knows what we need in order to progress to be better in life. Thank you for all your support and love. I love you all so much. It's been really awesome to be able to see people progress and want to follow our Lord, Jesus Christ. When I said good bye to Sister Pickelein and Brother Phong it was kind of sad. Sister Pickelein was just excited that I got to go somewhere else to preach the gospel to others that weren't following the commandments and Brother Phong was a little sad. He said that he felt that he was losing a Brother. It's been great watching others change their lives to return to live with our Father in Heaven.
Love you all,
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
So this past week has been pretty Crazy as well. I got to Paderborn on Wednesday night and come to a big pigsty. It wasn't from Elder Gardner at all but from the past who knows how many missionaries. They have been some weak sauce kids that pretty much just wasted their time as well as the Lords. We spent a whole entire day cleaning the apartment, filling garbage bags full of garbage and old clothes. We finally got everything cleaned up and I just felt a ton better and the spirit was a ton easier to feel. We have a pretty nice, big apartment. The bathroom is the biggest bathroom I have seen in Germany. It has a shower and then a tub on top of that. It's not a Jacuzzi but it's about the size of one.
Elder Gardner is from San Antonio Texas. He has been in Germany for about four months. I like him a lot. He comes from a family of 6 boys. He has had two brothers already go on missions and one that is one a mission right now that has been out as long as I have. We are going to have a lot of fun this cycle and have some sweet miracles happen. He loves to work hard which is great because I do as well. It's just been an awesome experience all together so far.
That's sweet that you were able to go to Allred's. I guess I don't know what's up with their pond. I guess I'll have to hit it up when the Fearsome Foursome (Austin, Dexter, Jake, and Myself) get back together. They are an awesome family. If you could do me another favor and get his address again for me. I sent him a letter a while ago but I think I messed up. That would be very nice of you. Tell them I say hi too. I know that they do have a pretty nice boat. Was Kelsey a good driver? Tell the kids to write me an email this week that would be sweet.
On Saturday we had a Street display like we did in Langen. There were several members that came and helped a bit. The Branch President came and I got to talk to him for a couple of minutes. I probably talked with or tried to talk with nearly 500 people within 2 hours. It was pretty sweet. We got an appointment out of it as well as a couple phone numbers. After the Street Display we went to a members house and had a little BBQ. The Branch was all invited but only 3 families showed up. Again I was able to talk with President Piotrowski. We talked about a lot of things. I felt like I should apologize for all of the past missionaries and he was thankful that I was sent here. The Lord knows what he's doing. I served the last 10 1/2 months in Solingen and his parents/brother-in-law live there. His Brother-in-law is Guido Braun. Guido Braun and his wife are my favorite members that I have ever met and I think that they really like me as a missionary. They trusted me and told me many things that they wouldn't tell people from the ward. We had a super good relationship and so they talked me up to President Piotrowski so when I met him there was already a sense of trust and respect.
I love serving a mission so much. The time is going by really fast though. I don't know if I wrote this in other emails but I would like Dad and others who have served missions to give me tips for what I should do and what kind of goals I should set to be the most successful missionary I can. Andrew comes home in about a month. If you would I would like you to ask him to write me about his last 6 months and what helped him out. I'm getting kind of nervous if you haven't already noticed. I want to serve the Lord with all I've got. I feel I've been doing that for the last 17 months and I want to keep on it, I want to step it up. It's amazing at how the Lord loves us each individually and knows what we need in order to progress to be better in life. Thank you for all your support and love. I love you all so much. It's been really awesome to be able to see people progress and want to follow our Lord, Jesus Christ. When I said good bye to Sister Pickelein and Brother Phong it was kind of sad. Sister Pickelein was just excited that I got to go somewhere else to preach the gospel to others that weren't following the commandments and Brother Phong was a little sad. He said that he felt that he was losing a Brother. It's been great watching others change their lives to return to live with our Father in Heaven.
Love you all,
"No Regrets"
Elder Merrill
Monday, July 12, 2010
July 12, 2010
Dear Family,
That's right, I'm getting transfered. The one time that I was sure that I wasn't going to get transfered I did. Last night I couldn't sleep at all. I layed in bed thinking about how much I just felt like I was leaving home. I'm getting transfered into the Hamburg Mission area that we took over. It's kind of wierd because it feels like I'm leaving the mission. My new address is going to be: Friedrichsstr 45
33102 Paderborn
I'm looking forward to it a bunch. Last night as I was thinking about what it was going to be like. I felt somehow that I had already heard of this branch and that I needed to be there. It was just a sweet confirmation of the spirit.
My new companion just got done with his first two cycles of being a golden so it otta be way fun. Sounds like things at home are busy again. How is everyone doing? Korbin has some pretty blonde hair it looked like from the picture. Oh by the way I don't know if you knew or not but I have not missed a day wearing my retainers since my first day in the MTC. That might cheer you up a bit. I don't really need anything. I'm doing fine with all my clothes. I had to buy a pack of socks a couple months ago because some of my others were too "wHOLY" to wear.
We also had another sweet experience that was about asking always to help serve others. We contacted this lady by doing doors and she said that she couldn't because she was moving. We asked her if we could help her out and she was shocked, but said yes. It turned out that she was able to finish it all before our appointment but she thanked us for our willingness to help. She said that we could set up another appointment because she wanted to know what two young men like us are teaching about if we are willing to help others and serve them. We set up an appointment yesterday and she said "Don't be shocked when you show up and there is 5 or 6 people here. I told my friends about you and they want to hear it also, so I invited them." Just a sweet story that helps build my testimony of how striving always to serve people really does pay off.
So for the weeks highlights. Sister Pickelein got baptized on Saturday which was really awesome. She didn't want anyone there that she didn't know so it was our Ward Mission Leader, us, and a member family who baptized her. Afterwards she wanted to take us out to eat and so we went to this restaraunt and dropped 104 bones on five people. It was pretty good food. She looked great in white and was really grateful. When she went under the water I was worried that they wouldn't get it in one take but luckily they were able to. When she came out of the water she said, "Did I do it right? Do we have to do it again?" Super funny. I just smiled and it was a great experience. Sunday I was able to confirm her. That was a special experience for me. It was a spirit filled chapel, that's all I have to say. After the confirmation, I sat down and just felt an overwhelming feeling of joy and happiness. This baptism has really meant a ton to me and I love this lady so much. I'm kind of sad that I am leaving her right now but it's alright because we have had some good experiences over the past 10 months. She has been coming to church every Sunday since December or January. She was found by missionaries two months before me. Well, she stopped the missionaries and said that she once got a Book of Mormon and that she wanted another. I LOVE IT! I gave her a hug the other day and told her that you all say hi. She said hi back and that she loves your son. I think I have claimed myself another grandma, a German Grandma. Speaking of grandparents, tell all of them I say hi and that I love them very much. I'm thankful for there examples and living the gospel.
Well I don't know what more to really say. I love you all and I'll give a little more information next week. Please be sure to put my address on the blog A.S.A.P. because I'm expecting a bunch of letters. hehe
Love you all. Hope this week goes well for you and I love you all so much. Maybe you could all take a family picture together and send me one in an email, I would like that. Send me some pictures of you all boating too.
"No Regrets"
Love Elder merrill
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